Dad-Daughter Weekend

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Santa bought Kim a flight to Florida to see her mom January 25th-January 28th.

Since she was gone and I had to cook and do dishes for three days, Kylie and I took the opportunity to not eat so healthy.

On Thursday night I made killer pizzas at Cucinova.  Kylie even did the dishes.

On Friday night, Kylie wanted to pig out so I was inspired by BW3’s and made mozarrella sticks, loaded nachos, buffalo wings, onion rings, a Wisconsin Cheese Curd hamburger with fries.  It was a pretty good dinner.  Kylie and I had a good conversation about life and school and all that.   Kylie even volunteered to do the dishes again.

Yes, our kitchen looks just like BW3’s.

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On Saturday night, we went to McKenzie River, a place I had never been to.

I meant I made dinner inspired by McKenzie River menu.  See, even have the menu on the table.  Our daughter from another mother came along,  Kylie’s BFF Brinley.  I meant she came over to the house while I cooked. She is like family.  Not much conversation with Kylie and I but it is always fun to just watch those two interact and laugh.

I made some really good chicken tenders, fries,  hamburger with pulled pork on it.  It was delicious.  Since Kylie had company, I did the dishes.

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I hope to get back to writing today.  I have written some things but have not finished them yet.  Maybe I will reblog some old stuff in the mean time.  Been a busy week.

Bein’ A Dad by Chris Janson – 

Daddies and Daughters by Kevin Fowler –  

Diamonds and Daughters by Aaron Watson – 

Just Fishin’ by Trace Adkins-  

 

 

Tonight Feels Different

The stars shine a different light

They seem to be a little more bright

These city streets always filled with noise

But tonight all I hear is your voice

I walk these streets, your hand in mine

It seems like I’ve done this a million times

But tonight feels different

Somehow the Dj seems to know

To play our song on the radio

I sing along, mostly out of tune

I sing our song to the moon

People look at me like I’ve lost my mind

They don’t know this love took me so long to find

That’s why tonight feels different

When we are apart

You take my heart

Its impossible to explain

How I feel when you call my name

My stomach is filled with butterflies

Every time I look in your eyes

But tonight feels different

You walk across the room and you shine so bright

It’s like  God gave you your very own spotlight

We dance, a little off beat

We kiss, your lips so sweet

We walk, hand in hand

I think I am a lucky man

 

I don’t know why but tonight feels different

Is tonight a long awaited answer to a prayer asked?

Is tonight a hope for the future, a forgetting of the past?

Is tonight a new beginning?

I don’t know but I can’t stop grinning

I can finally see you like God sees you

That’s enough to start our love anew

Tonight feels different

Wonderful Tonight by Eric Clapton – 

Lady In Red by Chris Deburgh – 

Die A Happy Man by Thomas Rhett – 

For The First Time by The Script – 

Tonight Feels Different by Riley Smith – 

Heartbeat by Carrie Underwood – 

Something Beautiful by Steven Curtis Chapman – 

New Christmas Songs 2017 Week 3

I was trying to get another post ready bu today for Christmas but been busy and could not finish it.  Maybe I can finish it tonight and do a very rare Saturday/weekend post, but if not, this will be the last one before Christmas.  Merry Christmas and I pray you have safe travels if you are out and about.

Behold The Savior by Meredith Andrews- 

It’s Only Christmas by Jonathan Cain- 

Everyday Is Christmas by Sia- 

Christmas Joy by Alabama-  

Birthday by Chante Moore- 

Somewhere In Your Silent Night by Casting Crowns- 

It’s Christmas Time by Brady Rhymer- 

Trim The Tree by Brady Rhymer- 

 

Christmas Wishes by Brady Rhyner – 

 

Christmas Songs For Our Military

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Thank you military for all the sacrifices you make.  May God watch over you if you are not at home this Christmas.

 

Christmas Where You Are by Five For Fighting –  

I’ll Be Brave This Christmas by Big Daddy Weave –  

A Soldiers Christmas Song by Danny Rongo – 

The Soldiers Christmas Poem – 

Christmas In America by Melissa Etheridge – 

Someday At Christmas by Stevie Wonder and Andra Day – 

Peace On Earth by Casting Crowns – 

December Prayer by Idina Menzel – 

Birds Of A Different Color : Christmas Eve

 

cardinals, goldfinch, bluebird, nuthatch, chickadee:
art credit: James Hautman

from 2016

Please take a minute to catch up on the history of the birds: (just click on the links)

Birds Of A Different Color

Birds Of A Different Color: The Sequel 

I also have written several following this one if you want to check them out

Birds Of A Different Color: A New Chapter

Birds Of A Different Color- A New World

Birds Of A Different Color- The Division

Birds Of A Different Color – The Reconciliation

Birds Of A Different Color- Tragedy At Mandalay Bay

 

It was Christmas Eve all through the land

All the birds stared in amazement at the Christmas tree so grand

The little birds could barely contain their excitement

The older birds looked on, filled with contentment

The eagle remembered how far they have come

He remembered all the work ALL the birds have done

Which made this day an even more special day

He took his place and said: “Birds, I have something to say”

 

Want to see one--not at a zoo--SOON!:
photo credit: Paula Krugerud Photography

“I’ll keep it short since tonight the little ones can’t be up late.”

