Here we are at the end of another year. Hard to believe that 2007 is gone and 2008 is beginning her push closer to completion of our first decade in the 2000’s. When I think about date years I reflect back to 1976 and the Bi-Centennial and 1977. April 1977 was the year of the big flood in my life time, and I’ve got a few other years that make my remembrance highlight list too.
2007 has been a year of memories. My niece Morgan Alexandra Mills won in the Kentucky State Fair back in August, winning showing her goats and chickens. I realize to some this will be funny but memories are memories and to watch her delight in being a part of this type of event is a joy. I am not fully sure but she so sweet and precious I believe she enjoyed showing at the fair and learning, more then the check she received for winning after the State Fair. I know I get it wrong but she also participated and placed like 7th in a National Show as well, and all I can say with a smile is she loves her chickens!
Another memory is finally getting the mountain behind the house cleaned and straightened up. Now this you might be laughing at too, but this project began, well let me just write it began back several years ago. It started with trimming a few trees, then removing a few trees, then cutting a lot of trees. Added to the memory I will include I began digging a ditch, then moving just a little dirt, and after additional considerations my father and I thought it best to just level things out a bit. We built up my brother front and back yard, filled in some low spots and still discovered ourselves moving more dirt because we were no longer just moving a little dirt and trees, but clearing off a whole mountain, and that’s no small feat with a Kubota Tractor. Yes, you should be smiling about now attempting to imagine what that looked liked. Personally, I’m laughing because it is a part of the memories of 2007.
Now 2008 is ringer the door bell and without delay she will arrive on time. What plans do you have as you consider this New Year? Each of us has many unfulfilled dreams and plans that we once held to and worked towards. Maybe the average person doesn’t get to excited one way or the other. The average person may sit back, just relaxing, getting in no rush for anything, waiting for everything to come to them. Choices made in life some will blame everything on because of those experiences, while maybe others will take another road that attempts to find more suitable answers or solutions.
2008 is here and you may be the type of person that is full of joy as you have completed various steps from 2007 and see light, or even new light or maybe just more light around the corner. The real plans, our plans held for 2008 will not just arrive without effort on our part. Not sure what you have scheduled or believe should happen during this New Year to be, but I would suggest lean not so heavy on your plans and trust more in His direction so you will stay on course.
Until then
Monday, December 24, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
My First Christmas in Heaven
It is amazing how time passes so fast, and I am thankful for the different daily experiences and opportunities I have that provide many of the themes and inspirations for this column.
Some pastors, preachers, evangelist will, after writing a message repeat that same message many times over throughout a career of ministry, and I’ve got some good revival messages that I will use again, but mostly I write and deliver new message without repeats but this week is one of those exceptions.
The passing of my father’s dad was difficult for me personally, but through the ministry of a former church member in Monticello, Kentucky my spirit was touched and God has continued each of these past 9 years to touch my life with this poem and I know many of you too because of the comments you’ve shared.
I pray this year you will find what I have found in the words of this poem and I pray that the great comforter will bring peace to your hearts as you remember your loved ones too.
My First Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear
And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I can’t count the blessing or love He has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
Until then
Some pastors, preachers, evangelist will, after writing a message repeat that same message many times over throughout a career of ministry, and I’ve got some good revival messages that I will use again, but mostly I write and deliver new message without repeats but this week is one of those exceptions.
The passing of my father’s dad was difficult for me personally, but through the ministry of a former church member in Monticello, Kentucky my spirit was touched and God has continued each of these past 9 years to touch my life with this poem and I know many of you too because of the comments you’ve shared.
I pray this year you will find what I have found in the words of this poem and I pray that the great comforter will bring peace to your hearts as you remember your loved ones too.
My First Christmas in Heaven
I see the countless Christmas Trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven’s stars, reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can’t compare with the Christmas choir up here.
I have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it is beyond description to hear the angels sing.
I know how much you miss me, I see the pain inside your heart
But I am not so far away, we really aren’t apart.
So be happy for me, dear ones, you know I hold you dear
And be glad I’m spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
I sent you each a special gift, from my heavenly home above.
I sent you each a memory of my undying love.
After all, love is a gift more precious than pure gold.
It was always most important in the stories Jesus told.
Please love and keep each other, as my Father said to do.
For I can’t count the blessing or love He has for each of you.
So have a Merry Christmas and wipe away that tear.
Remember, I am spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
Until then
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Ms Mary Asher Wilson
During this special time of Christmas-Thanks-Giving Season I have been continuing to remember folks that I am thankful for or individuals that I remember in a mode of thanks because of their investment in others.
Mary Asher Wilson is one of those “gems” that I’ve been thinking about. To many she was just a little lady that played the organ at church, but she was so much more. Ms. Mary as she was affectionately known, was a lady who played the organ faithfully at her church, was a most devoted follower of Jesus, and she was a true giver of gifts. The gift most precious to me would be the gift of herself she shared on many occasions.
Please know that I am not an alone single individual that has a unique insight into Ms. Mary. I am one of hundreds of hundreds touched through my teen years back in Bell County, but she and her husband have touch thousands upon thousands throughout Kentucky and the world. Ms. Mary built at least one building to honor her family at Cumberland College, now the University of the Cumberlands, Georgetown and Campbellsville not to mention contributions to Clear Creek Baptist Bible College.
Today as I write I am thinking about her beautiful shining white hair, that pleasant demeanor that would put one at ease, her quietness and sincere desire you would feel when asking her a question or as she would listen at you talk. She had great quality and was someone who cherished the blessings God had given her, and she was willing to let others benefits from God’s goodness. Now that type of character is just as unique today as it was then, and it lives on because she made the attempt to invest in others, trusting them in their own visions, and aspirations.
I love singing and enjoy music and Ms. Mary did too. I received my first ever Carson Silver Dollar from her, but most cherished was just her playing the organ and me singing. My memory recalls her saying “why don’t you sing it this way, and I will do this with the organ and that will sound nice”. She was always right, and I learned one of those valuable lessons in life about trying old things new ways from her.
Leading the church congregation in singing was a treat too. Directing the congregation in singing with her at the organ playing was always fun because she would follow your lead, and for someone that was so young, leading someone with age and experience it was a valuable experience. I learned through that experience the beauty of team work, mutual trust and respect.
This Christmas I am thinking about hearing her say, I love the decorations, but I will need to have a clear view to the pulpit to follow the director, so the organ would have little sitting up in a big fan fair way. My most cherished thoughts of Ms. Mary would be her sitting in that little chair next to the organ, listening to the preaching of God’s word. While playing the organ, it would need to be line of sight, but when not playing she would quietly sit in a hidden spot so as not to disturb the movement of the Holy Spirit by moving around or being seen getting ready for the invitational hymn.
Precious memories, how then linger, and how they ever fill our souls. May this Christmas cause you to also remember someone that made a difference in your life because they gave of themselves to your benefit.
Until then.
Mary Asher Wilson is one of those “gems” that I’ve been thinking about. To many she was just a little lady that played the organ at church, but she was so much more. Ms. Mary as she was affectionately known, was a lady who played the organ faithfully at her church, was a most devoted follower of Jesus, and she was a true giver of gifts. The gift most precious to me would be the gift of herself she shared on many occasions.
Please know that I am not an alone single individual that has a unique insight into Ms. Mary. I am one of hundreds of hundreds touched through my teen years back in Bell County, but she and her husband have touch thousands upon thousands throughout Kentucky and the world. Ms. Mary built at least one building to honor her family at Cumberland College, now the University of the Cumberlands, Georgetown and Campbellsville not to mention contributions to Clear Creek Baptist Bible College.
Today as I write I am thinking about her beautiful shining white hair, that pleasant demeanor that would put one at ease, her quietness and sincere desire you would feel when asking her a question or as she would listen at you talk. She had great quality and was someone who cherished the blessings God had given her, and she was willing to let others benefits from God’s goodness. Now that type of character is just as unique today as it was then, and it lives on because she made the attempt to invest in others, trusting them in their own visions, and aspirations.
