Beautiful Illustrated Quotations: 3 Joy Quotes: How Does Practicing JOY Bring Order and Harmony Into Your Life? Also, Joy Contagious Lip-Syncing Cop Viral Video

From Denny:  Now if everyone in politics and every CEO in Big Business would read this, think how much people would quit hating their jobs, their bosses and their politicians!

Joyful X 2 Bathmat

Beautiful Illustrated Quotations: 3 Joy Quotes: How Does Practicing JOY Bring Order and Harmony Into Your Life? Also, Joy Contagious Lip-Syncing Cop Viral Video: From Denny:  Have you ever noticed that when you are filled with Joy that your whole world is suddenly harmonious and everything just falls into place?  Joy is contagious too.  When you feel good, everyone around you feels good too!

While not everyone is called to enter into the decades long rigorous training to become a mystic for the benefit of humanity, a lot can be learned and practiced in everyday life to better enjoy life's journey.  Practicing Joy is practicing healthy spirituality, regardless of religion or no specific religious preferences at all.

Joy is a central principle for the human spirit.  Joy sustains us through life's sorrows   and disappointments.  Joy acts as a counter balance while climbing out of depression or grief, dealing with past trauma and the ensuing PTSD, keeping us from sinking down further into negative emotions and thoughts.  Joy is important to safeguard not just our mental, emotional and spiritual health but it has a direct positive benefit upon our physical health too.

Adults often develop habits that steer away from Joy.  Babies laugh hundreds of times a day.  How much have you laughed out loud today?  How much have you laughed in the past month?  Do you find your world crumbling around you, feeling out of sorts and grumpy, thinking limiting thoughts, focused upon how little is going your way? ...

Joyful X 2 Padfolio

Inspire: Keep your Joy up and flowing to attract order and harmony into your life all year long!  
Visit Denny Lyon Gifts  @ CafePress.com - see what's new!  Thank you to those who are supporting this effort.  You rock!  

Proceeds go to Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank (Louisiana) and to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital for all the awesome help they have given to the children of the Gulf Coast.  

Developing this online gift store is one of the ways of how I keep my Joy up, focusing upon creativity that creates proceeds for charities doing great work.

*** Joyful x 2 design found in the Denny Lyon Gifts store @ Cafe Press in these sections:  bedding, stationery and inspiration (plenty of style choices for women, men, baby and kid's t-shirts and hoodies.)

Best Spiritual Posts: Christmas Music: Susan Boyle Sings "Miracle Hymn" From Movie "The Christmas Candle"

Best Spiritual Posts: Christmas Music: Susan Boyle Sings "Miracle Hymn" From Movie "The Christmas Candle": From Denny:  The Christmas season is a time for reflection upon what we thought was the impossible to even dare to dream entering the realm of the possible and becoming our new reality.  We call that a miracle because it is so very rare!  If ever there was a story to illustrate the impossible becoming the possible it's the story of singer Susan Boyle's meteoric rise to fame.  She has recently been diagnosed with autism as an adult.  While it's been a rocky road for her she has been creating her life balance and is doing well.

RISE to the Situation Men's Hooded Sweatshirt

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Christmas Music: Check Out This 2 Hour Jazz and Classical Mashup For Holidays

English: Fireplace made entirely of living plants at the Centennial Park Christmas Show 2010 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

From Denny:  Looking for the perfect Christmas music for background during your holiday gatherings?  This music video is great for setting a comfortable and relaxed mood while everyone gathers to visit.  Listed below is the song list from the author tonyclem too.  Enjoy and Merry Christmas to All!

Joy LOVE Peace Woven Throw Pillow

Spread some happiness all during the holiday season and beyond!

* * *  Please support Warriors Pearl Foundation - contributing to fund efforts to help homeless female military veterans come home.  Visit Denny Lyon Gifts  @ CafePress.com  -  see what's new!  Thank you to all those who are supporting this cause.  You rock!

Music: Amazing Grace By Hayley Westenra

Image via Wikipedia

From Denny:  It's always refreshing to see what the newest generation does with a traditional standard, especially the Christian ones.  Hayley Westenra performs her wonderful rendition of a difficult song to sing, both emotionally and artistically.

