Recommendations
Song: A Strange Way to Save the World by 4Him
God can use anyone. His plan is perfect. He has a plan for all of us. Joseph and Mary were chosen to be his earthly parents. What plans does he have for you and I?
Sure he must have been surprised
At where this road had taken him
‘Cause never in a million lives
Would he had dreamed of Bethlehem
And standing at the manger
He saw with his own eyes
The message from the angel come to life
And Joseph said…Why me, I’m just a simple man of trade
Why Him, with all the rulers in the world
Why here inside a stable filled with hay
Why her, she’s just an ordinary girl
Now I’m not one to second guess what angels have to say
But this is such a strange way to save the worldTo think of how it could have been
If Jesus had come as He deserved
There would have been no Bethlehem
No lowly shepherds at His birth
But Joseph knew the reason
The love had to reach so far
And as he held the Savior in his arms
He must have thought…Song: Son of God by Michael W. Smith
Beautiful song for the Christmas Season. God is with us. He came to earth as a child, lived a perfect life, yet took our place on the cross to pay the price for our sin and shame. There are so many reasons to be singing Hallelujah this Christmas.
Son of God, purest light, Lord on high is here tonight
Stamping through, this sacred sky suddenly our eyes behold
Heaven’s perfect plan unfold, son of GodSon of God, love divine, timeless one, steps in to die
Who could dream of such a thing with us now the King of Kings
Man and angels bow and sing, singing Hallelujah, HallelujahWe’re singing Gloria, Hallelujah
Song: Hope Was Born This Night by Sidewalk Prophets
It is amazing to think that a young Child born in a manger can bring so much hope and joy. People all over the world get to hear the wonderful news during this Christmas Holiday. May we share with those around us! We have a lot of reasons to sing His praises!
Tonight I can see a star shine
And its splendor fills up the sky
It’s the same that appeared
And the wise men revered
When hope was born this night
Out upon the snowy fields
There’s a silent peace that heals
And it echoes the grace of our Savior’s embrace
Because hope was born this nightGlory to God in the highest
Peace on Earth
Goodwill toward men
Let all of the world sing the chorus of joy
Because hope was born this nightI can hear the Christmas bells ringing
As softly a church choir sings
It’s the song used to praise
The ancient of days
When hope was born this night
There are angles in this place
And my hear resounded the praise
Like a shepherd so scared
I’ll rejoice and declare
That hope was born this nightSong: Christmas Offering by Casting Crowns
The Christmas Season brings up a lot of memories. I remember as a little kid my Grandma Willa going through the Christmas story on her flannel bulletin board. Seeing the star over Bethlehem, the animals, baby Jesus, and the gifts the wise men brought to this precious Child. May God accept the offering that we give to Him this Christmas Holiday.
Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star
While angels sang to lowly shepherds
Three wisemen seeking truth, they traveled from afar
Hoping to find the Child from Heaven falling on their knees
They bow before the humble Prince of peaceWe bring an offering of worship to our King
No one on earth deserves the praises that we sing
Jesus, may You receive the honor that You’re due
O Lord, I bring an offering to YouThe sun cannot compare to the glory of Your love
There is no shadow in Your presence
No mortal man would dare to stand before Your throne
Before the Holy One of Heaven, it’s only by Your blood
It’s only through Your mercy, Lord I comeSong: Peace Has Come by Hillsong
As we enter into this Holiday season let’s be a joy and blessing to those around us. Sometimes it is easy to get caught up on the Holiday celebrations and we forget the true meaning of Christmas. I am thankful for my Savior and the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with those around me.
Behold the star of Bethlehem
The word of God has become flesh
Unto us a child is born
The Savior of this broken worldHear the angel voices,
Sing come let us adore Him,
Peace has come, for our King is with us.Fully God and fully man
He comes for all with open hands
He rules with love on David’s throne
All praise belongs to Christ alone.Hear the angel voices,
Sing come let us adore Him,
Peace has come, for our King is with us.Song: Thankful by Josh Groban
Every day there is hope. There are reasons to be thankful. We can do more and be a blessing to those around us. This Thanksgiving season reach out to someone and be a blessing to them. How can you make a positive impact on another person’s life today?
