Music Monday

The Hubby and I had a fabulous weekend! 

For our anniversary we went out to a nice dinner at Captain Jacks and watched a movie...

Oh, wait. Did I mention that we got Tattoos?!?!

 Yep, we sure did. We are some wild and crazy kids, huh?

Even as I sat in the tattoo chair... I kept looking at Eric and saying over and over, 

"I cant believe I am doing this."

Ray (the tattoo guy) must have thought I was nuts.  

Whatever.. I was in pain.

 While waiting for Ray to finish up tattooing Eric, I was texting my girlfriend Linda, who happens to be married to a Pastor at our church, telling her all about my tattoo. 

Ray asked me who I was texting. 

He about fell off his stool when I told him who I was texting. 

I told him that there were people with more tattoos than him at our church. 

He was shocked. 

And I was proud that our church is the kind of church that welcomes ALL kinds of people into its doors.

I felt joy in knowing  that I could invite him and know without a shadow of a doubt that he would be embraced, not looked down upon. 

I love my church. 

So... here are some pictures of our tattoos. 

(Please forgive me. I took these with my phone.)

t

 (This isn't a really good picture of it at all... But you get the idea.)

It is an antique key and in the head of it is the inscription PS 46:10

This has been a verse that has been following me around 

and has been on my heart throughout the past few years.

I put it on my wrist to be a constant visible symbol reminding me to

"cool it" and recognize that God is in charge. 

NOT ME! 

Apparently I am a slow learner and am just recently understanding the whole depth and breadth of that promise.

(Obviously this is Eric's tattoo... I don't have nicely sculpted arms like him.)

These Roman Numerals represent our wedding date. 

He says that if he gets Alzheimer's he will always remember the date...

even thought he might think it's his birthday.

Which brings me to Music Monday...

The song I picked for today follows the wedding theme.

This is our song.

The song that we had our first dance to as a Mr. and Mrs. 

This song has always spoken volumes to us about our relationship.

Al Green's 'Let's Stay Together'

I'm, I'm so in love with you
Whatever you want to do
Is alright with me
'Cause you make me feel, so brand new
And I want to spend my life with you

Me sayin' since, baby, since we've been together
Ooo, loving you forever
Is what I need
Let me, be the one you come running to
I'll never be untrue
Ooo baby

Let's, let's stay together
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad

Oooo oooo ooo ooo, yeah
Whether times are good or bad, happy or sad

Why somebody, why people break up
Oh, and turn around and make up
I just can't seeeeeeeee
You'd never do that to me
(Would you baby)
'Cause being around you is all I see
It's why I want us to

Let's, let's stay together
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad

Let's, let's stay together
Loving you whether, whether

PS. I adore his HUGE gold bracelet and plaid jacket. 

PPS. What was your song that you first danced with your spouse to at your wedding?

If you aren't married, what song speaks to you as a couple?

I want to know more about you!

Speechless

I am so emotionally exhausted after an amazing (and I do mean that, in every sense of the word) weekend with my committee ladies in Lake Arrowhead.

My head is still swirling with all the fresh new ideas, personal stories, tears, laughter, jokes, and advice.

And all the GOD moments...

You know, the ones where you could not have planned it any better 

and everything just seemed to flow (inspite of me).

I am in awe of what happened up there.

So, I am speechless.

Not for a lack of words....

as a necessity to help me process all that happened there.

*   *   *   *

So this Music Monday I will share with you an oldie but a goodie

that ALWAYS makes me happy.

(And I day dream that I am having a fabulous party when I listen to it.)

Marvin Gaye

Got to Give it Up

 

I used to go out to parties and stand around
'Cause I was too nervous to really get down
But my body yearned to be free
I got up on the floor, boy
so somebody could choose me.

