He is Risen Indeed!

We played this song at my mom's memorial, and I listen to it often.  I find the power of Christ's resurrection means so much more than before--he has conquered death, not only for himself, but for all--for my beloved mom, for me, for you.  Happy Easter!  Rejoice!

CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD 

by Matt Maher

Let no one caught in sin remain*

Inside the lie of inward shame

We fix our eyes upon the cross

And run to him who showed great love

And bled for us

Freely you bled, for us

Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave!

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with him again

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave!

Beneath the weight of all our sin

You bow to none but heavens will

No scheme of hell, no scoffer's crown

No burden great can hold you down

In strength you reign

Forever let your church proclaim

Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with him again

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave

Oh death! Where is your sting?

Oh hell! Where is your victory?

Oh Church! Come stand in the light!

The glory of God has defeated the night!

Oh death! Where is your sting?

Oh hell! Where is your victory?

Oh Church! Come stand in the light!

Our God is not dead, he's alive! he's alive!

Christ is risen from the dead

Trampling over death by death

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave

Christ is risen from the dead

We are one with him again

Come awake, come awake!

Come and rise up from the grave

Rise up from the grave...

Seven Months

I've been thinking about mom, grief, moms in general, and I thought I would share a few thoughts.
It feels so hard to lose a mom--I have felt disconnected from others--from life, and after I thought about it some, I realized that it centers on who moms typically are. Moms hold all our memories, from the very beginning--they know us from in utero to our first cries and hunger. A mom holds all of that--ponders it and keeps it in her heart, just as Mary the mother of Jesus did.
And I lost that. I lost that repository of memory and hope and love. Lost the person who would see and understand the similarities between my child self and my son.
And when that pondering heart ceases beating, it feels like a severed connection--a loss of anyone on earth who has truly known and loved me.
Of course, there are many who love me, but losing a mom is a connection lost with time, with the world. Now all the burden of memory is on me--not just to remember my own life but hers.
A heavy post, I know, but thoughts I had and wanted to share, and express. Saying the thing names it, makes it real, and releases the weight.
My dad played a classic toasting song called, "The Parting Glass,"* and the last lines have helped me cry and understand and hope:
But since it falls unto my lot
That I should rise and you should not
I'll gently rise and I'll softly call
Good night and joy be with you all

The last non-comfort/health/pain thing my mom said to my sister and I was this: " You know how much I love you girls." We knew. We know. We will remember. And Joy will be with us all always.


*I recommend The Wailin' Jennies version.

Christmas Countdown: Days 7 & 8

Yesterday, Lincoln got to decorate his room--and he chose to hang his moose family up! Merry Chris-moose, everyone!

Today, by a blessed coincidence, our Snoopy calendar suggested we learn a new Christmas song with friends--and today was our Christmas program rehearsal! It was incredibly fun to watch my little preschool angel.

What I Did on Monday

Saw Bruce Springsteen in concert. Three hours of non-stop superb rock music. Fulfilled a lifelong dream. Chatted music and life with my beloved Cool Dad. Sneakily snuck pictures of the show. Heard two of my favorites and added some new ones. Had an amazing time!

Mommyblog Transformation

Politics, knitting, reading . . . now I base my day around feedings and diapers. I am however, excitedly typing this with both hands, as my little one has grown enough to fit into my mei tai carrier. He is fast asleep cuddled up to my chest, nice and happy, while I have hands free to type, unload the dishwasher, and fold laundry.

I am watching plenty of news, sportscenter, and other TV, but all I feel capable talking about is being a mother. They are not lying about the life transformation this is. You think you are prepared for it, but there is no possible way to be fully ready.

Starting last week, the new Cool entered an interesting phase--he leaks through his diapers. Just pee, not poop, thank goodness, but he leaks fairly constantly. The first day this became a problem, he went through eight onesies and I had to wash every shirt I was then comfortably wearing. Today, he is wearing a onesie that he a slight leakage in, and I am wearing jeans that were leaked on. We've moved on. It's just a little pure, clean baby pee. See? This is how your life changes. Those who really know me, know that I typically change clothes instantly (if possible) if I get any dirt on them, and here I am comfortably wearing jeans with baby pee on them. Of course, they are my only pair of jeans, and I've done my one load of laundry for the day.

Anyway, now that I've rediscovered my two hands, I hope to be posting on more than just L. Although, as long as I throw in a picture, I know most of my regulars won't mind.

Everyday, it's a-gettin' closer . . .

. . . goin' faster than a roller coaster.

Yes, today is the 50th Anniversary of the "day the music died," as Don Maclean eloquently put it. Around 1 AM on February 3, 1959, a plane crash took the lives of Buddy Holly, Richie Valens, and the Big Bopper.

Obviously, I wasn't alive back then, but I did grow up listening to the music of Buddy Holly. My parents had a record (side note: actual question from a student today: "What are those big black things, like a CD, but older, that had music on them?") of all his hits, and I loved it. Peggy Sue, True Love Ways, That'll Be the Day, Everyday--I loved the simple, melodic nature of the songs of Buddy Holly and the Crickets. When I was going through a particularly tough period of teenage romantic angst, I would sing Everyday over and over to myself. "Love like yours will surely come my way, a hey, a hey hey." It would definitely work to help me move past the frustration. I even worked his glasses style for a while.

