Christmas Music

Yesterday was our church's Christmas concert. It was amazing! The words were edifying and Christ focused, the quaility of the music was great, and the lighting, decorations, and sparkly sweaters made it a very "Christmasy" and festive experience. I love those songs that make you think "Wow...I wonder what the singing in heaven will sound like?"

I was notified by lifesong that they are looking over our grant application. We've already sent our 1-600 form in for pre-immigration approval. Just waiting to hear back from lifesong so that we can move on to the next step...finalizing the dossier!


We are preparing for our trip to Virginia to see my sister Amber and her family who lives there. My other sister Stephanie is flying in from California and I'm so excited to be able to spend Christmas week with them. I'm sure Josie will have a blast with her aunts, uncle, and 3 cousins.
I've been remembering what last Christmas felt like. I was 8 months pregnant and on medicine to reduce contractions so Josie wouldn't come too early. I remember that feeling of hardly being able to stand the wait until I could meet her and I remember thinking "our Christmases won't be the same anymore!" Now my sweet Josie is toddling around and pulling the bows off the Christmas presents! Time goes by so quickly in retrospect.

Last night I was blessed to see the G321 Children's choir have a part in the concert. I pictured myself 5 years from now with 2 little girls singing up there together...praising God with their voices in the midst of a church family who loves them. This year, I'm a little bit thinner, but again I spend Christmas in anticipation of another child. I'm almost positive that "#2" will be with us by next Christmas and again "our Christmases will never be the same!"

Four Stockings

I've wanted to post this song for a long time, but I can't figure out how to do it (due to my apparent lack of tehnological know-how). There are alot of places online where you can go to listen to it. This song makes me want to cry everytime I hear it, but it definately hits home this year.

Merry Christmas
by Third Day

There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn
Cryin' for Momma's arms.

At an orphanage just outside a little China town

Where the forgotten are.

But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire

and dream about the day when I can finally call you mine.

It's Christmas time again, but you're not home.

Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone.

And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in His arms.

And tell you from my heart: I wish you a Merry Christmas.

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights,

I'm warmed by the fire's glow.

Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white,

And make angels in the snow.

But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears,

And hope that heaven's angels come to carry you here.

It's Christmas time again, but you're not home.

Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone.

So tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in His arms,

And tell you from my heart I wish you a Merry Christmas.

Christmas is the time to celebrate the Holy Child

And we celebrate His perfect gift of love.

He came to earth to give his life and prepare a place for us

So we could have a home with Him above.

It's Christmas time again and now you're home!

Your family is here so you will never be alone.

So tonight before you go to sleep I'll hold you in my arms.

And tell you from my heart, "I wish you a Merry Christmas."