Emmanuel God is with us

In the joy and in the pain
In the pressure and the promise
In the fun and the frustration
In the wonder and the worry
In the love and the longing
In our grief and loss
In all of our 'firsts' and 'lasts'
He is here.
With us in it all
Immanuel

~Jo Saxton

Here are a few of my favorite quotes, songs and lyrics for the Christmas season.  Have a wonderful Christmas, Hanukkah and a wonderful New Year!

                 

        Lyrics to 'King of Heaven' by Hillsong United.

                                                           You tore the night apart

                                                 And ripped the silent skies in half
                                                Your glory breaking through the dark

                                                      And here our worlds collide
                                                          Divinity in man confined
                                                   This great design drawn out for me

                                                                     Emmanuel
                                                                    God with us
                                                                     Emmanuel
                                                                     Hallelujah

                                                        You hold the ends of time
                                                     Yet placed Yourself here into mine
                                                       My life is now forever changed

                                                            Our eyes be lifted up
                                                       Our great eternal hope arise
                                                   This great design drawn out for me

                                                                     Emmanuel
                                                                     God with us
                                                                     Emmanuel
                                                                      Hallelujah
                                                                          
                                                                     In our silence
                                                              Heaven whispered out
                                                                   In our darkness
                                                              Glory pierced the night

                                                                   We were broken
                                                                But now we're lifted up
                                                                     King of heaven
                                                                 God is here with us

                                                                       Hallelujah
                                                                Angels crying aloud
                                                                      Singing holy
                                                               All the praise resound

                                                                    King of Heaven
                                                               On the Earth be found
                                                                    King of Heaven
                                                               On the Earth be found

                                                                       Emmanuel
                                                                      God with us
                                                                       Emmanuel
                                                                        Hallelujah
                                           

Simple music can make you sing, a simple hug can make you feel better, simple things can make you happy. I hope that my simple HI will make you smile.~Ritu Ghatourey

Can you listen to this song without smiling?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXMFopMSsxc
Christmas Everyday by Unspoken

Share a smile with those you love and pass it on! ツ

And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.
Luke 2 :10

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 
Isaiah 9:6

Letter to my daughters

Here's to strong women.
May we know them,
may we be them,
may we raise them!
~unknown

  A new baby girl quietly observing the world with her bright eyes and warm smiles.  This is my new granddaughter that arrived this last summer.  A pretty little thing, absorbing the world through her blinking eyes and long lashes.  Wondering what she really sees in that observant little mind of hers.

I think back at all the strong women I have come to know and in the past and how much I have learned from them.  I was always insecure growing up so I know God has placed some amazing woman in my life that have been wonderful examples for me.  My husband was also a really good father to my two girls as they were growing up.  He was very involved and hands on in their lives and instilled in them a healthy self esteem.

A few hand painted pendants I did for an event.

I admire woman that are strong, quiet, but bold and know who they are in Christ.  Never limiting themselves in boundaries defined by others.  They always realize that they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them, and never cease to stretch those boundaries and do amazing things.

 

“A woman with a voice is by definition 
a strong woman.
 But the search to find that voice
 can be remarkably difficult.” 
~Melinda Gates

One of my
daughters
proofread this post
and I didn't get a
"Duh, Mom". :)

Some keynotes...

*If you fail, pick yourself up, dust yourself off and try again, get gritty!
*If anyone tells you that you can't do something, prove them wrong.
*Don't be afraid of trying new things, have courage!
*Never give up, (adjust your sails if you need to) always persevere.
*Be kind but don't be a doormat! (set boundaries)
*God's love is your measuring stick. (Don’t put the key to your happiness in someone else’s pocket)
*Live by the fruits of the spirit- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,  gentleness, and self-control.
*Pursue God wholeheartedly.

A woman's heart should be so hidden in God that a man has to seek Him just to find her.~Max Lucado

 

My girls have a good sense of who they are but there may be other woman (or girls) out there that don't.  I hope you find this post to encourage you to understand your value and to make the changes in your life that honor that.  Walk in victory in the assurance that Christ died for you and trust Him with your shortcomings.  He will make a way for you to walk in victory over your present circumstances.

As you admire the wonderful things God has made today, remember you're one of them, wonderful inside and out. You are blessed, you are special, you are loved. ~unknown

I would love to see women finding their voice and embracing their unique qualities. Not for women to feel that you have to be a carbon copy of what the world says is worthy but to be all that God created you to be and walk that in all the stages of life.  He made you for a purpose and until you discover what that purpose is, just follow and trust that God will lead you.  Our worth is not in what people say about us, it is what God says about us.

