yeah, im lazy [14 Jul 2004|04:57pm] Go ahead, call me a bum. It’s been over a month since I last updated all of you sweet people with what has been going on with Kate and I. Someone finally reminded me of this just yesterday… so; here I am, writing a new journal! Not that excited? I understand. I mean, what could happen in a month that’s so worth your time and energy? I guess all that really happened was… “fencing, fighting, torture, revenge, giants, monsters, chases, escapes, true love, miracles!” Oh, wait… that’s the Princess Bride. But, does it sound too bad? Just try to stay awake. So, we went on another promo tour … with the awesome Shawn McDonald. Three weeks full of radio stations, in-stores, conferences, and festivals! Yes, we were exhausted by the end of it—but we had a blast! My favorite thing about it is that God had to pull through so many times. I got a serious case of laryngitis right in the middle of the trip, so I wasn’t able to talk, let alone sing, for a couple of days. Guitar strings broke like it was their job. And there were days when I so extremely tired that I had to trust God to speak in spite of me. We’re talking about “the story” at my youth group this summer. We’re digging into what really makes a story. The first thing that comes to my mind is conflict. I love the impossible… like, a little hobbit with the fate of the world weighing on his shoulders. I’m growing to love circumstances like that. Anyway, all of that to say… we had way too much fun, and Jesus did incredible things in our midst! After the promo tour ended, Kate and I came home for a couple of days and enjoyed July 4th with our huge, loud, crazy family (including our friends, the O’Donnells) and then I headed off to church camp! The worship band at my youth group leads worship for that week, so we drove down earlier than the rest of the campers. Let me tell you something. There is NOTHING like the humidity here in Ohio! Only at Scioto Hills Camp can you sweat like that. But, I kind of like that about camp… no one looks their best. Ha! It was a great week, though! It was good to be with old friends and enjoy beautiful scenery. And guess what happened at the end of the week? A STARFIELD concert! That’s right… they came and brought the rock to the kids. Ha! They did awesome! Speaking of Starfield… this Sunday we’re doing a concert together here in Dayton, Ohio! This is the first time in a long time since I’ve played in good ol’ Ohio, so there will (hopefully) be a ton of friends and family there. And the great part is, so many of them are Starfield fans! As you can see, we’re all really looking forward to that. Still awake? Okay… get this… this is huge… something happened this week that is astronomical- nay- gargantuan in proportion! WHO went to the YMCA and worked her hind-end off? Yep. Me. In case you didn’t know this already, I’m not a very “athletically inclined” individual. For instance, it takes a whooole lot of concentration for me not to trip and fall off of the treadmill in mid-run. Can I get a witness? Alright, we can go from silly to serious… I’ve been reading Acts this week. It’s probably the fifth time I’ve read it this year, but God is speaking to me through it in such a new way. I read about Stephen last night in Acts 7… the reality and the power of it was so heavy on my heart. I just love God. If you haven’t been in that book for a while, I’m encouraging you to go and look around for a bit. I hope it hits you in a life-changing way. Isn’t it wonderful to know that the Word is ALIVE? Generations have given their lives for it, men and women across the world are risking everything to share it with those who have never heard, and we have been promised that it is the ONLY thing that will last. Incredible. It’s so rich with mind-blowing stories and Godly people who struggled with the exact same things I do. That’s so encouraging, isn’t it? Though it has its stuff, I love that new movie out, “King Arthur.” I saw it twice this past weekend. I love the bond between those knights. For some reason it reminded me of David’s mighty men (2 Samuel 23). I love going to the movies—God so often speaks through them. Don’t you think the Gospel is woven into almost every story onscreen anymore? I love it. So, this week my fam and I have nothing going on…which is so great! Kate and I are catching up on sleep and hanging out with people. I’m going to youth group tonight for the first time in over a month! Shoop a doop! Yep, we’re just enjoying summer. I hope you’re having a wonderful day! Thanks for taking time to read this. Seek Jesus- you will be remembered for it. Now, go, live! Be FREE! Beth Dillon P.S. My 16th birthday is coming up! I can’t wait to get my license! 7 comments|post comment

