Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Day 30 (One Child)

Beautiful song as sung by Mariah Carey. I also love the Nativity Story movie. It's almost December. Christmas is approaching quickly. Enjoy.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Day 29 (Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas)

It's snowing outside. Warm house, Christmas tree glowing, good jazz. I'm a happy girl. Merry Christmas to you all.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Day 28 (Mr. Grinch)

Memories of childhood abound surrounding Christmas. This was one of my favorite specials we watched on television. Also it's nasty rainy today and I'm feeling a little "grinchy" myself. Have a good day.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Day 27 (This is my Christmas Prayer)

I have many prayers for my family, myself, my friends and the world this Christmas. Amazing to think that God incarnate, Jesus, had the power to answer all of these prayers and more even as he lay in a manger. Christmas is AMAZING!!! Be blessed today and keep praying.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Day 26 (Be Born in Me)

WOW! I love the line "every moment in the middle make my heart your Bethlehem." A powerful song from "The Story". I'm not too familiar with this product by Zondervan, but this song written by Nichole Nordeman and sung by Francesca Battistelli is powerful. I hope you have a fabulous weekend.

Friday, November 25, 2011

The Day After Thanksgiving (One More Sleep 'Till Christmas)

Many spend this day standing in line, waiting, becoming increasingly frustrated, spending too much money, waiting in line, waiting in line, waiting in line...NOT ME!!!  I think Black Friday is for the birds.  This year I plan to keep my money local.  Our family is going to support local business.  If there are any "gaps" to fill in then they can be done by online purchasing.  Crowds, lines, grumpy people are not my scene.  In my humble opinion "Black Friday" and the Christmas rush totally defeat the heart of Christmas.  Yes I'm sure there are people that are kind while shopping.  I realize that there are GREAT deals, and Christmas music playing in all the stores.  I know that some people can't shop online or prefer to be out and about.  That's fine for them.  I'm just saying that for me and my house we will avoid the mall....lol. 

Christmas should be about more than spending, shopping, great deals and standing in line.  Christmas should be in our hearts EVERY day, not just "Black Friday" through Christmas.  Today our family will make our paper chain to count the days until Christmas.  I think we're going to scrounge up our decorations and put up our tree.  Nathan and I might even have a date.  I do know that today is going to include LOTS of family time and joy.  It won't be stressful, rushed or crowded.  It will be peaceful and relaxing. 

Speaking of our Christmas countdown.  I've blogged about this every year, but I'll say it again.  In our family we count "sleeps".  This is a technique learned from our dear sister in law/Tante/Aunt Nathalie Morgan.  So here's the PERFECT song for today.  It's from a Muppet Christmas Carol.  Be blessed whatever you do, wherever you do it (even if it's standing in line).  Please know that I totally respect how everyone chooses to spend their holiday season.  These are just MY thoughts and feelings.  Merry Christmas!!!

Hope you aren't too full of turkey,

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving (Day 24-Believe)

Grateful that I believe!!! I believe in wonder, in awe, in dreams, in hope, in sharing the mystery and wonder of life. I believe in Christmas and ALL of it's precious traditions, stories, and purposes. Happy Thanksigiving today. Be blessed.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Day 23 (A Cradle in Bethlehem)

As originally recorded by Nat King Cole, I love this sweet version by Sara Groves (one of my fav artists). Can you imagine rocking the Savior of the World to sleep? Powerful thought. Be blessed.


Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Day 22 (I'll Be Home for Christmas)

I love this group! I don't own this project. Maybe I'll get it this year??? I say that about all kinds of CD's, huh???? This music is just so smooth! I am grateful that I get to be home with my family for Christmas.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Day 21 (Little Drummer Boy)

Beautiful version of this song by Josh Groban featuring guitarist Andy McKee. If you haven't listened to Andy's music you really should check it out!!! Have a great day.

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Christmas Time is Here (Day 20)

No I haven't skipped Thanksgiving.  It's a legitimate, wonderful holiday.  I will be celebrating it with my family and we have wonderful traditions involved in this day.  However, I simply LOVE the Advent season and what Christmas means and brings. 

Last year was such a special time of peace due to the snow we received.  It was a gift.  I would love another white Christmas.  Yes, snow can be inconvenient.  It can be messy and frustrating.  Yet, it ALSO can be peaceful, calming, refreshing and makes us all SLOW DOWN.

Enjoy Sarah McLachlan's beautiful voice on this song accompanied by these stunning pics of winter.  

