Book Giveaway

There is a group of 4 books that is being given away over here. She is giving away Wild West Christmas by Vickie McDonough, Somewhere to Belong by Judith Miller, The Blacksmith's Bravery by Susan Page Davis, and Larkspur Cove by Lisa Wingate.

Dance of the Sugarplum Fairy- Day 177

First of all, Merry Christmas, everyone! I hope everyone had a fabulous Christmas day.

I started working on this song on the piano my junior year of high school but never had the time to finish learning it. I do want to do that sometime. I wanted to share this song today because the Hallmark Christmas movie I'm watching right now is all about these unique nutcrackers the guy makes and sells. I love this song.

Highland Cathedral- Day 176

I LOVE this song on Amy Grant's A Christmas to Remember CD. It always reminds me of Maria's wedding in The Sound of Music or some wedding like that.

White Christmas- Day 175

This is a Christmas classic, so it had to be shared. Plus, I love that movie. It's my favorite Christmas movie.

White Christmas by Irving Berlin, sung by Bing Crosby
I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
Just like the ones I used to know
Where the treetops glisten,
and children listen
To hear sleigh bells in the snow

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas
With every Christmas card I write
May your days be merry and bright
And may all your Christmases be white

Hark the Herald Angels Sing- Day 174

I don't have much to say about this one, so I'll let this info do the talking: "'Hark the herald angels sing' Christmas Carol was written by Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley founder of the Methodist church, in 1739. A sombre man, he requested slow and solemn music for his lyrics and thus 'Hark the herald angels sing' was sung to a different tune initially. Over a hundred years later Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) composed a cantata in 1840 to commemorate Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press. English musician William H. Cummings adapted Mendelssohn’s music to fit the lyrics of 'Hark the herald angels sing' already written by Wesley."

Hark the Herald Angels Sing
Hark the herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!
Peace on earth and mercy mild
God and sinners reconciled"
Joyful, all ye nations rise
Join the triumph of the skies
With the angelic host proclaim:
"Christ is born in Bethlehem"
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Christ by highest heav'n adored
Christ the everlasting Lord!
Late in time behold Him come
Offspring of a Virgin's womb
Veiled in flesh the Godhead see
Hail the incarnate Deity
Pleased as man with man to dwell
Jesus, our Emmanuel
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Hail the heav'n-born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Son of Righteousness!
Light and life to all He brings
Ris'n with healing in His wings
Mild He lays His glory by
Born that man no more may die
Born to raise the sons of earth
Born to give them second birth
Hark! The herald angels sing
"Glory to the newborn King!"

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree- Day 173

Everytime I hear this song, I want to get up and dance! It is sure to put me in the Christmas mood! I love to play this song on the piano, too.

Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree
Rocking around the Christmas Tree
at the Christmas party hop
Mistletoe hung where you can see
Ev'ry couple tries to stop

You will get a sentimental feeling
When you hear voices singing
"Let's be jolly; Deck the halls with boughs of holly"
Rocking around the Christmas Tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone's dancing merrily
In a new old fashioned way

Rocking around the Christmas Tree
Let the Christmas Spirit ring
Later we'll have some pumpkin pie
and we'll do some caroling

You will get a sentimental feeling
When you hear voices singing
"Let's be jolly; Deck the halls with boughs of holly"
Rocking around the Christmas Tree
Have a happy holiday
Everyone's dancing merrily
In a new old fashioned way

Old Toy Trains- Day 172

This is a song that my mom used to sing to me when I was a little girl. I LOVED this song. When I was in middle or high school, I realized that this song was in our one big Christmas piano book. So I learned how to play this song and do it every year now. :) Except we have never sung it with the country twang that is used in the video below. Lol.

Old Toy Trains
Old toy trains, little toy tracks
Little toy drums coming from a sack
Carried by a man dressed in white and red
Little boy, don't you think it's time you were in bed?

Close your eyes
Listen to the skies
All is calm, all is well
Soon you'll hear Kris Kringle and the jingle bells

Bringin' old toy trains, little toy tracks
Little toy drums coming from a sack
Carried by a man dressed in white and red
Little boy, don't you think it's time you were in bed?

Close your eyes
Listen to the skies
All is calm, all is well
Soon you'll hear Kris Kringle and the jingle bells

Bringin' old toy trains, little toy tracks
Little toy drums coming from a sack
Carried by a man dressed in white and red
Little boy, don't you think it's time you were in bed?

