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Light, Love, Hope

Light in the Darkness Surrounded by Love with Hope for those in need.

Beautiful Music

Christmas Music All Around

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ChristTomlinCDBefore there was Christmas music all around, I was listening to Chris Tomlin’s Christmas CD Adore:  Christmas Songs of Worship.

This album just released on October 23, 2015, and I had it playing at work shortly thereafter.  Music relaxes me while I work, and what better way to go about your day than with worship music floating out of the speakers on my desk?!

I’ve been a fan of Chris Tomlin for a long time, often using songs for our praise and worship interpretive dances when I was the director at our church a few years ago.  Chris Tomlin always brings about a worshipful experience in the way he presents the songs.  From the music to the words ushering us into God’s holy presence, any time you listen to Chris Tomlin, you will feel like it has been a worshipful experience.  His Christmas music is no different!

If you would like a copy of his latest Christmas CD, now is your chance to enter our giveaway!

 

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Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway.  Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation.  I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller/FlyBy Productions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  If you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again.  Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

This Is Not A Test

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Fond memories rush in of a time when my family and I were a part of God’s Copy Cats at a church we attended for several years.  God’s Copy Cats put on a major production in the Spring of every year, which was free to the public.  The whole reason and purpose they put on this show annually was to glorify and praise God as we ministered to the whole community.  This gave us a chance to reach hearts that may have never come to know Jesus if it hadn’t been for hearing the Word of God during our show or having words of a song touch their heart as they sat in their seat taking it all in.  Having served on the welcoming committee, I lost count of the mass of people that flooded the theater the weekend this event was held.  What a huge platform to reach lost souls!

We had black light, puppetry, hip hop dancing, and interpretive movement, and it was all based on and performed to Christian music.  My daughter was a member of God’s Copy Cats, and she has many fond memories, too, of her time on stage as she served in every capacity while on the team.  I will never forget seeing her little 10 year old self on stage doing the hip hop dances to none other than TobyMac!  Having served back stage as well during the show, we knew every single song that they would present that weekend no matter what form they were presented in.  We practiced with the team so much that TobyMac’s lyrics flowed from our lips as we sang along to his feel good music, his album fast becoming one of our favorites.

There is just something about TobyMac that makes you want to move your body as it improves your overall mood.  There is no way you can stay depressed once turning on a TobyMac song.  It is a get-out-of-your seat-and-to-your-feet type of album, no matter which you choose to listen to.  His songs are upbeat with a truly positive message and meaning behind them.

I do love taking a walk down memory lane!

As reality zaps me back to the present day, imagine our excitement as we learned of TobyMac’s newly released album, This Is Not A Test.  When my family heard me say that I was going to listen to TobyMac, their ears perked up as they all followed me into the room.  They wanted to listen, too!  I smiled and cranked up the tunes as we all four enjoyed the new sounds of Mr. TobyMac!

Whether you’re a TobyMac fan or have never heard of him before, I’d like to recommend this album to you.  If you need high energy music that speaks to you and causes you to tap your foot or even dance in your seat, this is the album for you!  And here’s great news!!  Thanks to Propeller/FlyBy Productions, we have a copy just for you.  What’s more is that this prize pack features the This Is Not A Test Deluxe Edition CD, Vinyl, Tank, and a TobyMac hat!!

Are you excited yet?

What are you waiting for?  Enter our giveaway now, and share it with your friends as well!

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

 

Win a copy of Soothe

Jim Brickman’s Soothe: Soothe Yourself with Meditation

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Chapter six of “Soothe: How to find calm amid everyday chaos” deals with meditation. As I read through the contents of the book, my eyes stopped at this chapter as this topic has a special interest for me. I have been meditating since I was a freshman in high school which puts me at around the 40 year mark for practicing meditation. (Enter our Soothe Contest below)

What I found intriguing in this chapter is that Brickman discusses several ways for a person to get started with meditation. He lists six different types of meditation that anyone, beginner to expert, can use with ease. I loved reading these as it was quite different from what I first read about meditation.

My first exposure on how to mediation was what I think is the standard preconception about meditating. You sit with your legs crossed, straighten your back, have your arms bent with the palms of your hands facing upwards, breathe deeply and chant “om.” Guess what. That didn’t work for me. I can’t be comfortable sitting contorted like a pretzel, trying to breathe from my abdomen while chanting “om.” I didn’t let that discourage me. I just found what worked for me.

