My Top Christmas Songs and What They Mean to Me!

 Scene Dear Readers~

Wow, it's hard to believe there are only about 25 more days until Christmas; it seems just like yesterday my brother and sister-in-law and their kids were here celebrating. But I guess that's what happens as you get older - time flies and before you know it is gone! That being said, I thought I would highlight some of my favorite Christmas songs and why they are important to me.

Let's face it... We've all grown up hearing about Santa Claus- the jolly old man in a red suit who brings presents to those on the "nice list". If we are honest with ourselves, though, the impact of this story fades as we grow; as a result, we're left to view the innocence through the eyes of our relatives- younger nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters who we passed on the tradition too!

For that reason, every Christmas is different for me; I'm not saying that the "magic" is gone. I still enjoy watching my nieces unwrap their presents- their eyes glowing with excitement. But I realize what's most important during this season. It's the time you've spent with friends and family spreading God's love in their life. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season!

The following four songs help me remember what is most important during this Christmas season and remind me to do whatever I can to further God's kingdom because tomorrow is not promised. After all, as I've said many times before, we are God's representatives.

1. Grown-up Christmas List by Amy Grant- Although this song has many versions, this is one of my favorites. This song illustrates how growing up our view of the world changes and we begin to focus on others rather than just our own needs. If we grown-up believing in Jesus, we know that it is only he that can solve the world's problems. This song makes me realize the world is still a broken place and there is still work to be done
2. Happy Christmas (War is Over) by Celine Dion- This song makes me evaluate what I've done over the past year to share my faith with those around me. It also reminds me to not worry about the future because God has everything in the palm of his hand. It also gives me pause to think about those in war-torn countries, fighting for their lives as well as our safety and protection
3. Where are You Christmas? by Faith Hill- This song reminds me that Christmas isn't always easy for everyone... Relatives may have passed this year and so they might find this year very difficult. They may have forgotten the happiness of Christmas because they are so full of loss. Also, this song reminds me that Christmas isn't just for the holiday season, it should be felt every day. People need God's love and hope- that's the ultimate gift of Christmas!
4. Here Comes Santa Claus (the Christmas Carol version) by Unknown- I know this seems like a surprising choice considering the rest of my list... But hear me out, this version mentions the true meaning of Christmas in lines like this, ""He loves you just the same Santa Claus knows we're all Gods children That makes everything right So fill your hearts with Christmas cheer 'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight! " I admit this version is hard to find famous singers singing but it can be occasionally heard on the Delilah show on I Heart Radio.

Anyway, if I don't write any later on this month, I wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Debbie

Hallmark Hall of Fame: Christmas Everlasting - Hallmark Movie Trailer (A...

Welcome Back Readers~

How was everyone's Thanksgiving? I hope you took advantage of the time with friends and family because those are moments you can't get back. I certainly enjoyed our change in scenery as we celebrated in Virginia Beach this year. You see, my brother and sister-in-law decided to take the kids and visit Tennessee. So we decided to hit the road as well. I know what you're thinking...

But wasn't it cold at Virginia Beach? To answer your question, yes. But fortunately, we spent most of our time inside and relaxing. We ordered pizza and had dad get food for us most nights but on the first night we decided to venture out and walk the three blocks to Catch 31; it was blistering cold outside. For dinner, my parents ordered the traditional Thanksgiving turkey in some kind of fancy sauce while I decided on steak drenched in some kind of sauce that made it taste like pot roast instead. It was then that we determined if we were to venture out again dad would drive the van and drop us off as well as pick us up so the three of us didn't have to walk. True to his word, we ventured out the day before we left Virginia Beach to get our usual favorites-mine was the crab cake dinner.

