 Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash Twenty-five years ago, Mariah Carey released a snazzy little Christmas tune called “All I Want for Christmas Is You”. It has been a staple in holiday rotations ever since. It came out in 1994, the year after I graduated from high school. I have always liked it—I mean, Mariah has an amazing voice, how could you not like this song?
We all know the lyrics and we all know that Mariah is singing to her beau in this song. (Or, a guy she wants to be her beau.) But, as I am wont to do lately, I listened a little differently this year. Or, maybe it is more appropriate for me to say that I directed my feelings while singing it a little differently this year. Rather than singing along like I normally do, thinking of my hubby, I started thinking how beautiful it could be if we adjusted our outlook on it and sang it to Jesus. I mean, read the lyrics below as if you were directing them to Jesus. I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need I don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true oh All I want for Christmas is you I don't want a lot for Christmas There is just one thing I need, and I Don't care about the presents Underneath the Christmas tree I don't need to hang my stocking There upon the fireplace Santa Claus won't make me happy With a toy on Christmas day I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true All I want for Christmas is you I just want you for my own More than you could ever know Make my wish come true Baby (Jesus) all I want for Christmas is you All I want for Christmas is you, baby (Jesus) It works well, doesn’t it? Ok, not for every line of the song, but for most of them it does! And, yes, I inserted Jesus twice at the bottom. I don’t know about you, but all I want, and need is Jesus. I need Him every hour of every day. And, God gave Jesus to us, graciously, mercifully. All we need to do is open our hearts to Him, accept Him, and invite Him in. I wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas. One that is filled with the spirit, kindness, and love of Jesus.
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 Photo by Matt Collamer on Unsplash As Christmas approaches, I can’t help but think about how many people are hurting in this world. For whatever reason, Christmastime seems to put a spotlight on people who are suffering or are in need. (At least, it feels that way to me.)
The older I get and the more I grow in my own spiritual relationship with God, the more I realize that we are all hurting in some form or fashion. Some of us may not even register it. Are there things that you do that you don’t like, but take comfort in? (Eating sugary snacks or smoking, for instance.) Do you find yourself being resentful of other people and what they have? Do you battle feelings of insecurity? Are there aspects of yourself that you hide from your loved ones, because you are ashamed of them? I think all of these are signs that you are hurt and need healing in some way. Our hurts can be physical, emotional, spiritual, or mental. This is why you see so many people who are sad, angry, insecure, discontent, or just plain lost. What we need is healing. We all need it. You need it. I need it. Our country needs it. Our world needs it. So, instead of waiting for the new year, make a resolution now and start your healing today. And, I am sure you are asking, exactly how do I go about this? Well, I am certainly no expert, but I will tell you that a great place to start is with God. I truly believe that God can and will heal you. And, He is really the only one who can. The second thing I would tell you is that kindness works wonders. Kindness is a miracle drug for the soul. Learn to be kind. Start your healing today. This is my Christmas wish for you. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to everyone around you. Be kind to your environment—the world and all of God’s creatures living in it. Wisely pursue healing and start with kindness. Rewire your thinking and start creating thought patterns that are kind. Start with being kind to yourself. Practice thinking about yourself the way that God thinks about you. Start your practicing now and don’t stop! Remember that old joke about Carnegie Hall? If not, let me refresh your memory. Question: “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?” Answer: “Practice, practice, practice.” How do you get to healing? Be kind, be kind, be kind. Practice being kind. Think Godly thoughts about yourself. God created you and He loves you unconditionally, just as you are. God thinks that you are an amazing and wonderful person. Every negative thought you have about yourself, stop them as soon as they start and redirect them to the powerful and positive ones that God thinks about you. This way of thinking about yourself is much healthier. And remember, God already knows the plans He has for you and they are good plans to prosper, not to harm you, to give you a hope and a future. (See Jeremiah 29:11). Once you start thinking more kindly about yourself, turn your kindly thoughts towards others. This not only allows you to help in their healing, but it allows you to continue in your own healing as well. It has been scientifically proven that being kind is good for your health. Kindness eases anxiety, is good for your heart, helps you live longer, reduces stress, and helps prevent illness. A key thought to remember here is the “Golden Rule”—treat others the way you want to be treated. (See Matthew 7:12). I don’t know about you, but I