little brother

just a saturday afternoon with anderson morrow:

Jon McLaughlin's LOVEly lyric

I was listening to this song today and truly empathized with the message:

I'm gonna throw my love around.



Love is frequently viewed as too hard, too messy, too pointless, too temporary, too painful, too costly, and too demanding. I have seen people battle these feelings; they have since lost their belief in love. Instead, they bury their ability to love, they cling tightly to imitations so as not to gamble with the real stuff, they seek fulfillment elsewhere. It is quite a shame. I am beginning to think that only the brave will encounter love. Only those willing to risk it all will find it all. Love takes courage.

But those with that courage, throw your love around. Let the world know you possess it. Do not be afraid. Love with courage. Love courageously.

- d

have hope in the world's music

Oh your love is a symphony

All around me, running through me

Oh your love is a melody

Underneath me, running to me

Oh your love is a song

Your love is a song

Today, while listening to the radio, I heard Jon Foreman explain the meaning behind the song quoted above. His inspiration came from the realization that the universe in all its vastness serves as a song that is written and performed by God. His commentary got me thinking about the characteristics of this unrivaled music. The song is intricate…profound…bold…deliberate...moving. The orchestration is held together by the composer; his expertise and devotion makes for no errors. The stars, the planets, the earth, the sun, the moon…they are all a part of the marvelous music that God holds together. WE are part of that music. It is within us, around us, above us, beneath us.

The song is the length of time itself. It began with the first ray of light and first sound of rushing water. God’s love for the world--for humanity birthed this melody called life. It envelopes everything in God’s heart and we inspire it.

Sometimes, in this song there is dissonance – pain, loss, brokenness, but you can still have hope knowing that the dissonance is just part of the composition and that the next chord is healing, freedom, and peace.

The conductor of this symphony knows which notes to place where – he has confidence in the timing and the rhythm and the pace. He knows which measures should be empowering and stirring – resembling an anthem. And then he knows which sections need serenity and sadness – reflecting solemn grief.

Always remember: the song is already completed, and it is a flawless piece of art. His love, his world, his universe makes up the entire symphony that works together to form the tapestry of life.

- D

PS. Have I mentioned lately how much I love Jon Foreman?!

"a woman's answer to a man's question"

by lena lathrop

Do you know you have asked for the costliest thing

Ever made by the hand above--
A woman's heart, and a woman's life
And a woman's wonderful love?

Do you know you have asked for this priceless thing
As a child might ask for a toy,
Demanding what others have died to win,
With the reckless dash of a boy?

You have written my lesson of duty out,
Man-like you have questioned me;
Now stand at the bar of my woman's soul
Until I shall question thee.

You require your mutton shall always be hot,
Your socks and your shirt be whole;
I require your heart to be true as God's stars,
And as pure as heaven your soul.

You require a cook for your mutton and beef;
I require a far better thing.
A seamstress you're wanting for socks and shirts;
I look for a man and a king.

A king for the beautiful realm called home,
And a man that the maker, God,
Shall look upon as he did the first
And say, "It is very good."

I am fair and young, but the rose will fade
From my soft, young cheek one day,
Will you love me then 'mid the falling leaves,
As you did 'mid the bloom of May?

Is your heart an ocean so strong and deep,
I may launch my all on its tide?
A loving woman finds heaven or hell
On the day she is made a bride.

I require all things that are grand and true,
All things that a man should be;
If you give all this, I would stake my life
To be all you demand of me.

If you cannot do this -- a laundress and cook
You can hire, with little to pay,
But a woman's heart and a woman's life
Are not to be won that way.

"Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman..." --1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)

ladies, DO NOT GIVE UP.

believe in the man that will hold your heart close to his - treasuring it, learning it, guarding it, nurturing it.

believe.

matilda

Sometimes I listen to a specific song I'm craving, sometimes I listen to an artist or band that intrigues me, sometimes I listen to full albums, sometimes I listen to playlists, sometimes I listen to music that matches my mood, and sometimes I skip the preliminaries and just hit "shuffle."

yesterday was one such day.

As I drove down the I75 through Illinois, I had my family in tow, some pringles at my fingertips, head phones in tact, and music going song by song to pass the time.

As if planned by God, three songs came on in consecutive order that changed everything for me. When linked together, they portrayed such a message - I could not ignore it.

Better Days - Goo Goo Dolls

"and the one poor child who saved this world

and there's ten million more who probably could

if we all just stopped and said a prayer for them"

Meant to Live - Switchfoot

"we were meant to live for so much more,

have we lost ourselves?"

