Christmas Concerts Part 1

During the holidays, I attended two different Christmas concerts.

The first concert featured Leeland, Jars Of Clay, Sixpence None The Richer, and Sara Groves. Here are some pictures I took from the event.
Leeland:Jars Of Clay:
Sixpence None The Richer:
Sara Groves:

The concert was an amazing experience. I enjoyed every minute of it!

(Check back later for part 2!)

CD Spotlight: Opposite Way

CD Title: Opposite Way

Artist: Leeland

Genre: Christian/Indie/Rock

CD Release Date: February 26, 2008

My Favorite Songs: All of them (But especially: Opposite Way, Count Me In, Enter This Temple, Let It Out Now)

My Rate On This CD (on a scale of 1-10): 10

The True Meaning Of Christmas

"And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

(And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them at the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

Luke 2:1-14
Just remember....Jesus is the reason for the season.

My Daybook 4

Outside my window...

A warm December night (I know warm and December usually don't go together). Darkness is present. Clouds cover the moon like a blanket.

I am thinking...

I have soo many gifts to wrap and soo much shopping still to do in soo little time (if you haven't counted lately, Christmas is in 10 days).

From the kitchen...

Breakfast: Strawberry Toaster Strudel and maple link sausage.

Lunch: Wendy's with my grandmother.

Supper: Not much because i've been sick, and I didn't feel well tonight, but I would have eaten fried salmon crochets, salad, and yeast rolls.

I am going...

To bed. I had a busy day shopping with my grandmother (aka Memaw).

I am wearing...

My bare feet, lounge pants, and a purple t-shirt with the words 'Go Ceiling' on the front (it was part of my fall festival costume- I was a ceiling fan...get it? Ceiling-fan? I know...I'm weird).

I am reading...

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte. (I think I've been reading this book since the summer. I just don't seem to have time to read for fun lately.)

I am hoping...

That I will feel 100% better tomorrow night for the concert. That my guitar lesson goes really well. That my grandmother will get her short-term memory back.

I am hearing...

The sound of my fingers typing. Cars driving by my house. My mom re-arranging the kitchen. My Dad watching a Christmas movie.

One of my favorite things...

Decorating the Christmas tree with my mom.

My picture thought...

The reason we celebrate...

CD Spotlight: Stay

CD Title: Stay

Artist: Jeremy Camp

Genre: Rock, Pop, Inspirational/Worship, Christian

CD Release Date: 2002

My Favorite Songs: Walk By Faith, I Still Believe, Take My Life, In Your Presence, and Right Hear.

My Rate On This CD(on a scale of 1-10): 9

Have You Counted Lately?

"Count your blessings, name them one by one. Count your blessings, see what God has done. Count your blessings...name them one by one....count your many blessings, see what God has done."

Last week at church we sang this hymn. It fits just perfectly for the time of year because it's the holidays. Thanksgiving. Christmas. New Years.

I know I know...we have sung this song many times before and we know the words...but do we ever really think about the meaning of this all to familiar hymn's words? Do we count our blessings? Do we really thank God for ALL that He has done for us?

As I'm writing this, I'm getting this image in my head of a child sitting at the dinner table during Thanksgiving dinner telling their mommy and daddy all that they are thankful for. The child proceeds to tell them that he or she is thankful for their teacher, their pet, their favorite toy, etc. The child's parents believe that this is all the child is going to say and giggle at the child's innocents and proceed to say "That's great, sweetie." Then the child pauses, with a pondering look on his or her face. After a couple of seconds, the child says, "And mommy and daddy....I'm thankful for what Jesus did for us."

"For God so loved the world that He gave is only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." John 3:16

Next time you pray, thank God for His salvation and His great, great love for us. Remember what He did. Remember the Ultimate Sacrifice...and thank Him for it.