Aww Monday

My first dog 1954. His name was Muggs and yes he was a Cocker Spaniel.

My current dog Lucy, and yes, she is a Cocker Spaniel.

Monday’s Music Moves Me

A while back our fearless leader, Curious as a Cathy contacted me about co-hosting a month of 4M. I have never hosted nor co-hosted a blog hop, so I am not sure how this is going to go. I consider it an honor to join the others who participate in this endeavor. The best things about this blog hop is that I get to hear music that is new to me and I also get to revisit music from my past that I have forgotten about over the years. So with your patience and understanding, here we go.

This week is supposed to be a freedom of choice week but since Independence day is just around the corner, I am going to get an early start on my Songs of Independence theme.  I don’t know about you but I am forever grateful that I was born, raised and live in the USA. When you look at the world around us and consider all of the places where you could have entered this world and all of the trials and tribulations that might have been a part of your everyday life, it is easier to see just how blessed we are to be born and bred U. S. citizens. Few nations offer their citizens the the freedoms and opportunities found in this great country. I am doubly thankful for having been born and raised in the the great state of Oklahoma. Although we now call Arkansas home, Oklahoma will always have my heart. I love the honesty, friendliness, and independent nature of people in this part of the world. I love that I have always lived in smaller cities and communities and that the countryside has always been just a few minutes drive from my residence. We lived in Dallas for a couple of years and while I love the people of Texas, Dallas was just more people that I wanted to deal with on a daily basis. But, like I said, I am forever grateful that I was “Born in the USA”!

I am truly thankful that our country has come to realize the sacrifices that those in the military make in order for the rest of the citizens to enjoy living the American Dream. It hasn’t always been that way. I was drafted into the military in 1966 and deployed to Vietnam in 1967. The Vietnam war caused some of the worst civil unrest in history of  this country and a portion of the anger was directed at those soldiers returning home. One needs to keep in mind that a soldier does not pick the cause nor his adversary. He does not select the battle nor debate the validity of the conflict. A soldier goes where he is ordered, engages the enemy of his day and if necessary gives his life for a cause chosen for him by his government. War takes its toll on everyone who serves and it is impossible to explain the personal impact that combat has on those who survive. For those of us fortunate enough to return from the war, we were the Fortunate Sons.

On September 11, 2001 our world was turned upside down when two hijacked airliners were flown into the World Trade Center Towers and killed more Americans than we lost in the attack on Pearl Harbor. Thus we were thrust into the war on terrorism and it continues to this day. Americans saw live, what an act of terrorism looks like and the brutal reality of war. It left a hole in the ground and another one in the heart of this nation.

Today the war on terrorism continues. But just in case you were wondering, this is what freedom looks and sounds like.

Our nation is divided on a number of issues and the two sides don’t always seem to be truly interested in solving the problems set before them. Still, this is the land of the free and the home of the brave and for all of it’s scars, bumps, bruises, and imperfections, it is still America the Beautiful. Have a blessed week.

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Just Add Water

 

Last Light of the Day

 

 

 

 

Aww Monday’s

Don’t tell me you wouldn’t take this little fur ball home if you had the chance. You would scoop him up in a heart beat and you know it!

Monday’s Music Moves Me

Okay boys and girls it’s another “Your Choice” week on the 4M dance floor. Last October I posted songs from one of my all-time favorite groups and artist, John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Today I think I will revisit the Fogerty songbook and see what I can find. I believe that I will concentrate on songs that mostly didn’t make radio playlists. You had to own the album to even know these songs were done by John or CCR.

First up is a song that is gospel in nature. That’s right, John Fogerty did a gospel number. Fogerty and CCR were pioneers in what came to be known as swamp rock and they could play with any country band as well. Most country artists have a gospel album in their discography so it isn’t a real surprise to find that Fogerty recorded at least one gospel song. This song, the background vocals and this video bring visions of Elvis and the Jordanaires to mind.

