Resolution or no?

Should I even make a New Years' Resolution?  I don't even know if it is New Years' or New Year's. Anyways, the best thing to do is to not make any resolution.  I made one last year which was of course to lose weight.  Well, I gained even more weight than I ever had before.  I feel guilty about letting myself go, yet I realize that eating better and exercise have been a struggle for me.  Maybe I should not feel guilty about gaining weight.  Just lose weight.  Just do it.  Just do me.  I have plans to lose weight and that is it.

New Year's Reflections

Looking back on the months gone by,
 As a new year starts and an old one ends,
 We contemplate what brought us joy,
 And we think of our loved ones and our friends.

Recalling all the happy times,
 Remembering how they enriched our lives,
 We reflect upon who really counts,
 As the fresh and bright new year arrives.

And when I/we ponder those who do,
 I/we immediately think of you.

Thanks for being one of the reasons I'll/We'll have a Happy New Year!

by Joanna Fuchs

Happy New Year

As the world celebrates
With fireworks and cakes
I'm standing here alone
Far away from home
With nothing but a suitcase and memories

As the stars surround me like water
I raise my hands in full surrender
To God, my Redeemer
Lord, this year is far from ordinary
I've never seen such extraordinary
People, places and things
Amazing human beings
Searching for purpose, just like me.

Looking around, I wonder
Since a year is like clashing thunder
Booming suddenly
Then vanishing instantly
Why waste time uselessly?
The old year came and went
I hope your time was wisely spent
On helping others and working hard
So that many people may regard
Your lifetime as truly great
And not just because of fate
So learn this lesson, but not from me!
Try it yourself and you will see
Making a difference starts with one step
With one foot, then the next

So walk right now into the light
And find yourself shining bright
Don't worry what people think
Because right now you're on the brink
Of showing others what is true
Happy New Year, from me to you.

Source: http://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/make-a-difference-happy-new-year#ixzz3vkX7Y1aW 
Source of poem

"Use Me" as sung by The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Lyrics to Use Me
[Chorus:]
If you can use anything Lord, You can use me
If You can use anything Lord, You can use me
Take my hands Lord and my feet
Touch my heart Lord, speak through me
If You can use anything Lord, You can use me

[Chorus]

I remember a story in the Bible days

You took a man called Moses with a rod in his hand

You told Moses, "Take the rod in your hand,

stretch it forth and walk on dry land"

If You can use anything Lord, You can use me

[Chorus]

I remember a story, I remember it well

He took a shepherd boy, David, with a sling in his hand

He took the rock with the sling in his hand

Flung the rock and the giant fell dead

And I know if You can use anything, You can use me

[Bridge:]

Take my hands and my feet

Touch my heart, speak through me

[Chorus]

NBC Production of "The Sound of Music"

I am watching the NBC version of "The Sound of Music".  This is the second or third time I have seen this particular production.  Carrie Underwood is okay considering she isn't an actress by "trade". She is a singer, and her talent shines in that area.  The criticism that she received was quite unfair. She wasn't horrible at all.  In fact, I find her acting believable considering she is the lead in a major, major live production.  Yes, I love the 1965 movie better.  I believe that Julie Andrews was far more experienced when she took on the role as Maria, which was helpful.  NBC took on a huge challenge, that is for sure, but it isn't horrible.  If I were to remake "The Sound of Music", it would be difficult to pull it off considering a fickle reaction of an audience who will never forget the ups and of course, the downs, or rather the pitfalls and the epic fails.  Those will never be forgotten.  Anyways, I could watch this production over and over again.  I do believe it wasn't based on the movie, but on the play. The only thing missing is the chemistry between some of the actors.  It was as if while they were on the same stage, there was something missing.  I would recommend watching it again, however above average; I would give it a 7/10.

Merry Christmas!

Reflections for today 12/24/15

The cake turned out much better.  I had to transfer it to another pan.  I even had to frost it.  It became a lemon-coconut cake.  I sure hope that all will like it.  I even baked bread today.  It turned out well, but I wish that I didn't bake it at such high a temperature.  Well, I decided to bake more bread tomorrow.  Hopefully this loaf will turn out.  I love to give, and bake.  I know that Jesus is the Reason, at least in my opinion, but  Jesus should be the reason for all seasons.

Cake reflection

Today, I plan to bake three cakes.  Sadly one of those cakes have fallen apart.  It was my fault, sure, but I was still disappointed.  I hope that the cake will turn out better once I frost it after I re-bake and freeze it.  Let it turn out better.  I only hold out hope.  I hope that I won't mess up this time.  I need to be wished some luck. Thankfully the fruitcakes turned out well.  Phew.

