Christmas Eve Reading

After dinner on Christmas Eve we read the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. We read the second chapter on Christmas morning. It is really easy to get caught up into presents, tinsel and decorations, and all of the other things that comes with Christmas and totally ignore the real reason and purpose of the holiday. It was good to read God's Word together.

Christmas Eve Dinner

Christmas dinner began with some shrimp. Shrimp is something that I really enjoy and I don't get to eat it here very often. I wonder if it has something to do with living in the desert?
My little family has a love affair with Mexican food. Being from Texas I know that is hard to believe. For many years tamales has been a staple on Christmas Eve. For the last couple of years we have been unable to have them. This year we found some at Costco and even though they were a little more expensive than we liked, we bought them anyway. They were very large and extremely tasty!
My wonderful wife made a five layer Mexican dip that was out of this world! Dinner was a huge success and man was it good!

Christmas Eve

I got off work a few minutes before 3:00. There was no one in the office when I arrived so that means no one was there to keep me from leaving! I headed home and Christmas began.

What Shape Is My Road In Today?

Driving around in the park on Christmas Eve was really not that bad. Most of the roads looked like this. They were nice and clear with snow on the ground and in the trees.

But there is one stretch of road that does not get much sun light and the snow (and ice) is still packed down. I would have done almost anything for some warm temps and some sun light!
This section of road was one of just a few areas that was still in bad shape. But the real problem was time was going waaaaay to slow.

Guess Who Worked On Christmas Eve?

For the first time since 1985 I had to work on Christmas Eve. In my mind Christmas Eve is a holiday and I should not be working. . . RIGHT? Well, with a few nasty roads left in the park I was in grand style hauling park visitors. At least the bus I drove was #24.

We All Have Our Favorites

This is one of my favorite Christmas ornaments. I think he is kind of cool! As a Dallas Cowboys fan you need something on your tree, right??? My youngest daughter gave him to me for my birthday a couple of years ago and he has been on the tree ever since. He shouldn't be smiling after the loss this past Sunday. Oh well, it is December!

Snow, Snow and More Snow

Tuesday, Dec. 8. I got up extra early knowing that we were to have a lot of snow over night and I had to be at work at 5:30. What I was not prepared for was 2 feet of the stuff!!!

I shoveled and shoveled until I thought I could get my car out. I got half way out of the driveway and got stuck! It was NOT a good experience. The snow on the road was higher than the bumper on my car! Even if I could get on the road I would not have been able to get down the street. And the snow was still falling!
So, here I am, a native Texan buried in two feet of snow, trying my best to get to work, with my car stuck half way onto the road. [Note: IF the snow plow came by, I would be in his way] I called my manager and she dug herself out and picked me up for work. It took the manager almost an hour to get dug out of the snow and to get onto the road. My wife, who came out to help me, and I got the car back into it's parking place in the driveway. Our little car was slipping and sliding all over the place. At one point we thought it was going to hit the truck!
I walked to the main road and met my manager as she came by. We drove into work and were amazed at the amount of snow that had fallen over night. I got to work at 7:30 a.m. It was a rough day fighting with the snow and trying our best to get bus service going. Buses did not hit the road until 12:30 that afternoon. And even then it was just partial service until about 5:00. By the time I arrived back to work on Thursday life was slowly getting back to normal.

The Snow Arrives

On Monday, Dec. 7 I arrived at work a few minutes before my start time at 5:30 am. A few minutes later the snow arrived. One of my drivers came into the office with snow on his clothing. I was surprised to look outside and see the snow!

This is what I saw when I went home for lunch around 10:15. As you can tell the snow was still falling well 5 hours later.
This is the view from the Grand Canyon Visitors Center. I went there after my lunch break. Not too many people were waiting for the bus in the snow. And the snow continued falling.
At 1:30 it was time for me to go home. My poor little car was covered with the white stuff. I had to brush her off and get her going. Little did I know what the next morning had to offer.

Above The Sky

I recently got the new Evan Wickham cd "Above The Sky." Produced by Peter Kipley (who also produced Phil Wickham's last three albums) Evan has released a wonderful album of worship songs. Evan has become one of my favorite worship song writers in the last few years and this release does not disappoint.

I only have one complaint: Evan, you made me wait to long between albums! But this is well worth the wait.

It Is Christmas Time!

The Christmas season is here again. This past weekend we decorated our home for the holidays. Last year my wife bought a nice little tree and we had it in our rig. Once more we got it out of storage and are using it.

In the past we usually use just one color of lights on the tree. This year we decided to be a little different and with our white lights we ran some red lights through it as well. I think the results are really good.

The tree topper that we normally use is still in storage in Dallas. While my wife and I were in Williams a few days before we walked into a Christmas store. While in there we found this neat little angel to use as our topper.
We finished decorating and the results are in! Not a bad looking tree. It was a fun, family time. But one thing for sure, we do not want to forget the reason that we celebrate this time of the year, and that is the fact that Jesus came to earth and was born so that one day He could die for our sins.

Friday Morning Temps

Thursday night we had a front blow in and the temperatures dropped here in Northern Arizona. I had to be at work at 5:30 in the morning. When I got to the office this was the read out from the thermometer.

Around daybreak the temperature dropped even more! It actually dropped down to 5 degrees. At this point I decided that the flag could wait a little longer to go up on the pole.

