Day 6: Same Old Lang Syne/Dan Fogelberg

(Bet you saw that one coming!)

There are so many wonderful, Christmas-themed/seasoned songs! This particular one has winter holidays and New Year's wishes! Mr. Fogelberg also included that bittersweet element of dreams unfulfilled, but the song ended in hope!

Isn't that what we all desire? HOPE for the future; HOPE for our children; HOPE for a better tomorrow?

I'm thinking of all the things I'm grateful for: Family, friends, health, safety.
And all the things I'm hopeful for: peace, prosperity, well-being, security.

While I can't place bets on what tomorrow will be like, I have HOPE through Jesus Christ.
Sometimes life seems to take us down a winding path, off the direction WE want to go. But it's in God's WORD and the Savior that we have us HOPE.

The Bible tells us so in the book of Job 11: 13-20

“Yet if you devote your heart to him
    and stretch out your hands to him,
14 if you put away the sin that is in your hand
    and allow no evil to dwell in your tent,
15 then, free of fault, you will lift up your face;
    you will stand firm and without fear.
16 You will surely forget your trouble,
    recalling it only as waters gone by.
17 Life will be brighter than noonday,
    and darkness will become like morning.
18 You will be secure, because there is hope;
    you will look about you and take your rest in safety.
19 You will lie down, with no one to make you afraid,
    and many will court your favor.
20 But the eyes of the wicked will fail,
    and escape will elude them;
    their hope will become a dying gasp.”

Day 6 Christmas-Carol-Kinda-Day Pick:

Same Old Lang Syne

by Dan Fogelberg

via YouTube

Day 5: Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You/Billy Squier

Really, who (among those who grew up during the '80s) doesn't like today's choice?
I even watched it twice. The second time, just for the fun of catching all the wonderful '80s-wear and joy in revisiting the great MTV VJs (like my favorite, Martha Quinn!)

When I think about why I started this project, a part of me wanted to share in the love of music for the sake of music. This song does this especially well. It's such a happy song! Can't you see playing it/singing it during the summertime, maybe on a boat ride with friends?

One of my favorite things about the holidays is receiving Christmas cards from friends and their families far away. But this year was different. There weren't as many photos. Now, don't get me wrong, there are plenty of well-wishers sharing love across the internet on Facebook and in phone messages. And that works for me too!

But I wonder about friends and family who are "not connected" but eager for that holiday contact? (Yes, this wild, elusive breed of person still exist!) In this digital-world of ours now, I hope we aren't leaving others out.

Today, I'd like to challenge everyone to send a written letter, postcard or small note to one of these people that you know. It might be one person, one family member, one distant contact. Reach out and post a note the old fashion way... (and use the right address! I had four cards returned because I had the wrong addresses! What does that say???) Let's fill the not only mailboxes and in-boxes, but hearts and souls of our loved ones!

Like the faces in this video, time can change so quickly. Besides, Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You! :)

Day 5 Christmas-Carol-Kinda-Day Pick:

Christmas is the Time to Say I Love You
by Billy Squier

via YouTube

Day 4: I'll Be Home for Christmas/Twisted Sister

How can one think about the Christmas holidays without thinking of a home or a place that is central to one's heart? To many, this is a family home. Maybe a grandmother's house, a childhood home. It can even be a new home.

At the beginning of December, my 7th grade students and I read "Homeless" by Anna Quindlen. It's a short, personal essay about what a home is to the "homeless."

I love how Anna states:
           "...it is precisely those dumb things that make it what it is--a place of certainty, stability, predictability, privacy, for me and for my family. It is where I live. What more can you say about a place than that? That is everything."

And yet, a home is more...

As Anna brings up in the essay, "Home is Where the Heart is," has become a sentiment that equates with the ideology that where ever we are, we can be at home. It's more of a feeling of security and presence. I feel the same way about my walk with God.

Whether I'm at the coffee shop, school, church or in my home, I can be in the presence of His company. And wow. That can be a very secure and homely feeling. Especially on the days when I feel alone or lack confidence or strength to face the trials of the day.

