Breathe… Finally

I promised you a song almost three years ago. You can read my original Post of encouragement here.  

Well, without further ado, my debut of “Breathe.” (Click the orange word “Breathe” to take you to a YouTube video. Don’t click the picture below – my blog format doesn’t allow me to post videos!)

The video is definitely not quality material. I made it to post to my Facebook page because I felt like the message couldn’t wait. There is so much going on in this world. There are so many struggles, so much loss, so much heartache and so much fear. We need to remember to breathe. There is life sustaining hope with each breath we take.

So, remember, no matter what you are going through today,

“You’ll find healing,

You’ll find hope,

You’ll find peace that won’t let go,

When you BREATHE.”

 

Advertisement

Reason to SMILE #339 – Christmas Edition: THE MUSIC

 

All I Want for Christmas
Is to hear the Sleigh Bells Ring,
And smell the Chestnuts Roasting,
Cause these are My Favorite Things.

I want to Go A-Caroling
And pierce the Silent Night
With Jingle Bells a-clanging,
“Ding, Dong! Merrily on High!”

I Want to Deck the Halls
With The Holly and The Ivy
While Jolly Old St. Nicholas
Plays on the radio beside me.

Oh, and a White Christmas -
I really want that, too!
I also want my loved ones close
So Christmas won’t be Blue!
 
But most of all I want to hear
The music soft and low
Tell of the night – O Holy Night!-
Christ was born so long ago.
 
For Away in a Manger,
While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks,
The Savior of the world was born –
He’s why our Jingle Bells Rock!

P.S. I love to sing Christmas music, too! If you click on the link below the picture, you’ll get to hear a very  special performance from a Christmas Eve service a few years ago. What makes it so special? Well, I was accompanied by my son on his guitar. Best Christmas present ever!

O Holy Night – KJ Smith & Corey Smith

Reason to SMILE #344 – Christmas Edition: The LIGHTS

There’s a house on my drive home from work that is decked with a huge display of Christmas lights. Glowing holiday characters and flashing trees fill the yard. And if you tune into a particular radio frequency, you can even hear Christmas music playing along with the blinking lights. This house is a bright and cheery beacon of Christmas spirit on an otherwise dark and quiet stretch of road.

The lights of Christmas are beautiful and whether it’s a simple string of white bulbs draped over the azalea bushes or a grandiose exhibit of colorful luminaries dancing wildly to Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Carol of the Bells”, you cannot deny the cheer these lights bring to a dark and dreary world. And for the few brief moments we are enjoying their brilliant display along a neighborhood street or basking in their soft glow around the family Christmas tree, we find a sense of comfort, peace and joy. We forget our worries and we find a SMILE.

Then we drive down the road or unplug the tree lights and the darkness surrounds us once again, stealing away our security and contentment.

Oh, but the respite we find while enjoying the lights of Christmas does not have to end when their gleam can no longer be seen. The darkness does not have to overrun our lives. For there is a Light that brings unwavering joy and everlasting peace. This Light reaches the darkest crevices of our lives, drives out the shadows of our hopelessness and despair and brings hope to a weary world, to a weary soul, to a weary you and to a weary me.

This True Light of Christmas is Jesus. He is the reason for our celebration, the reason for our joy. He is the reason we can SMILE in the midst of our darkest nights.

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:2-3a, 6 (NIV)

A tiny baby born in Bethlehem pierced the darkness of a dying world more than two thousand years ago. Though the shadow of death followed Him, the Light of the Son of God could not be extinguished, even on the cross.

That Light still shines brightly for all to see today. Though the shadows of darkness threaten to overtake us, we’ve no need to fear. The True Light of Christmas has conquered the darkness so you and I can have life – a life filled with hope, a life filled with peace, a life filled with joy!

Reason to SMILE #367: YOUR FAVORITE SONG

We all have one –

That one song we love.

That one song we call our “jam”.

That one song that no matter where we are or what we are doing – trudging through the work day, pulling weeds in the garden, walking through the grocery store or driving down the road – the whole world stops when that first note is played.

And when that first beat hits, it’s no holds barred. Spectators be warned. The volume is going up and the shame is going out the window. Hang on to your hats, folks, and get out those camera phones cause you’re about to get the performance of a lifetime. You definitely don’t want to miss this!

This is going viral!! 😉 😉

Hearing your favorite song is a miraculous experience. It’s powerful. It sweeps you into another world, frees you of your troubles and responsibilities and makes you feel like the rock star you’ve always dreamed you could be.

