NOOOOOO-OOO-OOOOOOO-O-O-O-O!!!!!!!!!!

Somewhere, I have no clue where, Betsie has gotten this idea that she needs to go to college and further her education. She also thinks she is supposed to turn eighteen next week. 

Eighteen.

How dare she do this without the rest of her family liking this? We are all thinking that we need to take a vote and make her abide by our decision and stay with us. And we all know the vote would be for her to stay.

Sigh...for some reason, I think she'd go all demagogue on us and not abide by the will of the people.

Anyway, since we'll be traveling on the day of the not-so-happy-event (for us, she thinks it is a big deal and all) and the day before, too, I wanted to do the traditional birthday interview a few days early.

So here goes.

Betsie, you know my opinion of you turning eighteen and going away --- far, far, far away --- to college. What is your take on the matter?

I feel like I have been running a marathon for the past seventeen years and I'm almost to the finish line. I'm on the last paragraph of the chapter and about to start a new one so I'm really excited to turn the page and start that but I'm also kinda sad.

Yeah, you just put that sad part in to try and make us think you're going to miss us. As if....

ANYWAY, back to your birthday. If you could get anything for your birthday, price and realism have not limits, what would you ask for?

Okay, either it would be a vintage convertible or a trip to Thailand. But since I can't get either of those things, I would really like to get a bike.

What color?

Sky blue.

Is that your favorite color?

It is one of my favorite colors. I pride myself on not having a favorite color.

What are you other favorite colors?

Green and dark blue and pale purple and cream.

Since we're on the subject of favorites, what are some other favorites in your life right now. Let's see....ummm....books. What are your favorite books right now?

I'm reading THE KITE RUNNER and that's a page-turner. I'm not a masochist, though, so I will probably never read it again. I'm reading a lot of girl power books lately.

What are your all-time favorite books?

Oh my gosh. I don't know.

Just name a few.

LITTLE WOMEN, THE HELP, DELIRIUM, ANNE OF GREEN GABLES, FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING, all the NARNIA books.

What about music? Favorite right now and all-time favorites?

THE BEST SONG EVER [by One Direction] and the mixed cd my friend Bethany gave me are my favorites right now. All-time favorites? Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgroves, Switchfoot, One Direction, Keith Urban, Jesus Culture.

Favorite scripture verse or Bible story/passage?

Ecclesiastes 3:1-8. At least that's it for the moment. It changes a lot.

Favorite foods? Real food and junk food.

Chocolate chip cookie dough, fro-yo, rotel [dip], anything Thai as long as its not spicy, and MEXICANNNNNNN!

Favorite thing to do when you just wanna chill.

Either a movie or tv show marathon and eat.

Favorite place to hang out with friends.

Somewhere outdoors, maybe the park.

Really? I figured coffee shops.

Oh, coffee shop couch.

Speaking of coffee shops, what are your favorite beverages?

Blondie frappes with lots of whipped cream, hot chocolate with lots of whipped cream, I'm digging Dr. Pepper right now, and always water with ice.

Favorite icecream?

Chocolate chip cookie dough and anything Ben and Jerry's. Their cannoli one is uh-maaaaaazing!

Favorite cookies?

Chocolate chip.

Favorite candy?

Ummmmmm......Reese's cups.

Okay, so off the food theme.

Favorite animal.

Probably cats.

Why?

Because, they're not clingy like dogs are. They don't drool and rub their bums on you. I hate that about dogs.

You are my daughter.

Okay, so what are ten other things you really like?

Dancing. Annoying people with David --- it is more fun [with him]. The fact that I only have 22 days until college. Getting a nose ring next week. High heels. Driving with the windows down, every time, even in the rain. I like baseball. I don't like saying goodbye. I like Mindy Kaling, she's really cool. And I loooooove getting snap chats from my friends that are really random and sometimes slightly inappropriate.

Oh Betsie.

Ummmm....so what is your favorite birthday memory from years past?

Probably my 16th birthday. We went to a restaurant and afterwards we bought a disposable camera and when all the girls came back to sleep on my house we took all these pictures out on my balcony. The next day we went to Merit Creek and when we got there, two of my friends had written HAPPY BIRTHDAY in huge letters in the sand on one of the banks.

How do you think you've changed the most since that birthday?

I stick up for myself now. I'm not afraid to tell people when they are doing something that makes me uncomfortable.

