Another most memorable moment from 2008 happened in late March.  Under the leadership of Mark Moffatt a big group from Journey headed off to Maggie's Place to help them with some cleaning, landscaping, and serving of lunch.  I was soooo proud of Journey that day!  We planted tons of veggie plants, weeded the yard like crazy, and cleaned places that had not been cleaned in a long time.

As you read the Scripture you will see that God cares for the poor and cares if we care about the poor as well.  I am so grateful the people of Journey have a heart that is close to the heart of God in this way!

See you tomorrow,

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

For the next few days I am going to attempt to put into words some of Journey's Top 5 Moments from 2008.  They will not necessarily be in any order, but hopefully they were as memorable for you as they were for me.

One of the most memorable moments from Journey in 2008 for me came in the middle of our series called Puzzled.  In that series we took questions from the audience and came up with a series and we also did a Q&A time after the message in a Phil Donahue sort of way.  While that was a fun series and memorable in itself, one particular thing about that series stands out to me.

Joel Thurston's Message On Ester From April 20th.  Joel put together a message out of Ester about God's Sovereignty and Human Responsibility.  In it he does a masterful job of describing the context of Ester and the history of the nation of Israel.  I remember sitting there listening to it that day thanking God for bring Joel to Journey and giving him his gifts!

Thanks Joel for your dedication to God, your love for His Word, and for taking the time to explain to us what it says!

Do you have a memory from the last year that you want to share?  If so be sure to leave it as a comment.

See you tomorrow,

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

Today we start a new week and in this new week we start a new year.  Not a surprise to any of us, but a reminder that time is moving forward with our without our permission!

Time is the great equalizer.  None of us has any more to use today than the next guy.  The poorest among us cannot sell our time to earn a little extra cash, we can not borrow time from any credit company, and no matter how rich you are you cannot purchase extra minutes either today or tomorrow.

If everyone has the same amount of time and that can't be influenced, then it only makes sense that we would follow the advice of the apostle Paul and influence those around us while there still is time.  

In Colossians 4 Paul writes....

Use your heads as you live and work among outsiders. Don't miss a trick. Make the most of every opportunity. Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.

Let's all make the most of our day today!

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

I love it when God's people tap into the I.O.G. (Image Of God) and the Holy Spirit!  A couple I met is jumping out in faith, using their God given talents, and making a practical and spiritual difference in a place most of us will never be able to go.  

Check out Dusty & Julie's mission here and send them an email of encouragement!  You probably want to join their mailing list... they do great updates!

Way to go guys!

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

I read this quote on a friend of mine's blog - Nelson Searcy. Thought I would pass it onto you.

“Success is always temporary. When all is said and done, the only thing you’ll have left is your character”

– Vince Gill, Musician

Facebook is a great way to connect with people you know and those that you knew "back in the day".  Did you know Journey has a Facebook page?  

Check it out and join in...

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

As far back as I can remember I have always loved this time of year. But before we go too far into this, let me tell you something that’s quite personal. I believe in Santa Clause. Now with that being said, I will tell you about a wonderful Christmas.

Growing up I lived with parents that were God centered, church goers. I lived with a mother that stayed home for me and my sister, and a hard working father that provided well for us. Throughout the year things were just as normal as any other family on our street. We had all we needed but we were far from being spoiled. On an occasional trip to the grocery store I might talk my mom into some sort of toy, but it was not until Christmas day when our world changed.

My mom and dad would give and give…Oops. What I meant to say was, Christmas morning me and my sister would wake up and yell to my parents, “did he come yet”, and they would say, “Hang on, let us go and check”. Inevitably Santa had been there. But let’s talk about the most memorable Christmas.