(Check out the link to her name for an extensive biography over at Wikipedia.)

Music: Oh, Rejoice By Hillsong

From Denny:  While my husband was dashing into a convenience store to pick up a few items I was waiting in the car, seeking on the radio stations.  I landed on one talk show where a man was discussing the Christmas season shopping frenzy - and often violence - that breaks out when people fight for the best deals.

It's like the Christmas holiday season has been reduced down to this greedy fever pitch shopping season.  Big Business has clearly hijacked what should be a holy season.  The essayist continued saying how business changes their cashier greeting (Walmart) to try and sound like they are dispensing goodwill as if that will suddenly cement a good relationship with the customer, making up for the rest of the year.

Well, it should be a goodwill season.  During this time of year, he said, you often see strangers relax a little and make more of an effort.  But here's the real question, Did Jesus really come just to make our December's better or did He come to make our entire lives better?

Then the program featured this song and I smiled as my husband put the groceries in the car and we drove back home listening to the reason for the season.

Music: I Will Go by Starfield

Image via Wikipedia

From Denny:  This video has the inspiring lyrics posted so you can read along as the song plays. While this is primarily of interest to the Christian community it also universally speaks to the need to reach out to fellow humanity that is struggling to keep hope in the world. The focus of the real Jesus Christ is about developing the heart level, true spiritual compassion, which is a mighty force when people discover how to operate in it effectively and appropriately.

Thanks to the christian computer and media user blog from Christian Gittings for posting this gem!

Music: Mary, Did You Know? By Clay Aiken

When you need some inspiration to lift your spirits or soothe your nerves during the holiday rush.

From Denny: I still remember the first time I heard this song and it sure sent chills up my spine. It was Kathy Matea who sang it. Her wonderful video is "disabled by request" probably for the holiday season to drive sales.

This song is one of those songs that sticks in your mind and heart. It speaks to the wonder of what it must have been like to be the mother of Jesus. Legend has it that Mary and Joseph were both Essenes who had been prepared for this unusual task to parent a truly old soul. What an understatement.

The legends also tell that the Essenes had waited for centuries for this moment. How did they prepare? The legend goes that the Essenes carefully chose members of the line of King David as it was believed they carried the spiritual anointing. Every year young maidens ascended the stairs to where an angel visited who would make the choice. One year it was Mary who was chosen by the hand of God - and the powerful anointing descended upon her, never to leave. She knew her possible destiny from a young age and was mentally ready to assume her role for humanity. This song speaks to the wonder of what Mary may have felt and thought during the time of her pregnancy. We may never know her private thoughts as there is yet to be seen any historical record found - but the musicians and songwriters sure can speculate.







More Music videos:

Music Video: You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Music Video: The Prayer by Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Charlotte Church

Music Video: In The Arms Of The Angel by Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban

Music Video: O Holy Night by Celine Dion

Music Video: Note to God by David Foster and Charice

Music Video: The Christmas Shoes

Music Video: Where Are You Christmas? by Faith Hill



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Subscribe in a reader to A Christmas Post or Subscribe by Email

* Check out Dennys News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food - a place where all my other 20 blogs link so you can choose from among the latest posts all in one place.  A free to read online newspaper from independent journalist blogger Denny Lyon. * 

*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes

Music: O Holy Night by Celine Dion

When you need some inspiration to lift your spirits or soothe your nerves during the holiday rush.

From Denny: When the weather turns chilly, the fire is roaring and the night grows dark and still, somehow it sets the stage for a more traditional Christmas song, one with reverence. This rendition by Celine Dion fits that special niche.







More Music videos:

Music Video: You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Music Video: The Prayer by Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Charlotte Church

Music Video: In The Arms Of The Angel by Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban

Music Video: Note to God by David Foster and Charice

Music Video: The Christmas Shoes

Music Video: Where Are You Christmas? by Faith Hill

Music Video: Mary, Did You Know? By Clay Aiken




* * *  Please support Warriors Pearl Foundation - helping homeless female military veterans come home.  Visit Denny Lyon Gifts  @ CafePress.com  -  see what's new!  Thank you to all those who are supporting this cause.  You rock!