I love singing and enjoy music and Ms. Mary did too. I received my first ever Carson Silver Dollar from her, but most cherished was just her playing the organ and me singing. My memory recalls her saying “why don’t you sing it this way, and I will do this with the organ and that will sound nice”. She was always right, and I learned one of those valuable lessons in life about trying old things new ways from her.
Leading the church congregation in singing was a treat too. Directing the congregation in singing with her at the organ playing was always fun because she would follow your lead, and for someone that was so young, leading someone with age and experience it was a valuable experience. I learned through that experience the beauty of team work, mutual trust and respect.
This Christmas I am thinking about hearing her say, I love the decorations, but I will need to have a clear view to the pulpit to follow the director, so the organ would have little sitting up in a big fan fair way. My most cherished thoughts of Ms. Mary would be her sitting in that little chair next to the organ, listening to the preaching of God’s word. While playing the organ, it would need to be line of sight, but when not playing she would quietly sit in a hidden spot so as not to disturb the movement of the Holy Spirit by moving around or being seen getting ready for the invitational hymn.
Precious memories, how then linger, and how they ever fill our souls. May this Christmas cause you to also remember someone that made a difference in your life because they gave of themselves to your benefit.
Until then.
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Celebration of the Advent Season
The church has begun the Advent Season, full of all her colors, symbols, anticipation and spiritual hope. There are churches that will have special services that mark this time of Advent, while others will never mention the words Advent in any worship service or call attention to this type of planned season of celebration.
Growing up I was exposed to the Advent Season because of Dr. Harold Wortman.
Dr. Wortman served as Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church Pineville, and through his ministry special music marked the Christian way of faith and highlighted this unique time. While the children of Israel were slaves in Egypt under bitter oppression, experiencing the tyranny of injustice they prayed for deliverance. Today, we long in anticipation and hope of the coming Savior as King, looking for His return. This is the meaning and reasoning for the Advent Season and all the reason to celebrate.
My personal education of this season continued at Cumberland College. Dr. Wortman served as Chairman of the Music Department and his leadership in services like the Hanging of the Green held on campus provided additional learning used still. Doc loved this time of the year, the wreaths, candles, colors, and of course, more especially the music. Written previously I’ve shared I believe Christmas is a great time to advance my favorite week of the years theme, thanks-giving.
A memory of Dr. Wortman in my music education would be the song and prayer “Come, O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel”. I can hear him even now saying, “Think about their longing and desire for freedom. Add that to your personal experience of asking Jesus to come into your heart”, remembering that freedom from sin and he thought adding longing to be delivered and set free with being set free, one should have all they need to celebrate. Doc was right, freedom plus freedom equals freedom and that is a great spirit to have and celebrate. If forgiveness of sin, deliverance from the wrongs of persecution and the promise of Heaven does not give you an emotion of freedom then I would suggest you are still in slavery and I would invite you to ask Jesus to come into your heart.
This is a great time for Churches to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas through Advent Services and emphasis and this is a perfect time for Christians to stop and ask those we meet if they knew why the anticipated arrival of the Christ child was so important and how it relate to us today.
Life has provided many experiences for me in learning about Jesus through church, church programs, Sunday School, children/youth events, people like Dr. Wortman, who had such an influence on my life, and I’m just praying that I am leaving something behind that will point others to the Star of Bethlehem, just as I have been.
Until then
Growing up I was exposed to the Advent Season because of Dr. Harold Wortman.
Dr. Wortman served as Minister of Music at the First Baptist Church Pineville, and through his ministry special music marked the Christian way of faith and highlighted this unique time. While the children of Israel were slaves in Egypt under bitter oppression, experiencing the tyranny of injustice they prayed for deliverance. Today, we long in anticipation and hope of the coming Savior as King, looking for His return. This is the meaning and reasoning for the Advent Season and all the reason to celebrate.
My personal education of this season continued at Cumberland College. Dr. Wortman served as Chairman of the Music Department and his leadership in services like the Hanging of the Green held on campus provided additional learning used still. Doc loved this time of the year, the wreaths, candles, colors, and of course, more especially the music. Written previously I’ve shared I believe Christmas is a great time to advance my favorite week of the years theme, thanks-giving.
A memory of Dr. Wortman in my music education would be the song and prayer “Come, O Come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel”. I can hear him even now saying, “Think about their longing and desire for freedom. Add that to your personal experience of asking Jesus to come into your heart”, remembering that freedom from sin and he thought adding longing to be delivered and set free with being set free, one should have all they need to celebrate. Doc was right, freedom plus freedom equals freedom and that is a great spirit to have and celebrate. If forgiveness of sin, deliverance from the wrongs of persecution and the promise of Heaven does not give you an emotion of freedom then I would suggest you are still in slavery and I would invite you to ask Jesus to come into your heart.
This is a great time for Churches to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas through Advent Services and emphasis and this is a perfect time for Christians to stop and ask those we meet if they knew why the anticipated arrival of the Christ child was so important and how it relate to us today.
Life has provided many experiences for me in learning about Jesus through church, church programs, Sunday School, children/youth events, people like Dr. Wortman, who had such an influence on my life, and I’m just praying that I am leaving something behind that will point others to the Star of Bethlehem, just as I have been.
Until then
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Thanksgiving & Christmas
With December now here some would say that the Season of Thanks is officially over, but I believe Christmas offers a perfect time to continue the tradition of saying and giving thanks and maybe even more so with December being the celebration of the Christ Child Jesus Birthday.
A continuance of saying thanks is most appropriate during December because the Baby Jesus was a gift of the Heavenly Father to each of us individually, so there’s a reason to continue the thanks. Another reason to continue thanking in December would be because of acts of obedience that Mary and Joseph demonstrated in following through with God’s plan. What an example they remain today because of their actions.
There is so much about the Season of Christmas that is also about Thanksgiving. Consider the fact that those that arrived to this new land gave thanks and the driving part of the search for new lands was freedom in worship, seeking after their hearts yearning, and a discovery of not just new lands, but new peace too.
Living here in the Bible Belt is a blessing. I’ve lived in big cities and observed the passing by of so many and the moving about of daily living that never stops and recognizes the creator. I’ve been to New York City’s Central Park and watched the animals, looked at the trees, swelled the roses and observed the people still, who so seem to have no understanding of that quote by Emerson who said, “nature is the art of God”.
My list of thanks will continue to flow but my goal and desire is to some how create the awareness in others that this is even a more special time for us to be able to advance the kingdom of God because of the worlds emphasis on His season.
The Bible tells us to “give thanks always”, and the Bible also tells us to “rejoice, and again I say rejoice”. During this time of the year many will not find their spirits in that overflowing rejoicing or giving thanks mode because of the experiences of life that may have brought a death during this time, a loss of employment that stripped the parents and children of needs and dreams, or maybe this time of the year is just too rushed and the movement of people causes an alarm or hesitation to be around others or go places.
Nevertheless, Christians are instructed to give thanks and rejoice so how will we find His way in this mess we’ve made it into?
Might I suggest looking back until you reach that memory spot where it was clear what God was asking you to do? Think back to the last peace you had that filled you in such a way you didn’t even recognize all the distractions happening all around.
The Bible talks about that peace that passes all understanding and I cannot but believe His peace is discovered when his will is discovered and giving the gift of ourselves to others helps in that search. Seeing the reasons for giving thanks and we doing so as an honor to Him I believe creates that very real presence of Himself that also establishes His plan in our lives.
There is much to do and little time to do it, so lets go ahead and add Thanksgiving and Christmas together for the cause of Christ. Saying thanks and giving gifts in thanksgiving toward others will show we’ve got the meaning of the seasons.
Until then
A continuance of saying thanks is most appropriate during December because the Baby Jesus was a gift of the Heavenly Father to each of us individually, so there’s a reason to continue the thanks. Another reason to continue thanking in December would be because of acts of obedience that Mary and Joseph demonstrated in following through with God’s plan. What an example they remain today because of their actions.
