Father’s Day is that day you want to do something really special but you are not quite sure what to buy or give to your Father that would let him know how much you care. My Father, James E. Mills, Sr., has so many bottles of Old Spice that we see them stacking up, unopened because of jus that one continuous gift. Of course, my Father always says he loves each bottle and or Old Spice product he is given. After watching him through the years, I know he’s telling the truth about that.
My Dad’s Father, C. Hobert Mills, loved two things I know for sure. He loved a pocket knife and believed you could never own to many. My Grandfather also loved an ice cream Pepsi float. I know you are thinking I wrote Pepsi and made a mistake but I did not. He preferred Pepsi over Coke Cola any day. It is amazing the things you recall when you reflect and remember the Father’s of your life. I so wish my Grandfather was still here. I think of his advice often and I use his phrases today just as if he were still here with us. I cannot help but also write my Grandfather loved Puff Wheat too.
My Grandfather’s Dad, N. B. Mills, brings to mind great memories of his favorite things. No doubt about his love for fried chicken, and I can’t blame him for one second over that choice. A matter of fact I’m thankful for that heritage of love for fried chicken he helped to pass down. Another thing he enjoyed was peace and quite. Not sure how we can bottle that up and sell it, but he sure loved not hearing doors slam and people coming and going. It could be that Great-Grandpa really didn’t enjoy silence maybe it was that he just enjoyed those around that didn’t act-up or filled themselves with foolishness? Either way, Great Grandpa taught me a lot about people, life and contentment. His life was by no means filled with the “things” I have sought to possess, but his life was filled with keeping what ya got, working hard for what you get and minding your own business. Traits that are need today if only some would take a lesson.
My mother’s Grandfather, George Martin Carnes, Sr., also left upon my life impressions I remember. Not sure if it is good writing to say I was both scared to death and loved him at that same time, but I did. He could have that look that would mess with you, but once you broke through the rough exterior I always saw in him someone that represented a time long past, yet a remaining survivor of hard days and experiences life often hands out.
On Father’s Day 2009 I received an unexpected call from Erik Wesley Thomas. Erik is in Basic Training in the United State Army and with Sunday as the only day of the week for him to have access to his phone, he made sure his father and I heard from him. Erik calls me “uncle” and I’m proud to wear that title. His father and I were college roommates. Training down in Fort Sill, Oklahoma seems to have brought about a new sense of appreciate for those that have taken time to invest in his life. I know it meant the world to me that he called to just say “Happy Father’s Day”.
Not sure what you did or how you celebrated, but at least all of us had a day to say thanks to those that have served the role of Father in our lives. Myself, I am thankful and touched by those in my life and the Father I have also been able to be for them
Until then
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Church Plate Full--what's next?
Every generation faces difficult issues, challenging topics and uncertainty. There is a cycle in life that hands each of us a plate full of items that we must address. When people answer the questions of the day they are called progressives. When people look back into history for answers we call them conservatives. There is really not a very good term in today’s setting of issues that defines an individual or an organization that is using both history and dreams together to create answers for our over loaded plates. My love for history is well documents through this column. My belief that the future is ours if we want it, is also well supported. I have addressed many themes of life. The course of years has provided me with a unique opportunity to share my approach to life.
Being knocked down is not any fun. Having dreams and goals to only have those removed from your involvement hurts as well. To suffer from a lack of support from those that you believe should support your ideas, and actually do, is a set back too. For some individuals who once had resources in plenty the loss of those contacts and influence leaves one asking how or why? Involved in the cycle of life is a pattern that we see creates new faces and involvement from others, if we are open to a new day. Many organizations and individuals can not even imagine not being the center or in the “lime light” of happenings. Some simply believe that without their role and involvement the project will end and everything will “fall to pieces” as Patsy Cline once sang.
The truth is that things roll on with or without us. It maybe a suffering blow to our self esteem if we are no longer leading or our opinion is no longer sought after, but that’s just life. As sure as life has a cycle, there will be a new opportunity for you to step up and become involved with a vital roll, if you allow time to tick some.
