Christmas Music

This year at the D'Agosta family Christmas along with the task of baking cookies I have been given the intense task of making the mix cds. When you come from a family of musicians who each vehemently claim that their music taste is the only one that matters, to say this is a task is no exaggeration. Now, I have worked in retail for years and have had the pleasure of hearing some of the worst music out there (creed, I am speaking of you.) This year I have taken my task very seriously especially knowing that my cookies might be lacking and I need to step it up a notch this year.
Here you g. In no particular order, some music that does indeed, rock.

Sufjan Stevens the 4 disk Christmas album. -A warning, Sufjan is eclectic, it is perfect for your emo family members. For those of you not familiar with the term emo, it stands for emotional rock It typically involving eyeliner, by men. Yes, I also realize that this is an obvious choice that is why I put it out there early.

Beautiful Scandalous Night by the Robbie Sealy Band.

Chanticleer-I happen to enjoy choral music. There is something about a 4 part harmony that I love. I just get lost in it. They are not the best, but its free on itunes this week so i took them up on their offer.

Messiah Part II #44 hallelujah. Its Handels Messiah, it is like the steak of steak and eggs.

Mel Torme-Chestnuts roasting on the open fire.

Fools Rush In -Sinatra (Frank)

Bing Crosby

Steve Green

That is a taste of what will be playing. Any ideas to add? Always open for the suggestions.

for the soul

I realize that my postings have been more biblically based than humor lately. Jesus is moving in sweet ways in my life and this is where I am at. May you find encouragement.

Isaiah 26:3-4
" You keep him in perfect peace
whose mind is stayed on you,
because he trusts in you,
Trust in the Lord forever,
for the Lord God is an everlasting
rock."

Is 26: 8-9
"In the path of your judgments,
O Lord, we wait for you;
your name and remembrance are the desire of our soul.
My soul yearns for you in the night,
my spirit within me earnestly seeks you."

who by worrying

I have been working lately on a redeeming of my alone time. I am to often apt to spend it wandering aimlessly around bookstores buying more than I have time to read or just tossing in a movie. I have been making my way through the book of Luke as of late. In it I came across Luke 12 in which part of the chapter is dedicated to worry, this was quite timely.
My mind began to wonder back to a conversation I had about a week ago with a single friend of mine. She was lamenting this fact and began to talk about her fears and her future. It is amazing how sometimes the Lord can use us to speak the very truth we need to hear ourselves to one another, He is incredibly kind. As we talked I asked the questions "if you knew, for sure, that marriage is not what he has planned for you, what would you do with your life?" Her dreams for what she wants to do are incredible, she desires to change the world.
I was reflecting on that conversation along with trying to think of it in practical terms of my own life. Karla, you who are prone to wander, what would you want to do/what would you dream of if you were totally trusting your God? Worry is an area of sin for me. I want to be reassured, not forgotten, in control. These are the things that I would do and what I dream about.
-I want to see the poor find their rest in Christ
-I would talk to my family about Jesus with tears and pleading, that they would know and love him.
-I want to have kids and adopt. To raise my children to love and fear their God.
-I would support more missionaries
-sit in silence more, be still.
-listen, not be so quick to fill the silence.
-buy less...stuff.
-make more time for people

I am not even sure what I am trying to convey in this post. As I was trying to make this list the only thing I want that keeps coming to mind is, to be known by my God, to be found in him, to belong to him. I have been laboring under this illusion that worrying will add a day to my life, as if, if I don't worry who will. I have a father who will feed and clothe the sparrows, how much more does he love us. I suppose this entry is really just me preaching to my own soul, but I hope it can do some good for you also.

i love this.

"He has a sovereign right to do with us as He pleases; and if we consider what we are, surely we shall confess we have no reason to complain; and to those who seek him, His sovereignty is exercised in a way of grace. All shall work together for good; everything is needful that He sends; nothing can be needful that He withholds. Be content to bear the cross; others have borne it before you. You have need of patience; and if you ask, the Lord will give it: but there can be no settled peace till our will is in a measure subdued. Hide yourself under the shadow of His wings; rely upon His care and power; look upon Him as a physician who has graciously undertaken to heal your soul of the worst of sickness..... Yield to His prescriptions, and fight against every thought that would represent it as desirable to be permitted to choose for yourself. When you cannot see your way, be satisfied that He is your leader. When your spirit is overwhelmed within you, He knows your path; He will not leave you to sink. He has appointed seasons of refreshment, and you shall find He does not forget you. Above all, keep close to the throne of grace." -John Newton

