2017 Christmas Music Marathon - Day 28

Soon we will be exchanging gifts, sharing food and fellowship with friends and family. Time will be spent with those we love and memories will be made. The greatest gift of all was shared with us by our Creator. Jesus is called Prince of Peace, Emmanuel, Savior, and yes his birth brought this world Glorious Impossible. Have a blessed day.

Skywatch Friday

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How important is it to live well each day?  While the sunset signals the end of another day in our lives, it gives no promise for another tomorrow.  Therefore, it should be important to each of us to live this day well.  How does one live a day well.  I think it would be important to make an effort to make the lives of those around you a little better than it was yesterday.  A word of encouragement, a smile, a hug, whatever it takes to make someone's day better is a worthwhile endeavor.  This is critical when it comes to our family.  Relationships are the most important part of life.  

The most important relationship is the one that God wants to have with each of us.  Christ said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no one comes to the Father, except through me."  Eternal life only gained through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  God created all life, so He gets to make the rules, and that's the rule.

The second most important relationship is the one that we have with our spouse.  Unfortunately, over half of all marriages end in divorce.  Somewhere along the line we have failed to understand the marriage relationship and it is apparently not worth the effort, to many people, to work on improving their marriage relationship.  It appears to be easier to walk out of the relationship than stand together and forge a lasting marriage.  That is a sad comment on our society.  Again, a smile, a word of encouragement, a hug can go a long way toward keeping a marriage together.

The next most important relationship is the one with our family.  How do we treat our children, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc.?  The fact that we consider 1.2 million unborn children too much of an inconvenience to allow them the first breath of life speaks volumes about how we value life in general.  We should not be surprised at the many tragic events that children in this society are exposed to, when we don't seem to have a problem with terminating their lives prior to birth.  When does life begin, seems to be the question.  God says, that before you were formed in the womb, He knew you!  Think about that.  

Thank you Lord for the gift of life and the gift of eternal life.  You are indeed the Alpha and Omega.

2012 Christmas Music Marathon Day 30

Baking Christmas goodies at Nana's house is a tradition in our family. Here, Nana, our daughter, and the three grand daughters pause for a photo during the activities.

In years past the girls have always enjoyed spending a day at Nana's house playing in the dough, cutting cookies and decorating them before popping them into the oven. It is one of the highlights of the Christmas holiday around our house. It's hard to believe that the photo below is only nine years old. We were renting a duplex while our home was under construction. That means that the girls were 2,3, and 7. Now they are 11, 12, and 16! Time flies when you're having fun.

 This Christmas our country is in need of joy.  Recent events have taken a lot of the joy out of the heart of America, and with good reason.  There are no simple answers for why things happen the way that they do, and now is not the time to sermonize the situation.  Christmas is a time for joy and a time to give joy to those around us.  God gave us the ultimate gift of joy when He gave us His son, Jesus Christ.  Through Christ, salvation is available, eternal life is available, and unspeakable joy is available.  When we need it, in difficult times, strength, comfort, and wisdom are available.  This Christmas season, we need all of the above.

 

Christmas Music Marathon Day 20

Ornaments

2012 Christmas Music Marathon

Christmas Music Marathon Day12

Santa Claus Is Coming to Town

Friday Thoughts and More

I have departed from my usual Skywatch Friday post this week.  I know that will cost me a number of visitors, but I just felt it was necessary to post something different.

Since I am now semi-retired, Thursday and Friday are now free for me to pursue things that interest me, like fishing and photography.  Most Thursday mornings will find me on one of several lakes in the area attempting to catch bream or bass.  On one of those small, private lakes I came upon this scene.  It is an abandoned dock.  There is still a house at the top of the hill, and I am sure it is occupied, but the dock seems to have been forgotten.  The owners may have grown too old to use it, and there is no family around to bring it back to life.  One can only imagine the joy that this structure once witnessed.

While the scene is very pastoral and peaceful, one cannot help but feel a little saddened by the fact that this place no longer enhances the lives of the owners.  There is a rod holder on one of the posts that indicates fishing took place here.  The lamps and benches tell of evenings spent on the dock in conversations with friends and family.  This was once a very happy place.  Now it is just weathering the storms of life and waiting for that day when it will be no more.
We Christians are often like this dock.  There are times our lives when our relationship with Christ is alive and filled with hope, joy, and great expectations.  We read His word, worship in His church, and spend time in prayer, seeking to obey His will for our lives.  Somewhere along the journey, we begin to neglect the relationship.  Each day, it gets a little easier to not read our Bible, fail to pray, or attend worship services with other believers.  Sooner our later our Christian life begins to look a lot like this dock.  I think I've got some repairs to make, what about you?  I think I'll start by asking for forgiveness.

Skywatch Friday Thoughts and More

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Not everything that happens in the sky is a natural occurrence.  I believe that, occasionally, God reminds us of His presence though other means.  When I looked into the heavens and saw these crossing contrails, I was still reminded that He is present, He is watching, and He cares about me.

38 Years and Counting

May 11, 1974

Today my wife and I celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary.  I know that she is a precious gift that God prepared for me and I know that my life would not be the same without her.  She is absolutely the best thing that ever happened to me and I am ever thankful that she is my wife.  I probably don't tell her that often enough. 

In a day and age when half of all marriages fail, one might ask, what is the secret to a successful relationship.  Here are my thoughts from several years ago.

