Signs

I have truly enjoyed Advent 2016.  I am glad Pastor Michael asked us to be aware of signs in all forms that are in our everyday lives!  And, for 12/25/2016, the final day of this signs motif, I pledge to continue to be aware of signs around me. And I give you this classic song about Signs!!

https://youtu.be/uYsBDmqJfjQ

Christmas Signs

the 28th and last day of Advent, 12/24/2016, was a wonderfully busy day.  There were many times, during this day, that I was exhausted, but it was the good exhausted fueled by the traditions of family, friends, church, music, and neighbors.  What a wonderful day filled with all of these things, all signs of a hopeful tomorrow and signs of what is right with our lives.  Family, friends, church, music, neighbors....that's what Christmas means to me!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtgGBgpNcIo

Signs in the Lights!

All Advent, I have loved driving around Oaklyn and seeing the Christmas Light displays on people's houses.  Day #27 (isn't 27 an awesome number?  3^3!) was even better, after an awesome dinner (Jalapenos) and movie (ROGUE ONE, See it!), we drove our friends around many of the streets and had a light show tour!  Amazing!  Great way to spend Christmas Eve, Eve.  Signs of many important things....family...friends....Christmas spirit....neighbors.....they all light up my life!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjAUVo43KKA

Home Signs

Advent Day #26 and Christmas is soon approaching.  Did not have a bad day outside of my home today, but the best part of the day was once we were all home.  Sarah baking cookies, kids decorating the cookies (as a break from homework), Eagles on the TV.....signs of happiness in Our House.  It's Madness!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXA6CLTDekw

Positive Signs

12/21/2016 was the 25th day of Advent and also the Winter Solstice.  What is most important is that, even though it is the shortest daylight of the year, this means that each day, for the next six months will be LONGER.  As I said to a friend today, I feel the need to look for positive signs in my life and in the world.  I know things seem crazy and that the craziness could get one down, but I think accentuating the positive is the way to go.  Find those positive signs and place them at the forefront.  Aretha agrees.  Here's to the longer daylight days to come!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IP9h40z0sk

Muddy Signs

Some Advent Days, signs are harder to discern than others.  So, tonight on 12/20/2106, as I get ready to turn in, I have to admit I had to Google for some ideas.... I mean, the day went really well, after a nice day at work, and watching Alexa play basketball (she started for JV AND Varsity!), and attending the Oaklyn BOE Meeting, I had another nice family evening at home.  As we approach the end of the year, things seem to be falling into place.  Advent Day #24 is also National Mudd Day. OK, I didn't know who Dr. Samuel Mudd was either, but Google him, it's an interesting story.  So, to celebrate Dr. Mudd, and to celebrate things falling into place, let's listen to a song from Muddy Waters about Mojo!  Have a great night all!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aI_JFcrTooM

Signs in School

In a Parent/Teacher Conference during the 23rd day of Advent, I had a sign of the progress my kids have made in school this year.  Education is so important to me and I appreciate the teachers and how hard they work for and with our kids.  I also am thankful for the hard work of my kids.  Even on 12/19/16, with Christmas Break in sight, they are still working hard and making us proud.  To celebrate the days in OPS, I give you this Chuck Berry song.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHG5-GxI_Es

Christmas Signs

The 22nd day of Advent was a great one.  12/18/16 was both the Kids' Christmas Pageant at Old First AND Tuba Christmas at the Kimmel.  I thoroughly enjoyed both, as well as the family traditions that go along with this day (especially pizza with the Walters and the Insognas).  It is a week before Christmas and the signs of the impending holiday are plentiful.  A musical day like today means so much more to me than the material gifts seen in the malls and on TV.  I love Christmas music so today will be a double Christmas Song Day, because, at the end of Tuba Christmas, we wish everyone a Merry (Tuba) Christmas, and I'd to say that to you all, via the Muppets, of course!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2dmWwEoZIQ

Signs on the Run

The 21st Day of Advent was a frenetic one.  But, even though we were running around, I still saw signs on 12/17/16.  Signs of kindness during this holiday season.  Signs from the committed volnteers who are caring for our creche animals at Church.  Signs in the animals themselves.....Christmas is coming, and, in this time of uncertaintity, we need to know that more than ever.  So, here's a song about running around and I hope you all find solace in this frenetic week to come, but let's all keep on eye on what is coming....Christmas!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ousaiByU1ko

