Oh Come Let Us Adore Him

Yeah Lord we greet Thee.  

Born this Happy Morning

Jesus to Thee be all Glory given

On that night, on the hill in Bethlehem, for a band of humble shepherd, choirs of angels sang.

I hope my simple voice was raised that night with many more capable ones....

Oh come let us adore Him....Christ the Lord

Rejoice, Rejoice

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs about Christ.

Not just for the beautifully haunting melody.
The poetic imagery of the lyrics is powerful.

Disperse the gloomy clouds of night

And death's dark shadows put to flight.

Close the path to misery.

From depths of Hell Thy people save

And give them victory o'er the grave

How beautiful to consider.  

In life so often we are stuck in the gloomy clouds of night, the dark shadows that try to swallow us up.  

But through Jesus Christ we are given victory over all that saddens...all that threatens to destroy our happiness and joy.

He can save us...not just from the Hell they teach you about in Sunday School.  But from the personal hells that we all experience at one time or another in life.

All I Want For Christmas Is You

Mariah Carey's version is cool and fun and peppy.
But...there is something about Michael Buble's version.

He kinda slows it down and brings out the romance of it.


We all love Christmas for the reindeer and the trees and the stockings.
We love Christmas for how it reminds us of the birth of Jesus Christ and the true meaning of the season.

But it also is wonderful for how it lets us be close to the ones we love.

Family, friends, that special someone.


Its a time when the best gift is time, memories and perfect moments.

A Little James Taylor For Y'all

They can't all be spiritual and moving can they???

Haha


My mom is kinda a James Taylor fan.   Especially James Taylor Christmas.


I always make fun of her for it a little.  Complaining about his songs.

But then last year, for some reason this song became one of my favorites.

I love the slight melancholy-ness.

(yes, I know its not a real word!!!!)


Christmas can be a time of missing and longing to be with those you love.
Sometimes you get to be and other times you don't.


Here's hoping you all get to be with those you love this year!!!!

Believe

I'm an adult.  My age says so.  But I hope I never become a grown up.

Grown ups forget the magic.

They forget the echoing silence of a nighttime snowfall.

Or the wonder of the sea of lights twinkling throughout the neighborhood.

Grown ups don't fall asleep next to the Christmas tree.

They don't make lists for Santa or leave cookies and carrots.

You won't catch a grown up dancing to Christmas music

And they certainly won't close their eyes and make a wish that the hat they put on their snowman will bring it to life.

As we grow up and get caught up in the hustle and bustle of life...bills, work, insurance claims, 401Ks....we forget the magic and hope that comes with Christmas time.

Rudolph and Santa and Frosty are replaced with Bosses, Presidents, and the all powerful and mystical THEY.

But Christmas is more than just a day.  

Its a season.  A season for gratitude and a season for love.

A season to be with those you hold most dear and to make cherished memories.

Its a time to remember that the world isn't all bad.

The news may be full of wars and rumors of wars.

Famines and pestilence.  Earthquakes and disease.

Poverty and hunger and violence.

But also somewhere there is a child....making a wish on a Christmas star.

There is beauty and there is magic.

Never grow up too much to forget that.

Angels

I almost feel like I could probably post from now until Christmas about angels.


This is one of those songs and arrangements that literally makes your heart swell out of your chest.

This year has brought many difficult moments, but there has always been an angel there to carry me.

I'm usually pretty bad about recognizing answers to prayers and divine intervention in my life.

But I think its cause I forget about the angels.

Normal everyday people.  Doing normal ordinary things.

But at just the right moment.


I suppose I could say "so pay attention"
But I also think a "be one for someone" is also in pretty good order.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this arrangement.  INSANITY!!!!

Today was a bit of a roller coaster!
I won't get into too many details...other than that I suddenly sat in shocked dismay feeling as though I had lost an ally and a protector.

It luckily was a misunderstanding and I ended the night with two allies and two protectors.

But there for a while I felt very low. And as I drove home, this song came on.

"To free all those who trust in Him from Satan's power and might"

Satan was trying to bring me down.  But my Savior came in to free me from his power and might.

This time of year its easy to think a lot about Christ and what He has done for us...in a general wide expanse sense.