It was the year I first started to drive, and yes, Santa had come. For it was verified by the yell “Mom, Did he come yet” and the traditional glimpse into the family room by the parents,   "Yes, he has come". It was at that time me and my sister would rush into the room and as she would look to the left of the room I always knew to look to the right. This is where I would find the most awesome, cool, far out, stuff a sixteen year old boy would ever find under a Christmas tree. If you could only imagine the shine and the thrill that I had as I walked into this room. For this is where it started. This room was filled with the ingredients of the makings of the nicest 65 mustang. It was a few years before this when my dad had given me a wrecked mustang, which each summer I would work towards fixing it up. So this Christmas I walk into our large family room with the smell of a fire coming from the large red brick fireplace at the end of this room, I see my first glimpse of heaven. This room was filled with chrome rims with wide tires for the back and narrow tires for the front. Along with this there was a chrome package for the engine of this soon to be beautiful midnight blue 65 mustang. But wait there was more, there was an interior package that even came with a chrome foot print for the gas pedal, gear shift, new door locks, and a set of window rollers. All which match the chrome and wooden steering wheel. Look there’s more, there were gas shocks for my wide tires, headers, a large four barrel carburetor, a high rise manifold, a low profile chrome air cleaner, and chrome head covers.  In an instant “Santa” had given me the parts to make my freshly painted midnight blue mustang a near show car. This Christmas was the best, and to beat all, the girls loved my car. In fact it was right after that when I met Lisa (now my wife soon to be for 26 years). Don’t say anything, but, she was jealous of my car.

This was my most memorable Christmas, however, as I got older I realize that it is only because of my Father in heaven that I was so blessed, and it wasn’t the gifts. You see, God blessed me with a loving family.  A father that taught me the importance of being a provider and a leader, he taught me how to love as I saw him care for and love my mother. And my mother, she was a blessing, for she was always there when you needed her, she was a stay home mom. And she was good at it. When I got home from school she was always there. She played football with me, she taught me to respect the girls, and she taught me what a Godly person was all about.  My parents taught me how to love God. You see my father loved my mother and my mother respected my father. And because of this I too have this kind of love in my home. There is nothing more important than family if God comes first.

So I say, this is my favorite time of the year. Christ was born this day. God gave us only one gift that we can take with us and that is love. God is love.

Merry Christmas

Mark Grisham

 

Hey everyone!  See you tonight at one of our Journey Christmas Eve Services.  They will be at 3:30 PM or 5:00 PM at Parkridge.

Merry Christmas,

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

Today, 4 years ago, the Darago family arrived in Peoria to being working at Journey Church.  It many ways it seems just like yesterday, but at the same time so much has happened in the last 4 years I can't believe it has only been 4 years!

From time to time friends from our last church will ask us if we are happy and if we are glad we moved.  While there are a few days in July and August where we wonder why we live here (who doesn't), it is easy to tell our friends that we would not miss this for the world!

As far as Christie and I are concerned we do not want to be anywhere else.  The cool thing is, we not only love being here, but we sense this is where God wants us as well!  

Thanks for making the last 4 years all that is has been!  We look forward to many many more great God honoring memories in the future!

On the journey with you,

Joe & Christie Darago

Yesterday we looked at heaven as described to us in Revelation 21 & 22 by the apostle John.  It made me think of that song that goes something like this...

Heaven is a wonderful place, filled with glory and grace, I wanna see my Saviors face, cause heaven is a wonderful place (I wanna go there echo)

Do you know that song?  If so, sing it with your kids today as you run around the room acting crazy!  Don't have kids at home, run around anyway!

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

Here we go, another installment of Jarrod’s iPod...

‘Hear Our Prayers’ from the album “Tonight the Stars Speak” by the band The Glorious Unseen.  This song is cry of desperation, a humbling of ourselves.  A prayer to make our hearts true and lift up an offering to Him. 

‘Dreaming With A Broken Heart’ from the album “Continuum” by John Mayer

This song has so much emotion behind it. A broken heart, longing for that love to be back, wondering what he could have done different. I’m a sucker for the blues.

‘Humble Me’ from the album “Feels Like Home” by Norah Jones

Struggles in life tend to humble us.  This song tells a story of a young woman and her journey in that moment.

‘Undignified’ from the album “Can You Hear Us?”  by David Crowder Band

This song comes from a quote by King David in Psalms when he is criticized for dancing around in his skivvies while praising God. David tells his wife, “I will celebrate before the Lord. I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes.” See, David didn’t care what he looked like to others, he just wanted to give glory to God. This song is about having passion and excitement for the Lord, even when others might think you are a bit weird or undignified. 

‘A Message’  from the album “X&Y” by Coldplay

Just a great song about love. You could interpret this song from multiple perspectives.  

‘Tears of the Saints’ from the album “Sound of Melodies” by Leeland

This song speaks of all those who are suffering and in need.  We are called to help them.  We are called to lead them back to the Father.  

