Finally Home

When alarmed by the fury of the restless sea,
Towering waves before you roll,
At the end of doubt and peril is eternity,
Though fear and conflict seize your soul

Just think of stepping on shore, and finding it heaven
Of touching a hand, and finding it God's
Of breathing new air, and finding it celestial
Of waking up in Glory, and finding it "Home"

Just a few questions...

This song just came on my Pandora... ::tear::

Miss you terribly Keetz!  It is NOT fair that you were taken so soon...  but I know God has a purpose in it all.  (I only wish he would show us what that purpose is)...

An' why did my cousin,  have to die...? 

A good kid, only seventeen, 
I still wonder 'bout that.

It seems unfair to me,

Some get the chance to chase their dreams, 

An' some don't. 

But what do I know?

I wasn't there the day, you filled up the oceans. 

I didn't get to see you hang the stars in the sky. 

So I don't mean to second guess you, 

Or criticize what I don't understand. 

These are just a few questions I have"

Thirty Days of Thanx :: Day 1

When I look around and see,
all the good things He's done for me
I know, I'm unworthy of them all
For His blessings He freely gives,
I owe my life to Him
I've got so much to thank Him for

Deals & Steals: Veggies Tales: "Incredible Singing Christmas Tree"

Any VeggiesTales fans out there? Download the "Incredible Singing Christmas Tree" album for FREE on Amazon!! :)

I don't know how long this deal will last (it may be today only?! IDK)  So go get yours now, before it's too late!!!

Here's the link!

 I downloaded mine already! It's awesome!  KB's favorite holiday is Christmas (esp for the music aspect of it)....  so needless to say, we're pretty stoked about this deal!  Actually, her current favorite VT's  album is another Christmas-themed one (A Very Veggie Christmas)...  so you could say I am also pretty excited for a little "change of scenery" (in a manner of speaking - lol).  Plus, I love the fact that this is audio.... so along with all the music, singing and fun[ny] dialogue/story... there is a fair amount of imagination required when listening to keep up with what is going on... :) 
  

A *huge* thanks to Jen  for the tip!!

*** UPDATE (12/22/10) - free album download still available!!! ***

Quote: Music...

"Our music cannot be like the music of the world, because our God is not like their gods. Most of the world’s music reflects the world’s ways, the world’s standards, the world’s attitudes, the world’s gods. To attempt to use such music to reach the world is to lower the gospel in order to spread the gospel. If the world hears that our music is not much different from theirs, it will also be inclined to believe that the Christian way of life is not much different from theirs."  ~ John MacArthur:

Better than a Hallalujah...

Lyrics of a beautiful song,  I recently heard on the radio... and really spoke to my heart....

 

"...The silence when the words won't come

Are better than a Hallelujah sometimes.

We pour out our miseries

God just hears a melody

Beautiful the mess we are

The honest cries of breaking hearts

Are better than a Hallelujah

Better than a church bell ringing,

Better than a choir singing out,singing out.

We pour out our miseries

God just hears a melody

Beautiful the mess we are

The honest cries of breaking hearts

Are better than a Hallelujah

 

Better than a Hallelujah sometimes

better than a Hallelujah  

Better than a Hallelujah sometimes"

Excerpt from Amy Grant's song:

"Better Than a Hallelujah"

Amazing Song!

****WARNING! Song lyrics & story which speak of infant loss!! ***

OMW! Has anyone ever heard this song?? I heard it for the first time recently, and started bawling!!

Wives & Lovers...

My attitude towards my husband - esp the way I respond to him - is something I am really trying to focus/work on this new year. As I was listening to my "Of Big Band. Swing, Jazz & Crooners" station on Pandora today....  I heard this adorable Sinatra song, and the lyrics just made me smile.  A very good reminder to wives - romance you husband - the investment in your marriage, is worth your time and energy! Enjoy!

Happy 2010

As I sit here thinking about the new year that's quickly approaching us,  as well as of the beautiful messages we heard at church, last night -- Let's make the new year one of Separation [unto God], Service, & Stewardship -- this song seems to be perfectly fitted for the theme -  as a prayer on my heart, if you will... 

Thanksgiving Challenge: Day 10

Song lyrics that speak to the heart & move the soul....

Thanksgiving Challenge: Day 3

Music!!
♪ ♫ "And the glo-ry, the glory of the Lord, shall be re-eee-vee-eee-e-led" ♫ ♪

Friday Funnies...

Good stuff! I am crying I am laughing so hard. ~ absolutely Hilarious!

So Small....

What you got if you ain't got love?
The kind that you just wanna give away
It's okay to open up
Go ahead and let the light shine through

I know it's hard on a rainy day
You wanna shut the world out
And just be left alone
But don't run out on your faith

'Cause sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands

And when you figure out
Love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Seem so small

It's so easy to get lost inside
A problem that seems so big at the time
It's like a river that's so wide
It swallows you whole

While you're sitting around thinking 'bout what you can't change
And worrying about all the wrong things
Time's flying by, moving so fast
You better make it count 'cause you can't get it back

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands

Oh, and when you figure out
Love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Seem so small!

