Each generation is always touched by certain specific events that give a lasting hand print upon their lives. Being one of those, “baby-boomers”, there are several events that have impacted my life, placed a mark of distinction, or helped to mold my thoughts. Being a teen and a part of the Bi-Centennial Celebration of our Country in 1976 was one of those “events, hand, distinction” that I recall and cherish. This weekend we celebrate our Nations liberty of freedom and distinction among all other nations of the world on this 4th of July.
When I think about America my reflections cover the span of my life time and the appreciation I have for our Country. It could be that I have an extra special place for America because I have traveled overseas and have experienced first hand the difference between the U.S.A. and other countries? Whatever the cause of my devotion to my Country, I am thankful for my love for her and for the willingness of others to pick up arms and defend our way of life here at home and our interest throughout the world.
On his 4th of July Weekend I am saluting my personal friends who are in service to our Nation currently. Jacob Piper; Col. Lance Patterson; Erik Brooks; Jeremy Baker; Lt. Joe Contiguglia; brothers, Nick & Daniel Ruggieri; Richard Webb; Rusty Goings; and Caleb Jones; Friends who have served are: Jonathan Bunkrick; brothers, Greg & David Speicher; Jeff “Eagle-Crow” Settles; Greg Foley; Dwain Neely; Ryan Loudermilk; Walt Meachum; Dwight Lewis; Marvin Chess; Keith Barnett; and Danny Catron; My Purple Heart Hero is Joshua A Brock.
When on begins the process of thinking about our fore fathers and their thoughts about freedom and what that should look like, it is amazing that today their vision continues to lives. I would not assume that all the freedoms shared or expressed were what they were thinking, nor would I assume that some of the topics of life that have been ruled unconstitutional or unlawful would be their thought line either, but we do enjoy a real freedom that allows us to agree, disagree and come together.
Depending upon where you live it maybe that you will walk out your door and watch fireworks taking to the air, or it maybe that you will to a town or community center to enjoy the 4th of July. Last year I spend the fourth of July at one of the most unique settings for a 4th of July, and I would go so far as to say it’s discovery so close to home was a reminder that the best things in life can be found right where we live. Last year I took to Route 66 and drove to the Red Bird Community to enjoy their wholesome-family-community celebration that I really enjoyed. I saw a few friends that I had known over the years and I was reminded of how special Red Bird is and what a unique gem we have here in the mountains. For those living in Bell County and Clay County I’m just going to assume that because they live right there, they may not consider it to be so unique, but what a special place. Consider all the lives touched through the ministry of the Red Bird Conference. Growing up I had several friendships through 4-H and sports. Over the years Red Bird has continued to make a difference and for those living in Knox County, what would Knox County be without the ministry of the Lend-A-Hand Center and Peggy Kemner to so many residence.
This weekend it maybe that you will just sit on the porch and enjoy the breeze or the view. You may discover some great television series you have seen in years and watch that trilogy, but no matter what direction you head I would ask that you take time to say thanks to those you know who have served in our Armed Forces, and for those you know who are currently serving, why not call one of their family members to say thanks to them for the sacrifice they and their families are making for their loved ones to extend our protections and freedoms.
We have much to be thankful for and the creator of the universe deserves our prayers and praise. Those that are advancing the Kingdom also deserve our thanks, especially those peace makers who continue to make a difference, some here at home in service and support missions and those that are working the frontlines and behind the lines deserve a hearty prayer and thanks.
Until then
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Great Uncle McCoy Carnes & Great Aunt Edna Messer Remembered
My parents taught me the value of family and respect for my heritage. It was after all their motivating factor to relocate from Michigan to Kentucky. They had a dream that their children would grow up, knowing their family members and appreciating the history from which our family derived.
Knowing my great-grandparents has always been a cherished gift I received from living in Kentucky. My mother’s father, Alonzo Carnes, provided me the connection of my Great Grandfather George Martin Carnes, Sr. , Pap was a character to say the least. Always living on the curve, raising his family from off the land he farmed, sure, life wasn’t easy, but my Great Aunts and Uncles did very well for themselves from this heritage and today their families have become individuals who have made great impacts throughout our communities. I enjoy the pleasure of being a Pap, named after him, to a little guy named Seth Joshua and a precious little baby girl, Julia Anna Baker. I don’t always wear the biv-overalls like Pap did, and I don’t roll my own cigarettes from Prince Albert in the can, but I pray to leave them the value of family, a heritage rich in tradition, and genuine love to be carried on to the next generation.
This side of my family has always been special because of the absence of my grandfather in my life. My great-aunts and uncles filled his shoes in such a way that I was actually a teenager before I realized his absence. Their love and the investment of their time into my life will forever remain a part of the very being that I am.
Recently our family experienced the loss of my Great Uncle McCoy “Sam” Carnes and my Great Aunt Edna Messer. The family life line continues in my Aunt Evelyn Warren and my two remaining Uncles, George Carnes Jr., and Cloyd Carnes. These elderly giants of life and history helped fill my missing answers about life, of which I will always be grateful for their willingness to invest in me and my understanding.