very much appreciate being treated kindly. Being kind changes your heart. When your heart changes, your outlook on life changes. And, this is where true healing begins. Ask God for His help—He is just waiting to hear from you, help you, and heal you. My Christmas wish this year is for healing. Healing for you. Healing for me. Healing for all of us. I will leave you with this wonderful prayer to get you started. It is from Susie Larson: Precious Lord, I know You want this for me. I want this for me. Help me to retrain my thoughts and reframe my perspective. I marvel at how often my thoughts take me downward. But like an eagle that soars in the sky, You call me to set my sights on things above. I need supernatural help with this! Fill me afresh with a strong sense of Your presence and Your peace. Help me to remember the great things You have done. May I one day marvel at how my thoughts reflect a heart and mind that are healed and whole, just like You always intended them to be. Do a miracle in me, Lord. In Your Name, I pray. Amen.  I have always enjoyed making things and doing artsy-craftsy stuff. Ever since I can remember, I have had creative juices flowing through my veins. In the past, I would often make items to give as Christmas gifts. I have made hair barrettes, jewelry, storage containers, and photo albums. I have knitted scarves and throws. I have painted pictures and sewn zipper bags and books. And, it has been years since I have done this. So, this year I thought I would get back to my artistic roots—but in a little different way.
Ever since I found out about my “mystery” illness, I have done lots of research on what could be possible causes. In my research, and in my walk with Christ, I have come to my own personal conclusion that the more natural substances we can consume and come in contact with, the better. There are so many chemicals in what we eat and come into contact with each day, that are having very harmful effects on us. It is just not good. God has created our bodies to be wonderfully complex. They have the power to heal themselves. If we just give our bodies the proper nutrition, the proper fuel, you can feel a difference. This is why I try my best to eat as many organic fruits and vegetables and grass-fed/natural proteins as I can. I limit my intake of anything processed. I am also working towards being completely gluten free and eating only natural sugars. Most of the products we come in contact with, and use on a daily basis, are filled with harmful chemicals. I am talking about harmful chemicals that can be found in our water (fluoride for instance), food, plastics, furniture, cookware, cans, carpets, electronics, shower curtains, beauty products, and even home cleaning and body cleaning products. They are everywhere! (I warn you, don’t google it, unless you want to freak yourself out.) When I first started reading up on this, I wanted to sell everything we own, buy some land in some remote part of Georgia, move, and figure out how to live off the land. Sadly, my hubby would never allow this! So, I am trying to do the next best thing—limit my contact and exposure to these chemicals as much as I possibly can. (A great resource is Suzanne Somers book Tox-Sick.) So, how does one do this, you ask? And, what does this have to do with making Christmas presents? Well, first, let me start by telling you that you can make your own cleaning and body products at home. Most of them are easy to make and are exponentially safer for you and your loved ones. Plus, in most cases, it is cheaper too! The majority of the all-natural ingredients you will need are probably already in your home: castile soap, baking soda, vinegar, witch hazel, raw honey, essential oils of your choice, and carrier oils of your choice. It is also good to have some washing soda and Himalayan sea salt handy. Below I have a list of some of the most basic household items that we use day in and day out. These are all things you can make at home. I have included handy-dandy links from some great bloggers on how to make them. These are the top 20 items I want to try and make soon. If you do research on Pinterest, you can find recipes for just about anything and everything. I am sure there are lots more than just these 20 items—but these will get you started. (In alphabetical order)
(Also, I would be remiss if I did not share with you about a company called Norwex. A friend of mine from high school introduced me to them. You can purchase wonderful, chemical free and all natural products from Norwex. My personal favorites, so far, are their EnviroCloths and kitchen towel and cloth sets. The EnviroCloths are great for cleaning just about every surface of your home. Check Norwex out by clicking here.) Now, on to the gifts. Buy your ingredients and some cute containers to put them in and get to work! Instead of making Christmas cookies this year, make some peppermint body wash or lavender laundry detergent! Trust me when I tell you, your body will thank you. And, so will everyone you give these special homemade gifts to. There is nothing quite like receiving something that was specifically created just for you.  Photo by gabrielle cole on Unsplash Thanks to Thanksgiving being in November, November has become known as the month for thankfulness. As I posted last year, One Day Isn’t Enough to be thankful. I think now is the perfect time to remind each of you, and myself as well, that having an attitude of gratitude every day is vitally important for our emotional well-being and general overall health.