How do you think you'll change between now and next year when you turn 19?

I have no idea. I don't know.

Well, you will have lived 6 months on the other side of the world from your mama and daddy. You'll have finished your first year of college. I can only imagine that it is going to be a huge year.

Do you have any hopes for this year, specifically where college is concerned?

That I become really good friends with my suite mates; that I don't commit to too much, take on more than I can handle; that I still go to the gym and don't gain the freshmen 15; and that I will finish the school year knowing that I helped at least one person.

Well knowing you, and how driven you can be and how loving God has made you, I have no doubt that most of those will happen, especially the very last one.

I love you sooooooooo-o-o-oo much and even though I might pout a bit concerning your leaving, you know that I am actually very proud of you and support your choice all the way. The W is a good match for you and God's going to do amazing things in your life this year.

I love you, Birthday Girl!

Ahhhh, thanks, Mom!

SEEN and SCENE

Most of the week busy in New Orleans and at the ministry. Will post a picture or two --- or maybe even three or more --- for each day as computer time very limited.

A relaxing train ride afforded me plenty of time to edit photos, catch up on facebook, pray, read, and snack on healthy Chex mix.  I was picked up by Anna and my mom, walked around the mall on Veteran's for a while, before heading to Celebration Church for the Watoto Children's Choir concert.

This Africa freak was obviously happy to be in the company of these children from my favorite continent.

After the concert, we headed to Copeland's Cheesecake Bistro for an after-concert supper and some fabulous desserts including Mardi Gras cheesecake.

Amazing food, people I love, New Orleans, and African children equals one happy mama!

WHY WE CAN TRULY CELEBRATE

I adore Christmas. I love the gift giving and the gift getting. I love the special church services and the traditional foods. I love the glitzy decorations and the sweet homemade ornaments. I love the books I read to the kids only at this time of year and the seasonal clothes and jewelry. I especially love that this is one time of year where the amazing message of Jesus is proclaimed everywhere you turn, even in some pretty incongruous places.

Around the MacHome, we hold off on the Christmas decorations, music, etc. til after Thanksgiving. We want to make sure we focus on that special time of the year before we hop head long into the next. But when Thanksgiving is past and the ban on carols is lifted, you'll hear me playing the old and new seasonal songs every chance I get.

This year, I've discovered a new favorite by Francesca Batisteli. I love that it includes so many of the elements that make up the merriment of Christmas for many of us, myself included, but still let's it be known that Christmas is really about Jesus and what He did for us when He came to this world.

So enjoy those chocolate balls and handcut paper snowflakes, sing those carols loudly and kiss your mister under the mistletoe with romantic fervor, but don't forget that the whole reason we can laugh and love and celebrate is because HE came to this world and brought true life and light.

Now let's get this party started!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS and MERRY CHRISTMAS, Y'ALL!

SMILES THUS FAR

What's making YOU smile this morning?

I'm smiling over...

*Russian chocolate that my missionary friend Jamie brought me

*Bouncy Reliant K music

*Links shared on my facebook wall by women I love

*A fellow We Will Go missionary getting up unexpectedly at 5:20 this morning (without grumbling and complaining) to take me and my friend to the airport because my van started having issues

*God's amazing grace

*Anticipating sharing about Africa and missions with Laura's Girls in Action class tonight at First Baptist Jackson

*How good Jim looks in his new blue suit

*Knowing that people are praying for us

*The sunlight through my back door's window

*Catching Betsie reading her Bible on the front porch

What I'm NOT smiling over?

How bad seven year old Merry's hands smell! UGH! That "dirt" she was playing in smells a lot like cat poo!

Oh well....back to the smiles.  AFTER she gets those hands washed!

I WANT MORE OF YOU GOD

A couple of afternoons ago, as I was getting ready for Anna to arrive from New Orleans, I could hear Merry out on the back porch singing over and over again,

I want more of You God

I want more of You God

Then that night, we spent some time praying and worshiping in the We Will Go pavilion as part of our observance of the Feast of Tabernacles. Merry requested this song.

Again, over and over she sang,

I want more of You God

I want more of You God

 

and...

No place I would rather be

than here in Your love

Set a fire down in my soul

that I can’t contain, that I can’t control

I want more of You God

I want more of You God

Oh Lord, I pray this will always be her heart's cry. Make it so, Lord. Make it so.

