Revolution of Love

Revolution of Love

Do small things with great love.

2016 Recap (Part 2): Entertainment & Social Media Faves of the Year & Link-up

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It’s End of the Year Recap Week! Join me as we review over 2016 and share the good, the bad and the funny. Each post will be a link-up for you to share your own thoughts, memories and faves. Choose one or join them all! Here is the line up…

Monday – 2016 Recap (Part 1): 2016 in 12 Photos (hashtag #2016in12photos)

Today2016 Recap (Part 2): Entertainment & Social Media Faves of the Year

Wednesday – 2016 Recap (Part 3): Top Posts of 2016

Thursday –  2016 Recap (Part 4): Lessons God Taught Me in 2016

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I love End of the Year recap posts that review the things we loved over the past twelve months. Today’s post is a just-for-fun post with all my entertainment faves of 2016.

PLEASE NOTE – The movies, shows or music listed here are simply things I enjoy but I am not necessarily recommending to you. Everyone has their own level of what they feel comfortable watching/listening to/reading, especially my Catholic readers. If it doesn’t seem like something you would enjoy, please skip it!!

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My 5 Fave Books I Read in 2016

I logged in 30 books this year (in comparison to last year’s 12) and of my top 5 favorites, only one was published in 2016 so that gives it the #1 spot automatically.

#1

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi

Life memoir by Dr. Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer. His words were moving and thoughtful and by the time I reached the final epilogue by his wife, I was sobbing. Read my full review here.

#2

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

Gripping, edge of my seat, reading-way-too-late-in-the-night novel set in France 1939. Read my full review here.

#3

Big, Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

This was my first Moriarty book and what a page turner it was! I lost many hours of sleep trying to finish this book. Read my full review here.

#4

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

This book was also set in WWII and was riveting and heartbreaking. Read my full review here.

#5

The Light Between Oceans by ML Stedman

There is a lot of heartache and no Hallmark ending but the story pulled me in and had me questioning what I wanted to happen vs what should happen. Read my full review here.

* * *

Honorable Mention

Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay

I’ve read 3 of Katherine’s books so far and this one is my favorite. (Read my full review here.)

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My 5 Fave Movies of 2016

I have to admit that I love going to the movies but I spent years never walking into a theater when the kids were little. I just couldn’t get away or was too tired to try. But now that they are older, twice a month Brian lets me slip out of the house while he puts them to bed so I can unwind and get lost into another world for two hours.

Out of the 24 movies I watched this year, there were only a small handful that really moved me (#1-3 below.) For the 4th and 5th position I debated between a number of movies that I enjoyed (Light Between Oceans, Suicide Squad, Legend of Tarzan, Conjuring 2, Love & Friendship, Captain America, The Choice) but they weren’t “omgsh, I have to buy that when it is available so I can watch it again and again.” Since I had to choose for this post, these are my picks.

#1

hacksaw_ridge_poster

Hacksaw Ridge

This war movie was surprisingly my favorite movie of the year. Although the graphic nature isn’t for everyone, Andrew Garfield did an excellent job portraying conscientious objector Desmond Doss who saved 75 men in Okinawa without firing a single shot. Doss’ conviction, strong faith and incredible heroism was truly amazing. (Rated R for graphic war violence.)

* * *

#2

rogue_ones

Rogue One

I am a sucker for Star Wars movies (as long as you don’t mention Jar Jar) but I had my doubts whether or not I’d like this stand alone installment. However, I was thoroughly satisfied with the story, action and heart of Rogue One. Star Wars has stolen my heart again. (Rated PG-13 for extended sequences of sci-fi violence and action.)

* * *

#3

the_jungle_book_2016 The Jungle Book

I took Andrew to see this and I think I landed out enjoying it as much (if not more) as he did. The story was captivating and the special effects were enthralling. I was completely swept into the movie and it held my attention the entire time. It went beyond what I expected from a “kids” film. (Rated PG for some sequences of scary action and peril.)

* * *

#4

sully

Sully

I am fascinated by true stories that show characters dealing with over the top situations that would crush the average person. Are these people really above average or are they average people pushed to be great? Either way, Sully falls into that category of a seemingly regular guy accomplishing something incredible. (Rated PG-13 for some peril and brief strong language.)

* * *

#5

?

