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.

Not Dory

Aww Mondays

“I’m not a morning puppy”

 

Monday’s Music Moves Me

The theme for this week is heaven or hell. I choose heaven and I am going to choose inspirational/gospel/contemporary Christian music to express thoughts on heaven. Like most genres of music, there are multiple options in the inspirational category. One can choose country, southern gospel, contemporary Christian, hymns of the church, rock, or praise and worship and I happen to like a little of each. Regardless of the situation that I find myself in, I know that I can count on one name to call on. Christ has told me that He is the only way to heaven and He has assured me that He will always hear my voice and meet my needs. Sometimes I don’t know what I need, but He does, so Jesus is the “Only Name” I Need.

There are times when all of us feel lost, unloved, disrespected, or forgotten. The evangelist Charles Spurgeon reminds us that “The God who hung the stars and knows each of them by name is in no danger of forgetting about one of His children.” We can praise Him when all is well, we can run to Him when all seems a mess. God desires the fellowship of His children, so much so that He sent His only Son to die on a cross for the sins of this world. What have I done to deserve a love like this? Absolutely nothing!

So where can I find this love, mercy, grace, and forgiveness? It is found at the cross.

Scripture tells us that our bodies are temples created by God and we are to present them as a living sacrifice to Him. In other words, it is God’s will that His creation accept the sacrifice of Christ, seek His forgiveness, and receive the gift of eternal life. It is in my best interest to make Christ the “King of My Heart”.
Have a blessed week.