First of all, God loves us and everything He does for us is for our benefit. He created the institution of marriage to be enjoyed by a man and a woman and to bring each of them happiness. The Bible tells us that God loved us so much that He gave His Son to die on a cross for us so that we might, through faith, have eternal live. Christ tells the husband that he is to love his wife with the same love that Christ loves the church and gave himself for that church (Ephesians 5:25). If I love my wife with that kind of love, then everything I do, I do because I love her and I want her to be happy. I want her to be pleased with this relationship. I want my Lord to be pleased with me as a man who loves his wife and realizes that his wife is a gift from God created especially for me and for my happiness.
Secondly, marriage is a partnership. Like any relationship, it takes work to maintain that relationship in peak condition. A happy marriage doesn't "just happen". Both of us are committed to the relationship and to each other because we love one another and it is our desire that our partner be happy in this relationship. No major decision in this relationship is made without prayer and conversation. God is not the author of confusion, therefore He will not give my wife a different answer to an issue than the one that He gives me. Again, God created the institution of marriage for our benefit, not for our demise.
Finally, I married a woman far better than I deserve. I thank my Lord and Savior for her every day. My wife is the most thoughtful, caring and giving person that I know. Proverbs 31:10-12 says, "An excellent wife, who can find? For her worth is far above jewels. The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will have no lack of gain. She does him good and not evil all the days of her life." I have found that woman. Proverbs 31:25-30 further states, "Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future. She opens her mouth in wisdom, and teaching of kindness is on her toungue. She looks well to the ways of her houselold, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and bless her; her husband also, and he praises her, saying: Many daughters have done nobly, but you excel them all. Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised." I married such a woman.
So, back to the original question, "What's the Secret?" The answer is, you have to give yourself to the marriage. You have to give yourself to your spouse. Whatever you have within you, you have to "Give it Away."

Skywatch Friday Thoughts and More

Skywatch Rewind III

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Going through the archives I keep finding images that I enjoy viewing again and I think you might like to see as well.  I am fortunate to have three or four places that I can go to photograph sunrises and sunsets that are free of power lines, traffic, light poles and other obstructions.  These are not great expanses of space, just places with great views.

As I review these images I am reminded of the privilege that I have to enjoy God's creation.  Not everyone is so fortunate.  This week the Gaither Vocal Band says it all.  I am "Greatly Blessed".  Enjoy.

Skywatch Friday

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Skywatch Rewind II

While I'm taking a bit of a blogging break, here are a few more images from the archives. 

While the images may be recycled, the inspirational songs continue to be ones making their first appearance here in the blog.  We are just around the corner from attending the National Quartet convention in Louisville, KY, September 12-17.  I can't wait.  One of the featured groups will be the Gaither Vocal Band.  They are the best in the business when in comes to Southern Gospel music.  The images above are a collection of sunrises and sunsets.  They are the alpha and omega of the day, the beginning and the end.  When it comes to the Alpha and the Omega of our being there is only One.  The King of kings and the Lord of lords.  Have a blessed week-end and enjoy the Gaither Vocal Band.

Skywatch Friday

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Last week we spent four days with the family at Still Waters Resort on Table Rock Lake, MO.  It is just outside of Branson.  We had a wonderful time.  One evening I was able to capture this view of the marina.  Every time I look at this capture, it brings a smile to my face and a sense of peace to me.  It was a very relaxing vacation.  We all need a little down time in our lives.  I pray that you are able to spend a few days with those you love, doing things that bring you joy.
Today is the beginning of the 4th of July week-end.  It is a time when this nation celebrates it's independence.  One thing that we must never forget, is that freedom is not free.  It is paid for with the blood of men and women willing to lay down their lives in order that we may enjoy a lifestyle unlike anywhere else on this earth.  From our founding fathers to those currently serving around the globe, this nation is blessed with young people who are willing to stand in harms way to protect our freedom and prevent the spread of those values that threaten it, regardless of the source.  This Independence Day, remember to thank a service personnel or a veteran for their sacrifice.  Thank the families who must live without their serviceman while he/she is away.  Until the Lord returns, this is the only way to Let Freedom Ring.  Have a blessed week-end.

Skywatch Friday Thoughts and More

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Space for lease...DishNetwork included.

Skywatch Friday, Christmas Marathon Music-Day 24

December Sunset

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After posting only one song from the Gaither Vocal Band during the first two and a half weeks of this Christmas Music Marathon, it seems that this last week is a regular Gaither concert. That's okay, they're among the best in the business and they do some of the most original Christmas music around.
Matthew 28:19-20 tells us to go and make disciples of all people. Most of us would consider the original twelve apostles to be the first messengers of the Good News, but as this song points out Mary Was The First One To Carry The Gospel. Enjoy.


Tomorrow is the final song in this musical journey. I know it is Christmas, but I hope you will take a few minutes to stop by and listen to the final number. I think you will find it worth your time. See you then.
I doubt if I will post much next week. I will be on vacation. I don't have anything special planned for my time off, but I don't think I will be spending much time in front of the computer scheduling posts for the second decade of the new year. I trust that you and your friends, family, and loved ones have a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year. May the one true light of this season shine in your life and may He make Himself known to you in a very special way this coming year. Blessings to all.

Okay, one last song before I call it a day.  It is from the same concert at the previous video.  The birth of our Savior does indeed give Christians something to shout about.  Here is Jeff and Sheri Easter singing Something To Shout About.  Enjoy.


That's it. I'm through playin' now. See ya tomorrow.