Many things I have read about meditation say that you have to clear your mind. For me that is extremely difficult as my mind is working non-stop all the time. I have found my own method that works for me. I recline in a comfortable position. I have a bean bag pillow to support my head and neck. I put headphones on and listen to some soft music. I always start with a short prayer. To try getting my mind away from the flurry of activity thinking about this or that, I run a few affirmations through my mind. Then I just let my mind go and concentrate on the music. When I realize that my mind is wandering to a place I don’t want to go, I bring it back to the music. Sometimes, I will think of a place that is special to me which brings out happy feelings and imagine myself there. At times I will get so into the music that it feels like I am floating upon the notes as the play. My latest favorite music for meditation is the companion CD to the book, “Soothe: Music to quiet your mind and soothe your world.” Other artists that I listen to while meditation are Ryan Farish, Kevin Wood, 2002 and Secret Garden.

For those of you that may be considering meditation for the first time I would like to give you this advice; find what works for you. Everyone is different. What works for me is not going to work for everyone. Try each of the types of meditation mentioned in “Soothe: How to find calm amid everyday chaos.” Make some changes to them if need be to find what works for you. The benefits Brickman lists in the book are valid and I have found them to be true in all my years of meditation.

Start yourself on a new path in life with Soothe.

For more information on Jim Brickman and how to Soothe your life visit jimbrickman.com/SootheOverview.

#SootheYourWorld

Win a copy of Soothe

Jim Brickman: Soothe Your World

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We all feel stress. Many of us experience it on a daily basis. We know stress is bad. But do we really do anything about it or do we just live with? Jim Brickman, world renowned solo piano artist who has lived many years with a hectic stressful schedule, has compiled a wonderful collection of ideas and exercises to help everyone relieve the stress of daily life in an aptly named book: Soothe – How to Find Calm Amid Everyday Chaos.

Brickman brings together experts in various fields that share their insights into how each of us can soothe the stress in our lives. In a delightful narration, Brickman intertwines these ideas and exercises with his own personal experiences as he had worked to soothe the stress in his own life. The narrative is lively and entertaining with sections set aside throughout the book showcasing brief detailed descriptions of techniques and exercises we can use every day from his collection of experts.

As I read through the book, I could relate to so many of the things he touched upon which gave the book a more personal touch for me. I can relate to being a worrier. I can relate to getting stressed when I am late. I can relate to having my mind constantly working thinking about one thing or another; even to the point that it can affect my sleep. Some days it seems like all I am is a big ball of stress. Most of which I cause all by myself.

To accompany his book, Soothe – How to Find Calm Amid Everyday Chaos, Brickman has released a companion CD, Soothe – Music to quiet your mind & soothe your world, of beautiful stress relieving songs that incorporate the classic Brickman style arranged with peaceful sounds of nature. I have found the CD so captivating with the relaxing moods that emanate from each song that I have begun to use it during my daily meditation as well as playing it at my desk at work.

I highly recommend this book and CD for those of you that would like to try to soothe some of the stress and anxiety in your life. Brickman brings together an excellent variety of thought and examples that are easily integrated into your own schedule. Going through the book you might feel a bit overwhelmed at all the information. Don’t be. Start out slow and pick what you think will be easy for you to work into your day. You don’t have to do everything suggested in the book to see results.

Several of the techniques Brickman mentions in Soothe I have known about for some time. A couple of them I have already included in my daily schedule. Over the next several days, I would like to expand a bit on those things he writes about in Soothe – How to Find Calm Amid Everyday Chaos and give you some of my own experiences with trying to live a less stressful and more enjoyable life.

Start yourself on a new path in life with Soothe.
For more information on Jim Brickman and how to Soothe your life visit:
jimbrickman.com/SootheOverview.
#SootheYourWorld

Exhale

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I came to know the singer Plumb a few short years ago.  This particular song would play on the radio, and I was immediately entranced in the lyrics. There was talk of baby blue eyes and curly cues that, of course, made me think of my darling daughter who was only three years old at the time.