Close your eyes
Listen to the skies
All is calm, all is well
Soon you'll hear Kris Kringle and the jingle bells

Bringin' old toy trains, little toy tracks
Little toy drums coming from a sack
Carried by a man dressed in white and red
Little boy, don't you think it's time you were in bed?

Nuttin' For Christmas- Day 171

When I was little, we had this song on a Christmas kids songs cassette tape. We'd listen to this song ALL the time in the car. I remember one instance in particular where we were belting this song out as we drove in the dark. For the longest time, not many people knew of this song when we talked about it. However, in recent years, it has become more popular, and I now hear it on the radio. It's even in the one book of Christmas songs that we have for the piano. I like to play it from time to time on there.

Nuttin' For Christmas
I broke my bat on Johnny's head;
Somebody snitched on me.
I hid a frog in sister's bed;
Somebody snitched on me.
I spilled some ink on Mommy's rug;
I made Tommy eat a bug;
Bought some gum with a penny slug;
Somebody snitched on me.

Oh, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad.
I'm getting nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.

I put a tack on teacher's chair
Somebody snitched on me.
I tied a knot in Susie's hair
Somebody snitched on me.
I did a dance on Mommy's plants
Climbed a tree and tore my pants
Filled the sugar bowl with ants
Somebody snitched on me.

So, I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and Daddy are mad.
I'm gettin' nuttin' for Christmas
'Cause I ain't been nuttin' but bad.

I won't be seeing Santa Claus;
Somebody snitched on me.
He won't come visit me because
Somebody snitched on me.
Next year I'll be going straight;
Next year I'll be good, just wait
I'd start now, but it's too late;
Somebody snitched on me.

So you better be good whatever you do
'Cause if you're bad, I'm warning you,
You'll get nuttin' for Christmas.


There are apparently at least 2 versions of this song. I had a hard time finding the version I grew up with. I kept coming across the much slower version, and that one just drives me nuts because it's so much slower than I'm used to! Haha! So here is the version I like.

Away in a Manger- Day 170

This was one of the first Christmas songs that I learned to play on the piano when I was in kindergarten or first grade. It was already my favorite Christmas carol at that time, but now it will always hold a special place in my heart. As a little girl, I was absolutely obsessed with the nativity, Baby Jesus in particular. We could not pass a nativity scene without me having to stop and stare at it for the longest time.

Away in a Manger
Away in a manger,
No crib for His bed
The little Lord Jesus
Laid down His sweet head

The stars in the bright sky
Looked down where He lay
The little Lord Jesus
Asleep on the hay

The cattle are lowing
The poor Baby wakes
But little Lord Jesus
No crying He makes

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by my side,
'Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take us to heaven
To live with Thee there

All I Really Want- Day 169

I love the CD this song is from. I remember a couple years ago listening to this CD, and this song in particular, as we drove around my grandparents' subdivision in Michigan, looking at all the beautiful Christmas lights after our family Christmas. I felt so blessed to know that I have a family like the one described here...and that I always have had one. I didn't have to wait. I had such a family from the very beginning. I am blessed.

All I Really Want by Steven Curtis Chapman
Well I don’t know if you remember me or not
I’m one of the kids they brought in from the home
I was the red-haired boy in an old green flannel shirt
You may not have seen me – I was standing off alone
I didn’t come and talk to you, ‘cause that’s never worked before
And you’ll prob’ly never see this letter anyway
But just in case there’s something you can do to help me out
I’ll ask you one more time

All I really want for Christmas
Is someone to tuck me in
A shoulder to cry on if I lose
Shoulders to ride on if I win
There’s so much I could ask for
But there’s just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas is a family

Well I guess I should go ahead and tell you now
If it’s really true about that list you have
Somehow I always seem to end up in a fight
But I’m really trying hard not to be bad
But maybe if I had a brother or a dad to wrestle with
Well, maybe they could teach me how to get along
And from everything I’ve heard
Sounds like the greatest gift on earth would be a mom

All I really want for Christmas
Is someone to tuck me in
A shoulder to cry on if I lose
Shoulders to ride on if I win
There’s so much I could ask for
But there’s just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas

Is someone who’ll be there
To sing me “Happy Birthday”
For the next 100 years
And it’s OK if they’re not perfect
Well, even if they’re a little broken, that’s alright
‘Cause so am I

Well, I guess I should go
It’s almost time for bed
And maybe next time I write you
I’ll be at home

‘Cause all I really want for Christmas
Is someone to tuck me in
Tell me I’ll never be alone
Someone whose love will never end
Of all that I could ask for
Well, there’s just one thing I need
All I really want for Christmas
All I really want for Christmas is a family

Just a family

That’s all I really need

Joy to the World- Day 168

It's not Christmas without a little Joy to the World! How can you not be in a good mood while listening to this song??