Politics is a good example. There is always a recycling of ideas and people, as there is nothing new under the sun, just new people at the forefront. Church is a good example of life and the cycles she offers on her plate too. Church is made up of come and go leaders. I have always said that’s why buildings have a front door for coming and a back door for leaving. Sure the dream is to go somewhere and stay forever, but that’s not realistic. Rural settings provide a good picture for things staying put. Just ask any neighbor that moved in and say, “tell me how hard has it been for you to get involved?” I am sure that with their explanation that the past 10 years have been good ones, it has been difficult. Sure, I’m smiling and you should be too, we all know it’s true.
I could write for days about why I think this happens, but I’d rather write that I believe real growth and the best growth comes from being exposed to new ideas and leadership. I know churches that declined after leadership left, and others where it exploded. The best practice for success is to involve lots of folks instead of having a 10 year waiting period to prove you are going to stay around. The church likes litmus test before we release power to individuals. The said part is that I can’t find that in scripture, but then again, lots of churches don’t follow scripture. Our plates are full, what topic will we address next?
Until then
Being knocked down is not any fun. Having dreams and goals to only have those removed from your involvement hurts as well. To suffer from a lack of support from those that you believe should support your ideas, and actually do, is a set back too. For some individuals who once had resources in plenty the loss of those contacts and influence leaves one asking how or why? Involved in the cycle of life is a pattern that we see creates new faces and involvement from others, if we are open to a new day. Many organizations and individuals can not even imagine not being the center or in the “lime light” of happenings. Some simply believe that without their role and involvement the project will end and everything will “fall to pieces” as Patsy Cline once sang.
The truth is that things roll on with or without us. It maybe a suffering blow to our self esteem if we are no longer leading or our opinion is no longer sought after, but that’s just life. As sure as life has a cycle, there will be a new opportunity for you to step up and become involved with a vital roll, if you allow time to tick some.
Politics is a good example. There is always a recycling of ideas and people, as there is nothing new under the sun, just new people at the forefront. Church is a good example of life and the cycles she offers on her plate too. Church is made up of come and go leaders. I have always said that’s why buildings have a front door for coming and a back door for leaving. Sure the dream is to go somewhere and stay forever, but that’s not realistic. Rural settings provide a good picture for things staying put. Just ask any neighbor that moved in and say, “tell me how hard has it been for you to get involved?” I am sure that with their explanation that the past 10 years have been good ones, it has been difficult. Sure, I’m smiling and you should be too, we all know it’s true.
I could write for days about why I think this happens, but I’d rather write that I believe real growth and the best growth comes from being exposed to new ideas and leadership. I know churches that declined after leadership left, and others where it exploded. The best practice for success is to involve lots of folks instead of having a 10 year waiting period to prove you are going to stay around. The church likes litmus test before we release power to individuals. The said part is that I can’t find that in scripture, but then again, lots of churches don’t follow scripture. Our plates are full, what topic will we address next?
Until then
Difficult Experiences and one way to move forward.
If we were to ask individuals what the most difficult time in their life has been, I am certain our ears would hear many different stories. For some listening individuals I am certain their listening ears are not ready to hear the words of their heartache shared. Honest folks would admit, at least to themselves, what the real difficulties and challenges of life are that they face. Often I have given the advice that if you must lie to someone, lie to everyone else, except yourself. The bottom line is that you need to be able to trust yourself, your judgments, and your opinions. I don’t believe you should ever lie, and I am not suggesting that you do, but philosophically speaking, you need to be able to trust yourself. If you lie to yourself, and believe your own lies you are in a world of trouble and heartache to follow.
Difficult moments in life for some individuals are the disappointments from sharing a personal experience or loss only to experience disbelief, are feeling that your experience shared was not respected. Many individuals do not know how to disagree and still be respectful of others and their positions. “Birds of a feather flock together” is a dangerous pattern to fly in. Sure it may ruffle your feathers to hear something you disagree with or something you think is silly or insignificant, but to the person sharing their life, the impact was totally life changing. Facing issues, coming to terms with experiences, and in some situations, learning to forgive yourself is key to having the strength to move forward in all difficult times.
The loss of a loved one is a hurdle that some might never overcome. An accident that leaves someone injured for life is difficult. Being bullied as a youngster has a profound impact on individuals that some are able to brush off as nothing, while others will carry that memory for their lifetime.
