Friday, December 30, 2011

From Incumbent to Outcumbent

What would you do if your family budget looked like this? Where are the decision makers when we really need them? Someone has to say, "Enough is enough."

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

26 Seconds! Really?


Am I the only one that fails to see the point of these commercials?  4g Wireless is touted as being up to ten times faster than 3g.  Okay, so what?  Given the fact that 99.99% of cellphone communications are non-critical and that most of that communication is accurately displayed in this ad (mindless web browsing and texting), do I really need that information 26 seconds faster than someone else?  Does it truly change my life for the better? 26 seconds! Really?

Wordless Wednesday

Quack, Quack...Waddle, Waddle

Monday, December 26, 2011

What Do We Do Now?

Christmas is over.  The Christmas Music Marathon is complete for another year.  All of the gifts have been unwrapped, and all of the food has been consumed.  What do we do now?
I'm on vacation the rest of this week, so, at some point the decorations will come down.  I have already started thinking about the 2012 edition of the Christmas Music Marathon and how I might make it better.  First of all, I need to go back and catalog every song that I have posted during the first two marathons, find the very best ones and make sure that they are included in the 2012 edition.  The very last post this year included a photo and scripture.  The photo came from our primary tree.  I think I will be adding more photos and scripture for the 2012 marathon.
Beginning January 2, I am officially semi-retired!  I will be working three days a week.  This will provide some more time for my wife and I to do a little traveling.  We would both like to take a cruise, but we're having some difficulty deciding where we want to go.  It will be either the Caribbean or Alaska.  Oh, we don't have a time frame for it either.
This week will be spent with family.  Christmas week is usually movie week at our house.  We don't see that many movies during the year, but when Christmas week rolls around we will go to the movies several times.  Sometime this week we're going to see Mission Impossible 4 with our daughter, son-in-law and the grandcrew.  New Years Eve we will see War Horse with my sister-in-law and her husband.  We've already seen Sherlock Holmes 2.  It was very good.
2012 will begin with a trip to Dallas, TX and the Cotton Bowl where the Arkansas Razorbacks will take on the Kansas State Wildcats.  We've never been to a major bowl game before, so this should be fun.  Yes, I will have my camera and yes there will be photos posted the following week.
I am actually looking forward to 2012 and my reduced work schedule.  I'm looking forward to spending more time with my wife and family.  I'm looking forward to more fishing and a little more traveling.  So, what does your new year look like?  What do we do now?

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Christmas Music Marathon 2011-The Finale


May the gift that is Christmas live in your heart and your home this season.  May the new year bring peace, joy, and happiness your way.  Thank you for stopping by Driller's Place these past few weeks and watching the videos.  I hope you enjoyed viewing them as much as I enjoyed finding them.  I can't wait til' next year.  I leave you with these final two songs.  Enjoy.




Thursday, December 22, 2011

Skywatch Friday/Christmas Music Marathon 2011-Day 29

Click on badge to view other participants.


Christmas Music Marathon 2011-Day 29

Not only is this my favorite Christmas song, but this is, by far, my favorite video of this song.  In an odd sort of way it reminds me of how the shepherds must have felt when the heavens were filled with angles praising the birth of the Savior.  There are 650 voices in this presentation and I would have LOVED to have been there.  I get chills every time I watch this video.  So, turn up the volume or put on your headphones and prepare to be thrilled.   Enjoy. 


 


So, what have been your favorite video offerings this season?  There are five other songs that are on my list from this year.  Here they are.







Let me know which ones you enjoyed the most and I will save them for next year.  I will post songs for tomorrow and Christmas day, so stop by if you're not too busy.  Otherwise, may the gift of Christmas live in your heart and home this season.  May the God of all Creation make His presence known to you and yours.  May the new year bring peace, joy, and the promise of better days for you and those you love.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
If you are new to Driller's Place, I post a gospel video every Friday, so if you're in need of or, in the mood for a little inspirational music by the end of each week, stop by and see what's up.

Christmas Music Marathon 2011-Day 28

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Wordless Wednesday/Christmas Music Marathon 2011-Day 27

Click on badge to view other participants.

Ready for Christmas 






There are only a few more days left in this years Christmas Music Marathon. Don't miss Friday. There are a couple of special things planned for that day. Merry Christmas to all and may your New Year be blessed.

