All caught up? Good. Because it’s time Part III.

• Change #1: We’re moving. Update: We started looking into renting houses and larger apartments. We made a lot of calls. 3 places called us back. 1 we didn’t like the location so we never went to see it. 1 we drove past the location and decided we didn’t want to see it. And the last was an apartment complex in the village of the town we currently live in. They had 1 large 2 bedroom apartment available (something that sounds very uncommon to this complex). We went to see it and felt it was perfect for us. So we took it and it’s ours as of April 15th Oh and by the way, it’s larger than our current place AND cheaper! Moving Change: almost complete.
• Change #2 – We’re pregnant. Update: 6+ months now and all is still well. We’re finishing our registry today and I’m told the baby shower invites are going out this week. I’m getting a bit nervous to be a mom but I hear that’s normal. Life Change: only a few months left.
• Change #3 – Chris’ job change. Update: 1 of the 2 interviews he had offered him a job and he accepted. From the start I had felt that he’d get a job by the end of February and it would be a certain figure. He got this call at the end of February and it’s about $1,500 more than the salary I thought. God is good. He starts on March 29th and won’t have the crazy long commute he has right now. And that nice severance check goes right into our savings account. He didn’t skip a beat with pay checks! Job Change: almost complete.




• Change #4 – We’re switching churches. Update: We’ve made the active decision to become plugged-in regulars at our new church. Since then our pastor “randomly” approached us to get to know us better and find out how he can help us meet people and find our place. We’re looking forward to checking out some home groups in the next couple of weeks and being apart of what’s going on. We also started going to the “pre-service” worship service and have enjoyed every minute of it.  Also, with the location of Chris’ new job and our new apartment, we won’t have to find a new church as we knew was possible. Church Change: complete.

Conclusion/Life Lessons on Change: I’m a lot stronger than I knew. My faith in God is a lot stronger than I knew. I have no clue how we would have done this without knowing the value of faith and prayer. I have an amazing husband.

Similar to Christian rock bands: Search the City, Dizmas and Stellar Kart, Me in Motion cannot help but include their faith in their rock ‘n roll sound. With tracks titled “The God I Know” and “You Move Me,” this band writes songs with the vision to inspire true, tangible Christianity. The lyrics are real and relate-able and the music is powerful and catchy. It’s a perfect balance that will surely capture the hearts of many soon to be fans. Although it’s their first full length album, the self-titled Me in Motion album is as well produced and put together as many seasoned artists. Each song is unique and inspired – leaving its listeners with a beat in their head and lyrics to repeat throughout the day. Whether you’re a fan of pop-like sing-a-long songs or stadium-worthy worship ballads, Me in Motion has something that’ll hook you. The only problem I have with the album is that it ends too quickly! But, there is nothing better than leaving listeners wanting more. And that’s exactly what they’ve done.

Me in Motion’s self-titled album will be out next Tuesday, March 23rd through Centricity Music. In the meantime, head over to their website to pre-order their album and catch up with the Seth, Tim and Brian on the social networking site of your choice.

What is the one thing you can’t live without? What brands are best? What do we NOT need that the stores will tell us we do? What do we definitely need to get?

This is your chance to voice all of the opinions I know you have – help a mom-to-be out!

Comment below or send me an email: jessicareiche@gmail.com

Thanks everyone!! Looking forward to hearing from you!

And for those of you wondering where your invitation to my shower is…the answer is that I have no idea. My mom and mother-in-law are planning it and i’m pretty sure the invites haven’t gone out yet. All I know is I’m having a shower and I need to register lol.

All caught up? Good. Now for the exciting news: I DID IT! I actually made my scrapbook that I’ve been talking about making for 3 years now! So although experienced scrapbookers will probably not be impressed with my layouts, themes and designs, I’m proud of it and that’s all that matters.