Joy to the World
Joy to the World , the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.

Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!
Let men their songs employ;
While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat the sounding joy,
Repeat, repeat, the sounding joy.

No more let sins and sorrows grow,
Nor thorns infest the ground;
He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.

He rules the world with truth and grace,
And makes the nations prove
The glories of His righteousness,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders of His love,
And wonders, wonders, of His love.


Something more: The words and lyrics of the old Christmas carol 'Joy to the World' were written in 1719 by Isaac Watts (1674-1748). The father of John Watts was a Non-conformist and so extreme were his views that he was imprisoned twice. His father's influence over Isaac was demonstrated when he choose to attend Non­conformist Academy at Stoke Newington in preference to a University. Watts was ordained as a Pastor of an Independent congregation. He wrote many hymns and Carols and was awarded a Doctor of Divinity degree by the the University of Edinburgh in 1728. The music to the carol is by George Frederick Handel (1685-1759).

Light Your World- Day 167

I love listening to this song all year long- not just at Christmas. The lyrics are so sweet and a wonderful reminder. This song is on the Christmas Shoes CD. That's how I originally heard of it. It's also on Newsong's Best Of album, or whatever it's called.

Light Your World by Newsong
Two doors down one rocking chair is rocking
She sits there all alone, her husband dead and gone
The best years of her life they spent together
He was always strong, but now she's on her own
And the telephone never rings
No one laughs, no one sings
It's quiet there
Does anyone care?

(Chorus) Light your world
Let the love of God shine through
In the little things you do
Light your world
And though your light may be
Reaching only two or three
Light your world

A knocking at her door breaks the silence
She looks out to see a little boy from down the street
She cracks the door, surprised that he came over
Flowers in his hand like a little gentleman
He said, 'I picked these just for you
I hope you like the color blue
Could I stay a while
I love to see you smile.'

(Repeat Chorus) Light your world
Let the love of God shine through
In the little things you do
Light your world
And though your light may be
Reaching only two or three
Light your world

It only takes a little time
To show someone how much you care
It only takes a little time
To answer someone's biggest prayer

(Repeat Chorus)

O Holy Night- Day 166

This has become one of my very favorite Christmas songs in recent years. I love to listen to it, sing it, and play it on the piano. Playing it on the piano is probably my favorite way to enjoy it.

O Holy Night
O Holy Night! The stars are brightly shining,
It is the night of the dear Saviour's birth.
Long lay the world in sin and error pining.
Till He appeared and the Spirit felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
Fall on your knees! Oh, hear the angel voices!
O night divine, the night when Christ was born;
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!
O night, O Holy Night , O night divine!

Led by the light of faith serenely beaming,
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand.
O'er the world a star is sweetly gleaming,
Now come the wisemen from out of the Orient land.
The King of kings lay thus lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!
Behold your King! Before him lowly bend!

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!



Fascinating tidbit for you:
The words and lyrics of the old carol 'O Holy Night' were written by Placide Cappeau de Roquemaure in 1847. Cappeau was a wine seller by trade but was asked by the parish priest to write a poem for Christmas. He obliged and wrote the beautiful words of the hymn. He then realised that it should have music to accompany the words and he approached his friend Adolphe Charles Adams(1803-1856). He agreed and the music for the poem was therefore composed by Adolphe Charles Adams. Adolphe had attended the Paris conservatoire and forged a brilliant career as a composer. It was translated into English by John Sullivan Dwight (1812-1893).

Giveaway

Annnnd, here is yet another giveaway for you all.

