Christmas Pictures - Kentucky

On the day after Christmas, Betty and I, along with Wade Daniel, Marie and Juliet, packed up our rental car and headed from Franklin, Tennessee to Bowling Green, Kentucky. My sister, Jane and her husband, Hack, live there. Her oldest son, Kelly and his wife, April, and son, Jory live there. And, Jane and Hack's youngest son, Gary, also lives there.

Here are some pictures from our visit with them.

The Bowling Green clan. From the left, Gary, Jane, Hack, April, Jory, and Kelly.

Jory, Kelly and April in their Christmas Reindeer antlers.

Juliet playing her favorite "put Nana's necklace into her mouth" game.

Papa enjoying some time with Juliet while Kelly looks on and Hack's in the background.

Jane letting Juliet greet their cat, Mellow, who stayed outside during our visit because our daughter-in-law Marie is allergic to cats.

Finally, on Sunday, we drove to the Nashville airport where we said goodbye to Wade Daniel, Marie and Juliet as their plane left before ours.

All, in all it was a good trip. Keep Betty in your prayers. As I'm beginning to come out of my cold, it appears she's coming down with one of her own.

Today is December 31 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Val Kilmer (actor and New Mexico resident, "Batman"), Bebe Neuwirth (actress, Lillith in "Frasier"), Tim Matheson (actor, "Animal House"), John Denver (singer, "Rocky Mountain High"), Ben Kingsley (actor, "Ghandi"), Anthony Hopkins (actor, "The World's Fastest Indian"), Odetta (singer), George Marshall (WWII General), and Henri Matisse (French impressionist painter).

Today in 1775 George Washington orders recruiting officers to accept free blacks into the army. In 1857 Britain's Queen Victoria decided to make Ottawa the capital of Canada. In 1862 President Lincoln signed an act admitting West Virginia to the Union and the USS Monitor sinks off Cape Hatteras, NC., losing sixteen sailors. In 1890 Ellis Island (NYC) opens as a US immigration depot. In 1947 Roy Rogers, 'the King of the Cowboys' (and my boyhood her0), and Dale Evans were married. In 1960 after playing California nightclubs as The Pendletones, Kenny and the Cadets, and Carl and the Passions, a new group emerged this day: The Beach Boys. In 1984 the nation's first mandatory seat belt law went into effect in New York state at midnight. And in 1985 singer Rick Nelson, 45, and six other people were killed when fire broke out aboard a DC-3 that was taking the group to a New Year's Eve performance in Dallas.

Christmas Pictures - Tennessee

I'm still down with this bad cold so I'll just post some pictures from our Christmas trip. This first batch is from our visit with Betty's family in Franklin, Tennessee.

Wade Daniel, Marie and Juliet arriving at the Nashville airport.

The Wade siblings, Bill, Margie, Betty, and Jim. Bill is the retired President of Atlantic Richfield Oil Company. Margie is a retired PhD administrator from Maryville College in St. Louis. And Jim is a retired English teacher who is now teaching at Georgia State University.

Betty's stepmother, Nita, with Michelle. Michelle is our nephew, Patrick's (Jim's son) fiancee. She's a PhD professor from Singapore.

Marie and Juliet showing off to Betty's brother, Jim, in the red t-shirt, her sister, Margie, in the sweatshirt, and her sister-in-law, Noel who is brother Bill's wife.

Our nephew Patrick (Jim's son) and Michelle with some time together.

Juliet, being Juliet.

Papa with his Juliet. This was before I caught the cold.

Our niece, Leslie (Jim's daughter) with her new Welsh Corgi puppy, Colby.

Juliet playing her favorite game with Nana - putting Betty's silver necklace into her mouth.

Nana having a quiet time with Juliet.

Betty got some Nana time with Juliet on Christmas Eve when all the young folks went out to do some shopping.

Tom, Leslie's husband, and Patrick playing a Wii game.

Chris and Javier finally made it on Christmas Eve night after their wreck. Wade Daniel is talking with Javier. Betty is talking with Chris. Margie is showing something to Melissa, Jim's wife, while Michelle listens on.

Colby in his Christmas dress.

Juliet enjoying one of her favorite foods - raspberries. She wears them well.

Marie trying to give attention to both Juliet and Colby.

The first time in a long, long time (over five years) that our family has been together. The only one missing is Chris' wife, Tracy.

Javier modeling some really cool sunglasses he received from Betty's older brother, Bill, and his wife, Noel. Noel said Bill picked out another pair, but when the young saleswoman asked who they were for, she said they would never do and recommended this pair. She was right.

Juliet saying, "Yes, they do taste like chicken." It's a rubber frog she received for Christmas.

Finally, Juliet making your's truly feel like he's the king of the world.

Tomorrow, I'll post some pictures from our visit with my sister and her family in Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Today is December 30 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers basketball player), Tiger Woods (professional golfer), Tracey Ullman (British comedian), Matt Lauer (NBC Today Show host), Meredith Vieira (NBC Today Show host), Davy Jones (singer, The Monkees), Michael Nesmith (singer, The Monkees - his mother invented Liquid Paper), Paul Stookey ( the Paul in Peter, Paul and Mary), Bo Diddley (rock and roll singer), Jack Lord (actor, "Hawaii Five Oh"), and Rudyard Kipling (author, "Gunga Din").