To hear this song by Will Reagan, click on this link:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0A8almp_nCU

JUST PRAISE HIM!

Hallelujah!

Praise God in his holy house of worship,

praise him under the open skies;

Praise him for his acts of power,

praise with a blast on the trumpet,

praise by strumming soft strings;

Praise him for his magnificent greatness;

Praise him with castanets and dance,

praise him with banjo and flute;

Praise him with cymbals and a big bass drum,

praise him with fiddles and mandolin.

Let every living, breathing creature praise God!

Hallelujah!

Psalm 150

WHY DIDN'T I BLOG YESTERDAY?

It is very rare that I miss a day of blogging. I think the housefire was the last time I missed a day. But I was kinda busy yesterday. Busy having fun!

For Mothers Day, Anna and Betsie bought me a ticket to see Switchfoot and Rocket Summer in concert down in New Orleans. We roadtripped with long-time friends Shannon and Megan making a day of it with apartment checking-out for Anna, muffalettas for all of us, and a quick visit to Anna's college, Holy Cross.

We were some of the first ones to show up at Tipitina's Uptown for the concert which meant though we had a bit of a wait (during which time we were able to walk around the neighborhood some just like the band and their entourage was doing) and stand in line, it was totally worth it.

We were right at the very front so within just a long arm's reach of the stage.

The concerts that both bands put on were great. What musicians they all are.

And afterward, the band guys were as nice as could be. We stayed for an hour afterwards chatting with them, sharing prayer requests, and taking pictures. We spent a lot of time talking to one of the guitarists from Rocket Summer. Justin used to play for Kari Jobe and we enjoyed his story of how God had gotten him to the place that he now is with his career and life.

All in all, a wonderful night full of dancing, worship, laughter, and just the kind of rich living that God blesses His children with.

Shannon and I both were very grateful for having the chance to spend this special time with our girls before they spread their wings and leave the nest for college and beyond.

Girls, we're so glad that we don't have to "dare you to move". It is so good for our mama hearts to see you already moving and changing this world for Him!

YOU JUST NEVER KNOW

Last week, our homeschool group visited a local nursing home as a ministry outreach. We delivered baskets filled with goodies and sang songs, read scripture verses, and shared poetry in the common room with the residents healthy enough to be up and about.

Some of the ladies living there were bed-ridden so we walked along the halls visiting with them in their rooms. In one such room, there were two ladies. One was very alert and interested in what we were doing. As we sang Amazing Grace and another song or two, her eyes stayed focused on us and she clearly enjoyed what we were doing. The other, frail, elderly lady lay in her bed with her eyes closed and her head slumped over onto one shoulder. She looked completely out of it. I figured she was sound asleep and wasn't even aware of our presence.

As the group left the room, I stepped over to her bed. I thought I'd just say something to her before I left. I was hoping that maybe her spirit would receive sweet words of Jesus' love even if her minid couldn't.

Was I ever in for a surprise! As soon as I started talking to her, she perked right up. She told me how much she loved music. She told me that when she was younger she used to love to sing. She went on to tell me her name, why her mother chose it, about where she grew up and that her daddy was a preacher. She even told me about her January birthday and when I said "well I'll have to wish you an early happy birthday then" she said "no, a late one". We had a happy little chat and I told her that when we were both in Heaven, we'd have to meet at the feet of Jesus and sing Amazing Grace together.

It was a beautiful experience. Here I was about to write-off this precious woman as not even being with it enough to be ministered to very much. I was basically saying "what's the point?"

I'm so glad I decided to speak to her. Granted, I was just going to say a quick little something such as "God bless you" or "Jesus loves you", but God took my teeny bit of intent and did something bigger with it. He made a 90-something year old woman's eyes shine as she talked about those she loved and her Lord. He used me to pour out God-originated affection on her. That in and of itself was a joyful gift to me.

But I received another gift that day. I received the important reminder that we can't always tell who we are reaching in this world. I need to be careful to not write people off too quickly. I don't need to assume just because someone seems disinterested or out of it or even rude and mean that what I'm doing and saying isn't having an impact on them. Sometimes it just takes a little bit of time to see the results. Sometimes I might not ever see the results. But I need to keep on loving, keep on speaking the truth, keep on blessing, and leave the rest to God.

It might not be that they aren't listening --- it might be that they were simply resting their eyes because life had been long and tiring.

