Most people who read my blogs know my wife, Debbie. She is pretty amazing. She NEVER stops working to keep the house a home. She has stood by me through lay-offs, business failure, sickness and most incredibly in my normalcy. Listening to my iTunes tonight I heard this one again for the 1st time in a while. I dedicate it to her. There will be others I will dedicate to her too. But tonight it is this one.
Song: A River Like You
Artist: Vince Gill
Album: These Days
A good woman's love is like a river
Runnin' through the heart of a man
If he gives her all he can give her
She'll be with him at every bend
In other rivers I've crossed
A reflection was lost
And shallow waters left me blue
Girl, I never came across a river like you
A river like you
Where your love runs so deep and true
A river like you
Like a waterfall fallin' into
A river like you
I spent all my time searchin'
Runnin' like the wayward wind
You found me desperately driftin'
And touched my heart and took me in
Now your love runs through me
and in your eyes I see
Reflections I never knew
I'll always be sailin' on
A river like you
A river like you
Where your love runs so deep and true
A river like you
Like a waterfall fallin' into
A river like you
In other rivers I've crossed
A reflection was lost
And shallow waters left me blue
Girl, I'll always keep sailin' on
A river like you
A river like you
Where your love runs so deep and true
A river like you
Like a waterfall fallin' into
A river like you
A river like you
A river like you
About Me
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
A Cabin In The Hills
On this Sunday morning I am listening to my Gospel and Christian music (as usual) while waiting for Debbie and Maverick to arise.
I like this one because not everyone will get excited by thinking of Heaven as a city of gold and a place with a mansion waiting for us over the hilltop. Some prefer the thought of a rural setting. Good song!
On this one Haggard is joined by Johnny Cash on the last chorus.
Song: A Cabin In The Hills
Artist: Merle Haggard
Album: Cabin In The Hills
[spoken]
I dreamed I saw Jesus last night seated on a mountain in the moonlight
His hands held a key to a cabin that cabin I'd dreamed of all my life
[song]
Money makes rules we have to live by
A home is just a place the send the bills
God knows why we work and what we pray for
So he's building me a cabin in the hills
Who knows he might be finished in the morning
So I lie awake and take no sleeping pills
God knows I'm not happy in a mansion
So he's building me a cabin in the hills.
I live my lonesome life down in a valley
with the factories, the rivers and the mills
Sometimes I can almost hear his hammer
'Cause he's building me a cabin in the hills
Someone has to keep the home fire burning
So I sweat and get the harvest in the field
Life on Earth won't be the same hereafter
So he's building me a cabin in the hills
I live my lonesome life down in a valley
with the factories, the rivers and the mills
Sometimes I can almost hear his hammer
'Cause he's building me a cabin in the hills
Yeah, he's building me a cabin in the hills.
I like this one because not everyone will get excited by thinking of Heaven as a city of gold and a place with a mansion waiting for us over the hilltop. Some prefer the thought of a rural setting. Good song!
On this one Haggard is joined by Johnny Cash on the last chorus.
Song: A Cabin In The Hills
Artist: Merle Haggard
Album: Cabin In The Hills
[spoken]
I dreamed I saw Jesus last night seated on a mountain in the moonlight
His hands held a key to a cabin that cabin I'd dreamed of all my life
[song]
Money makes rules we have to live by
A home is just a place the send the bills
God knows why we work and what we pray for
So he's building me a cabin in the hills
Who knows he might be finished in the morning
So I lie awake and take no sleeping pills
God knows I'm not happy in a mansion
So he's building me a cabin in the hills.
I live my lonesome life down in a valley
with the factories, the rivers and the mills
Sometimes I can almost hear his hammer
'Cause he's building me a cabin in the hills
Someone has to keep the home fire burning
So I sweat and get the harvest in the field
Life on Earth won't be the same hereafter
So he's building me a cabin in the hills
I live my lonesome life down in a valley
with the factories, the rivers and the mills
Sometimes I can almost hear his hammer
'Cause he's building me a cabin in the hills
Yeah, he's building me a cabin in the hills.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Heroes
We throw the word around too much. We give the title to sports and entertainment figures who really do not deserve it. And some of them do not even want it. It belongs to our men and women in the armed forces and the men and women who protect us here at home.