Christmas Shoes- Day 165

You really didn't think I'd leave this song out, did you??? I remember the first time I saw this movie. I was at my grandma's house in Michigan when it came out. Mom, Jen, Ma, and I all settled in with our blankets and pjs to watch it. Mom, Jen, and I were lined up on the couch, and Ma was next to us in the recliner. By the end of the movie, we were all crying and just kept passing the kleenex box up and down the row. :) Yes, that IS a good memory, even though it involved crying. ;-)



Christmas Shoes by Newsong
It was almost Christmas time, there I stood in another line
Tryin' to buy that last gift or two, not really in the Christmas mood
Standing right in front of me was a little boy waiting anxiously
Pacing 'round like little boys do
And in his hands he held a pair of shoes

His clothes were worn and old, he was dirty from head to toe
And when it came his time to pay
I couldn't believe what I heard him say

Chorus:
Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

He counted pennies for what seemed like years
Then the cashier said, "Son, there's not enough here"
He searched his pockets frantically
Then he turned and he looked at me
He said Mama made Christmas good at our house
Though most years she just did without
Tell me Sir, what am I going to do,
Somehow I've got to buy her these Christmas shoes

So I laid the money down, I just had to help him out
I'll never forget the look on his face when he said
Mama's gonna look so great

Sir, I want to buy these shoes for my Mama, please
It's Christmas Eve and these shoes are just her size
Could you hurry, sir, Daddy says there's not much time
You see she's been sick for quite a while
And I know these shoes would make her smile
And I want her to look beautiful if Mama meets Jesus tonight

Bridge:
I knew I'd caught a glimpse of heaven's love
As he thanked me and ran out
I knew that God had sent that little boy
To remind me just what Christmas is all about

Repeat Chorus

Do You Hear What I Hear- Day 164

I didn't listen to or sing this song much until I got into high school. Then it was a part of our Christmas program every year, so we would sing it a couple times each year. Our program list of songs was too long to spend much time on any one song. Working on these beautiful Christmas songs is one of the things I DO miss about high school. I just chose to go with the Carrie Underwood version. It seemed to be one of the more normal versions. :)

Do You Hear What I Hear by Carrie Underwood
Said the night wind to the little lamb
Do you see what I see
Way up in the sky little lamb
Do you see what I see
A star, a star
Dancing in the night
With a tail as big as a kite
With a tail as big as a kite

Said the little lamb to the Shepard boy
Do you hear what I hear
(Do You Hear What I Hear)
Ringing through the sky Shepard boy
Do you hear what I hear
(Do you hear What i hear)
A song, a song
High above the trees
With a voice as big as the sea
With a voice as big as the sea

Said the Shepard boy to the mighty king
Do you know what I know
(Do You Know What I Know)

In your palace wall mighty king
Do you know what I know
(Do You Know What I Know)
A child, a child
Shivers in the cold
Let us bring him silver and gold
Let us bring him silver and gold

Said the king to the people everywhere
Listen to what I say
( Listen to what I say)
Pray for peace people everywhere
Listen to what I say
(Listen to what I Say)
The child, the child
Sleeping in the night
He will bring us goodness and light
He will bring us goodness and light

He will bring us goodness and light

A Baby Changes Everything- Day 163

I love that this song has gotten so popular in the "mainstream" world and is hopefully causing people to stop and think about the true meaning of Christmas and all the Christmas story implies.

A Baby Changes Everything by Faith Hill
Teenage girl much too young
Unprepared for what's to come
A baby changes everything

Not a ring on her hand
All her dreams and all her plans
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

The man she loves she's never touched
How will she keep his trust
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

And she cries
Ooh she cries
Oh ohhh...

She has to leave, go far away
Heaven knows she can't stay
A baby changes everything

She can feel it's coming soon
There's no place there's no room
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything

And she cries
And she cries
Oh she cries

Shepherds all gather 'round
Up above the star shines down
A baby changes everything

Choir of angels sing
Glory to the newborn king
A baby changes everything
A baby changes everything
Everything, everything, everything
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah

My whole life has turned around
I was lost, but now I'm found
A baby changes everything, yeah
A baby changes everything

Don't Save It All For Christmas Day- Day 162

Even though it IS almost Christmas and this would probably be more effective at another time of the year, I still wanted to share this song.