IT TRANSPORTS ME

I'm sure most of us have songs in our lives that the moment we hear them, we are instantly transported to another time and another place.



Maybe it is the song that played when you were when you were falling in love (Jim and I danced by the side of I-10 on the Gulf Coast to DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT) expecting your first baby (we seemed stuck on Susan Ashton's debut album during one pregnancy), or watching your grandparents waltz at family get-togethers.

When I lived in Southern Africa, my fellow journeyman Andrew McKneely had Tom Howard's HARVEST album. He kindly loaned it to me and I think that cassette tape ended up living in my Toyota Corolla more than his VW Golf.

All that has to happen is for me to hear one of the amazingly beautiful piano pieces from that album and I'm instantly back on a rural road driving across South African farmland or Swazi vistas.

I no longer have that tape. I finally gave it back to Andrew and I think I might have gotten my own copy at some time only to lose it who knows when. But I'm thinking that before we board that plane and fly off to Africa next year, Tom Howard's HARVEST album is going to find its way onto someone's MP3 player so that my kids and true love can also traverse the glory of Africa to the melodies that mean "home" to me now.



So what songs instantly take you to another time and another place?

HOW SWEET IT IS....

...to be loved by him!

This evening, I walked in the house after an afternoon full of homeschool group, a family field-trip to see the lights and Christmas display in Canton, and some gift shopping at Target, to find an early present from my darlin' husband. He had bought me a new cd, JAMES TAYLOR AT CHRISTMAS. He wanted me to have it early so I could enjoy it this last week leading up to the holidays. And he knows how much I not only love Christmas music, but I adore the music of James Taylor.

One of our favorite couple songs of all time , going back to our dating days, is HOW SWEET IT IS (TO BE LOVED BY YOU). I've got a feeling that BABY, IT'S COLD OUTSIDE is going to become anothor Taylor favorite for us. Who can resist the catchy words, sassy melody, and flirtatious mood? Not this man's wife!

I also especially love his SOME CHILDREN SEE HIM because I always think of my beloved Swazi children when I hear the line, "some children see Him dark as they".

Other songs on the album include:

1. "Winter Wonderland" (with Chris Botti)
2. "Go Tell It on the Mountain"
3. "Santa Claus Is Coming to Town"
4. "Jingle Bells"
5. "Baby, It's Cold Outside" (with Natalie Cole)
6. "River"
7. "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas"
8. "The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire)" (with Toots Thielemans)
9. "Some Children See Him"
10. "Who Comes This Night"
11. "In the Bleak Midwinter"
12. "Auld Lang Syne"

So if you're looking for to buy a new Christmas album this season, for yourself or someone who appreciates the music of Sweet Baby James, then I'm thinking you don't need to look any further than this collection.

DAY 18 OF THANKFULNESS:
THOSE SPECIAL SONGS...THE SOUNDTRACK OF MY LIFE

On facebook, my daughter Anna is describing people she knows with songs so I snagged the idea and did the same. Some of the songs are funny reflections, some are sweet, some are hopeful in the face of sad circumstances. Despite their differences, they share one commonality.... they have a certain mood about them.

Let's face it, there are some songs, whether the genre and artist are your favorite or not, that when they come on, you just can't help but smiling and tapping your feet. Maybe even dancing.

Others instantly take you back to a time long ago. You instantly remember faces long since gone out of your life, or maybe they are still around, but not as youthful now. Some of those memories rendered are happy and innocent, some are melancholy or even painful.

Some songs stir up love and passion and cause you to reach out to that special one who has captured your heart.

Others make you want to strut strong and take on the world.

Still others take you to a peaceful, resting place...maybe even to the arms of Father God.

Today, I am thankful for music and what it has brought to my life. I am thankful for good memories irrevocably entwined with certain melodies...

HOW SWEET IT IS TO BE LOVED BY YOU and DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT take me back to the falling in love days with my husband.

GIRLS JUST WANNA HAVE FUN will always remind me of my college girlfriends.

WE GOT THE BEAT is high school football games, slumber parties, and school dances during the mid-80's.

Tom Howard's piano music played as I drove many miles across African velds.

FRIENDS ARE FRIENDS FOREVER and LEAN ON ME were used at every Troubadour rush party at MUW.


BAND ON THE RUN was played over and over again by my childhood friend Mark who died way too young.

