Josh Turner

mmpike — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 01:04:38 +0000

I remember the first time I heard him sing. “Long Black Train” was on CMT as I sat eating my breakfast one saturday morning. First I was mesmerized by his voice. Then, like the 15 year old girl that I was, his handsome face caught my attention. I was in love. Two years later, I would dance in the kitchen to his third hit, “Would You Go With Me.” Now, when no particular music aligns with my mood, I choose Josh Turner. I’m not one to fall in love with celebrities and worship them with my heart and soul, but Josh Turner is the closet I’ve come to crossing the line from admirable fan, to crazy obsessed fan. I’ve often said that I wanted to marry him, except that I’d hate to break up a family, especially one like his. But I love him, I do. I’ve not once gotten sick of “Would you go with Me”, “Your Man”, or anything else he’s sung. Each album gets better, and each time I fall more in love.

Now, at age 21 I look forward to my drives up and down the highway just so I can listen to all four of his albums. Today as I drove down to school his voice was blasted through my stereo. The words are ingrained into my brain, and my heart brightens with the first note. Always, his music takes me back to the things that matter and help me gain some perspective. It can bring me down to earth and yet take me away from it all at the same time. I forget my stresses and remember the simple joys of life that are gifts from God.

You might think I’m crazy, but Josh Turner was sent from God. I believe it. His music is one of those simples joys of life that can change my attitude. He doesn’t take away my troubles, but reminds me that they’re mundane and often not worth my worry. I believe that Josh is actually a little gift sent just for me (well maybe not just for me). One of those things that God just says, here enjoy this, because I love you.

I will continue to choose my ipod over the radio and scroll down to Josh. I can’t imagine any other option on a sunny day. His deep voice will instantly put a smile on my face. And somedays thats all you need.

Its hard to choose a favorite, but here’s my latest top two picks:

Your Smile

I’ll Be There

How ’bout…

mmpike — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 21:41:29 +0000

You all come home now. We don’t start classes in 5 days. And we’re not seniors. How ’bout you all just come back to CNU and we just play for the next year?

K? k.

Now, in all seriousness, I know this year is going to be good. I know it. But I think we’re all having a hard time adjusting to the idea of being “Seniors.” Its funny how in high school its the most exciting and anticipated rank of your career, but in college its your downfall. I’ve struggled with this for the past week, maybe two (maybe even more, haha). Something about this year just gets to me. I started off the week full of excitement and anticipation for senior year. I was excited to live in the moment and enjoy each day. Then all of a sudden I’m in church thinking about everything that isn’t the sermon. About all the people having babies, and all the people getting married, and my parents moving (finally) and me graduating, and everything in between. I’m just struck by how fast time passes by, its slipping away. And then all of a sudden I’m crying. In church. About nothing related at all to what the pastor’s talking about.

Rewind to the night before. I’m lying in my bed talking to my 15-year-old family dog, crying (lame I know.) Two weeks ago I cried as I left my temporary home (not at all a reference to Carrie Underwood, just the rental house I like to call Prison), not because I dreaded leaving, but because leaving meant school was going to start, which means senior year was going to start, which pretty soon life was going to start.

I don’t know much about what this year will hold. I do know their will be papers. I will write them (eventually). I will have good days and not so good days. I’ll be happy, sad, annoyed, stressed, light-hearted, and everything in between. I will definitely laugh, and if history tells us anything I will cry too. But most of all God will be faithful. Today, tomorrow, and forever. And let me tell you that is something to be excited about!

So, as the week comes to a close and classes approach at full speed I am trying really hard to focus on today and enjoy every second of its 24 hours. It is definitely a challenge. But what in life isn’t?

good morning sun

mmpike — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:09:57 +0000

Ok, so I’ve been meaning to do this post for about a week now. But I didn’t quite know what to say or which photos to pick, or how to edit them. But, I think these photos pretty much speak for themselves. God’s beauty, power, and love for the world. Right here in a sunrise.

(I know its a lot. I just couldn’t choose!)

A thank you note

mmpike — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 18:53:57 +0000

Dear God,

Thank you for Friends. For old friends and new friends and friends we haven’t even met yet. Thank you for friends that are family and family that are friends. Thank you for older friends and younger friends and friends our age.

Thank you for girlfriends. Friends to laugh with and talk with and cry with. Friends that know everything about you, and friends that don’t. Thank you for the girlfriends that remember with you, the ones that go through high-school with you, and the ones that go through college with you, and the ones that go through life with you. Thank you for friends that never stop being friends. Thank you friends that do stupid things and laugh at the stupid things you do, and do stupid things with you. Thank you for friends that buy you ice cream, chik fil a, or toothpaste. Friends that go grocery shopping with you and shoe shopping too.