"Silent Night" as sung by Celtic Woman

Oíche Chiúin, oíche Mhic Dé
Cách na suan go héiri an lae
Dís is dílse ag faire le spéis
Glór binn aingeal le clos insan aer

Críost ag teacht ar an saol
Críost ag teacht ar an saol

Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon Virgin, Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild

Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Waiting on a package

Today is the day that I should be looking for packages.  Right now, they are near my hometown, but it can be slower than the date that is shown on the website. Sometimes, it can be faster, which is why I love Ebay.  Maybe or not some people had their share of problems, but I'm cool with the website. It can be frustrating receiving a package and they come in more than one box.  I am just looking forward to receiving the package first and foremost.  It can be quite frustrating, even maddening at times.

Christmas anticipation

I have made the decision to celebrate Christmas.  Maybe I should not rush until Christmas.  I find myself  in anticipation of the holiday.  I just cannot wait.  It is like I am an impatient child.  Well, time waits for no one.  Also, I don't live on God's time either, so just live and be patient.  That is all I can say.

"As" as sung by George Michael ft. Mary J. Blige

"As"
(feat. Mary J Blige)

As Around The Sun The Earth Know She's Revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early may
Just as hate knows love's the cure
You can rest your mind assured that
I'll be loving you always

As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow
Hut in passing will grow older everyday
Just as ail that's born is new
You know what i say is true
That i'll be loving you always

Until the rainbow burns the stars out of the sky
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
Until the day that 8õ8õ8 is 4
Until the day that is the day that are no more

Did you know that true love asks for nothing
Her acceptance is the way we pay
Did you know that life has given love a guarantee
To last through forever and another day

As today i know i'm living but tomorrow
Could make me the past
But that i mustn't fear
I know deep in my mind
The love of me i've left behind
Cause i'll be loving you always.

Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream
Until the day is night and night becomes the day
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away
Until the day that 8õ8õ8 is 4
Until the day that is the day that are no more

Did you know that true love asks for nothing?
Her acceptance is the way we pay
Did you know that life has given love a guarantee
To last through forever and another day

As around the sun the earth knows she's revolving
And the rosebuds know to bloom in early may
For now i know deep in my mind
The love of me i've left behind
Cause i'll he loving you always.

Until the rainbow burns the stars out in the sky
Until the ocean covers every mountain high
Until the dolphin flies and parrots live at sea
Until we dream of life and life becomes a dream

Until the day is night and night becomes the day
Until the trees and seas just up and fly away
Until the day that 8x8x8 is 4
Until the day that is the day that are no more

Mary, Did You Know? as sung by Pentatonix

Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new?
This child that you've delivered, will soon deliver you.

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby, you kissed the face of God.

Mary did you know (x8)

The blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will live again.
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the lamb.

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven's perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you're holding is the great I am

Mary did you know (x6)

A Deeper Meaning into Christmas

Christmas is about commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ.  It was a blessed event and still should have seen as such.  However, I feel it goes deeper.  It starts with the impregnation of a young girl by God, who was highly favored.  She later gives birth to our Lord and our Savior.  I sometimes wondered how as a kid, Jesus dealt with bullies.  Were there any kid who bullied or tried to bully Him?  Did they think He was "different"?  Did He have many friends?  The truth is, those are questions that I may never have the answer to.  Mary and Joseph seemed to have been trusted with being parents to a Child who was Perfect.  I wonder if it were easy or if it were a challenge to raise Jesus since they were flawed humans raising a Child who was much more than just a "Nice young Man from school or down the street".  It comes to mind the song, "Mary did You Know?".  Maybe Mary always knew that her Son was the great I Am.  I think that Christmas in short is about the conception, birth. life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  He may have not been born on December 25.  He could have been born in the Spring, Summer, or even Fall.  I wonder how much the date of His birth really matters.  Maybe, maybe not.  It sure would not hurt to wonder or ask about these things.  I guess for now, I will never know.

Expressing oneself and prayer

There are times when I write posts or rather "take break" posts.  Yesterday was one of those times I admit.  Those are the times when I wasn't sure what to say.  Those are also the times I didn't know what to express either.  Expressing oneself can be cathartic.  However, not being able to express myself can be, and is, quite frustrating.  So, I have a lot on my mind today.  I often forget to do what I am supposed to do, so I ask God for reminders.  I realize that a lot of my thoughts happen because of what I expose myself to.  It is a good feeling actually to be convicted.  There are those times when I confess to doubting my salvation.  I wonder that is what it means to work out our salvation with fear and with trembling.  Salvation isn't about just saying one prayer and moving forward without any growth.  Salvation is sanctification, daily repentance, as well as prayer.  Prayer is deep, respectful, and honest communication with our Lord.  I have learned that with prayer, one has to pray in thanksgiving and with a pure motive.  I admit that I have not always done so.  That is something I repented of.  Those are the things that I have learned today.

Good night

Good night and I bid adieu. I am taking a break.