In Him we find our greatest advocate,
our sense of worth,
our greatest love.

Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, 
such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. 
 Rather, it should be that of your inner self, 
the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit,
 which is of great worth in God’s sight.

1Peter 3:3-4

Be generous with your love this Christmas!

Be generous with your love.  All material things will eventually fade away, but our love for each other will create a ripple effect that could last forever.

https://www.worldvision.org/?campaign=226220126

Photo by Jon Warren/World Vision

Make this Christmas a season that matters!  Open your heart to a child living in poverty.

Some of the best memories we can give our family are free.  Spending time with loved ones and enjoying the "little moments" that can make a lasting expression that no toy could ever give.

I love this endearing story written by Laura Reinhardt that captures this so perfectly!

https://blog.worldvision.org/content/magical-moments-kitchen?campaign=108929282

Last weekend a lady talked with me about children that lost their parents during the Ebola crisis. This especially touched me deeply because one of my sponsor kids is a child that lost her parents.  My sponsor child wants to become a writer, so I sent her a little Thomas Kinkade book with pictures and stories and I got a note from her that said she received it.  I hope she can find joy in those brightly colored pages and to know someone loves her from far away.


Lose yourself in generous service and every day can be a most unusual day, a triumphant day, an abundantly rewarding day!~William Arthur Ward

You can sponsor a child too and add just a little more love this Christmas...

https://www.worldvision.org/?campaign=226220126

"The only things you can take with you when you leave this world are things you've packed inside your  heart."

~Susan Gale


Pray and help meet the urgent needs
of refugees fleeing the violence in Aleppo
and facing a harsh winter displaced from their homes.
Many refugee children have witnessed terrible things
and are in need of healing and emotional support right now.
Help World Vision's efforts in serving those who have
escaped the devastation and violence in Aleppo City.

http://donate.worldvision.org/aleppo-refugee-crisis-relief-fund?campaign=226220126

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

Psalm 46:1

Side-notes

"There's not a word yet, for old friends who've just met." 

                           ~Jim Henson 

 I am working on some shows right now and this is a little display page. I have a show that wants to see a few pics of my work and I had a little fun with it. Most shows you need to be approved and ushered in,  so I added in a few friendship quotes for side-notes.:) Enjoy!

Some of these are already sold.

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun. Charles R. Swindoll
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesrs121433.html?src=t_friendship

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun. Charles R. Swindoll
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesrs121433.html?src=t_friendship

One of the most beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood.

~ Lucius Annaeus Seneca

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun. Charles R. Swindoll
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesrs121433.html?src=t_friendship

World Vision The gift of sponsorship.* https://www.worldvision.org/sponsor-a-child?campaign=226220126 * before and after (the same girl after sponsorship)

Love her! :)

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun. Charles R. Swindoll
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesrs121433.html?src=t_friendship

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let’s face it, friends make life a lot more fun.
                           ~ Charles Swindoll

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun. Charles R. Swindoll
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesrs121433.html?src=t_friendship

I cannot even imagine where I would be today were it not for that handful of friends who have given me a heart full of joy. Let's face it, friends make life a lot more fun. Charles R. Swindoll
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/c/charlesrs121433.html?src=t_friendship

A true friend warms you with her presence, trusts you with her secrets and remembers you in her prayers.

~Unknown

 "The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart."
~Elisabeth Foley

"There are good ships, and there are wood ships, The ships that sail the sea. But the best ships, are friendships, And may they always be."

Let us be thankful to the people who bring us happiness; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.
~Marcel Proust

 "Sitting silently beside a friend who is hurting may be the best gift we can give." 
~Unknown

"I think there should be more love in the world. Gritty, dangerous, wild-eyed love. Radical acceptance of people."
 ~ Brene Brown 

Lucy my favorite!(just for fun)

"Never explain yourself, Your friends don't need it and it and your enemies won't believe it."
~Ziad K. Abdelnor  

For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God. Saint Teresa of Avila
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/saintteres209866.html?src=t_friendship

 "For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God."
~Saint Teresa of Avila

For prayer is nothing else than being on terms of friendship with God. Saint Teresa of Avila
Read more at: http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/s/saintteres209866.html?src=t_friendship

"A friend is one that knows you as you are, understands where you have been, accepts what you have become, and still, gently allows you to grow."
~William Shakespeare

 

"Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life."
~Amy Poehler

"The great thing about new friends is that they bring new energy to your soul." ~ Shanna Rodriguez