On this day in 1853 the United States bought 45,000 square miles of land along the Gila River from Mexico for $10 million. The deal is known ao the Gadsden Purchase. The area is now southern Arizona and New Mexico. In 1862 the draft of the Emancipation Proclamation is finished and circulated around Lincoln's cabinet for comment. In 1969 Peter, Paul and Mary received a gold record for the single, "Leaving On a Jet Plane". The song was written by John Denver. And in 1970 Paul McCartney sued the other three Beatles to dissolve the partnership and gain control of his interest. The suit touched off a bitter feud between McCartney and the others.

We're Back and A Monday Video

We got back last night from our Christmas visit with family in Tennessee and Kentucky. It was both a great trip and a not-so-great trip.

The great part is we had a wonderful visit with all of our family. We met our niece's new husband and he's a neat guy. We also had some great time with our granddaughter, Juliet. She's beginning to recognize us as her Nana and Papa. She'll even reach for us when she wants us to hold her. I'll have some pictures of her in the next couple of days.

One other great thing is our new grandson, Javier, was able to come down and meet his extended family which was good for him and all of us. We're blessed to have a very welcoming family with a few extroverts who have no problem drawing him into the family.

But his visit was part of the not-so-great. The plan was for Chris, Tracy and Javier to drive down from their home in mid-Ohio to Franklin, Tennessee on Tuesday, 12/23 and make it in time for a dinner we do every year at Betty's sister's home. About 4 in the afternoon we had not heard from them and we knew there was some bad weather in that area. So, I gave them a call on Chris' cell phone.

Chris told me they were behind schedule because of some freezing rain they were experiencing between Cincinnati and Louisville. While he was talking he said, "Oh, oh, we're sliding." Then a few seconds more he said, "We're sliding again and we're going to have an accident. We're going to hit the guard rail."

Then there was a crunching sound and the call was lost.

The only other time I felt this sick at my stomach was when Betty had her bad horseback riding accident. I almost hated telling Betty and the other family members, but I did and there was a dead silence in the room.

After a few minutes, I reluctantly tried to call him again - almost dreading what I would hear or even worse - not hear.

But, Chris answered and he immediately said they were all OK. Tracy had been driving and had dealt pretty well with the first ice patch, but they hit a second and she couldn't control the car. They spun around and went over the guard rail backwards where the car was stuck. At least two wheels were severely damaged and they could smell gas so they were pretty sure their gas tank was ruptured.

So, they were standing on the side of the interstate in the freezing rain under umbrellas. They called AAA and eventually had their car taken to a motel in Carrollton, KY where they spend the night.

On Christmas Eve they arranged to have their car taken back to Ohio where it will be repaired and they got a rental car to come on down. But, Tracy, who is prone to bad, environmentally caused migraines, couldn't handle the new car smell in the rental car so she stayed in the motel on Christmas night. That meant that Chris and Javier only came down for one night and, on Christmas day, returned to spend the night with Tracy and then they returned home to Ohio the day after Christmas. Even though it was cold, Chris and Javier, rode with the windows down so the smell of the car was pretty well gone by the time Tracy got back into the car.

This was the second Christmas sacrifice that Tracy has made. Last year, after Betty's accident, Chris came to New Mexico to be with her for several days and then returned on Christmas Eve. Tracy is a special woman and we're blessed she's our daughter-in-law.

The other not-so-great thing is I caught a really bad cold that started on Christmas day and is still going strong. I haven't slept well and my sinuses are giving me a bad head ache. I also couldn't hold Juliet the last couple of days we were with them, but Betty took up the slack.

Well, enough of that stuff. To lighen the mood, one more Christmas video. It's a hoot so we hope you enjoy it.



Today is December 29 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Jude Law (actor, "The Talented Mr. Ripley"), Ted Danson, (actor, "Cheers"), Marianne Faithfull (singer and girlfriend of Mick Jagger), Jon Voight (actor, "National Treasure" and father of Angelina Jolie), Mary Tyler Moore (actress, "The Mary Tyler Moore Show"), Billy Mitchell (Air Force hero), Andrew Johnson (17th US President), and Charles Goodyear (inventor of strengthened rubber tires).

On this day in 1170 Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in England. In 1778 British troops, attempting a new strategy to defeat the colonials in America, capture Savannah, the capital of Georgia. In 1845 Texas (comprised of the present State of Texas and part of New Mexico, Colorado, and Wyoming) admitted as the 28th state, with the provision that the area (389, 166 square miles) should be divided into no more than five states "of convenient size." In 1848 gas lights were installed at the White House for the first time. In 1851 the first American Young Men's Christian Association was organized, in Boston. In 1852 Emma Snodgrass was arrested in Boston for wearing pants. And in 1890 the last major conflict of the Indian wars takes place at Wounded Knee Creek in South Dakota.

Sunday Reflections - The Legend of the Three Trees

As we fly home from Tennessee this afternoon, I want to share one of my favorite stories - The Legend of the Three Trees.

Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods. They were discussing their hopes and dreams when the first tree said, "Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I will be filled with gold, silver and precious gems. I will be decorated with intricate carving and everyone will see my beauty."

Then the second tree said, "Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world. Everyone will feel safe in me because of the strength of my hull."

Finally the third tree said, "I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches and think of God and the heavens and how close to them I am reaching. I will be the greatest tree of all time and people will always remember me."



After a few years of praying that their dreams would come true, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.