This song came at the right time, too, and was used as a tribute to my oldest daughter’s friend, Sydney, who was fighting a rare form of cancer in 6th grade.  I’ll never forget my daughter being new to this school and rightly self conscious as she entered the classroom to take her seat amongst the new faces that would be her classmates that school year.  No one spoke to my darling daughter as she made her way to a nearby seat.

Finally this blonde haired, blue eyed girl spoke up, “Hi, I’m Sydney.  Would you like to sit with me?” 

Oh thank God for Sydney!

My daughter did take her seat beside her new friend not knowing at that point in time that later in the school year my daughter would feel such a burning in her heart to help her newly diagnosed friend.  We contacted our pastor and began working on fundraisers for Sydney, with Plumbs’ song on the video as beautiful pictures of a healthier Sydney were displayed on the overhead screen for the entire church congregation to see.

Yes, this is how I first came to know of Plumb.  The perfectly written song that made me think of my youngest daughter with the eyes and the hair, while also thinking of my desire to protect my daughters from the raging storms in life.  The very same song Sydney’s mother chose as a tribute to her daughter.  So touching, so moving as the words of Safe In My Arms played as picture after picture was displayed of Sydney through the years.

Now Plumb, also known as Tiffany Arbuckle Lee, has returned with another powerful and moving album entitled Exhale. 

I was taken with this album right away as I placed it into my computer to listen at work on Monday morning.  Glancing down, I noticed the message on the front cover and knew before hearing a single word that she sang that this album would touch hearts and bring you to your knees before the throne of God.

We do not exist for us but to share the grace and love given to us ALL.  We breathe it in, it changes us and then we breathe it out, we share it.  I have now breathed in deeply and it has changed me completely.  It has healed my heart, restored my home and made me new.  Because of that grace, there is ALWAYS hope!  It’s oxygen.  Breathe it in … and then, EXHALE.

Do you see the potential of such a powerful impact that this one little album could have?

And then … I clicked play on my desktop, and the words flowed straight to my ears and down into my heart.

The song Exhale reassures you that no matter what you have done, everyone is welcome in His arms!

Oh friend, don’t you see the impact that this could have if more people heard those words and soaked them into their hearts and souls?  What a message of hope and redemption!

Come, child … It’s not too late.   It doesn’t matter what you’ve done, who you are, all that matters is that you surrender now.  Confess your sins and ask for forgiveness … it is yours.  The Father WILL forgive you … come just as you are and breathe in deeply … feel the sin and shame leave your body as God forgives you, washes you white as snow, and makes you new!    These are my words and what it makes me think of as the words on Plumbs’ album are slowly lifting themselves through the speaker and tucking themselves into my soul.  I can’t keep it to myself.  I have to share it with the world … and so I sit here typing as fast as my little fingers will fly … to share the message of Hope with YOU!

There are 12 songs on this album, and they are all just as good as the first.  They speak truth and life.   I highly encourage you to pick up the new album, or, in lieu of a giveaway with different things you have to do to enter, just email me if you’d like a copy.  I’ll select a random winner.

~*~*~*~*~

 

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

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Let It Be Jesus

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Growing up in the church, I always enjoyed the music before the pastor presented his message.  Whether it was from the church choir presenting a piece that they rehearsed for several weeks before perfecting it to present to the church or a special singer ushering us into the presence of God through song, it has been something that I have looked forward to each time I have come into the house of the Lord.  There is just something about raising your voice in song that invites the Holy Spirit into our mist.

Recently, I had the opportunity to review the CD entitled Let It Be Jesus by Christy Nockels.  From the moment it first began playing, it had my full attention.  Not only does Christy have a powerful voice, but the music invites you to tap your toes along with it or put your hands together to clap.  Better yet, as you move from the first song into the next and right on down the album, you find yourself lifting your hands in praise of our Heavenly Father.  He is worthy to be praised, and there is something so freeing about lifting up your arms, raising them high to the Heavens to praise His Holy Name!

Oh Father, you are so good to us.

The powerful words rang from my speakers not only to my ears but straight to my heart.  How beautiful this CD really and truly is.

I sat in the living room just soaking in all of the words – marveling in His Holy Presence.