Monday, December 19, 2011

Ruby Tuesday/Christmas Music Marathon 2011-Day 26

Click on badge to view other participants 

Tis finally Christmas week!  So, I think it is about time that we wished all of you Season's Greetings.

Merry Christmas from our home to yours.

And may your New Year be Blessed...Papa, Nana and the Grandcrew.

Christmas Music Marathon 2011-Day 26
As we move through this final week before Christmas I encourage you to come back each day.  I will try to bring some special music for your enjoyment.  Don't miss Friday.  I have one of my all time favorite videos planned for that day.  I know most of you will be busy Saturday and Sunday, so I am planning something a little special for the end of the work week.
Christmas is a time of giving.  It is a time that we often pay special attention to our family and make an extra effort to be together.  As we gather with our loved ones and exchange gifts, let us be reminded of the one perfect gift that the creator has offered to us, eternal life through His Son.




Christmas Music Marathon 2011-Day 25

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Skywatch Friday/Christmas Music Marathon 2011-Day 22

Click on badge to view other participants


I took this photo last December one morning, on my way to work.  I was a few minutes late getting into the office, but it was worth the effort.

Christmas Music Marathon 2011-Day 22

 Dad
April 10, 1920 - December 16, 2009

Today is the second anniversary of the passing of my Father.  I loved him and I miss him deeply.  He was my hero in more ways than he could have ever known or I was ever able to express.  I have good days, when I don't think about him at all.  I have good days when I remember him with love.  Then, I have those days when I just hurt, because he's not here.  Every child who loses their last parent knows what I'm talking about.  You have made the transition from child to patriarch.  You have become the oldest generation in the family.
No one truly knows how long dad had that lump in his abdomen that would be diagnosed as cancer in September of 2009.  By the time treatment started the outcome was already known.  On December 16, 2009, dad lost his battle with cancer, but won the victory over death's sting.  Even though dad stepped into the eternity and the arms of Christ, deep down inside I would have loved One Last Christmas.




   I rejoice in the fact that dad's chains are gone, and I look forward to that day when my chains will be broken as well.  The chains of disease, sorrow, and death.  As a Christian, when our days are finished here, our chains will be gone and we will rest in arms of our Savior.  This next video is not a Christmas song.  It is one of the songs from dad's memorial service.  It is one of my favorite arrangements of a classic Hymn.  Here is Chris Tomlin singing "Amazing Grace, My Chains Are Gone".

Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 21

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Wordless Wednesday/Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 20

Click on badge to view other participants

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Christmas Music Marathon - Day 20


Monday, December 12, 2011

Ruby Tuesday/Christmas Music Marathon 2011- Day 19

Click on badge to view other participants. 


Santa on vacation.

Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 19

In the midst of the Holiday shopping rush we can lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas.  It's not about the presents.  It's not about the parties or the food, or even the music of the season.  It's about the birth of the Savior.  God, in His marvelous wisdom and grace, provided us with a means to have an eternal relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.  In the midst of all of the hustle and bustle, we could all use a silent night.  Merry Christmas.


Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 18

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Skywatch Friday/Christmas Music Marathon 2011-Day 15

Click on badge to view other participants.

This photo was taken back in February.  I have four or five locations that are favorite places to capture sunrises and sunsets.  They give me great views, without the trappings of civilization.  These areas are free of power lines, traffic lights, buildings etc.  I know that it will not always be like this, so I value these locations and visit them when I know there will be a special opportunity to capture a beautiful moment in nature.

Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 15
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah told us that Christ would come.  His exact words were, "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder.  And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."  On a cold winter night, the city of Bethlehem, Christ is come.




With the birth of a Savior, God made the Glorious Impossible, possible.

Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 14

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Wordless Wednesday/Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 13

The Spirit of Christmas Past
Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 13
 Everyone has a favorite Christmas song and everyone has a favorite artist associated with that song. There are several songs that I count among my favorites and numerous artists that I enjoy listening to.  I have shared several of them with you over the past thirteen days.  Almost everyone counts "O Holy Night" among their Christmas favorites and many artists do outstanding arrangements of this musical icon.  If you have never heard David Phelps do this song, then I encourage you to turn up the volume a little or put on your head phones, brace yourself and listen to perhaps the most powerful arrangement available.  Enjoy.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Ruby Tuesday/ Christmas Music Marathon Day12

Click on badge to view other participants.

