Moving to singeatloveblog.wordpress.com. I like the name better and it just makes more sense.

Content will still the same random/weird/romantic/stupid/silly stream of consciousness originating from my brain.

I don’t think any Pixar film has ever disappointed me. This one is no exception. It’s funny, smart, touching, and visually stunning. I really don’t know what else to say, but GO WATCH IT!

today, my church leaders announced a vision to plant a new church.
today also marked 31 days of silence between two friends.

sometimes, you can’t build something new, until you’ve repaired the old.

it’s time to move forward.

So far, June is turning out to be a tougher month than May was.

Doesn’t mean it’s not a good month. Or that I’m miserable. But it’s been tough.

More tears than expected. Many questions about my future. Lots of self-examination in regard to leadership and relationships.

Not bad, but certainly tough.

How’s your June going?

What makes for “great” worship?

Lots of people?

Shouting?

Anticipation before the “show?”

Loud singing?

Jumping up and down?

Hands in the air?

I like seeing all these things when I’m leading worship, but tonight, as an audience member at the Hillsong United gig, I was so distracted by all the squished, sweaty bodies, the rude behavior exhibited by some other attendees, the extremely bright lights, the overly powerful subs, etc. Other people seemed to enjoy it. And although I did engage in worship and even did some jumping around at times, by the end of the night, the place was so hot and crowded that I just wanted to leave.

Am I just getting too old for this? Or was true worship somewhat masked by all the glitz and glamour of the show? Or was my heart just too easily distracted?

The experience did make me think about this weekend’s worship services at my church and how I was going to lead my congregation, so that’s a good thing.

But yeah – is it weird that while all the people around me left the concert all fired up and pumped, I just wanted to go home?

Most single people aren’t so naive to think that getting married makes life easier. But I think we believe that getting married makes us more accepted. And it’s not suprising that we think this, given what the Church and so many married people tell us – explicitly or implicitly.

Waiting for the day when being a single, non-student, 20-something in the Church is welcomed.

So, Hillsong United really doesn’t “do it” for me like it does for some people. But I’m going to their concert on Friday anyway.

Even if I’m not a huge fan of their music, I can still learn and worship and enjoy the company of friends.

So who else is going to see them? In New York or elseswhere?

Shave legs before going to see acupuncturist or doctor or any other person in the medical field who requires you to expose skin in order to receive treatment.

How embarrassing!

My friend said that she and I – because we are born in the year of the Monkey – will always have really varied interests and not be able to settle on one. I don’t give much weight to zodiac shenanigans, but I think she is right about that one. I definitely am having a hard time settling into one thing. I don’t know if that’s the Monkey in me. Or Libra. Or just the way I’m wired.

At this point, there are three professions I’d like to do:

• counselor
• photographer
• massage therapist

Seriously. I want to do all three. And I think I could do all three, with the proper education and experience. It’s very un-Asian of me though Maybe my life would’ve been easier if I just wanted to be a doctor or lawyer like all my friends?

Currently: Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin ($12.23 at Amazon)

I’m only about half-way through it, but am thoroughly enjoying this book. It covers everything you need to know as a worship leader, whether you’re new to it or not. From proper attitude, the purpose of music in worship, picking songs, working with the pastor, serving the congregation, etc. – the book covers all the basics.

I’ve been really encouraged reading it, but also challenged and humbled because there are aspects to worship leading that I very much need to work on.

Overall, a great book for anyone in worship ministry.

Finished: Twilight by Stephanie Meyers ($5.50 at Amazon)

Now that I’ve read it, I understand why 15-year olds across the country were obsessed with this book and its main character, Edward Cullen. He’s charming, intelligent, and beautiful – even if he does want to drink your blood and kill you. But I don’t understand how this is a bestseller?! The story is captivating to some degree, but the writing is just plain awful! I really struggled to get through the first few chapters because I was annoyed from reading it.

Once I got used to the crappy style and found a rhythm, it was easy to get through. When I finished it, I was just thankful it was done. And I have ZERO desire to read the remaining three books in the “saga.”

Coming up next:

• more worship books
• Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri
• Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen (embarrassed that I own this but haven’t finished it)
• your suggestions?