live music

I love live music.

There's nothing like standing in front of a stage and listening to people share everything they have through song. 

We haven't been to very many live shows since moving here. Between Alex's work schedule, my school schedule, and our church schedule, we have neglected to explore the local music scene of Raleigh. 

So when Alex found out yesterday that Lovedrug would be playing at some small club in Raleigh that night, we had to go.  Three other bands opened and they were all really good! I especially loved this one band called House of Fools.

To be honest, I wasn't sure I would enjoy Lovedrug's show. I have their first record, which I do love...and I saw them live at Cornerstone Festival in Orlando maybe three or four years ago, which I also loved. However, I haven't kept up with them since. Well, they did great! I was only familiar with two of the songs they played, but I enjoyed every song! They are definitely worth seeing live. 

I miss going to check out music in rinky-dink little clubs. There's really nothing like it. I think we'll be making more time for it from now on.

P.S. Bear9 (my favorite local Miami band) played a show on Wednesday that I wish I could have seen. :-) Merari posted about it here. Miss you, guys. 

P.P.S. At the end of the night we discovered our car had been towed...boo... Thankfully, Alex's co-workers were also at the show and gave us a lift to pick up our car. Another life lesson learned. 

vee day oh nine

Alex and I had a wonderful Valentine's Day. I guess I couldn't contain my excitement because I woke up at 7:30 in the morning! 

I let Alex sleep in a little longer but by 8:15 I was pestering him to wake up so we could eat breakfast together and exchange cards. I saw the cutest plates and cups from Target (on sale!) and had to buy them to enjoy with our breakfast. 

(His card was one of those musical ones, loved it! 

And I made one with a little inspiration from a cute gift bag I saw at Target, of course.)

Usually Alex is the one who cooks breakfast on the weekends while I lounge in bed but I decided I'd treat him for once. I even tried making a heart out of this tomato to place on top of his omelette.  Not bad??? (hey, I'm no chef)

The rest of the day we hung out at Starbuck's (thanks for the gift card, mom!), checked out a used book store, did the grocery shopping, and watched movies on TV.

Once the evening rolled around we got all dressed up and went to a Mediterranean restaurant in downtown Raleigh called EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil).  Alex chose this restaurant in honor of our Mediterranean honeymoon.  The food was delicious! And thankfully the place wasn't too crowded. 

It was the perfect way to spend our first Valentine's Day as a married couple. 

Love you, handsome. 

all you need is love.

Hope everyone has a Happy Love Day. 

For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. 

2 Corinthians 5:14-15

MuteMath Spotlight EP

Since MuteMath is my absolute favorite band I had to write a quick note that they released their Spotlight EP yesterday. Of course, Alex and I have it already and I am enjoying it as I type.

There are four songs on it and they're all rockin'. :-)

I'm excited to listen to their new album when it comes out later this year. Any other fans out there listening to the EP?

religion vs. the gospel

Yesterday Mark Driscoll spoke in chapel. I was really looking forward to it because I hear good things about his preaching. He spoke about the difference between religion and the gospel. Here are the nine points he made...and if you want to hear it for yourself check out the podcast. I highly recommend it!

1. Religion says if you obey then God will love you. The gospel says because God loves you, you want to obey.

2. Religion is prone to see good and bad people. The gospel sees bad people and Jesus.

3. Religion is about getting as much as you can from God. The gospel is about getting God.

4. Religion sees hardship as punishment. The gospel sees it as loving direction from a good dad. 

5. Religion is very aware of other people's sin. The gospel makes you aware of your own sin. 

6. Religion is focused on the external and visible. The gospel is primarily concerned with the heart.

7. With religion you're not certain about your salvation. The gospel is about certainty.

8. Religion is about self-righteousness. The gospel is about gifts-righteousness which leads to humility.

9. Religion results in pride or despair. The gospel leads to a holy happiness.

You should really check out the podcast to hear how he expands on each of these points.  He really is a great communicator and I really appreciated the message he had to give.