Don't Save It All for Christmas Day by Avalon
Don't get so busy that you miss
Giving just a little kiss
To the ones you love
Don't even wait a little while
To give them just a little smile
A little is enough
See how many people are crying
Some people are dying
How many people are asking for love

So don't save it all for Christmas day
Find a way
To give a little love every day
Don't save it all for Christmas day
Find a way
'Cause holidays have come and gone
But love lives on
If you give on
Love

How could you wait another minute
A hug is warmer when you're in it
Oh, baby that's a fact
And saying I love you's always better
Seasons, reasons they don't matter
So don't hold back
See how many people in this world
So needful in this world
How many people are praying for love

repeat chorus

So let all the children know
Everywhere that they go
Their whole life long
Let them know love

One Child- Day 161

I had to buy this song off iTunes after it was played so much on the radio maybe 2 years ago??? Something like that. It's one of those songs that gets stuck in your head and just keeps getting played on repeat. Or at least that's how it is for me. ;-) I was so bummed to find out that they don't have this song on playlist.com. I wanted to add it to my Christmas playlist for my other blog, but I couldn't find it. :(

One Child by Natalie Grant
The seed, it grows and somehow becomes a life
It moves, she knows that her baby has arrived,
She's so scared, but she's so blessed
She lays down her fear for the hope at her breast for she knows...

[Chorus:]
One million chains could never hold back this moment in time
One thousand dreams could never dream what this moment truly means
Heaven and earth, they cradle the infinite Joy born on this night
For it only takes one Child to forever change the world

He stands beside her, he'd share her pain if he only knew how
He whispers 'I love you' as he gently strokes her brow
He's so scared, but he's so blessed
There's a thundering pride pounding deep in his chest
For he knows...

[Chorus:]
One million chains could never hold back this moment in time
One thousand dreams could never dream what this moment truly means
Heaven and earth, they cradle the infinite Joy born on this night
For it only takes one Child to forever change the world

Christ is born, we are blessed
Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess
That we know..

[Chorus:]
One million chains could never hold back this moment in time
One thousand dreams could never dream what this moment truly means
Heaven and earth, they cradle the infinite Joy born on this night
For it only takes one Child to forever change the world

This Baby cries and for the first time
The world hears the voice of God weep
Mary sings a lullaby
As the Hope of the nations gently falls asleep
She knows this is the one Child
To forever change the world.

Grown-Up Christmas List- Day 160

When I was little, I just knew this song was one of my mom's favorites. I remember someone singing it in our old church and going home to tell Mom (who was sick) that they played her favorite song at church. I would hear it from time to time after that and loved it each time, but I still didn't hear much of it. Then I got Amy Grant's latest Christmas CD 2 years ago, and this song was on there. I have that CD copied onto my laptop here at school, so for the past three Christmases, I play this CD almost constantly while I'm at school. This song gets me every time. :)

My Grown-Up Christmas List by Amy Grant
Grown-up christmas list
Do you remember me?
I sat upon your knee;
I wrote to you
With childhood fantasies.

Well, I?m all grown-up now,
And still need help somehow.(can you still help somehow)
I?m not a child,
But my heart still can dream.

So here?s my lifelong wish,
My grown-up christmas list.
Not for myself,
But for a world in need.

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,(and wars would never start)
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up christmas list.

As children we believed
The grandest sight to see
Was something lovely
Wrapped beneath our tree.(wrapped beneath the tree)

Well heaven surely knows
That packages and bows
Can never heal
A hurting human soul.

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end.
This is my grown-up christmas list.

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth?
Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth.
(there'd be)

No more lives torn apart,
That wars would never start,
And time would heal all hearts.
And everyone would have a friend,
And right would always win,
And love would never end, oh.
This is my grown-up christmas list.

This is my grown-up christmas list.



I totally got chills watching this video, just reflecting on some things going on in my life and the lives of those around me.

How Many Kings- Day 159

Amy sang this song in church one Sunday last Christmas season. I thought I had heard it somewhere before, but ever since she sang it, I have loved it. I have been singing it all throughout the year, even though it is a bit more of a Christmasy song.

How Many Kings by Downhere
Follow the star to a place unexpected
Would you believe, after all we've projected,
A child in a manger?
Lowly and small, the weakest of all
Unlikeliest hero, wrapped in his mother's shawl -
Just a child -
Is this who we've waited for? 'cause...

How many kings step down from their thrones?
How many lords have abandoned their homes?
How many greats have become the least for me?
And how many gods have poured out their hearts
To romance a world that is torn all apart
How many fathers gave up their sons for me?

