Christmas Program

I have been playing the Christmas song, This is the King: Joseph's Song, at a variety of events this year. These are mostly our choir performances. I played last night at Oak Run Bible Church's Christmas program. I think this was the best I have done it yet. I've been working on looking at the audience as I sing, which has always been hard for me (except with leading children's music). You would think that someone who enjoys public speaking would have no trouble singing for people. After all in "The Music Man" Professor Hill says that "singing is just sustained talking." I've found it much harder than just talking, but I am glad that it is getting easier!

2nd Saturday Art Hop

This past Saturday the Oak Run Community Choir performed to a small audience (mostly our wives children and friends) at Parmer's furniture store in Redding, California. We had a great time singing our carols. Afterward one of our choir played blue grass songs on his banjo with his band mate and two other guest musicians. He asked if I would join them. There was one banjo, three guitars, and one fiddle. I am not a blue grass guitarist, but primarily folk rock. It was a little different rhythmically, but a huge amount of fun. I believe we played for an entire hour. It has been since I lived in San Diego that I have played with a group of musicians such as that. It was a wonderful Christmas treat!

Christmas Song

The Christmas song that I wrote last year has been getting more playing time recently. I joined the Oak Run Community Choir and we have three performances this December. One was earlier today at the firehall bazaar. I am been privileged to share "This is the King: Joseph's Song" at these events.

It's been a while!

Last Christmas I started this blog and now that Christmas is rapidly approaching I thought I should update it! I changed the name to be more general. After all if you have a blog about thankfulness and you don't write anything, it seems rather ungrateful. So, by simply changing the name, I am no longer ungrateful. I do, however, remain a procrastinator and terrible at maintaining things such as this. Let's see how long it takes for me to do this again!

Grading Papers

I haven't been able to grade papers for two weeks. To say the least there is a pile. I am thankful for this pile, however. It is an indicator of job security. God has blessed me with a great job, when many can't find one. Another reason for me to give thanks is that I am grading these papers at the beginning of my two week vacation. I look forward to the absense of papers for a guilt free rest!

This is the Lord: Joseph's Song

I wrote a Christmas song a few weeks back. Normally when I write a song it doesn't get much exposer to anyone but Julie, the girls and a few patient ears at church. It remains somewhat of a devotional activity. This one, however, seemed to go over better than others. I wanted to write a song from Joseph's eyes. I don't think I clearly convey that in the song. It needs the second title to give the listener a set of eyes to look through.

In a crude cradle the little baby sleeps
And all around the stable a vigil beasts keep
He opens his eyes. His mother gently weeps.
Ten tiny toes, the feet of the Almighty.

This is the Lord
Lying here in front of me
This baby boy
Whose eyes have seen eternity
This is my God
He knew me from the beginning
This helpless child
Has come to be our saving King

The shepherds bring their praises, they heard the angels sing.
They worship at the feet of this tiny king.

This is the Lord
Lying here in front of me
This baby boy
Whose eyes have seen eternity
This is my God
He knew me from the beginning
This helpless child
Has come to be our saving King


Immanuel, God with us.
Immanuel, God with us.
He is God with us…
This is the Lord.

First Post

Thankfulness is something we need to exercise constantly. I have often wondered how to be thankful in the bad circumstances of life. Such as, "I am SO glad I got a flat tire. Thank you, God!" I was reminded today by a friend that we need to be thankful for the things God provides that enable us to get through tough times. Such as, "Lord thank you that the tire wasn't completely flat until I reached the gas station, where I could fill it up a bit more." and "Thank you that I have money to pay for a new tire." Our attitude determines how we respond to life. The more we practice thanksgiving, the better we will respond to the things life throws our way.