I’m saving the #5 spot because there are still a couple more movies I’d like to see from 2016 including The Lion, Manchester by the Sea, Arrival, Doctor Strange and Fantastic Beasts. (For the record, I have never read or seen any of the Harry Potter books or movies. However, Bella and I decided we will be reading/seeing them over 2017. I’m looking forward to it.)

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My 5 Fave New TV Shows of 2016

 #1

masterpieceMasterpiece

Masterpiece takes the top spot because 90% of the time, I absolutely love their programing. Favorites include the final season of Downton Abbey, Sherlock, Poldark (despite my anger at that storyline), Endeavor, Home Fires, Inspector Lewis, Wallander and more.  These programs could have easily taken my top 5 spots had they all been shown in 2016.

#2

the-crown The Crown

Rivaling Masterpiece programming is The Crown. This biopic costume drama is amazing – the acting, costumes and cinematography are excellent. Definite fave.

#3

xthisisusThis Is Us

After the first episode of This Is Us, I was hooked. The show is well written, has great acting and is a constant emotional roller coaster. If you were a fan of Parenthood and don’t mind a touch of sap and moral lessons, you’d probably like this. I love it.

#4

speechless-abc-tv-series-key-art-logo-740x416Speechless

I find this quirky family show hilarious. The characters are well wounded with good qualities and faults and they deal with life’s difficulties in a humorous, honest and sometimes in an over the top irreverent way.

#5

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(Tied)

Brian and I love a good thriller/mystery type show and while Designated Survivor is not perfect, it has kept our attention as we try to figure out who you can trust. Plus, it has Kiefer Sutherland. Enough said.

American Housewife won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but I can’t help but laugh at the main characters sass and sometimes flawed persona. I think I can relate to her feeling like an odd man out since I’m a plus sized chips and salsa gal living in a skinny champagne and oyster town.

Last minute update: Brian and I just started watching the The Man from the High Castle and after two episodes I am enthralled. Plus I still have to watch Stranger Things. Those two make take a Top 5 Spot. 😉

 

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My 10 Fave Songs of 2016

 


The Head and the Heart – All We Ever Knew


twenty one pilots – Heathens


Catfish and the Bottlemen – Soundcheck


Andrew McMahon In The Wilderness – Fire Escape


Green Day – Still Breathing


The Moth & The Flame – Red Flag


blink-182 – Bored To Death


The Joy Formidable – The Last Thing On My Mind


The Lumineers – Ophelia


Kaleo – Way Down We Go

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Social Media

Anyone that knows me knows I also love social media! I love to post, tweet and gram all over the place. Here are your faves of my contributions.

My Top 9 Instagram Posts

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My Most Liked Facebook Post

RevolutionofLove.com - just_write_2“Working on an upcoming Blessed Is She devotion. I love this ministry and feel honored to be a part of it. ❤️ #bissisterhood #biscontributer #projectblessed”  (May 2016)

Most Popular Pinterest Pin

RevolutionofLove.com - Bullet Journal Spring Update /bujo_collage_spring_review

Well, I hoped you enjoyed that walk down memory lane. What were your faves of 2016? If you are a blogger, add your link below. (You can keep it much shorter than I did!) The link-up will be open until January 31. If you don’t blog, add your faves or recommendations I should check out in the comments. Thanks and see you back here tomorrow!

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, GoodReads, Letterboxd, or Spotify, 😉

Are you ready to link up?? Here are the rules.

1. Create a post with your favorites.

2. Add a link back here so others can play along.

3. If you want to use the graphic, right click and save the image to your computer or copy the html into your blog’s html/text page.

RevolutionofLove.com - logo_year_end_enter

<img class=”aligncenter size-full wp-image-9337″ src=”http://revolutionoflove.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/logo_year_end_enter.jpg” alt=”RevolutionofLove.com – logo_year_end_enter” width=”500″ height=”333″ />

4. Link up below. Make sure you’re sending us to your actual post, and not to your general blog address.

The link up will be active until January 31, 2017. Have fun! 🙂


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My Favorite Songs of Summer 2015

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Can you believe today is the last day of August! The kids are back to school and the weather finally cooled off today. It really feels like the end of summer.  I was making an old school CD mix as a Get Well gift for a friend. I included my favorite songs of this summer. I thought it would be fun to add them here for you to enjoy. These songs were not necessarily released in summer, but they got a lot of summer airplay on the alternative stations and they were frequent flyers on my summer playlist. Enjoy. 😉

Atlas Genius – Molecules

Death Cab for Cutie – The Ghosts of Beverly Drive

Twenty One Pilots – Tear In My Heart

The Wombats – Emoticons

Florence + The Machine – Ship To Wreck (Live on SNL)

Coin – Run

Coleman Hell – 2 Heads

Wolf Alice – Moaning Lisa Smile

X Ambassadors – Renegades

Cheerleader – The Sunshine of Our Youth

SAINT MOTEL – “My Type” (LIVE)

Beck – Dreams


(Note: this song does have some language so make sure no kiddos are around.)

