Christmas Song #2

The next Christmas song I am sharing is, "Hallelujah." This song has actually been around for a while, but this version is really beautiful and the harmonies are amazing. I think it would be great at a Christmas Eve Service with the lights down low. I hope you enjoy it, too!

Share Hallelujah by Mark Lowry

PS - I had to add that dumb word verification thing to my comments. I have been getting a TON of spam comments from pharmaceutical companies. If this doesn't work, then I will have to block all anonymous comments. SORRY!

Christmas Song #1

I love Christmas music. I love good Christmas music. And, most of my favorite songs are obscure that many of you may not have heard. So, over the next days until Christmas, I want to share them with you.

The first one is "One King." It's not only a beautiful duet, but it talks of the Savior's birth. One of the main lines reads, "There have been so many babies to become a king, but only one King became a baby."

If you click on the link below, it will take you to a different website, but the song should begin to play on its own. Enjoy!

Share One King by David Phelps

Family trip

This past weekend, we all loaded into the truck and went to Nebraska. By "we all," I mean Hubs, Ransom, me, a cooler of ice cream, a ginormous dog crate, a bag of our nutrition and work out materials, a suitcase/bag for each of us, and golf clubs. It was a full load.

Our mission: a Gaither Vocal Band concert with both mine and Richard's family. You may be thinking, Gaithers? Really Feather? Yup, my favorite singer happens to be singing with the Gaither Vocal Band these days and I don't think anyone has made me laugh as much as Mark Lowry did that night.

As Hubs and I were walking into the concert, however, we began to have a few doubts. We were the only people without gray hair (exaggeration, but we were the minority). When my little bro showed up, we knew we weren't the youngest people in the building.

Ruth and I attend all these concerts together. I wouldn't know what to do otherwise. Our row was a bunch of duds, though - including the family members. They wouldn't stand up during the good parts, but Ruth and I were up and cheering the entire time.

During intermission, we went out to see if we could catch some of the singers. Whalah - we did.

When it was my turn to get my picture with David Phelps, I realized I didn't even have anything for him to sign. So, in my littlest voice ever, I said, "Um, can I just get a picture with you."

Hubs joined me in the picture with Mark Lowry, who is a really, really nice and personable guy. I didn't feel as awkward with him.

So, laugh if you want, but the concert was a lot of fun and the music was great.

To be missed...

Knowing I'll be missed makes me feel loved, needed, befriended, essential, and a part of other people's lives.

It reminds me that the last five years have been spent buliding relationships and are years I will never forget. Even though I am confident God is leading us on this new journey, I am glad I can take my memories and friendships with me.

It also makes me realize how much I'll miss everyone here, too!

Slow Down!

The past two weeks were a blur, so it was very nice to relax in Kansas and not think about everything that could, should, and would get done when we came back home. I'll admit that the first night home I was overwhelmed with everything. "What is 'everything'?" you ask. It's pretty much life in general, but I will save those details for another post.

Christmas Eve and Day did not feel like Christmas. I blame the fact that I got too anxious at Thanksgiving. I put up my tree and played Christmas music too early this year. By the time Christmas came, the "magical feeling" was gone. That doesn't mean we didn't have a wonderful time, though. I won't go through all our gifts or the details of each day, but here are a few highlights:

The movie we went to on Christmas Day was perfect. We I was momentarily disappointed when we found out Marley and Me was sold out at the first theatre. We did find tickets, however, to an older theatre. This theatre did not have the stadium seating we have all come to love; nor the comfy seats and up-to-date decor. No, this theatre was decked out in a retro-blue color to compliment the peeling off-white walls, the seats were bouncy, and the floor sloped. But, none of us cared because the tickets were $1.50 less than the nicer theatre and there were only about 20 people occupying the teal seats. Enough about the theatre, though. The movie was hands-down one of the best movies we had seen in a long time. Even my brother, the skeptical, pouting, 19-year-old, embarrased to be seen going into a PG family movie, was laughing and enjoying himself. In the end, there was not a dry eye to be found (even I, who never cries at movies, was bawling). A must-see, in my opinion.

The day after Christmas could not have been more beautiful and unexpected. The temperature reached 69 degrees in Kansas City and we walked the plaza without our coats! The plaza lights were pretty and the atmosphere is always fun.

The musical we went to on the day after Christmas was surprisingly good. I wasn't sure what to expect from a kids-musical titled Seussical, but it was great! We laughed and enjoyed the talents of the actors/musicians. It would be a great event for children, as adults were the minority in the theatre, and I have had one of the songs in my head ever since!