awesomeness, I think so

I need to get hip. I am sure there are new things out here in the world wide web but I am often to lazy to look. Or if not lazy, just lacking in time. Tonight I had some free time so here are some things I did.
1) signed up for msn chat. my email is karlarae1979@gmail.com You sign up also and we shall be friends.
2)Someone had just recommended the new tv show "Pushing Daisies" while I was hesitant at first. I know am fully on board and love it. It is actually quite artful and beautiful in its filming style. Abc.com lets you watch all episodes for free.
3) tried to download the office ringtone. failed. I am just not technologically swift, at all. But I do love technology, just not as much as you, you see.
4)In the google search engine I typed in "Awesomeness" This came up. You know what? It really is an awesome web page! I find it insightful, funny, witty and all around wonderful. Enjoy.

Its about time, I've been waiting!

Oh goody! It is once again time for the annual throw down! Let wiskerino 2007 commence come Nov 1, 2007. If you wish to see the goodness for yourselves, Ladies and Gentleman allow me to draw you to our example Joshua Blankenship

For the record, I would totally support anyone I know joining in on this manly endeavor.

Now it is almost time for mustache may...BRING IT.

por terrible!

You must check out the youtube video to the left of your screen. Ladies and gentleman may I present to you: Miss Stacy Douglas, doing the best thing ever.

Neuticles

"because your dog knows what it's missing"
Oh my goodness gracious me oh my.
Neuticles.com

If you hear me use the phrase "Thats better than Neuticles!" And I WILL be using that phrase, you will know I mean it.

New Blog

It really was time, seriously. For someone who likes things to be astetically pleasing I am amazed I never thought to change my blog until today. I just could not take it anymore.



On a different note I was reading in Psalms today and I found this verse which stopped me in my tracks. I could not help but stop and reflect on it and then share it.

The steps of a man are established by the Lord,
when he delights in his way;
though he fall, he shall not be cast
headlong.
for the Lord upholds his hand.

I have been young, and now am old,
yet I have not seen the righteous
forsaken
or his children begging for bread,
He is ever lending generously,
and his children become a blessing.

I really loved the line "I have been young, and now am old yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken." It really struck me as beautiful.
For some reason it seems easier for me to love the Lord in the fall. Maybe it is the colors or the crisp weather but it just seems as though creation is on the brink of something. During this new season I am usually more reflective than normal. Last Sunday I had lunch at the usual (wonderful!) spot and met some new folk. Do you ever just meet people that you instantly want to be friends with? Instantly I was struck with the ackward state of "I like you, do you like me?" Watching Anders run around I was reminded of back in elementary school where you could just say "do you want to be friends" and that was that. Even in junior high, high school and college you had classes together. Now as adults when frankly often I don't even have time for the people I like let alone new people, you tell me how this works. I wonder if it is easier when you have kids, they are on the playground, you are on the playground...
In bible study yesterday we talked about loving the church. Not the institution but the people and then we talked about how painfully hard that can be sometimes. I get so ackward! Does anyone else literally break out in a sweat the minute we are forced to shake hands and participate in the welcoming? This strikes me as wrong, shouldn't I be really happy to meet other believers who most likely love Jesus? Instead I just get painfully shy and try to get it over with and see my friends. I am going to try and get better at this. Honestly what am I afraid of? Am I that afraid of ackward conversation (yes!)? Afterall 90% of my closest friends are people that either didn't like me or I didn't like at first. After all, that seems to have turned out well.

Seeing Jesus in Felicity

Over the course of the past year I have felt like I have been walking away from my faith. This is not something I desired or really saw coming. It started by getting lax in devotions. Then, rather than praying for the disaster I would just think of it, and get angry that said event even takes place. I felt like although I could see the events of Gods sweet provision I could not reconcile it with all the wrong I was seeing on a daily basis. I hated the hypocrisy of the Church and for a long time I was not sure if I wanted to change it or just get out. I had just become angry and I didn't even recognize myself.

The Lord has been sweet to me. He has put in me the will to delight and praise his name again. This week one of my closest friends lost the baby girl they had been expecting. I don't believe there is a way for me to write that so that I can get across what a gut wrenching loss this is. Danielle has done a much better job of expressing exactly how I have felt all week being by Molly and Aber. I can't do her post justice, I strongly suggest you read it. I do have a few things personally to add though.