Dancing Signs

I was reflective on Day #20 of Advent.  Signs were dancing in my head as we celebrated Alexa's last Snowball Dance at OPS and Anna's first.  Many emotions, but mostly happiness with how they and their friends are growing up.  Proudly, I think about songs about dancing, on 12/16/16, and this one from the Kinks is one of my faves!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JiKgQYxUnTs

More Musical Signs

On Day #19 of Advent, I will venture to repeat the signs from Day #15.  Musical signs once again abounded tonight, the Winter Concert at Oaklyn Public School on 12/15/16.  It was Alexa's last Christmas Concert at OPS, so it was tinged with a bit of sadness, but more pride in seeing the musical gifts that she and Anna are cultivating.  I love music, and this is a song highlighting that love.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gUNZAmFfKA

Prayerful Signs

The signs were plentiful on the 18th day of Advent.  I asked, on the morning on 12/14/16, for prayers for Sarah's grandmother who, on her 96th birthday, was in the hopsital for hip surgery.  And, man. oh, man was the response amazing.  So many people taking the time to reach out, to pray for Grandma Weaver, to offer support for our family.  It was beautiful and an outward sign of the love and support we have from our family, friends, and neighbors.  It is good to have signs and reminders of this support, especially on difficult days.  And today, although everything in the end went as well as we could have hoped, was still nerve wracking and difficult.  I am thankful that people helped me live on a prayer today!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9QqIzhwk

Signs in the Show

Advent Day #17 was a holiday themed day as our NGSS Team went to the Walnut Street Theater's production of A Christmas Carol.  It was a great team building exercise, but it also provided me with a cadre of hopeful signs.  All the kids being brought to the show by their schools (it was a school-themes matinee) shows the emphasis on the arts is still present in some schools (I am a fan of STEAM instead of STEM!)  Also the young people on stage, the future of the arts, were on display as well.  These days, I am so grateful for these hopeful signs for the future.  Thank you, WST! And here is a fun song that makes me think of the theater AND the Penn Glee Club :-).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aVMXw_y7jyI

Basketball Signs

Signs can be found in many diverse places.  On the 16th day of Advent, I found signs of hope in a High School Gym.  12/12/2016 was the first (and only) home scrimmage for Alexa's basketball team. Running the clock, I got to see the team closeup on the bench as well as on the court.  I saw signs of a well-coached team of girls that are starting to gel.  I look forward to the upcoming season.  And, when I think of Basketball, I like to sing like Kurtis!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_shxzlTRK44

Musical Signs

So we have come to Advent Day #15, 12/11/16, and it was a day JAMMED packed filled with music. At the UN Concert for Peace, back in September, the MC stated that, thoughout history, music has provided a solace during times of stress and strife.  And, today, that was certainly the case.  From an excellent anthem in Church, to Anna's ChildrenSong Concert, to a casual piano recital by Anna, Alexa, and their co-students of Ms. Anna, there were constant signs today of the healing powers of music, especially when provided by children.  Hoping that, in these turbulent times, music can continue to be a balm for me.  And, speaking of music, here is an amazing song about it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n4CQK-ML_KA

Signs of Progress

12/10/16 is Advent Day #14.  I was able to attend one of my favorite events from my time at the Nursing School - The Celebration of the Completion of the Nurse-Midwives.  I remember when many of these student arrived at the School of Nursing.  And I remember helping them, some as Freshmen, some as incoming Accelerated Students, and I remember when they thought this day would never come.  But it did, and today, during the ceremony, amidst all of the craziness going on in the world, on one of the coldest days since February, I saw signs of warmth, signs of healing, signs of progress, and signs of hope.  I left the ceremony feeling a lot better about the future than I did going in.  Inspiring women will do that do a person.  I know that this singer is not always thought of as progressive, but I have to say I like this song.  So, it works for me.  Going to be inspired tonight!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NG2zyeVRcbs