The Rook game we played was fun. I am always looking forward to playing card or board games. Sometimes, Richard and I are horrible partners, but we were on a roll and winning each round. We finally lost let my parents win the last hand.

We got back home on Saturday night. It was great to be back in church on Sunday. I hope you have that same feeling about your church. It just feels like you are home, once you are among your church family.

I can't believe 2009 is days away, but I am ready now.

Hallelujah!

There are a few things wrong with this picture.
1. I am not with the Cambridge Singers.
2. The Royal Philharmonic will not be there.
3. John Rutter will not be conducting - that, by the way, would be a privilege.
4. It will not be the complete work.

However, the picture provides a springboard into the topic of a local production of The Messiah.
1. A choir composed of 3 local churches.
2. An orchestra composed of the same churches.
3. A conductor from one of the churches.
4. Comprised of 5 choral pieces and 4 solo pieces.

If you have never been to a performance of Handel's Messiah, you are truly missing out. Biblical text put to a masterful music score featuring elaborate solos and arrangements. It tells the story from the prophecy of the Messiah to His death and ressurection. Usually, you will see the complete work performed at Easter which is about four hours in lenth. I have been fortunate enough as to have sung the entire work four times with some amazing artists.

Tomorrow and Saturday, however, we will be performing a smaller portion of The Messiah for the community. It will only be about 35 minutes long and will feature some amazing local solists. The best part is that it is FREE! I have really enjoyed preparing for this because it has been so long since I have sung great choral music.

Let me know if you would like more details about the performance by emailing me.

Five minutes in my brain

While I am at work, I listen to iTunes or pandora radio on my computer. I have Christmas music on my iTunes, so when those songs play, I usually skip right over them. It is, by the way, only October.

Well, today a Christmas song played and I didn't skip it. I enjoyed listening to it. It is, by the way, almost November.

I'm kinda cold. Turning off the fan.

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That led me to think about October (my favorite month). What day is it? I gasp...8 days until I turn 25. Oh man, I thought I was going to stay 24 forever. The last 5 years flew by which means I'll be 30 in no time - nope, don't think about that. Hmmm, what do I want to eat on my birthday?

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Ugh, it's hot in this office. I'm turning on the fan. I wonder if we might finally have snow on Christmas. Oh, I should start a list for Christmas presents I want to buy this year. I am excited to go shopping for them. I need to remember to pick up a paper on Thanksgiving day so I can look at the ads. That was so fun last year when Ruth and I got up early and shopped. Oh man, I thought of a good present for Mom last night and can't remember it now. Grr. That is why you write these things down, Feather! Hopefully it will pop into my head again and I can write it down.

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That apple crisp was good last night. I have got to work out when I get home. Yuck, I hate the treadmill. Oh well, it has to be done. I might as well make it an extra long work out. Then take off Friday and Saturday for the run on Sunday. Oh goodness, don't think about that right now.

I'm getting cold again.

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I should use those Halloween paper plates and cups that I bought 2 years ago. They are so cute. Maybe we should have people over next week; or I should make something for flock on Monday and take them over. Pumpkin sheet cake and apple cider? Perhaps...I'll have to think about that.

Oh, I want to carve that pumpkin we have on our balcony. Hmmm.

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Haha, I should blog about this. People will think I am crazy in my head - oh well. Don't care.

Good grief, it is SO hot in here!

Candid Shots

This past Sunday was our annual "Worship on the Green." Our church has 2 services on a normal Sunday, but this is the one Sunday each year that we have church outside with both services combined. Afterwards there are lots of fun activities and lunch. This Sunday started of a little chilly, but ended up being a perfect day. It is one of my favorite Sundays and Jake was able to come over for a while, too!

My dear friend J'net took some photos throughout the day and she happened to get a few of me, when I definitely wasn't looking.

So this one's not too bad. I should explain the odd "tail" on my t-shirt, though. Put the size small on and it still went down to my knees, so I tied the extra fabric up with rubber band.

My brow is furrowed for some reason. Am I lost? Confused? Who knows.

I look like my brother, Tim, in this picture. I have no idea what was going on in this picture.

Am I yawning, laughing, or a combination of the two?

Plug

Two posts right in a row is not a norm, but I must give a plug for a new CD that comes out tomorrow by one of my favorite artists - David Phelps. I have added a little music player to the sidebar that features 3 of David's songs. This new cd looks really cool...I previewed it a few weeks back.

