Friday, November 30, 2012

2012 Christmas Music Marathon Day 9

This week-end edition of the Music Marathon will feature one of the best choirs in all of America, The Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir.  Enjoy.



Thursday, November 29, 2012

2012 Christmas Music Marathon Day 8


I am almost always amazed at what our Creator does with sunrises and sunsets.  They serve as a reminder to me that He is sovereign and in control.  Even in times of trouble or personal difficulties, nothing happens without God's knowledge and consent.  When questioned by Pilate, prior to His crucifixion, Pilate said, " Do You not know that I have power to crucify You, and power to release You?" Christ answered Pilate by saying, "You could have no power at all against Me unless it had been granted from above."  Bad things happen to good people. Events take place that may not always be His will, but God will allow us to suffer the consequences of our own actions.  He may also allow collateral damage, those seemingly innocent bystanders to suffer loss.  I can't explain why God allows some things to happen the way they do, I just have to have the faith that God knows best and trust Him.  The Bible tells us, "...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."  Thank you Lord for providing Your Word to supply my every need.  I can be strengthened, comforted, consoled, encouraged, challenged, chastised, blessed, and most importantly, find the gift of eternal life, in the pages of Your Bible.
Today, the Christmas Music Marathon continues with a couple of more contemporary groups, Mercy Me and Third Day.  Enjoy your week-end, but stop by for more music as the marathon will go straight thru until Christmas, and maybe the new year.



Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Christmas Music Marathon Day 7

It's time for a little Christmas music from the Southern Gospel genre.  One of my favorite groups has always been Signature Sound Quartet.  Here are a couple of my favorite songs from them.  Enjoy.



Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Christmas Music Marathon Day 6

Wordless Wednesday

Memories of Christmas' Past

"Then the angel of the Lord said to her, Rejoice hightly favored one, the Lord is with our blessed are you among women...And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus.  He will be great, and will be called the Son of The Highest..." (Luke 2:28, 31-32)

One can only wonder what went through Mary's mind when the angel Gabriel visited her that night and gave her the news that she would be the one that God would use to bring His gift of love and salvation into this world.  Did Mary truly understand all that she was told?  Did she comprehend the scope of her mission?  One can only ask, "Mary Did You Know?"


Monday, November 26, 2012

Christmas Music Marathon Day 5



My wife has a talent for creating decorations of all sorts.  Give her some real or artificial  flowers, some ribbon and a few other accessories, and you will be amazed at what she will create.  I will post a few other examples of her work, as it relates to Christmas in the coming days.  Not many people are as talented as my wife is, in this area.  However, we are all talented in some area.
The God of all creation put each of us on this planet for a reason.  He has given every individual a unique personality along with a variety of talents and gifts.  He expects us to use our talents to bring honor and glory to Him.  The greatest gift ever given to man is the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ.  Like all gifts, we mus accept that gift before it can become ours.  We must acknowledge our need for a Savior, repent of our sinful behavior, confess our sins to the Lord, accept that Christ is indeed the Son of the Living God and invite Him into our heart.  Christ himself said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with Me.  To him who overcomes, I will grant to sit with Me on My throne..." (Rev.3:20-21) 
There is a gift waiting for you at the door of your heart.  If you choose to accept it, then all of the other talents and gifts that you possess will make sense and can be used for the purpose for which they were intended.  If you have already accepted that gift of eternal life, then how are you using the other talents that our Creator has blessed you with?  The best way to use most of our gifts, is to give them away in service to Him.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Christmas Music Marathon Day 4

Well, Thanksgiving is over, Black Friday has come and gone, some have even done their Cyber Monday shopping, all in the name of the spirit of giving.  One has to ask, what is the true motivation for all of this giving.  Why do we fight the crowds, brave the weather, stand in endless lines, just to purchase something that may get returned?  I suppose some go through all of this to impress those who will receive the gifts.  We hope they will be impressed with our selection, and maybe even know that we spent a significant amount on them.  Others make an attempt to indicate how important someone is in their life by the gift that is offered.  You spend more on your kids than you do on those in the office gift exchange.  Still others are seeking some sort of acceptance.  If we can just give a good enough gift, the recipient will like us more.  In the midst of the madness, there is a tendency to forget what Christmas is truly all about.
Christmas is about love.  More importantly, it is about God's love for us.  In fact, the Bible tells us that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)  God has provided us with a way to have an everlasting relationship with Him.  But there is only one way.  Christ himself said, "I am the way, the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)  God's love for His creation and His desire to have an everlasting fellowship with us, is His motivation for the gift of eternal life through His son, Jesus Christ.  This is what is at the heart of Christmas.