Under pressure

Right now, I am under pressure.  I am anxious or nervous about what to say to God.  It is about a matter of great importance to me.  I know that I am to seek God and his righteousness first and all of these things will be added to me.  Sometimes I wonder if I have truly understood or lived out that verse.  I realize that I will go through trials and tribulations.  I have had a share of my own.  I realize that seeking God probably means to acknowledge God in all things.  I need all of the guidance I can get.

Reflection on singing, skills, and service

Sometimes I have a hard time expressing myself on these blogs.  However, it seems I find a way to do so.  Forever, I am watching a tribute to Frank Sinatra (RIP).  He would have been 100 years old this year.  I missed much of the show, but what I have seen was really good.  Right now, I am listening to Bono, who is quite good.  I don't listen to much U2, but apparently they have longevity on their side, so they must be doing something right.  Is it safe to call U2 legends since I remember them from way back?  I think it was from over 20 years ago when I first heard of them.   Anyway, it is great to see such talent perform quality, wholesome music.

I wish I could sing like them.  I can sing a little bit but I have no experience.  I can sing a few octaves but not like Whitney (RIP) or Mariah Carey.  I have a rather deep voice but I can interpret and sing some high notes as well.  All I need is some training.  I wonder what it is like to have the experience of an opera singer especially. I bet it took many years of training without losing one's voice.  I would be shy to perform on stage, but it seems that the most experienced singers don't have stage fright.  They seem confident performing on stage and sharing their talents with the world.  If only I had the opportunity to share that skill or any other skill for that matter.

I admire people who could share that talent and be of service to others no matter their skill is.  I would like to know that for myself.  I have often wondered who I truly am, am I a good discerner of right and wrong, and my calling and purpose are.  Am I suppose to be a talented musician or a writer or a baker?  I have prayed about and I have tried for years what I was supposed to be "when I grow up".  I seemed to have tried so much only for me to fall on my face. I have not had a lot going for me, or so it seems.  I look back, but maybe I shouldn't. I have much to accomplish it seems but I wonder if  it is too late, considering my age.  I cannot begin as a cheerleader, but I have no idea or experience to begin.  I just no idea and that is the problem and being used by God is the ultimate goal.

"Opposites Attract" by Paula Abdul

Baby seems we never ever agree
You like the movies
And I like T.V.
I take thing serious
And you take 'em light
I go to bed early
And I party all night
Our friends are sayin'
We ain't gonna last
Cuz I move slowly
And baby I'm fast
I like it quiet
And I love to shout
But when we get together
It just all works out

I take--2 steps forward
I take--2 steps back
We come together
Cuz opposites attract
And you know--it ain't fiction
Just a natural fact
We come together
Cuz opposites attract

Who'd a thought we could be lovers
She makes the bed
And he steals the covers
She likes it neat
And he makes a mess
I take it easy
Baby I get obsessed
She's got the money
And he's always broke
I don't like cigarettes
And I like to smoke
Things in common
There just ain't a one
But when we get together
We have nothin' but fun

I take--2 steps forward
I take--2 steps back
We come together
Cuz opposites attract
And you know--it ain't fiction
Just a natural fact
We come together
Cuz opposites attract

I take--2 steps forward
I take--2 steps back
We come together
Cuz opposites attract
And you know--it ain't fiction
Just a natural fact
We come together
Cuz opposites attract

Baby ain't it somethin'
How we lasted this long
You and me
Provin' everyone wrong
Don't think we'll ever
Get our differences patched
Don't really matter
Cuz we're perfectly matched

I take--2 steps forward
I take--2 steps back
We come together
Cuz opposites attract
And you know--it ain't fiction
Just a natural fact
We come together
Cuz opposites attract

"Silent Night" as sung by the Temptations

Silent night, holy night, all is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin Mother and Child, holy
Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace.
Silent night, holy night, shepherds quake at the sight,
Glories stream from heaven afar, heavenly hosts sing
Alleluia.
Christ the Saviour is born,
Christ the Saviour is born.
Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love's pure light,
Radiant beams from
Thy holy face, with the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.
Silent night, holy night, wondrous star, lend thy light;
With the angels let us sing,
Alleluia to our King.
Christ the Saviour is born,
Christ the Saviour is born.

O Holy Night sung by Mariah Carey

Mariah Carey
O holy night the stars are brightly shining
It is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till He appeared and the soul felt its worth
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angels' voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night divine o night
O night divine
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new glorious morn
Fall on your knees
O hear the angels' voices
O night divine
O night when Christ was born
O night divine o night
O night divine
Ooh yes it was
Ooh it is the night of our dear Savior's birth
Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah, yeah
It was a holy holy holy, oh oh oh

The magi

I have wondered what the Magi really looked like.  It seems silly but that has been a thought I had. I also wonder how many wise men actually went to Israel to see Baby Jesus.  Interestingly enough, the Bible doesn't say how many wise men there were.  However, there are only three presented because of the number of gifts given to the Baby.  What is also interesting are the "races" of the three "Magi" from the East.  The older two magis are Caucasian (one European, one Semitic) while the youngest one was a black African.  The names were not even mentioned in the Bible as far as I can tell.  I guess the Bible felt that those details were not as important as the fact that they were a part of a prophecy about the coming of the Newborn King.  When they saw and followed the star indeed.