Friends, if you’re going through a trial right now and feel battered by the storms all around you, put on some praise and worship music and allow yourself to just praise Him.  Yes, it is a sacrificial praise when you are so troubled and yet you lift up your voice in song to Him … sing along with Christy … or any praise and worship song … and feel your spirits being lifted.  Feel the stress and anxiety leaving your body as God renews you and strengthens you.  Yes, praise Him, even in the mist of the storms.  That is when we need to praise Him the most.  The bible tell us to praise Him in ALL things … that means the good, the bad, and the ugly.  Is it easy to do when you’re going through something horrible?  No … but if you will just surrender and allow God to fill you, oh what a difference it will make.  I promise that if you just stop what you’re doing, stop focusing and worrying over things that are beyond your control and just surrender to God at that moment and offer your praises to Him, you will receive a touch from Heaven, from Our Father.

Christy did an excellent job in reaching us and revealing God to us through the words in her songs.  You see, Christy was a worship leader for many years, so encouraging you to worship is not new to her.  She truly knows how to usher you into God’s presence through her songs.

I loved getting to know more about Christy and learning that she was a pastor’s child, and she grew up singing in church.  She definitely has a passion for music that comes through in her songs.

I have a great appreciation for music.  It was one of my favorite things about church growing up and in my adult life.  I joined a choir where I would sing my heart out every opportunity I got and boy, did it ever bless my soul.  After singing with the worship choir, I branched out and fought the case of the nerves as I began singing solo at church.  These are, indeed, the type of songs that I would go in search of to present to the church on Sunday mornings.  How truly beautiful are the words, and I am so thankful that I had the opportunity to review this CD.

Whether you have heard of Christy Nockels before or if this is your very first time hearing of her, we’d like to send you a CD, courtesy of Propeller Consulting, LLC.  Please enter our giveaway below!

Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

 

 

I’ll Be By Your Side

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A few years ago the interpretive ministries group that I was a part of at church performed sign art (American Sign Language)  to a popular song by Tenth Avenue North.  I’ll never forget the concert benefit that we were ministering at.  It was a benefit for my daughter’s friend that was diagnosed with cancer.

The year was 2009, and my daughter came home from school in the Sixth Grade to tell me that her friend was just diagnosed with cancer.  She had a desire to help her friend, and so we approached our pastor asking just how we, as the church, could help.  That is when he said that he would support our efforts in whatever fundraisers that we would like to put on for her family.  With his stamp of approval on our ideas, we started working on several fundraisers.  Several people joined in on our efforts, including Gregory C. Johnson, your co-host for Light Love Hope.  He came all the way from Illinois to the South for a car wash fundraiser he helped organize with tee-shirts he purchased for this event that had a red heart on the front with two outstretched hands cupped together in front of the heart with the words “Help Sidney” across the bottom.  And Help Sidney we did!

The concert benefit was part of the Help Sidney efforts, and at this concert benefit, my daughter and I stood at the edge of the stage with the rest of our interpretive movement team behind us as we signed …

I’ll be by your side

Whereever you fall

In the dead of night

Whenever you call

Please don’t fight

These Hands that are holding you 

We signed with all of our might that night at the concert benefit.  When it came to this next part, we especially put our heart and soul into it …

Cause I

I love you

I want you

To know 

I …

I love you

I’ll never

Let  

You

Go 

No, no

And He won’t.  No matter what you are facing, God will never let you go!  He loves you with a love so powerful, unlike anything you’ve ever experienced before.  And He always will.  There is nothing you can do that will make God love you any less.

Just as God was by Sidney’s side throughout her cancer treatments when she was struggling so, I’m pleased to report that she made a full recovery and is in remission!  Just as God was right there beside Sidney, He is right there beside you every step of the way, too!  He will never leave your side.  He will catch you when you fall, wherever you fall … in the dead of night, cry out to Him, and He will be there when you call upon Him … PLEASE don’t fight God’s Great and Mighty Hands.  Allow Him to wrap His loving arms around you and hold you.

Take His hand, sweet child.  You won’t regret it!

Winter Jam 2015

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The lights, the music, the Christian superstars … they all fill the stage for a night of powerful, moving, and Christ-honoring music!  Are you ready for Winter Jam 2015?

