Growing up as a child who reading this had any trouble imagining? Why any good 6 year old can imagine flying an airplane and most children at 8 years of age can prepare a meal and set the table using nothing but their imagination. It is easy to dream about driving a truck or even setting up an office where you are writing out business cards, or as my nieces often did, they would give you a meal check for the dinner you didn’t really eat. Using proper imagination you could make noises and pretend to eat with imagination. Makes you want to go back to that age again doesn’t it? Having fun, and nothing was real except spending time playing enjoying life in first class style as a child…using your imagination.
I was reflecting about church and worship. As a child we hear the story of Jesus and we latch on, believing His love and accepting His word as truth. As adults today it appears there is a real need to return to the use of imagination as we sing songs of His love and songs of our commitment to the cause. It appears our ability to visualize how our faith is to be put into practice has been lost with our advancement in age and years of faith. You would think just he opposite would be true. Because we believe and have experiences with Him as Savior and Lord, our faith is strong, our imagination of his purpose and plan for our lives grows and we move forward with action and words.
How about the song, “He Touched Me.” What is your imagination with this song? For me, first I recall the moments and situations in my life that he has actually touched me, and as I face all of the unfolding events and situations of life my imagination kicks in and I cannot imagine a single event He can’t help me with. Think about the song, “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.” When was the last time you used your imagination regarding this action? I confess it will be difficult as an adult to use your imagination of standing up against something if you’ve never had that experience. Children imagine fighting the world with stick they imagine as the most powerful weapon the world’s ever known. Children stand up fighting an enemy using their imagination because when knocked down they get back up and continue the fight even though it appeared they were just hit by the bullets of the enemy. WOW, don’t you want to be a child again? Sure we do, but it’s not necessary, we are adults and our imagination should be just fine with the successes we can experience because we walk in faith, talk in faith, and are willing to stand up for Him.
Not sure if there was ever any luster in serving Christ, but I can clearly remember some older folks of faith that didn’t seem to have any problem imagining that Jesus Christ really wants to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ever ask or even think. Why not use our imagination to believe that He does work all things out, if we would only love Him and serve Him in His purpose. Maybe it is not possible for you and I to see ourselves as salt and light to those around us even if we used our imagination. Why have we stopped believing and why have we stopped acting? I’m thinking we’ve not only lost our imagination but we’ve lost the faith we demonstrated as a child. It’s time to rediscover our inner faith as a child for these adult days.
Until then
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
What is your list of dreads?......
I know a lot of individuals who enjoy working cross word puzzles. Personally I have worked a few puzzles but cross word puzzles are not one of the types of puzzles I’ve enjoyed over the years. It could be that since spelling is not a strong suit of mine, I have a built in button that just rejects the idea? It’s always recommended when listing a negative share a positive too, so I will say a strong suit I have is the usage of words. Expressing myself through adjectives and adverbs and relating the meaning of words to others and using words to motivate and challenge is rewarding.
Over the years I have written this column I have shared several list on many topics and themes, but one list I have never created is a list of things we dread. For those of you that love cross word puzzles maybe this list will help you one day when you are stuck on a word. My list includes both personal dreads and those that I’ve heard from others from conversations and through experiences. Here’s a short list of five for discussion: #1-Receiving a traffic citation; Now I can name a 1,000 people that enjoyed not receiving a citation, but it is unusual for someone to be genuinely thankful for a citation; I know of individuals cited for driving under the influence or cited for drugs and even a few written for speeding that credit that moment for helping them to change their behavior but normally folks are not thankful for such experiences. #2-Death of a loved one; I wish I could write that with preparation this type of occurrence has it stinger removed but physically the hurt is real and over coming this loss takes time. The stinger can be spiritually removed because of the practice of Christian faith but even when our loved ones have suffered and we desire them to no longer be in pain, even then it is still difficult; #3-Failure at a task or goal; Most of us dread that idea, especially if you are goal driven and you enjoy succeeding. This dread requires us to rethink and regroup over coming the obstacle through persistence and commitment; #4-Rejection; This dread doesn’t have to be about personal relationships, but often we think of rejection in that form more then others. Rejection could be notification that you have not been selected for admission as a student in higher education, or a denial letter of a grant or idea can also be a set back. #5 Performance of the responsibilities that are not pleasant or enjoyable. I have a friend that is a pitching coach in professional baseball who loves his job. The one aspect he doesn’t enjoy is that dreaded conversation of having to release a player from the organization. Sometimes the things we dread have been in the works for weeks and a specific time frame must pass before the announcement is released and that’s not enjoyed no matter the explanation even when correct.
