"Sometimes, if you begin to sing in a halfhearted mood, you can sing yourself up the ladder. Singing will often make the heart rise." ~ Charles Spurgeon

From last year at the studio in Delight. New photos coming soon.

Well, well, hello and welcome. We are back from a delightful trip to Delight. Arkansas, that is. Pun intended. Today is Monday, November 17, 2025, and, God is to be thanked for His provision as we traveled to there and back. We had a most wonderful time of the year experience taking photos with some beautiful families. Tiring? Always! Rewarding? You Betcha! I have some really great stories to share a little later on, however, I was once again reminded that we were right smack in the middle of Glen Campbell territory. Not only did we take photos with some of his relatives but I heard a story from our dear Pastor friend who is the husband of the professional photographer. He was telling how he buried Glen's brother some six months earlier. At the cemetery at the end of the graveside service, the ladies and girls of the Campbell clan gathered around and sang Amazing Grace, acapella, in perfect four part harmony. His description made me think about what the music will sound like in heaven. Sometimes, it seems we get a preview, like the chilling beauty of those ladies singing. The bottom line, The Campbells can sing, period. My wife's family were all singers, from the get go. My family: Not so much. Here's what our friend, Mr. Google Artificial Intelligence has to say about it: "Some families sing well and others don't due to a mix of genetics (vocal anatomy like vocal cord shape, skull structure) and environment (growing up in a musical home, consistent practice, early exposure, learned habits)". I'm not saying we didn't sing growing up because we did. Many of us loved to sing, but, for the most part it did not come naturally to us. But, I thought you have sung in the choir for over forty plus years. Right? I have. That's because of my commitment to the Word of God where I take as my inspiration that keeps me singing: "Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!" (Psalm 100: 1, as rendered in the English Standard Version, ESV.) The Hebrew word for joyful noise implies this: loud, enthusiastic shout, battle cry, or triumphant yell. I think I might have that one covered. Ha! 

 

On our way up through East Texas, I saw a number of signs that caught my attention. They were for a personal injury law firm and the signs had this message, "If it Matters, call Badders!" Badders is the name of a law firm and here are their principals, Jeff Badders, Heath Badders, Mari Badders, and, breaking the cycle, Matt Hancock. I have no idea about the lineage of the Badders family but it turned out ironically to make a pretty neat slogan, Matters and Badders. I suppose it would have well served the Texas Hammer Jim Adler to have changed his name to Hammer. Just an observation. 

 

Changing the scenery, we did actually get some genuine fall foliage in Arkansas. They must have had more rain in their area because the colors were beautiful. The color change in Texas appeared to be more drought related, but, that's my opinion and I am sure there are experts who know all about it. A good time was had by some and that most certainly included Santa and Mrs. Claus. Until next time, may God, lead, guide, and direct our way and yours too. Amen.