mmmmmm [05 Jun 2004|04:56pm] Well, hey! It’s been a while. You know, it’s that time of year… graduation party after graduation party. My family and I have been eating like there is no tomorrow, and enjoying ourselves thoroughly! Ha! I hope that you are doing well today. There’s this wall in my room that we painted white so I could write my favorite quotes on it… there’s one on there that my sister, Kate, left on my voice mail one afternoon — it’s so powerful. It goes something like, “It is better to live one day like a lion than a hundred days like a sheep.” For some reason, that rings true in my spirit – especially on Mondays, or just a day when I feel so much like procrastinating! God is always confronting me in the gentlest ways… I was reading the other day and flipped to a page in Proverbs where it says, “A youth who sleeps away the hour of opportunity brings shame.” OUCH. How I wish I could sleep in until noon! How I wish I could just loaf around and not feel guilty about it. Now, I’m not making any rules at all… sleep in, be free. But it’s just a battle in me that I have to fight… to stay in the fight. Kate and I are heading out in a week for a promo tour with Mr. Shawn McDonald (a new artist on Sparrow) until July 1st. We are so looking forward to it! I’ve listened to a pre-release of his record over and over. Goodness, it’s been an encouraging! I’m so glad that he has this opportunity to share with so many people his giftedness … and I don’t mean just music. He is such a refreshing person to be around — which is nice, especially when you’re going to be on the road with someone! Ha! I’m also stoked about this little outing because I get to bring a percussion guy along. And guess who? Joey from the Shane and Shane tour! SNAP. Oh, the fun we shall have! It’ll be wonderful to get out and see some radio people (they’re all so nice) and do some shows… yeah. *grin* So, the other day I was sitting in a hair salon with my brother, Aaron, waiting for the lady at the counter to call his name. After a few minutes of silence, for some reason we started talking about the places we want to go in the world and what we want to do before we die. In a matter of seconds, my heart was bursting with the thought of mountains and jungles; the greenest valleys alive with the most majestic creatures; the deepest, darkest place in an exotic jungle somewhere in Africa; deep-sea diving among sharks and fish of the brightest colors. Bub (that’s my nickname for Aaron) wants to see Europe… I ache to go on an African safari. Isn’t it amazing to think that there are so many unique and breath taking places existing as we speak? I can’t help but be drawn to places like Ireland and New Zealand. I’m drawn to thoughts of going on a mission trip to a secluded village in Asia, or hiking up a mountain in Montana, or seeing the bustling streets of London. The reason I’m sharing this with you is because it’s contagious. Imagining, that is. Get into a conversation with someone about what your dreams are and just try and not be stoked. I know, I know – it sounds so cliché. But, if you could go anywhere right now in the world, where would it be? Let it wake you up. I think I’m going to sign off now… there is yet much to do before this day ends. Be encouraged, take heart! He is Emmanuel – with you – right now! Consider Him today. He loves you in the midst of your struggles. Isn’t that a redeeming truth? Be FREE! Beth Dillon post comment

what a beautiful day, dont let it get away [11 May 2004|02:54am] Oh, what a glorious day! I can’t get enough of this spring/summer weather! Something I do love about living in Ohio (Whoa, watch out… something positive!) is that you are so miserable in the winter (because it’s so nasty outside) that when spring finally does come, you can’t help but be in the best stinkin mood ever! It really is so pathetic, but my family and I are completely dependent on the weather… ha! There’s just something about my Pap mowing the lawn, Mom weeding around the flowerbeds and my little brothers driving the four-wheeler WAY too fast around the yard. I love it. J And besides all of that, it’s been incredible to be home this past week! Part of me is eager to be back on the road, but I feel like I needed some time to clear my head, ask the questions that have been burning in me, and actually have time to wait around on an answer, you know? I was talking to my A&R, Brad O’Donnell, (affectionately nicknamed “B.O.”) yesterday about the things we have been learning lately. I’ve been reading in Hebrews (so encouraging) and have been reminded of how good God is. And I don’t mean floating on a cloud, playing a harp good. I mean fierce good. Zealous good. Ruler of the universe, yet humble and gentle enough to spend time with me good. And his compassion! Oh my, that has been so healing to think about. Reading things like, “This High Priest of ours [Jesus] understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same temptations we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it.” (Hebrews 4:15,16) … I can’t even put into words how that stirs me up! This past Sunday at my church, our Pastor was talking about fearing God. And not necessarily being afraid of Him (Romans 8:15,16) but respecting him and revering him. Having that in mind has given such gravity to my quiet times… “Friendship with the Lord is reserved for those who fear him.” This is just a good season right now! And not that I want to have the perception that only when things are at peace and going well is when God is giving favor. Ed Cash asked me once, “Did Job have God’s favor when he had everything, or when everything was taken away and yet he remained faithful?” Good to think about, eh? But, anyway, I’m just in a place right now where there’s a lot of growth. One day on the Shane & Shane tour God so spoke something to me: that there is always room to grow. I am such a perfectionist—and I’m often so disheartened by the fact that I haven’t “arrived” yet. But, what a wonderful thing to be reminded of! What a freeing word to receive! So, I’m growing. Let me think what else… I have been writing a ton! I was thinking about it yesterday… and I think I’ve written two complete songs in the past 3 days. There’s always tweaking that needs to be done, but it’s so nice to be in that headspace. I know it sounds strange, but there are times when it gets on my last nerve to try and create. I think I get that way because of that “perfectionist” tendency in me. And, it is just hard to stick with something and wrestle with it until it’s excellent. One of the songs that’s finished is called (I think) “Some Imagination”. I wrote it while I was reading in Exodus and Jeremiah, and was totally relating with Moses and Jeremiah in feeling… small. I’m also working on a song about a missionary… that’s right… a missionary! I’ve wanted to do it for so long. My family and I support two missionaries through this missions organization, Gospel for Asia (www.gfa.org) and I’m signed up to receive this weekly update to my inbox that is full of stories from the mission field. I should share some with you guys sometime… it’s incredible. It’s just like reading Acts! So, those are a couple. But there are countless other fragments of songs! I CAN’T BELIEVE I ALMOST FORGOT! Guess who has her permit?? Oh, how I love to drive! No offense to Mom, but I’d much rather drive with Pap… Mom is a little nervous with me behind the steering wheel, to say the least. And so all of that nervous energy kind of comes out with saying things like, “Hey, honey, you need to start braking… Beth, you need to brake… Beth, STOP!” when I am a hundred feet away from a stop sign. Ha! It’s good, though, because we get to laugh about it. What’s cool about Pap is that he’ll get really quiet and say something like, “Hey, Beth, a couple miles back—you probably should have stopped at that red traffic light. Just, watch out for that next time.” And not to make you think I’m a bad driver. I’m actually doing really well! I have until September to be a pro… and, oh, is that plenty of time. Well, I think I’m going to wrap up this here journal thing. I hope you are having a wonderful May day and are reminding your soul that you are FREE indeed! Bound to be free, bd “[Jesus] became a priest, not by meeting the old requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed.” Hebrews 7:16 Does that not rock your face off? post comment