The cover

Our Journey Page

- Galatians 6: 9-10

The other day I was reading my Bible and had to stop when I came across this scripture. Ever read something and think you know what it means, but then one day see it under a new and different light? Well I did this day. I understand the whole don’t give up part. I understand the do good part. I even understand the “to all people” part. But what about that last part that we quickly read to finish the sentence? “Especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Now why in the world does it say that? It just said to do good to all people. That includes believers. Why repeat it? Well if there’s one thing I’ve learned about God’s word, it’s that He doesn’t repeat things unless they’re important and need to be called out. So that brings me to today’s thought. Why is it that people reading the bible (Christians) have to be told to do good to those who belong to the family of believers (Christians)? Seems to me, Christians fighting Christians isn’t a new thing. People arguing and backstabbing that believe in the same God isn’t a new concept. It’s sad that we need to be reminded that of course we should do good to the poor and needy and searching and lost…but also our brothers and sisters in Christ. We can’t take them for granted or treat them any different than we would the cashier we just smiled at. Christians ignoring other Christians or not reaching out to them because they’re already saved is the most bogus concept I’ve ever heard…yet it happens so often that we excuse it. We think saving the lost and witnessing to others is more important than doing good to our kinda needy, annoying Christian brother.

I think it’s time Christians start looking at their actions towards EVERYONE and see what it really looks like.

Normally, we find the songs we like and we find the songs we like skipping. By the third listen of an album we’ve gotten into a routine of how we listen to this particular album and rarely break the habit.

Well I have something amazing to report…the last 2 albums I bought – I listen to STRAIGHT THROUGH every time. And my listens have now hit the double digits. Now don’t get me wrong, there is some great music out there and these aren’t the only albums I listen to from start to finish…but I definitely think they’re worth recognizing as I was a bit surprised myself.

Album #1: Hawk Nelson’s “Live, Life, Loud”

It’s not much of a secret that I’m a fan of Hawk Nelson. I saw them 2 years ago at The Revolve Tour and own most of their albums. But let’s face it, they’re usually a bit on the teeny-bopper side. The music is fun and light (with the exception of their occasional “dark topic” song) and leaves you with a catchy chorus stuck in your head. But their 2009 release breaks the Hawk Nelson mold. Blame it on the fact that they’re now in their 20s or that they’ve been together since 2002, but this album is the best so far. It starts with the Live, Life, Loud party starter anthem, but makes its way to instruments never heard in their songs before (think violins) and lyrics that are deeper than their usual bounce in the car sing-a-long songs. Take a listen to these samples and then purchase their album – it really is good.

Album #2: Josh Garrels’ “Lost Animals”

I saw Josh at Cornerstone 2009 and was blown away by the depth of the lyrics he presented in his new music. I’m ashamed to say that it took me this long to buy his new album. This singer/songwriter took his usual eclectic style and turned it up to new levels. With lyrics that will bring your heart to the most humble place and instrument combinations that one wouldn’t expect to hear – Lost Animals is one of the most beautifully produced albums I’ve ever heard. The songs flow together and take you on a musical journey through the depths of his soul. Take a listen on his website: www.joshgarrels.com and then go support this amazing artist.  

That was the answer to the 20 minute prayer I had. To take a deep breathe and relax. To just trust Him the way that I say I do.

He then showed me (while driving) how a highway has 3 lanes: The fast lane, the middle lane and the slow lane. He asked me which lane I thought I should be in. I admitted that I’m usually in the middle lane, using the fast lane for passing any annoying driver. I rarely use the slow lane. He then showed me a deeper look at these 3 lanes. The fast lane has extreme ups and downs. People drive as fast as traffic will allow but are often found slamming on their breaks, swerving and using the other 2 lanes to get around people in their way. They’re often anxious and easily bothered by those around them. Other cars cause an inconvenience to them. The value of their time and destination is the only thing on their mind. The middle lane is like a fence warmer. They often use the fast and slow lane depending on how the other people around them are driving. It’s usually a fairly steady drive but you have to constantly be aware of people cutting you off and coming in and out of your lane. You also have to beware of the fast lane drivers who decide to cross your lane in order to get to the slow lane for exiting last minute. Although it seems to be a safe middle lane, it actually requires more attention and focus than you might think. It’s not fast and it’s not slow, it’s a bit warm and uneasy. The slow lane is where you often see people cruising with a smile on their face. They’re not in a rush and are only cut off by the occasional driver who uses the slow lane as a way to bypass the middle lane “slow” drivers. The slow lane gives you the most control and peace as you can see the scenery around you and be prepared for your exit when the time comes.