When I learned of their individual passings, immediately the first thoughts that came to my mind were the last two conversations I had with each of them. Conversations about family and what they perceived and believed with respect to life as it was, and is today. I wanted no speculation about their thoughts, I needed to hear from them and they each shared with me. Actually I had the same conversation with each of my great aunts and uncles and I was so overwhelmed by their candor and what I perceived to be heart felt genuine thoughts. It is never easy to approach family to talk about history and to understand why folks did what they did, but I am so grateful that they knew my heart and respected my life enough to share from their unique position of a brother and a sister regarding my grandfather, my mother, and Aunt Imogene. I have always had the highest regards for them because they remained connected even when others disappeared. My desire for conversation about life and how I should live my life was filled with their stories about times they were done wrong by others, childhood experiences with Big Mom and Pap, stories of how they decided to raise their families and how you just got to let some people do what they are going to do. Valuable information that they shared with me, knowledge I learned from them and wisdom that I’ve shared already with others in my life.
Meeting Uncle McCoy at the store and sitting there, just a rocks through from the old home place, was most precious. Drinking a soda on him and listening to him share with me about my mother made me see clearly why she always loved him so. Driving to Aunt Edna’s which always seemed so far away, was just a short ride to the porch that look way down from the road as a child. Hearing her talk about mistakes witnessed in life, and about the difficulties each has been through in their lives was a reminded that we are all human, we’ve all made decisions we wish we could take back, but yet, we find ourselves living life the best we know or can, under the circumstances that surround us.
My life is no secret. I believe the road to the future is paved by those who have gone before us. We have options to take or choices to follow, or we can attempt to make a new road using the wisdom of the past for our own decisions and life’s journey.
Within my total Great’s family on all sides, I have remaining Aunt Evelyn, Aunt Doxie, Uncle Junior, Uncle Cloyd, Aunt Mary and Aunt Mae. The wisdom of life is never to late to be learned, and as a great-nephew I am just thankful that on all sides, they have been willing to share with me.
Until then
Knowing my great-grandparents has always been a cherished gift I received from living in Kentucky. My mother’s father, Alonzo Carnes, provided me the connection of my Great Grandfather George Martin Carnes, Sr. , Pap was a character to say the least. Always living on the curve, raising his family from off the land he farmed, sure, life wasn’t easy, but my Great Aunts and Uncles did very well for themselves from this heritage and today their families have become individuals who have made great impacts throughout our communities. I enjoy the pleasure of being a Pap, named after him, to a little guy named Seth Joshua and a precious little baby girl, Julia Anna Baker. I don’t always wear the biv-overalls like Pap did, and I don’t roll my own cigarettes from Prince Albert in the can, but I pray to leave them the value of family, a heritage rich in tradition, and genuine love to be carried on to the next generation.
This side of my family has always been special because of the absence of my grandfather in my life. My great-aunts and uncles filled his shoes in such a way that I was actually a teenager before I realized his absence. Their love and the investment of their time into my life will forever remain a part of the very being that I am.
Recently our family experienced the loss of my Great Uncle McCoy “Sam” Carnes and my Great Aunt Edna Messer. The family life line continues in my Aunt Evelyn Warren and my two remaining Uncles, George Carnes Jr., and Cloyd Carnes. These elderly giants of life and history helped fill my missing answers about life, of which I will always be grateful for their willingness to invest in me and my understanding.
When I learned of their individual passings, immediately the first thoughts that came to my mind were the last two conversations I had with each of them. Conversations about family and what they perceived and believed with respect to life as it was, and is today. I wanted no speculation about their thoughts, I needed to hear from them and they each shared with me. Actually I had the same conversation with each of my great aunts and uncles and I was so overwhelmed by their candor and what I perceived to be heart felt genuine thoughts. It is never easy to approach family to talk about history and to understand why folks did what they did, but I am so grateful that they knew my heart and respected my life enough to share from their unique position of a brother and a sister regarding my grandfather, my mother, and Aunt Imogene. I have always had the highest regards for them because they remained connected even when others disappeared. My desire for conversation about life and how I should live my life was filled with their stories about times they were done wrong by others, childhood experiences with Big Mom and Pap, stories of how they decided to raise their families and how you just got to let some people do what they are going to do. Valuable information that they shared with me, knowledge I learned from them and wisdom that I’ve shared already with others in my life.
Meeting Uncle McCoy at the store and sitting there, just a rocks through from the old home place, was most precious. Drinking a soda on him and listening to him share with me about my mother made me see clearly why she always loved him so. Driving to Aunt Edna’s which always seemed so far away, was just a short ride to the porch that look way down from the road as a child. Hearing her talk about mistakes witnessed in life, and about the difficulties each has been through in their lives was a reminded that we are all human, we’ve all made decisions we wish we could take back, but yet, we find ourselves living life the best we know or can, under the circumstances that surround us.
My life is no secret. I believe the road to the future is paved by those who have gone before us. We have options to take or choices to follow, or we can attempt to make a new road using the wisdom of the past for our own decisions and life’s journey.
Within my total Great’s family on all sides, I have remaining Aunt Evelyn, Aunt Doxie, Uncle Junior, Uncle Cloyd, Aunt Mary and Aunt Mae. The wisdom of life is never to late to be learned, and as a great-nephew I am just thankful that on all sides, they have been willing to share with me.
