Okay.

I admit it.

I’ve not been the best blogger lately.

In fact, I’ve been offline more in the past 3 weeks than I’ve been in probably the last 3 months.

I’ve hit one of those life-bumps which pull you away from the cyberworld which can be so time-comsuming and thrusts me headlong into the real world. My life. My job. My family.

And it means that writing gets shoved somewhere between the laundry piles, ungraded papers, and packing boxes.

Last week it was REALLY bothering me because I have that same problem most other writers have: My imaginary friends want to come out to play and won’t leave me alone until I get their stories out on paper.

Which made last week all the harder because I received scores back from a contest in which I didn’t do very well.

So I kicked myself around a little, emailed Tina Radcliffe for some positive kicks to counter my very negative ones, and did what I usually do when faced with disappointment:

1. Eat Chocolate

2. Put the crits away for later (when I’m less likely to toss my computer across the room)

3. Eat Chocolate

4. Pray

5. Email someone who understands

6. and…er…did I say ‘Eat Chocolate’ already?

But you know what? My plight is not a surprise to God. In fact, He’s right in here the thick of it with me. I’m in HIS HANDS – so of course He knows what’s going on. In this moment I have an amazing opportunity.

Trust Him

or Despair

The latter leads to untrue thoughts, miserable feelings, and impotent actions

The former leads to incomparable peace, indescribeable joy, and an immeasurable sense of value.

Which to choose?

That’s a no-brainer.

It may take a few more reminders to keep me on the right path, but I know that the One who holds me, helps me to stay on His path.

I’m may be off-line, off-balance, and off-kilter, but in God’s book I’m right on Target when I trust in Him

Blessings,

WWII.

Intrigue.

Romance.

Priceless Treasure.

It’s all there within the pages of Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey’s newest novel, Chasing Mona Lisa. The unique combination of these two authors’ voices prove to increase the perspective in this novel with a nice blend of fast-pace, historical detail, and male-female interest. With the rich scene of a world at war as a backdrop, this book offers a fantastic glimpse into the German occupation of France and the conflicts, personalities, and determination of individuals caught in the middle. I loved the detail combined with enough romantic moments to whet a ‘romance lover’s’ whistle

A good read.

This book is available January 2011 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group

It’s the beginning of a new semester for me – which is one reason why I’m behing on my blogging.

When the responsibilities of a new semester begins, I’m afraid the writing and the blogging have to move aside and make room for the paying job. 

BUT – I learn so much through my job as a clinical instructor and teacher at East Tennessee State University. I also have the remarkable opportunity to work with families touched by Autism.

This week I had one of those wonderful experiences that happen all to seldom. I went into a school and the teachers were excited about learning new ways to support the kids in their classes who had Autism diagnosis. No hesitations or arguments.

General interest, compassion, love, and excitement.

It was a wonderful experience and renewed my faith in the fact that God has teachers ‘out there’ who love children – and still love learning.

One of the most fabulous books I’ve found which celebrates the different ways kids on the Spectrum view the world is called I Am Utterly Unique by Elaine Marie Larson. It’s colorful illustrations and optimism turn the ‘historically’ negative view of Autism on its head.

Unique – and processing the world in a different (not disordered) way – necessarily.

God creates so many different people in the world, and He creates them for His glory. People who see the world from a different perspective, people who are quiet, people who are loud, people with disabilities you can see, people with disabilities you can’t see. People! To quote a children’s song (which would probably be considered politically incorrect now) “red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the little children of the world.”

You are ‘utterly’ unique because you were designed by the hands of a Loving Father!

It’s pretty easy to take New Year’s Resolutions too far.

Most of the time that’s not my problem. I don’t take them far enough. But sometimes the reason behind most New Year’s Resolutions is that we’re not satisfied. There’s something we need (or want) to change and we make a resolution to do it. Why do we wait until Jan 1? It looks cooler, I guess.

Inspired by my five year old,  I have a lifelong resolution this year that I want to keep. It’s not something I can keep on my own. I have to have help.

Here’s the gist:

Every day, at some point in the day, my five year old says this phrase “I love this day”.

Every day.

This week, however, it hit my heart in a way it hadn’t before. Beyond her sweet voice and simple words a deeper voice resounded…This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it.

