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!

Friday Morning at Best Buy

Last weekend we headed down to Prescott for the men's retreat. We left on Thursday afternoon and spent an extra night there. I did not have to be at the retreat until Friday at 4:00, so we started the morning at Best Buy. We needed to get a new car phone charger. We did get the phone charger but we spent around an hour talking to a salesman in the Mac department.