An amazing thing happened in one of my classes of K-4 students yesterday. We are working on our Christmas programs now, and the class was going to learn a new song. I had my pianist play it for them on the piano (what else would a pianist play on?). They were all on good behavior yesterday due to my promise of Skittles if they did well. They listened intently as she played…once just the melody, then with accompaniment. It had a constant rolling beat in the bass, and a sweet, little melody. When she finished, little Benjamin raised his hand. “Yes, Benjamin”, I said. “That music sounded just like a river!”, he commented. I had her play it again, and sure enough…I could imagine a river.

This brought joy to a music teacher’s heart. (Right, Jean?) I think music is such an important part of life, and is one of God’s greatest gifts to us. My goal as a preschool music teacher is to introduce different types of music and teach the children to ‘learn to listen’ to what they are hearing. All the other music basics and fundamentals will come later. I am trying to lay a foundation for another teacher to build on in later years. So, when Benjamin “got it”….I had one of those “YES!” moments. Makes an old teacher feel quite proud.

As a follow up to his statement…I decided to take advantage of that “teachable moment.” I went on to explain how music can make us feel many different ways. Sometimes it makes us feel like dancing, or singing. Sometimes it makes us feel sad, sometimes it sounds like a party. Sometimes it makes us feel like going to sleep. It can also help us praise God, and worship Him.

So, I encourage you to expose your child to different kinds of music and talk about how it makes them feel. This is the time of their lives when there is such rapid brain development, and learning to appreciate music has been proven to be a big factor in how well kids do academically in later years. Provide them with good music to listen to, and encourage them as they develop favorites. Grandparents, you can do this as well. The love and appreciation of music can create a very special bond. This is a special connection you could enjoy for many years.

I purchased this new CD by Jars Of Clay yesterday, and I am really enjoying it. It is not your typical Christmas CD, even though there are a few favorites. But the majority are lesser known Christmas songs, and some beautiful instrumental work as well. This CD has a different sound, it’s more of a reflective listening sound as opposed to a ‘let’s have a party’ sound. Actually, I think it should be listened to all the way through to get the true feel for it. It is slow, and sensitive, and feels very “wintery”…if that is even an adjective.

I think if you are looking for something different for the season…this is it. I bought mine at a Christian book store, but I also saw it at Target. Enjoy!

ONLY ***40*** DAYS TIL CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!

Got your shopping finished?

Scary, isn’t it?

O.K. If you haven’t read this book, you’ve missed a treat. And, if you have any women in the 50 and above category on your gift list…this is sure to please. If you are younger than 50…you just probably won’t “get it.”

Judith Viorst writes in her book, I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK, about things common to all of us “seasoned women.” She writes 15 different essays, and if some of them don’t make you laugh out loud…something is terribly wrong with your laugh box! She is witty, clever, and brutally honest. Because it is in essay form, this book does not require much time at a sitting. But, it is so funny and so truthful, you may be like me, and read it all at once! I think she must have read my very own thoughts for some of her writing. You’ll see…she probably read yours, too!

I can guarantee the recipient will love it…just 1 word of caution. You’d better buy 2, cause you’ll want one for yourself, too.

Order from Amazon.com…..$12.00…..or available at most any bookstore.
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Another in a series of fun gift ideas brought to you by Gatherings.

Hi, friends. I just returned from the prayer meeting for Alex. In case you don’t remember, our church is having special prayer time for him every Tuesday evening from 5:00-6:00. I just wanted to share with you what an amazing feeling it is to be surrounded by friends and family…all praying in one accord. It is so humbling and so precious. God meets our needs in many different ways. At this time in our lives, he is using our church family to stand in the gap with us for Alex. Our pastor said tonight that God put Alex in this family, in this church for a specific reason. And his reasons may be for the Lord to do a work in our church…it may be for Him to do a work in our family…it may be for him to do a work in me or Don. My prayer tonight is that I will have open ears to hear the Lord if I am in the way of Him doing what He wants. I want to know if I am not being obedient to Him, so I can remedy that. I just want God to work…and I believe that He can. I believe with my whole heart that God can heal Alex in the blink of an eye. He’s done it before…why not with my child? I also know that God’s plans do not always include healing…in this world. But, my heart’s desire is for Alex to have a better quality life…to be able to LIVE life. This is what I pray…in Jesus’ name.

A special thanks to my brother-in-love, Tommy and my Pop for being there tonight…as well as my sisterfriend, Tina. My sister, Joy, came out and stayed with Alex so I could go tonight. Oh, how wonderfully blessed I am by family and friends! I do not take it for granted.