Signs of TGIF

Lucky Advent Day #13 here on 12/9/2016.  Great signs today, that the weekend was coming.  People seemed to be smiling a little more today, at work, and it was nice to get home and have a family dinner and be homebodies for the night.  After this week, I can truly say TGIF.  The weekend looks hectic, so I will enjoy my relaxing while I can.  Speaking of TGIF, here is another disco song!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je5SBsCW7NE

Signs in Frozen Frames

12/8/2016 was Advent Day #12 and it started to get really cold in town (Winter is coming!)  And I have spent much of the evening looking at my and friends "Year in Review" FB videos.  What I think is that the photos that are chosen are often signs of what is important to people.  My friend at work, had a video filled with pics of her and her children - FANTASTIC.  My other friend had pics from all of the facets of his life.  And my couple friends who are expecting BOTH had a pic of their ultrasound in theirs (OF COURSE!)  Pictures, memories captured of the important parts and times of our lives.  Frames, frozen in time. Sing it, J. Giles!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHo43B6nu60

Caring Signs

The 11th day of Advent had additional blessings for me.  I was able to use PTO (Paid Time Off) from work and, for the first time since August, it did not include any time on campus (so it was PTO, not "PTO").  SO I was able to do some self care activities and errands and I feel a lot more relaxed than I usually do at this time of the evening.  I think this means that, for Pastor Michael, I received some signs that I should continue to ensure that self-care is part of my life.  For my musical inspiration, I provide you with the disco-era song from a group I am just now aware of.  But, it has a catchy beat so you can bop along!  TAKE CARE!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdCzt7SMeXk

Signing in the Rain

12/6/2016 is Advent Day #10.  And as the days get shorter and the skies darken earlier, it is a sign of the approaching Winter Solstice.  Today, the skies were cloudy, a sign of the rain to come in the afternoon.  And now the rain has been faling all night (better than snow!), but that is a sign of replenishing the streams and ponds and lakes.  And, as I said before, better than snow!  So I look at the rain as a sign of the (water) cycle of life....and it makes me relax, and I need to relax these days!
Here's a song that you can relax to.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hziG9Nr6KHU

Monetary Signs

It is always interesting that the Church's Budget is developed during Advent.  So, on the 9th Day of Advent, I actually was seeing signs and Pastor Michael was in the meeting!  How we act as stewarts of the bounty we have received allows us to express outward sign of what is imporant to us. Ensuring support for the church's activities and working on building the foundations of ministries is my calling in the Church.  And I was happy to be there tonight, amongst my fellow administratively minded congregants.  Seeing signs in the admin, money related tasks.....I appreciate that.  And, Cindi sings a good song about money, so I will use it here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m1wj3tqRI6Y

Musical Signs - Seventy-Six Trombones

Advent Week #2 has begun, the 8th day of Advent higlighted some signs in my life that are quite important to me.  My crazy week last week did not allow me to attend the Choir Practice so I could not sing in Choir this week.  But, I have to admit, it was a blessing to be on the "other side" for once and sit and let the music of the anthem wash over me.  And it was great to see the size of the bass section (with all of our new members) and them even greater to have been asked to be the sponsor of three of my bass amigos who joined the Church today!  Anyone who knows me knows that music is a very spiritual part of my life.  The musical signs were PLENTIFUL today and continued after Church as we got to watch Sarah participate in the Inaugral Philadelphia Trombone Christmas Performance. So, for the song of today's sign, we have to use this Music Man classic!  For other reasons (not appropriate for an Advent discussion), I have been using the Harold Hill reference a lot these days, so I feel like this has an additional message we can consider as well.  Hope this is the start of a great week for us all!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_t1sR8_NKQ

Still the One

Signs were everywhere today, the 7th Day of Advent (which is not the same as Seventh Day Adventists, right?? :-D ).  Today I saw signs in my Saturday routine that brought me comfort. Saturday morning basketball with a new crew of players and a bunch of awesome coaches; Annual trip to get the Christmas Tree; Leadership meeting with Church members about the future of Old First Leadership; hanging out, watching football with my Dad and Sarah.  By themselves, all individual items, and some mundane, even.  Together, they represented most of what is important to me.  I was wondering what song could represent how I feel.  And, I am not sure I actually picked a good one, but I picked this one from Orleans....beacuse I AM still having fun, and you're still the one (life I love).
Abstract yes, but I am tired.  Goodnight!  :-D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aVgFDEiUlI