Well that’s all for now!  I’ll be back next month for more installments of “What’s on my iPod”!  Have a great day everyone!  - Jarrod

"I am going to prepare a place for you.  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.  You know the way to the place where I am going.  I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me."

Jesus (recorded in John 14)

Okay, so we have covered a lot of ground this week... or is it a lot of sky cause we are talking about heaven.. never mind.

What questions do you have?  Thoughts?  Different perspectives?

Post them here!

Joe

Now that we have done a little research on this subject of the "Intermediate State" here is my attempt to put a time line together.  I will use myself as an example, but please know I hope to see you Sunday :)

1. Joe dies a spectacular death and the world morns for months

2. Joe's physical body is buried in a prominent spot in the city after a large processional and much fan fair. 

3. Joe's body stays in the ground and his spirit/soul/mind go to be with the Lord in the current "intermediate heaven" or "intermediate hell", but we will assume the later even though it is a stretch

4. Joe enjoys his time in intermediate heaven with those who also have trusted Christ on earth.  During this time he is aware of his surrounding and his past life.  

5. After a period of time set by the Father,  Joe lines up with other redeemed people and joins Christ's second return, the resurrection from the dead, and the rapture of the Church.  At this point he gets his new "spiritual body" spoken of by Paul in 1 Corinthians.  It fits him perfect and looks a heck of a lot better than his old body.  He looks over his shoulder for back hair, but in the excitement looses his train of thought.

6. Along with the redeemed, Joe reigns with Christ during the 1000 year period known as the Millennium.

7. After the Great White Throne Judgement Joe watches the New Heavens and New Earth come to rest on the redeemed ground of the Old Earth.  It is here that he finds his future resting place and continues to serve the Creator God.  What new adventures and tasks await Joe?  Only the Father knows for sure, but He is awfully creative and has a way of doing the unexpected.  So whatever it is it will be great!

I have referenced Randy Alcorn's book a few times in my messages this month and thought his stuff on this "Intermediate Heaven" is worth reading.

Check out this link for his thoughts and be sure to surf around on his site for other great info on the afterlife.

Randy Alcorn On Pre-resurrected State

Thanks,

Joe

This last Sunday we looked at what happens to us within 5 minutes after we die. If you did not get a chance to catch it you can listen to it here.  During the message I referenced the temporary new reality that we will enter in if we die before the second return of Christ, the rapture of the church, and the Great White Throne Judgement spoken of at the end of Revelation.  Over the next few days I will be posting more explanation around what is known as the "Intermediate Heaven" and "Intermediate Hell".

It will be helpful for you if you take some time and get familiar with a few passages that speak of this reality and the coming reality in God's unfolding eternal plan.  Read these passages here and check back tomorrow as we continue our dialogue.

Luke 16:19-31 Passage From Sunday

Luke 23:32-43 When Do You Enter Paradise

1 Corinthians 15:1-58 Resurrection

1 Thessalonians 4:13-5:11 Rapture

Revelation 19:11-20:10 Millennial Kingdom

Revelation 20:11-15 Great White Throne Judgement

Revelation 21 & 22 New Heavens & New Earth (Final Heaven)

Thanks for seeking God!

Joe

I am Amy Nicole Scott.  I was born to California but QUICKLY moved to Texas!  I am a Texas girl, through & through!  I grew up in a small town in west Texas that we called Stanton, America.  It was our world.  I grew up going to church every time the doors where open.  When I was about seven I remember 'walking down the isle' to ask Jesus in my heart.  I then would keep asking Him in my heart before every meal and before going to bed!  I drove my Mom crazy.  I don't think I understood that He would never leave me.  I still have a hard time with that today!  In our Grey Astro van me and my mom knelt down in the back and I asked Jesus to come and STAY!  Some days I wake up and I am amazed HE is still here with me and that He loves me and has a special plan for me.  

Then because of a job change we moved at the end of my Junior year of high school to a even smaller town in East Texas.  My world was turned upside down!  I think God was pushing me out of my comfort zone and preparing me for His plan.

I met and married my hubby, Justin right out of high school.  We had two baby girls in the first few years of our marriage.  He came home one day from work and said we are moving to Scottsdale, Arizona.  I said..."Excuse me?  Don't you know both of our families are here and all our friends.  This was not what I had planned...."  Then I slowly heard a small, quiet voice in my heart telling me this is MY plan for you.  I had an indescribable peace.  I think the closer you get to HIM the more scary and vulnerable it gets but there has always been a peace that I would not trade for all the riches or even my way! 

