Adam, Adam, Adam...

...Young, by the way, in case you were wondering which Adam I was talking about. Adam Young. You know, the Fireflies guy? Yeah, you know him.

Recently Owl City (AKA Adam Young) released his brand new single featuring Carly Rae Jepsen (The "Call Me Maybe" chica) called, "Good Time". If you haven't heard it, um, that's quite surprising, it's been one of the most successful summer hits of the year! It's about as catchy as any radio pop song and as cool as a summer day in the pool with a group of friends. Is it typical pop material? Not quite; there are no nasty or questionable lyrics here. As Rolling Stone described it, "it's a guilty pleasure song without the guilt". It is indeed different from Adam's previous work, to say the least, however most fans have accepted and loved what has come out of Adam's slight change of musical pace.

Anyway. Intro outta duh way. You might be wondering why I put his name three times in the post title. Uhuh WHEEEELLLL...

It is not because I have my hand over my eyes while shaking my head in disappointment. It is not because I am a fan girl and just wanna talk about Adam all the time. Nooooo, it's just that well.... Let me explain.

I am going to use his blog as examples since it is a collection of personal typings. Here is a blog post he wrote about Taylor Swift, someone he cared deeply about. These two (supposedly) were never in a "relationship", but he sure had a thing for her to say the least. One day, last year, she had to say goodbye to him, and this is how he replied (in a nutshell):

"Perhaps ... the hardest part of saying goodbye to someone [is] knowing you MUST move on even though every fiber of your being screams at you to obey your instincts to cling for dear life... Saying goodbye to this girl was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done in my life… but of course, it goes without saying that my strength is not my own, for I’ve been given far more grace than I deserve. Despite such a daunting task, I rest assured because I know I am not climbing alone, and that’s a heartening thought.
You’ve got mountains of your own, I’ll bet on it. Take heart. Be encouraged. Remain steadfast. Hang on for dear life. You’ve got a better grip than you realize. " March 14th, 2011

Awesome. He knew just where to find strength in pain and hold onto hope (Mumford & Sons, anyone?). But really, it's hard to stay positive in a situation like that, especially when you have to let go of something, or rather, someone that you really wanted to see work out for you.

Another super thing that this guy would do is consistently publish quotes either directly from or inspired by the Bible with his posts. Kinda like what I do, eh? eh? Hm. *sigh* Anyway.

See like here:

"We only have faith in our feelings. I don’t believe God until He puts something tangible in my hand, so that I know I have it. Then I say, “Now I believe.” There is no faith exhibited in that. God says, “Look to Me, and be saved …” (Isaiah 45:22). "April 2nd, 2012

"Life is way too short to worry about the past, and I for one, don’t have time for anxiety." September 12th, 2011

And yes, this seems long, but this post is just beautiful. I pasted the whole thing because well, it's delicious. 

"I want so badly to discover who and what God intends me to be because I want every second to count. I want to be thrilled out of my mind because of who Jesus is, what He’s done and how alive and real and astonishing He is that I can’t even keep from talking about it, my love for Him just keeps coming up in conversation. I want to be so alive and ebullient that I’m unshakable to the point that no allure of the world can pull me into apathy or impassivity.

In reality I get to dream and write songs and make music and travel the world and meet people and change lives and I love every second of it but I want the tremendous joy I find in doing these things to pale in comparison to the joy and splendor and satisfaction I can experience in God. I want Him to wake me up and keep me awake because more than anything, I want my personality and my character to be His means of expression. I just want to love and follow Jesus, I don’t want anything else out of life.

“For you died and your life is now hidden with Christ in God.” Col 3:3

#MindBlown"

Now wasn't that just yummy? 

But then, not gradually, but suddenly, his posts became very short, or all about him. In fact, it started happening just this month! I was quickly beginning to really miss his old posts describing God's wonders that were so deeply well thought out and drenched in deliciousness. Now it's like... fast food.

 If his latest posts were not short and sparse, they were about how he is the same old Adam who has gone through a "musical evolution". I was convinced at first, but once the cloudiness came through in his blog, it was hard to tell.

"There is no old Adam Young, there is no new Adam Young, merely different colors and different brushstrokes over the same canvas. Creativity is all about pushing boundaries and pressing onward and I prefer the Darkwing Duck approach to artistry. So thank you. I’m feeling the love. Let’s get dangerous. "May 14th, 2012

The more he posted about it, the more I figured he really is changing, and he wants to convince people that there is no need to panic. Dangerous, eh? I hope not. If Adam really is going the direction I am suspecting he might be, than yes, he is indeed in for some danger. 

