I try to get the lights on the house before Thanksgiving, weather permitting, and then turn them on Thanksgiving evening. I try to keep it pretty traditional. There are no flashing lights, synchronized music/light show, or projected images…just lights, red, green, and white. It’s not that I don’t care for all of the other types of displays, I just no longer have the energy or finances to invest in all sorts of animation, lights and sound. I think a simple display of lights has a way of calming the nerves and soothing the soul.

As soon as the Turkey has been consumed and the last football game has been played on Thanksgiving Day, all thoughts turn to Christmas. For children it is the most special time of year. For many adults it is a time of fond memories.

The bear in this image is about 35 years young and the rocking chair is entering it’s seventh decade. They both belong to me. One year my job required that we relocate to Dallas, TX and I would be there by myself for a couple of months, so my wife bought me a roommate. His name is Boomer. Yes, I am an Oklahoma Sooner by birth and education so it was only natural that my personal mascot carry the pride of Oklahoma. The rocking chair was something that Santa left under my tree around 70 years ago. I was probably about two. Several years ago I refinished it and now it sits under the tree again. Our grandkids have all sat in this special piece of furniture. I’ve been waiting all year for this. Have a blessed day.

Throughout history empires have risen only to fall, kingdoms have been established only to be overthrown and nations have ruled only to be replaced by a new order. But there is one kingdom that has always been and will always be. The Bible tells us that “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” The names of God include “The Alpha & Omega”, “I Am”.  This father of all  creation sent His son to live among us and pay the price for sin, which the Bible says, “The wages of sin is death.” Christ’s journey began in Bethlehem and ended on a hill called Calvary. Those who believe in Him will never die but will live with him forever because He Shall Reign Forever!

During the Christmas season our home, our city, and our church are filled with decorations and ornaments of the season. I enjoy photographing these scenes and vignettes to share with you. In a small way consider this your invitation to celebrate Noel and come see what God has done.

Welcome, welcome, welcome to my ninth annual Christmas Music Marathon. Each year, beginning on the Friday after Thanksgiving, I will post a new image and video celebrating Christmas. The purpose of this marathon is to give you an opportunity to take a few minutes out of your day and focus on the true meaning of the season. You will see and hear some of your favorite classic Christmas melodies and I feel pretty confident that you will be introduced to some new-to-you songs as well. So sit back give a listen and plan on stopping by each day until Christmas. I have been known to extend the celebration until the new year. One tradition within the tradition is the first song in the marathon.

Over the next few weeks all of us will be surfing the net and visiting local retailers looking for gifts for friends and family. At times, it can get pretty hectic. On that first Christmas the focus was on finding a room for the night and paying taxes. After a day of walking through malls and big box stores, pause for a few minutes and take a walk through Bethlehem. Let the celebration begin…Merry Christmas!

 

This week the theme is Thanksgiving, that is songs that express being thankful. As a nation, The United States of America has been blessed beyond measure and has more to be thankful for than any nation on earth. The Christian influence on our founding fathers and the documents that govern this country cannot be ignored. Whether individually, or corporately we are greatly blessed and highly favored. Happy Thanksgiving.

Just a reminder to all that the day after Thanksgiving will begin my annual Christmas Music Marathon. There will be a new song or two, along with a photo, each day that reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas and the One whose birth we celebrate. Some come back each day for some tunes you may have loved since childhood and some songs you may have never heard before. This year will be my ninth installment of this blogging tradition. Please join me when you can. Here is a sneak preview of what you can expect.

See you on Friday!

High School Hoops

This has been one of the most colorful autumns in several years. The second tree is my favorite tree in the entire county. I think it is a nearly perfect shape and its color never disappoints.

I took these images while walking the Road Less Traveled that I posted earlier. There is beauty in the big picture as well as the details when hiking in the woods. Have a blessed day.