Goals are set in our lives so we have direction and purpose to keep moving. Goals in some situations are permanent positions established in life, while others may simply be milepost along life’s highway. One goal I set in my life a long time ago was to treat others I want to be treated. Certainly it is a pattern I have tried to practice, and with some success it has been returned to me. For the most part, I am at peace with my goal, even if I don’t experience the end result I think is appropriate. The heartache with this life experience is that many of those that would never treat you back with respect are sure to demand it out of you for themselves. I’ve learned to smile today when that happens just realizing that I am at least seeing one area that deserves a little work on their part.
A goal in my life has been to always help people. If you understand this article I assume you realize there must have been a time in my life I needed help and could not find it handy or anywhere in sight. In the long rong, it is this experience that helps make us. All of the experiences in our lives have molded us, shaped us, and with our response to that experience, prayerfully it has made us a stronger and better person that is able to make a difference in the lives of others through our experience.
Life may not be all you wanted it to be in the past, but certainly the future can be ours to enjoy, if we stand up, and begin to take steps forward. New goals and new experiences can replace failures and hard times if we look to new beginnings. I have found my new beginning that is renewed each day, it is in Jesus Christ.
Until then
Difficult moments in life for some individuals are the disappointments from sharing a personal experience or loss only to experience disbelief, are feeling that your experience shared was not respected. Many individuals do not know how to disagree and still be respectful of others and their positions. “Birds of a feather flock together” is a dangerous pattern to fly in. Sure it may ruffle your feathers to hear something you disagree with or something you think is silly or insignificant, but to the person sharing their life, the impact was totally life changing. Facing issues, coming to terms with experiences, and in some situations, learning to forgive yourself is key to having the strength to move forward in all difficult times.
The loss of a loved one is a hurdle that some might never overcome. An accident that leaves someone injured for life is difficult. Being bullied as a youngster has a profound impact on individuals that some are able to brush off as nothing, while others will carry that memory for their lifetime.
Goals are set in our lives so we have direction and purpose to keep moving. Goals in some situations are permanent positions established in life, while others may simply be milepost along life’s highway. One goal I set in my life a long time ago was to treat others I want to be treated. Certainly it is a pattern I have tried to practice, and with some success it has been returned to me. For the most part, I am at peace with my goal, even if I don’t experience the end result I think is appropriate. The heartache with this life experience is that many of those that would never treat you back with respect are sure to demand it out of you for themselves. I’ve learned to smile today when that happens just realizing that I am at least seeing one area that deserves a little work on their part.
A goal in my life has been to always help people. If you understand this article I assume you realize there must have been a time in my life I needed help and could not find it handy or anywhere in sight. In the long rong, it is this experience that helps make us. All of the experiences in our lives have molded us, shaped us, and with our response to that experience, prayerfully it has made us a stronger and better person that is able to make a difference in the lives of others through our experience.
Life may not be all you wanted it to be in the past, but certainly the future can be ours to enjoy, if we stand up, and begin to take steps forward. New goals and new experiences can replace failures and hard times if we look to new beginnings. I have found my new beginning that is renewed each day, it is in Jesus Christ.
Until then
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Joshua A Brock - Purple Heart Recipient
With each passing Memorial Day Holiday I am reminded of the great heritage passed to each of us as citizens of the United States. Memorial Day and Veterans Day are two unique holidays that we can honor the veterans that have provided democracy’s forward rights because of their service and sacrifice.
Moments like such give us an opportunity to salute those men and women with our grateful tributes. In my family, I have memories of family members that shared their lives with me through their experiences. My Great Uncle, Oscar Mills, served and suffered because of his war injuries. He wasn’t a complaining person at all, but the rare moments that he did talk you could always see a thousand more words not spoken in his facial expressions and gestures when talking.
May 2006, is a month and year personal experience that I now also reflect. That was when I arrived for the first time in my life at Walter Reed Hospital. Walter Reed and Bethesda are the two hospitals here in the U.S. that is the medical facilities that our wounded soldiers now arrive at from their overseas service, once wounded. Joshua A Brock who served two tours of duty with the U.S. Army as a member of the Kentucky National Guard was flown from German to Walter Reed after sustaining injuries from an I.E.D., while manning guard on a building for the an office of the Iraq Police in his second tour. His first duty call was made while he was a student at Union College in Barbourville, where he was also a member of the Union College Men’s Basketball Program. Joshua was a stand out during his high school days at Bell County High School in Pineville, Ky.
During Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), he was a member then of the Kentucky National Guards Unit in London, Ky. Those soldiers were the first from the 149th in Southeastern Kentucky to step forward in defense of our nations military actions in what was then the “new war on terrorism”. Today, there is no more “new war”. We are now and forever hence, will be involved in a war on terrorism. After returning home Joshua joined the Middlesboro Unit of the 149th and as time passed ordered were received that placed them on buses and airplanes that would land them in Iraq on the frontlines. Because of his previous deployment, Joshua was not required to suit up and bear arms again, but he did. To excuse him self from that service was not a part of his character then, nor is it today. In our discussion of options a line I will never forget is with benefits there is always responsibility, and Joshua A Brock did not wavier on his duty.
His 10 day leave he received near the end of his 2nd tour of duty, and it was just a couple weeks upon returning to the war theater he was wounded with the I.E.D. that exploded while in guard position on an Iraq roof top. When you are notified by official communications from the Defense Department, there is relief to learn is a medical team and not the Office of the Chaplain.
A Purple Heart for your service and recognition of your sacrifice is always appreciated and respected. Personally, my gratefulness is having an American Hero still alive and among me and us. While today the specific holiday has passed, everyday is a perfect opportunity for us to salute those who have served and to pray for those who are serving. The Bible says to give honor and respect to whom it is due, and this “pops” is doing such now with a grateful heart.
Until then
Moments like such give us an opportunity to salute those men and women with our grateful tributes. In my family, I have memories of family members that shared their lives with me through their experiences. My Great Uncle, Oscar Mills, served and suffered because of his war injuries. He wasn’t a complaining person at all, but the rare moments that he did talk you could always see a thousand more words not spoken in his facial expressions and gestures when talking.
May 2006, is a month and year personal experience that I now also reflect. That was when I arrived for the first time in my life at Walter Reed Hospital. Walter Reed and Bethesda are the two hospitals here in the U.S. that is the medical facilities that our wounded soldiers now arrive at from their overseas service, once wounded. Joshua A Brock who served two tours of duty with the U.S. Army as a member of the Kentucky National Guard was flown from German to Walter Reed after sustaining injuries from an I.E.D., while manning guard on a building for the an office of the Iraq Police in his second tour. His first duty call was made while he was a student at Union College in Barbourville, where he was also a member of the Union College Men’s Basketball Program. Joshua was a stand out during his high school days at Bell County High School in Pineville, Ky.
During Operations Enduring Freedom (OEF), he was a member then of the Kentucky National Guards Unit in London, Ky. Those soldiers were the first from the 149th in Southeastern Kentucky to step forward in defense of our nations military actions in what was then the “new war on terrorism”. Today, there is no more “new war”. We are now and forever hence, will be involved in a war on terrorism. After returning home Joshua joined the Middlesboro Unit of the 149th and as time passed ordered were received that placed them on buses and airplanes that would land them in Iraq on the frontlines. Because of his previous deployment, Joshua was not required to suit up and bear arms again, but he did. To excuse him self from that service was not a part of his character then, nor is it today. In our discussion of options a line I will never forget is with benefits there is always responsibility, and Joshua A Brock did not wavier on his duty.
His 10 day leave he received near the end of his 2nd tour of duty, and it was just a couple weeks upon returning to the war theater he was wounded with the I.E.D. that exploded while in guard position on an Iraq roof top. When you are notified by official communications from the Defense Department, there is relief to learn is a medical team and not the Office of the Chaplain.
A Purple Heart for your service and recognition of your sacrifice is always appreciated and respected. Personally, my gratefulness is having an American Hero still alive and among me and us. While today the specific holiday has passed, everyday is a perfect opportunity for us to salute those who have served and to pray for those who are serving. The Bible says to give honor and respect to whom it is due, and this “pops” is doing such now with a grateful heart.
Until then
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