likable frequencies.

It's that time again for the top 10+ list of songs that my ears enjoy tuning into lately. Maybe it will expand your own list of likable frequencies. 

1. Stories by Bellarive
2. God of the Redeemed by Jeremy Riddle/Bethel Church
3. Postcard From 1952 by Explosions in the Sky
4. San Solomon by Balmorhea
5. Rain (Live) by Noel Robinson
6. Light by The Album Leaf
7. I Won't Give Up by Jason Mraz
8. Sing by Bellarive
9. Settler by Balmorhea
10. Set A Fire by United Pursuit Band 
10+. You Know Me (feat. Steffany Frizzell) by Bethel Music - The Loft Sessions
10+. Embrace by Jake Hamilton

If you have any for me, let me know. I'm always up for new discoveries!

detail-atten-hut.

I did not wake up today thinking I'd blog about marching band. In fact, I did not wake up thinking I would blog at all.

But here I am...writing about...marching band. Yyyep.

My amazing friend since 3rd grade, Amy, posted on my Facebook wall yesterday. This is what stirred up this whole marching band thing today. My senior year show was called "Summon the Future Heroes" - with music from Back to the Future and the Olympic theme song, "Summon the Heroes". Given that the opening ceremonies for the 2012 Summer Olympics occurred today, I'm guessing the song got in her head and then reminder her of the 2000 field show...and then she reminded me.

Thanks to YouTube, I found one video from my senior year Indoor. Too fun...

When I started high school I had my foot in the door of two worlds. Sports and music. I decided to focus on just one as I started high school. Music it was.

I grew up in a town that makes me proud to say I was a band geek. I totally was, too. I'm not ashamed to say it. Haha

Seriously though, my four years as a Marching Jay were more influential than I could have imagined they would be when I started as a freshmen.

There are certain things still ingrained in me because of that season of life.

Example #1: Sometimes when I run, I run in step with the song I'm listening to because it keeps me going at a certain pace. Here's the geeky part - I have to make sure I'm stepping down on my left foot on beats 1 and 3.

I can't help it.

Example #2: Hearing the song, "You'll Never Walk Alone", played by a band or drum corp gives me chills. Here are the 1993 Jays - this is how the season always ends at the Indoor. 

  
Example #3: Push ups always remind me of band. Yes, we did A LOT of push ups in marching band. Yay for strong arms. 

Example #4: Poker chips don't remind me of poker. They remind me of marching band. If that makes zero sense to you, I'm going to leave you wondering.

While these examples are true, they are are just kinda fun. However, there are a number of transforming influences from this season of life.

I learned much about hard work and discipline. Countless hours preparing, learning music, drill, waking up at sunrise, building team...all so valuable. I learned more about unity, focus, and pressing through challenges and conflict. This season was a big part of me stepping out as a leader. This time also had a profound impact in my faith journey.

One of my best band buddies was Leah. We both played clarinet so we spent a lot of time together. Her and her family loved on me extravagantly. Funny thing, it turned out we used to play together when we were much younger at the lake. My uncle had a cabin next to her and her family when we were little kids. Leah was home schooled until freshmen year so we didn't reconnect until we started marching band in 9th grade. God is good.

God worked through Leah to introduce me to Jesus. I gave my life to Christ during high school. I am so thankful for a friend who loved God, loved me, and listened to His leading, took risks, and made invitations that led to me coming into relationship with God, too...her modeling this has since inspired me.  

So there ya go...it's been a day of remembering many things. Amy, thanks for the post of my wall that reminded me of the good ol' times as a Marching Jay.

Past and present directors, students, parents, and community members - Thank you for being a part of establishing and carrying forth this amazing program in Waseca. It's so much more than a bunch of kids marching around on a football field or a high school gym floor. This program helps build character in the lives of young students. I was one of hundreds shaped by the important qualities of this program. Thank you!

Annnnnnd just for fun, just in case you are into this, here are a few more videos I found today.

Top Velocity was one of my favorite parts of the Indoor. It hi-lites visual creativity in marching. It's pretty cool, in my opinion. Then again, I was a marching band geek so of course I'm going to find this awesome. ;)

Enjoy...

running. [part 3 - wind]

I shall begin with a few sentences to clarify which "wind" I'm talking about here.

  

Not this - "The road winds around the trees in the forest."

But this - "Forceful winds uprooted trees around the entire city."
  

Not this - "I'm running on the path that winds around the park."

But this - "I'm running against the wind."
  

I used to check the wind conditions before going on a run and would plan my route based on that. I would try to start against the wind and then turn around and have the wind against my back for the second half.
  

I certainly preferred it behind me.
  

It seems the majority of the time I run lately, it's not a calm day in the atmosphere. It's windy. And I press against it.
  

There's something about that...
  

I just read this on Beni Johnson's blog.
  

It makes sooo much sense to me.
  

I am one of those "feelers" that she refers to. And lately, I am picking up on restlessness and anxiety. (One thing I learned this last year, not all I feel is just me. Sometimes it is in me and I need to work through that with God and break partnership with things. Sometimes it's something I pick up, so to speak, that's going on around me or what others around me are feeling. Or lately, for me, I think it's been a bit of a mixture of both. He's doing a lot right now...a good stirring.)
  