LITTLE DARLIN' was often sung by my dad as he worked on our Crystal Springs farm.

MEN AT WORK , BIG COUNTRY, and OUR HOUSE will always be connected to my brother.

And I WILL BE THERE brings back memories of the day I married my love.

I could probably spend all day and all night and do it over again and not run out of songs that are somehow connected to a special memory, friend, or season of life. Music has been used in my life to help me worship my God, calm my babies, bring smiles to preschoolers, add romance to dates, and add rollicking fun to road trips.

Songs have made my life richer. And for this, I am gratefulness on this eighteenth day of thankfulness.

ALWAYS BETTER WHEN WE'RE TOGETHER



My darling husband, we are living those dreams we had long, long ago. They have come true every day, every year. And now we're dreaming new dreams and I look forward to one day sitting beneath the mango tree with you.

I love you. Forever and always.

Hello Readers! This is the girl known as Oldest Daughter 'A' on this blog. But you all can call me Celebrity Blogger. (I should be a celebrity. I'm so much more interesting and prettier than them. If you don't believe me I can direct you to some very reliable people who will set you straight.) Anyways, I'm going to blog about my family members who (since I'm a celebrity now and all that) get blogged about. I'm going to blog their...hmmm...um...ooh! I know! Songs that make me think of them.

Dad: 'Theme from Last of the Mohicans' & also (for some weird reason unkown even to me) the song '100 Years' by Five for Fighting sometimes reminds me of Dad & Mom together.

Last of the Mohicans:

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#theme%20last%20of%20the%20mohicans

100 Years:

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#100%20years%20five

Why? Well, because when I was younger he owned that soundtrack and after I read the book he let me borrow it. I stole it and it is now part of my cassette tape collection. Hehe. Also, when I got to watch the movie he watched it with me and kept a running commentary going. So the music from it all sounds very masculine and army-ish, along with having a certain Dad-ness about it to me. Except for the song 'The Kiss', which I listen to with an evil grin, usually snickering, 'cause mom won't let me watch that scene of the movie and calls it the "Historically-Incorrect-Make-Out-Scene". Can I insert an eyeroll here? Thank you. (Love you mom! Don't ground me!) And hey, maybe all you Readers can help me figure out why '100 Years' makes me think of them. Any ideas?

Mom: Ummmm....something really happy...oh I know. That annoying Fransceca Battitelli song. 'I'm Letting Go'. Yuck. Oh and also 'That's Just the Way We Roll' by the Jonas Brothers.

I'm Letting Go

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#i

That's Just the Way We Roll

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#the%20way%20we%20roll%20jonas%20brothers

Why? Because she listens to it (the Francesca song) all the time and it's all happy and poppy. Yuck. And the Jonas Brothers because she looooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooves the JoBros and it's a song about family.

B: I love my sister B! (All the time, just sometimes I want to kill her.) And there's a lot of songs that remind me of her. But I guess the ones that I can't help but think of her when I hear them are 'Heroes & Thieves' by Vanessa Carlton (especially the line about being "Stubborn and wrong".), although really any Vanessa Carlton song because she listens to them so much. 'I'd Lie' by Taylor Swift because almost all of last year she listened to, and sang that song, ALL THE TIME. I am not joking I swea---promise. (Happy mom?) It was so annoying! You can only hear so much about someone lying about loving someone and how pretty his sister is and how you know him so well before you want to destroy something. Like the singer's cd player's repeat control (which actually I did). And then, well this song is sorta a Me to Her thing, 'On the Ride' by Aly & AJ. It's a song about sisters and how great the (usually) are and how close you can be with them.

Heroes & Thieves

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#heroes%20%26%20thieves

I'd Lie

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#i

On the Ride

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#on%20the%20ride%20aly%20aj

D: My brother D. Hmmmm....um. Oh yeah. 'The Imperial March' from 'Star Wars'.

Imperial March (Darth Vader's theme)

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#imperial%20march%20john%20williams

Why? Because that was the first real song he learned to play on the piano and he played it all the time. Plus, he's a Star Wars junkie and we both think Darth Vader is the coolest and should've lived. We both cried in 'Revenge of the Sith'. Him, because he was ten years old and a bit traumatizes by it all and me because Anakin (Hayden Christensen) had gotten his gorgeous face burned off and his beautiful body was all cut up! It was tragical!