Subscribe in a reader to A Christmas Post or Subscribe by Email

* Check out Dennys News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food - a place where all my other 20 blogs link so you can choose from among the latest posts all in one place.  A free to read online newspaper from independent journalist blogger Denny Lyon. * 

*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes

Music: Wheres The Line To See Jesus? by Becky Kelley

Check out the newest addition to Christmas music this season born out of a true story - and a YouTube viral hit.

From Denny: This is a thoughtful song to help get people back into focus about the celebration of the Christmas season. This singer, Becky Kelley, age 30, is an unknown who has suddenly gone viral the past two weeks on YouTube with well over 630,000 hits.

This Christmas song was born out of a four-year-old's innocent but perceptive question, "Where's the line to see Jesus?" Kelley is taken by surprise by the amazing response to the song. She now spends up to three hours a day answering fan e-mails and calls from radio stations and record producers curious to know if she has more songs like this.

"I’m blown away. DJ’s are calling and asking me, ‘Who are you? Do you have anything else? What other records do you have." And I have to tell them this is it. I don’t have anything else."

The song sprung up from a visit to the mall with Kelley's nephew, Spencer Reijgers. While they were standing in line to visit with Santa, he asked her the question about the absence of "where were all the people standing in line to visit with Jesus?" Kelley spoke to her father about the incident and it was he who wrote a song around the story idea. Kelley's father, Steve Haupt, a business owner, also happened to have a background as a pianist. The recent hit song is well on its way into Christmas music legend. "Out of the mouth of babes..." :)








* * *  Please support Warriors Pearl Foundation - helping homeless female military veterans come home.  Visit Denny Lyon Gifts  @ CafePress.com  -  see what's new!  Thank you to all those who are supporting this cause.  You rock!

Subscribe in a reader to A Christmas Post or Subscribe by Email

* Check out Dennys News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food - a place where all my other 20 blogs link so you can choose from among the latest posts all in one place.  A free to read online newspaper from independent journalist blogger Denny Lyon. * 

*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes

*** Photo via St. Louis Post-Dispatch, www.stltoday.com

Music: In The Arms Of The Angel by Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban

When you need some inspiration to lift your spirits or soothe your nerves during the holiday rush.

From Denny: Here is an unlikely vocal pairing that just plain works. I enjoy both artists, each for difference reasons.

Music: Where Are You Christmas? by Faith Hill

When you need some inspiration to lift your spirits or soothe your nerves during the holiday rush.

From Denny: Here's a special lady who really translates the joy of the holiday season so strongly you are inspired.






More Music videos:

Music Video: You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Music Video: The Prayer by Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Charlotte Church

Music Video: In The Arms Of The Angel by Sarah McLachlan and Josh Groban

Music Video: O Holy Night by Celine Dion

Music Video: Note to God by David Foster and Charice

Music Video: The Christmas Shoes

Music Video: Mary, Did You Know? By Clay Aiken



* * *  Please support Warriors Pearl Foundation - helping homeless female military veterans come home.  Visit Denny Lyon Gifts  @ CafePress.com  -  see what's new!  Thank you to all those who are supporting this cause.  You rock!

Subscribe in a reader to A Christmas Post or Subscribe by Email

* Check out Dennys News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food - a place where all my other 20 blogs link so you can choose from among the latest posts all in one place.  A free to read online newspaper from independent journalist blogger Denny Lyon. * 

*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes

*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

Music: The First Noel By Jackie Evancho

From Denny:  The mature pure talent coming out of this little girl is astonishing.  A beautiful voice matched well with this beautiful traditional Christmas song.  It's as if you are hearing this old standard for the first time.

The second video is her first audition on America's Got Talent where she swept away the judges.  Jackie began singing at age eight when her parents took her to see the Phantom of The Opera.  It inspired her so much she began singing around the house.  At age ten she auditioned on America's Got Talent - and the rest is history.

Take a listen:

Music: The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole

Soothe your nerves during the holiday rush with some sweet sounds from the classic Nat King Cole at Christmas.

From Denny: Enjoy the original version of this song done by favorite artist Nat King Cole. There are some classic artists that never go out of style. It's interesting to watch each generation and their interpretation of these classics. Here are the lyrics too for you to enjoy.