Sometimes that mountain you've been climbing
Is just a grain of sand
And what you've been out there searching for forever
Is in your hands

And then you figure out
Love is all that matters after all
It sure makes everything else
Oh, it sure makes everything else
Seem so small

~Carrie Underwood

Isn't it amazing how God seems to bring certain things across your path, just when you need them most....? One of our teens just shared a link to the music video with me (even more powerful than the lyrics alone!)... and after a really a rough week last week... the message of the song, genuinely hit close to home. ~ Thank you, Lord for the gentle reminder....

Our busy Sunday...

Our day...

:: KB's first day in her Sunday School class!!

:: Seeing her learn more about "God" and [the] "Bible"


:: Church welcome for our new assistant pastor, Ben

:: My second Sunday on the piano

:: Grandparents Day!


:: Lunch with B's family, at a favorite restaurant

:: Music, music & more music

:: Nursery

:: Wedding reception for Pastor Ben & Melody!!!

:: Held baby Jackson (5½ weeks) for the first time!

FREE: Orchestral Hymn CD!!!

This offer was supposed to end today - but has been extended until the 31st!

I'm so excited about this offer! Greg Howlett, a Christian music arranger, is offering up to 10 free downloads from his brand-new CD, Portraits of Hope. I am listening to my copy right now... it's awesome! I think you'll very much enjoy these piano and orchestral arrangements of well-loved hymns.

Go here for download information.

---------------------------------------------

You can also get another CD download (Traditional Quartet Harmony with Piano) for FREE at the same website. http://www.greghowlett.com/daybreakdownload.aspx. I just downloaded this one, but have not listened to it, yet. But IMO, quartet hymns are always nice to listen to... :)

This offer does expire today.

Let Them be Little...

Let Them Be Little ~ Billy Dean or Lonestar

I can remember when you fit in the palm of my hand.
You felt so good in it; no bigger than a minute.
How it amazes me, you're changin' with every blink.
Faster than a flower blooms, they grow up all too soon.

So... let them be little,
' Cause they're only that way for a while...
Give 'em hope, give them praise,
Give them love - every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let 'em sleep in the middle,
Oh, just let them be little.

I never felt so much, in one little tender touch.
I live for those kisses, your prayers an' your wishes.
An' now you're teachin' me, things only a child can see.
Tonight, while we're on our knees, all I ask is:

Please.... Let them be little,
'Cause they're only that way for a while.
Give them hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let 'em sleep in the middle,
Oh, just let them be little.

So innocent, a precious soul:
You turn around, an' it's time to let them go.

So, let them be little,
'Cause they're only that way for a while.
Give them hope, give 'em praise,
Give them love every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let them sleep in the middle,
Oh, just let them be little.

Mmm...
Let them...
Be little.

B has been working such long days, and late nights lately... I have gotten a small glance at what it's like to be a "single parent"... and boy! Let me tell you... it's not easy, nor is it fun! (How do parents do it, when they just need 10 minutes to themselves and have no one to pass the baby off too?) ~ Anyway, it was nearing the end of a loooong day... and the closer bed time seemed to creep up... so did the end of my patience. As the result of said long day, in conjunction with KB breaking through new teeth.... she was being rough, testy (getting into everything she *knows* she not supposed to), needy, clingy, and well, plainly... a little stinker! She was pushing every one of my 'buttons' imaginable... and the more I tried to correct her/refocus her/help her, the more she seemed set on doing the opposite. I was starting to get quite frustrated - it was SO not cute anymore! - when this song came on to Pandora. Wow! What a way to set things back into perspective ! Children are only little for such a short time. Though I realize, as parents, it's our responsibility to teach/train them to do do right.... but we also need to be sure to balance that training with a bit of grace - just like the Lord graciously and patiently bestows upon us - his children. We waste so much time/energy getting upset over things that in the big picture, really aren't that big of a deal. Relax, have patience, give grace, and... just let them be little! What a beautiful, gentle [and much needed at the time] reminder!! And while some might say it purely coincidental the song came on when it did... in the words of Albert Einstein: “Coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous.” - So, thank you Lord for that gentle correction of my heart!

Isn't it interesting how a song that you've sung maybe even hundreds of times, can suddenly jump out at your with a whole new world of meaning? A dear friend recently found comfort in this hymn, and posted the lyrics on her blog. With life circumstances as they've been - and even some as they currently are... it really blessed me. It's a precious reminder that no matter what happens.. or what life throws your way... you can always count on the Lord to help you through.

"Be Still, My Soul"
by Catharina von Schlegel, 1697-?
Translated by Jane Borthwick, 1813-1897

1. Be still, my soul; the Lord is on thy side;
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain;
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul; thy best, thy heavenly, Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.

2. Be still, my soul; thy God doth undertake
To guide the future as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence, let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul; the waves and winds still know
His voice who ruled them while He dwelt below.

