Category Archives: Holidays

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A MAGICAL CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

SIMPLY MAGICAL: The CHICO NUT CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW

The Chico Nut Company gave the City of Chico a beautiful gift when they erected a synchronized Christmas light show on the side of a warehouse for the public. I parked my car in the lot, turned to the radio station, sat back, and enjoyed the show.  I was particularly tickled to find the whole show online. I can kick back and enjoy the show, and enjoy the show, and enjoy the show! To me, the songs and lights are cheerful and make the season glad.

The rest of the story. . .

Two years ago both of my folks were in the hospital for health-related reasons over the holiday season. After visiting them at the hospital I would drive over to the Chico Nut parking lot to watch the Light Show for a few minutes. Every time it would lift my spirits. I made a promise to myself to share the show with my folks the following Christmas season if at all possible. A year later, my sister, her husband, and I took my folks to see the show. That was special. I was glad they were well enough to enjoy it, too! Truly, this show is magical. Now it is my privilege to share it with you. I love being happy at Christmastime! Enjoy the joy!

You may watch the whole show straight through to the end by clicking on https://youtu.be/LmtB0fS-hEk

FOR YOUR LISTENING PLEASURE:

The individual song links are here so you can watch the show on this page.

INTRO

https://youtu.be/LmtB0fS-hEk

 “ANGELS WE HAVE HEARD ON HIGH”

https://youtu.be/B0LOBJRviyM

“CAROL OF THE BELLS”

https://youtu.be/fdXBXZOPXko
Love this!

 “HOUSE ON CHRISTMAS STREET”

https://youtu.be/bhDLWf4J6Io

“WIZARDS IN WINTER”

https://youtu.be/DiNqRjk13LQ

“CHRISTMAS DUBSTEP MIX”

https://youtu.be/Uid9mC04R0A

“FARMER STYLE”

https://youtu.be/_OwIYwYsueQ
The area surrounding Chico is agricultural. I thought this was a nice touch.

 “LET IT SNOW”

https://youtu.be/Df8k0s7vLqo
Makes me happy!

“CHRISTMAS CANON”

https://youtu.be/f_jMDadHiUM
“Canon in D” has long been a personal favorite. If I ever marry again, I would like to walk the aisle to my daughter playing “Canon in D” on the piano. I love it that much! This version includes children’s voices.

“GOD BLESS THE USA”

https://youtu.be/kNeC1D0FVPc
A beautiful tribute to our service men and women in the military. My own son and my two sisters’ sons saw recent military duty. One is in the action this Christmas. I’m so glad Chico Nut honored those whom have given the ultimate sacrifice, those who served, and those who are serving now. Thank you.

“CLASSIC CHRISTMAS SONGS MIX”

https://youtu.be/HzL-o8QsRxU
Secular Christmas oldies we’ve come to love so much. These Christmas classics make me smile. I remember some of the artists from Christmas specials I’ve enjoyed over the years.

“SILENT NIGHT”

https://youtu.be/qT1AaD1v1cE
Silent Night is my all time favorite Christmas song. The peace found in its lyrics and musical score never fails to flood peace in my heart. A beautiful rendition and thoughtful ending to a lovely show.

SHOW CLOSER

https://youtu.be/7L6301Y9tj8

That’s all folks!

–P.S. Chico Nut is not doing the Light Show this year.

A huge “thank you” to the Chico Nut Company for providing such a lovely family-friendly event free of charge for the public. That is the true spirit of Christmas.

Merry Christmas to one and all!

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Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart

“Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart” song lyrics and tune have been playing in my head for several days. I want this to speak to the joy of being thankful. Being grateful enhances being thankful.

YouTube: Give Thanks with a Grateful Heart

Beautiful sunsets. Lovely friends. Gracious comments. Happy moments. Butterfly kisses from our littles. Fresh rain. God’s Word. Favorite verses. Gorgeous paintings. Sweet relationships. Happy campers. Lyrical tunes. Tender hugs. Ocean breezes. I could go on and on. Life has an underlying secret beauty. I think it’s called “majesty” or speaks of something majestic. O the wonder of it all.

Have you ever experienced one of those crystal clear moments you capture in your memory? When I was a teen my family was driving through Nevada in the winter. After visiting Harrah’s car show in Reno, we drove through Carson City. Down the road awhile later, looking through the back window of the station wagon, a gorgeous snow-capped mountain could be seen. I was in awe of its majesty so I decided to commit it to memory to imprint the image forever. I can still see the mountain’s grandeur in my mind’s eye.

A happy wonder is when someone gives you a tight embrace that communicates their love for you, and you, your love for them. Yesterday I experienced that kind of hug with someone in my church. I’d not been at my church for several weeks. When you see the people you love and care about and their eyes light up while they talk to you, you can tell they’re glad to see you. Those feelings mean a great deal. One person’s embrace was especially long and warm-tight. Another person’s hug was a close second. Give thanks with a grateful heart.

Today’s post delivered a card that reads “Happy Thanksgiving” from The Abbey of Our Lady of New Clairvaux. The photo is of walnut trees on the monastery’s Vina ranch. I spent 2014 writing, praying, and contemplating at the abbey. Warmth for the monastics resurfaced and the sweetness of the memory kindled a spark in me. I have missed them. The monks pray for the world and love the Lord. Give thanks to the Lord for His mercy endures forever.

Most of all, I am grateful for the gift of our Maker, the Triune God: Giver, Sustainer, Lover, Joy-Giver, Friend, Helper, Forgiver, Healer, Life, Redeemer, Creator and, basically, the reason for everything that matters for now and eternity. We are so fortunate to have a relational God, Who cares about our souls and being. He is Being. He is Life. He is Salvation. God makes every day better.

“Give Thanks” by Don Moen
Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ, His Son

And now let the weak say, “I am strong”
Let the poor say, “I am rich
Because of what the Lord has done for us.”