"A sweet friendship refreshes the soul." 
 Proverbs 27:9  

Keep sailing

I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.~ Jimmy Dean

  Some went out on the sea in ships;
    they were merchants on the mighty waters.
 They saw the works of the Lord,
    his wonderful deeds in the deep.
 For he spoke and stirred up a tempest
    that lifted high the waves.
 They mounted up to the heavens and went down to the depths;
    in their peril their courage melted away.
 They reeled and staggered like drunkards;
    they were at their wits’ end.
 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he brought them out of their distress.
 He stilled the storm to a whisper;
    the waves of the sea were hushed.
 They were glad when it grew calm,
    and he guided them to their desired haven.
 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

 Psalm 107:23-31

November has been beautiful here in the Northwest!  I took some time to get away from all the political noise and walk on the waterfront.  I admit I was surprised about who got elected!  I guess I don't feel as worried as everyone else because I believe God can change any heart even someone so unlikely like Donald Trump.  I think about how many times has God used someone so unlikely.  You just need to pick up the bible to see many ordinary men and woman that have been used by God to carry out extraordinary work.  I also would think that his heart would have to be humbled with this huge responsibility that he is taking on and he is going to need our prayers more than ever!

 

My prayer is that America can come together in UNITY and stand behind our leaders with prayer and solidity!

We can't let the thread of division divide us anymore, we must move on or that very thread will unravel us as a nation. 

If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

Mark 3:24 

Keep sailing

 Seasons change. Winds blow. Chaos ensues. Yet, Christ is our anchor. Fix your eyes on Him. Remain steadfast. Keep working for God's Kingdom.~EugeneCho

Playlist from Mom

May your life be like a wildflower, 

growing freely in the beauty and joy 

of each day.

~A Native American Proverb

   🎕Happy Mother's Day!🎕    

My daughter texted me the night before Mother's Day

 and asked me to list (with a description) all the songs 

I listened to when I was young. 

 I am really busy tonight, but took a minute

 to try and find a few quickly. 

 She works ( interns) for a radio station

 as a late night DJ of classic mainstream radio station,

  so I have a feeling she is going to do 

some kind of Mother's Day special with these songs.  

I really had no time to think about what I was putting down here.  All that I know is that they had to

 be older songs that I listened to when I was really young 

and it is for a classic radio station.   

Some of them I liked when I was 9, a few of them from my teenage years and then at the last minute I threw in a few upbeat ones 

ones that I like right now. (because Im Mom) 

Well this ought to be entertaining! :)  

Happy Mother's Day to grandmas too!

 "A grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories.

She remembers all of your accomplishments and forgets all of your mistakes." ~Barbara Cage

⭐Love Has No Pride & Long Long Time 

- Linda Ronstadt (I haven't heard these songs for years, really deep for a nine year old)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RoVYbtVdLvE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A0qm8nq8RcA&list=PLy8mdGQNL2la9FqvUka2H9HCfrdqj__Bg&index=10

⭐Hall and Oates - Sara Smile

⭐Boston - Long Time & Amanda

⭐WHEN I'M WITH YOU, SHERIFF (our wedding song)

⭐Journey - Feeling That Way (teen)

⭐Berlin - Masquerade (teen)

⭐Bonnie Raitt - Not The Only One

⭐David Bowie - Heroes

⭐Telephone Line- & everything ELO (even Jungle):)

⭐Luther Vandross - Here and Now

⭐Norah Jones - Don't Know Why

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO4dxvguQDk

⭐Big Daddy Weave - Overwhelmed

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BiGb14tTaH4

Storyteller by Morgan Harper Nichols (new)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=_ZAzvxsDOUU

⭐James Taylor - Copperline

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAaAhi37IHg

⭐Somewhere over the Rainbow - Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1bFr2SWP1I

⭐Carpenters - Top Of The World & Bless the Beasts and the Children (I was nine) 

⭐Electric Light Orchestra - Mr Blue Sky(also nine)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7dTBoW5H9k

Cloverton's Christmas version of Hallelujah

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZTAMYiAOdc

⭐I Will Be Here - steven curtis chapman

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=Ed6eAXcr-K8

Cloverton - God Help Me to Be (still like)♡

https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=28&v=PgA3kW2lI3M

Louis Armstrong - What A Wonderful World 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3yCcXgbKrE

She did it last night!  All the songs marked where played last night in including this story. http://www.bannerandsail.com/2017/10/harmony-melody.html

I am blessed with two daughters! Sarah and Amanda! 💕

Have a good Mother's Day!


May your father and mother rejoice;
    may she who gave you birth be joyful!
Prov 23:25