In this anxiety or restlessness...or another word that I can't quite pinpoint yet, I do feel like I'm pushing against the wind in a spiritual sense. Just as when I am literally running against the wind it takes determined energy, strength, and focus to keep moving forward it has been that way in intercession, time with God, keeping peace, embracing Truth...all have been a very intentional, determined choice to live in.
  

A couple weeks ago I was running around Bemidji and it was...surprise...windy. I don't even bother to check weather conditions anymore. If I'm to run from point A to point B, I'm taking that route. I'm not going to avoid wind to get to my destination or make it easier.
  

Although I sure do want to...
  

I heard this as I was pressing in and moving forward with extra effort that day - "You keep running. Keep pressing against the wind until the winds shift and are behind your back. I am your strength. I am stronger...therefore, you are stronger."
  

I knew this was speaking into my journey with God, leadership, relationships, transitions...plus more I'm sure. And as this week has unfolded, it believe a word for the community of people who are following hard after Jesus right now.
  

I was praying with some amazing friends last night and those words came up again. And then I saw a whole line of people running in the same direction, pressing against the wind together. At first they didn't realize there were others running with them. But they began to look around and their eyes were opened to see that they were not alone on their run. A new strength came upon them.
  

There were people who were the forerunners taking the brunt of the resistance. But then there were tens, then hundreds, then thousands, then millions and beyond of people joining in on the run behind them. Those leaning in at the front of the pack paved a way for so many others to run with greater ease. And the forerunners were overjoyed in that reality.
  

Don't fix your focus on the wind. It's there. But fix your focus on the One who is stronger. Fix your focus on the direction you are going and the destination point. Fix your focus on the fact that you are not alone on your run. Fix your focus on the fact that your pressing in against the wind is making a way for millions of others to join in. Fix your focus on the fact that with so many people going in the same direction with such determination and mighty strength, it will shift the wind's direction.
  

You.Keep.Running.

this is what You do. [part 3]

You awaken Your Bride.
[radiance]

You call us to step out onto the water.
[faith]

You set a fire down in our souls.
[uncontainable]

You give authority and send us out.
[commission]

You crave partnership.
[destinies revealed]

You speak.
[tune in]

You hide secrets for us to find.
[thoroughly searching]

You provide.
[jehovah jireh]

You correct and readjust.
[thank you]

You create.
[breathtaking]

You make the way available.
[wrath satisfied]

You give Your presence.
[open heavens]

You breathe Your Spirit into us.
[supernatural lifestyle]

You calm the storm.
[peace]

You make us laugh.
[contagious joy]

You give rest.
[good night]

how could i not.

I see God's hand extended towards me.

"Do you trust me?"

(When I hear this familiar voice, how could I not?
When I look into His eyes that burn with fire, how could I not?
When I feel the power of His Spirit running through my veins, how could I not?)

"Yes, Papa, I trust you," as I reach out and take his hand.

give it away.

Henry Poole Is Here = one of my favorite movies.

It's not fast moving, doesn't have you hanging on the edge of your seat, nor is it even that well known.

But I am so captivated by it.

Here's a taste...

I love the artistic beauty. I love the colors and shots that the camera captures.

I love that it speaks of hope.

I love that it creates an appetite in the soul to crave something more to believe in than what the world offers.

I love that it compels me to dish out the Hope I have been given. Freely receive...freely give...

I love the uniqueness of the characters and how they transform individually and how they impact each other as the story unfolds.

I also love the soundtrack. Seriously good music.

My ringtone (and morning alarm) right now is the bridge from the song "All Roads Lead Home" by Golden State. 

I'm breaking through these walls of steel. Pushing that wall for something real. I'm falling far and faster still. Wake up, wake up, wake up...everyone and everything.

Have a listen.

A number of songs on the soundtrack aren't even played during the movie. I think that might be the case for this next one. It's called "Believe" by The Bravery.

This one stirs me up big time. I listened to it recently and I couldn't help but hear this as a song ringing out in the world from those looking for something to believe in. 

Can you hear anyone around you singing it?

(Chorus) So give me something to believe - Cuz I am living just to breathe - And I need something more to keep on breathing for - So give me something to believe

God spoke to me as a listened, "You have the answer. You have what people want. Give it away. Give people something to believe. Me."

Let's give our families something to believe.

Let's give our cities something to believe.

Let's give our neighbors something to believe.

Let's give our workplace something to believe.

Let's give the man behind the counter at the coffeeshop something to believe.

Let's give the little girl playing in the park something to believe.

Let's give the woman in the grocery store something to believe.

Beloved Bride of Christ - you have been fully empowered by the Spirit and *commanded to release what our world is singing out for. Love of God, move us...

"As you go, preach this message: 'The kingdom of God is near.' Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. Freely you have received, freely give." Matthew 10:7-8

*Commanded does not equal suggested.

running. [part 2 - hydration]

Be careful what you say.

 

Because before you know it, you'll be committing to run 13.1 miles...and paying money to do it.