My family and I first attended Winter Jam with our church a few years ago.  We all piled into the big church bus and made our way an hour to Columbia with excitement building the entire way there.  Although we arrived early, the line was wrapped around the building!  People came from several cities away to hear and see all that Winter Jam had to offer.

I remember seeing Francesca Battistelli for the very first time live on stage that night.  What is especially cool is that years later, I came to know Francesca’s mother on a personal level as we co-lead an (In)Courage group together.  Awesome, right?  I used to love hearing stories about “Franny,” as her mom often referred to her, and the grandchildren.

That night we also saw Tenth Avenue North live on stage.  My daughter and I were a part of an interpretive movement group at our church, and we ministered through several of their songs.  By Your Side is one of my favorite songs by them, and although many years have passed since we performed sign art to this song, I still remember the movements and go right along with the song whenever it comes on the radio.

We were also introduced to Toby Mac that night and were amazed by his Christian – sometimes rap style – music.  Later, our church performed a few hip-hop numbers to his songs.  He is still one of our favorite Christian artists today.

Ah, what fond memories!

We are looking forward to Winter Jam again this year as Francesca Battistelli is back!  She will be bringing her powerful voice to the stage along with other artists in the line up such as:  Skillet, Jeremy Camp, Building 429, Family Force 5, Newsong, For King & Country, Blanca, About A Mile, and Veridia, with speaker Tony Nolan.   What’s better than all of these artists in one night on the stage?  You get all of these Christian artists, the powerful, Christ-honoring and glorifying music and stage show, all for the price of $10!

Unbelievable, right?

But, It’s true!

This is the best concert around, and you just can’t beat the price!

The Winter Jam tour kicked off on January 2, 2015, and they are coming to a city near you!  Interested?  Check out their cities and tour dates here.

Winter Jam 2015 1 Winter Jam 2015

 

 

On A Winter’s Night

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Last night was the Jim Brickman concert, which has become a holiday tradition in our family thanks to Gregory C. Johnson, aka The Quiet Computer Guy.  Greg was able to attend with us again this year, and he surprised us with front row seats!  Our girls were thrilled!

While cameras were not allowed in the auditorium, we were allowed to briefly take out our phones to snap shots to enter contests that Jim announced in the program we received last night.  While this picture is dark, you can see the smiles on my daughter’s faces with the piano in the back before Jim took the stage.Jim Brickman2

Anne Cochrane was there singing along and dressed so eloquently all night in her evening gowns and fancy dresses.  Tracey Silverman was also there rocking out on his electric violin.  You wouldn’t think that “rocking out” and violin would go together, but once you hear Tracey, you’ll understand!  He is quite talented and amazes us with all he can do on his electric violin.

Jim played so incredibly wonderful as he always does, and he sang to a few of his songs as well.  Last night he told us about how he got Kenny Rogers, the legendary Country singer, to sing for his album.  If you haven’t heard it, check it out!

We always enjoy how Jim, Anne, and Tracey kid each other on stage.  They are a lot of fun to watch together.

There was a special guest last night as well.  Clay from Savannah, Georgia, was the winner in our region for the “Sing With Jim Brickman” contest.  Clay is a preacher, and he talked of how his wife encouraged him to submit a youtube video for the contest.  He sang Love of My Life by Michael W. Smith live last night.  This is one of my most favorite songs as it talks of an amazing love and having found the love of his life.  This song speaks to my heart and soul and brings me to tears when I think of how I have found the love of my life and how thankful I am to God above!   Clay also sang with Jim, Anne, and Tracey on a song toward the end of the program as well.  AND as you can imagine, Clay had his crew from Georgia there supporting him and cheering him on.  They actually sat on the row directly behind us, and it was nice to see the support that they poured out for Clay.

At the end of the show we were ushered over to meet Jim.  We have met him on occasions in the past at his concerts, but my daughters always love taking pictures with him and chatting for a minute or two.  It is exciting talking to America’s most romantic piano sensation ever.  😉

Jim Brickman Jim Brickman1

Be sure to check out Jim’s site to see if he is performing On A Winter’s Night in a city near you.  This is a concert you won’t want to miss.  Be prepared to let all of the stress melt away as Jim’s music soothes your soul.