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads Letterboxd, Spotify or Instagram. 😉

PPS – This post may contain affiliate links.


7 Quick Takes (2/28/15): Tears, Conferences & Period Movies

I’ve got half an hour free so I’m linking up with Kelly for this week’s 7 Quick Takes.

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Song of the Week – Heartbeat by Mat Kearney

We are big Mat Kearney fans in this house and were looking forward to his new album that came out this week. (When I say “we” I mean the kids and myself. Brian is more of a Clash guy.)  I don’t think I like Mat’s new album (it had more rap) as much as Young Love but I have only heard it a couple times so far. The song Heartbeat is a favorite play in the kitchen. The kids will dance around and laugh and giggle with me. That is until they accidentally hit the salad bowl and send the contents crashing to the flour. At that point, I kick them out. 😉

 

~ 2 ~

Tears for Opa

I was need of the upbeat song to perk me up. Earlier this week had been rough. I posted this on Instagram and people were asking me what was wrong.

revolution of love blog - qt_pink_flowerWDay 7 of #onlyonething & #holylens – It has been a rough day today and I’m PRAYING to the FATHER that I can still see beauty despite the heartache.

It was concerning my FIL. As you may remember, after his stroke he was making good progress physically and mentally. We thought it was a miracle that there seemed to be very little damage after they got the blood clot out. Well, that optimism has diminished. Over the past two weeks he has been declining mentally and by Saturday I told Brian that something was not right. He was more than a little confused, he was getting worse. The following day the doctor talked to Brian and my MIL and told them that he has been diagnosed with vascular dementia and he is displaying many of the negative symptoms that go with it. My MIL was crushed. We had such high hopes because he was doing so well.

On Tuesday, I went for my morning walk and I was thinking about how changed my FIL was. He was older but was active and mentally sharp. He’d try to explain about finances and investments to me and it would be over my head. He would pick up the kids from school and often take them to his house where they would hike in the woods and have fun. And now… there will be no more of that playful Opa outside with the kids.

I couldn’t stop the tears from falling as I mourned the dad I used to know and it took me by surprise. He’s not my biological “daddy” but he has taken a special place in my heart. I know he also has a special place in his heart for me. My MIL would often call me up and say, “Can you please talk to your father and tell he he should (fill-in-the-blank). He won’t listen to me but he’ll do whatever his ‘sweetie’ asks of him.”:-)

Thankfully, I had my sun glasses on so I could just let the tears flow and my fellow  walkers didn’t know the difference. I am feeling better now and learning to make the most of what we can do with Opa.

 

~ 3 ~

Catholic Conference 4Moms

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Have you heard about the online Catholic Conference 4Moms that is taking place next week? There are numerous presenters (including two of my faves Auntie Leila and Rachel Balducci) and various topics. This is how it works:

Every day during the conference, Friday, March 6- Monday,March 9, you will have access to 5-6 talks, just as if you were at a live conference. This link will come via email. What’s different is that you can choose which talks you want to watch or listen to and when you you want to do it. Early morning? Wonderful. Nap time? Great. Before bed? Super. Car line? Fine, as long as you don’t try to watch while driving!

After the conference is over, it will all be available for purchase for one low price of $39.99 This will include online access to all the videos, as well as a download of every video presentation. And besides all of this, there will also be bonus downloads, PDFs, discussion questions, ebooks, and other goodies.

The hope is that with this package you not only can enjoy the conference again at your own convenience, but you can also share the conference with other moms, perhaps in a support group setting or just over tea. Each presentation in the conference package will include discussion questions.

I like the fact that you can attend at your convenience and don’t need to be plugged in at a specific time. I’ll be signing up. You can get more info and register here.

 

~ 4 ~

Downton Finale!

Are you ready for the Downton Abbey finale tomorrow night?? I bought the DVD for Season 5 so I’ll be cheating and watching the finale for our at-home date night tonight. My final Downton Recap for the season will be posted on Monday!

