What Does God Want For Me In 2022?

 This past year has been a different kind of year for my husband and me.  We had moved from our home state to a southern state in 2019 and for a while felt completely out of our element. For some time we lived on our daughter's property while our home up north had been put up for sale, and went all the kind of things it takes to buy another property. Like finding a home that we could afford that fit our needs. That was not easy. We looked at many places during that time. There were times I wondered if we would ever find a place. And I must admit, times that I had serious talks with God about it.

Finally, in the first months of 2021, we found the home that was to become ours. And with the help of our kids, we moved in and eventually got settled. And life has slowed down for us in some ways. 

 Along with getting settled and becoming a part of our new surroundings, there have been good things and not-so-good things. 

Not only family problems and situations but what is going on outside our home,  in the government...crazy stuff that we wonder what God is doing up there, letting these kinds of things happen. 

And yet being happy to at last be in our own home and being able to have cookouts and celebrate birthdays and holidays within our extended family unit. (We have 2 adult children and their families close by) 

So it's been a mix of the good and the not-so-good that make up this past year. 

But now, it's almost time to close the door on this year and it makes me ask myself, "In 2022, what will God want for me?"

We don't know what the new year will bring. Certainly, more heartache in world events. People robbing businesses. Kids killing people. Parents killing kids. 

The prices of everything going up. The people in government wanting to take away our God-given rights. Those things that so many of us have had and known all through our lives.

Death and destruction are everywhere it seems. Why God? Why aren't you doing anything to stop all the evil in the world?

At least for as long as Jesus does not return and at the time he does, all evil will cease. 

But until that happens....

What will God want for me?  I can't put my faith in a government that intends to turn the good things of life into taking away the very things that God has given me.

I ran across this passage in the bible this morning:

And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith. Luke 17:5

God doesn't want us to put our faith in the government. He said there will be troubled times. And it's through these times, we want him to increase our faith in him, no matter what is going on. Inside or outside of our families, situations, and government.

He wants to increase our faith. Faith that will get us to where he wants us to be.

What does God want for me in 2022. To be in his Word that gives me life. That gives me joy. That gives me peace. That no man or government can steal away from me. No matter what else they take.

Faith to believe in him, even when I don't understand. 

So I am asking God today....

Lord, increase my faith.

Thanks for coming by, Friends. God bless!

Just Six More Days

 Wow, can you believe it? Just six more days and it will be a whole new year. A new year that may bring a new way of living. A new child or relationship to our family. New healing to our bodies or our souls. Is it so impossible to expect God to do what we  think He won't do for us?

He is the God of the impossilble. The God who brought newness to our world. In just six days, I might add. (Genesis 1:1-25)

And then he took that creation further by adding man to the mix. Earth had so much to start off with. A new beginning from what had once been void and dark. (vs 26-27)

But God didn't just stop there. All through the history of the bible, God gave new beginnings to his people. Even when they did the unthinkable and failed him with their sin.

We could go on and name them. And yet, there were two new beginnings that are the most notable. The most important. And those beginnings were God's way of redeeming us from what could be our own demise.

We know the stories. We just celebrated the first one. 

For God so loved the world that he sent his only begotten Son that whosoever believes on Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16

And the second one was recorded by his disciples in the new testament. But look at this particular verse:

And when Jesus had cried out in a loud spirit, he gave up his spirit. Mathew 27:50

At that very moment, humanity got its new beginning. 

All the world did. At least for those that wanted this new thing. 

What do these new beginnings have in common?

Jesus. 

In six more days, this year will end. Has it been a bad one for you? A difficult one? 

Surly it has been a crazy one for us.

But we can pray for our families. Our healings. Our selves.

Because God can do what we can't. 

He can do the impossible.

And you know what? 

He is not finished in that department of new beginnings. 

The book of Revelations is our proof. That one day, he will start all over again. 

With a new beginning for all those that have trusted Him.

From the beginning.

To the end.

Because He is the Alfa and Omega.

The Beginning and the End.

Thanks for coming by, Friends. God bless!

Twas The Night Before Christmas

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS   

Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house

Not a creature was praying, not one in the house.

Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care

In hopes that Jesus would not come there. 

The children were dressing to crawl into bed,

Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap

Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter,

I sprang to my feet to see what was The matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash

Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash!

When what to my wondering eyes should appear

But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here.

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray

I knew in a moment this must be The Day!

The light of His face made me cover my head

It was Jesus! Returning just like He had said.

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth

I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His Hand

Was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as He searched for my name;

When He said "It's not here" My head hung in shame!

The people whose names had been written with love

He gathered to take to His Father above.

With those who were ready He rose without a sound

While all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees, but it was too late;

I had waited too long and this sealed my fate.

I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight;

Oh, if only I had been ready tonight.

In the words of this poem the meaning is clear;

The coming of Jesus is drawing near.

There's only one life and when comes the last call

We'll find that the Bible was true after ALL!