Bringing our gifts for the newborn Savior
All that we have, whether costly or meek
Because we believe.
Gold for his honor, and frankincense for his pleasure
And myrrh for the cross he will suffer
Do you believe?
Is this who we've waited for?

All for me...
All for you...

Adonai- Day 158

My friend Kelsey sang this song during a YES (Youth Emphasis Service) when we were in 9th or 10th grade, I believe. I realized later that it was one of the songs in my piano book at home. I also had the song on a CD. So I have heard it a lot since then and love it.

Adonai by Avalon
One single drop of rain
Your salty tear became blue ocean
One tiny grain of sand turning in your hand
A world in motion
You're out beyond the furthest Morning Star
Close enough to hold me in Your arms

Adonai, I lift up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You're Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai

One timid faithful knock
Resounds upon the Rock of Ages
One trembling heart and soul
Becomes a servant bold and courageous

You call across the mountains and the seas
I answer from the deepest part of me

Adonai, I lift up my heart and I cry
My Adonai
You are Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai

Oh, From age to age you reign in Majesty
And today You're making miracles in me

Adonai! I lift up my heart and I cry
My Adonai You are Maker of each moment
Father of my hope and freedom
Oh, my Adonai

Mmmhmm, Another Giveaway

Head on over here to enter for a chance to win a product from Mommy Pads and More!

Rubbermaid and Sharpie Giveaway

Yes, I have another giveaway to tell you about. I've been going a bit giveaway-happy lately. :)

There is a giveaway going on here for some Rubbermaid and Sharpie products!

Giveaway

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Emmanuel- Day 157

I decided it was time to break out the Christmas songs on here. I'll probably have Christmas songs sprinkled in with non-Christmas songs from here on to the end of the year. I love to play this particular song on the piano. Well, the Emmanuel part of Amy's song. I have always loved it from Amy Grant's Christmas album and from singing it (the Emmanuel part) in church. We sang it just this past Sunday, in fact. But I love Amy's version.

Emmanuel by Amy Grant
Emmanuel, Emmanuel.
Wonderful, Counselor!
Lord of life, Lord of all;
He's the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One!
Emmanuel, Emmanuel.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel.
Wonderful, Counselor!
Lord of life, Lord of all;
He's the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One!
Emmanuel, Emmanuel.

Emmanuel, Emmanuel.
Wonderful, Counselor!
Lord of life, Lord of all;
He's the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One!
Emmanuel, Emmanuel.

Emmanuel, (Emmanuel, Emmanuel), Emmanuel.
Emmanuel, (Emmanuel, Emmanuel), Emmanuel.
Wonderful, Counselor!
Lord of life, Lord of all;
He's the Prince of Peace, Mighty God, Holy One!
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel....

(Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel, Emmanuel.)

For Freedom- Day 156

I already had this song set to post today, not even thinking about the date. After I had posted it, I realized that today is Pearl Harbor Day! So this is perfectly fitting to post today, of all days.

I love this song. When I really think about the words, it always makes me get a little choked up. I can't remember where I read/saw/heard this, but Greg and Janna (the husband and wife in the group) chose to sing the portion about the little girl going off to war together, thinking about their own little girl. That made it so much harder for them to sing the song. I can't even imagine how they did that.

For Freedom by Avalon
Jody:
Somewhere a trumpet sounds in the night
A soldier is standing there
It’s calling him out to the stars and the stripes
It’s calling him God knows where

Melissa:
He kisses the ones he loves goodbye
and leaves in the dead of night
For freedom he’ll heed the call
Leave all he knows
(duet) And for freedom he’ll stand and fight

Greg:
And somewhere a man and wife
can’t believe they’re waving their girl goodbye
For gone are the days of pigtails and curls and candlelight lullabies

Janna:
If they had their way she’d stay young forever
and never be far from home
But freedom has drawn her heart to danger’s shore
And for freedom they’ll let her go

Jody:
And somewhere a thunderous crash in the night
It echoes all through the hills

Greg:
Though many escape it’s wrath and it’s rage
A soldier lies wounded still

Melissa / Janna:
Remembering the land he loves, he cries
I’ve loved you with all my might
For freedom said I’m her son whatever comes (whatever comes)
And for freedom I’ll say goodbye

Everybody:

And somewhere beneath the stars and the sky

Our flag is still standing there (she’s still standing there)

She bled and she brought one land under God (under God)

Her colors still lead us there (it’s still there)


She’s carried the lives of those before us

She’s buried the bold and brave

For freedom she holds our hopes and and hands up high

And for freedom she’ll ever wave



I watched four different videos for this song and decided this was the best one. It made me cry. That's a sure sign it's a good one in my book. :)

Abba Father- Day 155

I first heard this song at church camp in middle school and instantly loved it. I looked for it for quite awhile afterwards until I finally found it in a friend's piano book. I asked for that book for Christmas that year and then found the CD it was off of, as well.

