January so far

Random events in January to date:
--Marian turns 14!!  She had friends over, ate her favorite Nutella cake, opened presents, and had fun
--Gabriel and Anna return to college and report that they love their new classes and are also having fun
--I start sewing for The Wizard of Oz and get very busy.  We do the "Tornado Taping" scene, it will be an actual movie we show during the musical, hopefully looking like the movie!
--Bogdan has an interview for a new job at the lab, we'll hear soon about the outcome, but it looks good!
--We endure a LOT of rain during this month with threats of flooding.  It's been very warm and Marian is supposed to do skiing in the Smokey Mountains each week, but last week it was cancelled.
--Marian continues to prepare for Confirmation, which will be in February

December 24: Album and Prayer

Playlist:

Thanksgiving

Rest Your Head

Joy

Prelude

Carol of the Bells

Night: Snow

Night: Midnight

Night: Minstrels

Variations on the Kanon

The Holly and the Ivy

Some Children See Him

Peace

Prayer: 

Oh, God-With-Us, 

For so long you have promised 

forgiveness, peace, salvation. 

Now in my heart, I am filled with joy 

because of your coming.

Thank you for your promises 

and for the way I can trust in you. 

I feel a new freedom in my life 

and a courage I have not known before.

I know you came to save me and bring new life 

and I am so grateful to you. 

Let me show my thankfulness 

with my life. 

You have brought me through the darkness 

and into the light of your saving grace.

Guide my feet on the way of peace.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 

Shall come to thee, O Israel!

December 23: Album and prayer

One of the best stories, funny and silly and tearful.  We listen to it every year.

Prayer:

Oh, Emmanuel, 

"God-with-Us," 

You have touched me; 

you are God-with-Me.

Thank you for these weeks of prayer. 

In the spirit of the season 

my waiting, my patience, 

feels sacred.

Refine and purify my heart 

with the hottest flame of your love. 

Give me the courage of your prophets 

and let me do what is right 

even when others don't understand.

Bless my heart with generosity 

and make me ready to receive you.

Come, Lord Jesus!  Come!

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 

Shall come to thee, O Israel!

December 22: Album and Prayer

Playlist:

Ritsch, Ratsch, Filibom (Sweden)

Dormi, Dormi, O Bel Bambin - Sleep, Sleep, My Darling Baby (Italy)

Da Droben Vom Berge - There from the Mountain (Austria)

Betelehemu - Bethlehem (Nigeria)

El Noi De La Mare - Mama's Boy (Spain/Catalonia)

Children Go Where I Send Thee (United States, African-American Spiritual)

Poor Little Jesus (United States, African-American Spiritual)

La Trulla - The Caroling (Puerto Rico)

Es Ist Ein' Ros' Entsprungen -There Is A Rose Blooming (Germany)

Écoutons Donc les Aubades - Let Us Listen To The Morning Songs (France)

In The Valley (United States, Appalachian)

Lína Avatárá - He Chose Birth Among Us (India)

Huron Carol (Canada)

A La Nanita Nana - Sleep Now, You Little Sleepyhead (Spain)

Miladuka - Thy Nativity (Syria)

La Peregrinacion - The Pilgrimage (Argentina)

The Virgin Mary Had A Baby Boy (West Indies)

Prayer: 

Oh, king of us all. 

I find myself standing before 

your strength and splendor 

watching, waiting 

and filled with total joy.

You have lifted my mind in hope. 

Now help me to open my life 

the the coming of the Spirit.

I want to be like Mary, your mother. 

Her wonderful courage and strength 

inspire me to do the same. 

She simply said Yes 

and the impossible was done.

Thank you for this Advent journey. 

The anticipation has filled my life 

and made me long for 

a closer relationship with you.

My life gets so busy that I forget to focus. 

Thank you for guidance. 

Thank you for the quiet moments 

when I have felt your love.

Nothing will be impossible with God.

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 

Shall come to thee, O Israel!

December 21: Album and Prayer

Playlist: 

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

It's The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Joy To The World/For Unto Us A Child Is Born

Breath Of Heaven (Mary's Song)

O Come All Ye Faithful

Grown-Up Christmas List

Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree

Winter Wonderland

I'll Be Home For Christmas

The Night Before Christmas

Emmanuel, God With Us

Jesu, Joy Of Man's Desiring

Prayer: 

Loving God,

It is growing in my heart:

An awareness and gratitude of your constant love for me;

Like the sun rising in the East

to warm and comfort my life

and to bring new growth.

Thank you for these weeks of prayer. 

In the spirit of the season 

my waiting, my patience, 

feels sacred.

Bless my heart with generosity 

and make me ready to receive you.

Come, Lord Jesus!  Come!

Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel 

Shall come to thee, O Israel!