First of all, I really should own a stationery store or company with all the excitement I have regarding notes and letters and pretty papers. The other day I got a sweet email from someone asking if Reynolds has learned to write a thank you note. Sadly, he has not, but he'll scribble his name or trace his hand on a birthday card so that counts for something, right?! {We're getting there...} That email did get me thinking about the fact that I have not written thank you notes just yet for all the Christmas gifts we received {sigh...} and I can't believe that January is half-way over so I've got to get on them...fast! So where do you go for help to write your thank you notes? I'm not the most creative person when it comes to writing {or anything else} so sometimes I need a little inspiration. Well, lucky for us, Gifts.com has created a helpful guide to inspire us all. It provides tips and examples on how to properly write a thank you note, including some do's and don'ts to make our friends and family members feel appreciated. It really is terrific! Now go get your stationary, I'll get mine!, and let's get writing! Don't worry about being too formal, a thank you will always put a smile on anyone's face! If you're in need of Thank You notes or stationery, check out my last post about Basic Invite or check out the link below! Happy writing! … [Read more...]
Christmas Carols : O Holy Night
I remember it like it was yesterday, when Celine Dion's Christmas album came out in 1998. I was 18 years old and I listened to her cd on repeat that Christmas season. The most beautiful voice singing one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever written. Two forces combined into one...and I couldn't get enough of O Holy Night. Here it is for your enjoyment: Celine Dion : O Holy Night. O holy night! The stars are brightly shining It is the night of the dear Savior's birth! Long lay the world in sin and error pining Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary soul rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! Fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices Oh night divine Oh night when Christ was born Oh night divine Oh night divine Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming Here come the wise men from Orient land The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger In all our trials born to be our friend Truly He taught us to love one another His law is love and His gospel is peace Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother And in His name all oppression shall cease Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we, Let all within us praise His holy name Just 4 days to go until Christmas! I hope as we near the celebration of our Savior's birth that you await His coming! … [Read more...]
Christmas Carols : Silent Night
One of the greatest Christmas Carols, that points us straight to the Savior, is Silent Night. The one often sung at the end of a Christmas Eve service, with candles lit throughout the sanctuary, it is one of the most memorable and moving moments of the service for me and often brings me to tears. The version of this song that I am sharing tonight isn't one that would typically be sung at a Christmas Eve service...but it is one of my favorites of Silent Night. I hope you enjoy this rendition by Mercy Me. Mercy Me : Silent Night Silent night, holy night! All is calm, all is bright. Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child. Holy infant so tender and mild, Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace Silent night, holy night! Shepherds quake at the sight. Glories stream from heaven afar Heavenly hosts sing Alleluia, Christ the Savior is born! Christ the Savior is born Silent night, holy night! Son of God love's pure light. Radiant beams from Thy holy face With dawn of redeeming grace, Jesus Lord, at Thy birth Jesus Lord, at Thy birth … [Read more...]
Christmas Carols : Do You Hear
We had our Carols, Candlelight and Communion service last night at church and first of all, it was beautiful. I'm used to a service like that, on Christmas Eve, and wanting it to make the Christmas celebration longer. Having the service last night was amazing, and made this week of Christmas start off with so much more meaning than so many years in the past. As I laid in bed last night thinking back over the service and the songs we sang, I contemplated Christmas Carols. Carols are songs or hymns whose lyrics are on the theme of Christmas, and typically sung at the time of Christmas. Christmas as you know, is a celebration of Christ's birth. It's not about Santa, or the Elf on the Shelf, or presents or anything else. It's about Jesus. So...to continue my own heart's worship of this week of Christmas, and the celebration of our Savior's birth, I thought I would share a Christmas Carol with you each day this week. All pending, of course, on the cooperation of one tiny human who is currently lying by my side... Today's Carol is Do You Hear What I Hear: Said the night wind to the little lamb, Do you see what I see Way up in the sky, little lamb, Do you see what I see A star, a star, dancing in the night With a tail as big as a kite With a tail as big as a kite Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy, Do you hear what I hear Ringing through the sky, shepherd boy, Do you hear what I hear A song, a song, high above the trees With a voice as big as the sea With a voice as big as the sea Said the shepherd boy to the mighty king, Do you know what I know In your palace warm, mighty king, Do you know what I know A Child, a Child shivers in the cold Let us bring Him silver and gold Let us bring Him silver and gold Said the king to the people everywhere, Listen to what I say Pray for peace, people everywhere! Listen to what I say The Child, the Child, sleeping in the night He will bring us goodness and light He will bring … [Read more...]