So God challenged me: which lane AM I in and which lane do I WANT to be in? Turns out, I want to be a slow lane driver. So I did just that. I got out of the rush hour traffic and joined the lane often held by the elderly and big trucks. And I can’t say it wasn’t challenging to not try and join the cars zooming by to my left, but it sure was peaceful driving at my own pace. Maybe the old people aren’t so much slow drivers…it’s just that they’ve lived long enough to know that the fast lane doesn’t REALLY get you to where you want to be in the end. It just keeps you in the flow of the things that seem important at the time.

Real Names: Kimmo Korpela & Miia Rautkoski

Band/DJ/Artist Name: G-Powered

Genre of Music: Eurodance and Vocal Trance

How/Why You Became a Musician:

Miia: It has been my dream to became a real musician since very early childhood. I have sang pretty much through my whole life.

Kimmo: When I was young, I tried to find gospel eurodance everywhere, but I didn’t find it very much. So I decided to begin to do it myself. I went to a piano school just for learning to make music.

Is There a Purpose/Vision to your music? Explain: Our vision is to do energetic and inspiring music with touching lyrics. We enjoy music of this genre and we share the same vision to do our best with our skills.

Best/Favorite Music-related Experience (doesn’t have to be related to your music):

Miia: Rollerskate towards sunset at downhill and listen to dance music. It is something that really makes me feel good!

Kimmo: In the end of year 2007 I got a mail from international Machine Dance Game company and they wanted our song to their game. They have found us from MySpace. One of my favourite experiences is also our first concert in Maata Näkyvissä -festival main stage year 2008 for thousands of people.

What did you grow up listening to?

Miia: Well at early in my life I listened music my big sister used to listen, like Take that and Boyzone. I also sang with my mother who used to
sing more religious songs with guitar. Afterwards I started to listen more dance music and music releated that genre.

Kimmo: I grow up listening a lot of finnish gospel pop and rock music my dad used to listen. I liked melodies of many gospel songs, but the music style of the songs didn’t inspire me. I also listened many dance artists, but I didn’t like their lyrics. First time I heard some dance music I wanted very much to move and dance and I realized that is my style. It affected straight to my heart – literally

Your music sounds like (ie: other bands/DJs people might like): E-Type, Cascada, Armin Van Buuren etc.

Links to your music/Contact you:

 www.gpowered.com

http://www.theground.com/catalog/artist.php?products_id=58294&language=en

Anything else you want my readers to know: If you are interested in making trance remixes for G-Powered, that would be great!

Check out G-Powered!

So what should you do? Well do what I’m doing. Take it 1 chapter at a time.

So where should I start? First, ask God. Seriously. Just pray a simple prayer. “God, I really want to read your word and understand what I’m reading. Where should I start?” He may tell you. You may turn to a part of the bible that just feels right. You may read a quote someone posted and want to read more of where it came from. But…what happens if that doesn’t happen? Well here’s 2 options: 1-start with the book of Matthew (the beginning of the New Testament). Reading about Jesus is fascinating. Seriously. Or 2-follow me as I follow Lysa TerKeurst as she writes a blog helping people just like us read and understand the bible. Start now though – we just began! Part One, Part Two.