There is so much about the Season of Christmas that is also about Thanksgiving. Consider the fact that those that arrived to this new land gave thanks and the driving part of the search for new lands was freedom in worship, seeking after their hearts yearning, and a discovery of not just new lands, but new peace too.
Living here in the Bible Belt is a blessing. I’ve lived in big cities and observed the passing by of so many and the moving about of daily living that never stops and recognizes the creator. I’ve been to New York City’s Central Park and watched the animals, looked at the trees, swelled the roses and observed the people still, who so seem to have no understanding of that quote by Emerson who said, “nature is the art of God”.
My list of thanks will continue to flow but my goal and desire is to some how create the awareness in others that this is even a more special time for us to be able to advance the kingdom of God because of the worlds emphasis on His season.
The Bible tells us to “give thanks always”, and the Bible also tells us to “rejoice, and again I say rejoice”. During this time of the year many will not find their spirits in that overflowing rejoicing or giving thanks mode because of the experiences of life that may have brought a death during this time, a loss of employment that stripped the parents and children of needs and dreams, or maybe this time of the year is just too rushed and the movement of people causes an alarm or hesitation to be around others or go places.
Nevertheless, Christians are instructed to give thanks and rejoice so how will we find His way in this mess we’ve made it into?
Might I suggest looking back until you reach that memory spot where it was clear what God was asking you to do? Think back to the last peace you had that filled you in such a way you didn’t even recognize all the distractions happening all around.
The Bible talks about that peace that passes all understanding and I cannot but believe His peace is discovered when his will is discovered and giving the gift of ourselves to others helps in that search. Seeing the reasons for giving thanks and we doing so as an honor to Him I believe creates that very real presence of Himself that also establishes His plan in our lives.
There is much to do and little time to do it, so lets go ahead and add Thanksgiving and Christmas together for the cause of Christ. Saying thanks and giving gifts in thanksgiving toward others will show we’ve got the meaning of the seasons.
Until then
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Greenland Baptist Church Wildlife Dinner
While the Season of Thanksgiving has officially gone the Season of Christmas has arrived and there is no greater example of gift giving freely, or thanks expressed then by that of our Lord Jesus Christ.
In the spirit of Christ and in celebration of both seasons it is important to say thanks for the love and support shared by the Greenland Baptist Church to me personally and to acknowledge their actions to show the love and concern of Christ to the entire Tri-State area through their efforts involving their 2nd Annual Wild Life Dinner.
The vision for the event was cast by Deacon Terry Adkins and easily supported by the churches brotherhood and then the entire church also rallied behind the idea to do something different and reach out in a unique way for Jesus Christ. For those who have who have never attended their event you have missed out but I certain 2008 will bring another great Wildlife Dinner to their church open to the community that you can get in on.
So often in the rush of life we rush to and from never taking time to say thanks and I want to say thanks for their commitment to pull together creating such an experience for hunters, fishermen and outdoor enjoyers of life. Truth is, my experience at Greenland Baptist Church and the Wildlife Dinner was filled with laughter, meeting people, seeing the excitement of something new and different, plus learning that the greatest hunter in the world, Jesus Christ is looking for people to join in the hunt which ultimately results in the experience of Heaven.
That scripture in Matthew that says “He came to seek and to save that which lost” presents a great challenge to the church and while the message of His mission has not changed our methods need some fine tuning to reach the world that sees no value in church, a Savior or a Lord. The world has done a great job of attracting young people from the message that in generations past had at the fore front the theme of Jesus Christ, Church and her importance and our responsibilities as Christians to that world that He came to “seek and save”.
I am not sure how or why churches feel that we are backed into some type of corner that has us bound to tradition that permits no reaching out, but a Wildlife Dinner with different game to eat and experience is just one of many ways to make a difference and reach new people. How about a checkers tournament? Sure, doesn’t sound like much, but why not? Winning one is worth it all, but even better is just presenting the message of Jesus is worth it all even if no response is seen. God grows seeds in the heart and you and I have a unique opportunity during this Season to keep people focused on the real reason for the season, the coming of a Savior for the forgiveness of sin.
Not sure what your church is planning during this time of the year, maybe it will be cantatas and children’s plays, which are all good, but why not a punch and cookie party too?
Until then
In the spirit of Christ and in celebration of both seasons it is important to say thanks for the love and support shared by the Greenland Baptist Church to me personally and to acknowledge their actions to show the love and concern of Christ to the entire Tri-State area through their efforts involving their 2nd Annual Wild Life Dinner.
The vision for the event was cast by Deacon Terry Adkins and easily supported by the churches brotherhood and then the entire church also rallied behind the idea to do something different and reach out in a unique way for Jesus Christ. For those who have who have never attended their event you have missed out but I certain 2008 will bring another great Wildlife Dinner to their church open to the community that you can get in on.
So often in the rush of life we rush to and from never taking time to say thanks and I want to say thanks for their commitment to pull together creating such an experience for hunters, fishermen and outdoor enjoyers of life. Truth is, my experience at Greenland Baptist Church and the Wildlife Dinner was filled with laughter, meeting people, seeing the excitement of something new and different, plus learning that the greatest hunter in the world, Jesus Christ is looking for people to join in the hunt which ultimately results in the experience of Heaven.
That scripture in Matthew that says “He came to seek and to save that which lost” presents a great challenge to the church and while the message of His mission has not changed our methods need some fine tuning to reach the world that sees no value in church, a Savior or a Lord. The world has done a great job of attracting young people from the message that in generations past had at the fore front the theme of Jesus Christ, Church and her importance and our responsibilities as Christians to that world that He came to “seek and save”.
I am not sure how or why churches feel that we are backed into some type of corner that has us bound to tradition that permits no reaching out, but a Wildlife Dinner with different game to eat and experience is just one of many ways to make a difference and reach new people. How about a checkers tournament? Sure, doesn’t sound like much, but why not? Winning one is worth it all, but even better is just presenting the message of Jesus is worth it all even if no response is seen. God grows seeds in the heart and you and I have a unique opportunity during this Season to keep people focused on the real reason for the season, the coming of a Savior for the forgiveness of sin.
Not sure what your church is planning during this time of the year, maybe it will be cantatas and children’s plays, which are all good, but why not a punch and cookie party too?
Until then
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thanksgiving Week
With there only being 52 weeks in a year one would think picking a favorite week would be an easy task. I have only enquired into a few folks and their selections for favorite week of the year and my received responses have been varied. The number one response to my enquiring question has been a question in response, “why”? My response of course has just been, I’ve got a favorite week and was just wondering if you did? Most folks have considered it is a trick question or they look around to see who is standing around; as if mother was there it would be the week of her birthday of course!
For me I thought I would simple say I love 51 weeks of the year for riding a Harley Motorcycle somewhere and the other week of the year I love Thanksgiving Week. Truth is that’s not a bad answer but for some that will seem like an easy out, but I’ll hold to this line for now because I’m thinking it is the best way to spend a year without a doubt.
So what week are you saying is your favorite if you have to pick? Will it be a week of vacation on some island or resort? How-a-bout a trip that includes several stopping points each year like amusement parks and maybe a museum or historical point of interest? It could be just a week at home that you enjoy not really doing anything, or maybe it’s a main focus on what my family would call piddling, which means you are really doing nothing, but your way of thinking says you are doing something, even if there is nothing to show for it at the end of the week. Those types of weeks are not bad, we easily justify we were doing something no one else wanted to do, and it was so time consuming because of the many little task it took to make that shed look like it does now. Doesn’t that just make you feel so much better just having read that?
The weeks of the year are all different and there are many reasons for selecting certain days, or occasions, but have you answered the question yet, what is your favorite week of the year?