After moving to Arizona God blessed us with another baby, Jordan Taylor.  I have learned many lessons with that little guy and I'm sure allot more are to follow.  But most of all of HIS goodness!

We built our first home in Vistancia in November of '07 and I ran into Karen Grieser who I had meet a Mom's group in Scottsdale.  She told me about her church, Journey.  Before I got home she had e-mailed me with Journey's web site link.  I went that Sunday and had not missed a week!  I remember walking into Journey knowing that I wanted to be apart of whatever they are doing!  I felt that they loved God and loved people.  Sign me up!

In February, I was looking for my place.  I knew God wanted me and our family here but didn't know where.  That week Joe got up and said they where looking for someone to run the kids area for K-5th.  I thought this might be it!  Of coarse I had many doubts!  The biggest was I'm not qualified or I'm not the one you want to use God?  Send someone else...Feeling allot like Moses!  I prayed and felt as though God was again pushing my out!  I had NO IDEA what I was in for!  I am challenged weekly and sometimes I do make some mistakes.  But God is not looking for perfection He wants a willing and obedient heart that is ready to do the next right thing!  

There is a line in our Christmas Program that says, "I can't believe I wanted so much less than ALL God had planned for me!"  

I am BLOWN away by the kids a Journey they love to hear about Jesus.  They can't get enough of Him!  Lucky for me He never runs out!  I love them and I feel most alive when I am in there watching them praise God!  So cool!  Come join us anytime!  I am going to warn ya it's crazy fun!

So today I wake up and say what's next....and hold on tight because He takes me for the ride of a lifetime!  

Living (so much MORE than) the dream!

Amy Scott

Journey Grade School Coordinator

Most all of you know me by my nickname Lisa.  My full name is Elizabeth Marie Engstrom.  I am a native of AZ and I grew up mostly in Glendale.  Growing up we lived in the same home for 17 years, my mom, dad, and two younger sisters.  My whole life I knew that when I grew up all I wanted to be was a mom.  

After high school I knew I didn't want to go to college so I worked various jobs as an office manager, a day care worker and an assistant director of a daycare.  That is actually where I met my husband Bob of 11 years.  We met a year after I graduated high school and we married two years later in Aug. of 1997.  

After leading a lot less than perfect lifestyle I came to know the Lord at the age of 21.  Bob & I have two beautiful teenage daughters Laurissa and Michelle and a beautiful little boy Nathan Allen who I can't believe is two years old already!  I am doing what I know God has created me to do - working with kids and raising my own!  

Just the other day I was thinking about our little guy and how I know every detail about him even when I'm not looking at him.  Then something amazing hit me... I was reminded how our Heavenly Father knows every single detail about us.  How much more He, the one who created us knows us inside and out!  

We have been a part of Journey since Oct. 2005 when we could walk to church.  We used to live right down the street and that is how we found out about Journey.  We have since moved to Vistanica with a couple other moves in between.  It was in the summer of 2006 when Joe approached me about the children's ministry position.  There was a need that both Journey and the Engstrom family had.  Journey was looking for someone to oversee the preschool children's ministry and we were looking for a little extra income to put towards the adoption of our son.  God always provides at just the right time.  I said yes and have been enjoying every day of serving your little ones!  It was truly a gift that came right from God!  When you say "YES" to God it opens up doors you never thought existed.  Have you said
"yes" to God lately?  

Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Finding joy in serving Him,

Lisa Engstrom

Christmas is humility expressed by divinity.  Here is a great quote about humility to ponder this Christmas season in regards to our own humility.

"The sufficiency of my merit is to know that my merit is not sufficient."

— St. Augustine

Last Sunday I referenced the book Heaven by Randy Alcorn.  Did you know he has a kids book by the same title?

We have read some of it with our kids and it is easy to follow.  You might want to pick it up for your kids or for a family member. 

You can read about the book here.

Thanks,

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

I love a good story!  Have you ever noticed how powerful they are?  Jesus often taught using stories and for good reason.  We remember stories much more than we remember simple facts.

I would love for you to share your stories with me.  Shoot me an email and tell me your story.

