Five Golden Rings (Day 5 of the 12DoC link-up): Christmas Poetry

Today, as the third post I've contributed towards the 12 Days of Christmas link-up, although technically the FIFTH day of Christmas, I'm bringing you guys a couple Christmas poems I've written.

The first poem is one I wrote last week and is more on the serious side. The following ones are kind of an odd thing I did last month just for fun and are going to eventually be an entire collection under the title: A Villain's Christmas. B-)
Weird I know, but could you honestly expect anything else from me? Anyways. I hope you enjoy all of them, and be sure to let me know in the comments which was your favorite. ;)
Without further ado, I present...

 ~ The Whole Reason for Christmas ~

Snowflakes and evergreen trees 

Smiles and flamboyant wreaths

Santa and elves and the toys

Songs that have become background noise

Lights and meaningless junk

That fills up our attics and bunks

Hot cocoa and eggnog lattes

Reasons this season conveys

Explains why we do what we do

And the piles of stuff we accrue

The full emptiness of it all

The sales and rush through the mall

Take a moment to step back and see

How ridiculous about Christmas are we 

What is this day without God

A worthless mask, a phony façade

Realize that when Father sent Son

To save a world both doomed and undone

He laid down His life for ours

That gift which tore down the bars

And gave everyone chance to win

The ever present battle with sin

The same sin that distracts us today

From the desire to study and pray

Those wants and wishes we get

Beyond all those needs we have met

To have more stuff we don't need

To satisfy our pride and our greed

But we can be conquerors now

Going before His throne with a bow

Admitting that we are but weak

Admitting that His help we seek

Knowing our deeds are but rags

That fill up countless trash bags

And this is why Jesus Christ came

As a babe in a manger was lain

Why he grew up as one of us

But still God, both holy and just

And died on that cross for mankind

So God could claim heart and mind

Of each willing, forgiven soul

Eternal life with Him the main goal

Now when He sees the raised hands

Of people from various lands

Instead of our sin blackened hearts

He sees His Son's sacrificial scars

And opens the gates with a smile

Into heaven with streets of gold tile

So take time on Christmas this year

To thank God for His sacrifice dear

Exchanging His Son for us broken things

And rejoice in the joy that it brings

To know we are forgiven and free

'Cause God can love people like me

~ Guns and Knives ~

(a.k.a Jingle Bells)

 

Dashing through the snow

After ruining someone’s day

O’er the fields I go

Laughing all the way

(Bwhahahaha)

 

Guns and knives,

Guns and knives,

Always do the job

Oh what fun it is to fight

And then escape the mob

Coins in pockets ring

Makes my spirit rise

Oh, what fun it is to sing

A slaying song tonight!

(Bwhahahahaha)

Guns and knives,

Guns and knives,

Always do the job

Oh what fun it is to fight

And then escape the mob

 

 

I'll leave you with a (sort of) theme appropriate song. Just...don't get this version stuck in your head. That's all I ask. :P

 

 

 

~ The Twelve Days of Villainy ~

(a.k.a The Twelve Days of Christmas)

 

On the first day a villain left outside the door for me

a match and some TNT

On the second day a villain left upon a step for me

two ICBMs

and a match and some TNT

On the third day a villain left upon the path for me

three cups of poison

two ICBMs

and a match and some TNT

On the fourth day a villain left outside the gate for me

four stun grenades

three cups of poison

two ICBMs

and a match and some TNT

On the fifth day a villain left on the sidewalk just for me

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

four stun grenades

three cups of poison

two ICBMs

and a match and some TNT

On the sixth day a villain left across the road for me

six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

On the seventh day a villain left a bit further on for me

Seven knives a-flying

Six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

On the eighth day a villain left in a corner store for me

Eight bombs a-fizzing

Seven knives a-flying

Six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

On the ninth day a villain left around the bend for me

Nine hoodlums watching

Eight bombs a-fizzing

Seven knives a-flying

Six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

On the tenth day a villain left down an alleyway for me

Ten doors a-closing

Nine hoodlums watching

Eight bombs a-fizzing

Seven knives a-flying

Six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

On the eleventh day a villain left on a dead-end lane for me

Eleven windows creaking

Ten doors a-closing

Nine hoodlums watching

Eight bombs a-fizzing

Seven knives a-flying

Six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

On the twelfth day a villain said “Look above for me”

And gave me Twelve bricks a-falling

Eleven windows creaking

Ten doors a-closing

Nine hoodlums watching

Eight bombs a-fizzing

Seven knives a-flying

Six dogs a-growling

FIVE LIPSTICK GUNS

Four stun grenades

Three cups of poison

Two ICBMs

And a match and some TNT

(Special thanks to my brothers Maxwell, David, William, and Sam for helping me come up with all the explosive names. *grins* Truly, that is what brothers are for. XD)

 

Well, I hope you enjoyed that. ;) Have a fantastic fifth day of Christmas with those lipstick guns (and YES those are actually a thing)!