 

 

And The Fun Continues

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We have definitely been getting into the Christmas spirit!  While Greg has been visiting with us, we’ve gone on several adventures which we’ve already told you about.  Well, Saturday night Greg took us over to Charleston for a dinner cruise with The Plantation Singers.  What a treat that was to be on board with the beautiful women and men singing a variety of songs from Christmas tunes to gospel music.  My youngest daughter even requested a song, I’ll Fly Away, which they were so happy to perform for her.  They also sang some of their toe tapping, hand clapping music which we all enjoyed.  They kept us well entertained on the two hour cruise around the Charleston Harbor.  AND … the food was delicious!  They had a variety from shrimp and grits to a pork loin complete with brownies and chocolate chip cookies for dessert (notice how I am just mentioning my favorites although the entire meal was delicious!).

The Plantation Singers

Sunday we went over to see The Royal Gala of Horses!  If you’ve been following along for a while, you know how we love our horses!  Before the event, we rode our royal horses around our house – at least we think they are royalty!  🙂  I will have to say that as much as I enjoyed the show with the beautiful horses and their dressage training, there’s nothing like our very own horses that we ride almost daily!  While they put on a heck of a show, we remain devoted to our own horses.  I have said a long time ago that my horse, Sugar, is a little princess.  I even had a tiara for her at one point.

Royal Princess Sugar

 

Stop laughing …

Okay … you can laugh!

BUT you have to admit that she is beautiful and deserving of being treated as royalty.  My friend, Debbie, (God rest her soul) used to joke about how we thought owning horses would be so glamorous, yet there we were out there grooming the horses getting dirty while our horses soaked up all the attention and all of our time and money, too!  While this is also true, they give us so much joy.  There truly are no words to describe how we feel when we are with our horses.  It sounds strange to those that have never caught the horse fever, but to those that have, they know exactly what we speak of as they feel it, too.   There is just something about these majestic animals submitting to you willingly, and believe me, if one did not wish to submit, you would know it.  However, these gentle giants willingly give themselves to you as they trust you completely to do no harm to them … and the greatest bond of all time forms between horse and rider.

Ah, but I’ve gone on and on now about my horses once again.

One of these days, I will get Greg on the back of one of our horses.  He hasn’t ever ridden a horse before, so we must do something about that ASAP!  Until I’m able to snap a picture of him on horseback, enjoy these pictures from the show (We apologize in advance for the poor picture quality, but we did not know we could take pictures so we did not take our camera.  Instead, we were forced to use our phones.):

horses3 horses2 horses1 horses

After the horse show, we ventured over to Michael’s Café & Catering.  We showcased them on our site many months ago when they held their grand opening, so we thought we’d stop in to see how they’re doing.  They were actually doing quite well as the café was full to the point that we were offered a table in their banquet room.  It was really nice to have the entire room to ourselves.  They went all out with the decorations, and my daughter danced around the room going from one tree in the corner to the other.   I think it is safe to say that she enjoyed herself that evening.  We did, too, as you can tell by the pictures below:

Decorating Christmas Spirit

 

And the fun continues as tonight Greg is taking us to see Jim Brickman in concert with guests Anne Cochran and Tracy Silverman!  This has been a holiday tradition for us as Greg started years ago sending us tickets to Jim’s show as our family Christmas present.  At first we had no idea who Jim Brickman was, but it didn’t take us long to come to know and love his piano music.  Now our ten year old can even recognize when Jim’s songs come on our iPod or on the radio.  He IS a piano sensation, and we encourage you to look into his tour this holiday season.  We highly recommend his music any time of year but there is something that makes it even more special around Christmas.

Whatever you do this holiday season, please remember the real reason for the season:  Christ Our Lord!

 

And Now Christmas Tunes Surround Us

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Okay, so maybe not just yet, but pretty soon we all will be surrounded by Christmas tunes … in the car, in the stores, in the restaurants … Christmas tunes every where!!!

That is not a problem for me, though, as I love Christmas music!  I have actually already started playing mine in the comfort of my own home.

I was so excited to receive the Celtic Ladies Christmas CD in the mail from Family Christian! I immediately put it in the CD player and turned it up to enjoy! They have been a long time favorite of mine, and I could think of none better to get me in the Christmas spirit than these ladies!