 

~ 5 ~

Grand Hotel

qt_grand_hotelSpeaking of addictive period dramas, have you heard about Grand Hotel? When I have a lot of cooking to do, I like to set up my laptop in the kitchen and watch something while I am chopping veggies and making soups etc. I just finished watching North and South again. (I may or may not have watched the last episode twice just to see Mr. Thorton plead once more…

qt_thornton“Look back at me.”

Anyway…. on the list of Netflix‘s suggested shows they had Grand Hotel so I started watching. It’s weird at first because it has the feel of Downton Abbey and you expect to hear British accents but it takes place in Spain and is in Spanish. However, it does have English subtitles.  The synopsis on imdb.com says:

1905. Julio, a young man, arrives at the Grand Hotel, an idyllic place in the middle of the countryside, to investigate the disappearance of his sister. He gets a job as a waiter and comes across the sexy wealthy daughter of the owner. He falls in love with her and starts a dangerous affair while she becomes the only person who will help him to discover the truth about his sister’s disappearance. Find out all the secrets and mysteries hidden in the wonderful Grand Hotel.

I got hooked on one episode but wondered if it was worth going through the next three seasons. But then I saw that Micaela and Jen were both raving about it so it’s a go. I’ll let you know how it progresses as I watch more episodes.  😉

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Introductions

On Monday, Blessed Is She had Monday Introductions on Instagram. For any new reader here, I’m reposting my entry so you can get to know me too. 🙂

 revolution of love blog - ba_mvx_2-2015_400My name is Bobbi and I’m a Blessed Is She writer/Instagram contributor. I live in CA along the coast in Monterey Bay. I’ve been married to my husband Brian for 15 years and we have 4 kids – Bella 13, Andrew 7, John-Paul 5, Matthew 3 (pictured) & 2 babies in heaven. Our house is overrun by Legos and light sabers but I secretly love it. I also love being out in God’s creation, going to the movies, Disneyland, the sound of laughter, Jane Austen, planners and stationary, road trips, mi familia, period movies, BBC mysteries, tacos, dark chocolate and witnessing kindness. (Is that random enough? ) I blog  at Revolution of Love Blog.com about motherhood, living a life of faith and the other topics I mentioned here. To answer the question of the week – my favorite prayers are The Divine Praises, The Lord’s Prayer, and the Memorare.

 

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Your Turn

Okay, now it’s your turn! Tell me a little about yourself! AND/OR what’s your favorite prayer(s)?

Have a great weekend!

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads or Instagram. 😉


7 Quick Takes (2/13/15): Hubby Loving, Heartfelt Words & 50 Shades of Grey

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Happy Friday! I am gleeful because the kids are off school today and I have no pending appointments or errands so I am not stepping out of the house today! Instead I am going to catch up on all the things that have been neglected this busy week. You know it’s bad when no one has clean underwear and we each own at least 10 pairs…) 😉 But before I start cleaning, let’s do a quick 7 Quick Takes, linking up with the sweetheart Kelly over at This Ain’t the L… (Um, yeah, I can never remember how to spell or pronounce that word so just go there and see for yourself.)

~ 2 ~

Your Mess Is Mine

My song of the week is Vance Joy’s Your Mess Is Mine. It seemed perfect for Valentine’s Day. The official video was weird so I’m adding this lyric video instead.

I especially love this line

You’re the reason that I feel so strong
The reason that I’m hanging on…

Hold on, darling
This body is yours,
This body is yours and mine
Well hold on, my darling
This mess was yours,
Now your mess is mine

After the last couple of years Brian and I have had a number of crosses we’ve had to carry. It is said that when couples face very difficult situations it either drives them apart or brings them closer together. Thankfully, it has brought us closer together.  The “mess” of our lives belongs to both of us and we fully accept it and go hand in hand as we walk through it. I know that we can both say to one another honestly, “You’re the reason that I feel so strong, the reason that I’m hanging on.” (Happy – early – Valentine’s Day, my love!)

 ~ 3 ~

Lovin’ my hubby.

I’m still doing my week of Instagram with the hashtag #ilovemyhubby2015. Here are the last four days’ photos.

revolution of love blog - qt_homeworkDay 3 – I love my husband because after a long day at work he comes home and helps the kids with their homework.

revolution of love blog - qt_angrybirdOkay, so I having a really rough day when I posted this one…

Day 4 – I love my hubby because when I have a bad day and feel like an angry bird he knows just what to do – don’t talk to me, don’t touch me, just leave me alone. When he sees I’ve cooled off, then he hugs me and comforts me and all the world is right again.

qt_tbt_kids_packerThis was Throwback Thursday from before Matthew was born. The other kids look so tiny!