It is Thanksgiving Week for me for several reasons. While some will think of this as the biggest shopping day of the year for those special items, I’m not much into Christmas gifts so the week is more about resting and reflecting then the run down the aisle for that special something. I like Thanksgiving Week because of the food. While some will say their candy cooking is all for the Christmas Season, to me, since it’s cooked and ready now, it’s all about Thanksgiving Season instead. I would have to say my biggest reason for enjoying Thanksgiving is because it is the season to say ‘thanks’.
Possibly the hardest thing some folks will ever do is say thanks but I discovered it a great way of acknowledging others, their impact and influence as well as the peace that overtakes me when I know I’ve done all I can do.
Now sure what your favorite week is, or how you will reflect upon this Thanksgiving Week, but for me, I’ve already made my decision and to top it off I’ll probably take a Harley ride too.
Until then
For me I thought I would simple say I love 51 weeks of the year for riding a Harley Motorcycle somewhere and the other week of the year I love Thanksgiving Week. Truth is that’s not a bad answer but for some that will seem like an easy out, but I’ll hold to this line for now because I’m thinking it is the best way to spend a year without a doubt.
So what week are you saying is your favorite if you have to pick? Will it be a week of vacation on some island or resort? How-a-bout a trip that includes several stopping points each year like amusement parks and maybe a museum or historical point of interest? It could be just a week at home that you enjoy not really doing anything, or maybe it’s a main focus on what my family would call piddling, which means you are really doing nothing, but your way of thinking says you are doing something, even if there is nothing to show for it at the end of the week. Those types of weeks are not bad, we easily justify we were doing something no one else wanted to do, and it was so time consuming because of the many little task it took to make that shed look like it does now. Doesn’t that just make you feel so much better just having read that?
The weeks of the year are all different and there are many reasons for selecting certain days, or occasions, but have you answered the question yet, what is your favorite week of the year?
It is Thanksgiving Week for me for several reasons. While some will think of this as the biggest shopping day of the year for those special items, I’m not much into Christmas gifts so the week is more about resting and reflecting then the run down the aisle for that special something. I like Thanksgiving Week because of the food. While some will say their candy cooking is all for the Christmas Season, to me, since it’s cooked and ready now, it’s all about Thanksgiving Season instead. I would have to say my biggest reason for enjoying Thanksgiving is because it is the season to say ‘thanks’.
Possibly the hardest thing some folks will ever do is say thanks but I discovered it a great way of acknowledging others, their impact and influence as well as the peace that overtakes me when I know I’ve done all I can do.
Now sure what your favorite week is, or how you will reflect upon this Thanksgiving Week, but for me, I’ve already made my decision and to top it off I’ll probably take a Harley ride too.
Until then
Friday, November 16, 2007
Moses & Directions
What are the odds that the creator of the world really wants to use us to do His will? Good question that I’m certain we have each asked ourselves and no doubt we have considered ourselves to be alone in the question, but this is not the case actually.
Moses was the first recorded in History of the World to ask the question, “Who am I? A self asking question many continue to address inwardly as we live our lives from day to day.
The big deal with Moses in Exodus on this question was because of his resistance to God’s call and Moses refusal to say yes to the vision. It was hard for Moses to see himself someone to deliver God’s people from hardship. It was hard for Moses to see how God could use someone like himself as a leader, especially since Moses didn’t see himself as a leader or as someone up for the unthinkable challenge God placed before him.
Not sure how overwhelming life is in your world but I’m thinking asking “who am I” is not a bad place to start when evaluating our lives, and like Moses we have no doubt wanted Him to send someone else and accept our position that we are just not up to the task. If there is anything frustrating about God is has to be the fact that He doesn’t pay us any mind when we are double thinking ourselves, He just waits for us to stop.
Life is full of situations that create this sense of well informed “I can’t do this” attitude in us. How often? To often we think and feel we are over our heads and out of our field to accomplish things, but isn’t is amazing that God doesn’t think so?
What was the last project you were handed that put you in the frame of mind? What bad news had you last heard that gave you this sense of hopelessness?
Yes, it is hard to imagine that God, the creator of the universe wants to use us, but He does. We are reluctant to follow, but yes, He still calls and points a way. We are more inclined to hear the negative then are persuaded to stand back up and fight the odds, but we must. We must because He has asked us to in spite of who we are. Sure there are others that will be better suited for the task no doubt, but they; it appears are not the ones God is talking to. Skill and experience that others possess out shine our talents, but they are not here, it is us standing at the spot.
Today the expectation God has for us is to ask whatever question we desire, but for these questions not to be sticking points but rather move us to the next question that Moses asked, which was, “what shall I tell them”.
The items on your to-do-list, or the work that is before you is not positions as such to stop us but to cause of to stop and consider our next steps wisely, and those steps should be directions gathered from His will.
The roads we each travel are not always full of lights and direction signs that are easily seen from the roads we travel, but if we go forward with our eyes open, looking around, being observant, and attempting to not pass recklessly in life, I am confident we can all safely arrive from the resistance of His call to acceptance of His lead and find our selves in a new land too.
Until then
Moses was the first recorded in History of the World to ask the question, “Who am I? A self asking question many continue to address inwardly as we live our lives from day to day.
The big deal with Moses in Exodus on this question was because of his resistance to God’s call and Moses refusal to say yes to the vision. It was hard for Moses to see himself someone to deliver God’s people from hardship. It was hard for Moses to see how God could use someone like himself as a leader, especially since Moses didn’t see himself as a leader or as someone up for the unthinkable challenge God placed before him.
Not sure how overwhelming life is in your world but I’m thinking asking “who am I” is not a bad place to start when evaluating our lives, and like Moses we have no doubt wanted Him to send someone else and accept our position that we are just not up to the task. If there is anything frustrating about God is has to be the fact that He doesn’t pay us any mind when we are double thinking ourselves, He just waits for us to stop.
Life is full of situations that create this sense of well informed “I can’t do this” attitude in us. How often? To often we think and feel we are over our heads and out of our field to accomplish things, but isn’t is amazing that God doesn’t think so?
What was the last project you were handed that put you in the frame of mind? What bad news had you last heard that gave you this sense of hopelessness?
Yes, it is hard to imagine that God, the creator of the universe wants to use us, but He does. We are reluctant to follow, but yes, He still calls and points a way. We are more inclined to hear the negative then are persuaded to stand back up and fight the odds, but we must. We must because He has asked us to in spite of who we are. Sure there are others that will be better suited for the task no doubt, but they; it appears are not the ones God is talking to. Skill and experience that others possess out shine our talents, but they are not here, it is us standing at the spot.
Today the expectation God has for us is to ask whatever question we desire, but for these questions not to be sticking points but rather move us to the next question that Moses asked, which was, “what shall I tell them”.
The items on your to-do-list, or the work that is before you is not positions as such to stop us but to cause of to stop and consider our next steps wisely, and those steps should be directions gathered from His will.
The roads we each travel are not always full of lights and direction signs that are easily seen from the roads we travel, but if we go forward with our eyes open, looking around, being observant, and attempting to not pass recklessly in life, I am confident we can all safely arrive from the resistance of His call to acceptance of His lead and find our selves in a new land too.
Until then
Friday, October 19, 2007
Staying Focused
There are many games that people play in life, and I’m not talking about games that bring enjoyment and pleasure, I’m talking about emotional games that people play. Consider the game we’ve seen performed that is best described as the “self pity party”.
When you have witnessed this game in the lives of individuals you wonder what’s really happening in their lives. Since we’ve all seen or experienced this type of situation in our lives, the question for those that are Christians would be can a Christian have a “self pity party?
Certainly in life there are situations that will bring us down. There are moments that we will be disheartened. These moments will break our stride, they will cause us to turn our eyes and look away longer then we should. I would venture to say that we’ve all been there and experienced such that causes a let down in our energy or passion to do or get things done. Living life as humans has some elements to overcome. It is unfortunate that we are not already perfect but if that we’re the case then I think we would miss out on one of those great beneficent blessings of Heaven, being with the perfect Savior and the perfect Lord in the perfect place. Not sure about you, but I’m thinking I’ll hold off on my being perfect here and now for until then.
