Christmas Soundtrack – A Wish and a Prayer

26 Dec

I’m not going to lie, this has been a hard year for A and I. It’s been tough to get into the Christmas spirit, but I’ve held on tightly to the thought that this day isn’t about me, it’s not about how I feel or if I can get into the ‘holiday spirit’. It’s not about presents or trees or perfectly cooked dinners even family, it’s about a Savior who put on flesh to come to Earth to save us all. I was listening to the Third Day Holiday station on Pandora – my go-to for Christmas song goodness – and a song by Reliant K came on that I’ve heard many times before. But this time I heard the lyrics. It so perfectly put into words my year, culminating in a love for my savior, born on Christmas day. So I give you “Merry Christmas, Here’s to Many More” by Reliant K, and my new Christmas anthem, the song that says what’s it’s really all about, “This is Christmas” by Kutless.

May God bless you and keep you this Christmas. Here’s to a better year next year and many, many more.

“Merry Christmas, Here’s to Many More” by Reliant K from the album Let it Snow Baby, Let it Reindeer

I made it through the year and I did not even collapse
Gotta say, “Thank God, for that”
I’m torn between what keeps me whole and what tears me in half
I’ll fall apart or stay intact

With tired eyes I stumble back to bed
I need to realize my sorry life’s not hanging by a thread
At least not yet

So look at me now
 Its finally Christmas and I’m home
Head indoors, to get out of this weather
And I don’t know how
But the closest friends I’ve ever known are all inside
Singing together
Singing merry Christmas, here’s to many more

It always hurt to be all by myself this time of year
A cold and lonely Christmas eve
And living out my days alone
Well that had been my deepest fear
But you promised you won’t leave

I look towards the east and see a star
Jesus Christ, has blessed my life to know just who you are
You are my hope

So look at me now
 Its finally Christmas and I’m home
Head indoors, to get out of this weather
And I don’t know how
But the closest friends I’ve ever known are all inside
Singing together
Singing merry Christmas, here’s to many more

Deck the halls with mistletoe
May all your heavy burdens go
Up the chimney in a cloud of smoke
The fire’s burning bright
Strike up the band and play the tune
Cause Christmas will be here and soon
You’ll hear our song in every room
This merry Christmas night

Singing merry Christmas, here’s to many more

fa la la la
fa la la la

“This is Christmas” by Kutless from the album O Come all Ye Faithful

Do you find it hard to sleep til’ night, resting by the Christmas lights,
Could there be something you forgot?
Beyond the bows, and mistletoes, the tree with presents wrapped below
There’s more to this than you had ever thought.
Have we lost the reason that we celebrate each year?

What is Christmas if there never was a Savior wrapped in a manger
What is Christmas without Christ

Remember how the story goes, God’s gift was wrapped in swaddling clothes,
Beneath the star, one great and holy night.
The shepherds heard the angels sing, the wise man brought an offering,
Peace on Earth began in Bethlehem.
Have we lost the reason that we celebrate each year?

What is Christmas if there never was a Savior wrapped in a manger
What is Christmas if the angels never sang ‘Glory to the new born King’
What is Christmas without Christ?

There’d be no Gloria, in excelsis deo
Gloria, in excelsis deo

This is Christmas, it’s all about the Savior wrapped in a manger
This is Christmas, because of Jesus Christ
This is Christmas, because of Christ, because of Christ.

Amen, and Merry Christmas.

A Christmas Tradition – Lights at Vasona Park

22 Dec

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What’s your favorite place to get your Christmas light viewing on?

Haloo, Martigan!

20 Dec

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We didn’t think we’d find a dog this quickly. But you know what they say, when the world closes a door, God opens a window.

We’ve been trying to adopt a dog since October. We’ve wanted a dog since I wrote My List, and between now and then we lost a dog, gave back a dog, so, yeah, this dog has been a long tine coming. But Martigan is perfect.

He’s funny, fuzzy, and non-sneezy. He loves us, loves Logan, and loves kids. He hates riding in the car, which honestly I find rather funny. He’s part cat, soft as a bunny, and super smart. Already house trained, but keeps bringing his toys outside and sticks inside. He’s young – only one – and brings a much-needed energy into our lives. I didn’t expect to hit the doggy lottery so soon, but I’m so glad we did. I’m grateful and humbled, and happy to finally have a dog who’s not sick, and who’s the right fit. Hooray for keeping a goal crossed of f the list, and praise God for a new puppy!

Update: Our last dog, Westley, found the prefect home, who signed the adoption papers the day we adopted Martigan. Thanks DPS for making two families more complete.

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Saturday Soundtack – Brought to You By The Greatest Story Ever Told, and Charlie Brown

17 Dec

Need I say more?

Yes, this is on my Christmas playlist, and yes, I still tear up every time I hear it. Enjoy!

“Linus Explains the Meaning of Christmas” from the timeless classic A Charlie Brown Christmas.

Do you have a movie soundtrack that makes your Christmas bright?

Running Away From S.A.D.

13 Dec

Two months ago I ran a half marathon, taking me from non-runner to runner wannabe. Since then, to say I’ve run minimally would be putting it nicely. I’ve meant to get back, but due to an injury I was on doctors orders to rest for three weeks afterwards, and after that, I’ve just been so gosh-darn tired. In fact, I’ve been extremely tired. Getting out of bed at all has been hard. I nap all the time, which my mom will tell you is extremely out of character; I didn’t even nap as an infant. On top of that I’ve been craving carbs like crazy, which combined with my lack of motivation to run has started my weight creeping back up. Normal social activity seems taxing, my body feels drained, and I’ve felt like my brain is wrapped in cotton for weeks.

I bet all you webMD aficionados out there already know where I’m going with this. I’m not that sharp, because when I went to see my counsellor for a totally unrelated issue I was totally shocked when she told me I was suffering from S.A.D., or Seasonal Affective Disorder. I always knew I got the Winter blues whenever daylight savings came around, but it’s only ever lasted for a week or two before. I’m not going to lie, it’s hard to think of myself as being mildly seasonally depressed. I’m an up person. I’m super social, outgoing, and, like the boys in Monty Python, always look on the bright side of life. This isn’t me. Only, apparently, it is for now.

So what did my lovely counsellor suggest as treatment? Running and sitting in natural light. Fabulous. Two things I absolutely love! I’ve wanted to start running again, but haven’t. I’ve needed to start running again, but had no motivation. But motivation or no,  I needed a change, so I laced up my Brooks and went out the front door. It felt like I was moving my arms and legs through wet cement, but I did it. Thank the Lord, I wasn’t starting from scratch. I was able to run far more than I’d been able to when I first started training, and I was thrilled my body remembered what to do. I didn’t feel instantly more optimistic, but the next day I felt more clear – more myself – than I had in weeks. So I’m going to keep going. I love running, so it’s awesome that an exercise I enjoy can help get me out of this funk. So I’m putting it out there for all the world to see, for you all to hold me to: I’m going to run away from S.A.D., rediscover my love of running and myself.

Wish me luck!

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