But that's enough about my Thanksgiving. On November 25, our family enjoyed the Hallmark Hall Of Fame movie "Christmas Everlasting."  Based on Martha Bostwick's book "The Second Sister", this movie follows Lucy Tooney's (Tatyana Ali) journey back home after the devastating loss of her best friend and "sister". The two had continued to grow close despite the strain the distance had on their friendship. Their friendship had overcome the biggest test of their lives when Alice got into an accident and had a traumatic brain injury which left her mentally challenged having to relearn everything again. Now, Lucy is left to face her past as well as her guilt. In the process, she inherits Alice's home as well as her cat under the expressed condition that she stay there until after Christmas. At first, she is reluctant but feelings for an old flame began to change her mind- not to mention wanting to find out who the mysterious Maeve is.

I related to this movie for many reasons. First and foremost, it involves a character with a disability. Although she died, I can relate to sometimes feeling like a burden to the people I care about. I know it takes time out of their lives to care for me on a daily basis but I know they love me and that's why they do it. Second of all, I know I have a small group of friends like Alice did (the "FOA" - Friends of Allic) that care about me. However, I wish I knew and felt I was making a difference in their lives. You see, most of them live in states far away from mine and I don't get to see them that often. While it's true we have cell phones and text, it's not the same as seeing them face-to-face; I miss those college days where we were in the dorms and they were just a call away if I needed them. Back then things were so easy and uncomplicated by the struggles of life

Anyway, sorry for drifting a little off-topic there. I would really recommend watching any reruns of Christmas Everlasting when it comes on. With special guest stars like Patty Labelle and Dennis Haysbert, it's sure to be a new Christmas favorite; it certainly is for me.

Let There Be Light Trailer #1 | Movieclips Indie

Welcome Back Readers~

Best known for his role in God's Not Dead, Kevin Sorbo is branching out from his acting career by writing and directing his very first movie Let There Be Light. This film centers around the drastic transformation of Dr. Sol Harkins. Previously an atheist, Sol experiences a change of heart when he has a car accident (while driving drunk) and is clinically dead for four minutes. During that time, he is enveloped in light and encounters his dead son Davey (who had cancer); his son then encourages him to go back and "Let There Be Light."

Awakening in the hospital, he is unable to make sense of the message so he opens up with his ex-wife about his experience. Since their son's death, the couple have struggled to remain on speaking terms for the rest of the family and his outspoken opposition to their faith. Still, Katy sees this as a opportunity to change his fate. She mentions the idea of going to see her pastor. Not your regular pastor, Pastor Vinny has seen his own share of difficulties. As an ex-convict, it wasn't an epiphany or some climactic event that led him to Christ; it was the simple act of the disciples standing by their faith after the discovery of the empty tomb. As there conversation continues, he suggests that God chose to reveal himself to Sol so that he can be an example of God's Light and love in the midst of a struggling world. And just so there was no doubt that God loved Sol, he sent Davey to give him the message; Just like God sent his son on the cross!

Armed with eye-opening epiphany, Sol begins to think a closer look at himself and his opinions on Christianity. Several weeks later, he is baptized and opens up to the public about newfound faith. As one can imagine, his publicist doesn't approve and refuses to represent him anymore. Looking for a new project, Sol and Katy rack there brains looking for a way to share God's Light and love with those who were not otherwise hear The Good News. Finally, she gets the idea for an app which allows Christians to proclaim their faith by shining their light (both figuratively and literally) up towards the sky on the darkest night of the year (which just happens to be Christmas). It also allows those that have questions about their faith an opportunity to get answers.

"You mean proselytizing?"

"Yes. Without apology.."

 Sol and Katy find themselves growing closer in the process. He is determined to do what it takes to become a part of the family again- including stepping up as a father and and becoming a honorable husband. On a date night, he asks her to remarry him and she accepts. But the happiness is short-lived when the two return home and Katy collapses. It's an inoperable brain tumor. Despite the devastating news, she is focused on making sure her family is okay and seeing the project come to a completion.

I will not disclose the ending for those readers who are interested in renting the movie for themselves. I will say however I was delighted to find out this movie was a family affair as three of Sorbo's own family star in the movie.