Being grateful is defined as “warmly or deeply appreciative of kindness or benefits received; thankful.” As we grow in our spiritual lives, and realize how powerful and transformative gratitude is, we will embrace all it has to offer with arms open wide. Every experience we have, every situation we face, no matter how seemingly good or bad, is an opportunity to look for things to be grateful for. In every situation, a blessing can be found. Oftentimes, these blessings can only be found as we look back. Retrospectively looking back allows us to find hidden gems that we couldn’t see at the time—if we only take some time to search for them carefully. I know that in my own life, I have repeatedly found this to be true. Every time this happens I think of the “beauty from ashes” Bible verse. (See Isaiah 61: 1-3) When we have an attitude of gratitude about everything in our lives, it will change our perspective. We shift. We grow. And, ultimately, we will transform. And, that my friends, is exactly what God wants us to do. It benefits not only us, but everyone around us as well. When we start looking at our lives through the eyes of gratitude, it can greatly change our views. All those little annoyances that drive us crazy every day, all those petty, insignificant jabs that life throws at us on a day-to-day basis, they can be gone in the blink of an eye. How? Gratitude! It is the way in which we can overcome all these things and more. If you do some research online, you will find numerous scientific studies have documented a multitude of benefits come from practicing gratitude. Being grateful increases joy, pleasure, and optimism, as well as reduces anxiety and depression. When we are grateful, our physical health improves; our blood pressure lowers, our immune system strengthens, and our symptoms of illness are reduced. Grateful people sleep better. (And, who doesn’t want that??) They get more sleep, spend less time awake before falling asleep, and wake up feeling more rested. If you want to sleep more soundly, this is the perfect opportunity to spend good quality time in prayer, thanking God for all your blessings. Having a grateful attitude bolsters relationships. It lets us feel closer and better connected to our family, friends, and even strangers. It has been proven that when partners feel and express their gratitude for each other, they become more satisfied with their relationships. When we are grateful, something magical happens. We become more loving, compassionate, gracious, helpful, and generous. In essence, we become more like Jesus. His love and light shines through us for others to see. And, then a domino effect starts to take place. When others see, and sense our gratitude and the joy and contentment it brings, they want to be like that too. It is such a beautiful way to live our lives and share the glory of the Lord with others. Don’t you want to try it? I leave you today with a quote from Richard Carlson: “Demonstrate gratitude for the simple things in life…a sunset, rain, insects, birds, children laughing, or a kind gesture…Appreciative people are happy; they see the beauty in life while others miss it.”  Photo by Cris Dinoto on Unsplash Christmas comes but once a year. Thank goodness! I know I should love Christmastime, but, honestly, as an adult, I just don’t. Not really. Not like I should. I love Jesus, I love that He was born. I love what Christmas stands for. I even love putting up Christmas decorations. And, I especially love the tastes and smells that go along with Christmastime. (Real Christmas trees smell so good. Sweets and candies and baked goods, taste so yummy!) I don’t like Christmastime for the simple fact that it is stressful. And, I hate anything that is stressful.