This little ceramic ornament was created by my wife quite a few years ago. It is still one of my favorites.

Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 12



Sunday, December 4, 2011

Saturday, December 3, 2011

Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 9

What Child is this?
"For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."  Luke 2:11

Friday, December 2, 2011

Skywatch Friday/Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 8

Click on badge to view other participants 


Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 8
Have you ever wondered what happens while you are sleeping?  Well the world around you goes on.  Half a world away it is mid-day and people are going about their business.  Where you live, the night shift is at work.  You get up in the morning and turn on the radio or the television to see or hear what happened in the world, while you were sleeping.  There was a time without radio, television, or any form of mass communication.  On a cold winter night, in Bethlehem, while the city slept, a Savior was born and the world has never been the same.  May the Joy that is this season live in your home.


Thursday, December 1, 2011

Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 7

Christ was born in order that we might have life and have life everlasting.  You can read his story in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.  Merry Christmas all.  May the Joy that is this season dwell in your home.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Wordless Wednesday/Christmas Music Marathon 2011-Day 6

Click on badge to view other participants.
A Baby Changes Everything


Christmas Music Marathon - Day 6

Have you ever noticed how the birth of a baby changes the dynamics of a family?   A couple becomes parents.  Parents become grandparents, while brothers and sisters become aunts and uncles.  There is joy in the house.  There is excitement everywhere.
This is especially true with the birth of Christ.  He changed the way we deal with sin.  The God of all creation sent His Son to live a sinless life among us.  Jesus willingly gave that life as a sacrifice for our sins so that we might have eternal life.  Yes, on that first Christmas night in Bethlehem, "A Baby Changes Everything".



So what should our response be to this life changing event? We have been given a gift that is beyond our comprehension and there is nothing that we can say or do, to earn or repay such a marvelous thing as eternal life. We must however, accept that gift. There can be only one appropriate response. Once we have acknowledged our need for a Savior, accepted Christ as that Savior and invited Him into our hearts, our only response can be adoration. "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful."



Don't forget to come back each day for a new video...or two. Have a blessed Christmas Holiday. To God be the glory.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Ruby Tuesday/Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 5

Click on badge to view other participants.

You can expect my Ruby Tuesday and Wordless Wednesday posts to have a Christmas theme for the next few weeks.  This photo is the youngest grand daughter and her sock monkey from last year.  

Christmas Music Marathon
As we move a little deeper into the Christmas season, Christmas music will fill the air.  Did you know that there has always been music associated with the birth of Christ.

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” 

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”


Today will be a double-header music day.  Enjoy.


Monday, November 28, 2011

Christmas Music Marathon 2011 - Day 4

 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. "   John 3:16-17

God's heart desires that we spend an eternity in a perfect relationship with our creator. The choice is ours. God revealed His heart to us on a night in Bethlehem. Enjoy.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Christmas Music Marathon 2011- Day 3

Thanksgiving turkey, and the leftovers have been consumed.  The madness that is Black Friday has come and gone.  The Christmas season is officially here.  It's a time to decorate the house, put up the tree, wrap the presents, send the cards, but most of all, it is a "Time of Joy".  May the joy of the season live in your heart.  Enjoy this song from Karen Peck and New River.


Saturday, November 26, 2011

Christmas Music Marathon - Day 2

Mary did you know?



Gabriel Announces Christ’s Birth
26 Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”
29 But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was. 30 Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name JESUS. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end.”


Mary Miraculously Conceives

34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”
35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”
38 Then Mary said, “Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.


One can only imagine what went through Mary's mind the following days and weeks.  Did she really realize what was happening to her.  Did she truly realize who her Son was going to be?  The lyrics to this song were written by Mark Lowery.  The first arrangement I ever heard was done by Kathy Mattea.  I think it may still be my favorite arrangement of this song.  "Mary Did You Know?"  Enjoy


Thursday, November 24, 2011

Skywatch Firday & Christmas Music Marathon Season II

Click on badge to view other participants.