No more standin' there beside the walls
I have got myself together, baby
I'm havin' a ball

Long as you're groovin'
There's always a chance
Somebody watchin' might wanna make romance

Move your body, ooo baby,
And dance all night
Do that grooving’
Feel all right

Everybody's groovin' on like a fool
But if you see me spread out and let me in
Baby just party high and low
Let me step into your erotic zone

Move it up
Turn it down
Shake it down

OOWWWW

You can love me when you want to babe
This is such a groovy party baby
We're here face to face
Everybody's swingin'
This is such a groovy place

All the young ladies are so fine!

You're movin your body easy with no doubt
Know what you thinkin' baby
You want to turn me out
Think I'm gonna let you do it babe

Keep on dancin'
You got to get it
Got to give it up

Music Monday

Happy Memorial Day Everyone!

Whatever political party you "belong" to, I bet we can all agree that America is a pretty spectacular place to live.

 I feel so blessed that I get to call this country my home.

I think a lot of other people think so too.... 

 I heard on NPR the other day that America welcomes twice the amount of immigrants into its borders than all the other countries welcome into their borders, combined. 

I was floored. 

I felt immense gratitude...

For the freedoms that we have.

For the free speech that I get to enjoy without even thinking about it.

That I can raise my child how I see fit.

I can worship God without political oppression.

None of this would be possible with out all of the men and women that have served this great nation. 

I personally count them as a blessing...

Which brings me to Music Monday...

I had in my head that I was gonna do something patriotic... But I heard this song on the radio and was BLOWN AWAY...

It is by Damian Marley and Nas

I think it is so beautiful that they took the time to pour their gratitude into a song and perform it for all the world to hear.

I also find it refreshing that in a world of negativity and general crabbiness, that they would put this out there.

Whatever you feel towards these Artist's personal blessing list... just remember that it is their list. 

This isn't my list... (even though I appreciate the sentiment and adore the message). 

This, in my opinion, is supposed to spur us on to create our own blessing list.

And I’ve got studios to voice in
And I’ve got news for rejoicing
Now a new sun is rising
I count my blessings

That I’m safe when I’m resting
Furniture in my nesting
Not by force
I’m suggesting
You count your blessings

I’ve got love and assurance
I’ve got new heath insurance
I’ve got strength and endurance
So I count my blessings

And give thanks to the master
That through all the disaster
We’re still here
Together after
Better count your blessings

VERSE 1 – NAS:
Count your blessings
Cause yo’
This year
Can’t wait ‘till he gets here
7/21/09
My first son will shine
And it’s amazing
I’m about to be raising
Another made man
And like his dad
They’ll praise him
And some will hate him
Just cause we’re building a nation
Like Bob did with Damian
The world will embrace him
Girls will chase him
Foresee they will not break him
And when I’m not around
You look for God
And thank him

CHORUS 2 – JR GONG:
And I’ve got somewhere to dress for
And I’ve got no need to stress for
And so I’ll always put my best forth
And count my blessings

And there’ll be no need for tissues
Cause there’ll be no further issues
If you’ve got someone who miss you
Man count your blessings

And I’ve got love and assurance
And I’ve got new heath insurance
And I’ve got strength and endurance
So I count my blessings

And give thanks to the master
That through all the disaster
We’re still here
Together after
Better count your blessings

VERSE 2 – NAS:
You’re wishing
You were sitting
In the top position
Picture perfect
Nothing less cause you deserve it
Without the Hermes
You never hurting
You knew that you was
Destined for greatness
For certain
But see the over zealous
They be thirsting
Caught up in emotion
You’re keeping your composure
Like Gershwin
Songs by Earth, Wind
Keep you in a zone
Writing verses
So when your pocket’s light
Know that you have a heavy purpose

CHORUS 3 – JR GONG:
We’ve got pre-school and day care
We’ve got pension and well-fare
And though not all will play the game fair
Still I count my blessings

I’ve got joy in abundance
I’ve got life full of substance
I’ve got meetings and functions
So I count my blessings

I’ve got something to live for
I’ve got surplus to give more
And we’re all welcome through his door
So I count my blessings

And give thanks to the master
That through all the disaster
We’re still here
Together after
So I count your blessings

VERSE 3 – NAS:
I think you’re looking too hard for it
Want the double R
Under your garage door
Appreciate the things you work hard for
And count your blessing
Count your blessings
So don’t be mad if you ain’t fly ya’ll
You got the means
To reach the level I’m on
You should know that there’s only one Nas
Ya’ll
But count your blessing
Count your blessing
Ra!