For more information on Let There Be light, please go to:

http://lettherebelightmovie.com/

Reflections on The Christmas Season

Dearest Readers,

Last week begun the traditional start to the holiday season; for the first time I can remember, our church has decided to continue the tradition of lighting candles until Christmas.. This week's candle was the Candle of Hope.

But hope for what?

Financial stability??

True love??

Continued health and wellness in the new year??

The Oxford dictionary defines hope as “A feeling of expectation and desire for a particular thing to happen”. Peter said we have a “living hope” and this is that we have an inheritance of eternal life kept for us in Heaven. (1 Pet 3:3-5). Our faith is focused on this -  “the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). So, what is our hope?  It is eternal life. And in Whom is our hope? It is in  Jesus Christ  (1 Timothy ).

Throughout the generations, Christians have lost  their awe for what happened the night of Jesus's birth- how everything came to pass as was prophesied. I'm not saying we should forget God's kind and compassionate character, but it is only when we acknowledge our need for Him that we can truly comprehend God's master plan of allowing us to point others toward Jesus himself.  Or as Isaiah put it in Isaiah 6:5-8:  

"Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.”Then one of the seraphim flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.”Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?”And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Take for example Jefferson Moore's A Perfect  Stranger movie trilogy. Although the premise of the movies are nice  in theory (because Jesus did come down to earth to live among us to spread the gospel news) these movies tend to gloss over how powerful God truly is and what he is truly capable of..

This brings me back to   my original question:  How Do We Get Back To The True Meaning of Christmas?

THE MAN WHO INVENTED CHRISTMAS | Official Trailer | In theaters this Tha...

Dear Readers,

With Thanksgiving almost here, I hope everybody is  time with family and friends- I certainly am. even though it seems like a quiet one, I intend to make the best of it going to the movies with my mom and dad. One of them will possibly be The Man Who Invented Christmas. Although the title is a little deceiving because Jesus was and always is the reason we have Christmas, this movie tells the story of a writer (Charles Dickens) struggling with writer's block. As Charles Dickens (Dan Stevens IV) looks around for ideas, the characters for A Christmas Carol began to come alive for him. With  big stars as Christopher Plummer  as Scrooge and Jonathan Pryce as John Dickens,it should be a interesting one. I hope to see  this movie during my Christmas break, I kind of relate to it being a writer..





For more information about the movie, please go to:



https://bleeckerstreetmedia.com/themanwhoinventedchristmas



https://www.facebook.com/TheManWhoInventedChristmas



http://ew.com/movies/2017/11/21/the-man-who-invented-christmas-ew-review/

An Old Christmas Favorite, "Help is on The Way" (from The Preacher's Wife)

Welcome Back Readers~

I can't remember if I ever posted this music video from Witney Houston or not. At any rate, it's a classic..In the film "The Preacher's Wife", she plays the wife of a discouraged preacher whose church is on the verge of closure. It is then that he makes a desperate plea for help and Dudley appears.This song is a subtle reminder that  God  is always working in the background- whether or not we see him. May this song serve as  an encouragement  as we enter this  season  of hope.

Get a Sneak Peak at ‘Dolly Parton’s Christmas of Many Colors : Circle of...

Dear Readers,

Following in the footsteps of Dolly Parton's inspirational story entitled "The Coat of Many Colors," comes the second installment "Christmas of Many Colors: Circle of Love." Since overcoming the loss of little Larry, the family has seen their share of difficulties, this time is no exception, as they are trying to scrape up enough money to have a decent Christmas. To that effort, their father takes a job working in a cold mine. But will this job cost him his life?

The movie premieres on November 30 at 9 PM. Comcast users can  easily catch up on the story by  searching for  Coat of Many Colors," on-demand

Technology Review: Amazon Echo

Dear Readers,

I have decided to review Amazon Echo in the hopes of providing information to those wondering about its usability to those with speech as well is physical disabilities. For those unfamiliar with the technology, Echo (a.k.a. Alexa) is Amazon's own voice recognition service that allows people to listen to music, make lists and control their home simply by using their voice. I received Alexa as one of my Christmas gifts and after just two weeks using it- I LOVE IT!

