Friday, December 10, 2010

Christmas Concert & The New Fave.

*Christmas card on the previous post... we're cheap and only sent the 10 free ones I got (thanks for the coupon, Trina!), but just print it if you aren't a grandparent, aunt, etc and are feeling left out. We love you!!

And now for a non-picture post, because it's been awhile (and probably will be awhile before inspiration strikes again)...


So, my sweet husband asked me awhile back if I'd be up for going to the Keith and Kristyn Getty Irish Christmas concert. Um... yes!! So, we had a very special date night last night. Jimmy John's and wonderful Christmas music!

I wasn't sure what to expect at an Irish Christmas concert. But, it was just incredible. Classic Christmas hymns and original ones with an incredible Irish feel. The band (including bagpipes and accordians and a gal who was stunning on the violin) was uber talented and really played with all of their hearts. The Gettys were wonderful. The music was of stellar quality. And we got to sit with dear friends.


But it was the story woven through the night that was just amazing. I needed to hear it again, just as I do every Sunday, every day really. And the joy that each person on stage (and in the auditorium) just oooooooozed out. It's the fact that the story of Christmas is THE story of the Bible. If you understand it was a story written from before time began to our hope yet to come that awaits believers in heaven... a hope foretold by the prophets, fulfilled in the Messiah, who was born of a virgin, and who was sent. Sent to die. For wretched sinners like us. Giving us hope. And life. And forgiveness.

As they sang the story of the Gospel, with a Christmas emphasis and Irish twist, they also stopped to simply recognize that Christmas isn't warm and fuzzy for everyone. Some people are super lonely. Some feel hopeless. They spent a few songs singing about trials and each of these few songs crescendoed to a rising energy because of joy found in Christ alone and rock-solid hope to be found in His truth. One of the songs is my new favorite song. (For now... I'm always changing my mind about my favorite song. I have about 30, I think.)

It's called Still, My Soul, Be Still and you can sample it here and you can download it from their new cd Awaken the Dawn. If not, just buy the whole cd. It's great.

Just thought I'd share about one of my favorite new songs. It brought tears to my eyes and Dustin and I both were really encouraged by it and it also made me think and pray for several friends of ours going through various trials.

And now, I've got to get Nate signed up for some violin lessons or maybe get him started on the bagpipe or just start working on his accent. :)

Merry Christmas!!






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Thursday, December 09, 2010

A Very Difficult Christmas Recipe =)

Christmas Mug of Hot Cocoa (Christmas mugs make the cocoa taste better)

A splash of Peppermint Mocha Creamer (off-brands such as Aldi's will do just fine)

3-4 Cinnamon Red Hots




Mmm...