Saturday, November 24, 2012

2012 Christmas Music Marathon Day 3

Thanksgiving Day
Thanksgiving 2012 was a blessed day.  Our immediate family gathered, dined and enjoyed an afternoon together.  It all started the day before.

The two younger grand daughters came out to the house to spend the night and help Nana get ready for Thanksgiving.  They helped prepare some specially decorated cupcakes and some special decorations for the pumpkin pie.  They also assisted in setting the table.  A little later it was time for some popcorn and a little TV before going to bed.

 Here are the special "Gobbler" cupcakes.

The table was set with all of the family favorite dishes.  There was mashed potatoes, dressing, corn, cranberry salad, and another cool whip/marshmellow/jello salad that some of us eat as dessert.  There was also the traditional pumpkin and pecan pies.  Yes, there was turkey.  Looking at the first photo and this table setting, I am reminded just how blessed this family is.  We are together, we have our health, and we enjoy spending time together.  Thank you Lord for all that  you have given us this day and every day.
For whatever reason, the grand crew had been to Cabela's recently and got bit by the archery/shooting bug.
I don't own a bow, but I do have a pellet rifle and they were all for a little target practice in the back yard.

 I set up a target in the back yard.  Since our back yard is adjacent to the woods, a missed shot will fall harmlessly into the ravine.  Here, my son-in-law and three of the grand crew prepare to lock and load.
 After a little instruction from Papa. This grand daughter was starting to hit the target on a pretty regular basis.  I'm not sure what we've started, but I do know that all of the kids Christmas wish lists now include a pellet rifle.  Go figure.

 Even my daughter got into the act.  I don't know if that is a good thing or not.  Just sayin'
All in all, it was a great day.  The holidays are indeed about family and today was a great family day.

The Christmas Music Marathon continues with a couple of more videos from contemporary groups.  Stop by every day to see what new music will be featured.  Enjoy.
  

Friday, November 23, 2012

2012 Christmas Music Marathon Day 2

Have you ever received a gift that disappointed you just a little bit?  I mean, you really wanted something for Christmas.  You dropped hints.  You dreamed about how great Christmas Day would be when you found that special gift under the tree.  But instead you got a different gift...not exactly what  you were expecting.  Only later did you realize that the gift that had, at first disappointed, was truly the gift that you needed.  At the time of Christ, most of His people were looking for a Messiah.  That is, they were looking for someone to free them from Roman rule.  The were looking for a military/political leader to establish a new kingdom here on earth.  Instead, God sent a carpenter...the gift that we truly needed. God sent the one that could free their souls for eternity and give the gift of eternal life.  It is a gift that is still available to those who will receive it and it is still the gift that we all truly need.

Thursday, November 22, 2012

2012 Christmas Music Marathon-Day 1

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Today marks the return of two of my favorite things. It's been a long time since I posted a Skywatch Friday and today marks the beginning of the 2012 Christmas Music Marathon. When I was posting to Skywatch Friday on a regular basis, I would also post an inspirational song for the week. I will return to that practice as well. Black Friday marks the true beginning of the Christmas season for the retail world. We will be overwhelmed with product ads trying to get us to purchase things that we probably don't need. We just survived a political campaign in which two candidates tried to persuade us that they were best suited to run the country, and now it's time to endure endless Christmas ads. Let's take a few moments each day for the next few weeks to focus on the real reason for the season. A Savior is born. Let's "Take a Walk Through Bethlehem". Let the season begin!