BUT

I know I don't usually think about the little things.  The tiny moments when He frees us from Satan's power and might.

The moments when He truly gives us comfort and joy....not just tidings of it.

And for those moments I will be forever grateful.

Merry Christmas

So a million years ago (ok it was only like 3...it just feels like a million) I ended a 365 day lyric blog.  A song a day.  All year.

It was exhausting honestly haha.  But after I finished, I missed it.  And ever since a small part of me has always longed for the days when I had guidance and direction on what to write about!

And now here we are at Christmas time.  And Christmas music is a constant sound at my house and in my car.

Christmas songs are so special...and I have many favorites.

Maybe thinking about Christmas songs will finally help me get over my blog writers blog hump!!!


Merry Christmas!!!!!!!

I Wanna See You Be Brave

I'm kind of at a major cross-roads in my life.

My career/education could take a turn...if I want it to.

My social life could shift....if I let it.

My living situation could alter...if that's what I choose.

But here is the thing.  It could change....if I decide that's what I will do.

It doesn't HAVE to change.

Anyone who knows me knows the pro/con lists and flow sheets of if this...then that are ABUNDANT in my life right now.

Its been a frustrating time, not knowing which direction I should take. 

I spend lots of time in my car and it is often the perfect place for out-loud and...well lets call them... honest conversations with my Heavenly Father.

They aren't the tradition bow your head, close your eyes and kneel down prayers.

They are more the "look...here's what's going on" prayers.

Recently I was having one of these prayers.  And in exasperation I said "I don't know what to do!  Tell me what to do and I'll do it!"

Suddenly....This song came on the radio......

Now I'm not saying God made this song come on the radio.......

But I know He helped me hear it in that moment.

The answer to my question was to be brave.

Who knows what on earth that means, but its meant I've been looking for bravery.

I saw it in a dear friend who openly admitted to having a problem and asked for help.

I saw it in a severely depressed young women who reached out to a person who might reject her.

I saw it in a young girl who was sick but went through a medical treatment with her head up and her eyes bright.

Bravery means doing something that scares us.  It means not letting our fears paralyze us.

It means going outside of our comfort zone.

Its hard to be brave.  And we can't always be perfect at it.  But lets celebrate the moments we are!

I WANNA SEE YOU BE BRAVE

Musical Monday Time!

So I mentioned before I saw Ingrid Michaelson in concert.

She's AWESOME btw.
Funny.  Insane talent.

Crazy good music...melodies, lyrics.....arrangements!


But a few of her songs have now become serious favorites and have been on repeat ever since.

Afterlife.  My new JAM.

We've got the fight in side us

We are gonna be alright

This song was huge in the UK when Cheryl Cole did it.  But Ingrid wrote it...and it is AWESOME

(couldn't help myself...had to post an acoustic version!)

As she sang this song I thought of how it feels every time I go home to my mama's or UT with my 92nd warders.

The places where I feel the most safe.....

Where I go when I don't know....

When I have no where else to go.

Where I feel warm

Say Something

Have you ever had to wait?

I don't mean waiting in line at the grocery store, or waiting for a package to come in the mail.


I mean waiting for the moment when your stomach drops to your feet and heart leaps into your throat.

That moment when you get the news you've been waiting for.

Maybe its a cheesy sentiment, but if you've ever had a moment like that...you will know what I mean.


For a while I've been waiting to hear one word.

Just a simple yes.


That's it.  Just a simple three letter word.

But its taking a long time to hear it.

So I'm learning patience.  I'm waiting.

And soon I will hear that word,  Or at least a word with one less letter.....

I love this cover.

Kira Giannis has such a haunting voice.  And I love the simplicity of it.

I don't know what to title this post.

My previous post for today is going to get put on hold.

Because today I found out some very sad news.
Below is a post I wrote back in February about the sweet daughter of a dear friend of mine.

She had been doing well at the time.  Finishing the first major round of treatments and waiting for the next step.

Friday she suffered a major setback and it is medically clear that she will not be with us much longer.

So many thoughts are swirling in my mind.



I'm ashamed to admit there are thoughts of anger.

She had to be one of the 4 in 1 million?