I'll be back on the seventh day with some Christmas pet peeves! :)

 

Until then, let everything you do be done for the glory of God!

Three French Hens (Day 3 of the 12DoC link-up): Favorite Christmas Songs and Why I Love Them

Back again with this fabulous link-up on this, the third day of Christmas. ;)
Today, I'm going to sharing some of my favorite Christmas songs with you and why they made it onto this list. Ready? Good. B-)

~ Leaving Heaven ~

(by Matthew West)

This is my ALL TIME FAVORITE CHRISTMAS SONG. It was hard to pick from all of them, but this came out as my absolute favorite. I love this song for the lyrics, the music, and the message. You'll probably be hearing this a lot because this is the main reason I love songs generally, and those three things are the filter every song goes through before making it onto my favorite list. I'm including the music with every title, so you can listen to them too and hyperventilate about them afterward with me so I'm not alone. :)

~ Once a Year ~ 

(ft. Andrew Peterson)

Music: 4 out of 5 stars

The tune is pretty catchy, and it's original, but it CAN get annoying if you listen to it too many times in a row. I know exactly how many times I can have it repeat without getting annoyed. That's how often I listen to it. ;)

Lyrics: 5 out of 5 stars

The words are well written and put the message clearly. Also, fairly easy to memorize so I'm not stuck singing one phrase over and over again, which is a definite plus.

Message: 5 out of 5 stars

One word: convicting.

~ Easier: The Song of the Wiseman ~ 

(by Jason Gray)

Music: 4 out of 5 stars

Again, I love the music mostly, but I think it could be better. Not by much, but it could be. (Refrains from saying that phrase in Matt Meese's voice. XD)

Lyrics: 5 out of 5 stars

I love how Jason Gray writes his music. It never fails to be thought-provoking and deep, yet simple enough for a child to understand. And this song was no different. :) And to use the Wiseman's perspective in a Christmas song is an uncommon way to make his point, but a brilliant way.

Message: 5 out of 5 stars

I think the message of this song is something we all need to hear, and it really speaks to me every time I listen to this song. Without fail.



~ I Saw Three Ships ~

(by The Piano Guys)

Music: 5 out of 5 stars

Can we just all agree that a piano controlling Christmas lights is EPIC?? I mean, come on, guys! I would never call this song a favorite, but seeing this video of The Piano Guys preforming it blew me away and now I can't get enough of it. :) Anyone else with me on this?

Lyrics: (N/A)

Message (N/A)

~ How Many Kings ~

(by Downhere)

Music: 5 out of 5 stars

I just love this song. Probably the closest to taking first place alongside "Leaving Heaven", but lost by a hair. The music is beautiful, and the melody is so beautiful I don't think one could ever tire of listening to it. (I mean, I guess with God all things are possible, but I haven't found a way yet to find this song annoying AT ALL.)

Lyrics: 5 out of 5 stars

The words are drop dead gorgeous. I just love them so much. Not only is it easy to learn and memorize so you can sing it at the top of your lungs in the shower and while decorating your house for Christmas, but also they are meaningful and well written.

Message: 5 out of 5 stars

With Christmas being turned into a holiday that focuses on ME and what I GET, this message is such a good reminder on what this season is REALLY about.

~ 12 Days of Christmas ~

(by Straight No Chaser)

Music: 5 out of 5 stars

I have a special place in my heart for this song, because not only does it go really well with the whole theme of this link-up, but it has been one of my personal favorite parody's of all time. The way this group of guys incorporates so many awesome Christmas songs into one never ceases to astound.

Lyrics: 4 out of 5 stars

Take a moment to appreciate the genius that went into incorporating this song into 12,345 tunes, ok?

Message: 0 out of 5 stars

Well, let's face it...there really isn't a message in this song. HOWEVER everything else that it had going for it was enough to help this song make it into my favorite's list.