Day 5 – Brian and his Packer fans. I love my hubby because he is an amazing father!

qt_boys_prayerDay 6I love my husband because he’s an example of a holy man to the kids. On his lunch break he stops at the chapel by Matthew’s preschool. Now the boys want to stop by the chapel after school to talk to Jesus just like daddy. (Matthew likes to sit on the kneeler and close his eyes in fervent prayer.)

~ 4 ~

She Died, But She Also Lived

ec_coverPhoto Credit  – Barefoot and Sometimes Pregnant

This morning, despite having the opportunity to sleep in, I automatically woke at 6 AM. Everyone was still sleeping and the house was quiet, the bedroom window was open a little and I could hear the breeze rusting through the trees. Ah, it was a moment of bliss. I took advantage to snuggle up in my bed and read on my phone.

I wanted to catch up on my sister’s blog since I haven’t had time to read anyone’s blog. Oh, my goodness! Yesterday’s post She Died, but She Also Lived had me in tears. Elena spoke about little Joan (who died just before birth.) Her words were so beautiful and heart felt. She also mentioned the memory book I made for her. Inside it were the prayer bouquets and notes of condolences that you asked me to give her. Thank you again for caring so much for my sister, including those that did not know her personally. Go read it for yourself, especially if you ever lost a little one of your own.

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Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.

11mueller-master180Photo credit – Mueller Family

Speaking of heart felt, this week it was confirmed that Kayla Mueller died while being held captive by ISIS. Whether they killed her or she was a victim of the Jordanian airstrikes remains unclear. However, Kayla smuggle out a letter to her family. I don’t know how much of the letter was influenced by her captors but this line really touched my heart:

I have been shown in darkness, light + have learned that even in prison, one can be free. I am grateful. I have come to see that there is good in every situation, sometimes we just have to look for it.

Read the whole letter here.

 

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Share the Lenten Love!

Can you believe that Lent is next week!! More poor sis Bridge celebrates her birthday that day. I’m guessing she’ll celebrate a day early on Fat Tuesday! Have you written any Lent-related posts?? If so you should link them up!!

Revolution of Love Blog - pinterest_lentFirst come on over to my Pinterest Party: Lent Edition. (Open until Easter Sunday.)

 

BISSISTERHOODThen head over to Blessed Is She for the #BISsisterhood: Lent. (Open until Mon 2/16)

 

~ 7 ~

50 Shades of Grey

Everyone has been talking about 50 Shades of Grey. There have been some great articles about the movie. Some of them serious (putting a spotlight on domestic violence) and some funny (Hello, Dave Barry.) I’m including some of my favorites. The final link, a movie review from the Today Show pretty much sums it all up.

— “Some of the Red Room stuff was uncomfortable. There were times when Dakota was not wearing much, and I had to do stuff to her that I’d never choose to do to a woman.” – Jamie Dornan, Glamour, January 30, 2015

— “The first day [of filming] was kind of an out-of-body experience. I got there and they said, “Action!” I’m like, “What the f—k is happening? I’m a dad. What?” – Jamie Dornan, Glamour, January 30, 2015

— (On visiting a sex dungeon.) “It was an interesting evening. Then go back to my wife and newborn baby afterwards … I had a long shower before touching either of them.” Jamie Dornan, Elle UK, January 2, 2015

— “Filming a sex scene is not a sensual or pleasurable environment. It’s really hot—not in a steamy, sexual way. It’s just sweaty and it’s not ver y comfortable. And on top of that, my hands and legs were tied, and I was blindfolded, and I was being hit with this bizarre tool. … It was emotionally taxing. At first I was like, ‘Oh my God, this is the worst thing ever,’ and then I was like, ‘All right, let’s get on with it.'” – Dakota Johnson, TIME, February 2, 2015

— “I still can’t look at it objectively or wrap my head around it. The parts of the movie that are difficult to watch were even more difficult—and emotionally taxing—to shoot.” – Dakota Johnson, Vogue, January 20, 2015

My only question is why do it in the first place? Maybe they didn’t realize until they were already too into it. Well, I can only hope the movie fizzles out..

UPDATE – I am adding this post here that I just read. It really touched my heart.