Felicity has helped my heart to be captured by Christ again. In writing this I feel like a child trying to sum up a life changing week. I didn't have the right words to say, for most of the week I felt awkward, wanting to fix something I knew in my heart it was impossible to fix. I prayed a lot on my own this week, pretty constantly. It seemed as though I was privy to the worst moments of someones life, everything felt fragile and temporal. I spent a lot of time with Danielle looking at pictures from the hospital. She put together the most amazing photo album I have ever seen. Those pictures, while difficult to look at, taught me the meaning of beauty. The sacrifice of Christ, a mother and fathers pure undefiled love of their daughter, a daughter who has met her creator. Felicity was beautiful. I don't think I will even look at love or think of beauty the same way again. There have been nights where I could not sleep, the images of the pictures replaying in my head. Those were nights of sweet communion with God, where thru tears I met Jesus again. I am forever changed by the short life and death of this child whom I never actually met. I am a new creation because of a all Soverign Christ who works all things for our good even though it may hurt like hell.

Aber wrote a Poem for Felicity for the funeral. It is wonderful.

"Felicity, your mama and I've been prying since you were just a speck
that you'd be saved-that you'd love Jesus. "At an early age," we'd
sometimes pray, or sometimes we would even say, "Very soon."

We didn't know what we were asking for.

Last night, as we tried to fall asleep, for the fist time since we found out you exist, we didn't ask that God would save you. We thanked him
that he had.

The Lord has blessed you and kept you, Felicity. The Lord has made
his face to shine upon you and been gracious to you. The Lord has
lifted up his countenance upon you and he has give you peace.

If you'd been given to me longer, I'd have put my hand on you and prayed that blessing for you every night. But Jesus said "Yes" before I
got the chance to ask.

Yes, I'll bless her. Yes, I'll keep her.
Yes, I'll shine my face upon her and be gracious to her.
Yes, I'll lift up my countenace upon her, and I will give her peace.
Yes, I'll do all this for you. What's more, I'll do it for you now.

I can hardly breathe, Felicity. We didn't mean our prayers to be
answered quite like this. But here we are.

And there you are. Pleaseures forevermore. Your name could not be
truer now.

We never need to pray for you again-only about you: Dear Jesus,
thank you for Felicity."

life, ext

I have been re-reading Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller again as of late. It is a book that I always seem to go back to when I am feeling far away from God. It is a book that, rather than smother me with guilt about not being the "best Christian I can be" (which I already do, so I really don't need a book to draw that out. Thank you.) Rather he challenges me to look at the root problem of my sin. It is refreshing to hear an author acknowledge his own depravity and even tell us that he has an issue accepting grace. I find him engaging and challenging. Here is a sample of the book that has been resounding in my soul.

"We dream of Christ's love for His bride reading like Romeo and Juliet; two equals enflamed in liberal love. I think it is more like Lucentio's pursuit of Bianca in The Taming of the Shrew. That is, the groom endearing the belligerent bride with kindness, patience, and love.
Our "behavior" will not be changed long with self-disiplin, but fall in love and a human will accomplish what he never thought possilbe. The laziest of men will swim the English channel to win his woman. I think what Rick (his pastor) said is worth repeating that by accepting God's love for us, we fall in love with Him, and only then do we have the fuel we need to obey.
In exchange for our humility and willingness to accept the charity of God, we are given a kingdom. And a beggar's kingdom is better than a proud man's delusion."

+If those of you who know about it could pray: The interview is tomorrow. I am as prepared as I can be, now it is up to the Soverign God. Just pray it would be overwhelmingly obvious if this is a good match, both for them and for me. Thanks!

I have been marveling in the beautiful provision of the Lord the past few days. Words fail when describing how hard these past few days have been. I feel tired, lonely, desperate and just simply sad. Jesus has provided amazing friends who manifest his love in such a way that I am left speechless when trying to sum them up.

I was with my friend Sarah on Friday and she was asking how things were after the breakup. She asked me if I liked being single again. I was struck with two options, either lie and "save face" or just answer honestly. I chose the second and her response was incredible. She allowed me freedom of thought. Sometimes I think that we as singles are supposed to put on this brave front and act as though we are pleased with this stage of life even if we feel like this is a bitter cup. Now I do believe we are called to be content in all things, and the Lord is allowing me to find contentment in his precious name again. I am left wondering, what is with this facade that I want to put on. I do not want to dwell in anger or go down this road of bitterness. I think that I am afraid that if I do not put a funny spin on this break-up then I am just boring people with my talk and my tears might only bring an uncomfortable silence. This is closing me off from the kingdom, from Christ and from the people that he has brought into my life. I wonder if other single people feel like they are a bother? Is it just me? Sharing sin, real sin the kind that is not at all pleasing to look at has only brought freedom in the past. Bringing sin into glorious light is the only way to grow relationships deeper that I have found.