 

You couldn't have paid me enough money to run long distances when I was younger. I liked to sprint short distances. Give me the 50 yard dash, please. And I'll go fast and actually have fun doing it. But the mile?

Let me put it this way - The mile run day in gym class was the least looked forward to day of the school year growing up. Really.

 

So how did I find myself, three years ago, willingly dishing money out of my own pocket to run 13.1 miles? Actually, if I were to add up all the training miles, I bet I was paying to run well over 100 miles. 

 

I'm telling you, the words you speak can make things happen...

 

It started when I watched my friend run a full marathon while I lived in Duluth. Being amidst the atmosphere of the weekend's events were so exciting and motivating, I totally got swept up into it all. 

 

Because of this, I released the words, "I'd like to be a part of this someday. I bet I could do a half..." 

 

My friends heard me. 

 

Two years later, one of them wanted to run Grandma's Half Marathon and conveniently remembered my statement.

 

"Hey Suzanne, I remember you saying..."

"Ummm, hmmmm, you sure that was me who spoke that? I...think you have the wrong friend." Ha.

 

Yeah, I remembered, too. But sitting in cozy pants on my couch while contemplating running any distance, let alone 13.1, wasn't quite as motivating as standing in Canal Park cheering on the runners and getting caught in the hype a couple years before when I first made the comment.

 

Fast forward through the hesitancy. I decided to go for it. I hit up Austin- Jarrow and bought new running shoes.

 

It was go time. 

 

At first, I had one goal: Don't die in the process. 

 

Yes, aiming high, I know. 

 

After I got into a training groove, I quickly realized that was a do-able goal. 

 

I'm not saying there weren't some really hard days and tough runs, but I am convinced that anyone could complete a half marathon when one sticks to training and a healthy lifestyle.

 

After I became confident I would indeed live through this experience, I made a new goal.

 

It then became to run the entire 13.1 miles, no walking.

 

I believed it was attainable, but knew it was going to stretch me.

 

The best long run of my life was about two weeks before race day. I ran 12 miles on a beautiful Duluth Saturday. No walking. I felt amazing. After that, I figured that achieving my goal on race day would be no problem and I actually considering trying to go for it under a certain time. But race day didn't feel the same as the 12 miler a couple weeks before it. I hit mile 11 on race day and wasn't sure I could do it. My first goal of not dying slipped back into my mind. Haha, okay, kind of playing this up a bit...but it was seriously rough near the end.

 

Hot, humid conditions, getting up at 4am, the excitement of it all, thousands of people...very different conditions than a quiet run on your own on the lake walk.

 

But I kept moving forward. Friends were camped out downtown right at the time I needed to hear them cheering and shouting at me to keep going and that I could do it.

 

Eventually, I crossed the finish line. 

 

That felt gooooooooooooood.

 

As I sat with my friends soaking our feet in the cool waters of Lake Suprerior, enjoying our dip n dots and strawberries, I thought about the run and was debating if I could say that I accomplished my goal of not walking.

 

Here's the deal.

 

There are water stations throughout the route. At first, I was steady and strong enough to run by, swipe a cup, and drink as a ran. Closer to the end, I wasn't as strong & steady...or graceful. Haha

 

My upper body wasn't steady like it was in the beginning, and I couldn't keep running and drink the water without it sloshing out of the cup and all over me. Which felt good given the heat, but that doesn't keep you hydrated.

 

So for the last few water stations, I walked a few steps, giving me enough time to slam down some water.

 

So, technically, I walked and did not run the entire time. 

 

However, at the end of the day, I decided not to count that against me. I don't feel that I missed my mark. Maybe I'm justifying, but oh well.

 

Since I couldn't get much water in my body without walking, I chose to walk in order to stay hydrated and keep my body in the best shape that I could in order to cross that finish line.

 

There are so many parallels when the physical act of running and the idea of running spiritually. I've been thinking about that a lot lately, as I certainly feel like I am running now.

 

Staying hydrated both physically and spiritually right now and for the course ahead is so critical. I need to remind myself that there will be times I need to rest and drink some water. I may need to stop running for a bit in order to do that in restoring ways.

 

I just finished my last book report for school, called God's Generals. It looks into the lives of 12 great revivalists throughout history. There's so much to learn from their stories.

 

Amidst many great successes, the author wasn't shy to include the areas in which these amazing men and women didn't stay the course. Not to criticize them, but to learn from them.

 

One theme I noticed in their lives was their lack of caring for themselves, especially physically. They neglected good rest. Some neglected eating healthy. The stories didn't indicate one way or the other if any of them would exercise or not. I'm guessing there wasn't a whole lot of that going on. They came to a point of burn out and breakdowns.

 

I liken it to them running a long distance and not slowing down for the water stations to keep themselves hydrated in order to finish well. They kept pushing forward. There's a time to push forward. There's also a time to walk a few steps and drink some water. And eat strawberries. (Those were along the route, too.) 

 

There's much ahead in this race that I, and so many others, are running right now.

 

Let's take care of ourselves - physically, spiritually, emotionally. The whole shabang.

 

It's too important not to!