CHORUS 4 – JR GONG:
And I’ve got studios to voice in
And I’ve got news for rejoicing
Now a new son is rising
I count my blessings

That I’m safe when I’m resting
Furniture in my nesting
Not by force
I’m suggesting
You count your blessings

I’ve got love and assurance
I’ve got new heath insurance
I’ve got strength and endurance
So I count my blessings

And give thanks to the master
That through all the disaster
We’re still here
Together after
Better count your blessings

Music Monday

I need structure... 

That being said I am instituting a Music Monday here on Faux Martha (PS, I still hate the name and you all are not off the hook in helping me pick a new one).

Either I will post a You Tube Video of a song or just post the lyrics... and give my P.O.V. on the whole thing..

Now, I am not saying that I will give any insight into the artist or have any clever thoughts... but simply represent me.

I love music... All kinds... I love music so much that listening to it has great impact on me and my emotions.

I totally believe that God speaks through music in my life... I know, here I go again with that whole God thing. 

But, I have had some AMAZING moments with Him, thanks to having the right song playing at the right time....

Like, pull over your car and put your head on the steering wheel and cry moments... or moments where you drop everything you are doing and go grab the nearest human/animal and have a full out dance party. 

So, with out further adieu... 

 

***

 Head Over Feet

I had no choice but to hear you
You stated your case time and again
I thought about it

You treat me like I'm a princess
I'm not used to liking that
You ask how my day was

You've already won me over in spite of me
And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet
Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn't help it
It's all your fault

Your love is thick and it swallowed me whole
You're so much braver than I gave you credit for
That's not lip service

You've already won me over in spite of me
And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet
Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn't help it
It's all your fault

You are the bearer of unconditional things
You held your breath and the door for me
Thanks for your patience

You're the best listener that I've ever met
You're my best friend
Best friend with benefits
What took me so long

I've never felt this healthy before
I've never wanted something rational
I am aware now
I am aware now

You've already won me over in spite of me
And don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet
Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are
I couldn't help it
It's all your fault 

****

Okay... Today is a lighter post because I really have no idea what and how I am going to do this whole Music Monday thing... So I am posting a song that is VERY near and dear to my heart. I know that it may seem mushy and corny to post this song... but ALL the lyrics that I have high-lighted are straight from my heart. 

Like, I have no idea how she knew about Eric and I. (Yes, I  am self-centered enough to toy with the idea.)

Eric and I have been married for almost 6 years and together for 11 1/2.... we started dating in utero... I kid, I kid... kinda.

But I am grateful everyday that we met so young. I count it as a blessing that I have known my soul mate for a good portion of my life. 

I have had many people ask me if I feel like I have "missed out" that I haven't dated more or wish I would have had more experience...

 The answer is no.

I am relieved that this man came into my life at such an early age... He has been nothing but a blessing to me and my family. 

I have had the pleasure of watching him grow from an above average boy to an excellent man. We have grown together and into each other...

I am not saying that we have only experienced pure bliss in this relationship... We have had our moments, weeks, and during the harder portions...months.

But we would rather be together in frustration, misunderstanding, and pain than to be separate from each other...

Without him I would never have let my guard down enough to love as deeply as I do... I am confident in that.

Last year for a Valentine's Day present,  I painted a canvas black and then painted all the lyrics to this song on it. I know he loved it...He teared up... and told me that he had never really listened to the lyrics before, but now that he had... 

He thought that this was the best compliment I had ever paid him.

And that was payment enough for me.