The Christmas Song lyrics


Chestnuts roasting on an open fire,
Jack Frost nipping on your nose,
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir,
And folks dressed up like Eskimos.

Everybody knows a turkey and some mistletoe,
Help to make the season bright.
Tiny tots with their eyes all-aglow,
Will find it hard to sleep tonight.

They know that Santa's on his way;
He's loaded lots of toys and goodies on his sleigh.
And every mother's child is going to spy,
To see if reindeer really know how to fly.

And so I'm offering this simple phrase,
To kids from one to ninety-two,
Although its been said many times, many ways,
A very Merry Christmas to you!







*** For more Christmas music:

36 Christmas Posts: Music, Humor, Poems, Stories, Quotes

Music Video: Michael Buble, Jennifer Hudson Christmas Duet

Music Video: Michael Buble, Jennifer Hudson Christmas Duet - Christmas music for everyone to enjoy.


* * *  Please support Warriors Pearl Foundation - helping homeless female military veterans come home.  Visit Denny Lyon Gifts  @ CafePress.com  -  see what's new!  Thank you to all those who are supporting this cause.  You rock!

Subscribe in a reader to A Christmas Post or Subscribe by Email

* Check out Dennys News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food - a place where all my other 20 blogs link so you can choose from among the latest posts all in one place.  A free to read online newspaper from independent journalist blogger Denny Lyon. * 

*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes

*** THANKS for visiting, feel welcome to drop a comment or opinion, enjoy bookmarking this post on your favorite social site, a big shout out to awesome current subscribers – and if you are new to this blog, please subscribe in a reader or by email updates!

Music: Michael Buble, Jennifer Hudson Christmas Duet

Christmas music for everyone to enjoy.

From Denny: Michael Buble is the ultimate entertainer. Ever since he was a little boy he dearly wished to become a famous singer. His is an embarrassing story today of how in his childhood he prayed hard every night before he went to sleep and slept with a Bible under his pillow to help along his ambition. But like he says with a broad smile, "Looks like the prayers worked!"







*** For more Christmas music check out this post:

36 Christmas Posts: Music, Humor, Poems, Stories, Quotes



*** For more Christmas music to enjoy:

36 Christmas Posts: Music, Humor, Poems, Stories, Quotes

Music Video: Christmas Tree by Lady Gaga

Music Video: The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole



*** Micahel Buble Photo by Danny Clinch @ Reprise Records


* * *  Please support Warriors Pearl Foundation - helping homeless female military veterans come home.  Visit Denny Lyon Gifts  @ CafePress.com  -  see what's new!  Thank you to all those who are supporting this cause.  You rock!

Subscribe in a reader to A Christmas Post or Subscribe by Email

* Check out Dennys News Politics Comedy Science Arts & Food - a place where all my other 20 blogs link so you can choose from among the latest posts all in one place.  A free to read online newspaper from independent journalist blogger Denny Lyon. * 

*** Check out Holiday Recipes From Dennys Food and Recipes

Music: Pie Jesu by Celtic Woman

Learn the meaning and history of this traditional song, Pie Jesu, which hails from ancient Christianity, rearranged by composers throughout the centuries.

From Denny:  A very peaceful song indeed. Here is the short translation of two lines which summarize the song:

Pie Jesu, Pie Jesu, Qui tollis peccata mundi; Dona eis requiem, Dona eis requiem.
Agnus Dei, Qui tollis peccata mundi; Dona eis requiem, Sempiternam requiem.

Merciful Jesus, Who takes away the sins of the world; Grant them rest.
Lamb of God, Who take away the sins of the world; Grant them rest, Everlasting rest.


Here's an explanation of the meaning of the song from Answers.com and the English translation of the lyrics:

Music: The Prayer by Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Charlotte Church

When you need some inspiration to lift your spirits or soothe your nerves during the holiday rush.

From Denny: It was fun to see the difference of the pop nuanced version of the song versus two operatic singers performing. I always like to see a pop singer hold their own with the powerfully trained voices of opera folks. Celine Dion does a beautiful job here. Josh Groban is always one to take on a challenge outside his usual sphere of experience to stretch his abilities to new heights. He is also a songwriter and pianist. He is stuffed full of talent.