Also, if you are looking to add a little spice to your marriage without the 50 shades, then check out Hallie’s post.

 

You know I am a movie lover but I definitely won’t be going near this one.  These are my sentiments, even though I technically have a soft spot for Mr. Knightly.

darcy_vs_grayPhoto Credit – Facebook.com/ongossamerwings

Instead of watching 50 Shades,

Kingsman_The_Secret_Service_posterI will be watching action movie The Kingsmen

The Secret Service KSS_JB_D01_00106.tif…with Colin Firth, thank you very much. (Read a review from Verily here.)*

UPDATE: A number of my friends saw The Kingsman and they all said that they wish they had not seen it. I read a many more reviews, which also did not recommend the movie so I decided to skip it and watch the old Pride and Prejudice instead. 😉

Have a great holiday weekend!

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads, Letterboxd or Instagram. 😉

PPS – This post may contain affiliate links.


The Top Ten Theme Songs of My Life

Hey guys. I feel like I haven’t posted in ages. We had a great time in Lake Tahoe and I was not online much and that spoiled me. We’ve been home for a couple days but I still haven’t touched my computer . However, I thought it was time to get back into it, at least a little bit. Last night I went to go see the move Begin Again and it got me thinking about music. Then I saw that  Jen asked us to share the theme songs of our life. Anyone that knows me well, knows that I love music and I always have mental soundtracks that accompany the memories of my life. So here are my Top 10 theme songs that hold meaning to my life.

photo credit

 

~ 1 ~
The Childhood Years

Ain’t No Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

When we were growing up, my parents liked to listen to the oldies station that played a lot of motown. I remember my mom telling me this was one of her favorite songs. I like this one because it seems to represent my parents early years of marriage. Barely 20 years old (or so) they had rough childhoods and their own demons to fight. Being the oldest, I best remember the early years and the troubles they faced. God was not an active part of their lives then and you could see the effect. They struggled. But as the song says…

Listen, baby
Ain’t no mountain high
Ain’t no valley low
Ain’t no river wide enough, baby

If you need me, call me
No matter where you are
No matter how far
Just call my name
I’ll be there in a hurry
You don’t have to worry

God was always there beckoning them, calling them, ready to fly to their sides if they called out to Him. Thankfully, they did. God’s grace healed their relationship, healed the issues they were facing and breathed new life into our family. God became the center and we slowly learned to live for Him. As the years passed and more babies came (eventually 9 kids) mom and dad’s love grew even stronger. There was no valley low enough to keep them apart from one another. After 45 years of marriage, they are going as strong as ever… still loving and still feisty. They are a living example of how God’s grace can completely transform a life.

~ 2  ~
The Teen Years (TIED)

Love Song  by The Cure

Suedehead by Morrissey

You get two songs for the price of one because I had a ridiculously difficult time narrowing it down to one song since there were numerous tracks dominating my headphones. Runner ups were The Smith’s Ask, New Order’s True Faith, Depeche Mode’s Policy of Truth and Psychedelic Furs’ Heartbreak Beat. Back then these songs were the soundtrack of driving around So Cal. Now they are the playlist I use to scrub toilets, do laundry and wash countless dishes. My how times have changed. 😉

~ 3 ~

Young Adult – The Dark Years

Head Like A Hole by Nine Inch Nails

The song itself is not really bad but the memories that come with it are not good. They conjure up the years I fell away from God and into sin.

 

~ 4 ~
Young Adult – The Reversion Years

Confession by John Michael Talbot

I think the lyrics say it all. (I started crying again just posting it here.)

I see a struggle now within
Alive in my soul
As I’m dying to sin
I do the things that I hate
So I hate what I do
Who will deliver me?
But thanks be to God through Jesus Christ
For there is no condemnation at all

This is the message we have heard
We have seen with our eyes
We have touched with our hands
The Word of life appeared
The Word became flesh
The Word dwelt among us
The Word of life
The God of light
And in Him there is no darkness at all
If we claim to have fellowship with Him
Yet we walk in the dark
We live in a lie
If we claim to be without sin
We deceive ourselves
The Word is not within us
If we confess our sins and cry out to God
He will forgive and purify our human hearts
For those who are in Jesus Christ
He has given us of the Spirit of God

I see a struggle now within
Alive in my soul
As I’m dying to sin

 

~ 5 ~

Young Adult – The Discernment Years

Dreams by the Cranberries

As the song says…

Oh, my life is changing everyday,
In every possible way.
And oh, my dreams, it’s never quite as it seems,
Never quite as it seems.