Here are just some of my favorite functions:

1. Access to the radio- Since I am unable to use the radio in a traditional sense (through the tuning  of a dial, I love that the technology allows me to turn on the radio to  listen to my favorite stations by voice. I  simply say listen to 97.1  FM to hear that channel. This is especially convenient when I want to listen to the radio from from bed at night.
2. Sleep Timer-  This makes listening to the radio even more convenient because I can set a duration of time and it will automatically shut itself off
3. Access to Audible- Up until this point, I have been listening to my  audiobooks using Siri on my iPhone; that has worked, but Amazon Echo is better because of its speaker sound and volume.
4. Ability to change volume setting by voice- Alexa allows  users to adjust speaker volume settings simply by saying "increase" or "decrease". Additionally, you can change the volume setting by saying "volume" followed by a number ranging from 1-10. (1 being the lowest volume setting; 10 being the highest)
5. Connection to Pandora, IHeartRadio, Amazon Prime, podcast libraries, and Bluetooth
    a) Pandora- With a Pandora account, users can select certain music genre to play and use the "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" command to improve your personal station.
    b) IHeartRadio-similarly, this channel allows users to personalize music based on different genre, music artists etc.. The station also gives you access to live radio stations such as KLove, Wash 97.1 FM
   c) Amazon Prime-Echo obviously has access to Amazon Prime own music library; unfortunately, this means you have to have a membership.. I believe it's Amazon's way of competing with applications such as iTunes etc.. The membership is $99/year and provides access to videos, Kindle books and selected Amazon music. On the flipside, you can still get access to music you may have bought through Amazon, simply say "play music" or specify the specific album or song you wish to be played.
  d) Podcast libraries- Alexa also has access hundreds of podcast users can listen to, simply saying the podcast name you are looking for.
  e) Bluetooth access- Hooking  Amazon Echo via Bluetooth allows users to access music they have on their phone. The one negative is that you can't simply play music by specifying a title, it will automatically search for music on Amazon Prime. Users must select their music by clicking on their phone. However once this is done, they can change songs on the album or artist simply by saying "next" or "previous".

6. Quick Training- This feature allows users to train Alexa to respond quicker to their voice by going through more training of specific commands that Amazon Echo frequently hears. The more you train, the better it gets..
7. The Amazon Echo website and phone application- This website is especially helpful because it allows me to access and change settings and stations by voice through the computer if the technology is having a particularly hard time understanding me. The Apple application provides remote access when users are not close by to the device

Common Commands

Here is a list of commands I use:

1. "Alexa"- By default, this is command that wakes up the device; it lets Amazon Echo know you want it to do something..
2. "Listen to.." or "Play."- this command starts specified music or applications linked to the technology.
3. "Increase" or "Decrease"- As explained earlier in this post, this command adjusts the volume setting to a specified preference.
4. "Start", "Stop", "Resume"- These voice  functions play or stop stations or apps in use on the device.
5. "Sleep Timer"- this command sets a duration of time to stop the current application or music from playing.

As you see, there's a lot the technology can do, it is continually being updated to include more applications and commands

Carrie Underwood in the Sound Of Music Live!

Welcome Back Readers~

I found this video courtesy of NBC.com; I don't know about you, but I enjoyed the live version of this beloved musical.. It was a reminder of much simpler time where you could sit in front of the TV with your family and not have to worry about the content. As I tweeted to Carrie Underwood, "She shined for Jesus, no matter what the stage.."

Hope you enjoy this on your Monday workday!