Abba Father by Shaun Groves
Abba Father
My Defender
You are Holy
And I surrender
For in my weakness
You protect me
When my heart strays
You Correct me

I cry Abba Father -
I love you, Daddy
Abba Father...
I love you, I love you
I cry Abba Father -
I love you, Daddy
Abba Father..
I love you I love you
Daddy

Abba Father
My Defender
You are Holy
And I surrender
For in my weakness
You protect me
When my heart strays
You Correct me

I cry Abba Father -
I love you, Daddy
Abba Father...
I love you, I love you
I cry Abba Father -
I love you, Daddy
Abba Father..
I love you I love you...

I love you Daddy
Abba Father I love you
I love you
Abba Father I love you
Daddy
Abba Father I love you
I love you
I love you I love you...
...Daddy

American Dream- Day 154

Can I say yet again that I love Casting Crowns' lyrics? They have some awesome songs. This song is no exception. Love it.

American Dream by Casting Crowns
All work no play may have made Jack a dull boy
But all work no God has left Jack with a lost soul
But he's moving on full steam
He's chasing the American dream
And he's gonna give his family finer things

“Not this time son I've no time to waste
Maybe tomorrow we'll have time to play”
And then he slips into his new BMW
And drives farther and farther and farther away

Cause he works all day and tries to sleep at night
He says things will get better;
Better in time

[Chorus]
So he works and he builds with his own two hands
And he pours all he has in a castle made with sand
But the wind and the rain are comin' crashing in
Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands
His kingdom stands

Well his American Dream is beginning to seem
More and more like a nightmare
With every passing day
"Daddy, can you come to my game?"
"Oh Baby, please don't work late."
Another wasted weekend
And they are slipping away

'Cause he works all day and lies awake at night
He tells them things are getting better
Just take a little more time

[Chorus]
So he works and he builds with his own two hands
And he pours all he has in a castle made with sand
But the wind and the rain are comin' crashing in
Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands
His kingdom stands

He used to say, "Whoever dies with the most toys wins"
But if he loses his soul, what has he gained in the end
I'll take a shack on the rock
Over a castle in the sand

Now he works all day and cries alone at night
It's not getting any better
Looks like he's running out of time

[Chorus]
'Cause he worked and he built with his own two hands
And he poured all he had in a castle made with sand
But the wind and the rain are coming crashing in
Time will tell just how long his kingdom stands
His kingdom stands

All they really wanted was you
All they really wanted was you
All they really wanted was you


I love this music video.

Testify to Love- Day 153

Uh-oh. It's December 1st. That means I'm down to just one month left to complete this challenge! Although, technically, I could give myself until the end of January since I didn't start it until then this year. But we'll see.

Testify to Love by Avalon
All the colors of the rainbow
All of voices of the wind
Every dream that reaches out
That reaches out to find where love begins
Every word of every story
Every star in every sky
Every corner of creation lives to testify

For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough
With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love

From the mountains to the valleys
From the rivers to the sea
Every hand that reaches out
Every hand that reaches out to offer peace
Every simple act of mercy
Every step to kingdom come
All the Hope in every heart will,speak what love has done

O-Oh Ohhh

For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough
With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love

Colors of the rainbow
Voices of the wind
Heaven reaches out where love begins
Word of every story
Star in every sky
All creation testify

Mountains to the valleys
Rivers to the sea
Heaven reaches out to offer peace
Simple act of mercy
Kingdom come
Every heart will speak what love has done

Colors of the rainbow
Voices of the wind
Heaven reaches out where love begins
Word of every story
Star in every sky
All creation testify

For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough
With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live
I will test------------------ify

For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough
With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love

For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silences when words are not enough
With every breath I take I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love!