~ While You Were Sleeping ~

(by Casting Crowns)

Music: 4 out of 5 stars

I love the tune that this song has, and I've been learning the piano part ever since purchasing their music this last month, so the fact that I want to spend some of my hard earned money on the sheet music tells you something about how much I love it. :) I appreciate the fact that the piano part is easy enough that even I (as a very poor piano player tbh) can put some effort in and learn it.

Lyrics: 5 out of 5 stars

"As we're sung to sleep by philosophies
That save the trees and kill the children..."

^^ Those were just two of the powerful lines that this song has. I love the entire song, but I think the lyrics are the best part if I had to choose one, and are the main reason the message got such a shiny review.

Message: 5 out of 5 stars

This song is a wake up call to America, and its a message we REALLY need at any time of the year.

~ O Holy Night / Ave Maria ~

(by The Piano Guys) 

Music: 3 out of 5 stars

I wasn't completely thrilled with the whole sound of this song, but I loved how they incorporated the melody of Ave Maria with the words of O Holy Night. Both beautiful songs that become even more so when entwined together in this magical medley.

Lyrics: 5 out of 5 stars

I almost like the way these lyrics are written better than the original, and the way they are worked into Ave Maria is gorgeous.

Message: 4 out of 5 stars

You really cant go wrong with the words of a timeless hymn, right? Even though O Holy Night isn't necessarily my favorite of the "original" Christmas hymn cannon, I still love the way the message still gets across in this stunning performance.  

~ Joseph's Lullaby ~

(by MercyMe)

Music: 4 out of 5 stars
This song definitely has the lullaby feel to it with the simple, yet beautiful melody and the over arching themes of wonderment, peace, and prayerfulness.

Lyrics: 4 out of 5 stars
As a writer, I appreciate songs and poems from an unexpected point of view, and this song caught my interest first because of just that. After I listened to it more though, I fell in love with the way it portrayed Joseph as a caring father who wants his son to have a peaceful night of sleep, despite being the Savior of our world and all the cares of that responsibility on his shoulders.

Message: 4 out of 5 stars
Really, this song has a sweet message. An earthly father of a heavenly Son who cares about Him and wants Him to have a semi-normal life even though he knows Jesus isn't exactly a normal child. I just love how down-to-earth and caring Joseph is portrayed because it was his character to be caring of the people he was close to, as shown when Mary was pregnant with Jesus and Joseph knew it wasn't his son. 

~ Somewhere In Your Silent Night ~

(by Casting Crowns)

 

Music: 4 out of 5 stars

Maybe not the greatest tune ever written, but I still love it. Though a tad repetitive, it has the potential of becoming a well recognized Christmas tune, and honestly, its not that bad.

Lyrics: 5 out of 5 stars

These words...just <3. I love them so much. Not only are they super relatable sometimes, but also they are levels deep. Not surprising when coming from Casting Crowns, since they're known for their amazing lyrics, and that's partially why two of their Christmas songs made it into my favorite's list.

Message: 5 out of 5 stars
God came down to earth as a man and He knew our pain. Such a comforting thought. Whenever we feel like the world is against us, or feel broken beyond compare, there's that knowledge that God knows. He is there for us. With us. Emmanuel. The biggest Christmas miracle of all times.

Trust me when I say I could have picked a TON more, but these will be all for now since y'all probably don't have hours of time to listen to all my favorite songs. ;)

If you really want to see more favorite's of mine, you can find and follow my Awesome Advent list on Spotify (my username is rebafour). ;)

Welp, that's all for now folks. Be sure to check out all the other blog posts going up across the blogosphere, and enjoy this, the third day of Christmas! :)

Until next time, let everything you do be done for the glory of God!

12 Days of Christmas Blog Party (Day 1): Tag

Hey guys! I'm super excited to join 21 other bloggers in this awesome link-up my friend Faith P. from Stories by Firefly has been hosting for the last couple years. :) I can't wait to share some Christmas cheer in my own little corner of the blogosphere, and I hope you guys enjoy reading it. ;)  
Let's get started shall we?

Today, I'm going to be taking part in a special tag created just for this event! Special thanks to Faith for making this happen. I may have been at a loss for more Christmas post ideas and this may have saved my bacon. ;)

~ Rules ~

– Link back to the 12 Days of Christmas blog party or use the party graphic 

– Answer the 10 questions 

– Have fun!
 