David has one of the best tenor voices I have ever heard. In concert, he is absolutely amazing. His music is a little different, and like most artists, there are a few songs that warrant the reaction of "huh?" Overall, he is my favorite artist, just after Dad. One of our favorites is "End of the Beginning," so select that song on the player, sit back, and enjoy.

Bob's Blurb

When we went to the OKU Banquet a few weeks back, the pianist was playing a familiar tune. I told Richard I was surprised she was playing, "He Looked Beyond my Fault and Saw my Need" at this banquet (since it was not a Christian organization). Turns out that tune is actually "Danny Boy" - I had no clue. I thought this story was interesting and hope you enjoy it.

Throughout the '60s and '70s, Dottie Rambo, her husband Buck, and their daughter Reba, made up The Singing Rambo’s, one of the most successful southern gospel trios of all time. As the group's main songwriter, Dottie was prolific. Today, hardly any modern hymnal fails to include one or more of her 2,500 songs, including “Sheltered In the Arms of God" and the 1982 Gospel Music Association Song of the Year, "We Shall Behold Him." Her best-known song, by far, is the inspirational song "He Looked Beyond My Fault and Saw My Need."

In 1970, Dottie began writing a song about the grace of God, but was unable to finish it. When her older brother was hospitalized with cancer and told that he had only weeks to live, Dottie sat by his bedside and ministered to him, praying that he would come to know the Lord. Dottie read the Bible to him and prayed with him as much as she possibly could. One day, after singing at a concert, she returned to ask: "Have you given your life to Jesus since I've been gone?" Eddie, 37, just stared at her with sad eyes. "After the wicked life I've lived, the Lord won't raise a person like me," he muttered, and then reminded her of his time in jail and his addiction to drugs and alcohol.

"The Lord left the 99 to bring a lost sheep like you back to the fold," Dottie told him. She continued to pray for his salvation. Then she went home and finished "He Looked Beyond My Fault." For years Jimmie Davis, the southern gospel singer and former Louisiana governor, had asked her to write a song to the tune of "Danny Boy." With this song, she finally discovered the inspiration. Later that day, she returned to the hospital to sing the song to Eddie.

One Sunday, after she finished singing in an Ohio church, Dottie found her brother so weak that he could barely talk."Yesterday I gave my heart to the Lord and he forgave me," he whispered in Dottie's ear. "When I get to heaven, I'll wait for you at the Pearly Gates so we can enjoy heaven together." Before he died, Eddie asked his sister to sing "He Looked Beyond My Fault" at his funeral. The experience left Dottie even more determined "to share with the many hurting and wounded people in this world the wonderful message of God's great and unconditional love."

Dottie was fatally injured in a bus accident in southwest Missouri early last Sunday morning. The bus was on the way to a Mother's Day performance in North Richland Hills, Texas, and was traveling through high winds when it ran off the road and hit an embankment approximately two miles east of Mount Vernon on Interstate 44. What a wonderful consolation it is to know that Dottie is now face to face with her Savior, undoubtedly realizing that everything she wrote about Him is truer than she ever would have dared to imagine.

Amazing Grace shall always be my song of praise
For it was grace that brought me liberty
I do not know just why He came to love me so
He looked beyond my fault and saw my need

I shall forever lift mine eyes to Calvary,
To view the cross, where Jesus died for me
How marvelous, His grace that caught my falling soul
He Looked beyond my fault and saw my need.

Pandora

I don't know about you, but the day goes a lot faster when I am listening to music and I notice that the type of music I am listening to can affect my overall demeanor and mood for the day. I am sure some sort of study has been done on that, and if not, there should be.

So Martha told me about http://www.pandora.com/ and after trying it out this morning, I have become a fan. At work, I usually listen to my itunes, but I get bored of the same thing everyday. If you are looking for something new, try this out and let me know what you think. Go to pandora radio and type in the name of an artist or song that is the type of music you want to listen. Then, they will play music from that artist and also generate other songs that are similar to that genre. And get this - if you don't like the song that is being played, you can pick "I don't like it" and they won't play it ever again. Pretty cool, huh? You could even type in "David Phelps" and hear his music if you never have.

Random information: Pandora's box is from Greek Mythology. It is the box carried by Pandora that contained all the evils of mankind -greed, vanity, slander, lies, envy, pining, and hope. It is interesting that they thought of hope as evil, when it is what we rely on each day. Pandora opened her box and let out all those evils, but closed it before hope could escape. What does this have to do with Pandora Radio? Nothing - I have no parallels or great analogies. It just reminded me of Greek Mythology and that story.