Remembering The Weekend in Nashville

One more look back at a highlight weekend that spanned 2014-2015

On December 29,2014,I climbed aboard an airliner for the first time in my life,yes I know,I don't have a very exciting life.On that day we were on our way to Nashville,Tennessee.Butterflies were abundant as the plane taxied out but I knew that I wanted to get to the destination,because there were all kinds of exciting things ahead.

A short time after our arrival in Nashville,my dear friends Betsy and George Adams picked us up at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel,our home for a few days,and took us to Cracker Barrel for supper.

What a thrill it was to finally meet these folks face to face.The time passed by much too quickly.

We really must meet again and hopefully soon.

I loved wandering through the Gaylord Hotel and capturing all the beauty.I have shown much of it before,so this is just a taste of what I enjoyed.The water was shimmering and so pretty.

The main reason my friend Gwen and I came here was to attend the New Year's Eve Celebrations with Legacy Five and other well loved groups.

Here are my friends Legacy Five singing one of my favourite,'It's a Grand and Glorious Feeling'.

New Year's Eve was highlighted by the Jubilee gang,The Booth Brothers,Greater Vision and Legacy Five,putting on a concert. This was taken during their rendition called,'Our 12 Days of Christmas',complete with their own unique props.

 I will share just one picture taken outside.The weather was beautiful,for a northerner like me.

Frosty Coatings

Winter brings with it some amazing beauty. In the stillness of the night the scenes unfold.

 I got to church on a Sunday morning earlier in December and had to stop and get a picture of the chain in the parking lot.No,I don't take my camera to church,but I do take my phone and that is what I used for this picture.

After church,I hurried home,had a quick bite to eat and went out in search of more beauty.

Before I even left my yard I was amazed at the beauty all around.The hook on which I hang bird feeders,was a beautiful as any branch.

I knew that one place to go was this railroad track.I was not disappointed.

Every post was coated with these delicate and stunning ice crystals.

Closing Thought:

As wonderful as it is to have Jesus' blessings,

it is even more wonderful to have Jesus.

Roy Lessin

Merry Christmas

To all my friends in Bogland and beyond,here is my Christmas card to you.

I am posting this on Christmas Eve,because Christmas will be busy with family and food.

The true story of Christmas as found in the Holy Bible.

6

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 

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and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. 

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And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 

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An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 

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But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 

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Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 

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This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” 

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Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 

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“Glory to God in the highest heaven, 

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:6-14

Muted Colors

Let's step back into late fall for a moment.

Late fall usually gives us a palette of muted colors,but they too can be beautiful.

A small marsh area can have beauty at any time of year.

As usual,I have to zoom in on the reflections.

As I drove down the road,I found this lone horse standing quite a distance from the road.I stopped,rolled down the window and started talking to him.I was surprised when he responded by walking closer to the fence and the road.

As the sun was setting it painted the leafless trees a rich golden brown color.

I have often driven by this tree, but have never stopped to get a picture,but in the golden light of the setting sun,it suddenly became an item of beauty.

Closing thought:

The Lord has done great things for us,and we are filled with joy.

Psalm 126:3

Beauty All Around

The sky is a constantly changing show.A show which too many people fail to take note of.

I stepped out of my house recently,looked up and this is what greeted me.It almost looked like a huge seashell.

Easy mornings can be spectacular.This was a sunrise recently.The colors were breathtaking.

A little later in the day,the bright colors had faded,but this soft scene was peaceful and still lovely.

I had been waiting for snow and finally it came.The branches were carrying a heavy load of snow.

I took this,using a flash.

I love the lacy look of snow covered trees.This is right on my yard. Since I took this picture,we have had quite a bit more snow,so the beauty just increases.

All the photos in this post were taken with my iPhone.

Closing Thought:

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.

Colossians 3:15

One Magical Evening

In mid November,I was restless and decided to drive to the lake just west of town and see if the sunset might be worth capturing.

It was one of those mild,calm evenings when all seems right with the world.

It seemed that I was the only one who chose to watch the setting sun and that was just fine by me.

Before the sky displayed it's colors this airliner flew overhead and left a beautiful vapour trail.

A little later a flock of Canada Geese,forming a loose V formation honked their way across the sky.They were actually flying south and that was a good choice for them,as it was already late in the year.

I now turned my attention to the setting sun.These pictures were taken after the sun had set and was now casting a beautiful light on the clouds.

The colors were amazing.

It was a magical evening,just me,my God,a few geese and and beautiful sunset.

Closing Thought:

The following is a quote from Helen Keller.

Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet.

Only through experience trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened,vision cleared,ambition inspired and success achieved.

PEACE

It is December,the month where all the talk is about Christmas.I love Christmas and all the festivities,but for just a few minutes,I invite you to step back and allow some peaceful nature scenes to calm your heart and mind. We can get so caught up in decorating,buying and preparing for Christmas that we forget the true meaning of this season.

Jesus was born and we really don't need to become stressed in order to celebrate His birth.

The following pictures were all taken around the middle of November.

As I step out of my east facing door in the early morning,this is what greets me.

A long ride to the Pembina Valley and I find a short piece of road which winds through a stand of trees.I just think this is pretty.It makes me smile when I get to this spot.

Now,let's sit at the lake and watch the sun set.That in itself is a peaceful thing to do.I love it when I can be there,either by myself or with a friend.

The water of the lake is calm and the clouds are perfectly reflected.Looking at a scene like this brings a calmness to my heart.

The setting sun creates an ever changing picture.Each moment different yet so beautiful and peaceful.

Closing thought from John 14:27,this is Jesus speaking,

27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid

(John 14:27 NIV)

Roses In December

God gave us memories so we could have roses in December.

This is the title of a book written by Marilyn Willett Heavilin.

I will not be quoting this book,but I do think the title fits with this post.

The book does say that memories are like roses in winter.

Memories can bring a glow of sunlight on even the darkest day.

As we remember our loved ones who are no longer with us and the happy times we had,we feel a certain sadness,yes,but also a joy that we were able to make these memories.

I think it is important to realize that we are making memories each day.

Let's make sure that many of them are happy memories.

As I look back on my life,I can truly say that I have a heart full of happy memories.

I can honestly say that,even though there are a few very sad and hard memories,the happy ones outweigh the bad by far.

As you go through each day,make happy memories,either for yourself or for others who will one day remember you. In this way you are preparing to enjoy roses even in December.