"Find a chicken, pick it up, and all day long you will have good cluck." ~ copied

Good morning. Today is Thursday, December 4, 2025, and, I have an answer to share and it is an age old question: These two chickens crossed the road to be with Santa Claus! My dad passed away in January of 1954, therefore, we had to relocate our family, mom and us six kids to a rural area of Louisiana. I have written often about my upbringing, from age seven, in that Mayberry-like environment. That's how I feel when we visit Delight, Arkansas each year. Sorry Abilene, but the folks there in Delight don't treat you mean. Those two girls in the photo well represent that spirit. They are immediately beautiful, but, working with them again it was clear they are beautiful from the inside out. I did not know anything about the chickens. They were a surprise. I typically do not do pets, with rare exceptions, and those chickens were definitely a first for me. They are award winning. The younger girl was a wee bit more serious minded than her sister. She didn't like the Christmas hat on her prize winning chicken. She thought it was both degrading and embarrassing. Their mom told the girls they should hold the chicks like they do when they are presenting them for judging. The younger one immediately responded, "If I do Santa will end up with poop on him." Oh what fun we had. I realize I can be over-the-top when relating some of my Santa experiences, however, while doing this work can be exhausting, dealing with families and especially children like these two girls, well, it gives one a warm feeling all over more than anywhere else. No. I do not intend to add chicken photos to my Santa resume but they did make for an experience I will not soon forget. I came into the 2025 season pretty much thinking it would be my last. Sixteen years is a pretty good run, however, so far I've had a spark of renewal which has made me think I just might keep on going. Might. One last thing, don't you love that photo? I've looked at their entire portfolio from that day and they are some of the best ever. Sometimes I just have to stop and thank God for the privilege of being able to enjoy times like these. Amen. 

I would be remiss in not mentioning the one and only Mrs. Claus. She likes to say most people are there only for Santa photos, but, she is wrong. They love her and want her in the photos. I will continue to testify how she is the secret weapon of our Santa Enterprise. And, thanks so much to all those out there who take the time to read my blogs and many who respond. Thanks so much. The other thing I will mention about our Santa visit to Delight, Arkansas, is the fact that most all the people we work with are Christ followers. That includes our wonderful photographer, her family, and, most, if not all the folks who come to take pictures with us. No. It's not a requirement, but, it just worked out that way. Many of the clients are members of the Church where the photographer's husband is Pastor. (A good man of God.) Why do I mention this? Those who have called on the Lord Jesus Christ and surrendered their lives to Him, well, they have an immediate connection to others who have done the same. That's why we say we are brothers and sisters in Christ. But, they go to different Churches and some of them may not teach exactly the way your Church does. So what? If they are washed in the blood of The Lamb and you are too, that makes you and them family, heirs and joint heirs with Christ. (Romans 8:17) And, when we exercise love one towards another, well, it makes a busy day of photography go a whole lot better. You do know what I mean, right Vern? Y'all have yourselves a remarkable rest of the day and know that God is always there, always. (Psalm 121:4 ~ "Behold, He who keeps Israel Will not slumber and will not sleep.") Amen.