Goodness, I can’t remember the last time I wrote a “What I Learned” post. Truth be told, I’ve missed these! Not only do I enjoy reflecting on what I’ve learned each month, but it’s fun to read what other folks have learned too.
It wasn’t till I sat in my sunroom full of hodge-podge belongings and started thinking about what I learned this month that I realized much of it has a theme: country music. (And this is where some of you non-country music fans say, “check please.” Ha!) But with a trip to Nashville (for reasons unrelated to country music) and a Tim McGraw concert here in Colorado Springs, there was no way to miss the notes tuned in that direction. However, not everything I learned this month centered on country music! Stay with me here and read about a think or two I also discovered, no twang in sight.
What I Learned in September:
Filming is more work than I thought it would be. In Nashville, I had the privilege of working on a project with (in)courage and LifeWay, just for you. I can’t say much more about it right now, except that the whole shebang was a lot of fun and encouraging for my heart. It’s my hope and prayer than when the time comes, you discover it to be the same for you. And I don’t know if it’s because I always feel all knees and elbows on camera or something else, but filming was a lot of work. Harder than I expected!
(Related to above) Getting my hair and makeup done is exactly as fun as I always thought it would be. Also related: I have the thinnest, wispiest eyelashes in the whole wide world, and false eyelashes are dang near miracle workers. I haven’t yet taken the time to buy any to wear at home, but I’m no longer intimidated by them.
Miranda Lambert looks stunning up close and in person. After we completed filming on our last day in Nashville, some of us went on a little sight-seeing trip ’round town. As we meandered down a sidewalk on 12th Ave, I admired a cute outdoor patio outside one of the restaurants. And lo and behold, I did a double take because the woman sitting in the corner closest to where I stood looked like Miranda Lambert. Turns out it was her! Eating like a totally regular person! Y’all, I wanted to say hi and tell her how I enjoy her work somethin’ fierce. (I mean, have you heard her latest song “Vice”? SO good.) But she was eating, so I refrained. Somehow I managed to keep my good manners in spite of being a little star struck. Still, she was gorgeous. Not particularly made up all fancy-like, but still gorgeous. Or maybe that’s why she looked especially pretty.
Initial time estimates on home construction are not to be taken seriously. AT ALL. I know of what I speak.
Country music artists Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are my new favorite instagram follows. They are so kind to each other and so supportive of their daughters. They provide great little everyday glimpses into their lives that prove they are regular people too.
Speaking of Tim McGraw, my family and I heard him perform a couple weeks ago at the Air Force Academy, and he sounded great! More than that, he was a classy fellow and a generous performer.
The way to stop unraveling into fear is to unfold into the gospel. More than any time in my life, I found myself withdrawing from social media lately because I was straight up afraid to be more fully seen. As I wrote about here, I knew it was bad when posting a simple, no-big-deal picture on facebook found me wringing my hands and questioning other’s opinions of it. A year or two ago, I wouldn’t have thought twice about posting the picture. Now, it seemed risky and vulnerable.
As I sit in the presence of Christ, I hear him telling me to be me and be me well. I have a lot of work to do still, but I’m learning to celebrate small victories in this area.
ATM’s that offer cupcakes are a real thing. Who knew? All those in Nashville, I guess, as this is yet another awesome find from Music City. May there also be a cupcake ATM near my home in heaven.
Girl Meets Change is one year old! I can hardly believe it. Thanks to each of you who bought it and read it or borrowed it and said a kind word about it. I believe in this book’s message as much as ever, and I hope it continues to be a place where our anxiety over change meets God’s purpose found in it.
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40 country artists from then and now layer 3 iconic songs in a music mash-up. Y’all. Y’ALL. I’ve watched this like 15 times now. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Country Music Association Awards, artists from Dolly Parton to Dierks Bentley, from Charley Pride to Carrie Underwood sing “I Will Always Love You,” “Take Me Home, Country Roads,” and “On the Road Again.” Other artists include Reba, George Strait, Willie Nelson, Vince Gill, Lady Antebellum, Faith Hill, and Keith Urban. Even if you’re not a country music fan, you may still enjoy this.
That’s all I have for now! So tell me, what did *you* learn this month?
Beth Williams says
Kristen,
I love walking on the beach, spending time with my hubby. As I age time seems to fly by quickly. It seems like September just got here and now it’s gone. Love fall with all it’s colors and delicious foods.
Kristen says
I love all those things too, Beth. xo
Rachael says
It feels good to be back to reading your blog again. Life got a little crazy for a bit and I had to play catch up. Loved reading your September lessons!
Rachael says
PS. I loved that country mash-up! Thanks for sharing.
Susan says
Oh, My. Gosh. Not only are you an amazing writer (!!) living in Colorado Springs(my heart home)….you like country music AND just posted one of the best videos ever(srsly). Honestly, I feel like I am sitting down having coffee with a friend when I read your posts and you made my day today 😉
Christy says
I’m catching up on emails after a big move myself. I so enjoyed reading this post. Nashville is one of my favorite places to visit. And that mash-up song is a musical masterpiece! I loved this the moment I heard/watched it! Thank you for sharing your heart with us! I always look forward to your blog posts and I loved Girl Meets Change! Can’t wait to hear more about the (in)courage/Lifeway project.