Sign Your Name

Advent Day #6 and I am still seeking signs.  I love this idea from Pastor Michael.  Tonight, as we sat in the Jalapenos restaurant, I looked around my family, my friends, my neigbors and my heart was full.  I appreciate all of the people I have in my life.  They all fill my heart in different ways....so, tonight, I ask them to sign....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AIOv4oqu4uY

Young at Heart - Signs in Kids

So, it's the 5th day of Advent 2016, and I have given up on finding all of the songs with with the word "sign" in the title.  But, as Pastor Michael suggested, I am still looking for signs in my daily life during Advent.  Today, I saw a LOT of these signs in kids.  I started by reflecting on the joy in the kid-filled Middle School Gym last night as the Rec Basketball league got started.  Then, after a long day at work, got to enjoy the pics from the Oaklyn Fire Company Christmas Light Parade and then watched a Charlie Brown Christmas with my kid.  Kids are the purest form of happiness and joy and love.  I think it is why I try to act like one.  I made a joke about my age on FB today, and someone was surprised that I was "that old."  Well, firstly, OUCH, and then, well, I may be old, but I am YOUNG AT HEART.  Sing it, Michael Buble!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xzADF9IzZ9Q

Counting on Signs

I love numbers.  I really do.  I think it's why I have gravitated to numerical tasks, such as data analysis, in all the jobs that I have ever had.  On this 4th Day of Advent 2016, I am appreciative of numerical signs I get on most days.  From palindromic odomoeters to random numberical coincidences to data that speaks to me, numbers provide signs to me constantly.  So, with apologies to Michael (because this is another song with out the word sign in it), I give you a song from the COUNTING Crows that I chose because it's references to rain (and boy did it rain today!).  I actually never knew this song, but it's the Advent song.  Enjoy, and COUNT on more signs during Advent 2016!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLHso6hLHFA

Giving Good Love

Advent Day #3 and still, as Pastor Michael asked, looking for signs on 11/29/16.  Today I was witness to many signs of love.  In my family and even at the workplace.  Signs of love, to me, are signs of God's work here on Earth.  For love, in my opinion, is the purest emotion.  And, frankly, love is the answer to many (if not all) of the World's problems.  So, this song does not have the word "sign" in it, but I am inspired to use it tonight anyway!  Plus, how can one go wrong with Whitney Houston?!?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY7PmX6Oz58

Signed, Sealed, Delivered

11/28/16, the first day back after a long weekend.  So the workday was like coming up too fast and getting the bends.  But, sitting at my desk this afternoon, I was trying to cleanup, and I found some thank you cards from students.  To me, this was a sign (as Pastor Michael has asked us to explore during Advent).  No matter how stressed I might get at work, I need to remember why I (and my colleagues) do it.  The Students.  SO, the thank you notes lifted me up, and I needed them.  So, just as Stevie sang, I was happy they had been signed, sealed, and delivered!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvRwR-hZDVY

Seeing Signs

In his Children's Sermon on the First Sunday in Advent (11/27/2016), Pastor Michael asked us when we have seen signs in our lives.  He asked us to think, during Advent, of the signs we may have seen or may be seeing and reflect on them as our Advent discipline.  I will use this as a means to also get an additional 27 or so songs into the queue, hopefully all having to do with signs.  Hoping that inspiration hits me dually for the next four weeks or so.  For today, I have thought about all of the signs in my life, those that I have heeded and those that I have ignored.  The sign when a pretty girl tells you that your steps are dirty, you invite her over later to clean them, and 22 years later you have been happily married for 17+ years.  Or the sign of a retirement email, which one forwards to colleague with a snarky coment and, five months later one has a new job and, two years after the snark, one has his dream job.  Or, finally, inspiring the song of the Advent Day, the sign that a friend received when she finally realized she had to get our of a loveless marriage.  I remember the Summer of 1994, when this song from Ace of Base was the #1 hit of the Summer and I remember the symbolism as my friend and I were able to reconnect and we had a fun summer, now that she had shed her baggage.  When I hear this song, that is what I think of.  Seeing signs that, eventually, better one's life.  Hopefully you all will have these signs during Advent (and beyond).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqu132vTl5Y