P: Brother P. It would have to be 'Bring 'Em Out' by Hawk Nelson and 'S.O.S.' by Jonas Brothers. 'Bring Em Out' 'cause he wants to be Jason Dunn (Hawk Nelson's awesome front man) and it's a super hyper song that in one version has Drake Bell (from Drake & Josh) in it. And Patrick thinks Drake & Josh is so cool (I think it's because he has a crush on their little sister played by Miranda Cosgrove but whatever.). He also thinks the Jonas Brothers are the awesomest ever and likes how his voice sounds when he gets to the "Ooooooh...this is an S.O.S." part.

Bring 'Em Out

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#bring%20em%20out%20hawk%20nelson

S.O.S.

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#sos%20jonas%20brothers

Princess LG: Um........Oh the song from 'Alice in Wonderland'. 'In A World Of My Own'. Alice always reminds me of the Princess. And her voice in this song especially.

In A World Of My Own

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#a%20world%20of%20my%20own%20disney

T: Crazy little T. What song? Oh yeah I know.

Womanizer (by The All-American Rejects)

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#womanizer%20all%20american%20rejects

Why? Because he so totally is! He's obsessed with girls and is already such a womanizer! It's scary I tell you!

M Hobbit: 'Best of Both Worlds'. She is obsessed with Hannah Montana and wants to be her when she grows up and marry all four of the Jonas Brothers (I'm including the Bonus Jonas here). It is truly scary and terrifying. Especially when she does her Hannah/Miley imitation. She could be Hannah Montana as a toddler.

Best of Both Worlds

http://www.playlist.com/searchbeta/tracks#the%20best%20of%20both%20worlds%20hannah%20montana

Ok, thank you for reading this Celebrity Blogger blog post. Now, comment!

NOW THAT I HAVE SEEN, I AM RESPONSIBLE

My long time friend Stacy has a beautiful soul...and because of this, an appreciation for music with words of haunting truth. She shared this song with me this weekend by Brooke Fraser:



"Albertine"

I am sitting still
I think of Angelique
her mothers voice over me
And the bullets in the wall where it fell silent
And on a thousandth hill, I think of Albertine
there in her eyes what I don't see with my own
Rwanda

Now that I have seen, I am responsible
Faith without deeds is dead
now that I have held you in my own arms, I cannot let go till you are

I am on a plane across a distant sea
But I carry you in me
and the dust on, the dust on, the dust on my feet
Rwanda

I will tell the world, I will tell them where I've been
I will keep my word
I will tell them Albertine

I am on a stage, a thousand eyes on me
I will tell them, Albertine
I will tell them, Albertine

LOOKIN' FOR SOME LOVE SONGS THIS VALENTINE'S DAY?


Check out Accuradio's LOVE SONG channel. It's an online radio station of nothing but romantically themed music.
.
But wait!
.
There's more!!!
.
You can actually choose which type of love songs you want from these offerings:
.
Broadway Love Songs

Country Love Songs

Love Songs Radio

Modern Love Songs

Oldies Love Songs

Popular Classical

Power Ballads
.
So let the language of love play on!

WHAT WE'RE LISTENING TO THIS A.M.

The PRAISE AND WORSHIP channel at Accuradio. If you've never visited Accuradio, I highly recommend you do so. Besides offering several different Christian music genres, there are scads of others including 80's hair bands, folk, French pop, smooth jazz, Broadway, and Celtic. Really, there is something for everyone and every mood. It's on our "most played" list around here.

http://www.accuradio.com/channellist/

CHRISTMAS SOMETHINGNESS (or A's Guide to Christmas Music)

Ok, if you read this blog AT ALL you will know by now that this is NOT Elysa posting. Nooo. It is her fifteen year old daughter who has been babysitting her little siblings all day (and is now driving! Scary happiness) so her mother could go and buy her something for Christmas. She (my mother, not me) called and begged (bribed) me to do this 'cause she can't go a day without at least one thing being posted on her blog. So now, I am posting for her. But it's gonna be quick 'cause I seriously need to watch some Batman/Bruce Wayne/Christian Bale.