Thank you for guy friends. Friends that make fun of you so you can make fun back. Friends that call you weird names and friends that don’t call you anything. Friends to help you move, to kill bugs, and play sports with. Friends that clean garages and build fires. Friends that make life a little lighter. Friends that drive, ride and walk you places. Friends that love you because their girlfriend loves you. Thank you for friends that make cheesey jokes and play stupid pranks. Friends that love you like a little sister, and sometimes treat you like one. Thank you for friends that listen and for friends that talk ( alot!). For friends that care. And friends that change your oil.

God, thank you for giving us the gift of friends. Thank you for making them just they way they are, flaws and all! And thank you for the friend that will never leave us. The friend that all friends need. The friend that came here just for me.

Thank you for loving me so much that you gave me friends.

I love you,

Jamestown baby!

mmpike — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 22:17:25 +0000

You might think we’re nerds, but we are who we are. And we just happen to be two people who spend their free time at historical landmarks; walking around looking at the dirt and trees people lived on, the ruins of their buildings, and the monuments erected in their honor. To some it might seem silly. But I like it. I like it a lot. And I like that I have someone to stare and marvel at the dirt and ruins with me.

Last Friday was the last Friday in July. This means that for those working in the David Student Union (DSU), AKA Tim and Me, it was our last Friday off. For the past two summers CNU grants the DSU freedom from all of its Fridays in July. How did we celebrate this last day of freedom? We went to Jamestown. Yes, Jamestown, the first settlement of the Americas, its only 20 minutes away! It’s marvelous. Me being the sentimental person that I am, I love being at the very place where great things happened, even if it was 400 years ago. I love envisioning it all and imagining what it would be like to be one of the first people (and of course, that means Europeans) to step foot on this land. I wish I could have been there! Except for the mosquitos, disease, nasty food, and the harsh Mr. Smith. Oh I wish I could live a day in every era!

So as we walked around Jamestown, Tim read and I snapped (the camera). If you wanna know what we learned you’ll have to ask him. But here are some of the shots from the day!

Here’s the monument!

Pocohanty

Reconstruction of the church

John Smith, he wasn’t so nice. Great leader, but not so nice, so they say.

These next two are Tim’s! He’s not so bad with that camera…they might be better than mine

Real live archeologists!

Now for my trees. I love trees. So pretty. Sorry it’s a lot!

Confessions of a Yoga skeptic

mmpike — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 18:02:38 +0000

Confession: I gave into the Yoga phenomenon

Confession: I feel ridiculous doing it.

Confession: I love it.

Ok, now that I’ve gotten all that out, I have to say, Yoga is great. At first I thought it was silly and made no sense. How could posing in weird, awkward positions, in silence (you mean I can’t rock out to my country music?) be at all beneficial for your body? And being the skeptic that I am I resisted profusely, even though I was curious and a little anxious to see what all the buzz was about. So, last week-ish as a strolled through target, weaving in and out of the aisle, I searched strategically (so no one would find me out) for the perfect dvd guide to begin my “yoga journey”. I found one at last and shamefully proceeded to check out. I eagerly went home, threw on my leggings (because everyone knows you must have the right outfit before you can do anything!) and began my closet yoga journey. Until, I got caught.

One of my roommates had just returned from her rained-out swim meet. And to my embarrassment she came a knocking. I was delighted to know that she wanted to hang out, but embarrassed as she discovered my secret. But soon I would be surprised! She wanted to join me in my new “journey”. As we prepared the living room for the experience we soon had another taker! Our other roommate soon joined in too! So there we were three virgin yoga-ers practicing mountain pose and cobra pose and cobbler’s pose. I felt ridiculous. This guy with a braid keeps talking in a over the top, cheesey, relaxay, “I’m going talk so you don’t notice me” kind of voice (which you totally notice), telling me to do awkward poses with cheesey names like “Warrior one” and “Sun Salutation”. But despite it all I got hooked. Who knows maybe I’ll even invest in a mat and yoga pants?

Here I am a week later, feeling yoga withdrawal. I’ve been trying to do one of the workouts everyday, but this week I have failed. I haven’t slipped in that DVD since Monday. Today will be the day I go back. I have one free hour after work, I will yoga. Maybe even run too. But that’s a whole other story for another time. Meanwhile. Unagi.

Two little chickies

mmpike — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:33:04 +0000

These girls are something else and definitely deserve a post all to themselves. Lucky for me I got to spend a whole week with them! Each year my family heads to the shoreline to spend a week together, grandparents, cousins and all. Brooke and Natalie are the start of the next generation, and they have quite the following, with two more little chicas on the way! A baby sister and little cousin! The whole family is looking forward to the fun. Lots of little girls!

These two sisters are a handful though. Not the least bit shy, always looking to play, and very polite (major props to their mama on that one!). They sure did have a blast with a pool and ocean at their finger tips and not to mention a house full of family ready play any moment they asked! It amazing how a group of 14 adults can be so entertained by two little children. The house was quiet and slow every morning before the girls woke up. But the second they walked up those stairs the house lit up with smiles and laughter. What did we do before they came along?

