Good Christian Men Rejoice is a tune that gets its roots from the Middle Ages, and is intended to warm our hearts during the Christmas season. We are to celebrate the Messiah's birth with our whole being - and this bubbles out into song. It's one reason why we hear this kind of music everywhere … Continue reading (Day 8 ) Good Christian Men Rejoice
What Child is This is another English carol, written in 1856 by William Chatterton Dix. I find some of the most profound words in the song to be, "Good Christians, fear, for sinners here; the silent Word is pleading." I wondered what that meant, until I remembered that in some versions this is directly followed … Continue reading (Day 7) What Child is This?
Silent Night comes to us from early 19th century Austria. It is impossible for me to stay dry-eyed if this is sung on Christmas Eve. I know a little about what its like to give birth in a time of upheaval, and in an unfamiliar place. CoCo was born in Ireland just a few short … Continue reading (Day 6) Silent Night
Today's song is another loose translation of an old French carol: Angels We Have Heard High. There is a sweet simplicity to this little song. I have really happy memories of belting out the Glo-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-ria chorus as a kid at the Christmas Eve church service. Though simple, it's message is still profound. Once again we … Continue reading (Day 5) Angels We Have Heard on High
Our great American poet, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, wrote the poem that was later put to music and became I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day. I've been thinking lately about the temptation to despair that we can all sometimes be faced with during Christmas. Longfellow certainly felt it, as this song attests. The death of … Continue reading (Day 4) I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I have always loved God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen. This fortifying hymn is an old English carol dating back to at least the 16th century. If it seems to beg you to jump up and dance a little jig, that's because it was indeed meant to cheer and bolster the listener with the good news … Continue reading (Day 3) God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
The French carol O Holy Night dates from the mid-1800's. Though the original poem is fantastic (go research it if you're interested), our modern version is also a truly beautiful song. Let me just say that long lay the world in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth is … Continue reading (Day 2) O Holy Night
Advent has arrived! The first song on my list has been my favorite Christmas song for several years now. Based on a poem written in 1872 by Christina Rosetti, In the Bleak Midwinter is a beautiful way for us to begin pondering the incarnation of Christ. Rosetti's poetry captures the seeming incongruity of the God … Continue reading (Day 1) In the Bleak Midwinter
I am nuts for all things Christmas. Along about mid-October, I start subtly suggesting to my family that we should be playing Christmas music once in a while. To which, I get outraged Whaaaaat?!!!s and eye rolls from every quarter. But you know what? Christmas simply makes me happy. We are talking about celebrating the … Continue reading From Me to You: Advent Devotional and Playlist
Ah, August, you old devil! Month of 105 degree days, smoky skies, and ebay deliveries. When the 4th cup of coffee makes its reappearance, and the but whyyyyyy's sound from the bowels of the house when kids are summoned to (gasp! swoon!) do lessons. Ticonderogas, 50ยข spiral notebooks, an eclectic bin of science experiment supplies … Continue reading Super Rad Homeschool Picks 2018/19
Sibling relationships are complex.
If you were watching from the house, you would hear a muted shriek from inside the car, see us stop, back up to the house, and let one kid out to go to the bathroom.
My older brother is a farmer by trade, and has called to cajole a favor out of me.
Make an appointment? Nah. It'll be fine.
We have discovered an amazing secret to fixing just about anything
I see now that I was given something far more valuable than I realized on my wedding day.
The addition of a ukulele in our home coincided with my decision to start a hymn study with the children. Pure coincidence, really!
There is a super nerdy fad gaining traction out there called The Bullet Journal. And of course, I can only resist a nerdy fad for so long.