Source unknown (Variously attributed to Randy Story, Stormy Gale, Lou Pinter, and Audrey Patricia Woolverton)

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The real story of Christmas has nothing to do with Santa Claus coming down our chimney to leave gifts under our tree. It was the birth of a baby, come down from His place in heaven to grow up and die for our sin so that we may join Him there one day. 

And some day, He will come. 

Are you ready? 

Because if you aren't,

it will then be too late.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him, shall not die but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Thanks for coming by, Friends. Have a Merry Christmas

And may God bless you!

i STILL BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS

 

Yesterday when I was working on my post on Christmas Carols, I ran across a song I had never heard before. I don't think its quite a carol but it is very approprate for Christmas and especially for the times we are living in. It was written by Anne Wilson and I am including the link here, if you would like to visit and play it. I strongly encourage you to do so because it comes right down to where we are at during this season. 

Thanks for coming by and have a blessed day

(go here to hear: I Still Believe in Christmas: 

Anne Wilson - I Still Believe In Christmas Lyrics | AZLyrics.com )

O Come Emmanuel

 

O Come, O Come Emmanuel Lyrics

1 O come, O come, Immanuel,

and ransom captive Israel

that mourns in lonely exile here

until the Son of God appear.

Refrain:

Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel

shall come to you, O Israel.

2 O come, O Wisdom from on high,

who ordered all things mightily;

to us the path of knowledge show

and teach us in its ways to go. Refrain

3 O come, O come, great Lord of might,

who to your tribes on Sinai's height

in ancient times did give the law

in cloud and majesty and awe. Refrain

4 O come, O Branch of Jesse's stem,

unto your own and rescue them!

From depths of hell your people save,

and give them victory o'er the grave. Refrain

5 O come, O Key of David, come

and open wide our heavenly home.

Make safe for us the heavenward road

and bar the way to death's abode. Refrain

6 O come, O Bright and Morning Star,

and bring us comfort from afar!

Dispel the shadows of the night

and turn our darkness into light. Refrain

7 O come, O King of nations, bind

in one the hearts of all mankind.

Bid all our sad divisions cease

and be yourself our King of Peace. Refrain 

Psalter Hymnal (Gray)

The Story Behind O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

"O come, O come, Emmanuel" is a Christian hymn for Advent and Christmas. It is a translation of a Latin hymn, "Veni, Veni, Emmanuel." The 1861 translation, by John Mason Neale, from Hymns Ancient and Modern is the most notable in the English-speaking realm, but other English translations also endure. Adaptations into other modern languages (particularly German) are also in broad use.

The lyrics and the melody for "O come, O come, Emmanuel" emerged independently. The Latin text is first documented in Germany in 1710, whereas the melody most commonly associated in the English-speaking world has its origins in 15th-century France.

The Biblical Origin of "O Come, O Come Emmanuel"

In Scripture, the name "Emmanuel" first appears in Isaiah 7:14, which says, “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign; The virgin will conceive, and give birth to a Son, and will call Him Emmanuel” (NIV). The original meaning of the name is: “with us is God,” or “God with us.” 

Although it says in Isaiah 7:14 “thou shalt call his name Immanuel,” Mary and Joseph didn’t give their son that name. Instead, they followed the directions given specifically to them in Matthew 1:21 (Joseph in a dream) and Luke 1:31 (Mary by the angel Gabriel) to name Him Jesus.

As seen in Matthew 1:23 above, the meaning of Emmanuel is “God with us.” The promised child was given the name of Jesus but was also Emmanuel, God in the flesh

(source:   https://www.godtube.com/popular-hymns/o-come-o-come-emmanuel/#:~:text=%22O%20Come%2C%20O%20Come%2C%20Emmanuel%22%20is%20a%20Christian,videos%) 

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It is interesting that although I have read both those scriptures above and never thought about the two different names that Jesus was to be given at his birth. Nevertheless, they do mean the same thing, so who am I to question scripture? 

At any rate, this is a beautiful hymn/carol as are all those that I have looked out at far this month and they each give us pause to remember what this season is truly about. Especially on days that aren't going well. 

Truly as this one says: God is with us.

Thanks for stopping by. God bless you and yours

WHAT CHILD IS THIS?

 

What Child Is This? 

1 What Child is this, who laid to rest,

On Mary's lap is sleeping?

Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,

While shepherds watch are keeping?

Chorus:

This, this is Christ, the King,

Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:

Haste, haste to bring Him laud,

The Babe, the Son of Mary!

2 Why lies He in such mean estate,

Where ox and ass are feeding?

Good Christian, fear: for sinners here

The silent Word is pleading.[Chorus]

3 So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,

Come, peasant, king to own Him.

The King of kings salvation brings;

Let loving hearts enthrone Him.[Chorus]

"What Child Is This?" is a Christmas hymn whose lyrics were written by William Chatterton Dix, in 1865. The hymn's accompanying melody has been described as "soulful", "haunting and beautiful" in feeling and nature. 

(source:   What Child is This? - Lyrics, Hymn Meaning and Story)

The Story Behind What Child is This?