Now, that stuff being said, there is another thing that I do LOVE about Christmastime—the music! Oddly enough though, I can’t listen to it nonstop for the whole month of December anymore. I used to be able to do that. Now, I have to enjoy it bits and pieces at a time. I will listen to it for a while, then switch to something else. Then, later, I will switch back to it. I think the main reason is because I hear a lot of the same old Christmas songs over and over and over. And, while I do love what I refer to as the “old classics”, I can’t deal with hearing them over and over and over in the same day. I know, I know, I know…I am turning into a crotchety old lady! However, there are some great Christmas songs that I adore, that I can’t get enough of. In fact, most of these I only hear because I play them for myself. They don’t get much air play on the radio, or Pandora, or XM. So, I thought I would share them with you. Below, in no particular order, are my favorite Christmas songs of all time that I don’t hear much on the radio. This is my Christmas gift to you. Merry Christmas! You can thank me later! 1) “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” – Viva Voce on Happy Christmas Vol.2 Ok, I lied before. (About the “in no particular order” thing. After this song, that applies.) This song is my very favorite Christmas song ever. That is why I have it first. I have always liked the lyrics of this song. But, Viva Voce cranks it and their version ROCKS!!! I can listen to this one song on repeat for hours. (Yes, I know, it’s sad.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hsbcm7wvfRE 2) “Santa’s Beard” – They Might Be Giants I am a huge TMBG fan. I have been since high school, thanks to my friend Sabrina. Two guys named John make up the band. They are just fun. Most of their songs are completely crazy and/or silly and I love it! I mean, sometimes life just calls for things that put a huge smile on your face. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YpYROJNlFo 3) “Blue Christmas” with Porky Pig I am also a huge fan of cartoons. I grew up on Bugs Bunny. If you are at least my age or older, I am sure it was a staple for you too. So, I know you love Porky Pig just as much as I do. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8YQqK5e5es 4) “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer” – Alvin and the Chipmunks My mom and dad bought me this album, yes the vinyl kind, when I was a kid. I always thought Theodore was the best. And, their version of this classic, where they talk to Rudolph, is my favorite version of this song. I love to hear Rudolph talk! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_iIfL18RWE 5) “Christmas in Hollis” – Run-D.M.C. This song and the video make me laugh. And, if you grew up in the 80’s, Run D.M.C. is a staple. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR07r0ZMFb8 6) “Father Christmas” – The Kinks When you grow up in a household where your dad is a musician, you tend to follow his taste in music. The Kinks are one of my dad’s favorite groups and this song has a great beat! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-oVPVsCqs4 7) “Grown Up Christmas List” – Natalie Cole Now this song is one of my hubby’s favs. As an adult, I love the lyrics and agree with them completely. Add in Natalie’s spectacular voice and this song brings tears to my eyes every. time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKCxpQjVqiM 8) “Wonderful Christmastime” – Jars of Clay No offense to Sir Paul McCartney, but I do NOT like his version of this song. Actually, I have heard other versions of this song and didn’t like those either. I am not sure exactly what it is about this Jars of Clay version, but they not only make this song good, but they make it heart-filling. (And, as a side note, their whole Christmas album, entitled Christmas Songs, is really good.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5Fm-uZxMD4 9) “I’d Like to Hitch a Ride With Santa” – The Andrews Sisters I am a sucker for the swing and boogie-woogie era. I could watch those movie musicals all day long. Of course, The Andrews Sisters are the epitome of that era. They had the vocal range and harmonies that many people, even today, would kill for. And, this little ditty is just a fun and different Christmas tune! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3OUldDJY0Q 10) “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” – Aaron Shust This song they actually do play a good bit on the radio. And, I am sooo glad. It is different in that the music sounds like it is from Israel or something. It is super cool! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L-jn-EvHw_4 11) “We Three Kings” – Hugh Jackman, David Hobson, and Peter Cousen This Christmas song is one of my all-time favs. And, you NEVER hear it anywhere. I just don’t understand. I even had a hard time finding a version online to share with you guys. But, I did come across this cheesy version featuring Hugh Jackman. And, I am a fan of both Hugh and cheese! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a8XKEvClA-k 12) “2000 Miles” – The Pretenders What woman who loves music, doesn’t love Chrissie Hynde? Her voice is so, well, Chrissie. And, this song isn’t strictly a “Christmas” song. It is one of those rare songs that you can play year-round. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SkWIqQ3oLY 13) “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” – Harry Connick, Jr. I am a HUGE Harry fan. When his Christmas album “When My Heart Finds Christmas” came out in 1993, I went out and bought it and basically wore it out, I played it so often. The whole album is great, but this song and “(It Must Have Been Ol’) Santa Claus” are my two favorites. “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” is a song from the movie “Babes in Toyland”. This is a fun old Disney movie from 1961. If you get the chance to watch it, you should! But, in my humble opinion, the best “Babes in Toyland” is the 1934 version with Laurel and Hardy. Talk about a fun movie—it is one I try to catch every year at Christmas. It is a classic, and even though it was made 83 years ago, it still holds up well. The simple, silly comedy makes it such a pleasure to watch. Sorry, I digress… https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8i0f2SY7spM 14) “Carol of the Bells” – Family Force 5 “Carol of the Bells” is such a popular song, you can find a plethora of different versions of it, and just about all of them are good. While Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s version is probably everyone’s favorite and the most played and well-known, this version by Family Force 5 is cool and kitschy and addicting. (At least, I think so.) Give it a listen and see what you think. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gj9UyImE_Vk 15) “Most Beautiful Time of the Year” – Beckah Shae Never heard of Beckah Shae? I hadn’t either until about a week ago. I am not sure what rock I have been living under, but thankfully I have seen the light! Beckah is a Christian pop artist and her voice is AMAZING. I just had to include it. High energy, it makes you want to get up and dance. And, it is another one that I can listen to over and over and over. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTe-ufifl6o So, what do you guys think? Did I leave your favorite off the list? Have a rare gem you want to share with me? I would love to hear from you. Leave me a comment below. And, I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas!  Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash. Yeah, I know, I am a little late with this post. But, as the old saying goes, “better late than never.” So, here is my Thanksgiving post. Thanksgiving is a national holiday that started out as a day to give thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. And, while it is nice to have a nationally recognized day to give thanks, one day just isn’t enough.
We, especially those of us who call ourselves Christians, should be giving thanks to God each and every day of our lives. That is how God wants it, and it should be how we want it too. We are to give God thanks for everything in our lives, even the trials and misery that we face. While that sounds backwards to many, once you become a Christian, you start to understand why this is a vital part of our spiritual growth. God wants us to take the adversity that we face in our lives and use those opportunities to lean on Him. He wants us trust in Him to get us through. He wants us to have faith in Him that everything will be okay. Or, at the very least, that He will work everything out for our good. How do I know all of this? The Bible tells us so. (This is why it is so important to read your Bible daily.) Do you remember being a kid and having some aches in your legs? I sure do! I had them often. When I complained to my parents, they would always tell me they were growing pains. If I wanted to get taller, that was the price I had to pay. Our spiritual growth is the same way. Anytime we grow and stretch ourselves, there will be pain involved. So, while giving thanks to God during our trials is tough at first, and maybe even counterintuitive, it is the best possible thing you can do for yourself during those times. God sees and hears you and eventually He will bless you for it. So, as we continue through this season of thanks, remember to give thanks to God each and every day for every circumstance, good or bad that you have. Stretch your spiritual muscles and grow strong in your faith and in the Lord. If you are a fan of “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young, today’s devotional lines up perfectly with this post. Sarah writes: “Rest in the deep assurance of My unfailing Love. Let your body, mind, and spirit relax in My Presence. Release into My care anything that is troubling you so that you can focus your full attention on Me. Be awed by the vast dimensions of My Love for you: wider, longer, higher, and deeper than anything you know. Rejoice that this marvelous Love is yours forever! The best response to this glorious gift is a life steeped in thankfulness. Every time you thank Me, you acknowledge that I am your Lord and Provider. This is the proper stance for a child of God: receiving with thanksgiving. Bring Me the sacrifice of gratitude, and watch to see how much I bless you.” 1 Peter 5:7; Ephesians 3:16-19; Psalm 107:21-22 I will end by circling back around to what I said at the beginning: giving thanks only one day year is just not enough! Let’s all remember to give thanks to God every day.  Thinking ahead to Easter and in writing my blog post last week, I have been reminiscing a lot lately about the old hymns that we sung in church while I was growing up. I really miss those songs of old. So, in this post, I thought I would share with you some of my all-time favorite hymns. Check them out below. They are in no particular order. I was trying to decide which is my favorite, and I just can’t choose. I hope you enjoy!
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WELCOMEI am so glad you are here! I am Erica Strickland, a girl who loves God. My goal here is to simply share His love and light. Categories
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