Thanks as always for reading,


Saturday, November 19, 2011

Day 19 (Christmas Waltz)

I needed a little "Rat Pack" this morning. Hope you enjoy. I love this time of year. What a blessing life is, and to share it with others. It truly is better to give than to receive!!!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Days 17-18 (This Christmas, The Christmas Song)

Our internet connection was VERY slow yesterday so I was unable to successfully upload my entry. I grew up listening to Chicago. I hope you enjoy.

It practically wouldn't be Christmas wihtout this tune. What a voice. It is so smooth. They just don't make music like this anymore. Happy Holidays.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Day 15 (White Christmas)

This song is just FUN! It makes you smile. Last year was a wonderfully white and peaceful Christmas. I would LOVE a repeat. Have a good day.

Monday, November 14, 2011

Days 13-14 (Who Would Imagine a King, Rose of Bethlehem)

A precious song I've never heard. Crazy, but I've never seen the movie "The Preacher's Wife". A beautiful song. I have dreams and goals for my children, but most importanly I want them to KNOW the King!!! Merry Christmas.

Here's one of my favs! I say that often don't I...hahahahahaha! I just love Christmas and all of the music it brings. Be blessed today and always.

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Days 11 and 12 (Snoopy Vs. Red Baron, Jingle Bells)

Here's a video for a childhood favorite. The Snoopy vs. Red Baron. I hope you enjoy.

Every year we add a new CD to our Christmas collection. I'm voting for this one! Have a great weekend and I'm sure this song will make you SMILE.


Thursday, November 10, 2011

Day 10 (Some Children See Him)

I am so grateful that Emmanuel came for children all over the world. Jesus loves children. It's throughout the Scripture. Beautiful song by James Taylor. Have a great day.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Day 9 (Joseph's Lullaby)

MercyMe's "Joseph's Lullaby" is a sweet song that presents a perspective of Jesus' eartly father. It is so simple and precious. I hope you enjoy.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Days 6-8 (The First Noel, Ding-a-ling the Christmas Bell)

Sorry...my blogging was delayed by a brief stint in the hospital. I am so grateful to be home and feeling some better. I will be following up with a doc on Friday. Until then...how about some music?

Here is Celtic Woman with "The First Noel"
Here is one that doesn't have ANY redemptive spiritual value. It's just a precious childhood memory. My mother loved Lynn Anderson and we listened to this Christmas album my entire "growing up" years. I can still remember decorating the tree, hot chocolate, cookies, etc. Just wanted to share it because it was "fun".

One of my new romantic holiday favs. I'm so blessed to have my man with me on Christmas. Praying for those who are separated from loved ones this holiday season. This song is gorgeous!!! "Every Time it Snows" by Olivia Newton John and Jon Secada

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Day 5 (Winter Snow)

Audrey Assad's "Winter Snow"

This song is one of my ALL TIME FAVS. I love, love, love this and will forever be grateful for the chance to sing it at Mtn. View last year. Grateful for the still, small voice that touches my heart daily. Be blessed.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Day 4 (In the Bleak Midwinter)

Perhaps later in the month I'll share a version of this with lyrics/vocals. However, I found this version to be simply lovely. Yes, I like snow. Yes, I pray for ANOTHER white Christmas. There is something so peaceful about snow. Have a good day.


Thursday, November 3, 2011

Days 2 and 3 (Emmanuel, Here with Us)

Feeling overwhelmed? Me too!!! Yesterday was a grocery store trip with five kids, a meal at Chick-fil-a, a second trip to the store (by myself this time) and getting all seven of us to church (a little late I might add).

This morning it was a "discussion" with my husband that left me feeling completely and utterly overwhelmed, misunderstood and unappreciated. I need Emmanuel this morning.

Enjoy these two selections.

Hillsong "Emmanuel"


Joy Williams "Here with Us"

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

It's November 1st (Under the Star)

So for those of you who know me well you know what this means!!! CHRISTMAS MUSIC! Starting Nov. 1 annually we begin our Christmas music marathon. I must admit that due to my love for Pandora radio I have been listening off and on throughout the year. But, it's GAME ON starting today. We love music that lifts our spirits and really can't we prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ every day of the year?

I haven't written in this blog for MANY months and had planned on deleting it, but I thought I would bring it back around. Who knows for how long, but there are special thoughts that pertain to this holiday that I want to record.

So from now until Christmas I will feature a different musical selection that our family enjoys. I hope it brings a smile to your face and lifts your spirits. Blessings to you as we prepare to enter into the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year".

This is a new song I found a few weeks ago while surfing YouTube. I really like her voice and found this song sweet. As I drink my coffee and listen to the sounds of my kids I imagine what that star must have looked like.