home sweet home [06 May 2004|12:52pm] Aaaaah…. We are HOME. Kate and I flew in to the Columbus airport Tuesday afternoon, completely exhausted and totally excited to see our family! It was such a bittersweet thing to leave the tour Monday night… it felt like saying good-bye to family. Kate and I were laughing about the fact that we will probably need 3 years to process all that we’ve learned and observed in the past month. It’s so incredible to look back and know how God so intentionally put all of us together in that crowded bus. I was sharing last night at my youth group (shout out to Calstumi!) the things that stick out in my brain right now… how Will and his wife, Tabitha, are BEING the Church. Their friends aren’t people that have it all together. They’re not afraid of people that struggle with ‘unspeakable’ sin… they love them with fierce love, like Jesus does. And Will is one of the most honest people I know. He has such strong convictions and such a godly way about him. It’s hard not to see Jesus in him! I think about Todd (the Shanes’ bassist) who was, without fail, always kind. I remember the first night of the tour, I was trying to get ready for my sound check, and I was so frazzled… I had never used in-ear monitors before, I had just briefly met all of the guys, and I was so stinkin nervous about singing before SHANE AND SHANE that I could hardly see straight… and Todd was up there, with a sweet smile on his face, helping me untangle wires and adjust guitar straps. I think about Joey, who called himself the Stage Monkey (he was a roadie) and is one of the most humble, talented, tender hearted people I know. Without even knowing it, he taught me something so valuable that I will never forget—we all have room to grow. Sometimes it’s hard for me to admit that I can’t do something, or to not think too much of myself to try. It’s incredible- he is so ready to learn new things. He’s an amazing drummer, and would always be practicing on this little pad in the back of the bus… oh, and he wore one of my t-shirts at the last concert! HA! What a cooool cat. I think about John (sound guy) who sat with me through almost every Shane and Shane concert and enjoyed the music with me. He is one of the most genuinely NICE people I’ve ever met. I love his meekness—he could so easily wow people with all that he knows, or knock someone down to size with something really intelligent and clever. But, instead, he’s amazingly patient. He’s slow to speak, slow to anger and quick to listen. It takes a lot of strength to be like that. Oh, and sweet Kellie Everett (Shane Everett’s wife) … her heart is so beautiful! Kate and I feel like we’ve gained not only a friend, but also a sister in her. She is wonderfully child-like. She has such a tender heart and humble mind… she is such a compassionate and wise person. She taught me what it looks like to really love people. It is so cool to be around her because she is always bringing up the Word in conversation… you can tell that she is just drenched in it. And the Shanes… eh… they’re alright. J It’d be impossible to try and share all that I’ve learned from them… whether they were sharing something with me, or I would just see how they handled situations and loved people. The things they would say blew me away time after time! They are such healing people to be around… they just don’t care about making a name for themselves. They’re concerned with the Kingdom, and building up the Church, and loving God and living right. I loved the fact that during the day I’d forget about how amazingly talented they are, because they were just… Shane E and Shane B. They wanted to talk about your family and know your story or share their own rather than CD sales or chart success. They both have such a way of making every conversation point back to Jesus. But, then at the concerts every night I’d remember, “Oh yeah. They’re INCREDIBLE.” There’s so much more I could share, but this is already freakishly long, so I’ll stop here. J And here we are, in Ohio. I’m sitting at our computer in the kitchen right now, staring out the window at some beautiful spring weather and enjoying having nothing to do. There’s something about home, you know? It’s so freeing to be fully known and fully loved… totally accepted for who you are. These are the people that I love most. I missed them so much, and it’s so good to be around them again! So, the Shane & Shane tour is now over, and the next ‘official’ tour that I know of is the one with Bebo Norman in the fall… which we are so stoked about! We got a rough schedule today for it, and it looks really fun! There’s that, and then possibly a promo-tour in May/June, but it’s still being worked out. And there are a couple of summer dates (I think they’d be on the website) and some festivals that I’ll be playing at… Spirit West Coast, Freedom Live… a bunch of shindigs. I can’t wait! Summer is such a blast. Ok. Whew. I think I’m done now. What’s so cool, though, is that this hardly scratches the surface of what is going on in my heart right now. God is so unbelievably good. I couldn’t even begin to put it to words… so, I won’t. J I hope that this has somehow encouraged you! Know that you can have fullness of joy in Jesus today! I’ll ‘update’ more some other day… Be FREE! post comment