There are other dreads that can be listed and each of us have personal specific dreads that others may not relate to, but nevertheless, they are real, they exist and we can identify them. One of the keys to success involves creating list. List of issues we have struggles with. List of situations we want to seek to avoid. And list of characteristics we find complimentary and encouraging that we are drawn toward.
The biggest dread I did have in my life was answering for me and my actions to Jesus Christ as the creator. When someone loves what they do, they put their all into it. Certainly Jesus Christ loves us and He put His all into even His death, for me and you. I may have some dreads here on earth, but on the spiritual side of life, I’ve eliminated the biggest dread and you can too!
Until then
Over the years I have written this column I have shared several list on many topics and themes, but one list I have never created is a list of things we dread. For those of you that love cross word puzzles maybe this list will help you one day when you are stuck on a word. My list includes both personal dreads and those that I’ve heard from others from conversations and through experiences. Here’s a short list of five for discussion: #1-Receiving a traffic citation; Now I can name a 1,000 people that enjoyed not receiving a citation, but it is unusual for someone to be genuinely thankful for a citation; I know of individuals cited for driving under the influence or cited for drugs and even a few written for speeding that credit that moment for helping them to change their behavior but normally folks are not thankful for such experiences. #2-Death of a loved one; I wish I could write that with preparation this type of occurrence has it stinger removed but physically the hurt is real and over coming this loss takes time. The stinger can be spiritually removed because of the practice of Christian faith but even when our loved ones have suffered and we desire them to no longer be in pain, even then it is still difficult; #3-Failure at a task or goal; Most of us dread that idea, especially if you are goal driven and you enjoy succeeding. This dread requires us to rethink and regroup over coming the obstacle through persistence and commitment; #4-Rejection; This dread doesn’t have to be about personal relationships, but often we think of rejection in that form more then others. Rejection could be notification that you have not been selected for admission as a student in higher education, or a denial letter of a grant or idea can also be a set back. #5 Performance of the responsibilities that are not pleasant or enjoyable. I have a friend that is a pitching coach in professional baseball who loves his job. The one aspect he doesn’t enjoy is that dreaded conversation of having to release a player from the organization. Sometimes the things we dread have been in the works for weeks and a specific time frame must pass before the announcement is released and that’s not enjoyed no matter the explanation even when correct.
There are other dreads that can be listed and each of us have personal specific dreads that others may not relate to, but nevertheless, they are real, they exist and we can identify them. One of the keys to success involves creating list. List of issues we have struggles with. List of situations we want to seek to avoid. And list of characteristics we find complimentary and encouraging that we are drawn toward.
The biggest dread I did have in my life was answering for me and my actions to Jesus Christ as the creator. When someone loves what they do, they put their all into it. Certainly Jesus Christ loves us and He put His all into even His death, for me and you. I may have some dreads here on earth, but on the spiritual side of life, I’ve eliminated the biggest dread and you can too!
Until then
Sunday, June 6, 2010
The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival
It has been said that when things “go off without a bang”, that’s a good thing. Well I must say that’s not true especially when it comes to the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. The bang was exactly what was missing! It has also been said that you never know what you had until it’s gone and that statement can be true too. I am someone who has written a lot about people that I am thankful for and I’ve written a lot about individuals and organizations that have made a real difference in my life and others.