If you've never listened to any Buddy Holly, I encourage you to find some. He was a genius, and only 22 when he died. I remember when I first learned that, and thought of all those great songs on that record, and of how many more he might have written.

Pictured above is the actual album my parents had--Papa Cool, I hope you still have this one!

Favorite Things: Christmas Tunes

Sara Groves O Holy Night: The newest addition to my Christmas tuneage, this album is peaceful, relaxing, and great background to a Christmas work day. She mostly reworks classic tunes, creating new melodies and backgrounds. It mostly works. My favorite, though, is the lighthearted "Toy Packaging," in which she echoes the complaints of millions of adults regarding the draconian plastic that encases children's toys.

Brad Paisley Christmas: I grew up listening to country music, and while I stick pretty much to bluegrass any more, I still enjoy listening to Brad, the country guitar god with a sense of humour. Sure, the country Christmas classics like "Santa Looked a Lot Like Daddy" are here, but Paisley creates new classics like "Penguin, James Penguin." Probably my favorite song, it details the adventures of Santa's helper penguin, a dashing, tuxedo-wearing spy. I can't wait to play and sing it with my kiddo.




Andrew Peterson Behold the Lamb of God: This is Mr. Cool's favorite Christmas album, and the one that doesn't go into storage after the Christmas season. We listen to it all year. The rare, and beautiful, Christmas concept album, it covers the full story of "the true tall tale of the coming of Christ." In addition, Peterson conquers the most boring of all parts of the Bible: a long list of begats in the song, "Matthew's Begats."






Barenaked Ladies Barenaked for the Holidays: I love all of the previous albums (and the one to come), but this is the album I love to put on the most. They do a version of "Do They Know It's Christmas?:! They sing "Deck the Halls," only the only words they use are Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young! They sing a song about oppressed elves with Michael Buble! Seriously, this album is great, and includes the most beautiful Hanukkah song I've ever heard--"Hanukkah Blessings."






Mindy Smith My Holiday: Mindy Smith is one of the new folk/pop/country chanteuses out there, and I discovered her through her blistering cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene," one of the best songs ever, in my opinion. Her albums are great, and her Christmas album not only covers the classics well, as in her smokin' take of "What Are You Doing New Year's Eve," but offers great new songs, including "Follow the Shepherd Home," a beautiful and true Christmas song.




Now, of course, I still love the classics, like Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, Mannheim Steamroller, and Russell Newport, but in addition to these newbies, my all-time favorite Christmas Album is:

Handel The Messiah: When I was growing up, my mom had a two-record version of The Messiah, and I loved to put on those records and listen. The soaring "Every Valley Shall Be Exalted," the classic and stirring "For Unto Us a Child is Born,"and, of course, everyone's favorite "Hallelujah! For the Lord God Omnipotent Reigneth." When I was in college, I went down to Arizona before Christmas with my grandparents, and I was able to see a performance of The Messiah with my grandma. It was amazing to see and hear it sung live. I probably listen to this more than any other Christmas album.




What do you like to listen to this most wonderful time of the year?

A Final Election Post

If I lived in Colorado about 120 years ago, today would probably be the latest I would be getting any election news before I sent my husband to the polls on his horse. (Remember, I couldn't go, just send the breadwinner with exhortations.) So, I'm closing out my political series for a while. I decided to close with the lyrics to one of my favorite Jackson Browne songs (if you don't listen to him, start now. He still rocks.) When I was singing along with this song on my walk yesterday, I realized that it contains all I have left to say about this election. Perhaps, if we could all sing this song, this time of year would be a lot easier.

I Am A Patriot

And the river opens for the righteous (5 times)

Someday

I was walking with my brother

And he wondered what's on my mind

I said what I believe in my soul

Ain't what I see with my eyes

And we can't turn our backs this time

I am a patriot

And I love my county

Because my country is all I know

I want to be with my family

People who understand me

I've got nowhere else to go

And the river opens for the righteous

And the river opens for the righteous

And the river opens for the righteous

Someday

And I was talking with my sister

She looked so fine

I said, "Baby, what's on your mind?"

She said, "I want to run like the lion

Released from the cages

Released from the rages

Burning in my heart tonight"

And I ain't no communist

And I ain't no capitalist

And I ain't no socialist

And I ain't no imperialist

And I ain't no democrat

So I ain't no republican

I only know one party

And it is freedom

I am, I am, I am

I am a patriot

And I love my country

Because my country is all I know

And the river opens for the righteous

And the river opens for the righteous

And the river opens for the righteous

Someday

And the river opens for the righteous...(repeats)

I want to run like the lion,

Released from the cages

Released from the rages

I said what I believe in my soul

It ain't what I see with my eyes

Someday (repeats)

Letting Go of Guilt

A phrase one hears a lot in the blogosphere is "guilty pleasures." People regularly list various things they like under the heading of guilty pleasures. Why the guilt, I wonder? I suspect it's because of one's self image. People develop an attitude and perspective, and when they like something outside of that image, they feel shame and guilt.

