music in film

I am a person who likes the movies that matter -- the movies that take a stand, challenge your thinking, affect your heart, portray true love, show real events, and applaud difference makers.

I really like the movies with good music. I feel like the musical score truly enhances and even reflects the ideals expressed through the cinematography, plot, mise-en-scene, and actors. Music is a HUGE contribution to the value of a film, in my opinion. 

my ultimate movie score list: 

 5. The Holiday -- Hans Zimmer

 4. Ever After -- George Fenton 

         3. Lord of the Rings -- Howard Shore

 2. Anne of Green Gables -- Hagood Hardy

 1. Titanic -- James Horner

    

CrossWalk's 10th Anniversary Service

Over 10 years ago, I remember my older sister and I were hovering over the computer, on dial-up internet, chatting with boys via AOL instant messenger, while my parents and a few adults had dinner in our dining room. We lived in Michael's Woods in Hampton, VA and my dad was a young, cool youth pastor at a church three minutes down the road. I remember Taylor and I were giggling loudly when my mom came in and told us to be quiet. "We're having a really important meeting in the other room," she said. 

I didn't know then that this was my parents' first meeting with the core launch team of CrossWalk Community Church. "CrossWalk" -- the dream that the Lord planted in my Dad's heart the night he awoke suddenly, overwhelmingly impressed to start a church in Williamsburg, VA. 

Much to us kids' adolescent chagrin, my parents uprooted our family, moved us to Williamsburg, where we rented a house for nine months until our permanent house was built. Within these nine months, my mom had a baby, my aunt, uncle & two cousins lived with us, we were surrounded by boxes, and we had weekly church services in our living room (but no weekly sleepovers, because we no longer had friends).

Needless to say, this was not the brightest of times for me and my sisters. My dad became busy, money became scarce, friends were hard to make, the retirement neighborhood was a bore, and we were entering those precarious middle school years that only bred more angst and unrest. 

It was hard to grasp the purpose behind everything; how selfish we can sometimes be. My parents were pouring out everything they had, and we were ungrateful because we missed the life we had before this whole "church planting business." 

Today, I have such an opposite perspective. I am thankful for the trials we faced, because God brought us to victory. I am thankful that my parents were faithful to God's calling, because we have reaped his abundant blessings. I am thankful that they never gave up, because CrossWalk persevered and is now touching the hearts of so many wonderful people.  I am so proud of my parents. They chased relentlessly after the vision God gave them, and the Lord has been SO faithful.

On October 2, 2011, CrossWalk celebrated its 10th anniversary. As I sat in the audience and watched the lit-up faces of my parents as they greeted over 1000 people, there was no trace of doubt in my heart -- only joy mixed with anticipation for what's to come.

The highlights:

the tent where the celebration commenced 

I am so blessed to be a part of this passionate team

the amazing and delicious cake (by itscake) 

my favorite photo -- it truly captures the spirit of the day

(images courtesy of Juli R Photography)

When CrossWalk purchased its first permanent building about 5 years ago, a scripture verse was engraved into the wall of the lobby:

"this is the Lord's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes" --- Psalm 118:23

Nothing is truer of CrossWalk than that statement. 

a fall wishlist

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Grandma sweaters

these boots. and these.

Victoria's Secret PINK NFL collection

Switchfoot's new album, Vice Verses

this book with this cover

polaroid camera

apple picking, hay ride, corn maze, howl-o-scream, pumpkin carving, farmer's market, Octoberfest, bonfires, homemade pies

cowboys vs. redskins tickets

this "sing" necklace

Breakfast at The Trellis and walks in Colonial Williamsburg

this vintage style ring

meeting my soon-to-arrive niece

Forever 21 outerwear

a nice 22nd birthday

a floppy hat

new CNU hoodie

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take advantage of the most beautiful time of year,

d.