On Saturday morning of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival I was listening for one particular sound at 10:00 am. It was the sound of the firing of the cannon to proclaim the historic start of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. Certainly the parade got “off without a bang”, but it was missed. I have thanked the members of the Pineville Lions Club for their efforts in years past but now I must make my personal appreciation public and in prayer that next year that tradition will return. With Brother Earl Hurst and Richard Peace having been the main leaders of this experience for all those attending the parade for more years then I can recall their absence was felt. Appreciation for volunteers more often then not goes without public recognition but that shouldn’t be the average course of response. Acknowledging the work of the Pineville Lions Club and their efforts in cooperation with the Lions Club International should cause all of us to see them at work and to hear their work too. One aspect of the work of the Lions Club through their members is their efforts in making a difference in the local community. Small clubs can have big impacts and their consistent work throughout the years has accomplished that here in Bell County and Pineville.
The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival as an organization has many volunteers too. Volunteers who served in organizing and directing the parade, volunteers who handed out programs, greeted guest, or worked in an office putting together packets or making sure chairs were out for concerts and events. Volunteers who put up banners, made phone calls, or worked to secure housing for the escorts and queen participants. All these plus hundreds more that we may never see their name in print yet, volunteer to do a task or complete an assignment for the enjoyment of others. To all of you who volunteer let me be one that says thanks and allow this thanks and that of others to be an echoing applause you remember.
The firing of one single cannon may seem like a minor event, but that one element added with other single events make for a great program we love called the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival.
In review of history it is easy to see the success of Biblical wisdom. One lays a foundation so another person can build upon that foundation. Understanding the missing bang of the Pineville Lions Club cannon also provides for a good understanding of a Biblical view of His return as Savior and Lord. The scripture says in the twinkling of an eye—change. In a single moment He will return to claim His bride. The best position to be in would be one that sees the change before it’s called to our attention after the fact.
Until then
On Saturday morning of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival I was listening for one particular sound at 10:00 am. It was the sound of the firing of the cannon to proclaim the historic start of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. Certainly the parade got “off without a bang”, but it was missed. I have thanked the members of the Pineville Lions Club for their efforts in years past but now I must make my personal appreciation public and in prayer that next year that tradition will return. With Brother Earl Hurst and Richard Peace having been the main leaders of this experience for all those attending the parade for more years then I can recall their absence was felt. Appreciation for volunteers more often then not goes without public recognition but that shouldn’t be the average course of response. Acknowledging the work of the Pineville Lions Club and their efforts in cooperation with the Lions Club International should cause all of us to see them at work and to hear their work too. One aspect of the work of the Lions Club through their members is their efforts in making a difference in the local community. Small clubs can have big impacts and their consistent work throughout the years has accomplished that here in Bell County and Pineville.
The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival as an organization has many volunteers too. Volunteers who served in organizing and directing the parade, volunteers who handed out programs, greeted guest, or worked in an office putting together packets or making sure chairs were out for concerts and events. Volunteers who put up banners, made phone calls, or worked to secure housing for the escorts and queen participants. All these plus hundreds more that we may never see their name in print yet, volunteer to do a task or complete an assignment for the enjoyment of others. To all of you who volunteer let me be one that says thanks and allow this thanks and that of others to be an echoing applause you remember.
The firing of one single cannon may seem like a minor event, but that one element added with other single events make for a great program we love called the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival.
In review of history it is easy to see the success of Biblical wisdom. One lays a foundation so another person can build upon that foundation. Understanding the missing bang of the Pineville Lions Club cannon also provides for a good understanding of a Biblical view of His return as Savior and Lord. The scripture says in the twinkling of an eye—change. In a single moment He will return to claim His bride. The best position to be in would be one that sees the change before it’s called to our attention after the fact.
Until then
Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival - Knox County
The representation of Knox County in the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival served as shining stars of beauty and grace in the Princess Coronation held on Friday night of the festival each year. Bethany Bargo represented Knox Central High School and Danielle Brooke Green represented Lynn Camp High School.
Participation in the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Princess Event is about beauty, style and personality, but for us a community it is really about corporation with our neighbors and celebrating who we are as a people and individual communities. Our neighbors in every direction from Barbourville are important to us as a city and county. Our relationship and inner action together as a whole speaks volumes about our willingness to see others be successful in their individual efforts.