Somedays, we forget to look around us,
Somedays, we can’t see the joy that surrounds us,
So caught up inside ourselves,
We take when we should give,
So for tonight we pray for,
What we know can be,
And on this day we hope for,
What we still can’t see,
It’s up to us, to be the change,
And even though we all can still do more,
There’s so much to be thankful for,
Look beyond ourselves,
There’s so much sorrow,
It’s way to late to say, I’ll cry tomorrow
Each of us must find our truth,
It’s so long overdue,
So for tonight we pray forSong: Thank You Lord by Don Moen
There are so many reasons to be thankful today. The blessings in my life are numerous. God has richly blessed my life beyond what I deserve. I am grateful for the multitude of ways His demonstrates His love and care in my life each day.
I come before You today
And there’s just one thing that I want to say
Thank You LordFor all You’ve given to me
For all the blessings I can not see
Thank You LordWith a grateful heart
With a song of praise
With an outstretched arm
I will bless Your nameThank You Lord
I just wanna thank You LordFor all You’ve done in my life
You took my darkness and gave me Your light
Thank You LordYou took my sin and my shame
You took my sickness and healed all my pain
Thank You LordSong: Dwell by Aaron Keyes
Ultimately God is in control. He shelters us from the enemy. He is good, merciful, and faithful to us. I can rest in His presence.
Though a thousand may fall at my side
Though the enemy war against me
I will not fear the terror by night
I will hide in the shadow of your wingsI will dwell in the shelter of the Most High God
I will rest in the beauty of your presence
Your faithfulness is a shield and my great reward
I will not be afraid, I will trust in the LordYou have set me securely on high, Youʼve delivered me out of darkness
And when evil surrounds my life, Youʼve commanded your angels to guard meNo weapon formed against me will prosper
Song: You Are Faithful by Hillsong
God is always and forever faithful to his children. In the good times and in the bad He is always there to lean into. We will go through times of celebration as well as trials in our own lives. We will also walk through fun and hard times with family as well as friends. We can be encouraged that He is in each situation. He loves us, cares about us, and continues to always be faithful no matter what life throws our way.
You are faithful
Your joy is my strength
Lord you are my God
I rely on You
I put my hope in things not seen
Your promises all true
Always you’re with me
Your hand will lift me
My trust is in your hands
Always you’re with me
Your hand will lift me
My trust is in your handsBoy Oh Boy – NICU Time with Sweet Kaelan
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend a week in Colorado with family. My cousin Renelle Broughton (who is like a sister to me) had her little one early and was spending a big part of each day in NICU. I was able to spend time with her, her husband Eric, and their new sweet little one Kaelan! It was a precious time for me.
Words cannot express how honored and truly amazing it was me to spend time with this awesome Momma, caring Dad, and adorable little guy. Not to mention to have the chance to experience NICU from a totally different perspective from when the girls were in it over 10 years ago. Kaelan won my heart immediately and I am grateful for Renelle and Eric opening their home, sharing their precious boy with me, and everything during that crazy busy week.
Thankful for a chance to spend some extra time with my Aunt, Uncle, cousins, my parents, and other extended family over the weekend as well! Wish I lived closer to see them and their little guy grow up. Love you guys! Lots of hugs, kisses, and prayers always from South Carolina! Thankful for an awesome husband Jake Hayes for taking good care of our two chickies while I was in Colorado that week!
Goodies for Kaelan!
Renelle is like a sister to me and it was wonderful spending the week with her.
He was not happy about getting his footprints done and into the baby book, but his tiny little toes looked so stinkin cute afterwards!
Precious time with Renelle and her sweet little bundle of joy. I cannot tell you how amazing this week was for me to spend with her, Eric, and her adorable baby boy!