And speaking of sparse, what the... freak... is this???

"My cool friends on Facebook change their statuses to “in a relationship” and the married girls post weekly revolting pictures of their fat swollen pregger stomachs and I’m just sitting here making crap like this and not caring because this is the life". June 23th, 2012

I know, it's just one comment, but, still, that's not.... nice. That's just. Weird. 

This is just what I think. Yet music is music. And really, what do I know? OK, I do know that I don't 

know the guy personally. But I've been reading through his posts over and it is evident to me that Adam has a gift of wisdom. He offers up his own daily life experiences and gives words of encouragement, etc. I have a gifting similar to that.Now I am not one to judge or jump to conclusions, but it seems to me that as of late he might be snuffing that out for the sake of his art.

Oh oh oh oh oh guys guys literally, just a couple of hours ago Adam posted this: 

"The last three times I’ve turned on the radio in my car, Good Time was playing.

The knowledge that there are people out there who appreciate what I do is of immeasurable worth and it’s near-impossible for me to put into words how thankful I am for your willingness to listen and support my art.

Thank you."

Yeahhh. And being the commenter, commentator, or commentatious gal that I am, I replied back saying,

 Apparently I'm not the only one who has suspicions. Written on another post similar to this one is what just a few of the fans from the comment box had to say:

With the first three comments, yeah. For "just another face in the crowd".... You nailed it.
 I hadn't even thought of it that way...

Ironically enough, Adam Young himself did a remix for Switchfoot that was released a couple months ago, and the song lyrics just might be for him. *here it iz me attach it*

Like I said, I am not trying to jump to conclusions nor am I writing all this to give people the wrong idea about Owl City. I am hoping that I will raise a prayer awareness for him, though. I don't want to see another artist be dried up and left out in the wilderness for the sake of art and fan-love. I will be deeply heart broken if that becomes the case.

So as for why I made the title the way I did? I am saying his name three times because I am... confused.

I really respect Adam Young. I really, really do. In fact, it's a bit embarrassing to admit, but I have had a little crush on him. Who knows, maybe I still do. But that's not the fuel behind addressing a possible issue regarding Adam's beliefs. As a fellow artist, I can really understand where he's coming from and just important creativity is. But we aren't "creators", necessarily, we are created by God, thus our gifts or "powers" come from Him. To suddenly take credit for everything you do while entering into a new stage of music, though isn't explicitly a form of denial in faith, it is still concerning. I mean, I don't think he's necessarily hit the point where he's all about himself, and I'd certainly hope not, but it just eerily reflects what has happened with other artists. But at least we know he really loves his fans and is very responsive to them, so way to go, Adam!

His lyrics are, as usual, squeaky clean, but what about his heart? I know he's a strong one, but like the song lyrics say in the Switchfoot song above, "none of us are bullet-proof". I myself will continue to defend him and support him prayerfully. And buy his new album which comes out the 21st!!! YAY!

Whether or not there is any need for concern, we still all need prayer. So give the guy a prayer or two, eh? Also for us everyday non-famous people, like myself, we need to pray that we don't get distracted from other things or people when God is supposed to be the center of our lives. I know I struggle with that. I need to go to bed now... God bless you, you Bombshell Blondes!!! 

And Adam if for some really
freakish chance you actually see this I want to heartily say thank you.
Your music and character really mean a lot to me and I know God has
(and is) working through you and your talents. You've influenced
my music, art, and a lot of things, but I know it's God behind it.
So thanks, Adam. For inspiring me.

New look, same great blog!

Yeah. I changed the look of this blog. Again. It's more calming than my last design. Just fyi I will be changing up the look of this site somewhat frequently. It's just what I do as an artist. I get tired of the same ol' same ol'. So there you have it. Bye bye!

Speak of the Devil

This morning I had the pleasure of sitting on a wood chair on a large hill looking over at the gorgeous rolling hills, pine trees, wildlife, colorful fields, and cute little country houses in Bastrop Texas. When you are bogged down by things like work, school, everyday funk, and/or social networks, outside is the place to go. There's almost no better remedy than sitting in silence before a beautiful, natural scene. Mine wasn't necessarily in silence, I mean, I was singing, but it was silent for me, ha.

