O Come, O Come Emmanuel

Last updated on: December 1, 2014 at 2:36 am By Esther O’Reilly

Most people sing this carol during Christmastime, but technically it’s an Advent carol. For this reason, I am featuring it for the first week of Advent instead of waiting to add it to my “essential tracks of Christmas” (and yes, there are more of those on the way, as soon as I finish out this bone-crusher of a semester). There are many versions of this, but my absolute favorite is entirely instrumental. The artist is Casting Crowns, in an unexpectedly lovely turn from Melodee Devevo... Read more

"As God is my witness…"

Last updated on: November 27, 2014 at 2:56 am By Esther O’Reilly

…I thought turkeys could fly. Happy Thanksgiving! Read more

On Bill Cosby and What We'd Hoped Him To Be

Last updated on: November 25, 2014 at 7:48 am By Esther O’Reilly

In a taped concert by gospel trio The Booth Brothers, Michael Booth said something about Bill Gaither that I’ve never forgotten. Speaking of Bill’s friendship and encouragement as the young gospel trio made their rise, Michael said, “Bill is exactly who you would hope him to be.” He was kind, gracious and generous, Michael said. Exactly as fans who do not know Bill personally but have been blessed by his music would hope him to be. For decades, Bill Cosby... Read more

Monday Morning Humor: That's the Worst

Last updated on: November 24, 2014 at 2:00 am By Esther O’Reilly

Really. The worst. Read more

Quick Thoughts On Some New Movies

Last updated on: July 28, 2018 at 11:25 pm By Esther O’Reilly

A number of films are just now being released or are going to be released soon that have piqued my curiosity. Below are my quick first impressions of each of them together with some preview clips. Interstellar: I’ve already seen this movie once and am dragging my father to go see it with me again soon for a nerdy daddy-daughter date. The latest from every geek’s favorite director, Chris Nolan, it’s my favorite movie of the year so far, and I plan... Read more

Southern Gospel Lookalikes

Last updated on: November 17, 2014 at 2:07 am By Esther O’Reilly

[This post has turned out to be quite popular! WordPress tells me it has about 100 hits from Facebook alone. Anyone know whose account? Thanks!] Let’s have a little fun. Below are four actors I’ve chosen for their resemblance to some of my favorite southern gospel singers. All thumbnails are clickable for a closer look. First, here’s one many fans have been noticing for ages: beloved singer/actor Jim Nabors and Ernie Haase, particularly in his Cathedrals days when his hair... Read more

The Definitive Hymns: "Just As I Am"

Last updated on: November 13, 2014 at 3:00 am By Esther O’Reilly

It’s every Baptist’s favorite hymn today! Raise your hand if you’ve hummed along to this one while someone walked up the aisle. Just put it up quietly, nobody’s looking around… yes, I see that hand! Actually, today I must give fair warning: I’m breaking my pattern thus far and selecting an arrangement that pairs the words to a new melody. This is extremely unusual for this series. I can’t think of any other installment currently in the works where I’m planning... Read more

To the Men Who Took the Cliffs

Last updated on: June 5, 2019 at 11:41 pm By Esther O’Reilly

To the boys of Pointe du Hoc, a toast. To the men who took the cliffs. To the men who slogged through mud and blood, who gathered up and buried the remains of worthy comrades, a toast. To the flyer boys who piloted their ships towards danger, laughing it to scorn, a toast. To the ones who went to tend the wounded under fire, a toast. To the one who waited patiently for the day when he would come home running to the... Read more

The Berlin Wall: 25 Years

Last updated on: November 9, 2014 at 1:13 pm By Esther O’Reilly

I would be remiss if I did not write something acknowledging the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall today. While I did not live through this chapter in civilization’s history, I’m confident that most of you have, and I’m confident that most of you can remember where you were when you heard the news—the news that the wall was down. Today, we remember this moment in time as the end of an era, the end of an empire.... Read more

Video of the Week: Signature Sound's Smallest Member

Last updated on: November 7, 2014 at 4:05 am By Esther O’Reilly

Signature Sound bass Paul Harkey recently brought his baby boy on-stage for a special performance of “Thank God For Kids.” In a word, squee! Check out the official Provident upload: Read more