2017 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 7

Have you ever look into the clear star filled night sky and declared, "Oh what a glorious night"? Gazing into the heavens after dark can give us a little perspective on just how small we really are in the grand scheme of things. On one glorious night God chose to reveal His love for all of mankind to some shepherds in a field. Why shepherds? They were truly second class citizens of their day. God showed us that salvation and eternal life if available to everyone and that every person He created is precious to Him. On one glorious night, Heaven Came Down! Have a blessed day.

2017 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 6

One of the best things about the Christmas season is that most people seem to be in a giving mood. Employees at retail stores seem to be a little more helpful and strangers seem to be more willing to say hello, Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas. For a few brief weeks we seem to be able to push aside many of our differences, negative news and unkind words in favor of a little kindness, love, and understanding. It's like there's a little bit of Heaven Everywhere. Have a blessed day.

2017 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 5

The book of Luke tells us that Mary traveled to Bethlehem with Joseph even though she was very near delivering her first born child. Joseph probably took his betrothed with him to protect her from unkind treatment by those who did not understand what was truly going on. Mary was most likely the subject of much gossip in Nazareth and Joseph was not going to allow her to be put to shame. We can all learn something from this part of their journey. It is not wise to gossip or ridicule someone when we have not walked in their shoes. We make assumptions based on incorrect information and we miss blessings because we don't take time to understand. Today many in this world miss the blessing of eternal life because they have not taken the time to understand what God has done for them through His son, Jesus Christ. Is there room in your heart for a Savior? Have a blessed day.

2017 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 4

Soon after Thanksgiving is over, our thoughts turn to Christmas. Yes, there is shopping to be done, decorating the house inside and out as well as listening to Christmas music. When we turn our thoughts to that greatest gift and His purpose to bring peace on earth by bringing peace to the hearts of men, it is hard not to say everyday, "Let it be Christmas". Have a blessed day.

2017 Christmas Music Marathond - Day 3

We celebrate Christmas with decorations, gifts, food, and time with our family. It is easy to forget the trials and tribulation that Mary & Joseph endured to bring our Savior into this world. From the time Mary was told by the angel that she had been chosen to be the mother of God's only child until the night Christ was born, their lives were filled with hardships. I can only imagine that at some point they would encourage each other with the words, "We're Almost There". Have a blessed day.

2017 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 2

One of the things that I like to do during the Christmas season is photograph decorations and ornaments. So, over the next few weeks you will see images from our home, our family, our city, and our church. It is my way of inviting you to celebrate Noel and come to see what God has done.  Have a blessed day.

2017 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 1

Welcome to the eighth annual Christmas Music Marathon! Eight years are you kidding me? As stated every year, the purpose of this series of posts is to take you mind off of the commercial madness that surrounds this season and help you focus on the true meaning of Christmas through music. Each day between now and Christmas, you can come to this blog and read a short devotional thought, see Christmas celebrated by my family, and watch Christmas music videos that convey the message of the season.
Today, I begin with my traditional beginning. You may drive around your town and look at all of retailers trying to get your business. You will turn on the television and every ad seems to be about giving gifts to those you love. Nearly 2000 years ago God gave us the greatest gift of all, a Savior, Jesus Christ...and it all happened in a little town called Bethlehem. Let's take a walk through Bethlehem. I'm glad you're here and I hope you drop by often. Have a blessed holiday season.

Wordless Wednesday

 Final Autumn Leaves

Happy Thanksgiving everyone. This is the last post before the 2017 annual Christmas Music Marathon begins. Come back Friday to start getting in the Christmas spirit with music that celebrates the true meaning of the season.

Awe...some Mondays - Countdown to a Marathon

It's hard to believe, but Friday I will begin posting my 8th Christmas Music Marathon. If you don't know what it is let me explain. Beginning the day after Thanksgiving I will post a photo, a music video or two...maybe three and a devotional thought that attempts to focus our attention on the true meaning of Christmas. You are cordially invited to drop by listen to the music, enjoy the photos and read a short message that will hopefully encourage you during the season. The music will come from traditional hymns, contemporary Christian, Southern Gospel, as well as choirs and orchestras. Here is a sample of the music that will be posted.

It's not Christmas yet, but it will be here before you know it, so join me this Friday to begin celebrating the greatest event in human history, the birth of Jesus Christ. Have a blessed week.

 Click on image to enlarge

Lucy is ready for the 2017 Christmas Music Marathon to begin. The fun starts Friday.

Wordless Wednesday

Autumn 2017 at Big Cedar Lodge

Branson, Misouri

 

 

Awe...some Mondays

Last week we spent three days in Branson, MO. It is a short 2hr drive from the house and is one of the places that we visit several times each year. We went to spend a few days near the lake and I intended to photograph some fall foliage. Well, the weather turned cold, the sky turned gray and I only got a few images of the Autumn colors. We did visit an automobile and farm machinery museum. I fell in love. I have always been a fan of Mustangs, Camaros, and muscle cars in general, but while walking down one of the aisles I spotted these two beauties.

 These are 1957 Cadillac Eldorado Barritz convertibles. They are big, bold and beautiful. I am sure that many of today's automobile designers are envious of the freedom that the designers in the 50's and 60's enjoyed. These motorized parade floats were the symbols of the jet age, space age, and freedom of the open road brought about by the interstate highway system.

Cadillac was the epitome of luxury, style and comfort in automotive design. Mercedes, Jaguar, and even Rolls Royce paled in comparison to the luxury of the Caddy and the Eldorado Barritz was the absolute top of the line. These classics now command six figures from prospective buyers. One look at these land yachts and the only word that comes to mind is ...AWESOME!!! Have a blessed week.

Skywatch Friday

This tree has become my "Fall Color Gauge".  I have photographed it multiple times over the years. I think it has an almost perfect shape and when it bursts into it's fall color, it can be spectacular. This year it is okay. The wind has been blowing a lot since the start of the fall season causing many of the trees to lose some of their foliage and the photo opportunities are lost as well. I will be out this week-end and the first part of next week trying to get some images before the trees are stripped of their splendor. Have a blessed week-end.