My 20’s held the most changes in my life. After my reversion and coming back to God, He completely changed my heart. I then contemplated a religious vocation. It was very difficult for me because my dream was to always be a mom one day and to give that up was almost more than I could bear. However, I knew that I owed everything to God and if this is what he wanted of me, than I would follow. Like Abraham, God only wanted my willingness to sacrifice my Isaac. In the end, I realized I was called to the vocation of marriage. This song represents those years of waiting and yearning for The One. I never thought my dreams could be so completely fulfilled until I met Brian. He was everything I dreamed of and then some.

 

~ 6 ~

The Dating/Long Distance Relationship Year

Return to Me by Dean Martin

 Brian and I met online in November of 1998. We met in person in April of 1999. We were engaged a few months later. Up until one week before the wedding at the end of that year, we were separated by 400 miles. It was very difficult, to say the least. Brian sent me a cassette (remember those?!) of a Dean Martin album with special emphasis on this song. 🙂
~ 7 ~
The Honeymoon Years

What A Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong


I was finally married to the man of my dreams. Need I say more?

 

~ 8 ~

The Motherhood Years

Hey Mama by Mat Kearney

Motherhood did not come easily for me. After we were married it took us a year to conceive Bella. The next six years brought us secondary infertility and two babies lost in miscarriage. Thankfully, we found out about The Creighton Model of NFP along with a great NFP teacher and doctor who helped us figure out the problem and a solution. The result? Three bouncing bambinos within the next six year span. God is good.

This song fills me with nothing but good memories because we listen to it all the time as we are driving in the car or when I am cooking dinner and they are “breakdancing” on the kitchen floor as they yell, “Hey mama! Look at me.” Happy sigh. “I’m looking, sweetie. I’m looking.”

 

~ 9 ~

The Cancer Years

Hold You Up – Shane Harper

I’ve posted this song on the blog before but it still means a lot to me. Here is a portion of the lyrics:

When it’s coming apart, you had it all.
It wasn’t enough. No, it’s not enough.
They tell you it’s not worth the price, so just let it go.
But you know you can’t. You know you won’t.

It’s not easy, no.
Finding the words to say.
When you’re feeling lost, you’ll find your way.

The world is so broken and sometimes it leaves you cold.
At nighttimes you can’t feel the fire to guide you home.
The demons will harm you and try to steal what you know.
But the angels, they brought you, and they’re gonna hold you up.
They’re gonna hold you up.

They see the fear in your eyes, heart sinks like a stone.
‘Cause when you’re afraid, it weighs on your soul.

It’s not easy, no.
Finding the words to say.
When you’re feeling lost, you’ll find your way.

The world is so broken and sometimes it leaves you cold.
At nighttimes you can’t feel the fire to guide you home.
The demons will harm you and try to steal what you know.
But the angels, they brought you, and they’re gonna hold you up.
They’re gonna hold you up.
They’re gonna hold you up.
They’re gonna hold you up…

* * *

I love the lyric “The demons will harm you and try to steal what you know. But the angels, they brought you, and they’re gonna hold you up.”

When I am feeling overwhelmed and am stressing out I am tempted to lose it, I can give into my weakness and the negativity in my head and allow the demons to steal what I know – that God is with me. That he is strongest when I am weakest and He can accomplish amazing things. If I am docile in the hands of God and surrender to him in the little things, as well as the big things, He will hold me up and carry me through. That is especially timely these days. 😉

 

~ 10~

Modern Day

Pompeii by Bastille

The current soundtrack of my life is the entire Bad Blood album by Bastille. I’m addicted to every song but the one that touches me the most right now is “Pompeii.” When we found out that Brian’s cancer came back in January, I felt just like this…

And the walls kept tumbling down
In the city that we love
Great clouds roll over the hills
Bringing darkness from above

But if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
Nothing changed at all?
And if you close your eyes,
Does it almost feel like
You’ve been here before?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?
How am I gonna be an optimist about this?

Our life has been turned upside down with his cancer, but there are moments when we are lost in our love and we forget what we are battling. It has brought us closer together and with only one chemo cycle left, I am optimistic about our future.

PS – You can follow RoL on Bloglovin, Feedly or another news feed. If you are a social media fan like me, we can stay in touch through Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, GoodReads, Letterboxd or Instagram. 😉

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