Last Sundays sermon brought such a sweet reminder of Grace. When Peter is chosen to be sifted God tells him, Peter I have prayed for you, after you deny me 3 times and you turn again may you strengthen your brothers. That is a loose paraphrase, left the bible in the car. Still, how incredible that I have a God who prayes for my strength to be strengthened, or that I have a spirit who interceeds for me with groanings far to deep for words. This God is beautiful to me. My soul adores him.

One the same note as the 2nd paragraph, I was talking to my roommate Holly and Matt tonight and we came up with some thoughts that I would like to share. Some back story to begin. I have never been one of those women who believe that my life begins when I get married. I have lived an amazing life and I have loved it although it marriage is something that I desire. I moved in with Matt and Holly instead of getting my own appt because I really thought I would end up in TX. I felt sure this was for transition only. When (my former) Matt and I broke up one of the first things that entered into my mind was shame. I am 28 years old living with some friends in a spare room. Why don't I grow up and get an apt? Holly and I discussed that tonight. It has been an amazing blessing living with them and sharing life. Single people have an incredible opportunity to minister to their married counterparts (and not just through bad dating stories that make them glad they have found someone!) and married couples to singles. I believe we sequester our selves off waiting until we become "better Christians" before we truly live in community. Suprise, you will never be better. Sanctified, yes. Better, no. The thoughts just came up that oftentimes we can hardly stand to think of our spouses seeing our sin, but we can accept that, heck we even signed up for that. But for a stranger or a friend, that is a level of intimacy we are not used to. I guess I can only speak for expierence but as hard as living in community has been (and trust me, sometimes it is painful) they are some of the sweetest times of intimacy and love that I have ever gotten the opportunity to be involved in.

That is it, a glimps into my overworked brain this week. Hope everyone is well.

Anatomy of a Breakup

Here is whats up friends.
-I am back in Mpls. It has been an interesting and amazing time. I have never doubted it but I have the best friends in the world. (Ya'll are absolutly incredible!) Mpls has been a different city than I remember, in the best ways. I remebember not really knowing my place here, feeling ackward. I had friends and a direction but I was feeling sort of disconnected. Now I am realizing that I am not the girl I was when I left. I feel more secure, more grounded. Things have changed here, rightly so, you can't expect peoples lives to wait for you for 2 years. But now instead of expecting things to stay the same I am loving just living life and being enfolded again. I am most richly blessed.

-I work as a executive assistant for a local massage company. I love it. I work with some amazing people, I just found out 1 of them is a believer and we laughed at the face that a few years ago we would have told everyone right away that we knew Christ. Now, we love Jesus and we don't want to reflect badly on him! Basically it was worth the stress of no job to wait for this one. Actually my manager asked me to think about helping her open another francise and possibly running the old store.

-I am applying for school at Hamline Univ. I would love to finish my bachelors and there is an amazing program to teach English as a second language. We shall see, here is hoping. FAFSA, just for your information...my love for you is totally TOTALLY contingent on you giving me money. Just so ya know.

-Matt and I broke up. It was really hard (especially the breaking up, getting back together and then breaking up again in the same day!) I have nothing but respect for him, he is an amazing man. Our lives were just not going in the same direction. I don't think I need to put my relationship details on the internet!

Is that enough for the last 3 weeks since I moved!! Oh actually, Chris Fink (friend of 10yrs) took me on a bikeride around Mpls last night. It was amazing! 11pm, the lights of downtown, photography, it was amazing. I will be buying a bike...soon, very soon. Anyone want to go? Mpls is a photographers dream. Aside of the road construction, I love it here.

ummm also 1 confession while I am at it. I bought (a few) comic books. I went to this store "Big Brain Comics" highly recommended by the way. I had a $50 gift certificate, I asked the guy there what to buy. He recommended "Summer Blonde" by Adrian Tomine, he was right. Then he asked me out. I am beginning to wonder if I have a stamp on my head. You know, I dated one guy who loved comics now...I am one of them. But, I am not. I am not.