~ The Questions (And the Answers) ~

1 ~ Christmas is the season of hope, joy, and light. What’s your favorite thing to make this season bright? 

 

Spending time with family and friends, from near and far, is the best way to brighten the holidays. With the tragedy the Simoa's went through still fresh on my mind, having all my siblings and cousins around me is even more precious. I don't know how much longer I have them with me here on earth and I plan to make the most of it every day. ^_^
 

2 ~ Reading of the Christmas story, lighting the tree – Which tradition is most special to you? 

 

I would say gift giving is my favorite tradition at Christmas. Not only is it an excuse to see your friends and family's faces light up when you give them the perfect thing, but also it serves as a beautiful picture of the greatest Gift: that baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger. 
 

3 ~ Festive old hymns or glorious new tunes – What are you listening to on repeat? 

 

Can I say both? Because I have a mix of old and new that I listen to as a mix with the family. I love the traditional hymns, but there are so many beautiful new songs written also that I will listen to as I fall asleep or go about daily chores. 
 

4 ~ Fiction and nonfiction, classics and contemporary – Which Christmas books do you love so much that you just have to re-read every year? 

I love the collection of stories in L. M. Montgomery's "Christmas with Anne". From the adventures of mischievous kids to the sweet romance of young couples, this collection has everything you need to lighten your heart on a snowy winter afternoon with eggnog, apple cider, or hot cocoa in hand. :) 
 

5 ~ Trees and nativities, bells and bows – Do you have a favorite Christmas decoration? 

I like Christmas trees, wreaths, and lights. :) So basically everything. XD 
 

6 ~ From the prophets to the gospels, the timeless story is woven. Which Bible passage that speaks of our Savior birth holds a special place in your heart? 

Luke chapter 2 is what our family always reads on Christmas morning, so that's my favorite version of the Christmas story. 
 

7 ~ Glittery snowflakes and shimmering balls to angels and one-of-a-kind creations. Do you have a favorite tree ornament? 

 

Our family each has our own ornaments, as well as some that the whole family owns. My personal favorite of the ornaments that I own is my "first Christmas" Ornament that is an adorable groundhog hugging a stocking. It's super cute! On a less personal level, I really like any sparkly or glittery ornaments, no matter what the shape. 

8 ~ Red and green, silver and gold, even purple and blue! What's your favorite color scheme this time of year? 

 

Blue and silver. :) I love how it can be classy or homey depending on how you use it to decorate. That also happens to be the color scheme our church used this year and I'm super happy with how festive it makes our sanctuary. :)

9 ~ Between the old and the new, the classics and the cartoons, which Christmas movie do you come back to year after year? 

 

"It's a Wonderful Life". Far and away my favorite Christmas film, this is a classic that NEVER gets old. ^_^ Pretty much every year our family watches it without fail, this year we watched it with our cousins. :) 

10 ~ Pies and cakes, cookies and sweets. What's your favorite Christmas treats?

 

I love gingerbread anything. Just the taste brings back so many memories of helping bake goodies at my grandma's house. :) Also butter dream cookies and frosted sugar cookies. Peppermint bark and fudge too. I'd better stop now before my list gets even more carried away. 

If this tag looks like something you want to do, go ahead and do it! It was a lot of fun to answer the questions, and it helps get you in the mood for the season. :)

Well, that's all for now, folks! Be sure to check out the many other awesome blog posts on this, the first day of Christmas! I'll be back day after tomorrow to share some of my favorite Christmas songs! :)

Until then, let everything you do be done for the glory of God!

A Question of Courage Blog Tour (ft. Review, Giveaway Link, and Exclusive Interview with Author Jesseca Wheaton!)

Super, SUPER excited to share this amaaaaaaaazing book with you guys. I'm sure some of you have seen pictures, reviews, and interviews floating around the blogosphere, but I promise everything on here is completely original and exclusive to ONLY everyone who reads it on here. ;)

~ About the Book ~

 