This is a beautiful righteous wonderful family.
Its not fair.  Its not fair at all.  How could this happen

They have prayed so hard.  They have fought so hard.
So much prayer and fasting.  So many times have names been put on the alters of the temple
She is so young and so precious.


But at the same time thoughts of gratitude can't be pushed aside.

I'm grateful for my knowledge that children, under the age of eight are saved.  They have that magical golden ticket to pass by the sentinels that stand watch at the gates of heaven.

I'm grateful to know that families are eternal, and that regardless of what may happen, The Graves family will be able to be with their little Anni again.

I'm grateful to know that soon this sweet 3 year old will be free of the pain and fear that has plagued her life these last many months.



Then my thoughts turn to prayer.

Prayers that her parents will be comforted in their grief.  That their faith will be strengthened and their heavy hearts lifted.

Prayers that her siblings will be able to cope and find solace in a world that doesn't make sense even if you are an adult.

Prayers for grandparents who have put their heart and souls into anchoring and supporting this family. Prayer that they will feel strong and be able to grieve and support-a dual task that is not an easy one.

Prayers for the friends and neighbors who have helped...prayer that they will continue to flood this family with love and assistance.

Prayers for the medical team caring for this sweet girl and her family.  That they will make all the best decisions and give the highest level of care.  And that they will be comforted in their sorrow...we may see it a lot, but we are not immune.

One of the most powerful lessons I remember from Rebekah (Anni's mother) when I was a teenager was on prayer.  With great emotion she told us of times when she prayed and her prayers were answered.
Never did I imagine that this lesson would become so powerful as I tried (feebly) to help in some small way.


All we ever can do sometimes is pray.

And so that is what I will do.


Graves family you are in my thoughts...you are in my prayers.

Invisible......

This post is dedicated to all those on the island of misfit toys...


I hesitate to share a post that is so incredibly personal, but I do in hopes that it gives peace and comfort to some, and motivation to others.....
So this will be a two part series......stay tuned for tomorrow.


When this song first came out, I thought it was cheesy and silly.

But then my life got to a place where it suddenly took on a great deal of meaning.

I don't want this to be a whiny sad, woe-is-me post.

This post is not about me.  Or at least not just about me
Its about anyone who has ever felt left out.
Anyone who has ever felt worthless and not good enough.
Anyone who has ever felt invisible.

I truly believe there is strength in numbers.
There is comfort that comes with shared experience.
You are not the only one.



I've been called abusive, a whore, a self-righteous skank, privileged and spoiled, manipulative, mean.
All by people who supposedly cared.

wishing all it was, was sticks and stones those words cut deep

I've been the only one not invited to parties, game nights, activities or events.
I've had friends walk away from our friendships.
I have been the girl holding up the wall, or sitting in the corner by herself.
I've been cheated on.  I've been used.  I've been treated like I was just a piece of meat.

I've had to fight tooth and nail, use every trick I know to get people (both guys and girls) to notice me, or be my friend.

you've been trying for so long to find out where your place is

You've felt this as well haven't you?  Well....

Trust the one....Who's been where you are

It don't mean you're all alone

And you're not invisible

There's so much more to life than what you're feeling now

Someday you'll look back on all these days

And all this pain is gonna be invisible

I haven't always felt invisible.
Its like a cancer that goes into remission for a while, but pops back up, rearing its ugly head.
Life will seem to be going alright...and then you don't get the invitation all your friends do, or an unkind word is said, or you suddenly feel all alone in a crowded room.

And you begin to wonder... "Is there something wrong with me?"  "Is there a reason they all seem to not like me?"

Its a constant battle.

A battle that, though I want to give up everyday...I refuse to surrender.

you're strong enough to win

If you don't feel it now...I understand.  Its hard to feel the hope when you are in the middle of the muck. 

So if you don't-that is ok.

I don't feel it sometimes either.

Just keep listening to the song.  Listen until you believe it.

You are NOT invisible.  

When the tears don't stop and the loneliness seems to be trying to drown you.

Keep fighting.  Keep being you.

And someday....you won't feel invisible.

If you look past this moment

You'll see you've got a friend

Waving a flag for who you are

And all you're gonna do

Yeah, so here's to you

And here's to anyone who's ever felt invisible

Follow Your Arrow

Alright....gonna chat for a bit about dating (sort of).....and advice........and a song I like lots and lots

So I LOVE LOVE LOVE this song.....Follow Your Arrow: Kacey Musgraves
for one line and one line alone

ok two......