3. Be still, my soul, though dearest friends depart
And all is darkened in the vale of tears;
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrows and thy fears.
Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay
From His own fulness all He takes away.

4. Be still, my soul; the hour is hastening on
When we shall be forever with the Lord,
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul; when change and tears are past,
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Please Pray - DH job interview tomorrow!

As you may remember, DH was laid off back in March... out of work for two months... and then made the (stressful) decision to try to start his own business with an entrepreneur acquaintance of ours. Well, here we are six months later.... things didn't work out they way they hoped.... so last week, the decision was made to go their separate ways and start looking for "real jobs" (in their words - Lol!). On Thursday, DH looked online and saw there were openings at Best Buy, so he sent in his application. Later that day, he had to go in to make make a return, and not only was Nicky (the hiring coordinator) there.... but she recognized him (from 6months ago, when he tried to get a job there), and said they received his application! - Unfortunately, they are completely staffed... even for teh Christmas holidays. (stupid website wasn't updated). B was just about to leave when he noticed a sign about the new music department they are adding on. Upon his inquiry & some conversation, he discovered they had not even begun to hire for it, yet. B mentioned to Nicky that he plays guitar... and she said she get the girl in charge of hiring for that area in touch with him. Not getting too excited (last time, he many empty promises of calls from the) he thanked her, and we went on our way. Well, the next day... the phone rang, it was Best Buy! After a mini phone interview (though he doesn't have experience with music sales.... he has *lots* of experience with each individually!)... they asked him to come in Thursday (11/23/08) morning for an interview & audition!!

So all this to say... we NEED your thoughts & prayers for tomorrow! We really can't afford to be out of work for even a month this time... let alone longer. (It's already been a week.) The interview is at 11am. Thanx!! - I'll let ya know how it goes!!

Stop Global Whining!!

The Right Brothers = awesome! Though the music is a little hard for my taste... I love how their music is a stark contrast to the usual liberal message that dominate the airwaves! They present their bold conservative message with loud guitars and no apologies! They are not afraid to stand up for their values, ethics, and country!! I first heard of them, when they released their song, “BUSH WAS RIGHT”. The pop-punk song, (complete with a video distributed on therightbrothers.com), had everyone either screaming for more or screaming foul. Air America, Fox News, MSNBC, the BBC and talk shows across the country played - and continue to play – the song. Packed with in-your-face lyrics... they give rock and roll a new slant on rebellion – and it’s called Conservatism.

Here's one of their newest songs!! (and yes, I totally agree with it! Don't agree? Go find & watch "The Great Global Warming Swindle" and then get back to me.... Until then.... Stop Global Whining!!

Stop Global Whining
The Right Brothers
written by Frank Highland and Aaron Sain

There's a crisis on the planet
It's heated up almost a whole degree
It hasn't been this hot in a long time
Not since the 16th Century
When there were no evil SUVs

(Chorus)
Stop Global Whining
It's up to you
The earth's been heating up and cooling back down
Since the day it started spinning 'round and 'round
Stop Global Whining
Get your head out of the clouds

His name is Al Gore, yeah he's a loser
He says the blame falls on me and you
He flies around in a private jet
While he tries to sell an inconvenient "truth"
Hey Al here's something you can do

(Repeat Chorus)

Maybe you should shut up Al
Cause every time you talk you're filling up the air
With carbon dioxide too
So if you really think that we'll become extinct
The best thing that you can do is

(Repeat Chorus)

Stop Global Whining
It's up to you
Stop Global Whining
I'm sick and tired of hearing you

© 2006 Friday Group Music (ASCAP) & PoolGuy Music (ASCAP)
All Rights Reserved / International Copyright Secured

Johnny Appleseed Song

Tonight I was watching clips from some old (like 1940's & 50's old) Disney movies... reminiscing childhood memories (we had Disney channel when I was young - and it was still pretty innocent - so I have fond memories)... when I came across this "Johnny Appleseed Song"...



Lyrics:

The Lord is good to me
And so I thank the lord
For giving me the things I need
The sun and rain and an appleseed
Yes, He's been good to me

I owe the Lord so much
For everything I see
I'm certain if it weren't for Him
There'd be no apples on this limb
He's been good to me

Oh, here am I 'neath the blue, blue sky
a-doin' as I please
Singin' with my feathered friends,
hummin' with the bees

I wake up every day
as happy as can be
Because I know that with His care
My apple trees, they will still be there
Oh, the Lord is good to me

I wake up every day
As happy as can be,
Beacuse I know the Lord is there
Watchin' over all my friends and me
The Lord is good to me.

("The Lord is Good to Me" from the 1948 film, "Melody Time")"

What a blessing that song was to me!! - You would NEVER hear those words on a Disney film in these days!! It really is sad!! It would probably have 'ol Walt turning in his grave if he knew how his name was being connected to/slandered, with some of the filth the Disney company is promoting!!