With such experiences happening in our imperfect world how is a Christian to respond to such adversity or broken spirit? Matthew 6:16 talks about fasting and it reads, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you”.
Now I’m sure that until He comes we are going to have some “self pity” moments in our lives, but I am sure from this scripture and others I think it can also be clearly said we need to learn to keep a happy public face during difficult times and trying moments, and by doing so earn more favor from the Lord.
I would say that their will not be many signing up to put on their happy public faces, but then again, as I’m thinking, I believe I know a lot of folks who have placed their discipline and confidence in the Lord and they are smiling and not attempting to disfigure their faces to show their present conditions.
The “self pity party” is an experience that we read about in the Bible from Jonah to prophets of old, and Christians are not exempt from the experience, but I believe we can see from the Bible some proper steps to take when the urge to stay in that party overwhelms us. It’s time to be a big sunflower seed and let our lights shine through every circumstance even when we do not feel like being a vessel of the Lord.
Yes, the Bible certainly says there is a time for everything, and maybe you like I would have eliminated this one, but He didn’t so we’ve just got to live with it and press on!
Until then
When you have witnessed this game in the lives of individuals you wonder what’s really happening in their lives. Since we’ve all seen or experienced this type of situation in our lives, the question for those that are Christians would be can a Christian have a “self pity party?
Certainly in life there are situations that will bring us down. There are moments that we will be disheartened. These moments will break our stride, they will cause us to turn our eyes and look away longer then we should. I would venture to say that we’ve all been there and experienced such that causes a let down in our energy or passion to do or get things done. Living life as humans has some elements to overcome. It is unfortunate that we are not already perfect but if that we’re the case then I think we would miss out on one of those great beneficent blessings of Heaven, being with the perfect Savior and the perfect Lord in the perfect place. Not sure about you, but I’m thinking I’ll hold off on my being perfect here and now for until then.
With such experiences happening in our imperfect world how is a Christian to respond to such adversity or broken spirit? Matthew 6:16 talks about fasting and it reads, “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth; they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret will reward you”.
Now I’m sure that until He comes we are going to have some “self pity” moments in our lives, but I am sure from this scripture and others I think it can also be clearly said we need to learn to keep a happy public face during difficult times and trying moments, and by doing so earn more favor from the Lord.
I would say that their will not be many signing up to put on their happy public faces, but then again, as I’m thinking, I believe I know a lot of folks who have placed their discipline and confidence in the Lord and they are smiling and not attempting to disfigure their faces to show their present conditions.
The “self pity party” is an experience that we read about in the Bible from Jonah to prophets of old, and Christians are not exempt from the experience, but I believe we can see from the Bible some proper steps to take when the urge to stay in that party overwhelms us. It’s time to be a big sunflower seed and let our lights shine through every circumstance even when we do not feel like being a vessel of the Lord.
Yes, the Bible certainly says there is a time for everything, and maybe you like I would have eliminated this one, but He didn’t so we’ve just got to live with it and press on!
Until then
Friday, September 7, 2007
Football & Life
Today, the Rich Brooks fans are everywhere! Today, everyone loves Kentucky Football! Today, you just cannot be more proud to wear the white and blue! Today, is interesting but it was just a short time ago, like let’s say yesterday, that lots of folks were calling Rich Brooks an old man whose day as a coach had come and gone. Many were dispelling his coaching abilities and talking about why we don’t have more Kentucky boys playing on the team, and many were heard to say that the wins of last year were just luck and those types of wins will happen from time to time, but still, yesterday that was, there was not a lot of credit for Coach Brooks, until today that is.
It is so lacking in character the way we offer friendship. It is just amazing how fickle we are. I have often said that I don’t need any help when I am focused, centered and purposed. When one is strong and clear they are able to stand on their own and there is no need of assistance or a helping hand, but it is when you are down that one can use a helping hand up and truth is there are just not many that enjoy reaching down.
I attended football specialty camp at the University of Kentucky back in the day and my Kentucky Football History begins with Coach Fran Curci. Remember him, he was at Kentucky I believe something like 1973-1981. It was a great experience and I learned a lot, some of which I have never forgotten. The coach who taught line skills was Coach “K” and he preached one thing to win on the line, “wide base and short choppy steps”.
Anyone who has every played on the line knows that those skills have never changed. In all the years of football, a wide base and short choppy steps are still the number one techniques to be successful on the line of scrimmage. There are additional skills that will come in helpful like learning how to use your hands, learning to always keep your head up, mastering the first step or turn of the upper body is good technique in pointing yourself in the direction you want to go, all these are an added plus to you be highly successful when brought together.
Life is one of those things that you really need to be skilled at in evaluating the success of. Today, everyone is saying Coach Rich Brooks is a great coach. Today, the Commonwealth of Kentucky maybe in a state of shock as we have won four games in a row, there appears to be no ‘give up’ attitude and the team seems to be all that many have been dreaming about. If you are one of those and you have not remembered the team that it seemed could not win a game, you’ve missed it. It was that determination to not give up that we need to applaud. Remember the team that could not catch a ball, but they still continued to practice and the coaches still recruited, well, let’s give them applause.
Coach Brooks was not swayed by the negative comments; actually I can remember him saying when we lost games, “I take responsibility”, now that’s leadership. Not passing the buck, but accepting his role.
In the course of life sometimes we misjudge, sometimes we are quick to make a remark, sometimes we think we have it figured out when we are just looking at one aspect, or one play, one move. Remember that often when it looks like everything is going wrong the real true is that everything could be going right, the results are coming, they have just not over taken the negative yet, so give it time and wait and see.
In the end, the results are not about the Wins and Loses, while that maybe the first thing people look at. The real results are lives changed because people got involved, the difference made because folks cared to stick it out and became a part of the team.
Until then
It is so lacking in character the way we offer friendship. It is just amazing how fickle we are. I have often said that I don’t need any help when I am focused, centered and purposed. When one is strong and clear they are able to stand on their own and there is no need of assistance or a helping hand, but it is when you are down that one can use a helping hand up and truth is there are just not many that enjoy reaching down.
I attended football specialty camp at the University of Kentucky back in the day and my Kentucky Football History begins with Coach Fran Curci. Remember him, he was at Kentucky I believe something like 1973-1981. It was a great experience and I learned a lot, some of which I have never forgotten. The coach who taught line skills was Coach “K” and he preached one thing to win on the line, “wide base and short choppy steps”.
Anyone who has every played on the line knows that those skills have never changed. In all the years of football, a wide base and short choppy steps are still the number one techniques to be successful on the line of scrimmage. There are additional skills that will come in helpful like learning how to use your hands, learning to always keep your head up, mastering the first step or turn of the upper body is good technique in pointing yourself in the direction you want to go, all these are an added plus to you be highly successful when brought together.
Life is one of those things that you really need to be skilled at in evaluating the success of. Today, everyone is saying Coach Rich Brooks is a great coach. Today, the Commonwealth of Kentucky maybe in a state of shock as we have won four games in a row, there appears to be no ‘give up’ attitude and the team seems to be all that many have been dreaming about. If you are one of those and you have not remembered the team that it seemed could not win a game, you’ve missed it. It was that determination to not give up that we need to applaud. Remember the team that could not catch a ball, but they still continued to practice and the coaches still recruited, well, let’s give them applause.
Coach Brooks was not swayed by the negative comments; actually I can remember him saying when we lost games, “I take responsibility”, now that’s leadership. Not passing the buck, but accepting his role.
In the course of life sometimes we misjudge, sometimes we are quick to make a remark, sometimes we think we have it figured out when we are just looking at one aspect, or one play, one move. Remember that often when it looks like everything is going wrong the real true is that everything could be going right, the results are coming, they have just not over taken the negative yet, so give it time and wait and see.
In the end, the results are not about the Wins and Loses, while that maybe the first thing people look at. The real results are lives changed because people got involved, the difference made because folks cared to stick it out and became a part of the team.