Check out little miss Natalie

Brookie Cookie

kisses for daddy

Love that little face!

So Far.. We don’t have much

mmpike — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 01:22:30 +0000

Ok, so I have a confession. I’ve had this camera for about two months now and I haven’t taken very many photos. My first time out with it was so glorious, I loved every minute, but it was planned. The rest of the summer I tried the more “free-style” route, snapping photos of whatever I found interesting. Well, that hasn’t worked very well either, just when I start to warm up to the light and the location my time is up, and my mind is full of great ideas while my memory card is empty.

It’s funny how much my photography reflects my lifestyle. I plan everything, I like having a plan, I like knowing what I’m doing. I’m one of the few people who has their weekend planned out completely by Tuesday. My planning trait has its benefits, but definitely its faults too. I’m working on it. I’m learning to balance planning and spontaneity, in photography and life.

Meanwhile, here are some favorites from the summer.

So I just thought this little boy and his grandmother were cute

love the little droplets!

Old gas pump in downtown Windsor, NC. We discovered this BBQ joint on the way to the beach! Good food and great photo subjects! Wish I had snapped some from inside!

a little tribute to Gone with the Wind. love it.

The European Half of the Amazon

mmpike — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 01:53:48 +0000

I miss my roommates.

Weeks now after Catherine and Heidi have left for foreign places (Spain and England, if you didn’t know), it just hit me that they’re far across the world; both experiencing life on new levels. Seeing sights they’ve never seen, learning, growing, and loving for Christ like they never have. They haven’t had time to share much with me, just occasional emails and blog posts that make my day as well as Anne Taylor’s; but, they don’t have to tell us everything for us to know. These girls are in foreign places, but who they are hasn’t changed. They’re still half of four best friends that live in a 40 year old, worn out, college house . Still fearless and brave. And still women who live their life for their Father. And with that confidence, I know they are impacting the lives of everyone they meet, loving them for Christ. They are disciples disguised as world travelers and curious college students.

These two are missed. 63 Shoe is without their warmth, laughter, and compassion that fills the house throughout the school year. When I walk into their rooms to share a thought, whether meaningless or life-changing, they aren’t there. Just beds, and pictures, and clothes (that I gladly wear). I’ve found myself crawling into Catherine’s bed with her beloved Brady and just laying there, thinking, or reading, or napping. And for a moment my friend doesn’t seem far away. And even still, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve longed to venture into Heidi’s room,currently occupied by Lindsey and Melissa, to curl up in Heid’s marvelous bed to flip through Country Living magazines as Josh Turner wooes me over the stereo. Instead, I just pass by, throw up a prayer, and wonder how Europe is treating her.

Anne Taylor and I have had quite a summer so far, full of fun, relaxation, and unemployment. Our schedules may not always match up, but we ‘ve had our leisurely mornings of coffee and chit chat and our “Friends” afternoons complete with hint of lime and indecisiveness. We’ve needed each other for a lot this summer. We’ve given each other the support, love and sometimes slap-in-the- face wisdom that we needed at the time. When I go back to the Amazon and Anne Taylor sits on my bed as I unpack, we’ll talk and laugh. But we’ll eagerly await the day when all four of us will be together again. I can see it now, Anne Taylor, Catherine and Me sprawled out on Heid’s bed as she unpacks.

Until then, we miss you both, more than you know. Spain and England are lucky to have you.

Rediscover

mmpike — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 03:47:31 +0000

It’s amazing how the world changes between the age of 2 and 20. At age 2 everything is fascinating, at age 20 nothing is fascinating. The leaves from the trees, flower petals, colors and play dough hold amazement in the mind of the child. Why are the leaves green? Why are the petals so smooth? And What makes play dough so…doughy? Yet, by age 20, the complexity of the universe is hardly astonishing. You sit in class learning, learning, learning. The rotation of the earth is so 3rd grade, and the Pyramids? Yea, giant triangles built from the dirt, so what? I got a cell phone that can email, check the weather, sport scores, and transfer money in an instant.

Why does our perspective of the world have to change so much?

I’ve spent the last two weeks with a two year old named Jocelyn. I’ve watched her face light up when she finds new discoveries, when she finishes a puzzle, and when she twirls. Her biggest concerns are when Mommy is getting home and if she can watch Winnie the Pooh. She is excited to learn. She wants to read, wants to count, and wants to know all about airplanes! Yet I sit here, bored with the beauty around me. Bored with all that I have learned and even worse, I lack the desire to discover more.

Tonight I sat out with the stars, hardly giving them the appreciation they deserve. And just yesterday, as the country celebrated its 234th birthday, I failed to remember the strife, hard work, and dedication that went into building this amazing country. I should never lose sight of the miracles around me. Yet, after years of forced learning, learning has lost its excitement. Today, I wish not for the innocence of a child, but for the excitement and willingness to learn as child. Everyday there is something new to discover, all you have to do is set out to find it.