When one woodsman came to the first tree he said, "This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter," and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest.

At the second tree another woodsman said, "This looks like a strong tree. I should be able to sell it to the shipyard." The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship.

When the last woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down his dreams would not come true. The woodsmen said, "I don't need anything special so I'll take this one," and he cut it down."



When the first tree arrived at the carpenters, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for.

The second tree was cut up and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying the Kings and Queens to all parts of the world had come to an end. This was not the future he had prayed for.

The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in a storage building.

The years went by and the three trees forgot their dreams.



Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby into the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that he had held the greatest treasure of all time.

Years later, a group of men got into the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and said, "Peace" and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that he had carried the King of Kings.

Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised into the air to die at the top of a hill. When Sunday came, the tree came to realize that he was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because Jesus had been crucified on him.

As we leave the Christmas season, Betty and I pray that your year will be filled with the knowledge that Jesus has a plan for your life.

The Silent Night

OBERNDORF, Austria --- Each year, on December 24, a special passenger train pulled by a bright red electric locomotive heads out of the train station in Salzburg for a half hour trip to the village of Oberndorf. A multitude of languages can be heard as passengers from all over the globe become Christmas pilgrims, heading for the birthplace of the world's best loved Christmas carol "Silent Night."

At the same time, the Oberndorf streets are crowded with cars bearing license plates from neighboring European countries and filled with people who have raced along the autobahns to arrive in time for the special Christmas Eve "Silent Night" twilight service.

Throughout the world, "Silent Night" which has been translated into more than 200 languages, is an anchor for Christmas celebrations. Its lullaby-like melody and simple message of heavenly peace can be heard from small town street corners in mid-America to magnificent cathedrals in Europe and from outdoor candlelight concerts in Australia to palm thatched huts in northern Peru. The original church of St. Nicholas where "Silent Night" was first heard in 1818 was torn down in the early part of this century after sustaining damage from the flooding of the nearby Salzach River. The Silent Night Chapel was erected on the spot in front of the main altar where Gruber and Mohr stood with the choir to sing the six-stanza carol. In a higher section of town, another church was built and the original pulpit and altars from the old church were moved there. At Christmas Midnight Mass, singers stand in front of the same altars and recreate the moment when the song heard 'round the world' was first performed.

-- Research by Bill Egan, Christmas Historian

Happy Boxing Day

Happy Boxing Day!

When is it? Boxing Day takes place on December 26th or the following Monday if December 26 falls on a Saturday or Sunday. Where did it come from? Boxing Day began in England in the middle of the nineteenth century under Queen Victoria. Also known as St. Stephen's Day, it was a way for the upper class to give gifts of cash, or other goods, to those of the lower classes.

Where is Boxing Day celebrated?
Boxing Day is celebrated in Australia, Britain, New Zealand, and Canada.

How is Boxing Day celebrated?
There seems to be two theories on the origin of Boxing Day and why it is celebrated. The first is that centuries ago, on the day after Christmas, members of the merchant class would give boxes containing food and fruit, clothing, and/or money to trades people and servants. The gifts were an expression of gratitude much like when people receive bonuses from their employer for a job well done. These gifts, given in boxes, gave the holiday it's name, "Boxing Day".

The second thought is that Boxing Day comes from the tradition of opening the alms boxes placed in churches over the Christmas season. The contents thereof were distributed amongst the poor by the clergy the day after Christmas.

Today, Boxing Day is spent with family and friends with lots of food and sharing of friendship and love. Government buildings and small businesses are closed but the malls are open and filled with people exchanging gifts or buying reduced priced Christmas gifts, cards, and decorations.

To keep the tradition of Boxing Day alive, many businesses, organizations, and families donate their time, services, and money to aid Food Banks and provide gifts for the poor, or they may choose to help an individual family that is in need.

The Morning After

I am so excited I can't sleep.

Mary woke me last night shortly after I had fallen asleep at her side and she told me that it was time. I instantly came awake and I could feel my heart beating in my chest. It felt as if it wanted to escape and fly away.

Mary smiled as she put her small hand on my arm and gave me that smile that brings instant peace to my mind and soul. She guided me to help as best as I could through the birthing process. I felt so helpless, but she never seemed to lose confidence in me.

It wasn't a difficult birth, but it was so much work for Mary. All I could do was comfort her with my presence and my words. I would occasionally put a cloth into a bucket of water meant for the animals so I could wipe her brow. In between each bout of pain, Mary would look at me and I could see so much confidence in her eyes. I don't know where that confidence comes from, but it touched me deep in my soul.

Every once in awhile Mary would look to the stable door and see the concerned faces of the donkeys and sheep and she would laugh. She said that if her family could not be there with her, they would do.

Finally, our son, Jesus, was born. I handed him to Mary and in that moment it felt as if time stood still for an eternity. As she looked at Jesus, Mary's eyes held something that I had never seen before. It was if she was looking into the future and her eyes showed both joy and pain. It was too much for my simple mind to comprehend.

Mary nursed Jesus for a time and he quickly went to sleep. Mary wrapped him in some swaddling clothes that she had brought. She handed him to me with that same look of confidence even though I felt so incredibly incompetent to hold this bundle of new life.

For a moment I held my new son. Even though he was not conceived in the way I had expected, he was still my son. I felt the warmth of tears as they coursed down my cheeks and I could taste their saltiness as they leaked into my lips.

