A Winner and a Guest

First of all Congratulations to A Circle of Sisters winner, Crazy Daisy! Thanks for sharing one of your favorite Christmas songs! Please email me your address so I can send you your book. (My email is brown.jolyn@yahoo.com)

In honor of our giveaway, Sharee Wanner, a contributing author to A Circle of Sisters has agreed to share a guest post about small and simple things. Welcome to the blog Sharee!




Small and Simple Things

A tiny handful of dandelions
When my 19 year old son says, “You’re the best mom in the world!”
Crocuses in the spring
Snow angels
When I text my children—Today is 11/12/13! And my oldest son’s reply is “Silly mommy, Trix are for kids!”
Lunch with my girls
Hot chocolate with whipped cream on a cold day
Holding hands with my husband in church
Grandpa’s cabin
Outhouses in an emergency
Crest toothpaste
The smell of bacon cooking
Reading Cinderella with my Dad
Rolling down the hill after a family picnic at the park
The colors, crisp air and smell of autumn
Reading Harry Potter out loud to my children
Listening to Louis L’Amor audio books on vacation
Ping Pong games with Dad
Camping with my family
Fishing with Grandpa
Hiking


Small and simple things mean more to most of us than the great and grand. I’ve listed a few of the things that are special to me. Over the years, the things that have meant the most are everyday, ordinary acts of love and kindness; family activities, spontaneous moments. They are different for each of us. Baby blessings, tying shoes for the first time, passing a spelling test, answers to prayers, giving a ‘secret sister’ gift, a letter from your missionary. I could go on and on, but I’ll leave the rest for another day. Take some time each week to write down some of your memories of the small and simple things that have meant the most in your life. I guarantee that you will come away with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart.

Christmas Music and A Giveaway

In general, the entire Christmas program we put together my senior year of High School happened miraculously. We were the near end of a long line of choirs taught by our director. The community had booked us based on our predecessors for company parties and Christmas programs. I had much to live up to and, honestly, I was falling short. I practiced harder. I tore appart the music, note by note. I prayed for help. We sang this song called "Love Came Down At Christmas." It was a hard song to learn and sounded different from traditional Christmas music. I didn't like it at first and I didn't understand it.

Love came down at Christmas
Love all lovely, love divine
Love was born at Christmas
Star and angels gave the sign.

Worship we the Godhead
Love incarnate, love divine
Worship we our Jesus
But wherewith for sacred sign?

Love shall be our token
Love shall be yours and love be mine
Love to God and to all men
Love for plea and gift and sign...


"What can we give?" the song essentially asks. "Love."

Through hard work and prayer, the Christmas program came together at last. It resulted in many tender memories and experiences. It became the gift I gave to my Savior that Christmas. I have loved this song ever since. It taught me my love is all I have to give. Love is tied to the best of everything inside me. It encourages me to strive harder, to be better, and to use the talents I have for the good of others.

What Christmas songs are your favorites? For this month's A Circle of Sisters Giveaway, post a few lines from one of your favorite Christmas songs and tell us why. I'll enter you in a drawing to receive a free copy of A Circle of Sisters. (It will make a great Christmas gift if you already have a copy!)

http://www.amazon.com/Circle-Sisters-Jolyn-Brown/dp/1599928825/ref=sr_1_2_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386181301&sr=1-2&keywords=a+circle+of+sisters

Last time several of you had a hard time posting on the blog. If this is problem for you, just post your comments under the link to the post on facebook and I'll enter you in the drawing as well. In the interest of getting the book to the winner before Christmas, I'll be wrapping up the giveaway on Friday morning. I can't wait to see your favorite songs!