Until then
Monday, June 16, 2008
Reflection on Father's Day - from church
During church services on Father’s Day the hymn which set my mind to thinking was that of “Faith of our Fathers”. I have been an individual that has always listened to words and that training and focus has been amplified over the past several years in my life. The scriptural foundation for this hymn comes from Hebrews 11:6. The Bible says, without faith it is impossible to please him. The hymn is one of most challenging words and thought actions. An individual singing this hymn makes several statements of personal faith, and these are all based upon the witness and example we have seen from our Father. 1) That we will win all nations for the cause of Christ. 2) Dungeon, fire nor sword will cause us to stop living for Him. 3) And that we will live our lives with kindly words and a virtuous life. 4) That we will love both friend and foe in all our strife.
This hymn is a great example of real preaching without an actual sermon to listen to. Most folks would say they like toe stomping preaching, well, here’s hymn stomping without a doubt. The challenges are so strong and cause us to have such a inter reflection that considering such could really change us as Christians. “Faith of our Fathers” presents a real sense of accountability for those we are watching, and for those that are looking at us as we live our lives. Actually it is sobering to consider the spiritual heritage that our children will have will be what they have learned from us. Makes one immediately want to say, “oh me”, right?
Personal evaluation in life is always difficult, especially if we are true to ourselves, and trust our own evaluation. I have often given the counsel to individuals that if you are going to lie, lie to others, but don’t lie to yourself. The reason for this counsel is because once you lie to yourself you have no one you can trust. Of course the best counsel is to not lie to anyone, yourself nor others. When it comes to our Christian walk of faith where are you in the honesty factor of your relationship? Are you living your life in such a way that your positive life wins others to Christ? When you are up against the battle of battle are you fighting against the dungeon, fire and sword?
Honesty, I would think, would cause each of us to see our failures in our walks and lives of faith for Him. I believe personal reflection is not about doing so to put a lid or close the casket on our lives or actions, but rather a personal tool for good. None of us would like to admit we have failed. None of us would like to admit we are not the best example to watch. None of us wants to be used as the poster child for ‘don’t live your life this way’. Yet, we are all those things too. In my personal life of faith one of the things I have learned to embrace and understand about Jesus Christ is that He does not want to condemn us, but when His word says that He came to seek and to save that which is lost, it means just that. All of us included. I have learned to embrace the fact of faith that our lives is about pressing toward the prize, it is about our confession that we are not able to go on, and that we can only go forward because we can only do all things through Him.
Not sure what you did on Father’s Day. It might have been you had a cookout, went to the lake, attended church, had a family dinner at home, or it was just another normal Sunday, whatever that might be for you. Could have been you received a gift from your child, or children. Maybe you received a phone call and from the other line you heard an “I love you” and “Happy Father’s Day”. For me, I enjoyed church, the music was especially challenging to my ears and my way of thinking has been challenged, how about yours?
Until then
This hymn is a great example of real preaching without an actual sermon to listen to. Most folks would say they like toe stomping preaching, well, here’s hymn stomping without a doubt. The challenges are so strong and cause us to have such a inter reflection that considering such could really change us as Christians. “Faith of our Fathers” presents a real sense of accountability for those we are watching, and for those that are looking at us as we live our lives. Actually it is sobering to consider the spiritual heritage that our children will have will be what they have learned from us. Makes one immediately want to say, “oh me”, right?
Personal evaluation in life is always difficult, especially if we are true to ourselves, and trust our own evaluation. I have often given the counsel to individuals that if you are going to lie, lie to others, but don’t lie to yourself. The reason for this counsel is because once you lie to yourself you have no one you can trust. Of course the best counsel is to not lie to anyone, yourself nor others. When it comes to our Christian walk of faith where are you in the honesty factor of your relationship? Are you living your life in such a way that your positive life wins others to Christ? When you are up against the battle of battle are you fighting against the dungeon, fire and sword?
Honesty, I would think, would cause each of us to see our failures in our walks and lives of faith for Him. I believe personal reflection is not about doing so to put a lid or close the casket on our lives or actions, but rather a personal tool for good. None of us would like to admit we have failed. None of us would like to admit we are not the best example to watch. None of us wants to be used as the poster child for ‘don’t live your life this way’. Yet, we are all those things too. In my personal life of faith one of the things I have learned to embrace and understand about Jesus Christ is that He does not want to condemn us, but when His word says that He came to seek and to save that which is lost, it means just that. All of us included. I have learned to embrace the fact of faith that our lives is about pressing toward the prize, it is about our confession that we are not able to go on, and that we can only go forward because we can only do all things through Him.
Not sure what you did on Father’s Day. It might have been you had a cookout, went to the lake, attended church, had a family dinner at home, or it was just another normal Sunday, whatever that might be for you. Could have been you received a gift from your child, or children. Maybe you received a phone call and from the other line you heard an “I love you” and “Happy Father’s Day”. For me, I enjoyed church, the music was especially challenging to my ears and my way of thinking has been challenged, how about yours?
Until then
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