I turned and placed Jesus into the manger and arranged the hay around him so he would be warm. As I turned back, Mary was already asleep. I quietly added some more twigs to our small fire. The fire added a little warmth to our cave, but we had all the light we needed from the reflected light of that bright star.

Now that Jesus was born, the donkeys and sheep resumed their contented munching. Whatever they were looking for must have come.

I think I may have dozed when I heard some commotion from outside. I jumped to my feet concerned that it might be some travelers who might try to take our place for the night. The donkeys and sheep expressed their displeasure as they were shuffled aside by several figures who came from the dark of the night into the starlight.

I quickly realized these were not travelers. They were rough men - most old and a few barely old enough to grow a few hairs on their chins. They timidly approached the opening to our cave and peered in. I asked them what they wanted and, to my surprise, they said, "We came to see the child."

By this time Mary was awake, but there was neither fear nor concern on her face. It was as if she had expected these strangers who came in the dark of the night. She invited them to come in and see Jesus.

They awkwardly came in and, with wary glances at us, they approached the manger where our Jesus lay asleep. As they came into his presence, the oldest of the group fell to his knees and, in short order, so did the others. They quietly stared at our son.

After what may have been minutes or hours, they finally left their postures of worship and asked if they could tell us what had happened to them that night. Before I could say anything, Mary said, "Of course. Please tell us."

Several started babbling at once and finally the older man forcefully said, "Hold it. I will tell the story. Keep your silence." Then his face went from stern to gentle as he turned toward Mary and he said, "We are simple shepherds and we were watching over our flocks this night as we have done for countless nights. Until tonight, every night has been the same. However, this night, even our youngest one here noticed the stars seemed brighter and more numerous than ever before. When suddenly we all realized that the stars were getting brighter and brighter and brighter and more and more numerous. We had to shield our eyes from the growing brightness and our hearts were beginning to fill with fear."

Then the youngest one suddenly said, "They were angels!" The older one put on his stern look again and the youngster quickly returned to his place. The older one continued, "Yes, they were angels - so many we couldn't count them. A voice from amongst them said, 'Fear not' and our hearts were filled with a peace that we still can't understand. They said they were bringing us good news that a child, a savior, was being born in the City of David and we were to go see him."

After a moment of returning his gaze to the baby Jesus, the old man said his last words, "We don't understand any of this, but I feel the same incredible peace in my heart as I gaze upon your son as I did when the angel said, 'Fear not.'" The other shepherds all shook their heads in confirmation of the older shepherd's words.

After a time they silently departed to return to watching their sheep. Mary and I looked at each other in wonder. There were no words to describe what had just happened. We both just accepted it. Mary had a way of tucking things away in her heart to ponder later. Finally, she returned to her sleep.

I walked to our cave entrance, still too excited to sleep. The star has moved slightly so it's not as bright in front of our cave. To the East the faint glow of pre-dawn is creeping up into the darkness. A few new cooking fires are flaring up in the city below as women rise early to begin the day's cooking. A rooster crows to greet the impending dawn.

It's another day, but somewhere deep in my heart I know that this day, and every day that follows, will be different.


Betty and I wish you all a very Merry Christmas. We hope that the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus will help bring a rebirth of His presence into your hearts and lives.

See you on Monday, December 29!

The Night Before

I was so tired and excited I couldn't sleep.

I don't think I have had a good night's sleep since the angel visited and gave me the incredible news about the Holy Spirit coming upon me and I would be with child. My mind just keeps whirling around and around over his words. And, I have had many experiences since - some joyful and some not.

I'll never forget Joseph's face when I told him the news. I know he wanted to believe, but his reason was telling him to run away. His family and friends would never understand. Fortunately, he had the courage to listen to the angel of God who visited him. He has never questioned me since.

I still thrill when I remember visiting my cousin Elizabeth and her testimony that her child lept in her womb as we approached.

I still tremble when I remember hearing the news that the Emperor had ordered that everyone go to the city of their ancestry to register for the census. I knew instantly that meant that Joseph and I would have to make the long, difficult journey to Bethlehem. I was already far along in my pregnancy and the journey was very, very hard. Joseph made it more bearable through his calm, loving words that would calm my spirit and his strong, carpenter hands massaged my tired and weary muscles after each long day of travel.

A few hours ago we finally arrived in Bethlehem. There were people and animals everywhere as more and more people came into the city to register for the census. Babies and children were crying and animals were bawling - both from tiredness and hunger. Angry voices carried back and forth as tired travelers jostled to find a place to settle for the night.

I don't know what bothered me more - the start of my labor pains or the many times we were turned away from a place to stay. Yet, my Joseph never raised his voice in anger even though I could tell from his face that he was getting very concerned. Even though he was a man, unexperienced in the signs of child birth, he somehow knew that I was getting closer to my time.

At the last place, even though he was full and told us he had no room in his inn, the innkeeper took pity on us and showed us a stable where we could spend the night. It's not much more than a small cave in the side of a hill. It was filled with old grass hay and several donkeys and sheep were still grazing there when we arrived. Joseph gently shooed them outside and took on the dirty job of cleaning soiled hay and manure from our home from the night. As mean as it was, it looked like Herod's palace to my tired mind and body - at least what I imagined Herod's palace might be as I would never see it.