Life's too short for guilty pleasures. I think if you like something, you should enjoy liking it. Any guilt or shame is built on what other people think of you, and that shouldn't be a concern. If a person really likes the new New Kids On the Block singles, they should just enjoy the music. No shame or guilt at all.

Courage

This video, masquerading as a Nike ad, but so much more, is going to be my theme for this year. It features the song, "All the Things That I Have Done," by the Killers, a band on my all-time favorite list. Please watch this, and wait for the end--I usually have chills or tears, and I hope you do to.

Currently Watching: Men's 100 M Dash Final--fastest man on earth time. Published while at church! (Miracles of technology!)

Hear What You Want to Hear

Stuff Christians Like has a great post today about John Mayer, and it inspired me to write about something I've been discussing with Mr. Cool: my awesome Christian radio station.

See, on my radio station I'd play great secular music--Bruce Cockburn, Sam Phillips, U2 (of course), Alison Krauss & Union Station, Coldplay--and more of my Christian favorites, Sara Groves and Rich Mullins. To be honest, I don't listen to Christian radio--there isn't even one on my van's presets. I do listen to a lot of 97.3 KBCO, and I heard a set yesterday that clarified my opinions about "secular" music. When your heart and mind belong to the Lord, your mindset is geared toward that, so that any music with a message can reach you. More than a praise song, an inspired line from a song not meant for Christians can reach me with that intense longing that every human experiences in life. We are more alike than we think, and we all long for that deeper connection. Mr. Cool always jokes about changing "baby" to "Jesus," thus making love songs into love songs for the Savior, and I think on some level that can be done.

Anyway, here's a spiritual set partially from KBCO, and added to by me. I've included the artist, the song title, and a line that spoke to me.

1. Bruce Cockburn (Wondering Where the Lions Are)--I had another dream about lions at the door/ they weren't half as frightening as they were before,/ But I'm thinking 'bout eternity/ Some kind of ecstasy got a hold on me.

2. Coldplay (Viva la Vida)--One minute I held the key/ Next the walls were closed on me,/ And I discovered that my castles stand/ Upon pillars of salt, and pillars of sand.

3. Sam Phillips (Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us)--Strange things are happening every day,/ I hear the music above my head/ Though the side of my heart has left me again/ I hear music up above.

4. U2 (I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For)--You broke the bonds/ And you loosened the chains / Carried the cross / of my shame / all my shame/ You know I believe it

5. Paul Simon (Under African Skies)--This is the story of how we begin to remember/ This is the powerful pulsing of love in the vein / After the dream of falling and calling your name out / These are the roots of rhythm/ And the roots of rhythm remain.

6. John Hiatt (Have a Little Faith in Me)--Well, I've been loving you for such a long time girl/ Expecting nothing in return/ Just for you to have a little faith in me/ You see, time is our friend/ 'Cause for us there is no end/ And all you gotta do is have a little faith in me.

7. Pete Townshend (Let My Love Open the Door)--Let my love open the door/ It's all I'm living for/ Release yourself from misery/ There's only one thing gonna set you free/ That's my love, that's my love.

So, that's one of my sets for my station. I think I would also have a special hour for country songs, as there are plenty of those. Any other tunes I should play?

Updated! Rappin' LOTR

Hannah has just "forced" me to waste a good deal of time on youtube with Flight of the Conchords. If you have not similarly wasted time, and might like the 4th most popular folk parody duo in New Zealand, they are quite funny. In keeping a bit with my blog theme, here is a clip from their show that involves Lord of the Rings.

A few years ago, when first entering my LOTR craze, I discoverd the Lords of the Rhymes, with their first album, Straight Outta Hobbiton. I managed to find them still on the web--although there is a bit of a language warning on this one. If you remember Leonard Nimoy singing about Bilbo, Bilbo Baggins, these might amuse you!

I had to edit this--after watching many FOC clips yesterday, I kept thinking Bret McKenzie looked familiar. I did some trusty internet searching, and was reminded that he played Figwit, a fan-favorite elf from the LOTR movies! He showed up briefly at the council of Elrond, and then in ROTK, he's the elf who talks to Arwen before she goes racing back! See--everything connects to LOTR!

Soothing the Savage Beast

I should be working on study guides, but hearing a song in the car today reminded me of a post I'd been meaning to do. Music is very important to me, from years studying piano and clarinet, to my love of singing loudly in the car. I have always kept a mental list of my Top Ten--the songs I always love to hear and sing along with, and immediately downloaded to my iPod. So, here's my list--mock it, or share your own.

Amanda's Top Ten Quite Cool Songs (in no particular order)
1. Ain't Too Proud to Beg--The Temptations
2. The Old Apartment--Barenaked Ladies
3. Maybe I'm Amazed--Paul McCartney
4. In Your Eyes--Peter Gabriel
5. Baba O'Riley--The Who
6. Read My Mind--The Killers
7. Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes--Paul Simon
8. Can't Always Get What You Want--The Rolling Stones
9. Cecilia--Simon & Garfunkel
10. Under Pressure--Queen & David Bowie