Thematic Thursday | Advent Music

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Banner for Thematic Thursdays

It’s our first Thematic Thursday and I’m so excited about getting this started.  So, here we go…

I majored in Music Education and Performance in College.  It was an awesome time of life for me.  I spent every day immersed in music…practise, classes, harmony, theory, history, composition, conducting, musicals, opera…

In music, a theme is the melodic phrase that a composition is based on.  It is often repeated throughout the piece.  A  theme can also be the idea behind a set of compositions.

It’s Advent and were going to look at that theme and some of the music associated with the concept.  What is Advent?  It is celebrated in many churches during the four weeks before the Holy Birth.  The word itself means the arrival of a person, thing, or event.  It is a double entendre in that it refers not just to the actual birth of Jesus but His return to Earth.  Music is a huge part of this celebration and has been for hundreds of years  as Christians around the world look forward to His coming.

Cradle and CrossMy favorite of all Advent Hymns is Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.  Charles Wesley wrote this piece and as is often true of his hymns a scripture reference can be found in nearly every phrase.

 

Every valley

Christmas/Advent music would not be complete without The Messiah.  My heart jumps for joy when I hear the opening notes and I am transported as I listen to not just the beauty of the music but the heart and soul within it.  This rendition is more contemporary in nature, in fact, a lot more.  I love the joy I see in the faces of the singers (First Call).

There are many more songs of Advent than these.  Take the time to listen to some great music during this season.

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

 

Work In Progress Wednesday |Free Christmas Charts

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Yes, I am a work in progress.  Some days I get it right, other’s I get it wrong and other’s I just want to do over.  It’s so awesome to know that God allows do-overs and second, third and more chances to get it right.  Cross stitching is like that.  I can make a mistake, take it out, and start over.  When I do that, it’s gone and I can get back to doing it right.

Pink project

Thank God there were no do-overs in this piece I’ve been working on for the Round Robin.  I’m thankful for that.  It’s such a beautiful piece and I want my part of it to be as beautifully crafted as all the rest.  The pansy row is my work.  There is still about two-thirds of the piece to stitch and other stitchers will be doing different rows.Snowflakes_previewI love to stitch  Christmassy (If that’s even a word.) projects and thought you’d like to see a few free cross stitch charts I’ve seen on the internet.  This one is from X-Stitch Magic.  It could be stitched in any color you want.  In fact, it doesn’t need to be monochromatic.  Each snowflake could be a different color.  I’m thinking it would be awesome to stitch in metallic threads, perhaps, silver or gold on dark blue fabric.  One could also stitch each individual snowflake as an ornament or package decoration.  Hmmmmmmm…

MiniChristmasTreeThis sweet little Christmas Tree is just a delight.  I found it at Altogether Christmas and there are several more free charts on this page.  It would look really festive if a bead was placed in the shiny spot of each ornament.  If it’s stitched on white cloth (Actually, any cloth but the same green as the tree.) there would be no need to stitch the 3000 white cross stitches.

kitty200

Is this not the most adorable Christmas Kitty you’ve ever seen. (OK, a bit of an exaggeration but still…)  I found this chart, along with 67 others at the Kreinik page.  Their metallic threads are my favorite to work with.

51ZH54d0IeL._SX398_BO1,204,203,200_And if that doesn’t give you enough to stitch check out my book of Christmas Card projects at Amazon.  There are some really awesome designs  (Even if I do say so myself.).   I know family and friends would love a hand stitch design from you.

Don’t forget the ‘Reason for the Season’!

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

 

Work in Progress Wednesday

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Have you given much thought to the fact that in God’s eyes you are a work in progress?  He is shaping, refining, restoring, adding new, and constantly changing us.  His greatest desire is that we become the one we were created to be.  His plan (Jeremiah 29:11) is more than we can imagine, but He knows every step, every decision, every minute of every day of our lives.

Don't be afraid

I’ve been busy working on my counted cross stitch Christmas Santas again.  The two you see here will be part of a set of twelve.  (I had started the one that’s most finished, forgot about it, and started the other. That’s why there are two in progress.)  6 are finished and I hope to use all of them this year.  Stitching on perforated paper has been a great experience. Don’t hesitate to give it a try.  2 Santas

 

51ZH54d0IeL._SX398_BO1,204,203,200_I have created an entire book of Christmas Card Charts that would look awesome on perforated paper.  The charts work up easily and can be stitched throughout the year.  When Christmas comes you’ll have some really beautiful card/gifts for those awesome people in your life.

 

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

 

 

100 Inspiring Christian Blogs

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The-100-Most-Inspiring-Christian-BlogsI can hardly express how excited and humbled I am to be included in this list of 100 of the most inspiring blogs on the internet.  Thank you so much, Melanie Redd of Ministry of Hope.   There are some powerful influencers on this list and I’m thankful to be part of it.

Check it out friends.  Follow them all.  They are awesome writers and share the commonality of wanting to share Jesus with the world.

 

Blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Think For A Moment…A Riddle

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anne's junk

I really enjoy reading Anne’s blog…Freedomborn. She writes from the heart of a seasoned warrior for God. Once in a while she puts something light in her writing and this is one example. Hop over to her blog and check it out. Thanks Anne for such a fun moment for the day!

Source: A Riddle for us Seniors……