Finally, Joseph tenderly walked me in and helped me down on some relatively clean hay. It felt like a Queen's bed. As I lay there going back and forth from rest to pain, Joseph found a worn and very used manger and cleared it of old, musty hay and cobwebs. He filled it with clean hay and glanced at me with an anxious look on his tired face. I smiled back at him to let him know that it would be perfect for our new born son when he finally comes.

Joseph laid down at my side, gently touched my forehead with his rough, calloused finger tips and, with a deep sigh, closed his eyes and went quickly to sleep. He is so tired.

As his breathing deepened I looked back at the entrance of our stable home and noticed the bright eyes of the donkeys and sheep as they gazed in upon us as they munched their hay. Their bodies were ablaze from the light of the bright star that had followed us all the way from Nazareth. As they watched they seemed to be waiting for something. They were alert, but not scared. Curious.

Ohhhhh, that pain was so much worse and it has come quicker than before.

I hate to do it, but I have to wake my tired husband. "Joseph, wake up. I think it's time..."

(Continued on Christmas morning)

A Christmas Prayer

We yearn, our Father, for the simple beauty of Christmas -- for all the old famliar melodies and words that remind us of that great miracle when He who had made all things was one night to come as a babe, to lie in the crook of a woman's arm.

Before such mystery we kneel, as we follow the shepherds and Wise Men to bring Thee the gift of our love -- a love we confess has not always been as warm or sincere or real as it should have been. But now, on this Christmas Day, that love would find its Beloved, and from Thee receive the grace to make it pure again, warm and real.

We bring Thee our gratitude for every token of Thy love, for all the ways Thou hast heaped blessings upon us during the years that have gone.

And we do pray, Lord Jesus, that as we celebrate Thy birthday, we may do it in a manner well pleasing to Thee. May all we do and say, every tribute of our hearts, bring honor to Thy name, that we, Thy people, may remember Thy birth and feel Thy presence among us even yet.

May the loving kindness of Christmas not only creep into our hearts, but there abide, so that not even the return to earthly cares and responsibilities, not all the festivities of our own devising may cause it to creep away weeping. May the joy and spirit of Christmas stay with us now and forever.

In the name of Jesus, who came to save His people from their sins, even in that lovely name we pray. Amen."

-- Peter Marshall

Who Are You Little Boy? (Plus Two Monday Videos)

Who are you, little boy,
Who fills my womb with promise,
That an angel announced your coming?
Who are you whom the Spirit conceived in me?

Who are you, little boy,
Who grows within my betrothed
That in a dream God should call me?
Who are you for whom I am taking Mary as wife?

Who are you, little boy,
That angels chant your praise to mere shepherds?
Who are you for whom I rush down hills to town?
Who are you whom I seek in a manger?

Who are you, little boy?
Are you the promised one
For whom we've hoped and prayed and longed?
Have you come at last?

Who are you, little boy
Who fills my stable with groans of birth,
Then cries of joy and fresh-filled lungs?
Who are you that shepherds should kneel in my barn?

Who are you, little boy
That a star illuminates your birth?
Who are you to beckon old men with eastern lore
To travel far and fall at your feet?

Who are you, little boy,
Whom wise men seek in court as king?
Who are you to usurp my claim to rule my world?
Who are you, fearsome, fragile Messiah-boy?

Who are you, little boy,
Whose glory I have seen,
Who uncurls woodshavings near my bench?
Who sweeps and sands, and loves a stand-in father?

Who are you, little boy,
Who challenges scribes beyond our knowing?
Who weighs our answers, probes our doubts?
Who are you to call these golden halls, "My Father's House"?

Who are you, little boy,
Who heals and teaches and loves?
Who breaks time-honored rules without shame?
Who generates such wonder within?

Who are you, little boy,
Who wounds your mother's heart?
For whom do you suffer, if innocent?
What do you mean, "It is finished!" when you die?

Who are you, little boy,
Who comes into my world?
Do I know? Perhaps, but let me ask again:
Who you are, little boy?

-- Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

The first video fits very well with the above poem.

The second video is a fun take on different Christmas styles of music - thanks to my oldest son, Wade Daniel.

Sunday Reflections - The Old Man

There once was an old man who lived alone up in the North woods of Maine. He had been a successful business man, but became disappointed in those with whom he worked. He also had a big family, but they were all religious-types and they were constantly trying to get him to "come to Jesus."

He had made his own way in life and he didn't need any help from anyone else - especially Jesus.

He found the old farm in upstate Maine and fell in love with it. He bought it and, as soon as he could, he moved his belongings there. He raised a small garden in the summer and enjoyed fishing for catfish in the small pond in the lower pasture where he kept a few cows and sheep.

In the fall he would walk the trails of his property and smell the dusky smell of dying leaves. He would smile and say to himself, "I have all I need, I want for nothing else.

His property had acres of hard wood trees so each fall he would cut up the fallen, dead timber and stack the cord wood close to his house for the long, cold Maine winters.

Most of all he loved his birds. When he first moved in he put up lots of bird feeders around his house so he could see the birds from his porch in the nice weather and from his living room when the weather was harsh as it often was in Maine.

This particular winter was the worst he had experienced since he moved to the farm several years ago. The temperature had been below zero for over a week and it snowed every day. He was able to take care of the cows and sheep by moving them to his barn where they were protected from the cold and wind and had plenty of warm hay to rest upon and to eat.