This week another real hero emerged in a spectacular way. CNN reported, "Chesley B. 'Sully' Sullenberger III was 'the right guy at the right time at the right moment' to guide a jet safely onto the surface of the Hudson River, a neighbor and friend said." The US Airways captain calmly, professionally, and heroically chose the safest place to put down the airliner and saved, not only everyone on his plane but people on the ground who might have been killed had he crashed onto land. What a great story!
The song I chose today points out that there truly are heroes in our lives every day. They may not be as evident as Sullenberger but they are there. Whose hero are you?
Song: Heroes
Artist: Paul Overstreet
Album: The Best of Paul Overstreet
He drives into the city
And works extra hard all day
He finishes up early
so he can get away
'Cause there's a blue-eyed kid on second base
Wants dad to watch him play
And daddy knows he's waiting
So he hurries on his way
'Cause you know heroes come in every shape and size
Making special sacrifices for others in their lives
No one gives them medals
The world don't know their name
But in someones eyes they're heroes just the same
She rocks her crying baby
In the hours before dawn
She whispers words of hope
To help her husband to hold on
She takes time with the children
Making sure they know she cares
She's more then just a momma
She's the answer to their prayers
'Cause you know heroes come in every shape and size
Making special sacrifices for others in their lives
No one gives them medals
The world don't know their name
But in someones eyes they're heroes just the same
Now I don't pretend to know you
But I bet it's safe to say
There's someone out there somewhere
Looking up to you today
And they see everything you do
Except for you mistakes
You may not think you measure up
But you got all it takes
'Cause you know heroes come in every shape and size
Making special sacrifices for others in their lives
No one gives them medals
The world don't know their name
But in some one's eyes they're heroes just the same
No one gives them medals
The world don't know their name
But in someones eyes they're heroes just the same
Yeah, in someones eyes they're heroes...
Just the same...
Talking 'bout a hero....
Special kind of hero.....
No ordinary hero...
This week another real hero emerged in a spectacular way. CNN reported, "Chesley B. 'Sully' Sullenberger III was 'the right guy at the right time at the right moment' to guide a jet safely onto the surface of the Hudson River, a neighbor and friend said." The US Airways captain calmly, professionally, and heroically chose the safest place to put down the airliner and saved, not only everyone on his plane but people on the ground who might have been killed had he crashed onto land. What a great story!
The song I chose today points out that there truly are heroes in our lives every day. They may not be as evident as Sullenberger but they are there. Whose hero are you?
Song: Heroes
Artist: Paul Overstreet
Album: The Best of Paul Overstreet
He drives into the city
And works extra hard all day
He finishes up early
so he can get away
'Cause there's a blue-eyed kid on second base
Wants dad to watch him play
And daddy knows he's waiting
So he hurries on his way
'Cause you know heroes come in every shape and size
Making special sacrifices for others in their lives
No one gives them medals
The world don't know their name
But in someones eyes they're heroes just the same
She rocks her crying baby
In the hours before dawn
She whispers words of hope
To help her husband to hold on
She takes time with the children
Making sure they know she cares
She's more then just a momma
She's the answer to their prayers
'Cause you know heroes come in every shape and size
Making special sacrifices for others in their lives
No one gives them medals
The world don't know their name
But in someones eyes they're heroes just the same
Now I don't pretend to know you
But I bet it's safe to say
There's someone out there somewhere
Looking up to you today
And they see everything you do
Except for you mistakes
You may not think you measure up
But you got all it takes
'Cause you know heroes come in every shape and size
Making special sacrifices for others in their lives
No one gives them medals
The world don't know their name
But in some one's eyes they're heroes just the same
No one gives them medals
The world don't know their name
But in someones eyes they're heroes just the same
Yeah, in someones eyes they're heroes...
Just the same...
Talking 'bout a hero....
Special kind of hero.....
No ordinary hero...
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Loving God, Loving Each Other
In Matthew 22 is the discussion of the Greatest Commandment:
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Yesterday's post showed one view of how to handle one's problems. The Christian has another view. If our churches practiced this better we might find more people finding their way to our doors in search of comfort.
Song: Loving God, Loving Each Other
Artist: Gaither Vocal Band
Album: The Best of the Gaither Vocal Band
Loving God, loving each other,
Making music with my friends;
Loving God, loving each other,
And the story never ends.