The Daniel Boone Festival is a highlight of Knox County, as the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival shines a spot light on the City of Pineville. These two festivals are different in nature but similar in effort and design. The Daniel Boone Festival shows our history and expresses the heritage we as a people hold. The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival has history as the oldest festival in Kentucky only second to the Kentucky Derby. People come and participate from all over the counties showing off their goods through tents and venues and of course what would any festival be without food and lots of it.
Being a representative of their individual schools, as Bethany and Danielle both did was just one of their duties. Their biggest task at hand was representing Knox County , each community and all of us as a people. It almost sounds like the job of an elected official, but the real work of any county is always accomplished by those who live, work, go to school and serve the interest of other before their self. One interesting fact I would love to learn from all those that participate each year in our festivals is the number of community hours they have volunteered or given to the benefit of others. I would suspect we would be surprised by the number of hours our young people are giving to others. Some of their efforts through church, others through high school clubs and yet others through their involvement with athletics or other extra hour activities like 4-H or First Priority.
Giving to the benefit of others is not always the first trait one sees in someone else. Certainly it is not a characteristic that jumps out of you as a child, but there are signs that if noticed early on and encouraged, will make a lasting impression as they develop in their teen and early adult years.
Our representatives to the K.M.L.F. are good examples of those types of characteristics and traits. You and I as adults are well suited to attempt to catch up in our efforts if we are behind in making a difference by giving our effort and energies. The best example I know of such service would be that see in the action and words of Jesus Christ. He wasn’t noticed in those developing years but given the right time, after solid training when His moment arrived He was able to step up to the plate, or cross, and follow through.
My encouragement having watched these ladies step out of their shells during the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival is for me to continue my journey of being a light that others will see shining for His glory. After all the scripture says for us to let our light shine so others will see your good works and glorify the Father.
Until then
Participation in the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Princess Event is about beauty, style and personality, but for us a community it is really about corporation with our neighbors and celebrating who we are as a people and individual communities. Our neighbors in every direction from Barbourville are important to us as a city and county. Our relationship and inner action together as a whole speaks volumes about our willingness to see others be successful in their individual efforts.
The Daniel Boone Festival is a highlight of Knox County, as the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival shines a spot light on the City of Pineville. These two festivals are different in nature but similar in effort and design. The Daniel Boone Festival shows our history and expresses the heritage we as a people hold. The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival has history as the oldest festival in Kentucky only second to the Kentucky Derby. People come and participate from all over the counties showing off their goods through tents and venues and of course what would any festival be without food and lots of it.
Being a representative of their individual schools, as Bethany and Danielle both did was just one of their duties. Their biggest task at hand was representing Knox County , each community and all of us as a people. It almost sounds like the job of an elected official, but the real work of any county is always accomplished by those who live, work, go to school and serve the interest of other before their self. One interesting fact I would love to learn from all those that participate each year in our festivals is the number of community hours they have volunteered or given to the benefit of others. I would suspect we would be surprised by the number of hours our young people are giving to others. Some of their efforts through church, others through high school clubs and yet others through their involvement with athletics or other extra hour activities like 4-H or First Priority.
Giving to the benefit of others is not always the first trait one sees in someone else. Certainly it is not a characteristic that jumps out of you as a child, but there are signs that if noticed early on and encouraged, will make a lasting impression as they develop in their teen and early adult years.
Our representatives to the K.M.L.F. are good examples of those types of characteristics and traits. You and I as adults are well suited to attempt to catch up in our efforts if we are behind in making a difference by giving our effort and energies. The best example I know of such service would be that see in the action and words of Jesus Christ. He wasn’t noticed in those developing years but given the right time, after solid training when His moment arrived He was able to step up to the plate, or cross, and follow through.
My encouragement having watched these ladies step out of their shells during the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival is for me to continue my journey of being a light that others will see shining for His glory. After all the scripture says for us to let our light shine so others will see your good works and glorify the Father.
Until then
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