Words of Worship

Being a musical person, music has always had a unique way of speaking to me, or allowing me to speak the overflow of my heart. As Christmas Day approaches and we celebrate the birth of our Savior, I would like to share with you a few lines of a song that was introduced to me last Christmas, and quickly became my all-time favorite Christmas song. The words speak for themselves.

"The first time that You opened Your eyes
Did You realize that You would be my Savior?
And the first breath that left Your lips
Did You know that it would change this world forever?

...And I celebrate the day
That You were born to die
So I could one day pray for You to save my life
Pray for You to save my life."
(Celebrate the Day, RelientK)


We so often, and very rightly, focus on the birth of Jesus this time of year. But I love the way these words bring the complete mission of Christmas to mind. That holy infant, so tender and mild, was born on that very day two thousand years ago to be my Savior. He was born to die so you and I could one day pray for Him to save our lives. For lack of a big "thatsuncanny" word- Wow.

Have a blessed Christmas and bask in the love of God that He would have given us the greatest, most undeserved gift ever imagined.

Webster's Follies!

Look at the Webster's Follies word, but do NOT look it up. Then, in the comments section to this post, use it in a sentence in the way you think the usage is most appropriate. You may be wrong, you may be right, but it will be fun!

Make your sentence descriptive, not so general that any word would work. You know what I mean...

The word: bonhomie
\bah-nuh-MEE\

Good luck!

Close that window!

My friend and co-worker Jack is a lover of words. He has a beautiful old dictionary on his desk that is always open. I went over last week to tell Jack a holiday-inspired joke and he shared is current favorite word with me.


defenestrate
1. throw through or out of the window
2. a usually swift dismissal or expulsion (as from a political party or office)
Etymology: de- + Latin fenestra window
Date: 1620

"The rebels stormed the palace and defenestrated the President."

Interesting usage above, since it could satisfy either the first or second definition, oddly enough. Did they toss the president out the window or simply out of office? However, with the etymology, I tend to think that older usage would be quite literal, employing the window. Unfortunate for the president. While it occurs to me that "to defenestrate" would rarely turn out positively, it is a useful and beautifully descriptive word.


In conducting a little research, I found that there is an art exhibit with the title "DEFENESTRATION" (1997-present: Site-specific installation on the corner of 6th and Howard St. in San Francisco).

From the website:
This multi-disciplinary sculptural mural involves seemingly animated furniture; tables, chairs, lamps, grandfather clocks, a refrigerator, and couches, their bodies bent like centipedes, fastened to the walls and window-sills, their insect-like legs seeming to grasp the surfaces. Against society's expectations, these everyday objects flood out of windows like escapees, out onto available ledges, up and down the walls, onto the fire escapes and off the roof. "DEFENESTRATION" was created with the help of over 100 volunteers.

Located at the corner of Sixth and Howard Streets in San Francisco in an abandoned four-story tenement building, the site is part of a neighborhood that historically has faced economic challenge and has often endured the stigma of skid row status. Reflecting the harsh experience of many members of the community, the furniture is also of the streets, cast-off and unappreciated. The simple, unpretentious beauty and humanity of these downtrodden objects is reawakened through the action of the piece. The act of "throwing out" becomes an uplifting gesture of release, inviting reflection on the spirit of the people we live with, the objects we encounter, and the places in which we live.

Defenestration were also a UK heavy metal band from 1999 to 2004.

There is a literary magazine dedicated to humor with the title Defenestration.

Who knew a term for tossing out a window would be so popular? Is there a word for throwing something through the door? Hmmm.

Thanks, Jack!

'Tis the season

Glad Tidings!

It is a purposeful season, where every moment is occupied. Socrates said, "Beware the barrenness of a busy life." This is a reminder that, even though getting ready for Christmas is a formidable task, you must take a moment here and there.

Once in the morning and once in the afternoon, choose from the following moments:

• Make a cup of tea and let the steam wash over your face as it cools. Close your eyes and breathe in the warm aromas.
• Sit in front of a window and just look outisde. Look at the trees...the grass...the birds...marvel at the dormancy of nature, while you allow yourself to be dormant for a few minutes.
• Turn off your lamps and look at the lights on your tree. Think about that first Christmas, where the only light was the guiding star.
• Reflect on the feelings that Mary must have experienced as she prepared to give birth. Dwell on the words, "...and she treasured these things in her heart."
• Look at the photos in your room, and remember when the picture was made. Think of the changes since then. Close your eyes and go back to that place for a moment.
• Close your eyes, think of Jesus, and say over and over again, "Thank you, Lord." Say these three words until His Spirit soars within you.

Have a great day, everyone!

Glad Tidings!

Ms. Dana has come up with the wonderfully festive idea of changing our greeting during the month of December. During this time of celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, we will greet one another with "Glad Tidings"!

ti'-dingz (euaggelizo): "Glad-tidings" occurs in the King James Version of the bible in the translation of the verb euaggelizo, "to tell good news".

The verb is also very frequently translated in the King James Version "to preach the gospel," the original meaning of which word (god-spell) is "good news or tidings".

While mainly a Biblical phrase, I encourage all of you to use this during the holiday season. After all, if you celebrate Christmas but are not a Christian, you may as well adopt the nomenclature, as well.