Friday, December 31, 2010

My Theme Song for 2011



I'm DARING TO BE different. I'm daring to walk in PEACE. I'm daring to become healthy and YES NOT FAT!!! I'm daring to swim upstream, to homeschool my children, to love my husband, to STUDY GOD's word, to embrace LIFE head on and live ABUNDANTLY.

Happy New Year,

Janelle

Sunday, December 26, 2010

I Believe

This got posted in my other blog yesterday by mistake. So enjoy it today!



Today the snow has fallen ALL day long and covered the earth in a peaceful blanket of white. Throughout this day, amidst the laughter of my children, the smells, sights and sounds of Christmas I have affirmed my decision that I BELIEVE!! I have been HUMBLED once again by God's grace and love. Emmanuel is MINE. He came for me, broken, flawed and needy. He came!!! He came!!! He came!!!

Friday, December 24, 2010

Glory to God in the Highest



Just pure fun for Christmas. I know there have to be some Southern Gospel fans out there. Gotta love these guys even if you don't love this style of music. My children love quartet songs. Merry Christmas.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

James Taylor - Some Children See Him



I sang this as a child. It touched me then and I pray that today as you listen you are reminded of the beauty of Christ. Allow Emmanuel to touch you today. He WILL reveal himself to you if you ask. Spend some time reading the Christmas story and SEE HIM today.

I love you guys,

Janelle

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

You're Here

A new favorite this year. Here is Francesca Battistelli with "You're Here". Be blessed today.

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Childhood Favorites

I am several days behind when it comes to posting my fav Christmas carols. This has been a BUSY few days. Our Christmas musical at church, birthday for the littlest Flints, shopping, wrapping, driving, etc. have prevented me from REALLY taking the time to blog. So forgive me for my tardiness. Today I am going to focus on childhood favorites.

I'll compromise on the first one. This is a childhood favorite of mine AND my children. I will share two versions of this song. This represents my childhood and that of my brood. Enjoy

Original Version


"New" Version by Jim Carrey


This next is from Emmett Otter's "Jug Band Christmas". The quality is NOT good, but it was the only one I could really find to share. I wish I owned this DVD. I bet that's some GOOD BBQ :-)



Charlie Brown and his Peanuts Gang are glad that "Christmas Time is Here"


Here is a clip from Beauty and the Beast Enchanted Christmas. My kiddos like this sweet story.


Enjoy your day today. See Christmas through the eyes of a child and take some time today to SLOW DOWN!!!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Santa Claus is Coming to Town!

Not so thrilled with the video but good sound quality of Cyndi Lauper and Frank Sinatra on this duet. Have a good day.

Janelle

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Feliz Navidad

Today I'm wishing I were in a warmer and more tropical climate. However maybe this version of "Feliz Navidad" will make you smile and feel warm on the inside :-)

This is Northpoint Community church and their "IBand" doing a version of "Feliz" like you've never seen or heard before.

I don't own an iPad, iPhone or iPod, but I just think this is pretty nifty.

Monday, December 13, 2010

White Christmas

Maybe I'm singing this song because of ALL of the snow and ice we've had in the last two days. Of course it is my ringtone currently so that might have SOMETHING to do with it...lol

I LOVE this version by the Drifters. Enjoy :-)



Enjoy,

Janelle

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Making Up For Lost Time...

So here are videos/song choices for Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I've been busy and I hurt my back on Thursday night. By Sat. morning I could hardly move...YIKES, but today I'm a little better. We are resting and enjoying looking at the snow outside. Have a GREAT, blessed and safe day.

Casting Crowns "Away in a Manger"



One of our personal fav's "Nocturne" by Israel and New Breed on his "A Timeless Christmas" CD.



And finally "Joy to the World" by Whitney Houston

Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Christmas Waltz

Just thought I would share a lovely song sung by a LOVELY lady. Here is Kritin Chenoweth's version of "The Christmas Waltz". Be blessed today and "may your New Year Dreams come true".