I just read Philippians 2 and got more out of it than I think I ever have. I honestly think I can read this chapter every day for the rest of my life and have something to work on and pray about lol. Seriously, in 1 chapter i’ve learned:

• I should be like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose
• I should do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit
• I should look to the interests of others and not just myself
• My attitude should be the same as Jesus
• I should be a servant
• I should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord and give glory to God for him
• I should work out my salvation with fear and trembling
• God works in me according to His purpose
• I should do everything without complaining or arguing
• I should shine like a star in the universe as I hold out the word of life
• I should be glad and rejoice

OH MY GOODNESS. That’s all in 1 chapter. Imagine what we’ll learn after reading another chapter? And another? And another? The thing is, instead of seeing a list of things I have to be, I see a list of things I CAN be. What I can strive to be. What God can make me into if I let him. How cool is that?

Whatever you decide to read…take the time to see what you can learn from it and how you can apply it to your life. It really will make a difference and there is nothing boring about that.

All caught up? Good. Because it’s time for an update.

• Change #1: We’re moving. Update: We informed our apartment complex that we will be out of our place by April 30th. Over the past month we’ve done some research and confirmed that we are in fact paying a lot more money for our current place than we need to be spending on a 1 bedroom apartment. Now don’t get me wrong, we like and appreciate where we’re living and think that we’re getting a lot for our money…we just don’t think it’s necessary. We’ve been living a bit luxuriously in our gated apartment complex complete with gym, movie theater, pool, barbeque area, playground, central air, garbage disposal, washer & dryer, dishwasher and all new appliances. But as great as it all sounds, after living here 2 years we’ve honestly had little use for many of these great amenities. So for the same amount of money we’re now looking at renting 2 and 3 bedroom apartments/townhouses/private houses. We haven’t decided on a place (or location) yet but we’re confident that we’ll find something that suits our current needs.

 

• Change #2 – We’re pregnant. Update: I’m now 5 1/2 months pregnant with a little girl we’re calling Charlotte. She’s doing well and so am I. Originally I had high blood pressure but praise God, it’s gone down. So they’re keeping an eye on me but so far so good! We’re very excited about our little girl and will be registering soon. So any advice on what I need vs. what I don’t, I’m all ears! And in case you haven’t heard, Chris made his first baby purchase. A little onesie with a turntable and “future DJ” next to it. He’s too much

 

• Change #3 – Chris’ job change. Update: Many recruiters have contacted Chris about jobs he’d be good for but little has come from them. He did however have 2 successful interviews this past week so that was good. Right now we’re just praying that God’s plan is in the works as Chris enters his last month at the job he’s been so dedicated to over the past 2 years. We’re just waiting for the right job in the right place for the right compensation to take hold.




• Change #4 – We’re switching churches. Update: You’re thinking “what? I don’t remember reading about this in that post?” ha. yea. We did have another change going on at the same time but out of respect for our church at the time we didn’t feel it was right to go “public” with our decision to leave our church of many years and pursue other options. So the update is that our transition went smoothly. We’re still friendly with many members of our old church and (are under the impression) that we did it the right way and didn’t hurt or offend anyone. It was an incredibly hard decision and I’ve had some very emotional moments about it, but we knew it was God and couldn’t ignore it. Due to the pregnancy and a lot of family needs (specifically my family being needy heh) the transition to the new church has been slow, but we know it’s the right place for us and are so excited to get more involved. I must say, it’s weird being a new person. It gives you a whole new outlook on church and Christianity in general. The praise and worship is amazing and the word is consistantly relevant and easy to follow. They also have a growing art ministry that is incorporated into the service that feeds my spirit in a way that music and a sermon can’t. It’s kind of like being at Cornerstone Festival every Sunday.

So that’s the deal. A lot of things moving…not a lot of things confirmed. So please please please keep Chris, myself and Charlotte in your prayers as we hear from God on how to complete these life changing transitions. And as always, please feel free to contact me with your prayer requests. I love praying for my family and friends and if you’re reading my blog, then you’re included in that statement.

Here’s to the future!