A man. A decision. A destiny.
Rafe Sullivan never imagined the war would come to his doorstep. But when Pearl Harbor is attacked and America's focus suddenly shifts to the pacific, he finds he can't ignore the problem anymore.
Leaving the life he loves behind, he joins up to do what he does best. Fly.
Yet, nothing could have prepared him for the horrors of war, and the struggle that is going on in his own heart. As an outstanding navy pilot, he is stationed on one of the few Pacific carriers. But could God be calling him to step out in faith, and go beyond the call of duty?
Lily Wilson gives her all to help the hurting community around her. With the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the war is brought home to many American families. And as a nurse, she longs to be able to relive some of the suffering. Yet, her own grief is still fresh in her heart, and though she's made the decision to get on with her life, she can't seem to leave the past behind. When healing at last comes, the guard she placed around her heart slowly begins to crumble.
But when she receives the news she hoped she would never again hear, can she trust that God’s plan is always right?
Arthur Warrington saw the Navy as an escape from the life he left behind. And it seems good for him. He is able to forge new friendships and distance himself from his past. But when his best friend makes a decision that rocks his world, he is left grappling with the question: what is true courage?
Three lives. One War. And a search for the Courage to go on.

~ My Review ~

Five beautiful stars for a beautiful story that deserves all of them and more. Oh, Jesseca, you've done it again. I've always been a fan of your writing, and I'm blessed to call someone so talented my friend. You have grown so much in your writing whether it's style, themes, or character building. Somehow, you manage to have me laughing until my sides ache one moment, then crying my eyes out the next moment, feeling like my heart will never recover.
The characters were far and away my favorite part of the story. Rafe was...amazing, Art completely stole my heart and is now my baby that no one can take away from me, Lily is now a heroine of mine with her incredible ability to trust God through trials, and the rest of the Oz guys...lets just say that they had better show up in the next book. B-)
Historical fiction is something I struggle to write (hence I have no published historical books) and therefore I'm in awe of people who can write it. ESPECIALLY those who can write it well. And you, Jess, are one of those writers. You're so good with research and everything, you have become a role model for me. :)
I admire your ability to make such a moving sequel to A Question of Honor, and I look forward to reading the next book. ;) No pressure.

~ About the Author ~

Jesseca is a daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano. And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.

Visit her blog, HERE in order to check out a giveaway!

~ Exclusive Interview ~

 

What was the hardest/easiest things about writing a sequel to A Question of Honor?

Easiest? I had already established the setting and background in book #1, so I was just building on that. Hardest would have to be trying to research the carrier war  in the Pacific, and figuring out how the planes were stories and how takeoff happened. Such small details aren't covered by most history books. ;) 

Was it ever emotionally challenging to research the WWII era? And then write about it?

At many times yes, it is. Because there was so many different conflicting emotions that were going on in that whole era. (Not that there aren't now, either . .. xD) 

And of course writing it and trying to be historically accurate is hard. Because the fact is that many men died, and when you're writing you don't really want anyone to die. But it happens, at times. And it is hard. There's no getting around that. Death is a harsh reality of life, especially at war.  But that knowledge doesn't make writing about it any easier. 

Since I know you can't answer who your FAVORITE character is (aren't I nice B-) who was the character you were able to relate to the most in A Question of Courage?

*grins* You are so nice. xD I'd have to say Rafe. We're different, but we also have many similarities. And many of the same struggles. In fact, the issues Rafe was struggling with throughout the book was the same thing I was struggling with at the time I wrote it. God really used the writing of the book to teach me many things. And a lot of them, I learned through Rafe. ;) 

For you, what was the easiest (and hardest) part of the writing process for A Question of Courage?

Easiest? Writing it. I'm still not sure why, but it the words just came and it was seriously the easiest book I've ever written, and I wrote it the fastest of any book I've ever written. Hardest? The research. Hands down. It's hard to find details about the war in the Pacific. A lot harder then researching for the war in Europe. I think a lot of it has to do that, in many ways, it was the 'forgotten' part of the war. Everyone knows about Hitler, but ask them about the Pacific and all they'll be able to tell you is Pearl Harbor, and maybe the Battle of Midway. It's just not as known. 

Do you think there's going to be a book three? (Hint, hint, nudge, nudge)

Well . . . I wrote about 3/4 of it for NaNo in November, sooo... yes. And a 4th is in the works as well. ;) 

 

 

Thanks so much to Jesseca for being an amazing author and creating such fabulous books. SPEAKING OF WHICH...

Her book released yesterday, and it HAS to be read after the first book so go get them BOTH on Amazon. Then be sure to give them crazy awesome reviews on Goodreads and Amazon. Then recommend them to all your friends and buy them for each family member for Christmas...etc. You know what to do. Go do the stuff. And have a fabulous rest of your day! Thanks so much for dropping by!

 

Until next time, let everything you do be done for the glory of God!