They pushed back from the table
To listen to His words,
His secret plan before He had to go.
It's not complicated;
Don't need a lot of rules,
This is all you need to know.
Loving God, loving each other,
Making music with my friends;
Loving God, loving each other,
And the story never ends.
We tend to make it harder,
Build steeples out of stone,
Fill books with explanations of The Way,
But if we'd stop and listen
And break a little bread,
We would hear the Master say
Loving God, loving each other,
Making music with my friends;
Loving God, loving each other,
And the story never ends.
Loving God, loving each other,
Making music with my friends;
Loving God, loving each other,
And the story never ends.
And the story never ends.
No, the story never ends.
Hearing that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, the Pharisees got together. One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: "Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."
Yesterday's post showed one view of how to handle one's problems. The Christian has another view. If our churches practiced this better we might find more people finding their way to our doors in search of comfort.
Song: Loving God, Loving Each Other
Artist: Gaither Vocal Band
Album: The Best of the Gaither Vocal Band
Loving God, loving each other,
Making music with my friends;
Loving God, loving each other,
And the story never ends.
They pushed back from the table
To listen to His words,
His secret plan before He had to go.
It's not complicated;
Don't need a lot of rules,
This is all you need to know.
Loving God, loving each other,
Making music with my friends;
Loving God, loving each other,
And the story never ends.
We tend to make it harder,
Build steeples out of stone,
Fill books with explanations of The Way,
But if we'd stop and listen
And break a little bread,
We would hear the Master say
Loving God, loving each other,
Making music with my friends;
Loving God, loving each other,
And the story never ends.
Loving God, loving each other,
Making music with my friends;
Loving God, loving each other,
And the story never ends.
And the story never ends.
No, the story never ends.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Ready For The End Of The World
The genesis of a great country song is a song about relationship. The same is true for a great christian hymn too. Maybe it is why I love both genres of song.
Here, the writer is putting in supplies for the heartache he knows is coming. He is preparing to go to a place he perceives as welcoming, accepting, non-judgemental, and safe when he faces the heartache and pain.
A good church will provide the same thing. There will be more about that in my regular Sunday post, tomorrow.
Song: Ready For The End Of the World
Artist: George Strait
Album: Somewhere Down In Texas
I know the end is near
I've seen the warning signs
Been preparin' myself
Layin' in supplies
I bought a case of Jack
A boxed-set of Merle
I'm gettin' ready
Ready for the end of the world
I'm gettin' ready for the end to come
That final hour it all comes undone
An' she drops the bomb
An' says she ain't my girl
I'm gettin' ready
Ready for the end of the world
My neon shelter waits
Where I can go to hide
While the memories burn
I'll be safe inside
With the honky-tonk few
Bracin' for the worst
I'm gettin' ready
Ready for the end of the world
I'm gettin' ready for the end to come
That final hour it all comes undone
An' she drops the bomb
An' says she ain't my girl
I'm gettin' ready
Ready for the end of the world
Yeah, I'll be ready
Ready for the end of the world
Here, the writer is putting in supplies for the heartache he knows is coming. He is preparing to go to a place he perceives as welcoming, accepting, non-judgemental, and safe when he faces the heartache and pain.
A good church will provide the same thing. There will be more about that in my regular Sunday post, tomorrow.
Song: Ready For The End Of the World
Artist: George Strait
Album: Somewhere Down In Texas
I know the end is near
I've seen the warning signs
Been preparin' myself
Layin' in supplies
I bought a case of Jack
A boxed-set of Merle
I'm gettin' ready
Ready for the end of the world
I'm gettin' ready for the end to come
That final hour it all comes undone
An' she drops the bomb
An' says she ain't my girl
I'm gettin' ready
Ready for the end of the world
My neon shelter waits
Where I can go to hide
While the memories burn
I'll be safe inside
With the honky-tonk few
Bracin' for the worst
I'm gettin' ready
Ready for the end of the world
I'm gettin' ready for the end to come
That final hour it all comes undone
An' she drops the bomb
An' says she ain't my girl
I'm gettin' ready
Ready for the end of the world
Yeah, I'll be ready
Ready for the end of the world
Monday, January 5, 2009
I'm Alive
As a young man of 24 I was fresh off a divorce and I suppose I was wallering in self pity when a co-worker remarked, "Robb, we all have our crosses to carry. Its time you get off yours and start carrying it." That remark has stuck with me for almost 30 years as it was that short exchange that started me to thinking about how true that was (I was actually trying to come up with justification for my self pity but could not).