Anyway, lately I've been thinking about our modern world's standards and how they basically suck big time. Yeah. I've come to realize that what my mom said about how the corruption in this world  affects us is way too true. She said for us believers there are two traps the Devil tries to force on us. One is we can look at sin and become so exposed and used to it that we become desensitized and eventually join with the others. This way we won't be able to hear what it is God's telling us to do because we become deaf and we won't be able to tell the difference between right and wrong. The second trick is to cause us Christians to fall into despair. We are so saddened and depressed at where the world is  that we are constantly focused on the negativity and the works of the Devil. It will strip away the liberating joy that only God can give. Through this we eventually become blind because our mindset is way off track.

Both of these tactics are equally dangerous. They will make us totally unaware and unable to recognize what is good. No matter what happens, remember that there is still good in this world. God doesn't want to put on some sort of big show like Satan, but just because it seems like God isn't quite as "out there" as the Devil doesn't mean that He's silent or not there at all. In fact, God is more "there" than anything!! Hey, it doesn't have to be complicated, you just need to learn to see and hear. If you're not sure how, just begin by noticing the small things, like when someone smiles or helps someone else. You can also do small things. After all, St. Therese (the little flower) said herself: "I can do small things with great love". There is also humor, laughter, and hope. These things are so simple, but they do wonders for the soul. 

He is everywhere. He is with you. You just have to be with Him. If the Devil doesn't like it, well, he can sit on a tack. :P

 R.I.P. Johnny Hart. Hope you're laughing hard up there in Heaven.

My Annoying Little Brother is Awesome

I'm sorry I haven't blogged in like, what, a whole week? Ah well. Here's a post for you guys. *begins writing*

I remember when I was 14 years old and I started the my first year of high school at a very small school in Elgin, Texas. The presidential elections were coming up and one day my principal was talking about how great it would be if Barack Obama were in office.  My little brother who, at the time, was only 8 years old stands up and interjects, "But Barack Obama supports abortion!" You can only imagine the shock on Ms. Principal's face. Needless to say, our mom was going to be hearing about this.

Long before that my older brother Davis was being teased and made fun of by another kid his size at a swimming pool. Davis has autism, so it sadly made him an easy target for bullies. Five year old Sam on the other hand, realizes his brother is in trouble and rushes in front of him and yells, "LEAVE MY BROTHER ALONE" while thrashing his arms around in the water. The kid backed off. Who wins in a fight? Shorty does.

He didn't hesitate to witness to an atheist kid at library club despite that he knew there was probably going to be criticism or mocking.

He won't listen to the hot new pop song because he knows lyrically it's really gross.

During the Olympics this year my brother pointed out how women do not necessarily need to be wearing bikinis while playing beach volleyball. Yes ladies, bikinis sure feel liberating, but they don't "liberate" a male creature's mind. He also hates the unavoidable fact that several women on tv have their boobs bulging out of their shirts (OK, he didn't say it like that, but that's literally how it is).

He also hates it, and I mean HATES it, when guys take advantage of girls, and he has reminded me several times not to let any fool do that to me. He's done that way more than my dad, actually.

What can I say? This kid tells it like it is. 

Right now he is only 13 years old, and he's got a hard head. But he's also got a really good head on his shoulders.

Aaaaand sometimes that drives me to insanity.

Sometimes I feel like this guy:

But sometimes I am jealous. I know when I was younger I had problems with standing up for what was right because well, I let my fear get in the way. Sometimes I didn't tell it like it was, I just kind of slurred what I had to say or blended it with something relevant in order that it may not come across so black-and-white, just because I didn't want people to do anything to hurt me. Sometimes I just didn't know right from wrong. Yeah yeah, I know this is like, what, EVERYONE'S story?? But alas, tis true. So when I see Sam use his natural talents and knowledge for God's greater glory??? Mentally I'm all:

Perhaps I need to tell him this stuff out loud more often, no? After all the older kids certainly do shape and influence the younger folks. But lately I've been learning that it is also the other way around.