Debbie

Amy Grant - Grown-Up Christmas List

Dear Readers~

As the Christmas season approaches, it is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life.We fix up our houses with lights and buy presents for our loved ones; but in the end, none of that matters!. It's what we do for Jesus Christ that lasts forever. (I probably have put this video on here before, but I feel like it's important that we remind our human needs are more valuable than the material)

Encouragement: The Christmas Candle movie

Welcome Back Readers~

This weekend I had the opportunity to see Max Lucado's A Christmas Candle brought to the screen. This story follows a town down on their luck in the 1800s- their hope mistakenly put in the in the miracle of a candle. In the meanwhile, a new pastor tries to convince the town that their faith is in the wrong place... This movie reminded me about the importance of a daily prayer life; I would highly  recommend it

God Forbid

Greetings Readers~

This Sunday, one of our pastors preached on the story of The Prodigal Son and this song came to mind. If you have been reading my blog for a while now, you probably realized I struggle a lot in my life. Not only because of my disability, but with my faith as well. It's a constant battle to stand up for what I believe in and stay firm in it. Too often, Christians find themselves (myself included) comfortable in their walk with God. But that's not what causes the most spiritual growth and someone. It's remembering our past as sinners and God's ultimate sacrifice in spite of all we have done.

Like the Prodigal Son, we have each squandered our inheritance and come back expecting the worst. Instead, God doesn't give us what we deserve, but what he wants us to have. He restores us to himself and makes us each sons and daughters..

As Romans 5:8 says:

"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."

What then should be our response? Well, we should appreciate God, and be thankful for his unfailing love and grace towards us-
not thinking it's something that we deserve or should expect.. It's a gift from God!. Not because of our good deeds; we are, after all, sinful... No matter how high we like to think of ourselves

Encouragement: With Christmas coming, we have a unique opportunity

Welcome Back Everyone~

Recently I've been reminded how important the Christmas season is to Christians as well as the community at large. Not only does it provide us with a unique opportunity to be renewed in the true spirit of the season, but spread the Good News to others!  As Christians, we tend to forget that sometimes... After all, it's so easy to get caught up in the busyness of this life and lose sight of what truly matters most-God's Gift to us.The Father sent His Only Begotten Son to be born of a virgin, knowing the ultimate price Jesus would make for our sins. 

What an amazing sacrifice that is!

The shocking truth is, we don't always live like it is.  But we should.Jesus loved us enough to give his own life and that calls for a response -not one of obligation rather  rather than an attitude of gratitude for what we've been given. Let me put it another way, becoming a Christian is a lot like receiving a organ from someone on donor registry. Recipients are usually keenly aware of the gift they've been given and no longer  take the days on this earth for granted.

Likewise, we are  no longer living of our own will, but thanks to the life-saving procedure of someone else. God doesn't want us just to go through the motions of living, but wants us to enjoy our life free from the bondage of sin.  Essentially, we too are living on "borrowed time" as well.

That doesn't mean this life will be easy.. Take it from me, it's not! There will be times when you question yourself (or God for that matter) as to the decisions you made and whether you're heading down the right path. But stay steadfast, knowing that wherever you're going; God is with you.

Below are the lyrics to Hillsong's "Mighty to save". I especially like the second verse



Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me

Everyone needs forgiveness
The kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

(Chorus:)
Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose & conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears & failures
Fill my life again

I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender (I surrender)

(Chorus:) (2x)
Savior
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net]
He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save
He is mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
He rose & conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

(Bridge:) (2x)
Shine Your light &
Let the whole world see
We're singing
For the glory
Of the risen King
Jesus

(Chorus)
You're the Savior
You can move the mountains
Lord You are mighty to save
You are mighty to save
Forever
Author of Salvation
You rose & conquered the grave
Yes You conquered the grave

(Bridge:)

Encouragement: Young man with muscular dystrophy living life to the fullest

Okay ~

So it's official-this will be my last post of the year 2009. As I've mentioned in previous posts, this year flew by. It's been great, but it's been one of the hardest years of my life thus far. I have said goodbye to two closely members, moved to an entirely different state and uprooted my life. In fact, I had almost dismissed a very important part of my life. This blog. I can hardly believe I've written on this blog for almost a year. In that time, I've shared so much of my life-my heart, really-with you and I hope it's been helpful. As my father always says, "You never know how many people you reach from all over the world."