Christmas Music Marathon - Season II
Last year I began a new tradition on this blog.  I posted a Christmas music video every day from December 1, thru Christmas Day.  I enjoyed searching out the music so much, that I am going to do it again.  I would say that I am bringing this back by popular demand, but that would be stretching the truth.  The truth is this, the Christmas season begins the day after Thanksgiving in the Driller abode.  I place Christmas music in the home stereo and both cars.  I have two playlists on my computer of Christmas music, about 8 hours each, that I take to the office and play for my enjoyment.  While you are reading this post, I will probably be putting up the Christmas lights around the house and we will be setting up the tree this week-end.  During the next 30 days, you will hear music from some of my favorite artists including, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, John Berry, Signature Sound, The Gaither Vocal Band, David Phelps, Kathy Matea, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir and others.  Last year I started with a video from Signature Sound.  I am going to start this season with the boys again, only  a different song.  Let's start this year's celebration with "Changed by a Baby Boy"  Enjoy.


Come back each day for a new song celebrating the birth of the Savior.  Jesus IS the reason for the season and His birth will be celebrated here!

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Click on badge to view other participants.

Evening Worship

Come back for Skywatch Friday and the start of my 2nd Annual Christmas Music Marathon.  Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Ruby Tuesday

Click on badge to view other participants.

A Man and His Dog

My daughter and son-in-law have a dog...a Yorkshire Terrier.  Taz is not exactly a "manly" dog, if you know what I mean.  Recently my daughter had the opportunity to rescue an abandoned pup, a black lab mix.  Wylie will be a much more manly canine one of these days.  I think the ruby red leash is perfect for him.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Skywatch Friday Thoughts and More

Click on badge to view other participants.

Turnberry Isle Resort

In October I took a business trip to Turnberry Isle Resort in Florida.  It is located between Ft. Lauderdale and Miami.  It is a very nice place to spend a couple days.  Earlier in the year I stayed at the Fountain Bleu in Miami.  I like Turnberry much better.  It is a more relaxed environment.  The photo above was the view from my balcony on the fourth floor.  It is a beautiful place to spend a few days, but it's not home.  Regardless of how beautiful a place I am required to stay when traveling on business, I always look forward to getting on that plane and coming home to Northwest Arkansas.  For the Christian, this world is much the same way.  It may be the only place we know, and it may may be as well manicured as the Turnberry, but it is not home.  Our home is in a place prepared for us by our Savior.  As I grow older, I understand a little better why some senior adult Christians are ready to go home.  I'm not as thin as I once was, and never will be again.  I'm not as athletic as I once was, and never will be again.  Age has a way of taking a little of the joy out of life, but there is a place where neither age nor physical condition will not be an issue.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not ready to go just yet, but I do understand the message in this gospel favorite. There will come a day when I will say,  "Precious Lord, Lead Me Home".  Have a blessed week-end.


Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

Click on badge to view other participants.

High Rent Bird House

Monday, November 14, 2011

Ruby Tuesday

Click on badge to view other participants

This past week-end found us taking the youngest granddaughter to her soccer tournament in Tulsa, well actually Sand Springs, Ok.  One of our opponents were in all red uniforms, so it made a perfect Ruby Tuesday photo opportunity.  These girls are 9-10 years of age.  They are just beginning to show some real soccer skills and teamwork at this age.
We won this match 2-0, which was a bit of an upset.  The other team was much bigger and I believe most of their girls were at the older end of the age bracket.  Tulsa soccer clubs are usually very good, so it was a big deal to beat one of their clubs.
The granddaughter is not in any of these photos.  These just happen to be what I picked out for Ruby Tuesday.  I've got other captures of her that I will share later.  Happy Ruby Tuesday all.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Skywatch Friday Thoughts and More

 Click on badge to view other participants.


Recently we were in Tulsa, my home town, for a Gaither Homecoming concert.  We took a day to visit a few places I have not visited in a very long time.  One of our stops was the Tulsa Rose Garden.  Scroll down to my Wordless Wednesday post to see the flowers.  This is the greenhouse located on the grounds.  The main building is a mansion built in 1919.  There is a carriage house and this green house located immediately behind the mansion.  I cannot imagine living at this scale.  The Rose Garden, Woodward Park, and the mansion make up a very special place, prepared for the enjoyment of the citizens of Tulsa.
I am reminded that there is a place prepared for me and it is far beyond my imagination.  My Creator, Savior, and Heavenly Father have prepared it for me.  As beautiful as the grounds of the Rose Garden are, they will pale in comparison to that place that I will spend eternity.  For that reason, I don't want to get adjusted to this world.  The Gaithers say it much better than I.  Enjoy and have a blessed week-end.


Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Wordless Wednesday

 Click on badge to view other participants.

Tulsa Rose Garden - November 2011