Falling Slowly - Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova

"take this sinking boat and point it home,

we've still got time"

I was suddenly overwhelmed with shame and guilt. I could be doing something notable, something great, something helpful. But I'm not. At least, I wasn't.

It was then that I decided to sponsor a child in an underprivileged country. As soon as I got to a computer, I logged on and chose my little girl.

Her name is MATILDA. She is five years old and she lives in a rural farming community in Ghana, Africa. Matilda loves to sing. By donating a dollar a day, I will provide food, clothes, and education for this precious girl who would otherwise go without.

It's interesting: I find that I hit "shuffle" on my ipod when I'm indifferent, bored, or lazy. As if I have no preference. It makes me feel as though I am shuffling through life - without a preference, without a plan, walking slowly with heavy steps, rather than skipping or dancing through life as it's supposed to be.

But I was convicted -- I am meant to be more that mediocre. And I was reminded -- I still have TIME to DO something. Even if you're not out changing the world, you can still contribute to changing ONE person's world. And isn't that part of making the difference that you long to make? Isn't that a start?

Join today and give a child HOPE.

"happy."

Today was beach day, or in other words, a good day. I finally whipped out my new straw hat, I applied the sun tan lotion, I packed the lunches, grabbed the towels, made the soundtrack, and off we went - me and my boy.

I often have epiphanies on really good days. I think this is because I am able to see things the way my heart longs to see things - purely - without the frustrations of life trying to sabotage my vision. I open myself up and soak in my surroundings in hopes of gaining new perspectives, new inspiration, new cleansing, and new ideas. Today, it was a revelation about the little moments.

For instance, Ben, although anxious to listen to his brand new cd, happily conceded to my showing him my "current top 3 songs that make me close my eyes and just sing." For instance, Ben quickly taking the cooler from me when he looked over to see me carrying it. For instance, Ben laughing/making fun of my weird habits, but laughing that I-actually-like-that-about-you laugh. For instance, kissing on the beach and feeling oh-so One Tree Hill-esque. For instance, simple small talk while laying on our towels in the sun. For instance, falling asleep in the car on the way home...and waking up to find my boyfriend holding my hand. For instance, enjoying Ben's horrified facial expressions when I got him to believe something completely unbelievable. For instance, knowing Ben would order a blooming onion at outback, and being really happy I didn't have to ask for it.

The little moments are the important moments.

In those moments I'm reminded that beyond the affection and the adoration, Ben is my best friend...and we truly have fun together. When discussing this tonight with my dearest Mikayla, she asked me,

"where's your heart, d?"

"happy," I say.

...for that's all that matters.

...that's the most important thing.

in the end, the "timeless romance" that is our dream may just end up being that "faithful friendship" that we always need.

"romance eventually fades. it doesn't raise kids or pay bills. but best friends? they can figure that out." - mikayla nicole :)

dad aka hero

Many people know my dad. Lord knows, we can't run into Target or Martin's without someone waving him down to talk, and we can't go to a restaurant without the owner saying a quick hello. He walks away from each person with a huge grin on his face and explains with confidence, "that was my friend; I have them everywhere."

So yes, many people know my dad, but not near as many people know the man that I know, the man underneath the friendly conversations in the frozen food section or the order of a medium-rare steak with potatoes.

But there is so much more to him.

At the dinner table, he is always the one who goes around the table and says, "tell me about your day."

He gives us advice about our jobs, school, and friends.

No matter how busy he gets, he never fails to schedule dates with my mom.

He stays up way past his bedtime to add animation effects to his high school daughter's powerpoint presentation -- even despite her telling him it's not necessary.

He gets emotional over every single father's day card. You would think after 22 years of being a dad, he would keep in under control.

He gets his hair cut for free, but (despite his hairdresser telling him not to) he leaves a $20 bill every time he's finished - which is more than the price of a men's cut.

At every single one of my high school choir concerts, he would sneak into the auditorium at least an hour early to save seats for the fam. It would always be near the front, and he would always cheer very loudly.

He will never, ever forget to tell you how much he loves you.

On election day, he rearranges his schedule to fit mine and B's so that he can go vote with his girls.

He is passionate about God and people. Which effectively sums up his profession.

He has been offered, three times, to work at the national office in Springfield, MO as the national church planting director. He has turned it down every single time because he loves his church in little Williamsburg, VA.

He takes us on "daddy dates" on our birthdays.

He willingly lets us borrow money from him if we're ever in a pinch...and doesn't charge interest!