Be blessed,

Janelle

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

A Wonderful Wednesday Two 'Fer Deal



This one is for yesterday! Sorry I missed it guys. Chris Tomlin's "Joy, Unspeakable Joy". Neat "new" take on an "old" hymn. Thought you might like it.

Oh and for today a little Mandissa and Matthew West "Sometimes Christmas Makes me Cry". An odd title for a song, but a beatiful song. For those of you who have tears this year please remember that God is right with you. Emmanuel is watching every tear fall. Know that you are NOT ALONE even if you feel it.



You are loved,

Janelle

Monday, December 6, 2010

Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring



This happens to be one of my favorite versions of this classic song! I know Jesu isn't necessarily a Christmas song, but it is played quite frequently during the Christmas season. I think the group Celtic Woman is beautiful in every way. Enjoy today and be blessed.

In Him,

Janelle

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Muppet Christmas Carol

This is a clip from one of our family's favorite Christmas movies "The Muppet Christmas Carol". We started our construction paper "countdown chain" on Thanksgiving day.  So we are counting the "sleeps" until Christmas.  This is a technique that we learned from our "Tante Nathalie" several years ago (counting sleeps NOT the chain...lol).  She used to count sleeps with Andrew and Wesley so they would understand when a special trip or event was arriving.  It works like a charm!!!  Thanks Nat :-)

Can you tell we are a little excited to celebrate the birth of Jesus around here?  I pray that you are excited about this holiday and that this season finds you filled with joy, peace and wonder.

Blessings,

Janelle


Saturday, December 4, 2010

Last night we had the pleasure of seeing Third Day in concert.  No they did NOT do this song, but I wanted to include it anyway in my "Christmas Countdown".  Some people don't consider this a Christmas song, but it is on their Christmas Offerings CD.  Nathan will actually be singing this on the 12th along with our "singers".  Should be a lot of fun. 

Praise God for his son Jesus Christ the "King of Glory"

Be blessed,

Janelle

Friday, December 3, 2010

The Blessed Dawn of Christmas Day



A beautiful song sung by one of my favorites. May God's presence meet you today in a tangible, sweet way. Emmanuel is HERE. Christmas is NOW. It's everyday.

Blessed,

Janelle

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Being Grateful for Where/Who You Are


Ok. I've had a ROTTEN attitude lately. I've been negative, resentful and downright moody. Depression has been a gray cloud over me the last few weeks and months. I have literally come to the end of myself. It's been humbling and overwhelming. I have been forced to really stop and take a look at who I am, WHERE I am and what I have in my possession to use/honor/take care of in my life.

A friend of mine lovingly reminded me that fighting with where I am in life is going to make things difficult (thanks Jennifer). She also reminded me that God's will is perfect and I should just REST in the arms of my Savior. Sounds easier than it is (at least for me). I mean I had approximately 32 weeks to grasp the concept that I was going to be the mother of five children. James and Jonathan have been with us for almost one year!!! WOW how time flies. Joseph has had a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder since he was four years old. Nathan and I have been married for 15 years. See how things should have settled into place by now? Well I tell you honestly I HAVE NOT settled into my life. I have been waiting for something different. I have been expecting something else. I have been resentful and ungrateful. I have taken my life, my family, my relationships, my God for granted.

I have repented and asked God to forgive me. I am making a serious effort to travel a new path toward health, wholeness and freedom (see my other blog at http://www.flintfat2fitbyfaith.blogspot.com/). I am working on my "attitude of gratitude" and trying to live simply and honestly.