Until then
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Back to School Thoughts
When school officially began this month throughout the districts in Southeastern Kentucky, I don’t believe many of us were thinking about the fall season that follows. With the temperatures setting new records everywhere it just seemed impossible, at least to me, to think about the fall leaves, a cold wind and anything other then “seems like summer to me”.
For those old enough and experienced in age you will understand hearing our family members talk about sweeping the yard, it just doesn’t seem right does it? Hard to imagine if that was real action or just mountain talk for something else? It has not been unusual to see plenty of fans out on porches or folks sitting in their garage with a fan on to escape the heat and catch a breeze to find a moment of relief.
Just two months ago we were all crying drought and thought it would never rain, then the rains came, the rain deficit index was decreased, we were feeling good again, and I think you are getting the picture, the cycle of something is beginning again.
This past week with football field lights getting their switch turned to on and the swell of popcorn filling the air, we still have not reached that fall season zone have we? Even with the arrival of Labor Day this weekend I don’t quite believe we will have that settled feeling that fall has arrived. The lakes are down, the water has fallen her 15 or 20 feet but still no strong stance on when we can say fall is here still.
With the “seems like summer to me” still. With my hearts desire for fall to arrive what should one do?
The scriptures are so full of thoughts about seasons and different times in our lives and we even learn from the scriptures about seasons just like these, those that seem out of place or too much. Learning to be content is no easy position to strive after under any circumstances much less trying times, but that word is clear that we should press on.
Not sure what season you like best, not sure what you are thinking about our present weather conditions but you can rest assured of two things for sure. One, it will change just give it time, and two, if you think it can’t get worse, well hold on because it could before relief finally arrives.
In the Old Testament the scripture talks about us taking our position, standing guard, waiting and watching to see what the Lord will say, and for us to simply wait and then when we have received it to run with it. Considering all the questions raised by weather alone it makes good sense to be ready doesn’t it? Why not, while we have the time, make preparations for another type of day that has yet to arrive yet? Today it’s hot, tomorrow it maybe wet, and soon enough it will be could, should we not gather while we can?
Options available in life at this present moment range from sit back, do nothing and complain, to make the best of what you have and see if some luck comes your way, or a final option could be take action through wisdom and attempt to handle whatever comes your way. Not sure what choice you are willing to make today, but fall will arrive, colds winds will blow and now is the best time to get ready when it does arrive.
Until then
For those old enough and experienced in age you will understand hearing our family members talk about sweeping the yard, it just doesn’t seem right does it? Hard to imagine if that was real action or just mountain talk for something else? It has not been unusual to see plenty of fans out on porches or folks sitting in their garage with a fan on to escape the heat and catch a breeze to find a moment of relief.
Just two months ago we were all crying drought and thought it would never rain, then the rains came, the rain deficit index was decreased, we were feeling good again, and I think you are getting the picture, the cycle of something is beginning again.
This past week with football field lights getting their switch turned to on and the swell of popcorn filling the air, we still have not reached that fall season zone have we? Even with the arrival of Labor Day this weekend I don’t quite believe we will have that settled feeling that fall has arrived. The lakes are down, the water has fallen her 15 or 20 feet but still no strong stance on when we can say fall is here still.
With the “seems like summer to me” still. With my hearts desire for fall to arrive what should one do?
The scriptures are so full of thoughts about seasons and different times in our lives and we even learn from the scriptures about seasons just like these, those that seem out of place or too much. Learning to be content is no easy position to strive after under any circumstances much less trying times, but that word is clear that we should press on.
Not sure what season you like best, not sure what you are thinking about our present weather conditions but you can rest assured of two things for sure. One, it will change just give it time, and two, if you think it can’t get worse, well hold on because it could before relief finally arrives.
In the Old Testament the scripture talks about us taking our position, standing guard, waiting and watching to see what the Lord will say, and for us to simply wait and then when we have received it to run with it. Considering all the questions raised by weather alone it makes good sense to be ready doesn’t it? Why not, while we have the time, make preparations for another type of day that has yet to arrive yet? Today it’s hot, tomorrow it maybe wet, and soon enough it will be could, should we not gather while we can?
Options available in life at this present moment range from sit back, do nothing and complain, to make the best of what you have and see if some luck comes your way, or a final option could be take action through wisdom and attempt to handle whatever comes your way. Not sure what choice you are willing to make today, but fall will arrive, colds winds will blow and now is the best time to get ready when it does arrive.
Until then
Friday, August 17, 2007
School, School, School
This time of the year the calendar cries out school, school, and more school!
I do believe that most folks like to live their lives in such a way that time periods are the focus goals, so thinking August and “back to school” thoughts go hand in hand. Depending upon your personal disposition on change, you maybe thinking that August and “back to school” thoughts will always go together? Myself, I believe even this togetherness of thoughts will change given time.
For those of us living here in the mountains we think of school as an August-May experience for school age children, many teachers think of their professions as summer free jobs, unless teaching summer school of course. However, this line of thinking has changed in not just large cities but small cities too as school districts have changed their thought lines and have begun the public introduction of year round education. We have heard this discussion in some of our local districts and no doubt, this change will occur eventually and the change may even prove to be good, if you are capable of believing that change and good are two words that can be used together.
My great – grandfather was a school teacher and I have and cherish his certificate that proclaimed him as such. It listed his grade in each subject and with such he was off to the one room school in which he was the school master. Every time I look at his certificate and I look at the basic subjects he had proficient in I think about how far it seems education has removed itself from the basics today, but that subject of thought I will save for another day.
Depending upon your location, the setting for education and the resources for education may have changed very little from the 1800’s to even the 1950’s. My father and mother attending one room schools and I have heard them say many times how they cherished books, it was just something classrooms didn’t have. I don’t understand at all today when I hear students say that there are not enough books in some subjects for every student to have their own, so students share books, wow and this is 2007 I think to myself? It is true for different reasons, but unacceptable to me, but I will save that column thought line for another day too.
Today’s column presents many things. Thoughts of the calendar month, school beginning, change; change; change; comparisons of school districts, basic education needs, issues facing students and teachers today, and some random thoughts about tomorrow or the day after next maybe. Life is so full of stuff isn’t it? The complications of issues, timing and experiences seem to fill every time slot and even seem to cover every time period.
Great advice for a month like this is best found in the Book of Psalms from the Bible. Psalms 46:10 says, “be still and know that I am God”, and oh what a thought to be in such a moment as these like these described in this column. Consider a pause from His point of view. For us to stop and see what He might be saying or communicating through this experience. Yes, no doubt, great advice would be for us to simply know He is God and in that , our discovery of peace and purpose no matter the circumstance.
Until then
I do believe that most folks like to live their lives in such a way that time periods are the focus goals, so thinking August and “back to school” thoughts go hand in hand. Depending upon your personal disposition on change, you maybe thinking that August and “back to school” thoughts will always go together? Myself, I believe even this togetherness of thoughts will change given time.
For those of us living here in the mountains we think of school as an August-May experience for school age children, many teachers think of their professions as summer free jobs, unless teaching summer school of course. However, this line of thinking has changed in not just large cities but small cities too as school districts have changed their thought lines and have begun the public introduction of year round education. We have heard this discussion in some of our local districts and no doubt, this change will occur eventually and the change may even prove to be good, if you are capable of believing that change and good are two words that can be used together.
My great – grandfather was a school teacher and I have and cherish his certificate that proclaimed him as such. It listed his grade in each subject and with such he was off to the one room school in which he was the school master. Every time I look at his certificate and I look at the basic subjects he had proficient in I think about how far it seems education has removed itself from the basics today, but that subject of thought I will save for another day.
Depending upon your location, the setting for education and the resources for education may have changed very little from the 1800’s to even the 1950’s. My father and mother attending one room schools and I have heard them say many times how they cherished books, it was just something classrooms didn’t have. I don’t understand at all today when I hear students say that there are not enough books in some subjects for every student to have their own, so students share books, wow and this is 2007 I think to myself? It is true for different reasons, but unacceptable to me, but I will save that column thought line for another day too.