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

Not So Wordless Wednesday


Centerpiece
One of the most creative people I know is the person that I married.  My wife has a gift for event planning, decorations, and interior design.  She has had no formal training in these areas, but there is no denying her talent.  The arrangement pictured above is just a glimpse of her skills.  During the next few weeks, you will see other examples of her gifts because Christmas is coming and I am married to one of Santa's elves.  She likes nothing better than turning the house into a show place of Christmas spirit.
Than brings me to another upcoming event.  DrillerAA's Christmas Music Marathon will begin this Friday.  This is the third annual event.  Each day I will post one or more Christmas video's along with other Christmas oriented thoughtsHere is an example of what you can expect in the coming days.
  


So, if you're looking for a little more Christ in your Christmas, stop by here and see what music is celebrating the birth of a Savior.  See you on Friday.  Happy Thanksgiving all.

Monday, November 19, 2012

Ruby Tuesday

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I found this little jewel at a local car show a few months back.  I was scrolling through my photos to see if I had anything that I could use for Ruby Tuesday and there it was and now, here it is.  Happy Ruby Tuesday all.
Okay, this is Thanksgiving week and some of you know what that means.  On Friday I will begin posting my third annual Christmas Music Marathon.  There will be a new post and a new Christmas themed music video each day until Christmas day, maybe even until New Years day.  The music will range from traditional carols, to hymns, to contemporary Christian music.  The focus of the music will be the birth of our Savior.  In a day and time when we push the limits of material possessions, in the name of "holiday spirit", I have decided that for 30 days, I will make an effort to put Christ back in Christmas.  Stop by Friday for the first post of the Christmas season here at Driller's Place.  See you then.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

Touchdown Friday Night

Last night I went to a local high school football game with a friend of mine.  It is play-off season.  My friend helps run the clock, so I got access to the press box.  WooHoo!  I packed up my camera and off we went.  The local team is undefeated, ranked number 1 in the state of Arkansas and favored to win it all this year. Our opponents were from West Memphis.  So, how did the Bentonville Tigers do last night?  Let's see.

 Touchdown Tigers!
 Touchdown Tigers!

 Touchdown Tigers!
 Touchdown Tigers!

Touchdown Tigers!
 Bentonville 42, West Memphis 0!  The Tigers pretty much lived up to their reputation last night.  I enjoyed the photo opportunity, but I would really like to get on the sidelines with my camera.  Maybe next year.  This week we play Ft. Smith Southside in the state semi-finals.

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Lookin" Out My Back Door

We live in a development that has "Green Space".  Actually our green space is true wooded areas.  Since the entire development is over 30,000 acres and has existed as a village/city since the early sixties, there is plenty of mature wooded area.  Our green space is home to a large population of white tail deer.  Our house is adjacent to a green space on two sides.  As a result, there is a herd of deer, 9-12, that run in the ravine behind the house.  Yesterday, this doe walked up on to a knoll behind the house and proceeded to bed down.  It was around 10:00 a.m.  I got my camera and got within 75 feet of her before she spotted me and stood up for a better view.  I took a few photos before she had enough of this modeling gig and headed back into the forest.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Monday, November 12, 2012

Ruby Tuesday

1957 Was A Very Good Year

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Monday, November 5, 2012

Fall Ball 

They say that the quickest way to "The Show" is by way of the catcher's mask.  This is probably the hardest position to play, the hardest on the body, and a position that the big leagues are always looking to fill.  The grandson may never make the show, but he does show a desire to play this position.  I think it's because he's involved in every pitch.

Friday, November 2, 2012

Awsome Concert!

Last night my wife, oldest grand daughter, middle grand daughter, two of their friends, and myself went to see Chris Tomlin in concert.  Chris is one of the premier singer/songwriters in Christian music today.  The place was sold out and the concert was amazing.  It was much more of a praise and worship service than a concert.  If you ever have the chance to go to a Chris Tomlin concert, by all means, secure the tickets and prepare for a wonderful experience.

We had very good seats for this event.  I had the aisle seat about halfway back.  It was an excellent vantage point from which to snap a couple of photos.

One advantage to have a clear view of the big screen monitors, is that you can capture some decent images from them. 
Okay, so some of you may not be familiar with Chris Tomlin.  Here are a few examples of his music for your enjoyment.  It's been too long since I have posted any inspirational music here on Friday's.  I think that needs to change.  Have a great week-end.