After the break up of Creedence Clearwater Revival, John Fogerty launched a solo career. Legal battles prevented him from playing many, if not all of his CCR hits. He had to start over. His most successful album was probably “Centerfield”. The title song is played at almost every minor league ball part in the country. Another cut from that album that is lesser know is this tune, Rock ‘n Roll Girls.

My favorite solo album from Fogerty is probably “Revival”. There is such a variety of music, lyrics, and range of vocals that it truly shows John’s immense range of talent. I love this next song.

The roots of Creedence Clearwater Revival are clearly evident in this next tune. The familiar rhythms and vocals are pure Creedence, but the music is solely Fogerty.

My last selection will also come from the Revival album. This song should have been a top country tune. The lyrics were written by Forgerty and is a testimony of his life before and after meeting his wife. Enjoy and have a blessed week everyone.

 

Morning Light

Images from patio flowers in morning light

 

Aww Monday’s

We’re Learning to Share

Monday’s Music Moves Me

This week the theme is sponsored by co-hostess Xmas-Dolly and it’s her birthday.  To celebrate and wish her the very best, the first song is to be our choice as a birthday gift/tribute to our hostess. This could go all sorts of different directions, but if you know me you know that it’s about to get a little quirky.

Still in birthday mode, the next song title was required to start with the first letter of our first name. My first name starts with “J” and in keeping with the party mood of this post I have chosen John Fogerty preforming Jambalaya. Have a blessed birthday my blogging friend.

Steel Horses & Riders

 

 

Aww Mondays

Monday’s Music Moves Me

Once again we arrive at a “Your Choice” week on the 4M calendar. I haven’t really thought much about this post. While we are high and dry here in Northwest Arkansas, much of our state is underwater with historic all time record flooding. Northeast Oklahoma is experiencing much of the same thing as the Arkansas River basin is full, the ground is soaked and there is just no place for the water to go. People have lost their homes who never thought that they would ever be touched by flood waters and they have no flood insurance. It will take weeks for the waters to recede and the river to return to it’s banks. From Tulsa to Ft. Smith the Arkansas River is out of control.

River Spirit Casino – Tulsa, OK

Ft. Smith, AR

It will be a couple of weeks before people can return to their homes and clean-up can begin. While these are a strong willed, courageous, pioneer breed of people, the endless rain, flood and now the restoration process will wear on the body, mind and soul. Keep these fellow Americans in your thoughts and prayers throughout the coming days.

I have always found music to be satisfying to the soul and in this time of difficulty, I have always turned to the music that points me to the Creator. Regardless of my situation, my Creator is there to give me strength, courage, compassion, faith, and perseverance. Whenever we feel like we have been abandoned and forgotten by God, it is good to remember the words of Charles Spurgeon, “The one who hung the stars and knows each of them by name is in no danger of forgetting about one of His children.” So, what music encourages you during the tough times?

At first all may seem to be lost and our faith may be hanging by a thread, but even a little faith can get us through to the next day. Our God knows our situation and is ever present, even if all seems lost…keep the faith.

When disaster strikes and someone we love finds themselves in a state of shock and faced with rebuilding their life, it is difficult to find the right words of encouragement and comfort. Most of the time they don’t need the cliches and standard Bible quotes that will come their way. They need a hug, a shoulder to cry on, and an ear to listen to their story. They need some one to come along side them and walk with them. There is a time for all of the encouraging words, but not right now.

What really makes a difference in the lives of people during challenging times is love. The love of God expressed through His people to those in need by providing food, shelter, help in cleaning up and just being there for those who are suffering. The most uplifting thing in this life is love. Love lifted me.

When you’re in the middle of the storm it is hard to see that peaceful shore. The life you once called normal seems to far away and impossible to reconstruct. For the believer, faith tells us that our life may be different, but everything that comes into our life comes with the purpose of bringing us closer to our Creator, giving us a testimony of faith, and bringing honor to the God of all creation. No matter what my situation, it is well with my Soul. Have a blessed week.