His biggest concern was his birds. He put out extra seed, but each snowfall covered it up so it was difficult for the birds to find.

This night has been the worst. The temperature was at least 20 below zero and the wind was howling without any respite. Any living creature would have a hard time surviving on a night like this.

He got up from his rocking chair and put his pipe in the ash tray. He added a couple of more logs to his glowing fire. He walked to the window and with the sleeve of his shirt rubbed the frozen condensation from the window so he could see his birds.

There were dozens of small birds perched in the old oak tree outside his living room. He could see each bird, all fluffed up against the cold, and holding on for dear life against the harsh wind. While he was watching, one little bird gave a big shiver and fell to the snow below where it lay quietly in the coldness of death.

The old man had a hard time comprehending what he saw. Then one more bird fell to the waiting snow, then another.

The old man's heart was breaking. His beloved birds were dying and he didn't know what to do.

As another bird fell to the snow, the old man caught sight of the barn where the cows and sheep were sleeping in relative warmth. That's it, he said to himself. I'll open the barn doors and get the birds to fly into the barn where they can spend the night and survive the cold and wind.

He put on his Mackinaw coat, scarf, gloves, boots, and his warmest hat and headed out into the bitter, cold night. He made his way through the deep snow to the barn, opened the doors and turned on the lights to attract the birds. Surely, they would recognize it as a place of warmth and safety.

But they didn't. They remained in the old oak tree and another bird fell to his death. The old man was frantic. Then he thought about the bird seed he kept in the barn. He got a scoop full of seed and scattered it on top of the snow below the tree and along the path to the barn. Surely, the birds would be attracted to the seeds and come to the barn.

But they didn't. As the old man watched with a broken heart another bird gave up his fight for life.

Then it struck him. The birds were afraid of him. The warmth of the barn, the light, the seeds, nothing could over come their fear of him. He was too big and too strange to them. They couldn't understand how much he loved them and how much he wanted them to live.

With freezing tears running down his cheeks, the old man cried out into the dark, "If only I could become a bird for just a short time, become one with them, I could lead them to the light and warmth. I could show them the way to life."

In the cold and dark of that awful night, the old man's heart suddenly knew the truth.

He now understood why Jesus came to earth.

- Anonymous

A Christmas Poem by Rudyard Kipling

I wish someone had given Jesus a dog
As loyal and loving as mine
To sleep by His manger and gaze into His eyes
And adore Him for being divine.

As our Lord grew to manhood His faithful dog
Would have followed Him all through the day
While He preached to the crowds and made the sick well
And knelt in the garden to pray.

It is sad to remember that Christ went away
To face death alone and apart
With no tender dog following close behind
To comfort its Master's Heart.

And when Jesus rose on that Easter morn
How happy He would have been
As His dog kissed His hands and barked its delight
For The One who died for all men.

Well, the Lord has a dog now, I just sent Him mine
the old pal so dear to me
And I smile through my tears on this first day alone
Knowing they're in eternity.

Day after day, the whole day through
Wherever my road inclined
Four feet said, "I am coming with you!"
And trotted along behind.

- Rudyard Kipling

The Stranger Child Legend

THERE once lived a laborer who earned his daily bread by cutting wood. His wife and two children, a boy and girl, helped him with his work. The boy's name was Valentine, and the girl's,
Marie. They were obedient and pious and the joy and comfort of their poor parents.

One winter evening, this good family gathered about the table to eat their small loaf of bread, while the father read aloud from the Bible. Just as they sat down there came a knock on the window, and a sweet voice called: "O let me in! I am a little child, and I have nothing to eat, and no place to sleep in. I am so cold and hungry! Please, good people, let me in!"

Valentine and Marie sprang from the table and ran to open the door, saying: "Come in, poor child, we have but very little ourselves, not much more than you have, but what we have we will share with you."

The Stranger Child entered, and going to the fire began to warm his cold hands. The children gave him a portion of their bread, and said: "You must be very tired; come, lie down in our bed, and we will sleep on the bench here before the fire."

Then answered the Stranger Child: "May God in Heaven reward you for your kindness."

They led the little guest to their small room, laid him in their bed, and covered him closely, thinking to themselves: "Oh! how much we have to be thankful for! We have our nice warm room and comfortable bed, while this child has nothing but the sky for a roof, and the earth for a couch."

When the parents went to their bed, Valentine and Marie lay down on the bench before the fire, and said one to the other: "The Stranger Child is happy now, because he is so warm! Good-night!" Then they fell asleep.

They had not slept many hours, when little Marie awoke, and touching her brother lightly, whispered: "Valentine, Valentine, wake up! Wake up! Listen to the beautiful music at the window."

Valentine rubbed his eyes and listened. He heard the most wonderful singing and the sweet notes of many harps.

"Blessed Child,
Thee we greet,
With sound of harp
And singing sweet.

"Sleep in peace,
Child so bright,
We have watched thee
All the night.

"Blest the home
That holdeth Thee,
Peace, and love,
Its guardians be."

The children listened to the beautiful singing, and it seemed to fill them with unspeakable happiness.

Then creeping to the window they looked out.

They saw a rosy light in the East, and, before the house in the snow, stood a number of little children holding golden harps and lutes in their hands, and dressed in sparkling, silver robes.