Trashed?

I feel confident in saying that I shall be posting more than say, 1 post in the last 6 months! For now, enjoy this posting that Christina Teichroew (an amazing wedding photographer in her own right!) posted on her facebook from the New York Times. This one is my favorite

It come from http://www.facebook.com/share_redirect.php?h=fa5641d6a5ac4cc6d5e6842f63c712f2&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nytimes.com%2F2007%2F06%2F10%2Ffashion%2Fweddings%2F10trash.html%3Fex%3D1339128000%26en%3Dc7f4b16320865921%26ei%3D5124%26partner%3Dfacebook%26exprod%3Dfacebook&sid=2393442027 where the NYT took photos of brides who are right up my alley and would rather do something amazing and lasting with this dress rather than look at it in a box. Not that there is anything wrong with that! Enjoy.

David France!

ok, so if you are a fan of the following...
violin
hip-hop
violin mixed with hip-hop
David France and his insane skills
or just awesomeness in general check out.http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif

-I went to bbc with David for some years...he has an amazing heart for Christ, and he is a wonderful man-

whaaats happening

Well I am glad you asked.
Life here in the Noog' has been moving at a moderate speed. I feel like I should say things are crazy but really every day is about the same with some slight variations and I am really enjoying it. I am going to post again next week so for now lets enjoy the bullet points shall we?
-I am in love. He is wonderful both for me and to me.
-I am moving back to Mpls on June 26th.
-My birthday is June 28th, I will be 28...ohh golden b-day. We should celebrate with presents.
-I NEED TO SELL MY CAR!!!! HOW HARD IS IT TO UNLOAD AN 800 DOLLAR CAR THAT RUNS GREAT!!!
-I have a week and some change left at work.
-I am sad about leaving the Noog'
-I have learned more about faith, grace, and Christianity working among drug addicts for 2 years than at 25 years in a suburban church.
-Those 25 years at the suburban Church gave me a wonderful foundation for preparing my heart.
-I don't know where I am going to Church when I move back.

For those of you who pray:
-sell car.
-get job (Thanks to Emery I have an AWESOME resume.)
-the boy
-longer term housing.

See those of you who actually read this still soon!

gots myself tagged

Well, well, well. I got tagged. What does this entail you ask? Read on my friends, read on.


I got tagged...
Here are the rules: Each player lists 8 facts/habits about themselves. The rules of the game are posted at the beginning before those facts/habits are listed. At the end of the post, the player then tags 8 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

I hate not exploring all aspects of the "special scenes" of movies before I watch them, it is really actually painful.
I sang at the opening on the Mall Of America with Bel Canto Voices. We sang Minnesota Morning and I had to wear an ugly blue dress with a bow on my butt. I did however get free rollercoster rides.
I hate rollercosters.
I read the last 2 chapters of books first.
I like steamed broccoli but HATE cold broccoli.
I sometimes cry when I'm awake after 11pm.
I get emotional for no logical reason at all! I am type A, so as you can imagine this angers me to no end.
I can spend an entire day in B&N reading and eating a chicken sandwich, combine that with a walk and the boy and throw a movie in the mix makes me happier than you can know.


EMERY
LEEANN
MATT
JOSHUA
AARON
ANIE

Couch Surfing

I had lunch with Howell the other day and we began talking of travel. The one thing I dislike about travel is hotels, they feel impersonal and as if I am really a turist not able to fully immerse myself in the culture. This website may change that. Couch surfing, simply genius. You sign up, get verified through a check and balance system and begin to restore your faith in humanity. Seriously, how great! You can catch a plane to Peru and you have 358 "friends" allowing you to crash on the couch (FREE!!) and willing to take you to a pub to meet their friends. You immerse yourself with your guests, do some dishes, save some cash and not look like a total fool with a fanny pack and glassed over eyes with fear. I am totally down for this, once I am in my own place consider me "surfed."

photo de (soon to be) Mrs. Blankenship

Try to Blend In
Originally uploaded by Joshua Blankenship.

So, there once (still is) this boy named Joshua who moved out to TX to be with this girl (Mandy.) He takes pretty pictures, you should check out his stuff. Once he gets married he claims there will be a store to buy some stuff. Me, color me skeptical, but if it happens it will be radicalness personified. This photo is one example of the stuff he shoots.

Imagini

Thanks Emery!
This is really cool, it is is like a visual DNA. There are really amazing pictures also, mine really sums me up.

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