hi people [01 May 2004|01:15pm] I wish you only knew how much my stomach hurts right now from laughing… The Shanes’ drummer, Will Hunt, is making up a very random song and singing it in falsetto- and that is not a good thing. Oh, but he says “hi.” J (P.S. Will Hunt has some amazing records out under the name Apt Core from Rocketown Records. He was up for some Doves this year… you should check it out!) Well, we just hopped back on to the bus with all the boys + Kellie yesterday after being in Nashville for GMA Week. And, oh, what a week it was! Kate and I both had a blast going to showcases and luncheons… waking up at 3:30 IN THE MORNING to do 9 radio interviews before 9:00am and singing at all of them except one (uh huh, that’s right)… meeting awesome people like David Crowder, Sara Groves, Chris Rice, Rebecca St. James, tobyMac, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Sanctus Real. My older brother, Aaron, skipped a couple of days at school to come down for a day and a half and hang out. So, the three of us went to the Dove Awards together (I’ll get a picture of us on the website soon) and it was stellar! Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees! I’m learning a lot right now. My Pap, Momma and brother Matt came to our show in West Virginia last night. After I was done playing, my Mom and I went back in the ‘green room’ and caught up. It hit me in the middle of talking with her… so much has changed in my heart the past couple of weeks. She was good enough to remind me that God is taking care of us—and I feel it. The conversations, the people, the intense wrestling matches I’ve had with myself… what a gift. Oswald Chambers said that often when someone is going through something not that pleasant, we want to interrupt it. We hardly ever consider that that person may be having character chiseled out in them, that their hearts may need to be refined and their rough edges softened. And not to make you think that I’m struggling or feel awful at all… that’s not really the point. Sometimes it’s just hard to not wake up in my own bed or go to my youth group or see my friends. It’s not always easy to step up on a stage and want to share something so rooted in me, but not have any words to explain it or I just feel too small to deliver it. I wouldn’t want to be anyone else or be doing anything else… I love it! I’m just trying to take it all in. J There Will goes again…he’s singing a conversation to a guy on the phone. Hmm. Here’s something sad- we only have 3 more shows on the Shane and Shane tour. Kate and I are trying to figure out what we’re going to do with ourselves when it’s over, and we have not a fat clue. But, I think we’re going to have an annual reunion tour. Kind of like, “Hey, we’re back!” It’d be a good excuse to hang with The Boys, at least. Now Joey has joined Will. It’s turned into a Broadway number… now they’re singing harmonies… now they’re shouting. Oooh my! Well, we’re sitting in a church parking lot in North Carolina waiting for sound check to start. My brain’s having a lot of trouble working right now, so I will write some more later! BE FREE! bd P.S. We had the privilege of meeting another up and coming artist on Sparrow, Shawn McDonald, at GMA. All I have to say is, he rocked the face off Nashville. We listened to his record that is coming out in August—and being completely honest, the room got really quiet. He has an amazing story and heart, and the gifting is extreme. His website is shawnymac.com – I don’t know if there are sound clips on there, but just know that you will be changed when you hear his stuff. That’s all. post comment

hi [21 Apr 2004|01:47pm] Yo, Well, it has been exactly one week since the tour with 'The Shanes' started... and it's been a nightmare. Everyone is horribly mean to us, the shows have stunk to high heaven, and I'm having absolutely NO fun... Look at that! I almost had you!! This past week has felt like a year... in a good way. :) It's been so incredible to sit in this tour bus for hours and have conversations that have changed the way I think and deepened my love for people and Jesus. Shane "E" and Shane "B" have both been such an encouragement... "B" has taught me how to tune quickly on stage (thank you very much) and we've swapped fragments of songs that we're both writing, and "E" and his wife, Kellie, have been the most tender hearted, sweet people EVER. Well, actually, they're all sweet. The Shanes' band (Will and Todd), the "roadies" (John and Joey) and the