Look, my little brother drives me crazy. He really does, but what little brother doesn't? Whenever he'd get on my nerves I'd just wanna yell at him to grow up and mature. It does amazes me however just how strong and mature he really is for his age. That's something this generation needs, someone with just a little more, who says what is right even when others will wrong him for it. Who knew that the young ones would be the dudes to look up to? Certainly not I, 'till I got to understand Sam a little better. Seems like I was the one who needed to do some maturing, and perhaps take to heart that Bible verses about faith like a child and not looking down upon people cuz they are young. Well, I'm still young, but he's younger.

OK Sam is not evil nor is he trying to kill everyone including me, just fyi. 

If there's one good thing that being all nerdy about superhero or action flicks has taught me it's show me a thing or two about being a good big sister. Take Thor, a not only incredibly handsome guy but a true hero. In both movies The Avengers and Thor, for example, Thor's younger brother Loki betrays him, his family, and his country by killing hundreds of people and trying to take over the world using his powers for evil. Thor probably had every right to hate his brother and want to put an end to his destructive life. Instead, Thor chooses to love his brother and continually invite him back home to start all over again. 

 Even though Loki almost killed Thor twice, Thor didn't change how he loves his brother. That's kind of like how Jesus sacrificed his life to save ALL of his brothers and sisters, despite the fact that we DID indeed kill him. Only Jesus is obviously way more awesomer than Thor, because he came back from the dead, promised us eternal life, loved us as we were, and offered us forgiveness of all our sins. So what do we do? Follow his example. No, more than that, be like him.  I want to be the best big sister ever, and I know the only way to do that is to be like Jesus. 

Perhaps my little brother's character is a reflection of me? Who knows! :) 

Fragrance

If there’s one thing I tend to have too much of, it’s probably fragrances. I almost never leave Bath and Body Works without making a purchase... or two. You see, I love things that smell good and I love smelling good. I haven’t been to BBW in a few months though, which is probably a good thing, but that hasn’t stopped me from buying delightfully smelly things. This summer I’ve discovered the wonders of the Harajuku Lovers fragrances. 

Each bottle of perfume comes with a “doll” topper, there are five different characters in the set and each one has a unique scent. Because they are a perfume line and not a body spray line, they can make a dent in the wallet... Lucky for me there’s a such thing as Amazon and eBay where you can get cheap deals. Sooooo what did I do?

I bought two different kinds!

Both are the character, Lil' Angel, the one on the left is Wicked Style
and the one on the right is a mini original

They smell SOOOO good! 

Anyway, enough of my shopping-girly talk. I'll make this brief, and yes, again this is something in my life that gets me thinking about something related to God's awesomeness. Lez look at duh WURD:

"and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God."

                            Ephesians 5:2 (NIV)

God calls us to be a fragrant offering before Him and others just like He was when He sacrificed Himself to save us. When we reflect God's love we become fragrant and spiritually pleasing to others. This morning I woke up early and read John chapter 12 verse 1 through 8. The story was called "The Anointing at Bethany", which already stuck out to me because me name is Bethany. Anyway, here is the full story:

        " Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus’ honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

         But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

         “Leave her alone,” Jesus replied. “It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial.  You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me.” "

I pictured myself in a modern setting of the story with me playing the role of Mary. I was pouring my new bottle of Harajuku Lovers over Jesus' feet then wiping them with my hair. But then I thought, "hmmm, Harajuku Lovers isn't that expensive for a perfume and nard was pretty freakin' expensive stuff back then. But I don't have any nard and I don't have any perfumes more expensive than this..." Immediately after that it hit me just what the whole point of the story was. 

Mary gave up a valuable earthly possession before Jesus' feet, and not just some of it, but all of it. Then she gave up herself in service for the Lord by wiping his feet with her own hair. Her act of submissiveness, selflessness, and sacrifice was fragrant, and spread throughout the whole house. People who don't have the eyes of the Lord will not understand the beauty nor the purpose of something as powerful as giving away everything we have to our Father. They will most likely try to stop us and even persecute us. In return the Father will defend our case. 

I know I have the hardest time giving up little things for God sometimes, in fact, that's usually the case all the time. It's a struggle we all have. But reflect a bit on the love story I shared from the Bible. Before we give ourselves up fully, we have to give up what hold onto to first. If Jesus were physically right here in front of me, I'm sure He'd appreciate my laptop, iPod, manga collection, Sonic the Hedgehog stuff, and, yes, my bottles of Harajuku Lovers fragrances. But what He would love even more is what I choose to do after that; give up myself. There's some food for thought. Or perfume for thought.