Full of wonder at this sight, Valentine and Marie continued to gaze out at the window. Then they heard a sound behind them and turning saw the Stranger Child standing near. He was clad in a golden garment and wore a glistening, golden crown upon his soft hair.

Sweetly he spoke to the children: "I am the Christ Child, who wanders about the world seeking to bring joy and good things to loving children. Because you have lodged me this night I will leave with you my blessing."

As the Christ Child spoke He stepped from the door, and breaking off a bough from a fir tree that grew near, planted it in the ground, saying: "This bough shall grow into a tree, and every year it shall bear Christmas fruit for you."

Having said this He vanished from their sight, together with the silver-clad, singing children -- the angels.

And, as Valentine and Marie looked on in wonder, the fir bough grew and grew and grew into a stately Christmas Tree laden with golden apples, silver nuts, and lovely toys.

And after that, every year at Christmas time, the Tree bore the same wonderful fruit.

And you, dear boys and girls, when you gather around your richly decorated trees, think of the two poor children who shared their bread with a Stranger Child, and be thankful.

Leaving on a Jet Plane

Betty and I leave tomorrow morning, Friday, December 19 to head for Tennessee for the Christmas holidays. We'll visit with Betty's family at her stepmother's place in Franklin, Tennessee until the day after Christmas.

Then we head to Bowling Green, Kentucky to spend several days with my sister and her family. We'll return to lovely New Mexico and our abundant sunshine (it will be mostly cloudy while we're in Tennessee and Kentucky because it always is during the winter months).

While we're gone I've scheduled daily posts of a Christmas nature - stories, poems, etc., that I have found in different places.

However, I especially hope you'll read our blog on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. I wrote a piece for each day based on some speculation on my part and Scripture for the rest.

Those posts are my Christmas presents to you. We hope you all have a blessed and joy-filled Christmas.

Today is December 18 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Christina Aguilera (singer), Katie Holmes (actress, "Dawson's Creek" and wife of Tom Cruise), Brad Pitt (actor and half of Brangelina), Steven Spielberg (director, "ET" and many others), Keith Richards (guitarist for the Rolling Stones), Betty Grable (actress and WWII pin up girl), and Ty Cobb (professional baseball player).

Snow Day in Corrales, New Mexico

I know every blogger in the world usually posts about the first snow of the year - and I'm no different.

Our snow came during the night on Monday evening. Tuesday started off with this sunrise...

The birds frantically attacked the full bird feeders after a cold, snowy night...

When I went into the stable, Sugar was in one of the stalls. She had icecicles on her mane...


Sugar got a drink from the water tank. I add a couple of buckets of hot water each morning to their tank...


The horses enjoyed the sun after their breakfast of grass hay...

Later in the morning Betty went out to greet Sugar...

The rest of the day was spent dealing with the melting slush and sandy mud. Ah, the joys of a snowy day and there supposedly is more coming tonight. Bring on Spring!

Today is December 17 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Vanessa Zima (actress, "Zoe"), Mike Mills (bass player for R.E.M.), Bill Pullman (actor, President in "Independence Day"), Wes Studi (actor, "Apache"), Chris Matthews (commentator), William Safire (NY Times columnist), and Arthur Fiedler (conductor of the Boston Pops for 50 years).

On this day in 1791 New York City traffic regulation creates the first one-way street. In 1903 Orville and Wilbur Wright went on the first successful manned, powered-airplane flights, near Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. In 1925 Colonel William "Billy" Mitchell was convicted at his court-martial of insubordination. He later went on to become a WWII hero. In 1936 Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen kidded around with his pal, Charlie McCarthy, for the first time on radio. The two debuted on "The Rudy Vallee Show" on NBC. In 1939 the German pocket battleship "Graf Spee" was scuttled by its crew, ending the World War Two Battle of the River Plate off Uruguay. And in 1948 the Smithsonian Institution accepts the Wright brothers plane, the Kitty Hawk.

Sugar Bonding Continues

It has been interesting to watch the dynamics in our herd as Sugar was introduced and is now becoming comfortable in her new home.

At first she let Morgunn and Gletta know that she wanted to be the lead mare and they both consented to that. Now that has been established she is spending more time connecting and bonding with the two of them.

She has spent time getting closer to Gletta, but Gletta's nature is to be a loner so she has not responded in kind. That's Sugar in our round pen with Gletta.

Now Sugar is spending her time cozying up to Morgunn. She'll follow him around and when he stops she'll come up along side him. She'll nip at his flanks and he'll nip her's right back. It's more play and/or affection rather than aggression.

If they're standing head to head they'll play nip at each other's head. Neither one has their ears back which is a sign of aggression.

"Hey, guys, can I come in and bond with you too?"

So far, we're very happy with the way Sugar is adjusting to her new home.

Today is December 16 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Halle Hirsch (actress, "ER"), Benjamin Bratt (actor, "Law and Order"), William Perry (Chicago Bears player known as "The Refrigerator"), Billy Gibbons (guitarist for ZZ Tops), Steven Bochco (created "Hill Street Blues"), Lesley Stahl (CBS News correspondent on "60 Minutes"), Arthur C. Clarke (author, "2001"), Margaret Mead (anthropologist), Noel Coward (playwright, "Blithe Spirit"), Jane Austen (author, "Pride and Prejudice"), and Ludwig van Beethoven (composer who was deaf).

Monday Videos - Christmas Greetings

Two Monday videos today. One a traditional Christmas Greeting and the other - well, you'll see.