Calvary Prescott Ready For Christmas

This past Wednesday we headed to Prescott to do some shopping and to go to church.

When we arrived at church we were pleasantly surprised with the Christmas decorations in the courtyard area. These guys have done a beautiful job decorating for Christmas.

Heaven & Earth

This past Tuesday we received the new Phil Wickham cd "Heaven & Earth." His previous album,"Cannons," had become such a staple in our household and we have enjoyed so many of the songs from "Cannons" at church I was concerned if "Heaven & Earth" would be able to hold up. The sound is a little different. He used the same producer, Peter Kipley, as he did on his previous two releases. But the production this time seemed more keyboard centered than on Cannons. But that does not mean it is not a good release. I have only listened to it about 5 times so far.

From what I have read it is thought by some to be one of the top 10 worship albums of the year. We will see what the album produces in the way of worship songs done in churches.

Over all it is an excellent album. Very enjoyable.

Humphreys Peak

On the way home on Sunday we saw this beautiful view of Humphreys Peak. At an elevation of 12,637 feet, it is the highest point in all of Arizona. The weekend brought some snow into the higher elevations and Humphreys got a little bit. As the snow season continues, the peak becomes even more beautiful.

Williams Preparing For Christmas part 5

Across from the Pine Country Restaurant are some Christmas decorations that are displayed every year.
These are just outside of a Mexican restaurant called Pancho McGillicuddys. The decorations are a lot of fun. But I must confess, I am partial to the penguins.

Williams Preparing For Christmas part 4

Now, I know what you are thinking. No, I am not taking random pictures of young women on the streets of Williams AZ. These young ladies are painting Christmas scenes on the windows of the Pine Country Restaurant.

It was a very cool day outside and part of their work was done in the shade.

Here they are working hard but took a minute to stop and smile for us. Good job ladies!

Williams Preparing For Christmas part 4

These are just a couple of random shots from Williams.

All of the trains get a wreath at Christmas. This is one of the trains that is used to go to the Grand Canyon. I believe they have two trains that they alternate on slow days. If attendance allows for it they use both of them.
I love the way that Williams decorates the lampposts. This one is on old Route 66.

Williams Preparing For Christmas part 2

These are from the Grand Canyon Railway also.

This is part of a series of decorations. The Railway always decorates big time at the holidays.
As you can tell from the clock it is latter than you think!

Williams Preparing For Christmas part 1

After church this past Sunday we drove around Williams and noticed all of the decorations going up. These are from the Grand Canyon Railway.

This is the old steam locomotive.
I always thought that this was a great place to put a wreath.

Ssaturday Night Worship Time

Saturday night was a wonderful time of worship with Calvary Payson.

Saturday night's teaching was by Pastor Bob Claycamp from Calvary Chapel North Phoenix. (Bob is in the picture above in the black shirt.) After the teaching we had an afterglow where the Holy Spirit moved in a beautiful way.

U-Turn

This is Harold, the director for U-Turn For Christ in Payson AZ. U-Turn is a discipleship ranch for men who struggle with drugs and alcohol. U-Turn's ministry is making a strong impact on the lives of many men. Keep them in prayer as the continue to make in roads with these men.

Worship With Calvary Chapel Payson

The worship band from Calvary Chapel Payson is one of my favorite worship bands. The leader is Isaac Bradford (white shirt). He does a wonderful job leading worship. The first year that I attended the retreat the Payson "boys" led the worship for the entire weekend.

The guy waving is Ric the bass player. I almost didn't recognize him this year with his new hair cut.

Road Worn Saints

Road Worn Saints from Bullhead City led worship on Friday night and for two sessions on Saturday. They also did a set of their own original material. They are a rock-a-billy band that play out at a lot of car shows in their area. They have a strong ministry among the car fanatics in Bullhead City.

Rocketman

This is Rocketman. He is one of many bikers who attended the retreat this year. Every year we have bikers who come and enjoy the teaching, worship and fellowship. I can't help but really like his vest.

Saturday Breakfast

All of the meals on the retreat were amazing! The cooks at Emmanuel Pines Camp always do a great job. It is also a great time to fellowship and meet some guys from other parts of the state.
Pastor Chuck Kelly seems to be making a point at his breakfast table. Maybe he is getting warmed up for his teaching session on Sunday.

Friday Night

Worship this year was led by CC Bullhead City and also by CC Payson. This is the bass player from Bullhead City. They did a great job!
AFter worship and teaching on Friday is a time of fellowship. Of course there is food available. As always we have sticky buns, coffee and milk, and fruit. But one of the beautiful things to see are men getting together and praying together.

Arriving At the Men's Retreat

This year was the 19th annual men's retreat in Arizona. The retreat is sponsored by Calvary Chapel Bullhead City. There is usually about 300 men that attend.
The retreat is held each year at Emmanuel Pines Camp. Emmanuel Pines is on the west side of Prescott AZ. This is my third time to attend.

Birthday Lunch at Red Robin

My birthday is November the tenth and to celebrate we headed to one of my favorite places - Red Robin!
We started off with some queso. As amazing as the queso was, the chips were great!!!
I ordered a burger that was new on the Red Robin menu called the Burnin' Love Burger. It was possibly one of the best burgers I have ever had. Delicious!
This was our waitress Jessie. She did an excellent job taking care of us.

Because of my birthday she brought me a birthday hot fudge sundae. What a great way to finish an excellent lunch!