He mentors the son of close friend who passed away a couple months ago. Once a week, he invests in this young man who is trying to fulfill his father's legacy.

He surprises my mom by completely re-landscaping the yard when she goes out of town.

He has mastered living with four teenage daughters with a listening ear, kind words, many outfit appraisals, patience through the drama, and sympathy toward hormones.

He always gives second chances, and encourages us to do the same.

He makes the best nachos and the best waffles...but besides that, pretty much stays out of the kitchen.

He diligently throws the football, runs routes, and catches passes with my 15-year-old brother every chance he gets...soley because my brother dreams of being a quarterback and my dad knows it's his job to help him get there.

He prays. A lot. And he reads his Bible. Every night.

There is a saying, "it is much easier to become a father than to be one"

...becoming a father is natural, simple, and merely opens the door to the opportunity. But being a father - being a father requires one to handle that overwhelming challenge with grace, patience, and wisdom. Being a dad is being a hero. My dad has truly been a dad.

- d

ben rothwell

since I am quite fond of my boyfriend, and since I am aching to display some of my favorite parts about him, I am going to give a little "virtual tour," so to speak, of benjamin aaron rothwell.

things I love about b:

1) his unbelievable passion for worship and his ability to lead hearts through music.

2) the way he loves my sisters.

3) his eyes. oh yes, those dark eyes. clearly, they run in his family.

4) how cute he was when he was a little boy.

5) his knack for cooking always tastes good.

6) no one has ever looked so good in sunglasses.

7) he eats chipotle burritos with such urgency and satisfaction.

8) his horrendous facial expressions.

9) we like the same food, made the same way.

10) where he's come from and the journey he's traveled to be the man that he is today.

11) the way he looks at me -- that lingering gaze that displays even the corners of his heart.

12) his droid phone (no really, I love it) and his constant cup of coffee.

13) the way he makes me laugh -- so hard, so often.

14) he read twilight...and liked it.

15) he whistles whenever he's in a good mood.

16) the way he interacts with children.

17) he sings to/with me.

love has a name

"For the girl dressed in white, for the man who's lost his sight

When life's the question, love's the answer

For the poor nameless child, for lovers unreconciled

When life's the question, love's the answer

For a world lost in pain, know that love has a name

When life's the question, Jesus answers

with his love

Always waits, never lies, no disguise

...the love of Jesus"

introducing: aunt dedi

Even at four years old, I still had trouble talking. My older sister, Taylor-Lynn, was my faithful translator. If you were to meet me and ask me my name, I would gladly and confidently respond with, "dedi modo."

Two years ago, my mom had a baby. Unplanned. Number 10. I was 18 years old and graduating high school. I instantly fell in love with Anderson and prided myself on taking care of him. A couple months ago, he learned to say my name. "Dedi."

Now, I am an aunt. The AUNT of Gabriel Alexander Louis, born May 28th, 2010. My brother-in-law, Drew, has fittingly titled me "aunt dedi."

I am currently in Dallas, Texas, staying in the will-be nursery at Taylor and Drew's little house. The room is already decorated with little wooden "g's" that are standing up on his dark oak armoire. The closet is full of little infant onesies. The bathroom is complete with baby soap, baby washcloths, and baby powder.

The surroundings remind me of my new role and all the associated feelings:

I am proud - proud of my sister who endured 15 hours of labor, and who gave birth to gabriel naturally.

I am impressed - impressed that the girl who cried at bee stings and spankings could go through that excruciating pain for someone so small, yet so significant.

I am content - content watching drew's large hands hold his son while bending his 6'5" frame to whisper and sooth gabriel.

I am committed - committed to spoiling and fighting for this little boy.

I am anxious - anxious to see who he will become and what great things he will accomplish.

I am happy - happy for the Louis family which is forever changed and bettered.

I am confident - confident that they will be such extraordinary and rewarding parents.

I am compelled - compelled to hold him nonstop, sing to him, stare

at him, snuggle him, etc.

I am humbled - humbled by Taylor's selflessness.

I am convinced - convinced that those 10 little fingers and 10 little toes are evidence of God's ultimate masterpiece -- life.

I am inspired - inspired to start my own family one day, and become a mommy.

I am overwhelmed - overwhelmed with love for gabriel.

I am blessed - blessed because I get to be a part of his family, blessed because he will know me one day as someone who truly adores him, blessed to witness this miracle of life, and blessed to watch the miracle continue to unfold.

Welcome to the world, Gabriel, I promise to mother you a little -- and befriend you a lot.

- dedi