So.....HERE I AM
1. Child of God-I should spend more time with Him and in His Word, but I am so blessed to know that my eternal life AND my true identity rest SAFELY in His arms.
2. Wife- Nathan Roy Flint is my beloved.  He is my best friend, confidante, supporter, lover, husband, provider, and father to my AMAZING five children.
3. Daughter- James and Brenda Morgan have loved me for 35 years now in the best and only way they have known.  I have been so blessed to have them as my parents.  They have been supportive, trusting, encouraging, helpful and fun.  They brought me to Christ by their loving, godly example.  I will be forever grateful for them.
4. Sister- Greg, Philip and Tyler love me unconditionally.  They are funny, smart, handsome and loving.  I am glad to be their sister.
5. Friend- Over the course of my life I have been fortunate to have made some dear friends.  These people have carried me through some difficult times.  I am blessed to still have most of these people in my life.  I am sad to have lost the friendship of some, but for those who have stuck around I will be forever grateful.
6. Mother- I have five kids.  Yes five.  I have a child with autism.  I have two sets of twins.  I am overwhelmed most days.  They are all different.  They are all wonderful.  Yes I'm busy.  Life will never be what I imagined or thought it would be, BUT it can be BETTER.  I think this has been the hardest part of my life to reconcile.  Even though I wanted to and have chosen to be a SAHM I struggle with this the most.  I don't feel as if I am a good enough mother.  I am not a good enough house maker/housekeeper.  I feel as if I am doing my kids a disservice by homeschooling them.  Notice these last statements had I, I, I.  Noticed they were based on feelings.  Other people have been very supportive and honest about my kids, my house, my life.  I am still working on seeing my "mother" side through God's eyes.  I am blessed, just a little confused sometimes :-)
7. Overweight-Ok here I go again being honest.  It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell me that.  I have been fat most of my life.  However, I don't want to be fat anymore.  Yes I've said that before.  Yes I've tried to and successfully lost weight in the past.  This time is different though.  I WILL succeed with God's help and the accountability of my friends and family.  I am taking responsibility for and ownership for my actions/behaviors.  I am taking responsibility for MAKING changes. 
8. Musician-I am able to play the piano fairly well.  I can play the flute and I am able to sing.  Granted I need to practice ALL of these instruments more, but to have the ability to sing/play is something I am TRULY thankful for daily.
9. A Woman-This is something I am rediscovering.  Sounds silly I know, but because of my weight issues and insecurity I have not wanted to really be aware of my femininity.  I am learning that it IS ok for me to own nice things and to wear them.  I am learning that sweat pants year round aren't very attractive (hahahahaha).  I am learning that really clothes that fit are MUCH more flattering.  I am learning that modest and fashionable CAN happen simultaneously and I shouldn't wait to be "girly" until I've lost all my weight/reached certain goals. 
10. A Life Long Learner- I have LOTS to learn and I want to do so.  I want to learn about healthy eating.  I want to train to run a 5K.  I want to learn more in all subject areas that I teach to the children.  I want to intensely study God's Word and memorize it.  I want to take a cooking class.  A sewing class would be fun.  Learning another language would be rewarding.  I am ABLE to learn and I don't want to take it for granted ANY longer.

Well I know this post has been long, but its been for me.  Thanks as always for stopping by and leaving me some encouragement. 

Gratefully yours,

Janelle LeAnne Morgan Flint

December 2, 2010

Today I will be sharing with you a song from our Christmas presentation that we are sharing this year at Mtn. View church. Ok...shameless plug. If you live in the Asheville, NC area come worship with us at Mtn. View church in Black Mountain, NC on December 12th for "Winter Snow a Christmas Reflection".

This is the title song. I have the GREAT pleasure of playing/singing this number along with my dear friend Laura Crockett. Pray that I don't "suck" because then it would be "Winter Blow" :-). This song was originally written and recorded by Audrey Assad and is featured on Chris Tomlin's Christmas CD. So here it is...enjoy "Winter Snow".

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Gaither Vocal Band - Oh little town of Bethlehem 2008

Last year I blogged daily from Nov. 1st through Dec. about a fav Christmas song. I had a friend request that I do it again. I didn't think I could commit to two months, but I am looking forward to 25 days of Christmas. So here goes :-)We are listening to this CD right now so I'll share a bit of it. Here is the Gaither Vocal Band sharing "O Little Town of Bethlehem". Enjoy