At the time of creating this hymn, Dix served as an insurance company manager and had been struck by a critical illness. While recovering, he experienced a spiritual revival that led him to write several hymns, including lyrics to "What Child is This?" that was subsequently set to the tune of "Greensleeves", a traditional English folk song. Although it was formulated in Great Britain, the hymn is more popular in the United States than in its country of origin today.The lyrics of the carol are taken from a poem written by Dix called "The Manger Throne". The part of the poem that was utilized as the song's lyrics consist of three stanzas in total. The first verse poses a rhetorical question in the first half, with the response coming in the second half. The second verse contains another question that is answered, while the final verse is a universal appeal to everyone urging them "to accept Christ."

(Read more about this carol by going here:   What Child is This? - Lyrics, Hymn Meaning and Story)

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It is an amazing story, I believe of what can happen even in the midst of the hard things we sometimes go through in this life.

Thanks for coming by, Friends. God bless!

Little Drummer Boy

Little Drummer Boy

[Verse 1]

Come thy told me
Pa rum pum pum-pum
A newborn King to see
Pa rum pum pum-pum
Our finest gifts we bring
Pa rum pum pum-pum
To lay before the king
Pa rum pum pum-pum
Rum pum pum-pum
Rum pum pum-pum
So to honor Him
Pa rum pum pum-pum
When we com

[Verse 2]

Little baby

Pa rum pum pum-pum

I am a poor boy too

Pa rum pum pum-pum

I have no gift to bring

Pa rum pum pum-pum

That's fit to give our King

Pa rum pum pum-pum

Rum pum pum-pum

Rum pum pum-pum

Shall I play for you

Pa rum pum pum-pum

On my drum

[Verse 3]

Mary nodded

Pa rum pum pum-pum

The ox and lamb kept time

Pa rum pum pum-pum

I played my drum for Him

Pa rum pum pum-pum

                                

I played my best for Him

Pa rum pum pum-pum

Rum pum pum-pum

Rum pum pum-pum

Then He smiled at me

Pa rum pum pum-pum

Me and my drum

How the 'Little Drummer Boy' Christmas Carol Came to Be

By Espie Esstrella

 

Updated on 02/08/19

Just because the song "Little Drummer Boy" is beloved by people  the world doesn't mean its backstory is very well known to the public. In this overview, learn about the holiday song's origins, including the controversy around its authorship and where its roots are. The lyrics and some chart history are also here.

Who Wrote 'The Little Drummer Boy?'

Before it became world famous as the "Little Drummer Boy," the song was originally titled "Carol of the Drums" because of the repeating line "pa rum pum pum pum," which imitates the sound of a drum.

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The Most-Recorded Christmas Songs Ever

It's not certain who wrote the song, but the "Little Drummer Boy" is believed to have been written by Katherine K. Davis in 1941. The song lyrics are said to be based on an old Czech carol. It was recorded for Decca as "Carol of the Drum" by the Trapp Family Singers in 1951 and credited to Davis. But Davis isn't the only person credited with writing the song. According to some reports, Henry Onorati and Harry Simeone penned the lyrics to the song. 

Just as it's not entirely certain who deserves lyrical songwriting credit for the "Little Drummer Boy," questions surround the music composition credits for the song as well. Jack Halloran recorded it in 1957. His daughter, Dawn, stated in a letter to famous music collector Jerry Osborne that her father "did the original choral arrangement and recorded it for Dot Records in 1957." She added, "Dot, unfortunately, didn't put the single out for the 1957 Christmas season, and Simeone succeeded in getting composing credit (along with Henry Onorati and Davis) for a piece he had nothing to do with."

Chart Highlights

Over the years, it's been recorded by many artists, some of whom have even charted with it on Billboard's singles charts. Pentatonix hit No. 1 with it in the winter of 2013–2014, and David Bowie and Bing Crosby's beloved version peaked at No. 3 in the United Kingdom (Official Singles Chart), spending 10 weeks on the chart in 1982–1983.

The Harry Simeone Chorale hit No. 13 on Billboard's Hot 100 with it in 1959–60, No. 24 in 1960–61, No. 22 in 1961–62, and No. 28 in 62–63. The Jack Halloran Singers' version made it only to No. 96 in January 1961.

There have been hundreds of recorded versions of the song, and even actors Jack Black & Jason Segel, believe it or not, reached No. 45 with it in 2010 on Billboard's holiday digital sales chart.

Fun Fact

Decades ago, stop-motion animation was all the rage in television ("Rudolph," anyone?), so a version of "Little Drummer Boy" was produced by Rankin-Bass for television in 1968 with the voice of Eileen Evelyn Greer Garson narrating. If you're of a certain age, you may have seen this version when it debuted.

"Little Drummer Boy" Lyrics

Although the "Little Drummer Boy" is often remembered for the lines that famously imitate a drum, a review of the song's lyrics reveal why it is indeed a Christmas carol. It is about the birth of Jesus Christ and the gifts presented to the newborn king on this momentous day

(source: The Story Behind the 'Little Drummer Boy' Christmas Carol)

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This is a favorite Christmas Carol and I would add a very sweet one. There is little more I can add to what Espie Estrella wrote about it. 

Thanks for coming by today Friends

Have a blessed day!