There were some familiar songs as well as some that I hadn’t heard before, but each and every song was sung so eloquently and was simply beautiful. My ten year old daughter joined in on the tunes that were familiar to her, and we had a great time singing together. My 17 year old daughter came dancing into the room doing moves that she learned in ballet a few years ago. I’ll take that as a sign that she enjoyed it as well. 🙂 I can see us playing this CD a lot throughout the upcoming Christmas Season!

If you’re looking for a special CD to play as you’re gathered around the Christmas tree this year or as you’re wrapping all of the presents prior to Christmas day, I highly recommend this one!  You and your family will be blessed by these ladies and the message that they bring forth through song, especially the old familiar Christmas hymns. I especially love What Child Is This, Silent Night, and O Holy Night.

Can you tell I’m excited about the upcoming holiday season?

Better Part of Me

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Being that this is our anniversary weekend, we wanted to do things a little differently than in years past.  Instead of fancy trips and expensive jewelry, we are keeping it simple by staying a little closer to home and reconnecting.  We decided to do several day trips, with each one being a different adventure.

Thursday, we took the entire day to go horseback riding in Aiken, South Carolina at Hitchcock Woods.  This is a beautiful 2100 acre forest that is open to the public 365 days a year free of charge.  There is a lot of history within the woods, and it is breathtakingly beautiful as you and your horse make your way through the windy roads, up hills, and to refreshing creeks.

Hitchcock Woods

Friday, we set off in a different direction with Family Christian in mind.  This store is tucked back in a little shopping center off of the always busy Harbison Boulevard in Columbia, South Carolina.  I could spend hours in this store and have on many occasions!  They have so much to offer that it is hard to narrow down a choice.  From art, pictures, jewelry, bibles, inspirational books, to a variety of music, it is never just a quick trip in and out of this store.  No matter who you are, you are bound to find a treasure in there that you are sure to love.

Family Christian

Yesterday’s treasure hunt for my husband and I resulted in a large bag of goodies that we took home with us, including the new CD by Rhett Walker Band entitled Here’s To The Ones.

Family Christian1

We popped this baby in as soon as we got back into our car.  We were not sure what to expect, as we had never heard this band before but thought we’d give it a try.  If it came from Family Christian, it had to be good!  And … it was!  My husband enjoys Country music now that he’s a cowboy with his horse, so his ears perked up when the music began to play.  It has a little bit of a Country sound to it, yet it also has a Southern Rock sound as well.  As the music played, there were a variety of instruments that we especially loved.  My husband enjoys a steel guitar, and I always enjoy piano music.  They had the drums and guitar rocking, but there was just something about that steel guitar.

One particular song spoke to us as we listened to the words.  It’s called Better Part of Me, and it started off talking about a couple having a difficult time.  We can relate, as the past six months have been a little rocky for us.  The next part of the song encourages the spouse to say what they need to say because no matter what, they are still committed to each other.

When I said I do, I wasn’t telling you just some lines from a song, from some ole Country tune.

 When I took your hand and you took my name, all time stood still with God and family.  

You were, you are, you know you’ll always be … the better part of me.

My husband was the first to comment on this song as it was playing.  He said:

“It just shows you that when things are heated, when you’re having a disagreement, a couple still has to work it out.  It is easy to forget how important your spouse is when you’re trying to get them to see things from your perspective.  It’s easy to forget that you are in this together.  They aren’t just words that you spoke, but they have meaning behind them.  That is why you got married.”

One verse that really struck me is when they sang:

Through the fire and through the hopeless rain, no matter what may come, I said ALWAYS …

As I was thinking it, my husband said it:

“It just reinforces the fact that you committed yourself willingly to each other for all time.”

Wow!

We had no idea that this one little trip inside the store would have this much of an impact on us.  If you have never heard of the Rhett Walker Band, we encourage you to try them as we did! Pick up a copy of their latest CD Here’s To The Ones at your local Family Christian store.

Allow the words of their songs to speak to you as well.  Not only did this song speak to our hearts, but it also reinforced our commitment to each other.  It couldn’t have happened at a better time as we don’t want to re-live the past six months or go through any of that again!  It’s done and over with now, and we just want to go forward together and recommit our hearts and lives to each other.

And so we shall … beginning now on our anniversary weekend.

 Anniversary Flowers

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