I have realized, though that I have forgotten some important things recording this blog. For example, when I first started, I had declared Wednesday's "Encouragement Day". To my detriment, I have forgotten to label many of my recent posts just that. Although many of them were quite obvious. Still, I'm sorry.

It seems quite ironic that I will be ending this year's post with an encouragement. It's quite fitting actually, since that was my primary goal for this blog- to encourage others to look beyond the limitations of their disability. Looking at the list of blogs on this page, I am not the only person with this goal. Reaching beyond one's limitations is not limited to blog writing, but in all areas of life.

I first found this article courtesy of the UCP affiliates website. This article tells the story of one such individual with muscular dystrophy.

Check it out..

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2008/12/15/DI2008121501044.html

The week after Christmas

Okay,

So in just days few days, a new year will be upon us. Personally, it's hard to believe. It's amazing how time flies these days. It really makes you learn to appreciate the time that you have and not take things for granted. After all, you never know what the future holds . Look at me. A year ago I was a celebrating Christmas in the wintery state of Ohio, surrounded by my mom's family. On the other hand, this year with quite different. Instead of getting together this year, we figured it would be easier to cancel our Christmas get-together since grandma's death. It will probably resume next year, but even then things will not be the same. Another change is the weather. Living in Virginia, our family was treated to our first Christmas without snow.

Honestly, I am not ready to start fresh. I am afraid I will get into the normal mode of life and let time pass me by.. I am afraid it will forget the important lessons that loved ones who have passed on have taught me. Looking back, I do have some regret that I never got to know my grandmother for the woman that she was.. the young spirited woman I sometimes catch a glimpse in my mother's eyes. Part of her will always live on through my mother and for that I will always be grateful.. However, I'm sure there are stories I never got to hear. I'm sorry for that.

The same principle goes for my aunt. She was a quiet woman, never wanting to be a bother to anyone. They both taught me so much.

I don't want to go back. However, I don't want to forget this feeling- the feeling you get when something drastic happens to change your perspective. I'm beginning to wonder if that's why this happened- to remember what's really important in my life and who I am.. my dreams and childhood hopes for the future. Because that's what they did. They may not have traveled miles to witness to others or accomplish their dreams. But they did in their own way.

It's strange but in some small way, I feel a new sense of hope for the future. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I can't wait to see what God has in store for me.

On that note, here are some other children's dreams that came true this Christmas.

http://ucpeople.blogspot.com/2008/12/ballerina-dreams-come-true-at-cerebral.html

Advice for next year..

Well,


Another Christmas has come and gone. I hope everybody enjoyed it; I certainly did. Although many things were different this year, the purpose always remains the same. Christmas always comes, a constant sign of hope available to all. Over the years, the holidays has been commercialized so much that it has lost its true meaning both spiritual and seasonal. The true story of St. Nicholas revolves around a young man who once was a orphan who wanted to give back to society.

Anyway, I got what I wanted for Christmas this year.. the iPod touch. I thought this iPod would be easier to use than the regular one. After all, it only takes a finger touch to select a song. I was wrong and because of my reach limitations that makes things twice as difficult. In order to select a song, you must tap the song twice. Otherwise the iPod will think your finger is trying to drag down the list for other songs.

Another con to the iPod is that the movies play sideways. Now that wouldn't bother me if I could turn the iPod around every time I wanted to watch a movie. But someone isn't always around. That being said, it looks like I will return this one and get the classic version. Hopefully, that one will work.

These, as well as many more problems, occurr when trying to decide the right gift for your disabled child. I know it's a little late, but here is something to think about for next year. This is a list of things to ask yourself before deciding to buy your young disabled child a toy for Christmas. I actually wish they would come up with a list of questions for people of my age group. But some of these questions loosely apply

Hope you enjoy!
http://ucpeople.blogspot.com/2008/12/information-referral-buying-toys-this.html