“It has been a long time since we chose to love instead of hate.”

“It was a lot of work to repair our broken relationships.”

“As you all know, it hasn’t always gone to script.”

“We have learned from our mistakes, our experiences.”

“We have learned to work through our differences.”

“We have returned this land to the way it was created.”

“For that reason alone, tonight we ALL should be celebrated!”

“We are gathered here today because of the one who was born.”

“Who also died for us, tattered and torn.”

“As some of us birds are getting older,

We know we can’t carry this land on our shoulders.”

“We must teach the next generation

That love is the only way to rule this nation!”

All the birds started to sing

A beautiful sound that caused a gathering

All the animals from the forest came

The deer, the rabbit, the skunk and others you know by name

They gathered around the Christmas tree

They held hands and all sung with glee

The sound reached near and far

Then humans arrived, by foot and by car

They couldn’t believe their eyes

It was then they started to realize

Everything they thought they knew had to be ruled out

Because right there was a hawk singing with a field mouse

There was a bear beside a deer

There was a sheep standing by a wolf  with no fear

There was a fox right beside a hare

All these beautiful birds were there

They could hardly believe their ears

When the animals said: “There is nothing here to fear!”

“Yes, at one time we were all enemies!”

“We decided to let love rule our hearts until our eyes could see!”

Then the humans held each other’s hands

All the different people across the land

Blacks and whites, Muslim and Christian

All races, all people, could see the animals vision

The eagle then spoke once again:

“One last thing to say my friends.”

“To move forward you must move on from the past!”

“You have to live as last is first and first is last.”

“Let every man, every woman, every boy, every girl

Know what it’s like to have peace in this world!”

“Let ALL our voices join together as we sing Silent Night!”

Then they sang Joy To The World  and We Wish You A Merry Christmas

I can only say it’s all true, as I was there to witness

All the birds of a different color

Helped all the people discover

Instead of fighting they should ALL join hands

Because love is the only way to rule the land

Merry Christmas to ALL and to ALL a love filled night 

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art credit: Peter Rabbit

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Let It Be Christmas by Alan Jackson – 

My Grown Up Christmas List by Amy Grant – 

Better Together by Gaither Vocal Band – 

Join With The Angels by Matthew West – 

Little Drummer Boy/ Peace On Earth by Bing Crosby and David Bowie – 

Rest In You Tonight by The Oak Ridge Boys – 

Gather Round by Band Of Merrymakers – 

My Wish For Christmas by R Kelly – 

Love Is Christmas by Sara Bareilles – 

Happy Christmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon – 

The Night Before Christmas by Brandon Heath – 

Love Is Here by Laura Story – 

A Joyful Noise by Little River Band – 

Wish List by 7eventh Time Down – 

Love Can Build A Bridge by The Judds- 

Prayer Of St. Francis by Sarah McLachlan – 

Silent Night by Pentatonix – 

Joy To The World by Jeremy Camp – 

We Wish You A Merry Christmas by Celtic Women – 

New Christmas Songs 2017 Week 2

I know, way behind so you will get week 2 today and week 3 Friday.  Take a listen to a few and maybe find a new favorite.

 

First Christmas Without Daddy by Alabama-  

It’s Finally Christmas by Casting Crowns- 

This Is The Heart Of Christmas by Jonathan Cain- 

Greatest Gift by Alabama- 

When I Think Upon Christmas by Hillsong – 

When We Are Together by The Tenors – 

Untanglin’ The Christmas Lights by Brady Rhymer- 

Christmas Peace by Brady Rhymer- 

One Little Christmas Tree by Sister Hazel – 

Christmas Eve by Gwen Stefani-  

This I Believe

I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God and my lord and savior. I believe that Mary was a virgin who gave birth to the savior of the world.  I believe that Jesus was born in a little town called Bethlehem. I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins. I believe that He rose on the third day. I believe that Jesus will come back again.

I believe that Jesus is the light in this dark world. I believe in God the Father. I believe in the Holy Spirit. I believe You are three in one. I believe that You are love.

I believe in You. I believe in You. I believe in You.