As I have faced other hurdles since that time - two job layoffs, a business failure, disappointments in others' choices, my own plain old stupid choices, and cancer - I have learned I am not the only one who has struggles. And I have learned to be thankful for what I have today.
I just bought this album this fall and this late summer or early fall and this song struck a chord.
Song: I'm Alive
Artist: Willie Nelson
Album: Moment of Forever
It's so damn easy to say that life's so hard
Everybody's got their share of battle scars
As for me, I'd like to thank my lucky stars
That I'm alive and well
And it'd be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you sat and watched go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me, I'm alive
And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see?
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well, God, I'm alive and well
Stars are dancing on the water here tonight
It's good for the soul when there's not a soul in sight
This boat has caught it's wind and brought me back to life
Now I'm alive and well
And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see?
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well, God, I'm alive and well
As I have faced other hurdles since that time - two job layoffs, a business failure, disappointments in others' choices, my own plain old stupid choices, and cancer - I have learned I am not the only one who has struggles. And I have learned to be thankful for what I have today.
I just bought this album this fall and this late summer or early fall and this song struck a chord.
Song: I'm Alive
Artist: Willie Nelson
Album: Moment of Forever
It's so damn easy to say that life's so hard
Everybody's got their share of battle scars
As for me, I'd like to thank my lucky stars
That I'm alive and well
And it'd be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you sat and watched go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me, I'm alive
And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see?
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well, God, I'm alive and well
Stars are dancing on the water here tonight
It's good for the soul when there's not a soul in sight
This boat has caught it's wind and brought me back to life
Now I'm alive and well
And today you know that's good enough for me
Breathing in and out's a blessing, can't you see?
Today is the first day of the rest of my life
And I'm alive and well, God, I'm alive and well
Sunday, January 4, 2009
You Can't Fix It
Debbie has always called me Robb "the tool man" Clanton - after Tim Allen's character in the 80's - 90's sitcom. I have just enough tools to be dangerous. And If I try to do something with a tool we usually end up having to call a professional in to fix my fix. So we have learned to just call the professional 1st.
On this Sunday morning I am thinking of the greatest "fix it" of the Ages. Thank God for Jesus!
Song: You Can't Fix It
Artist: The Oak Ridge Boys
Album: Common Thread
I recall climbing up that back yard tree
Before I knew it I had hit the ground
She knew my arm was broken
As mama threw the car door open
And hurriedly she drove me into town
As we sat there waiting I said, "Mom, it really hurts"
Then she pointed at the doctor with these words
You can't fix it but he can
Don't you cry - there's healing in his hands!
He can take what's broken and make it whole again
You can't fix it but he can
You can't fix it but he can
I can still see me sittin' on the back church pew
Trying to be cool at seventeen
When the alter call was given
I just kind of stiffened
The preacher just seemed to look right straight at me
When daddy put his arm around me the tears began to fall
Then he pointed to the cross there on the wall
(spoken) and he said,
You can't fix it but he can
Don't you know there's healing in his hands?
He can take what's broken and make it whole again
You can't fix it but he can
Are you standing in the rubble
Of your broken life and wonder
Can the pieces be put back together?
You can't fix it but he can
there is healing in the Savior's hands
He can take what's broken and make it whole again
You can't fix it but he can
You can't fix it but he can
On this Sunday morning I am thinking of the greatest "fix it" of the Ages. Thank God for Jesus!
Song: You Can't Fix It
Artist: The Oak Ridge Boys
Album: Common Thread
I recall climbing up that back yard tree
Before I knew it I had hit the ground
She knew my arm was broken
As mama threw the car door open
And hurriedly she drove me into town
As we sat there waiting I said, "Mom, it really hurts"
Then she pointed at the doctor with these words
You can't fix it but he can
Don't you cry - there's healing in his hands!
He can take what's broken and make it whole again
You can't fix it but he can
You can't fix it but he can
I can still see me sittin' on the back church pew
Trying to be cool at seventeen
When the alter call was given
I just kind of stiffened
The preacher just seemed to look right straight at me
When daddy put his arm around me the tears began to fall
Then he pointed to the cross there on the wall
(spoken) and he said,
You can't fix it but he can
Don't you know there's healing in his hands?