Thanks,

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

joe@lifeisajourney.org

Today I am in Tampa for the last gathering of the coaching network I have been a part of.  I have mentioned this from up front from time to time and even referenced it in yesterday's post.  

Some of you might be wondering what a coaching network is.  In November of last year I was at a conference for pastors here in AZ lead by a guy I respect and have learned a lot from through various resources and books.  His name is Nelson Searcy and he leads a church in New York City called, are you ready for this, The Journey.  I know I know... but I promise I did not find out about the guy until 95 and by then our Journey was already over a year old!  

Anywho... at the conference here in AZ Nelson put in a plug for his coaching network and I put in to be a part of it.  It was a long shot, but I thought the worst that could happen is he could say no (thanks dad for that advice).  The reason it was a long shot is because for this network close to 100 people applied for it from around the country and they only accepted 18.  Imagine how shocked I was when I received a call saying a spot was available to me!  

So once a month for 8 months I have been flying to Tampa and meeting with 18 other pastors from across the country.  We have talked about church leadership, evangelism, trends in ministry, and have read tons of books.   I lost track around 20, but let's just say I have not read so much since college!

A special thanks at this point to the elders of Journey for supporting me in this development.  By far this has been the most enriching and motivating time for me as a leader in my 15 years of ministry!  I have grown personally and "professionally" (if I can use that word) in so many ways I can't believe it.

All of this makes me want to ask you... are you growing and developing in your personal and professional life?  If not, take advantage of the turn of this calendar year and get a plan together to grow.  You might not have a formal network to join, but you can find a few others to help you as you help them.

On the journey with you,

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

A few weeks ago in a message I mentioned a pastor in one of my leadership networks named Tommie Kyllonen.  He is a great guy with a genuine heart for God that is totally contagious.  What I love about Tommie, a.k.a. Urban D, is that he is being himself, using his gifts, and making a difference for God!

I want to grow up to be like Tommie some day!  

Watch this

C u tomorrow,

Joe Darago

Yesterday we started a new series called So Your Dead Now What...

Death is one of those things that most of us have questions about.  So what are yours?  Post them and maybe we will hit one this series or write a blog about them.

Thanks,

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

ps. If you missed the first message listen to it here

I wanted to pass on a great webtool for you to use in your Bible study.  Biblegateway.com is a site I use often.  On it you can search for verses or key words in just about any available translation, download a verse of the day widget, access Bible commentaries, audio Bibles, and lots of other stuff.

The Bible Gateway was started in 1993 by a college student (figures) named Nick Hengeveld.  I am thankful for his efforts and think you should bookmark this helpful tool.  Thanks Nick!

Check it out today.

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

"I am enough of an artist to draw freely upon my imagination. Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."
- Albert Einstein

I read a book by a new author back in the day named Erwin McManus, who is the Lead Pastor of a church called Mosaic that meets in multiple locations in the LA area.  The book is titled An Unstoppable Force and it is about God's plan to change the world through the church.  Since then I have read many of McManus' books, listened to him on a podcast, and have visited his church in So Cal a few times.  

What I appreciate about McManus is his ability to see things that others cannot see and then communicate it in a clear and simple way.  If you are looking for some books to add to your reading list or buy for somebody this season I want to recommend him to you.  

Click this link to view his books and learn more about them.

On the journey with you,

Joe Darago

Lead Pastor

Mars Hill is a great church in Seattle. So while you are sipping your Seattle drink 

this morning check out this short video by Senior Pastor Mark Driscoll.

So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of
great things. Behold how great a forest is set aflame by such a small
fire! James 3:5 (NASB)

We have all seen footage of forest fires. Some of you may have even
witnessed one in person. I remember earlier this year seeing a pillar of
smoke just north of where I live. It looked to me to be just a couple of
miles north of my house. In my novice judgment I also thought it looked
like a fire that may have covered the area of a few city blocks at best.
I was very surprised to learn that the fire actually covered an area of
thousands of acres and was actually somewhere beyond 20 miles north of
my
house. Each year forest fires cause massive destruction to the forest
and
manmade structures. There is also a human toll to many of these fires.
The damage done by these fires takes years to repair and in the instance
of a lost loved one there is a lifetime of loss.

