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.

Preview - A Godwink Christmas - Miracles of Christmas

Welcome Back Readers~


Have you ever wondered whether God interacts with us on a daily basis? I believe he does. It may be in the unlikely circumstances of meaning friends from your childhood in the midst of the crowded shopping mall or just a simple urging in your spirit that something needs to be done right away. Either way, God does still speak to us in his own unique way- that way he gets our attention and we have no doubt he is watching out for us. In tonight's premiere of "A God Wink Christmas" we take a look at one couple's undeniable connection and despite that circumstances keep them apart. But God doesn't give up that easily and through several "GodWinks" they can no longer deny their chemistry. See the movie tonight on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries at 9 PM

John Legend - Jesus Christ Superstar Review

Welcome Back Readers~

On the heels of such hits like “The Passion: New Orleans” and “The Sound Of Music Live” featuring Carrie Underwood, NBC tried to re-create the magic with their version of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.” With lyrics by Tim Rice, this 1970's rock opera follows Jesus' journey through Jerusalem on the
last seven days leading up to his crucifixion.

On the surface, this musical may seem like a nice introduction of Jesus to those who haven't heard the gospel; however, there are several biblical inconsistencies. 

1. Romantic relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene- Despite the sub plot of the musical, there is no evidence that Mary Magdalene had anything other than platonic feelings for Jesus. In fact, little is known about Mary herself except that Jesus drove seven demons out of her (Luke 8:2). After her healing, she becomes faithful follower of Jesus. After the crucifixion, she is the first to find the tomb is empty. What is so special about that? Women weren't typically believed when it  came to messages of importance in those days. Any romantic relationship was fabricated and even an inappropriate deviation from the Gospel. 
2. The Portrayal of a Confused Jesus- Throughout the concert, Jesus is portrayed as a confused man- which he is not. Despite being fully man, he is also fully God. Jesus is fully aware of God's plan to save us from our sin and his part in redemption. In a moment of weakness , he even asks God the Father if there is in the other way to accomplish this goal, saying "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39).
3. An Incomplete Crucifixion-Resurrection Scene - Although they had John Legend (playing Jesus) on the cross ascending into a blue background with light pouring down from above, this did not accurately portray the complete story. Jesus died on the cross and was physically resurrected to meet with his disciples - demonstrating to all of us the hope of our bodily resurrection. Only after that did Jesus ascend to heaven -physically and bodily. Without the resurrection and reuniting with his believing followers, the musical provides and incomplete Gospel.

I am pleased that the musical brought attention to Jesus at Easter time and that so many artists put their heart into the effort. I only wish that the story had more accurately portrayed the complete Gospel of Jesus' life, death, resurrection, and His offer of forgiveness for our sin. 

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/

My Favorite Holiday Assistive Technology

Welcome Back Readers~

I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday with family and friends; I certainly did. Some of my favorite gifts included a Ultimate Harmony remote which allows me to control several devices such as my Amazon fire and my TiVo all through my Alexa simply by using my voice. For example, I can say, "go to 240" and it switch the channel as requested. I can also turn up the volume of the TV by simply saying, "Turn up the volume." In order to switch to the Amazon fire,I, I simply ask Alexa to "turn on Fire TV,"; I don't have to ask my personal assistant to switch inputs because it does so automatically
This remote does require some programming experience in order to make the devices work together to complete complex demands.

For more information on harmony products, please go to:

https://www.logitech.com/en-us/harmony-universal-remotes
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/how-to-logitech-harmony-amazon-alexa-echo/

The Nest thermostat was my next favorite present; this assistive technology works to with the app as well as Alexa to control your thermostat. It also has the ability to recognize when you are away from the home and lower the temperature: when  you return, it will increase to a preset temperature.

For more information on Nest technology, please go to:

https://nest.com/thermostats/nest-learning-thermostat/overview/
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/tips-for-your-new-nest-thermostat/

The last assistive technology is clearly not yet; but Toyota is doing its best to make the lives of quadriplegics a whole lot better with the introduction of a personal assistant robot that retrieves drinks

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/

Encouragement:Superheroes really do exist.. Make-A-Wish has done it again, granting a five-year-old's wish to become a superhero and save the day

Welcome Back Readers~

Many of you may remember the inspirational story of Batkid; Miles Scott's wish to become a superhero after finishing his last chemotherapy in the hopes of curing his leukemia in 2013. To accomplish this task, the Make-A-Wish foundation enlisted the help of the entire city of San Francisco. Well, Make-A-Wish has done it again. This time granting the wish of five-year-old Kaheem who is also diagnosed with leukemia to become a superhero. Kaheem (a.k.a. Super Kaheem) lives in Maryland, but was given many tasks in order to save DC today, including freeing the DC mascots, so they were able to attend  tonight's game.

For more on this inspirational story, please go to:

http://www.ibtimes.com/kaheem-saves-dc-photos-make-wish-superhero-visits-capitol-helps-santa-captures-hearts-2461766

http://www.fox5dc.com/about-us/season-of-wishes/223926688-story

Please consider giving to the Make-A-Wish foundation at:

http://wish.org/#sm.001w7pysilx1epy10fk11ozirt4vg

God is not finished with me ( or you) yet!

Welcome Back Readers~

          Our church has spent the last several weeks studying Philippians. In this book, the disciple Paul is writing to the church of Philippi from prison; despite his circumstances, his outlook is quite positive. Why? Because Paul is keeping his eyes fixed on Jesus. He is certain that no matter what is happening God is in control and is taking care of everything! He is not afraid of what the future holds, instead, he believes the work of Jesus will continue with or without him. Philippians 1:6 says, "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Paul reminds us that this does not happen overnight, rather it is an ongoing process of spiritual growth. It begins with God's justifying work of the cross, where he paid the ultimate price for all our sins. Once we accept this free gift of salvation, it is then that the transformation takes place.. Although we are sanctified or "set apart" by the work God accomplished on the cross, it is the circumstances of our lives that develop through character and faith. Philippians 2: 12 -13: "Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

In today's world, we act as ambassadors for Jesus Christ. If we are truly walking by faith, our lives serve as beacons of hope to those around us. That does not our lives will be perfect; instead we will point the way to someone who is! Paul continues in verse 14-18, saying " Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, “children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^] Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky  as you hold firmly to the word of life poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.  So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

With that thought in mind, I came across the following song by Matthew West. It is called "Mended"

Hope you enjoy..

Encouragement: Susan Boyle diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome

Hello Everyone~

In one of my recent posts from last week, you may remember I featured a review on Max Lucado's A Christmas Candle . The movie featured world renown singer Susan Boyle as one of the townspeople with the  voice of an angel.

 Boyle was first recognized for her talent on Britain's Got Talent.where she sang "I dreamed a dream" from the famous musical Les Miserables. She has been very open about her struggles with bullying as a child and difficulty knowing how to interact with people. Now she understands why..

to read more about this story, please go to:

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/entertainment/2013/12/5-surprising-revelations-from-susan-boyle/

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

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