How I see Christmas and the holidays, plus these illustrations of Santa

I love these illustrations of Santa Claus.  What is so great is that color does not matter when it comes to the joyous smiles of the faces of children.  I too like kids and I do love Christmas.  It does seem contradictory to what I have written about Christmas for the past few days.  I still have my doubts that Christmas is a Christian holy day.  It isn't as the world celebrates it with the commercialism and the pains that tend to go with buying gifts.  However, every day should be a holy day.  We as believers should observe Jesus' birth, life, ministry, death, and resurrection daily.  I guess having said that, I wondered  still how Jesus views Santa Claus and children being joyous because of gifts and Santa.  We as believers could and should use this day for not the commercial and superficial but to share Jesus with others.  That was what I did a few, maybe a couple of, years ago.  I am not so sure if I have accomplished anything such as leading others to the Lord, but I wondered even more what God thought of what I did.  What is more important to the Lord, I wonder?  This is something that requires more prayer from me for there is a lot that I have to be wise about.  It makes no sense to dis Halloween because of it pagan roots but celebrate Easter and Christmas despite their own pagan roots.  In this case, it should be all or nothing, though most of the world will see differently.  That is also something to think about.

Letter to the Church

Focus on Jesus

 "Baby Jesus" (as a black American)

I have read some advice given to me and it is such sage advice that needed to be shared.  It is about focusing on Jesus and the rest will take care of itself.  Maybe I have been too hung up on the paganism and the commercialism of Christmas.  Is the religious aspect of Christmas ring hollow for me?  I would like to think that it is not the case.  I guess that this concern would or would not rather have the evidence that I prefer to religious "O Holy Night" than "Jingle Bell Rock".  Sure they are both wholesome songs, but "O Holy Night" carries a much a deeper meaning for me.  "Jingle Bell Rock" is a fun song, but that is just that: a fun song to sing and party to without a care in the world. I guess it is this religious aspect that would have a much deeper meaning and should to us all.

To end the confusion,

Lord Jesus,

In the very end, every knee shall bow down to You.  I believe that if Santa were real, then it would include him as well.  Lately, I find myself questioning and being interested in how I should celebrate Christmas if at all.  Should I even bother to celebrate it because of its pagan origins?  Does it even matter?  There is no Christmas in the Bible, but Your Birth is.  I get that there is no comparison, but if it is a pagan celebration then how did Christmas become a holy day observed by Christians everywhere, including myself.  If I am not supposed to celebrate it, then how should I bide my time on that day?  How should I be a witness to others on this time of the year?  How did a day that has so many pagan origins become Christianized I guess?  Have I been deceived?  How and when should I truly commemorate Your life. death, and resurrection?  By the way, when exactly were You born out of curiosity?  I am thankful that You answer prayer.  I give You thinks, O Holy One, in Your name,

Amen.

Now that is something to think about.

 Yuletide-Santa with Reindeer

 Yule Log

 Fruitcake Recipe

 Black Jesus

 Family celebrating around the tree

Maybe I should read up more on the pagan customs of old and their origins of Christmas.  Also, Jeremiah 10:2-4 does mention about the idolatry of the pagans, to be separate from them, including the idol that is vaguely familiar to the Christmas tree.  Revelation did also say that we as believers were to come out of the religion of harlotry, the world system, and of false religion so that we should not share in her sins.  We are to obey God's Word and we MUST be born again in order to enter the kingdom of Heaven.  Now I am confused about one thing: does celebrating Christmas as I know it even validate paganism or is it really a holy day that Christians can partake in?  I know that I don't HAVE to celebrate Christmas, but since I believe that it is a celebration of Jesus' birth, then I wonder what is still wrong with that.  I know that Santa is not in the Bible; after all, Santa isn't real. Jesus IS indeed real; that is the difference.  The problem is, maybe I should view Christmas in a whole new light.  Maybe I should set every day to celebrate His life and pay special emphasis on his birth on that Day.  I don't know.  I still question why I should or should not celebrate Christmas.  Is there really a spirit of Christmas or is that based on pagan idolatrous history as well? On the other hand, when I think of Christmas, I think of gifts, love, holiness, joy, and peace.  I believe the problem for me isn't the pagan origin, though I don't consider myself a pagan, but that it is focused on the commercial aspect.  I think or at least would think that that is just as big a sin if not a "greater sin" that even the pagan origins.   I believe all of these things are something to think about.