The song’s origin is dated back to 1711 as a poem by James Watson. In 1799, the Scottish poet Robert Burns used the original and add to it his own verses. The tune then was attributed to an old man that sang the song to him. This is probably not the tune we sing today, but no one is quite sure where the current tune came from.

I never knew what Auld Lang Syne meant exactly. I thought it had something to do with old acquaintances and drinking, which is why we didn’t sing it. The line “we’ll take of cup of kindness” is the Scottish influence, but it was originally sung in front of St. Paul’s Church in Scotland at midnight on New Year’s Eve.

The song has a beautiful meaning, though. It ask the question, “Should we forget the relationships and memories of days gone by.” Some interpretations say simply,” let’s remember those we love and keep the past in our memories“. There may be those that would rather not look back on the past year. Some things may be too painful to remember, but for Christians, we can look back on even the hardest of times and see God’s faithfulness. He has been with us every one of the last 365 days and will be with us in the next. His promise is “He will never leave us or forsake us”. So no matter what 2012 holds for us, because He lives, we can face tomorrow.

This New Year’s Eve, whatever you are singing, remember to hold your loved ones close, give thanks for the days gone by, and know that God is holding your future.

Have a blessed New Year,

Debra

Lauren was two years old when she first appeared on stage at the Shady Grove Freewill Baptist Church Christmas pageant.  She was chosen to open the event since she couldn’t quite memorize a part.  She was suppose to walk out on stage, as the homemade curtain was pulled open and say her lines.  We rehearsed over and over and over, hi, you are welcome to our Christmas play!  She knew the lines perfectly.  I would say several times a day, “Lauren, say your lines.”  She would immediately reply with so much fervor, “HI YOU ARE WECOME TO OWR CHWISMAS PWAY.” Rs and Ls were still a problem. It was sooooo cute!   On the night of the play, she had on her Christmas outfit, a little white ruffled blouse, plaid skirt, red knee socks, black patent Mary Janes.  Again, too cute.  She was positioned behind the homemade curtain and I was behind the organ, you know, just in case.  As curtain parted and the light hit her, she froze.

I kept prompting her but as she realized there were lots of people watching her, she started  backing up, shaking her head, saying no, no, no, no, no! She ran to me behind the organ and the play went on without a proper welcome.

Whether you find the shepherds running out the door, the baby playing Jesus having a meltdown in the manger, or the cute little girl welcoming you to the program backing up in fright, I hope you will enjoy the season and make some wonderful memories of you own.  Oh, be sure to go to the Christmas pageant!  It will definitely make your Christmas merry.

As my daughter was growing up, I experienced that breathless excitement through her and I became the poor, tired parent! It was almost impossible to drag myself out of bed before she got up, on Christmas morning. I would try to get up and get the camera ready to take pictures of her coming down the stairs. The joy was still there for the Christmas season, but it was no longer about what was under the tree. It was seeing the excitement and joy on her face. I wouldn’t trade those moments for all the gifts in the world.

That’s what happens as we grow and mature. Christmas becomes less about what we want and more about what we can give to others- at least it should. I like and appreciate gifts as much as anyone, but it’s still true that it is more blessed to give than to receive. For me, the blessing is not a reward of giving , but the act of giving itself. The blessing I get from giving gives me that excitement and joy that I felt as a child.

At this writing, there are thirteen days until Christmas. Oh wait it’s twelve now. Well you get the idea. You have some time to capture that joy by giving apart from the gifts you will give to your family and friends. There are many charities and organizations that need our help at this time of year. Whether it’s your time or monetary gifts, there are thousands of ways to reach out to others beyond our borders. After all, isn’t that what Christ did? He came as a baby in a manger to give all He was, for our sake. We can’t save the world this Christmas, but we can make a difference in a life. As you give, may you have the most blessed Christmas ever!

Debra

The Talleys have a new member, a new sound, a new name, a new booking agency, a new website, and a new CD in the works!

Brian Alvey has been performing alongside his wife and his in-laws for 2 1/2 months now and is making quite an impression on audiences everywhere. He has been sharing his powerful testimony nightly and singing “That’s Why I Love Him So,” which he wrote in 2009 as a member of Tribute Quartet. The song has received such overwhelming response that we are including it on a brand new CD of Talley favorites, due out this fall. The CD will feature our hits and radio singles of the last 5 years and our versions of Talley classics, including a new cut of “He Is Here,” featuring Brian. Keep watching your inbox and www.thetalleys.com for the release date!

We have just launched our new website! You can still order all our music and read our full tour schedule at www.thetalleys.com. The Harper Agency is now exclusively representing the Talleys and you can contact them at 615-851-4500 to reserve your spot on the Talleys’ tour schedule. They are working very hard and the calendar is filling up quickly, so hurry!

Last week we were saddened to say an unexpected goodbye to one of our dearest friends and supporters, Kay Barrett. We were honored to sing for her celebration service with Karen Peck Gooch, Tribute Quartet, the Whisnants and CS&K. I’ve never seen such a moving sight as Kay’s husband, Kenneth, raised his hands and cried as we sang “My Hope Is In The Lord,” and a special version of “Applause,” written in tribute to her. If ever anyone deserved a standing ovation, it was Kay.

The other day, my loving husband asked me what I would like for Christmas this year. I replied, “Haven’t thought about it. Why?” He said, “Because it’s November.” If you’re like me and it sneaked up on you too, we’re going to make your Christmas shopping really easy this year. We’re offering a Christmas special through our website.

Here’s what you get:

ANY 3 Talley Trio CDs of your choice
NEW Autographed picture of The Talleys

FOR ONLY $30

Just go to www.thetalleys.com and order.  You will be receiving a 33% discount!  Order gifts for family and friends or complete your collection of Talley Trio CDs.  Once these CDs are gone, they will be discontinued.

Y’all have a great Thanksgiving with your loved ones! I’m thankful for memories and new beginnings, and the fact that God is there through them all. We are thankful for YOU!

Lauren Talley Alvey
The Talleys

I have never known a more giving and loving person than Kay. There are so many gifts from Kay, that are in my home, but none more valuable than her friendship. I’m not the only one. She not only gave her friends thoughtful gifts, but she gave of herself to everyone she met.

If you were at Singing In The Sun this past April, you might remember that Kay gave Lauren a card shower for her wedding. Whenever we were at an event like Singing In The Sun or Gatlinburg Gathering, Kay would invite a bunch of us to their condo and she would cook a late-night breakfast. She was the queen of cheese grits and biscuits with chocolate gravy. Boy could she cook!

She loved gospel music and was always there whenever her favorite groups were anywhere close. She scheduled CS&K’s concerts and was always willing to help groups with fill-in dates in her area. She was a faithful wife to Kenneth, her husband of over 40 years. She was mom to Kirk, Kent, and Katie. She was a grandmother, sister, teacher, and friend. It’s hard to put into mere words the life of a wonderful woman that gave so much to her family, friends, community, church, and her Lord. I can only say that my life is better for having known her. She will be missed by so many, but we will meet again. Kay was never timid about her faith in God. She would want me to say, you have no promise of tomorrow. Are you ready?