The Bible tells me so in the story of Paul:
I reflect on his time in prison in Acts 16; 16-30.

Take the time to read this section if you aren't familiar with it. I never get a sense that Paul is unnerved or swayed by his imprisonment. He is strengthened by prayer and ultimately saved by the grace of God.

Where ever your home is, be at peace this holiday season and throughout the year knowing that the Lord is with you!

Day 4 Christmas-Carol-Kinda-Day Pick:

I'll Be Home for Christmas

sung by Twisted Sister

via YouTube

When I was looking around for a version of the song to highlight today, I ran across this one by Twisted Sister. It fits what I wanted to say. Our versions of "home" may be different for everyone, but the sentiment is still the same. "It's where you'll find me."

Thought for the day: Where do you find Jesus? God?

Day 3: Good King Wenceslas/Traditional/Sung by Candice Night

In my haste to bring a new Christmas song to my post yesterday, I didn't stop to think about the date.

Yesterday (Dec. 27) was the Feast of Stephen according to Western world calendars. But I had to research, who was Stephen and why does this matter?

Well, the traditional Christmas Carol, Good King Wenceslas is a story of the actual King Wenceslaus. It's about a celebration during the Feast of Stephen. Apparently, the "good" King (who was actually a duke) was known to be charitable and concerned for those with needs greater than his own. On a particular night, he left his warm, cozy home and went out into the countryside to serve the poor. A page followed him, thus following in his footsteps through the "deep, crisp and even" snow that "lay round about."

One of our seasonal favorites, The Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens also echos this message throughout in the story's subplot. Scrooge truly finds happiness and joy once he shares and gives Christmas spirit.

Whether the story of King Wenceslas is accurate or not, the song still sends a clear message about charity and giving. It is a lesson about the example set by Christ in giving to others in need and then, in turn, how we should follow the example He set.

Day 3 Christmas-Carol-Kinda-Day Pick:

Good King Wenceslas

sung by Candice Night

via YouTube

As I was searching for an applicable bible verse, I found this one. I sure like it. It's about how we should be thankful and share our gifts in Jesus's name. I believe that is the heart of all that was "good" about King Wenceslas.

The Bible tells us so in the section of Philippians 4: 4-9

4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Youth from UMC heading out on a mission trip (2013)

Again, it's not just a Christmas season thing. Giving and compassion for others is an every-day, 365-kinda-thing. 

Love one another &
Share Joy!

Day 2: That's Christmas To Me/Pentatonix

I can't help but reflect on the joy felt by those at the manager that first Christmas. With so many wonderful gifts that we receive on Christmas from our loved-ones, what gift could top the birth of the Savior? None! 

As the days of my 365 project progress, we'll see how this evolves, but for now, I'm attempting to start the day with a Christmas themed song as the first song I hear in the morning before I begin my day-to-day.  (Oopsy-me for picking one today that makes me cry.) 

Day 2 Christmas-Carol-Kinda-Day Pick:

That's Christmas to Me 

originally performed by Pentatonix

video via YouTube

(If you haven't heard this, give it a listen! This is beautiful!)

The shepherds who visited the manager long ago had many things on their wants-and-needs lists, but nothing compared to the gift that God gave that night.

The Bible tells us so in the chapter of Luke: 15-20.

15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

16 So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. 17 When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

On these days following your families' Christmas celebrations, when you put your gifts in closets and shelves and pack away the "elf," remember to keep the greatest gift. Jesus, alive in your hearts and your love for him and all mankind visible to all throughout the year!

Enjoy!

Putting the Plan into Action: Part 2

Earlier today, I jumped into action, started up my 365 blog and got the basics underway, nearly a week before I had anticipated. The immediate change in my plans was due to the fact that the radio stations that had been claiming they were "All Christmas Radio" simply stopped playing Christmas music at 12 midnight on Christmas Day! Christmas Day??