And when you reach the end of your performance or even if you’re only listening (But who on earth can just listen to their favorite song?!? Tell me. Who?), you’ll find a SMILE on your face and a skip in your step. And you’ll be reaching for the repeat button because you will not want the SMILES to end.

So tell me…

What’s your favorite song?

Don’t have one? Don’t worry. I can make a few suggestions. 🙂

 

A Year of Smiles – Day 344: The SMILES of Christmas

Christmas SMILE #10 (Reason to SMILE #344): THE LIGHTS

There’s a house on my drive home from work that is decked with a huge display of Christmas lights. Glowing Christmas characters and flashing trees fill the yard. And if you tune into a particular radio frequency, you can even hear Christmas music playing along with the blinking lights. This house is a bright and cheery beacon of Christmas spirit on an otherwise dark and quiet stretch of road.

The lights of Christmas are beautiful and whether it’s a simple string of white bulbs draped over the azalea bushes or a grandiose exhibit of colorful luminaries dancing wildly to Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s “Carol of the Bells”, you cannot deny the cheer these lights bring to a dark and dreary world. And for the few brief moments we are enjoying their brilliant display along a neighborhood street or basking in their soft glow around the family Christmas tree, we find a sense of comfort, peace and joy. We forget our worries and we find a SMILE.

Then we drive down the road or unplug the tree lights and the darkness surrounds us once again, stealing away our security and contentment.

Oh, but the respite we find while enjoying the lights of Christmas does not have to end when their gleam can no longer be seen. The darkness does not have to overrun our lives. For there is a Light that brings unwavering joy and everlasting peace. This Light reaches the darkest crevices of our lives, drives out the shadows of our hopelessness and despair and brings hope to a weary world, to a weary soul, to a weary you and to a weary me.

This True Light of Christmas is Jesus. He is the reason for our celebration, the reason for our joy. He is the reason we can SMILE in the midst of our darkest nights.

The people walking in darkness
    have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
    a light has dawned.
You have enlarged the nation
    and increased their joy;

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:2-3a, 6 (NIV)

A tiny baby born in Bethlehem pierced the darkness of a dying world more than two thousand years ago. Though the shadow of death followed Him, the Light of the Son of God could not be extinguished, even on the cross. The Light of our Risen Savior and Reigning King still shines brightly for all to see today. And though the shadows of darkness threaten to overtake us, we’ve no need to fear. The True Light of Christmas has conquered the darkness so you and I can have life – a life filled with uncontainable joy!

 

A Year of Smiles – Day 341: The SMILES of Christmas

Christmas SMILE #7 (Reason to SMILE #341): THE CAROLING

When was the last time you opened your front door to Christmas carolers? It doesn’t seem to happen as often as portrayed in all the Christmas movies, does it? I wonder why that is.

Maybe it’s too cold to go trudging through neighborhoods at Christmastime. Have you ever tried singing when your body is shivering and your teeth are chattering?

Maybe no one knows the words to Christmas carols anymore. Do you know all the words or even the tunes to “Joy to the World”, “Good Christian Men, Rejoice”, “Hark! The Herald Angel Sings” or “The First Noel”?

Maybe the reason we don’t go caroling anymore is simply because we’re too busy. There’s just too much shopping, cooking, wrapping, decorating and celebrating to do.

Oh, but think of all the SMILES you could spread if you carved out a little time to go Christmas caroling. In the words of the world’s leading authority on Christmas spirit, Buddy the Elf, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear.” And you can’t argue with Buddy.

No excuses, folks! There’s even a day already set for you to take part in this wonderful Christmas tradition. It’s called “Go Caroling Day” and this year, it’s December 20th. (Yay! I didn’t miss it like I missed World Smile Day and World Kindness Day.) So, grab some friends and make the most of this Christmas season. And don’t worry about the cold – that’s what hot chocolate and apple cider is for!

Alright. You have ten days. So, get brushed up on those Christmas carols and prepare yourself for all the SMILES.

A Year of Smiles – Day 339: The SMILES of Christmas

Christmas SMILE #5 (Reason to SMILE #339): THE MUSIC

During this Christmas season, please be safe. Stay alert as you are driving and be especially cautious of a white PT Cruiser in the southwestern Georgia region. The driver has been known to play Christmas music at an extremely dangerous volume and is often found singing at the top of her lungs as she is driving. She will most likely not be aware of you or her surroundings. Share the road with this driver at your own risk.

This has been a public service announcement of The United Christmas Music Lovers of the World.

SMILE and go turn up that Christmas music!