So many times we allow everything else expect the Lord to rule our hearts and direct our emotions. Instead of having a thankful heart, we find so many ways to be discontent.

This year, with the Lord’s help, I want to take on the attitude of my daughter and ‘love the day’. This day.

It doesn’t mean trials, pain, and difficulties will not come. Those are a given in this world. But it does mean that my attitude should reflect the hope of Christ. My vision should be from heaven-shaded glasses. My choices should reflect someone who rejoices in the Lord.

And when I fail to ‘love the day’ (as most of us fail at our resolutions at one point or other), I can rejoice in the knowledge that I cannot ‘rejoice in the day’ without God’s help (and his constant reminder).

There is so much to find hope and joy in when you are loved with so GREAT a love as God’s love.

So – to quote the historically great thinker Junior Asparagus from the acclaimed movie Madame Blueberry :

A thankful heart is a happy heart

I’m glad for what I have - that’s an easy place to start

For my home on the ground for God’s love that’s all around

That’s why I say thanks every day.

I love this day.

Blessings,

I’m up at the Writers Alley sharing some insights from fabulous authors about how to write that first sizzling scene between your hero and heroine. Stop by and check it out at http://thewritersalleys.blogspot.com.

Oh what fun!

Meditating on the amazing miracle of God’s Son’s birth is not only humbling, but encourages a heart of thanksgiving.

From Adam and Eve’s first act of disobedience, which ripped a rift between mankind and God, we’ve been trying to make our way back to God. But we can’t.

It took a miracle.

An unexpected and unbelievable act of God.

And the entire stable scene sets the stage for God’s choice.

A manger in a stable? A filthy place where animals not only sleep but relieve themselves?

A smelly, dirty cave of a place?

What other picture could portray the darkness and sin to which this Rescuer of the world would come?

And how appropriate? Shepherds would have never thought to set foot in a palace to see a king’s birth – but a stable?

Even they could be welcome into a stable.

God became man, approachable.

It’s a wonderous mystery and a beautiful picture of how great His love and how great our sin.

Oh what a SAvior! Oh what love!

The ULTIMATE Gift!

May the knowledge of His love fill you with Joy in this New Year!!

 

Merry Christmas everyone! Blessings to you and your family.

May you all know the joy of the true reason for this season – the Savior who is Christ the Lord.

 

Twas the Night Jesus Came

Twas the night Jesus came and all through the town,

Not a person would guess The Messiah came down.

The earth gave no warning to speak God’s intent

But this magical night I would never forget.

The streets were all busy with strangers from far;

No time to hear singing or see the bright star.

As my young friends and I kept our watch o’er the flock

We had no idea we’d soon get a shock.

When out of the darkness there rose such a light,

I sprang from the hilltop to gaze at the sight.

An angel came shining as bright as noon-day,

More fearsome and brilliant than I’ve words to say.

At first he said, softly, “There’s no need to fear.”

Which I found hard to do since this host first appeared,

But he said, “Be of Joy! I bring you great news!

Your Savior is born, there is no time to lose.”

“This babe wrapped in cloths has no crib for his bed,

But rests his sweet head in a feed-trough instead.”

And then other angels, more than I can know,

Rejoiced through the dark with their songs and their glow.

Like millions of stars dancing down to the earth,

They lifted their voices in praise of his birth-

Singing, “Glory to God.” Through the stillness of night

“and peace to all men,” then they flew out of sight.

It didn’t take long to break out of our shock.

We ran down the hill leaving our field and flock,

And found the sweet baby inside a damp cave,

But could this be Christ – the whole world to save?

The donkeys and horses had left a foul smell.

The straw was all muddy, the manger as well.

But everything was as the angel had said,

A babe wrapped in cloths in a crude manger bed.

Then I know – it was clear. Where else would he be?

The Teacher and Healer to make the blind see.

The Savior who’d carry the sins of us all,

Where else would show love than an old cattle stall?

This baby, The Christ, would clean up all our messes.

He’d take on our curses and give us His blessings.

So as I adored Him, God’s Son, the true Light,

God seemed to be whisp’ring to all a “good night”

copyright 2009   Pepper D. Basham

 

How many of you do NOT know this hymn? If you raised your hand, then it’s IMPERATIVE that you click here and listen to it. Here’s another version by John Michael Talbot. This Medieval song is a combination of a Latin poem and an ancient melody known at Divinum Mysterium.

