singing His praises

I hope you have had a wonderful Christmas so far.  I was definitely blessed by going to church this morning.  While it changed that traditions of our Christmas, it made the focus Jesus.  I still enjoyed the time that we spent as a family opening presents.  Christmas was wonderful this year, even though it was different.

 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music. -Psalm 57:7

Music is something that is very close to me.  Starting in fifth grade, I have played that alto saxophone while participating in band.  My whole family has does the same also, so naturally music is a big part of my life.  Music does something wonderful to my spirit, and I am constantly overwhelmed.  In a good way.  I'll listen to orchestra symphonies and start sobbing because of my love for it.  My heart hurts simply from listening classical pieces.

And my whole family sings.  As we clean up after dinner, we all start sings hymns with all our heart.  Singing is such a wonderful way to give praise to God.  Even right now I hear my eldest sister singing downstairs.

Music is simply wonderful.

God Bless you.

Joy and Peace

I have always loved the Christmas season. I love the snow (which we have not yet had), the hot chocolate, spending a lot of time with my family (or as I call it; "sisterly bonding time"), eating hot meals, going shopping, and baking lots of cookies. I get so excited for every small event that happens.

Most of the time, though, I spend simply sitting in a big comfortable chair in the living room knitting or just sitting there. And even that somehow seems exciting because my thoughts are on Christmas day. I have never gone to church on Christmas morning, and I am definitely excited to see what that feels like.

I am hoping that going to church causes me to remember what Christmas is. Maybe I'll remember that it is actually not about presents. Just maybe I'll stop and realize the true reason.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord." - Luke 2:8-11

I am excited:

• to wake up early on Christmas morning with all my sisters. I'll go into my older sisters' room were one of my sisters will read Luke 2 to all of us. We have done this every year since I can remember.

• to open presents. I'll be honest. Though it is not the true meaning of Christmas, I am most definitly excited for it.

• To go to church, and be reminded of the birth of Jesus. And see other people. As I said before, I hope this will help me focus on what is really important. I want to have the joy of the Lord in me.

God Bless You.

peace on earth

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.” 

-Luke 2:13-14

I am incredibly excited for this Christmas time.  Because with it comes all my siblings that come home and simply quality time spend sitting around with my 6 siblings.  And while the picture has nothing to do with  Christmas, or winter for that matter, I love scenery photography.  I took it over the summer with a point and shoot ( !! ) and loved how it turned out.  Anyway, I hope you all have a lovely day, and rest of the week.  Keep praising God.  Bye-bye.

be still my soul

There is urgency.  I always knew there was, but I recently came to the actual realization that these are times of urgency.  We need to be seeking the Lord with all our hearts.  With all our strength.  With all our mind.

We need to focus on drawing closer to the Lord.

Just a few minutes ago, a tear started dripping down my cheek when I honestly came to the realization.  I need to be seeking Him.  I need to be constantly praising Him for everything.  I need to still down and pray.  I need to take out my bible for an hour, and simply meditate on His powerful words.  I need to be constantly giving glory to God.  I need to make this a lifestyle, rather than simply a belief.  I need to be open to God's direction on my life.  He has a plan.

He has a plan.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.

-2 Peter 1:2