The chances of us having a white Christmas in the middle Rio Grande valley of New Mexico are pretty slim. But we can dream, can't we?

Enjoy!








Today is December 15 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Don Johnson (actor, "Miami Vice"), Dave Clark (singer, The Dave Clark Five), Tim Conway (comedian, The Carol Burnett Show), Jeff Chandler (actor, played Cochise in "Broken Arrow"), Stan Kenton (jazz band leader), and J. Paul Getty (oil billionaire).

On this day in 1791 the first ten amendments to the US Constitution -- the Bill of Rights -- went into effect following ratification by Virginia. In 1890 in an attempt to arrest Sitting Bull at his Standing Rock, South Dakota, cabin, shooting breaks out and Lt. Bullhead shoots the great Sioux leader. In the ensuing fracas eleven other tribe members were killed. In 1938 groundbreaking ceremonies for the Jefferson Memorial took place in Washington DC. In 1939 the motion picture "Gone With the Wind" had its world premiere in Atlanta and Nylon yarn was sold to hosiery mills to make women's stockings; marking the first use of commercial yarn for apparel. And in 1954 "Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter" was featured on Walt Disney's TV series for the first time.

Sunday Reflections - World Changers

Our pastor is currently in the middle of a series of messages called, "World Changers." He's challenging us to take seriously the scriptural message to 'love our neighbors.' He's expanding the horizon of our neighborhood to include the whole world. We have always been a mission-minded church, but we will probably expand that in 2009.

Today his example of a world changer was Mother Teresa. She's definitely a good example of how one person can truly change the world.

But his message has also included the fact that each of us can also change our 'world' - our families, our friends, those we work with, our neighbors, etc.

I've been thinking most of this afternoon on who do I know who I truly consider to be world changers - people who are changing those around them. There are several I could name, but there is one family that stands out for me.

Max and Michelle Wade and their kids are truly world changers. They have taken a 22 acre patch of desert and changed it into Galloping Grace Youth Ranch. In it's first season which wasn't even a full one - it started in June and ran until Thanksgiving - they touched thousands of people.

Naturally, there are the kids who have come to the ranch to be exposed to horses. It has been my joy to be there several times when you see a child go from a reserved and, in a few cases, fearful child around a horse to a kid who is having a ball on that same horse.

I've seen troubled girls drop their 'street' pose and become happy teenagers after a couple of hours of being at Galloping Grace.

But, it's not just the kids - it's also the volunteers who are changed. Betty and I and many others have had our lives changed by becoming friends and co-workers with Max and Michelle.

I know that Max and Michelle give all the glory to God for what has happened at Galloping Grace and what will happen in the future. And that's the way it should be. But, it takes a willing heart that surrenders itself to God for Him to be able to work as he has.

Thank you Max, Michelle, Brooke, Garrett, Claire, and Grant for being obedient to God to allow Him to make you world changers.

Today is December 14 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: General Jimmy Doolittle (WWII hero), Patty Duke (actress), Lee Remick (actress, "Anatomy of a Murder"), Charlie Rich (country singer), Morey Amsterdam (comedian, "The Dick Van Dyke Show"), Spike Jones (bandleader of a weird band), and Nostradamus (1500s French poet who some claim foretold the future - bunk in my opinion).

On this day in 1799 the first president of the United States, George Washington, died at his Mount Vernon home at age 67. In 1819 Alabama joined the Union as the 22nd state. In 1911 Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen became the first man to reach the South Pole, beating out an expedition led by Robert F. Scott. In 1934 the first steam-driven locomotive, nicknamed the "Commodore Vanderbilt", was introduced by the New York Central Railroad. And in 1985 Wilma Mankiller became the first woman to lead a major American Indian tribe as she took office as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma.

Christmas Dinner in Old Town

Betty and I always like to go out one night during the Christmas season for a nice dinner. It's always fun to eat a good meal together and we enjoy seeing all the Christmas lights as we drive to and from the restaurant.

This year we decided to go to Old Town, Albuquerque for our dinner and we chose a place called Church Street Cafe. It's behind San Felipe de Neri Church. The cafe is in is the oldest building in Old Town.

It was nicely decorated for the holidays. Betty had a vegetarian fajita made with Portabello mushrooms and I had a steak fajita. Both were delicious.

Here are some pictures from last night.


Today is December 13 and if today is your Birthday then you share your day with: Mary Todd Lincoln (wife of Abraham, Lincoln), Alvin York, (WWI hero from Tennessee), Taylor Swift (country singer), Jamie Foxx (comedian), Ted Nugent (rock guitarist), Christopher Plummer (actor, "Sound of Music"), Dick Van Dyke (comedian, "The Dick Van Dyke Show"), and Archie Moore (professional boxer).

On this day in 1577 Sir Francis Drake of England set out with five ships on a nearly three-year journey that would take him around the world. In 1623 trial by jury was established at the Plymouth Colony. In 1642 Dutch navigator Abel Tasman arrived in present-day New Zealand. The Tazmanian Sea is named after him. In 1809 the first abdominal surgical procedure was performed - in Danville, Kentucky. The patient was Jane Todd Crawford and the operation was performed without the aid of an anesthetic. In 1949 the American League voted down a proposal to revive the spitball, which had been outlawed since 1920. And in 2003 former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein is captured near his home town of Tikrit.