But here's the thing... 
Jesus wasn't born on December 25th. 
(Since the 4th century, it's been customary to celebrate the birth of Christ on December 25th, or Christmas Day.)

For anyone that's ever been around the event of a birth, any birth, it's a non-stop event that starts at first sight. From then on, it's "look out world, here he/she is!" Whether it's a nurse holding the infant up at a nursery window, the family visiting the mother, father and new born at the hospital, a Facebook status update, or the welcome home, a birth of a new baby is a BIG deal that LASTS beyond that first day. 

And Jesus wasn't just any newborn. Jesus was the Messiah, the Son of God. His birth is a promise fulfilled for all of mankind.

Of course there would be onlookers and well-wishers beyond the day of his birth.

Even the Bible tells us so in Luke 2; 17-18. 
¹⁷ When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, ¹⁸ and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.

Which brings me to the purpose of my "365-Kinda-Day" project for 2015:

A Christmas-Carol-Kinda-Day!

In efforts to keep the spirit of Christmas throughout the year, the following 365 Project Plan will be used.

The 365 Project Plan:

1.   Day 1 starts December 26, 2014.

2.   Day 365 ends on December 25, 2015.

3.   Each and every day during the "Project Plan," one Christmas-themed song will be posted/shared, listened to, and enjoyed by me (Juli Caveny). If you (the reader, viewer, listener) doesn't want to follow, that's fine. This is a personal project, not a "required assignment" for anyone. 

4.   A motivational or Biblical quote or reference will also be included to help me lead a more "Christ-centered" life. Most of these will be from the New Testament. Some may come from a suggested reading list I follow, authors I read, but others may seem more random due to events outside of the project.

5.   A personal image will accompany the posts. (Oops... Does that mean I'm doing a 365-picture project too? I think so...)

6.   A reflection or personal interpretation or suggestion will occasionally be posted to evaluate how the project is progressing. These won't be daily. They might be longer, more complicated than I'm ready to handle. But I think it's important to TRY to make sense of it all. (I'll post these as separate posts/tags.)

7.   Although I will try to find a different song for each day, I am allowing myself to repeat a song/artist if needed. Certain songs can really make a difference on a difficult day. 

8.   I WILL take suggestions for songs/requests for days. Although I might have to modify them, I am also keeping a notebook of songs in advance, so if you want to request a song/artist, drop me a message! 

Wondering what you might do for a 365 Project? Check out this website Make Something 365 (I love the book!) and think outside of what you may already be doing to make a change in your life one day at a time!

Putting the Plan into Action: Part 1

This is not the way I wanted to start out my new year's resolution of "complete a 365 project."
-I did NOT want to be forced into making choices. 
-I wanted to be open to suggestions, but NOT dictated by media. 
-I wanted to start on DAY 1 and make it all the way to DAY 365. Not before DAY 1, and I have strategically planned to tackle a different 365 topic/subject next year.

If I've learned anything in my many years of experience, things don't always go as planned.

Unfortunately, the radio stations that play "all Christmas music" throughout the month of November and December stopped playing Christmas music TODAY! December 26th! (WHAAAAaaa?)
I'm not afraid to call them out here: KLOU and Fresh102.5 
I'm disappointed...

...but motivated!

Normally, I would enter panic mode. But I think this rash decision on the parts of the two stations I listen to can be seamlessly play a part in my 365 purpose. (I need to compose that later today, not next week like I had originally planned!) 

Modifications that must be made to the "Project Plan" immediately are as follows:
1. Day 1 starts December 26, 2014.
2. Day 365 ends on December 25, 2015.
3. Each day during the "Project Plan," one Christmas-themed song will be posted/shared, listened to, and enjoyed. 

SO...

What this means is that TODAY I will start my "365-A-Christmas-Carol-Kinda-Day" project.
And I think I'll start with this song:

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas version by Judy Garland via YouTube

Come back and check the updated "Project Plan" and themed blog in the next few days!