(Can you guess which 2??????)

https://soundcloud.com/julie-humphries-1/follow-your-arrow 


(ok so there are more reasons to love it)


The past several weeks I have been receiving a great deal of advice.
Some sought after, some not.  Some helpful, some....eh hmmm less helpful.


But the biggest thing I have learned from advice receiving????
...good luck deciphering it all.

Ms Her says go left.  Mr Him says go right.  Mrs She says go up.  Msrt He says go down.

Bobby says date Billy.  Susie says run as fast as you can AWAY from Billy.
And to top it all off Jimmy some how figured out a way to suggest you do both!

NOW WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO WITH ALL THAT??????????


Do what makes you happy they say

OH I AM TRYING!!!!


But really advice can be nice.  I generally appreciate it, and I generally have no problem giving it.
HOWEVER...

To receivers of advice...I give you a bit of advice (no the irony is not lost on me!)


Just follow your arrow.....
Wherever it points

Basically...trial and error.  Go for what you think will work great....

And if it doesn't...redirect and try something else.

So often we are completely unwilling to try things out.  

What if it fails, what if I look like a fool.

BUT what if it succeeds, what if you look like a hero.

So do what is hard.  Don't listen to anyone but yourself.

Ask her out.  Break up with him.  Find a new job.  Go back to school.

Follow your dream whatever it takes.

(The irony of this post coming the week of V-day is also not lost on me!)

So Be Happy....Be Healthy

(oh and in case you didn't guess...the lines are "Horrrrrrrrr-ible person" and "Kiss lots of boys")

Musical credits to Julie Humphries

Monsters Under My Bed

You heard that new song with Rihanna and Eminem?

I won't post it cause lets be real..that man is an angry and frankly scary man (talented yes...but SCARY!!!)

I really only like the Rihanna ballard part really...first cause the melody is pretty and its fun to sing along with.

But lately I've been obsessed with the lyrics

"I'm friends with the monster that's under my bed
Get along with the voices inside my head"


We all have things we are ashamed of.  We all have pasts.  We all have secrets.

But with many of these secrets and many of these dark moments we have moved on...gotten over them and made them right.

But we never fully get rid of the scars.


And I think too often we wish they were gone.
But I think these scars and these monsters are what help us remember where we have been.

Better to become friends with our past...not to dwell in it but also to allow ourselves to grow from it.


I recently had a chat with an old friend who hasn't had a shiny few months.

The advice I gave him..."well do better".
His guilt was clear.  And could easily eat away at him.

But there is only tomorrow....learn from the past, and move onto the present and the future.

More easily said than done but oh well....gotta try anyway right??


Be Happy Be Healthy everyone

Since Its Sunday: Each Life....

There is a hymn that is occasionally sung in our church-each life that touches ours for good.

Lots of people talk about how its a funeral song...and I can see that...but I don't like to think about the sadness of it.

Today I branched out a little bit and talked to some friends who I don't always spend lots of time with.
Its not that I got out of my comfort zone by any means (I'll save doing that for another day!) but I did vary from my routine a little bit.
We had a pot-luck dinner after our services and I sat with a group of friends I wouldn't normally sit with.

And can I please tell you how refreshed and happy it made me!!!!!!!!

There was no real reason I just decided I wanted to mix it up...change the routine.  And it was excellent!

At the table I was at, I was able to chat with two girls who I realized were even more like myself then I realized.


There are so many people in our lives that could become a best friend if we just allowed them into our lives.

And even if they don't become a best bosom buddy who you ask to be your maid of honor, they might be the person you need to talk to that day.

You never know what someone might say to you that might change the way you think about things.....

Each life can touch our lives for good.  If we just let it!

 

Be Happy Be Healthy!

Since It is Sunday: The Lord is My Shepherd

Today I spoke in church


WAHOO.....it was the best experience ever.... (in case you can't read my sarcasm...that last sentence was dripping in it)


I really have no fear of public speaking.  However I do find writing a giving a talk to just be a total hassle.