Hmmm....something Christmas-y. What should it be? A dorky poem? A stupidly sweet story? A gag-me-I'm-choking-on-happiness-and-good-feeling song? I know! A rant against such a song. Yeah! And the obvious choice is "Christmas Shoes". Just the name is enough to send me into convulsions. I mean, honestly people, how can someone enjoy that heinous song? It's so sweet. And full of love, good nature, happiness, little smiling sweet kids and a message. Ugh. Just what I need to turn me off holidays forever. For someone ilit who has no idea what I'm talking about I'll post the revolting lyrics:

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

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

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

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

So there's the story. A worldly man, caught up in his own life and problems is made to see beyond himself and reminded of the true meaning of Christmas by a little boy who just wants to buy a pair of shoes for his dying Mama. Ohhhh...so sweet. Ick.

Ok, first of all, that little kid is sooo gonna grow up and be a beggar. I know the way his kind works (Trust me. I live with one.). How do we know his Mama's really dying? How do we even know he has one?? And what's wrong with that Dad? Letting his kid panhandle off some stranger? That's how Al Capone started, I just know it. And again, I do not like being preached at. And that is soo what this song is doing. Awful how we are manipulated.

Well now that I have saved you all from the sickly sweetness of "Christmas Shoes" I'll give you some real X-Mas music. And by the way, don't anyone start in on me about how I'm "taking Christ out of Christmas by using an X". Do any of you even know how that started? No, you don't so I'll tell you. X was the Roman letter for Christ (and maybe perfection?) so I am not taking Christ out of anything.

Anywho, for the traditionalist that likes all that "White Christmas" stuff, try "Baby, it's Cold Outside". It's a pretty little song that everyone knows, but has anyone really payed attention to the lyrics ("Gosh, your lips look delicious!" "Hey, what's in this drink?")??? It might surprise you. *evil giggle*

For the person more into hymns and such, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is the best. Hands down. It's melody---done right, I'm not advocating any of those "modernized" ones---is haunting and mysterious. Ready to compete with the best of Enya. It's lyrics are incredibly inspiring and hopeful, but with an edge to them that gives a bite. Read this excerpt:

O Come O come Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the son of God appear

Oh come Desire of nations, bind
All peoples in one heart and mind;
Bid envy, strife, and sorrow cease
Fill all the world with Heaven's peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel!

Powerful stuff. And with the right singer you can feel the power even more.
Okyday, on to more "modern" stuff. This song is so "modern" it just came out this year! It's a really cute song, really different, but NOT all surpy. It's by Captial Lights and called "His Favorite Christmas Story". A warning, the lyrics might be slightly sweet (with a definite "Awww" factor) but it's tune is rockin!

He met her up in Delaware in 1937
She was wearing red lipstick to match her pretty dress
December 24th at a quarter till eleven is when he finally gained the courage to ask her to dance

It was the night before Christmas, it was love at first sight
The carolers sang as they danced through the night
She was a small town girl, he was a traveling guy
He never caught her name before they said their goodbyes

A couple years later he was out on the road
Having Christmas dinner in a diner alone
When he saw a young waitress with a gleam in her eye
Her favorite day of the year she showed her spirits were high
She said sir can you shed a little hardy cheer
A simple Christmas story was all she wanted to hear
He looked prepared with a smile as he started to say here's my favorite Christmas story about a Girl with No Name

He said I met her up in Delaware in 1937
She was wearing red lipstick to match her pretty dress
December 24th at a quarter till eleven is when I finally gained the courage to ask her to dance

Every holiday season as he traveled he'd tell about his Christmas dance partner that he never knew well
He'd share his favorite story with the locals he met
He was called the Christmas story tellin traveling man

By age 53 he had done settled down
All the neighborhood kids liked to gather around
Just to listen to his stories about his life on the road
All he had now were these children he told
And every Christmas eve they showed up before dark
He'd tell them all the story but they knew it by heart
They could quote it word for word, he always told it the same
It was his favorite Christmas story called The Girl with No Name

He said I met her up in Delaware in 1937
She was wearing red lipstick to match her pretty dress
December 24th at a quarter till eleven is when I finally gained the courage to ask her to dance

Twenty years later as he took his last breath
It was on a cold Christmas morning on a hospital bed
The children were grown, he had nobody left
Except the little old nurse who was holding his hand
He said Ma'am can you share a little hardy cheer
A simple Christmas story was all he wanted to hear
But his eyes filled with tears at the words that she spoke
Because his favorite Christmas story was the one that she told

She said I met him up in Delaware in 1937
Though I never caught his name he was a traveling man
December 24th at a quarter till eleven
I'm so glad he got the courage to ask me to dance

Ok, even I have to say it: Awwww! That's so sweet/sad! But now the sweetness is done and it's time for my tongue-in-cheek Christmas song. The Oogie Boogie Man's Song!