This I Believe ( The Creed) by Hillsong Worship – 

We Believe by The Newsboys – 

Believer by Audio Adrenaline – 

Believer by Capital Kings – 

Yes, I Believe In God by Rebecca St. James – 

I Believe by Mali Music – 

Even When I Can’t Feel It by George Strait – 

I Still Believe by 7eventh Time Down – 

Do You Believe by 7eventh Time Down – 

Christmas Stockings

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The Christmas stockings were hung with care

Some were extraordinarily beautiful, others ordinarily fair

Some were hung by the chimney

Others were hung on the tree

Some were made with bright colors

While others must’ve been bought for a dollar

Some had lights that shined so bright

Others even glowed in the dark of night

Some had glitter that sparkled from time to time

None of these comes close to describing mine

On my wife’s she had written a bible verse

One of my daughters had Santa on hers

Another daughter made hers with good cheer

While another finished hers by writing the year

When we were all done we were quite pleased

Then we joined hands and prayed for the least of these

But back to the stockings galore

There’s so much to say, so much more

Some had to be at least three feet long

When those are filled, I hope the nail is strong

Some are just a little bigger than my foot

For mine, I gave Santa a list, in case he needed my input

Some are made with love, paint, and glue

Some are quite fantastic while others have a mistake or two

Some were stitched and crocheted with extreme care

Others looked like they came out of the drawer by your underwear

Some had stickers of Santa and Rudolph and such

Others had just a name, but that was enough

On that Christmas morning, I learned a thing or two

From these Christmas stockings and I’d like to share with you

It doesn’t matter what the outside is

Because there is one thing I know and it’s this

It doesn’t matter what’s on the outside

Because the outside is just a brilliant disguise

What matters the most the outside tries to hide

What really matters is what’s on the inside

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What Christmas Present Will You Give Jesus?

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Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, how many presents under your branches are for me?

How many presents are under the tree for Jesus?  It is his birthday. He is the reason for the season.

What presents can you give to Jesus you wonder?  There are many and I bet you have never thought of them. Maybe some of you are giving Him these presents every day.  Maybe some of you give them one day and take them back the next.

Present one:  trust.  Do you give him all your trust?  Do you trust him even when things are going bad? Do you trust his plans for your life? Do you trust him completely, 100%? If not, maybe this year is the year you give him the present of your trust.

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Present two: your heart. Do you give him your heart?  Does he come first in your heart? What does your heart treasure the most? That new job promotion? Your wife? Your football team?  This season put Jesus first in your heart.

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Present three: love people. Do you truly love others? Do you know your neighbor’s names? Have you forgiven those that have hurt you? Have you reached out to people that may not know about Jesus?  Do you live your life that will lead other people to Jesus? Are you making disciples?

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Present four: family. Is Jesus part of your family? Do you talk to him like you do your spouse or children? Do you share with him your heart? Do other members of your family treat him like he is part of the family?

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Present five: time. How much of your time have you given Jesus today?  Have you set any time out of your busy day to just spend with him?  Five minutes of quiet time with just you and him? Two minutes? One ?

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This post was inspired by a devotional I read that really spoke to me so I wanted to share it with you.

What other gifts can you think of that you can give to Jesus?  Not only on Christmas but every day.

Where’s The Line To See Jesus by Becky Kelley – 

A Gift To You by Kids Worship Childrens Ministry –  

Jesus What Can I Give You by Oceans Edge Music – 

Give It All by We Are Messengers  – 

Christmas Must Be Something More by Taylor Swift – 

Nothing To Give by 7eventh Time Down – 

Little Drummer Boy from the cartoon –    

What Is Christmas by Kutless –  

Baby Boy by For King and Country – 

Give by Jason Crabb – 

What God Wants For Christmas by Darius Rucker – 

The Little Drummer Boy

I don’t know why but The Little Drummer Boy has always been my favorite Christmas song. Maybe it is the simplicity of it, one verse then pa rum pum pum pum, then one verse and pa rum pum pum pum etc.  Maybe it’s the meaning of it, which to me is the true meaning of being a Christian.

Jesus was born,  a gift to us. He was born to die. He sacrificed Himself for our sins. Because of His birth, and then His death, we can live forgiven. A gift given knowing that we could not repay it. We can come to him no matter who we are or where we are from. No matter what we look like, dress like, what kind of car we drive or whatever home we live in. Come as you are! A little shepherd boy came with the only gift he had, he could play his drum for him. He played his best for him. Then Jesus smiled at him. Jesus wants us to believe in Him and accept Him into our hearts.

Maybe it is the message from the last scene of the cartoon. Jesus changed his heart of hate to a heart of love. Take the time to watch the last five minutes here :

Come they told me, pa rum pum pum pum
A new born King to see, pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring, pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

So to honour Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Five five five five five five what rum
five five five five five five what rum
five five five five five five what rum
five five five ahh

Little Baby, pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too, pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring, pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give a king, pa rum pum pum
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,

Shall I play for you, what five five five rum,
On my drum?
(five five five-part)

Mary nodded, pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him, pa rum pum pum pum
I played my best for Him, pa rum pum pum pum,
rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum,
(pum pum pum part)

Then He smiled at me, pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

Little Drummer Boy by Pentatonix –