Today’s column presents many things. Thoughts of the calendar month, school beginning, change; change; change; comparisons of school districts, basic education needs, issues facing students and teachers today, and some random thoughts about tomorrow or the day after next maybe. Life is so full of stuff isn’t it? The complications of issues, timing and experiences seem to fill every time slot and even seem to cover every time period.
Great advice for a month like this is best found in the Book of Psalms from the Bible. Psalms 46:10 says, “be still and know that I am God”, and oh what a thought to be in such a moment as these like these described in this column. Consider a pause from His point of view. For us to stop and see what He might be saying or communicating through this experience. Yes, no doubt, great advice would be for us to simply know He is God and in that , our discovery of peace and purpose no matter the circumstance.
Until then
Monday, July 30, 2007
There is help!
Today we hear breaking news headlines in many different ways. On radio, it is normally a special jingle with that all familiar tune that signals our brain to let us know something new is up, and on television it is that ‘interruption’ of our regular programming that automatically let’s ourselves know something has happened and we should pay attention. In the written press we all know what is the breaking news because news stands tell us right? After all, it is the front page story, it’s that picture or headline that causes us to say, “I need to purchase a paper”, and thus we have it, breaking news headlines in so many ways.
I could write that we have breaking news headlines in our conversations as well. It’s that look from a friend that says “hold on, I must tell you”, or it’s that flag down when we wave our arm until it appears we are going to swing it off. All these are ways that we communicate breaking news, or begin the process of sharing information.
With all that is happening around the world today, imagine breaking news today that all we have been looking for has been born in a little obscure town t hat anyone in their proper mind would want to by-pass…would you be interested? I’m thinking maybe if the coverage was reported in such a way that I had to watch or I thought about someone I knew that lived there, but unless it gets me immediately I’ve turned the page because so much other stuff is coming at me.
Here’s breaking news, there is help! Truth is even as I am writing this column I’m thinking to myself ‘help’ is not the best choice of words. After all, in this paper we have help wanted advertisements, sometimes on electric poles we see signs talking about help, and sometimes we even see folks standing on the side of the road at an intersection asking for help, so help probably is not the best word, but I’m not sure what other word to use. O.K., I’m going back to breaking news, there is help!
No, that’s so repetitive and I should be better then that but help seems to have lost its importance. Help doesn’t seem to have the same punch it had like in former days. I guess it really doesn’t mean much if someone says they will lend a helping hand, to only never show up or deliver huh? Plus everyone seems to be asking for help so it must be in short supply right?
It is amazing to me that we started this column off by speaking about help and the suggestion being made that help is available and now I am at the spot where I am writing a totally different column. It was to be a column that help is here and now it seems to be that help is gone and no one can find it, especially because we see such need all around and no one seems to be getting in touch with help.
Honesty in this column is that help does exist, even if we seem not to find it. Looking for help is more then putting a sign around your neck, or standing on a corner holding up a sign. Looking for help is more then putting out a notice letting others know, even if it is in an organized section like the help wanted ads.
Finding help is more then a one action search. If you want to hear from God you need to learn He speaks from His word, from prayer-communication with Him, and through other people. I want to write and say through out the life line ask for help and you will find it, but you need to make sure you are fishing in the right place. Make sure you are asking the source of supply and not another source looking for the same source.
There is help, His name is Jesus and you will know when you’ve found His help, because there will be a peace that over takes you like no other.
Until then
I could write that we have breaking news headlines in our conversations as well. It’s that look from a friend that says “hold on, I must tell you”, or it’s that flag down when we wave our arm until it appears we are going to swing it off. All these are ways that we communicate breaking news, or begin the process of sharing information.
With all that is happening around the world today, imagine breaking news today that all we have been looking for has been born in a little obscure town t hat anyone in their proper mind would want to by-pass…would you be interested? I’m thinking maybe if the coverage was reported in such a way that I had to watch or I thought about someone I knew that lived there, but unless it gets me immediately I’ve turned the page because so much other stuff is coming at me.
Here’s breaking news, there is help! Truth is even as I am writing this column I’m thinking to myself ‘help’ is not the best choice of words. After all, in this paper we have help wanted advertisements, sometimes on electric poles we see signs talking about help, and sometimes we even see folks standing on the side of the road at an intersection asking for help, so help probably is not the best word, but I’m not sure what other word to use. O.K., I’m going back to breaking news, there is help!
No, that’s so repetitive and I should be better then that but help seems to have lost its importance. Help doesn’t seem to have the same punch it had like in former days. I guess it really doesn’t mean much if someone says they will lend a helping hand, to only never show up or deliver huh? Plus everyone seems to be asking for help so it must be in short supply right?
It is amazing to me that we started this column off by speaking about help and the suggestion being made that help is available and now I am at the spot where I am writing a totally different column. It was to be a column that help is here and now it seems to be that help is gone and no one can find it, especially because we see such need all around and no one seems to be getting in touch with help.
Honesty in this column is that help does exist, even if we seem not to find it. Looking for help is more then putting a sign around your neck, or standing on a corner holding up a sign. Looking for help is more then putting out a notice letting others know, even if it is in an organized section like the help wanted ads.
Finding help is more then a one action search. If you want to hear from God you need to learn He speaks from His word, from prayer-communication with Him, and through other people. I want to write and say through out the life line ask for help and you will find it, but you need to make sure you are fishing in the right place. Make sure you are asking the source of supply and not another source looking for the same source.
There is help, His name is Jesus and you will know when you’ve found His help, because there will be a peace that over takes you like no other.
Until then
Friday, July 20, 2007
Aunt Alice; Scotty Hollingsworth; Jesus Loves Me;
There are many trying times in life which seem to pull at you from every angle and there are so many rushing waves, it appears, that one cannot even catch their breath. This past week qualified as “one of those” descriptions for me personally.
My family just experienced the passing of my aunt, Alice Marie Shelton, this was one of my father’s younger sisters and we had been in Franklin, Ohio supporting my father and our extended family and had just returned back home when my brother’s middle child, Meagan Danielle was involved in an accident that sent her to the University of Tennessee by flight, then to also be called about the loss of Jeffery Scott (Holly) Hollingsworth. The past 10 days, I believe you can understand, were trying times not to mention the wedding I would be officiating that weekend as well as one this weekend too.
Emotions, feelings and the roller coaster of life itself are very sensitive and delicate items to deal with. I confess that I am not always personally up to the challenge, but I am most thankful that God never fails even in our greatest time of need. As a pastor I assume it would be more professional on my part at least, to write that I never have doubts, I am always up for a challenge, I’ve never been depressed, or that I am always looking and seeing life in a totally positive view, but that is just not the case.
Often I have wondered if God is still God? Different times I have thought to myself is God listening as I pray? I have even gone as far as to tell Him that if He doesn’t do something I will….now that’s wise huh? Certainly the pressure of our jobs, family, friends, relationships, church, and even unknown people can create moments of questions in our lives, or at least they have in me.
I wish I could write that He has always answered when I’ve demanded He do so, but that’s not the case. I wish I could write that I have clearly understood His direction each time I’ve asked but I haven’t. With all this true, one might ask why ask then, right?
Well, I’m still turning and looking to God for direction and answers because while He doesn’t do it my way, He does do it His way, and when my head is looking for His answers I have always found them. I’ve discovered that when I stop looking from my selfish point of view and ask what His will would be, I seem to always see the direction I should go. It has been amazing, to me, that He has never failed me, yet I’ve failed him time and time again. My real question is why would He still love me after I’ve acted that way? Again, I’m faced with a difficult moment because I don’t have an answer for that one either except to say because He loves me so.
In my childhood I learned early on that song that many of you know too, “Jesus Loves Me”. The song simple says, “Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so”.