This is the more pop interpretation of the song with Celine Dion:

Music Video: My Sweet Lord By Beatle George Harrison

Cover of George Harrison

From Denny:  George Harrison was an intensely private and spiritual person. Like all of us, there were those times when he took some odd turns in life that were not his best choices. Yet he remained a spiritual seeker.

Learning to operate in a powerful musical anointing is no easy feat, especially the one given to The Beatles. They were young men who had no clue as to what their long and lasting legacy would prove to be. They also had no clue as to what the Spirit of God was calling them.

Many like to criticize those among us who one day find themselves in the public eye as celebrities. Try growing up in that public eye of condemnation. Try experimenting musically and personally while trying to maintain success. It requires a tough balancing act, not an easy nor quick achievement.

Along the way, over many years, this man known as George Harrison wrote some deep and moving music as he related what he felt from his experiences on his spiritual journey.

Learning about your own personal spiritual energy, an anointing, is humbling at best. It's also a struggle to learn how to harmonize with it. Sometimes, the best we can hope for - until we learn and grow into our full spiritual discipline - are fleeting glimpses of the awesome.

Eventually, the awesome becomes every day living. Now that's Heaven on Earth! Definitely, a reason to say, "My Sweet Lord!"

Music: Christmas Carol Flash Mob Sarcastic British Style

Hear The 12 Days of Christmas like you never heard it before.




From Denny: Singing "The 12 Days of Christmas" with new sarcastic lyrics only the British could have penned. It certainly describes the mood of the country here in America. Looks like there is a worldwide dissatisfaction with political leaders. Very clever, well done filming.

This subversive Flash Mob hail from Nottingham, England, United Kingdom. This mob performed at Nottingham City Center on 19 December 2010.

The lead choir of local vocals:
Sophie Johnson-Hill
Nina Smith
Meritia Robinson
Captain Dangerous
Jay Thomas
Aurelie of Cecil Grey

Organized by the Dealmaker and Glass Ceiling Productions, filmed and edited by Fourmost Films that took a marathan 12 hours.

Music: Note to God by David Foster and Charice

When you need some inspiration to lift your spirits or soothe your nerves during the holiday rush.

Here are the lyrics to the song written by Diane Warren and produced by David Foster. This version is sung by Filipina pop singer Charice:

Note To God

If I wrote a note to God
I would speak whats in my soul
I’d ask for all the hate to be swept away
For love to overflow

If I wrote a note to God
I’d pour my heart out on each page
I’d ask for war to end
For peace to mend this world
I’d say, I’d say, I’d say

Give us the strength to make it through
Help us find love cause love is over due
And it seems like so much is goin wrong
On this road…… we’re on

If I wrote a note to God
I’d say please help us find our way
End all the bitterness
Put some tenderness in our hearts
And I’d say, I’d say, I’d say

Give us the strength to make it through
Help us find love cause love is over due
And it looks like we haven’t got a clue
Need some help from you
Grant us the faith to carry on
Give us hope when it seems all hope is gone
Cause it seems like so much is goin wrong
On this road we’re on

No, no no no
We can’t do this on our own
So

Give us the strength to make it through
Help us find love cause love is over due
And it looks like we haven’t got a clue
Need some help from you
Grant us the faith to carry on
Give us hope when it seems all hope is gone
Cause it seems like so much is goin wrong
On this road we’re on

No, no no no
We can’t do this on our own
So, So

If I wrote a note to God


This version is as she sung it on The Oprah Winfrey Show

Music: You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

When you need some inspiration to lift your spirits or soothe your nerves during the holiday rush.

From Denny: This year I thought I'd add more music to this blog, music that inspires and music that soothes when we need it from a hectic day or a time of transition. Whether it's changing jobs, a new member of the family or the loss of a loved one it helps to sit back, relax and listen to some wonderful music to get us back into balance.

In interview it's interesting that recording artist Josh Groban talked about how he has always been attracted to the sad and tragic songs. He said this song just somehow appealed to him as inpiration, a nice departure from his usual choice. He says he is the happier for it too.