BUT  I talked about how our Savior Jesus Christ is often called "The Good Shepherd"

This one of my favorite hymns in the LDS Hymn book.
Such a beautiful melody!!!!!!

Artistic Credits to Greg Olson

 

Mixtape Monday...What "Christmas" Music is Acceptable Pre-Thanksgiving

I have a VERY VERY firm view on Christmas music pre-Thanksgiving.

As in NO....

My favorite radio station has started playing Christmas music.

No more Acoustic Sunset (3 hours of acoustic versions of my favorite songs during my peek driving time??...HELLO!!!! BEAUTIFUL)

 :(  boo hoo



HOWEVER.  There are TWO acceptable Christmas songs year 'round

Since Its Sunday...Brought to You By Mindy Gledhill

Alright Peeps.....

I know what you are thinking..."Will you STOP talking about this lady's music!!"
DEAL WITH IT!!!!!
You don't have to read this blog....wait don't stop reading...PLEASE DONT STOP READING!!!!


BUT anyway....

I have LITERALLY worn a hole in this CD.

(Yes I listen to the CD version...my car is from 2002.....)


I have my favorites of course and I listen to them almost exclusively.  Which means that frankly there are several songs I hardly ever listen to...and certainly don't pay attention to!


But today this one came up...AND SO PERFECT!!!!



Sundays can be exhausting...emotionally and physically.

It usually ends up being a long day of church meetings and helping people.

All good things.  But draining.


And so when I finally left the church building today (got there at 11...left at 6:30) this song came on.
AND OH MY GOSH....It spoke to me and brought the tears to my eyes.


Enjoy!

SARA B...My Personal Life Coach

Like for REALS this woman ABSOLUTELY rocks my world.

Honestly has she ever written a song that didn't speak to me.

I LOVE my religion.  I feel very strongly that there is no place better to find advice than the scriptures...and the words of trusted leaders of my church.

HOWEVER....
Sara Barellies is a close second.


A little bit ago I got to see her live. And it was incredible.  Life altering and amazing etc.

And I could give you a play by play or put up tons of videos and pictures.  But lets just do this.....

Does anybody know how to hold my heart?

Cause I've had my fair share of take care and goodbyes

I've learned how to cry

And I'm better for that

You can't waste the day wishing it'd slow down

There's too many things that I haven't done yet

Too many sunsets I haven't seen

I hate to break it to you, babe 

But I'm not drowning 

There's no one here to save

All my life I've tried

To make everybody happy while I just hurt And hide

Waitin' for someone to tell me it's my turn to decide.

I'm already out of foolproof ideas, so don't ask me how

To get started, it's all uncharted...

Jump start my kaleidoscope heart, 

Love to watch the colors fade,

They may not make sense, 

But they sure as hell made me.

Compare where you are to where you want to be, and you'll get nowhere

I won't go as a passenger, no

I'm taking flame over burning out 

I want to be enough

I want to let the rain come down

Make a brand new ground

I wish I were pretty. I wish I were brave

And if I were fearless Then I'd speak my truth

And I always felt it before

That the world was filled with much more

Than the drowning soul I've learned to be

I just need the rain to remind me

Well, no more, It's not me anymore

You can be amazing You can turn a phrase into a weapon or a drug

You can be the outcast Or be the backlash of somebody’s lack of love

Or you can start speaking up

Nothing’s gonna hurt you the way that words do When they settle ‘neath your skin

Kept on the inside and no sunlight Sometimes a shadow wins

But I wonder what would happen if you

Say what you wanna say And let the words fall out

Honestly I wanna see you be brave

Everybody’s been there, Everybody’s been stared down by the enemy

Fallen for the fear And done some disappearing,

Bow down to the mighty

Don’t run, stop holding your tongue

Maybe there’s a way out of the cage where you live

Maybe one of these days you can let the light in

Show me how big your brave is

AND FINALLY...

BEST SONG EVER WRITTEN!!!!!

You said, remember that life is not meant to be wasted

We can always be chasing the sun!

My earth is somebody's ceiling,

There's a history through us

Sent to us as a gift from the future, to show us the proof

More than that, it's to dare us to move

And to open our eyes and to learn from the sky

All we can do is try

And live like we're still alive

Keep Smilin' Y'all

Be Happy Be Healthy