I would love to be able to share with you great Theology that I learned in Seminary that would impress you with my academic studies and cause folks to see me in a different light, but I’m simply me. I see myself looking for a God that will and does love me just as I am. I’m looking for a Savior that accepts me with my good points and my bad ones. I know in my looking I think I’ve found a God that meets those needs in my life, and so much more than I’ve even asked or thought of. His name is Jesus Christ and I’m not sure what your last days have been like but if you think you need a helping hand I am suggesting you turn to Him.
Until then
My family just experienced the passing of my aunt, Alice Marie Shelton, this was one of my father’s younger sisters and we had been in Franklin, Ohio supporting my father and our extended family and had just returned back home when my brother’s middle child, Meagan Danielle was involved in an accident that sent her to the University of Tennessee by flight, then to also be called about the loss of Jeffery Scott (Holly) Hollingsworth. The past 10 days, I believe you can understand, were trying times not to mention the wedding I would be officiating that weekend as well as one this weekend too.
Emotions, feelings and the roller coaster of life itself are very sensitive and delicate items to deal with. I confess that I am not always personally up to the challenge, but I am most thankful that God never fails even in our greatest time of need. As a pastor I assume it would be more professional on my part at least, to write that I never have doubts, I am always up for a challenge, I’ve never been depressed, or that I am always looking and seeing life in a totally positive view, but that is just not the case.
Often I have wondered if God is still God? Different times I have thought to myself is God listening as I pray? I have even gone as far as to tell Him that if He doesn’t do something I will….now that’s wise huh? Certainly the pressure of our jobs, family, friends, relationships, church, and even unknown people can create moments of questions in our lives, or at least they have in me.
I wish I could write that He has always answered when I’ve demanded He do so, but that’s not the case. I wish I could write that I have clearly understood His direction each time I’ve asked but I haven’t. With all this true, one might ask why ask then, right?
Well, I’m still turning and looking to God for direction and answers because while He doesn’t do it my way, He does do it His way, and when my head is looking for His answers I have always found them. I’ve discovered that when I stop looking from my selfish point of view and ask what His will would be, I seem to always see the direction I should go. It has been amazing, to me, that He has never failed me, yet I’ve failed him time and time again. My real question is why would He still love me after I’ve acted that way? Again, I’m faced with a difficult moment because I don’t have an answer for that one either except to say because He loves me so.
In my childhood I learned early on that song that many of you know too, “Jesus Loves Me”. The song simple says, “Jesus loves me, the Bible tells me so”.
I would love to be able to share with you great Theology that I learned in Seminary that would impress you with my academic studies and cause folks to see me in a different light, but I’m simply me. I see myself looking for a God that will and does love me just as I am. I’m looking for a Savior that accepts me with my good points and my bad ones. I know in my looking I think I’ve found a God that meets those needs in my life, and so much more than I’ve even asked or thought of. His name is Jesus Christ and I’m not sure what your last days have been like but if you think you need a helping hand I am suggesting you turn to Him.
Until then
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Remembering Aunt Alice
Those of you who read this column regularly know that each year I select a verse of scripture that I focus on for the entire year. In 2006 it was Ecclesiastes 3:1; this year’s verse is 2 Corinthians 5:1;
In December of 2006, when I making my final thoughts about which verse, I really didn’t have any clear cut motivation for this year’s verse, other then it is a verse I have never really spent large amounts of time with before. My studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, provided me with enough basics to understand the context of the verse, in that it was dealing with eternal life, but there is so much more I am discovering then just that basic thought.
On July 2, 2007, my father’s younger sister, Alice Marie Shelton, passed into eternal life. She was born and raised on Stinking Creek and while she spent her adult life living in Franklin, Ohio, she never forgot where her earthly home was, in the heart of Stinking Creek on Acorn Fork. Aunt Alice and my Uncle John worked and raised their children, Dana and Joey, there in Ohio, but Aunt Alice never forgot where her earthly home was, who her “people” were and even more special what it was that has made us the family we are and what we believe.
I am most proud of my family’s heritage, the simple people we are, the basic foundations and beliefs we cherish, and while I love to tell our family stories about where we came from in North Carolina, the crossing of the Cumberland Gap, and where are individual names come from and the stories behind them. I do however, cherish most, the learning of our spiritual buildings, that part of this year’s scripture that talks about our Heavenly Home when this life has run her course and the stories behind how folks press on when things are not quite as they had planned or hoped for.
Aunt Alice spend many years dealing with health issues that often times prevented her from doing what she would like to do or even felt called to do as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, grandmother and even newly announced great-grandmother. Yet, with limitations she still was able to touch and impact so many lives. The Apostle Paul said that one should strive to learn to be content in ‘whatever state’ and she did. She never stopped talking about what she was going to do, or was thinking about doing. She never stopped loving her ‘people’ and talking about who her folks were and just listening at her recollections you could hear the love and excitement as she would talk about the family, her mom and dad, her brother and sisters, her children and even those of us who bore the title of nephew or niece.
Back several years ago she spent a period of time living with my parents and I became so rich in my personal life because of this opportunity to learn from her directly about her childhood days, and more especially the time she spent learning to recognize God’s voice and His call on her heart to follow Him.
The biggest mistake I hear so many make in life is evaluating people’s spiritual journeys based upon our own experiences. While often our personal experiences are of great value, as Aunt Alice’s sharing with me has been, the caution must be in our spiritual walk that we allow each to follow the scriptures in working out their own salvation, and trusting that God does do all things well in His time, which His word so clearly states.
Aunt Alice you were a blessing not just to me, but to Bridget and Jim Jr too, and your faith and ours will guide each of us gently, safely over.Until then
In December of 2006, when I making my final thoughts about which verse, I really didn’t have any clear cut motivation for this year’s verse, other then it is a verse I have never really spent large amounts of time with before. My studies at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, provided me with enough basics to understand the context of the verse, in that it was dealing with eternal life, but there is so much more I am discovering then just that basic thought.
On July 2, 2007, my father’s younger sister, Alice Marie Shelton, passed into eternal life. She was born and raised on Stinking Creek and while she spent her adult life living in Franklin, Ohio, she never forgot where her earthly home was, in the heart of Stinking Creek on Acorn Fork. Aunt Alice and my Uncle John worked and raised their children, Dana and Joey, there in Ohio, but Aunt Alice never forgot where her earthly home was, who her “people” were and even more special what it was that has made us the family we are and what we believe.
I am most proud of my family’s heritage, the simple people we are, the basic foundations and beliefs we cherish, and while I love to tell our family stories about where we came from in North Carolina, the crossing of the Cumberland Gap, and where are individual names come from and the stories behind them. I do however, cherish most, the learning of our spiritual buildings, that part of this year’s scripture that talks about our Heavenly Home when this life has run her course and the stories behind how folks press on when things are not quite as they had planned or hoped for.
Aunt Alice spend many years dealing with health issues that often times prevented her from doing what she would like to do or even felt called to do as a wife, mother, sister, aunt, friend, grandmother and even newly announced great-grandmother. Yet, with limitations she still was able to touch and impact so many lives. The Apostle Paul said that one should strive to learn to be content in ‘whatever state’ and she did. She never stopped talking about what she was going to do, or was thinking about doing. She never stopped loving her ‘people’ and talking about who her folks were and just listening at her recollections you could hear the love and excitement as she would talk about the family, her mom and dad, her brother and sisters, her children and even those of us who bore the title of nephew or niece.
Back several years ago she spent a period of time living with my parents and I became so rich in my personal life because of this opportunity to learn from her directly about her childhood days, and more especially the time she spent learning to recognize God’s voice and His call on her heart to follow Him.
The biggest mistake I hear so many make in life is evaluating people’s spiritual journeys based upon our own experiences. While often our personal experiences are of great value, as Aunt Alice’s sharing with me has been, the caution must be in our spiritual walk that we allow each to follow the scriptures in working out their own salvation, and trusting that God does do all things well in His time, which His word so clearly states.
Aunt Alice you were a blessing not just to me, but to Bridget and Jim Jr too, and your faith and ours will guide each of us gently, safely over.Until then
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