other opening act (James Clay) have become the dearest friends in 7 days... and that in itself says so much about them. The shows, the shows- the fun, fun shows. To be honest, I have enjoyed myself thoroughly! The Shanes have packed almost every venue, and I've had more fun listening to James and "B" and "E" more than anything. They totally rock my face off. Thanks to y'all who have come to see us- it's been a privilege to share our hearts with you and worship with you every night. What other random information can I impart to you? Welp, I went bowling with Will, Todd, Joey and Kate yesterday (day off) and Will took it upon himself to give us all "Ha-Ha-Das-So-Funny-Laughey-Jokey-Head" names... and, of course, my name was..... Diva. Don't worry, I'm gonna get him. My CD came out yesterday! Yay! OK, that's all I have to say about that... I've become the token 'hey, let's pick on her' person on this little excursion. Maybe it's that I'm a girl, or 15, or a girl that's 15? Whatever it is, it's been happening, and I'm about to put a stop to it! :) No, it's so fun to joke with these people... they're so hilarious. The sarcasm is THICK, which Kate and I can get into. I can't believe that we have weeks more to hang... we just really love them! God has truly blessed us with some quality people to travel with. Here's something fun- I'll tell you what I've been listening to: some Joss Stone, Gemma Hayes, Sara Groves' new album, the 'I am Sam' soundtrack, Dave Barnes' new record, Starfield (They're a new band coming out with a record May 18- you have to check them out! Their music is epic, their message is powerful, and their hearts are even better) and of course, Shane and Shane. OK, that's probably enough for this journal entry- I hope y'all are doing well and that Jesus is flooding your soul today! Please continue to pray for us while we're out on the road, that God would move hearts and that he would keep fueling us. I'll do my best to keep up with this journal thing... I'm just so inconsistent! But, for you, I'll try my darndest. :) Oh, and I talked to "E" about taking some pictures of everyone on the road with us so you can see exactly who I'm talking about... maybe I'll do it person by person and tell a little bit of their story with it? Believe me, you wouldn't be disappointed. Anyway, we just arrived at the venue for tonight, so I'm going to head off... Be FREE! Beth Dillon post comment

HIYA [01 Apr 2004|05:15am] Why, hello there! Well, a little over a month ago my sis, Kate (who is my road manager and head merch-table-chic) and I got back from a promo-tour with label mate Matthew West. Since then, we’ve just been hanging out here at home in Ohio- getting plugged back into our church and youth group, catching up with friends, and sleeping in as much as possible. I’m home schooled, so I’ve also been trying to get caught up on my books. And now, in approximately 20 days, we’ll be out on the road with Shane & Shane! We still can hardly believe it… Kate and I have been the biggest fans for so long. I think most of our dates are in the mid-west. A couple in North and South Carolina… maybe a Texas show? They’re from Texas, so, that would make sense. But I hope you can come out to one of the shows and say hey! And guess what else is coming up… what? … that’s right- the release of the CD!!! I can’t even begin to tell you how stoked I am… it’s been almost a year and a half in the making, and now it’s about to come out. Golly Ned. To be honest, I feel extremely anxious, because you never know how people are going to respond… especially as a writer, there’s always that question in the back of your mind if people will connect with your heart. It’s hard to care for something so much, to have the most wonderful memories while creating it, for it become such a part of who you are, and then send it out. But what’s crazy is that I’m somehow at peace about it. God has been so faithful through every part of this, and I have no reason to think that what lies ahead has not been taken care of! Sure, it’s tough to learn how to surrender… how to have the mind of Christ in the middle of all this hullabaloo. But I cannot wait to see what Jesus does through this… it’s such an adventure! So, in roughly a month, when you walk into a Christian bookstore, take a listen to it- I hope that you are greatly encouraged by it and that it makes you desire and love God even more! Oh, and check out the first 30 seconds or so in the last track… that’s right… there’s a bagpipe solo. Be FREE! Beth Dillon post comment

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