Christmas Music

I know that we haven't even got to Thanksgiving yet and some people may feel it annoying to rush into Christmas when we still have so much time but if you ask me it is never too soon to begin thinking about Christmas. I have been working at a church bookstore for the past 2 months and from the looks of it you would think Christmas is next week. We are stocked from floor to roof with all things Christmas; ornaments, chocolates, books, red, green and gold things are everywhere. From silver bells and wrapping paper to angels and evergreen trees there is nothing related to the season that you couldn't find there. Some may think this is overkill but again I will have to admit - I absolutely love it. I can't think of anything better right now than to be surrounded all day with the signs and symbols of Christmas.

With all of that being said there is one aspect of Christmas that totally does it for me. It is a total make or break. With it the holiday comes alive, without it there is an irreconcilable void. The one thing for me that has made the most memories, filled me with the most awe, and represents the elements of peace on earth and good will toward men more than any other is the music.

Aaaaahhhhhh the sounds of Christmas.

In general there is not much on this earth that can cause me to stop, clear my mind from the distractions of life, and focus on the things that matter most, more effectively than good music can. Combine that with the inherit divine nature of the Christmas season and it becomes a deep and compelling formula for something truly significant to me.

To me, the fact that Angels sang at the birth of our Savior is not merely mentioned for the sake of emphasizing a happy day, but a medium of vocalizing joy that words alone cannot approach. The Angels sang because music does something words cannot do, and what better subject to sing about than the birth that prophets had been foretelling for thousands of years?

At times I have wondered if any of us were there, among that angelic choir, expressing our own testimonies in song to those humble shepherds. If not, I certainly would have wanted front row seats. (That is more likely. If earthly talent is any indication I would never made the first cut). Either way I cannot help but believe we were all involved somehow, expressing our praise in whatever form we could. What a day in heaven that must have been.

However it happened I am grateful for the music the Lord has given us for this season, grateful for the talent of those that share their gifts with us all, and grateful for the chance to worship through song. Truly the song of the righteous is a prayer unto him.

Rebekahisms

A while ago I posted a story about Rebekah's accusation that I had an "eyebrwow growing out of my nose." Well Yesterday she proved once again that I am quickly sliding down the path of old age and it is taking its toll.
Yesterday was the primary program and Rebekah had not one, but two speaking parts as one of the other families had sick children and she got to take over their parts. After the meeting she came screaming off the stand beaming with pride from a job well done. As she gave me the biggest hug (Rebekah is great at giving enthusiastic hugs) I congratulated her. Then she suddenly says,

"mmmm hot dogs sound really good right now."

I thought that a strange comment considering the circumstances so I asked, "what made you think of hot dogs right here in church?"

"Oh" she responds, "your breath smells like hot dogs."

Feeling a little sheepish the only thing I could think to say in response was, "Well that's kind of gross."

In a very matter of fact tone she finished with, "Oh no no no no dad its okay. Hot dogs smell good."

So I will apologize in advance if I approach you some day and you suddenly get a craving for hot dogs. I will do my best to keep my breath fresh but on the other hand, to some hot dog breath is a good thing.

Jenna's Poetry

Some how one of Jenna's old science notebooks ended up on my desk. I opened it up and found this poem she had wrote. A while back she did some research on the Asian Black Bear. I thought it was worth posting.

The Big Asian Black Bear
by Jenna Murdock

The big black bear eats berries
But not ferries
He has a white diamond on his chest
And he builds nests
Wings are things they lack
And on its back it's all black.

For some reason I just love this poem.

Fall has Fallen

Newest Members of the Family

I am not sure whether its the fact that we now live in farm country or if we are just gluttons for punishment, but we decided to add two additional complica...I mean opportunities for our children to learn responsibility. You know, you get them pets to teach them how to care for something, something that can't just be thrown in the closet or under their bed and be forgotten. Well here they are. I know, I know I can hear it from here, "ANOTHER DOG??" And not just any other dog ANOTHER BORDER COLLIE. Actually there is some logic behind it. Charlie is more for the other dog than for the kids.You see we have made a rather risky wager that if the dog has a companion who can actually keep up with her, who has a similar energy level, than maybe both dogs will be happier. If this doesn't work out my next post just may be two border collies for sale!

As for the bunny, well turns out bunnies are some of the lowest maintenance pets around. So Scruffy was adopted and the girls couldn't be happier

Now as long as we can keep these two separated everything may just work out.

Just a Few Pictures

I Got Your Back...

Deep conversation between Garrett and I about the second coming.

Garrett: "I hope I am on my mission when Jesus Comes again"

Me: "Why is that?"

Garrett: "Cause I'd be like teaching someone, and then all of a sudden Jesus would be there totally backing me up!"

Can't argue with that!