But seriously. Watch out for those Christmas music lovers barreling through traffic. We don’t mean to be reckless; we’re just caught up in our Christmas jam!

 

A Year of Smiles – Day 297

Reason to SMILE #297: THE RIGHT SONG AT THE RIGHT TIME

I knew my afternoon was going to be busy. I had a long “to do” list and a short amount of time in which to finish it. You see, the church’s fall festival is days away and although there are only small tasks to complete before the big day, those small details can really add up.

I needed a burst of energy to get me hyped and ready to conquer the busy afternoon. Caffeine wasn’t going to be enough. Food would have been a huge help but who had time to eat! I hopped into my car to go pick up the items still needed for decorations and games. I turned on the radio in the hopes of finding some energizing tunes and as I was arriving at my first stop, there it was – the perfect song.

Celebration by Kool & the Gang blasted through the radio and a SMILE grew on my face. “There’s a party going on right here – a celebration to last throughout the years!”

Yessss! I had a celebration to finish planning and this 80’s flashback was exactly what I needed to get me going. I finished all my errands and even had time for lunch – although it was an extremely late lunch.

So, if you’re anywhere near Albany, Georgia, this Sunday, you’ve got to join us for Game Day: A Fall Family Event ’cause “we gon’ celebrate and have a good time. Yahoo!” 😉

A Year of Smiles – Day 292

Reason to SMILE #292: MUSICALS

I can hear the doubt filtering through cyber space now. “Really? Musicals?”

Ab. so. lute. ly.

I love a good musical. Musicals draw me in, engage my senses and emotions and create a longing within me to jump up and sing at the top of my lungs. I really should’ve pursued a Broadway career. (Hahaha! I’m laughing at myself right now! 😉 )

My husband and sons don’t share my affection for musicals, however. (Imagine that!) I once took them all to see the movie Frozen. They agreed only because the trailers for the movie showed scenes of a goofy little snowman and a big oaf of a reindeer frolicking in the snow. As soon as the first song began, though, all three of my boys, husband included, turned to me and asked, “Why didn’t you tell me this was a musical?” Well …

Not all musicals are created equal and I’m sure a true aficionado of musicals would have a vastly different definition of a “good” musical than I do. I’m a simple little lady who’s a sucker for happy endings, innocent stories and fantastical whimsy. I’m talking The Sound of Music, Grease, Into the Woods, The Wizard of Oz and Sister Act. Ooooh, or Sister Act 2. Now, that’s a musical that makes me regret my decision to not pursue a career in music. When that kid hits that high note near the end of “Oh Happy Day”, it makes me wanna shout. I could do that! (Hahahaha! I’m laughing at me, again!)

Well, that’s my case for musicals. Though some of you out there agree with the men in my life that musicals rank right up there with having a root canal, I think they’re wonderful. They make me SMILE.

Now, do me a favor. Listen to this:

Oh Happy Day, Sister Act 2

Minute 2:51 – YESSSS!! Ah, c’mon! There’s no way that didn’t make you SMILE!

 

 

 

A Year of Smiles – Day 254

Reason to SMILE #254: SOUNDTRACKS TO LIFE

I am a music person. I love music. I always have the radio playing in the car and at work and, yes, when the music is playing, I am singing along. So it should come to no surprise that at any given moment, there is always a song or two running through my head. The funny thing is each song tends to narrate the events of my life. For example, when I’ve accomplished something big and it’s time to celebrate, what lyrics do you think I hear? “Celebrate good times. Come on!” When a friend stands beside me and helps me through a tough situation, I hear Dionne Warwick singing, “That’s What Friends are For.” When life gets me down and all I want to do is cry but don’t have the time for an emotional crisis, I hold my chin up bravely to the lyrics, “Don’t cry out loud. Just keep it inside…”

That’s not weird… Right? 😂

Well, today was no different. As I waited for Irma to pass and prayed for God to hold in their places all the aging pine trees in my yard, one song was stuck on repeat in my mind:

In the dark of the midnight have I oft hid my face

While the storm howls above me, and there’s no hiding place

‘Mid the crash of the thunder, Precious Lord, hear my cry

Keep me safe till the storm passes by

Till the storm passes over, till the thunder sounds no more

Till the clouds roll forever from the sky

Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of Thy hand

Keep me safe till the storm passes by*

The songs that run through my head and the strange times at which they do always make me SMILE, even giggle from time to time. On days like today, though, I’m grateful for the soundtracks of my life and the reminder that I have a God who holds me in the hollow of His hand.

* “Til the Storm Passes By” – Mosie Lister