For those who enjoy solid doctrine housed within a beautiful (almost haunting) melody – this is a song you will enjoy. Imagine 16th century monks’ voices echoing through the hallowed halls of a European monastary as you listen to the recordings.

Now, which author listed this hymn as their top Christmas song pick??

My favorite Christmas song is “Of the Father’s Love Begotten.” The first verse goes like this:

Of the Father’s love begotten, ere the worlds began to be, He is Alpha and Omega, He the source, the ending He, Of the things that are, that have been, And that future years shall see, evermore and evermore!

I love the truth contained in the words, and I love the melody because it’s so gentle and haunting. It always carries me away to a peaceful place in my heart. If you’re not familiar with the song, here’s a YouTube clip: http://youtu.be/OWqAKP9lAVw

Myra Johnson

There are many Christmas songs that have come about during the last few years. Amy Grant seems to have a few favorites around here

Let’s check out what two wonderful Seekers have to say about them – and which ones they’ve chosen

Oh WOW, without question, Amy Grant’s Emmanuel. The minute that deep repetitive base echos in my ears signaling its onset, my heart starts to thump along with it, heralding the truth of lyrics that are very simple, brief, yet powerfully emotive, at least for me. The song only consists of four simple lines, but their message and impact are life-changing — that when invited in, the “Prince of Peace” chooses to reside inside of a human heart, becoming Lord of life and Lord of all! Thank you, God!!

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

-Julie Lessman

My favorite Christmas song is Breath of Heaven by Amy Grant and Chris Eaton. Beautiful lyrics as well as peaceful, ethereal music make this one I never tire of hearing. I love to imagine how Mary felt carrying the baby Jesus. How she must’ve felt as the time came to deliver–in a stable–the Son of God. I think the song does an amazing job portraying the emotion.

 - Missy Tippens

Stay tuned for Friday with Erica Vetsch!

It’s one of the most notable carols of Christmas. A French poem set to music by Adolphe Adam in 1847, O Holy Night has become a standard – especially as a solo. The literal translation from French to English makes the words all the more poignant.

Here is the first verse as translated from the original French:

Midnight, Christians, it is the solemn hour,

When God-man descended to us

To erase the stain of original sin

And to end the wrath of His Father.

The entire world thrills with hope

On this night that gives it a Savior.

People kneel down, wait for your deliverance.

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer,

Christmas, Christmas, here is the Redeemer!

Well – we have a whole HOST of authors who picked O Holy Night as their favorite Christmas song.

My fav Christmas song (oh, do I have to pick just one!!?) would be “O Holy Night” because, when I sing it or hear it sung, I feel the glory and majesty in the music and the wording which reflects Christ’s birth. It makes me cry every time even though I’ve heard it hundreds, perhaps thousands of times. Sigh.

Laura Frantz (author of The Colonel’s Lady  and Courting Morrow Little)

 

 

 

 

This is hard to narrow down but I think my very favorite Christmas song is O Holy Night. The lyrics are a powerful picture of how everything changed when Jesus was born. When I hear it or sing it I want to fall on my face before the Lord, weeping in thanksgiving, for the gift of our Lord and Savior – Jesus. LOVE it!

Jamie Carie, who also left some wonderful links to versions of O Holy Night, is author of The Guardian Duke and Pirate of My Heart.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZ-8jYpa1-o– celtic women

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Jr-2eyRtV4 – the amazing Celine Dion

And my sister from another mother :-) the fabulous Mariah Carey http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEJmP8T07JU&feature=fvsr

My favorite Christmas Carol is O Holy Night.

 

O Holy Night is the essence of why we celebrate Christmas. God gave the gift of eternal life in His Son Jesus Christ when the world least expected it. Because of His perfect gift, we give to those we love. We can’t ever out-give God; His blessings are eternal. But we can symbolize the ultimate, by giving to others—the poor, the needy, the unloved. O Holy Night speaks to our souls where words and emotion fail to communicate the love of Christmas.

DiAnn Mills - (author of Attracted to Fire and Under a Desert Sky)

 

Stop by for more Christmas songs on Wednesday with Julie Lessman & Missy Tippens’ favorites!!