He can take what's broken and make it whole again
You can't fix it but he can
Are you standing in the rubble
Of your broken life and wonder
Can the pieces be put back together?
You can't fix it but he can
there is healing in the Savior's hands
He can take what's broken and make it whole again
You can't fix it but he can
You can't fix it but he can
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Lucky Man
On this day people tend to reflect on the past year and make some resolutions about the new one. I'll do some of that today.
What I know is that no matter what losses my 401k has sustained in the WorldCom blow up in 2002 and the meltdown of 2008 I still live better than most people on this planet. Got a good measure of health, a mom and dad still with me, two sisters who are funny (and fun to be around too). My wife will have a special place in Heaven for putting up with me all these years. The kids are struggling to make their way in this world and I am proud of their efforts and accomplishments. Ol' Maverick is a hoot to watch grow and mature. I'm a lucky man.
Substitute the "Cowboys" for "Bengals", "two sisters" for "a brother" and "iPod and music" for "rod and reel" and this is really about me.
Song: Lucky Man
Artist: Mongomery Gentry
Album: Some People Change
I have days where I hate my job
This little town and the whole world too
Last Sunday when the Bengals lost
Lord it put me in a bad mood
I have moments when I curse the rain
Then complain when the sun's too hot
I look around at what everyone has
And I forget about all I've got
But I know I'm a lucky man
God's given me a pretty fair hand
Got a house and a piece of land
A few dollars in a coffee can
My old truck's still running good
My ticker's ticking like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, a good woman's lovin'
And one more day to be my little kid's dad
Lord knows I'm a lucky man
Got some friends who would be here fast
I could call em any time of day
Got a brother who's got my back
Got a mama who I swear's a saint
Got a brand new rod and reel
Got a full week off this year
Dad had a close call last spring
It's a miracle he's still here
But I know I'm a lucky man
God's given me a pretty fair hand
Got a house and a piece of land
a few dollars in a coffee can
My old truck's still running good
My ticker's tickin' like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, good woman's lovin'
And one more day to be my little kid's dad
Lord knows I'm a lucky man
My old trucks still running good
My ticker's ticking like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, a good woman's lovin'
And even my bad days ain't that bad
Yeah, I'm a lucky man
I'm a lucky lucky man
What I know is that no matter what losses my 401k has sustained in the WorldCom blow up in 2002 and the meltdown of 2008 I still live better than most people on this planet. Got a good measure of health, a mom and dad still with me, two sisters who are funny (and fun to be around too). My wife will have a special place in Heaven for putting up with me all these years. The kids are struggling to make their way in this world and I am proud of their efforts and accomplishments. Ol' Maverick is a hoot to watch grow and mature. I'm a lucky man.
Substitute the "Cowboys" for "Bengals", "two sisters" for "a brother" and "iPod and music" for "rod and reel" and this is really about me.
Song: Lucky Man
Artist: Mongomery Gentry
Album: Some People Change
I have days where I hate my job
This little town and the whole world too
Last Sunday when the Bengals lost
Lord it put me in a bad mood
I have moments when I curse the rain
Then complain when the sun's too hot
I look around at what everyone has
And I forget about all I've got
But I know I'm a lucky man
God's given me a pretty fair hand
Got a house and a piece of land
A few dollars in a coffee can
My old truck's still running good
My ticker's ticking like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, a good woman's lovin'
And one more day to be my little kid's dad
Lord knows I'm a lucky man
Got some friends who would be here fast
I could call em any time of day
Got a brother who's got my back
Got a mama who I swear's a saint
Got a brand new rod and reel
Got a full week off this year
Dad had a close call last spring
It's a miracle he's still here
But I know I'm a lucky man
God's given me a pretty fair hand
Got a house and a piece of land
a few dollars in a coffee can
My old truck's still running good
My ticker's tickin' like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, good woman's lovin'
And one more day to be my little kid's dad
Lord knows I'm a lucky man
My old trucks still running good
My ticker's ticking like they say it should
I got supper in the oven, a good woman's lovin'
And even my bad days ain't that bad
Yeah, I'm a lucky man
I'm a lucky lucky man
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