None of these fires spontaneously starts over several square miles at
once. They are all started by some small event. Often a lightning
strike,
an improperly maintained campfire, sparks from a train, or even a
carelessly discarded cigarette cause a very small fire that grows to
gargantuan proportions. Sometimes there is intent to cause damage, but
many times the offense is completely innocent. When we are in a forest
full of ripe tender you must be exceedingly careful that we do not
initiate something that we cannot control. In the same way, as
Christians, we must always be aware that what we say can and will affect
those around us. I know that I am not always conscious of the effect
that
my words have on those around me. I often carelessly toss a comment "out
the window" that causes irreparable damage to those around me. That
comment can cause damage that I am not able to repair. It may even cause
someone that does not believe in Christ saving grace to be turned off to
pursuing a relationship with him. It is my responsibility to be
conscious
that words mean things and I cannot carelessly throw them around and
expect that there will be no consequences.

Tobin Stratman

Beth Tippery and her family (long time Journey folks) headed to Rocky Point this Thanksgiving.  This was no ordinary vacation, but more of a mission of sorts.  Ginny, Beth's daughter, went to this same location with our student ministries group in the Summer to build a family a house.  On this trip they went back to spend time with the family.  I asked her to write about it.  I hope you enjoy her contributer to our blog.  I am proud to know people like this!

Wow what a day! We were picked up this morning by Pastor Manuel who
took us to meet the family, Miguel and Carmena! We had our truck
full of food and the back of Manuel's truck was full of clothes,
hygiene products, school supplies and toys. When we got to the
house, the family came running out to meet us! They recognized
Ginny immediatley and the kids were drawn to her. Miguel and
Carmena greeted us with hugs and smiles. Miguel speaks pretty good
English so we were able to communicate with him, Manuel and his wife
did not stay with us. We unloaded all the clothes and Kati, the
oldest daughter was the first one in the bags! It was exciting to
meet everyone. We then fed them a traditional American Thanksgiving
dinner- turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans. They loved
everything but the green beans. And of course, we brought
chocolate!! Before we knew it Noah and David were involved in a
soccer and baseball game with the children!

We visited for several hours before saying goodbye - we told them we
would be back to see them in March and Miguel said dinner would be
on them this time. Mexican carne asada, guacamole and flour
tortillas!

It was a great day and the best way to spend Thanksgiving!

Miguel told us to tell everyone who came to help with the house,
THANK YOU SO MUCH and anytime anyone wants to come see them, he will
wait for them all day! Their house is your house!

Miguel also stated their new house was fantastic because it keeps
the rain out and it is much warmer on the cooler evenings!

The Tippery's

“What’s on my iPod”.....Christmas Edition

Here we go, another installment of Jarrod’s iPod...

‘Silent Night’  from the album “Wintersong” by Sarah McLachlan. Sarah does a great version of this Christmas classic. Un-mistakable voice!

‘I Wanna a Hippopotamus for Christmas’

This is an oldie, who sings it? According to legend, this 1953 hit was recorded as a fund-raiser to bring the city zoo a hippo. 10 year old, Gayla Peevey sang it, and when released nationally by Columbia Records the song shot to the top of the charts, and the city zoo got a baby hippo named Matilda.

I love hearing Payton Darago singing this song! We took our families to an assisted living home last Christmas and sang carols for them.  Payton nails this song, she is awesome! I’m sure if you ask her she’ll hum a few bars for ya!

‘Better Days’ from the Goo Goo Dolls 

Not your typical Christmas song....or is it!?  

Great meaning behind the song, even though it’s not usually hailed a Christmas tune.

‘Christmas Sarajevo 12/24’  by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Nuthin’ like a little electric guitar to liven up the Christmas tunes!

‘Little Drummer Boy’  by Jars Of Clay

I know it’s a really repeated Christmas song by everyone under the sun, but I love this version, Jars Of Clay did a great job.

‘Merry Christmas to You’ by Nat King Cole

My Gram loved Nat.  When we visited them at Christmas time I was sure to hear that soulful singing! 

‘White Christmas’ by Bing Crosby

What a golden voice!  This song reminds me of 5th grade living in Flagstaff. The snow had fallen over night. It was a pure blanket that hadn’t been walked through or shoveled away, and we woke up to a cozy wood burning stove and hot coco on Christmas morning. There was Bing whistling on the radio...

Well that’s all for now!  I’ll be back with more installments of “What’s on my iPod”!  Have a great Christmas everyone!  - Jarrod