[OOGIE BOOGIE]
Well, well, well, what have we here?
Sandy Claws, huh?
Oh, I'm really scared
So you're the one everybody's talkin' about, ha, ha
You're jokin', you're jokin'
I can't believe my eyes
You're jokin me, you gotta be
This can't be the right guy
He's ancient, he's ugly
I don't know which is worse
I might just split a seam now
If I don't die laughing first
When Mr. Oogie Boogie says
There's trouble close at hand
You'd better pay attention now
'Cause I'm the Boogie Man
And if you aren't shakin'
Then something's very wrong
'Cause this may be the last time now
That you hear the boogie song, ohhh
[THREE BATS]
Ohhh
[OOGIE BOOGIE]
Ohhh
[SEVEN LIZARDS]
Ohhh
[OOGIE BOOGIE]
Ohhh
[SEVEN LIZARDS]
Ohhh, he's the Oogie Boogie Man
[OOGIE BOOGIE]
Well if I'm feelin' antsy
And there's nothin' much to do
I might just cook a special batch
Of snake and spider stew
And don't ya know one thing
That would make it work so nice?
A roly-poly Sandy Claws to add a little spice
[THREE SKELTONS]
Ohhh
[OOGIE BOOGIE]
Oh, yeah
[THREE BATS]
Ohhh
[OOGIE BOOGIE]
Ohhh
[THREE BATS]
Ohhh
[OOGIE BOOGIE & THREE SKELETONS]
Oh, yeah, I'm/he's the Oogie Boogie Man
[SANTA]
Release me now
Or you must face the dire consequences
The children are expecting me
So please come, to your senses
[OOGIE BOOGIE]
You're jokin', you're jokin' I can't believe my ears
Would someone shut this fella up I'm drownin' in my tears
It's funny, I'm laughing
You really are too much
And now, with your permission I'm going to do my stuff
[SANTA]
What are you going to do?
[OOGIE BOOGIE]
I'm gonna do the best I can
Oh, the sound of rollin' dice
To me is music in the aor
'Cause I'm a gamblin' Boogie Man
Although I don't play fair
It's much more fun, I must confess
When lives are on the line
Not mine, of course, but yours, old boy
Now that'd be just fine
[SANTA]
Release me fast or you will have to
Answer for this heinous act
[OOGIE BOOGIE]
Oh, brother, you're something
You put me in a spin
You aren't comprehending
The position
That you're in
It's hopeless, you're finished
You haven't got a prayer
'Cause I'm Mr. Oogie Boogie
And you ain't going nowhere

Mwahahaha!!!! *evil laughter!* The Boogie Man (Oops, I mean, Oogie Boogie Man) has kidanapped "Sandy Claws"! Mwaahahhaahha! I love it.

(Insert Mother Alert Disclaimer: Don't worry, this traditional, Christmas-loving Mama has NEVER let her darling, sweet daughter watch the movie this song is from! She might turn to the dark side or something.)

So there's something Christmas-y. And it took a long time too! I so don't think I'm gonna have time to watch Batman. Oh well. This was actually kinda fun. Later!

SOMETIMES THIS OLD FARM
... FEELS LIKE A LONG LOST FRIEND



Earlier this evening, hubby was listening to 70's music on Accuradio and this John Denver song came on. I can never hear his old songs without immediately thinking of my growing up years on the family farm in Crystal Springs. My dad had a copy of a John Denver greatest hits album and I spent many an hour listening to Grandma's Feather Bed, Annie's Song, and On the Road. Those were fun, relatively carefree days...days of building tree houses; eating wild huckleberries; riding my pony and horse; playing with Roxanne, Dee, Penny, Debbie and my brother Edward; swinging on the tire swing; tending to our small goat herd; and playing with my pet duck Kim.

I'm very thankful for those years.

God has blessed us with a life here at Graceland that allows my children to enjoy some of the same simple pleasures that my brother and I enjoyed over three decades ago. Though this old world has changed a lot, it's still possible to have a peaceful, rural life here in our corner of the world. And for that, I'm very, very grateful.