A Second Time Around - Good Learning

You may have never used the phrase “second time around” but I am betting you have heard the expression before. We all like second chances to get something right or to correct the record. I have no clue who started the phrase, but it makes a lot of sense to me. Most of us do not like to admit when we know we need a second chance around, but if we could find it within ourselves to be honest, one could make a list of occurrences I would think. In 2010 gospel artist and song writer Shannon Bunch and his wife Melissa, participated in the St. Jude’s Country Music Marathon in Nashville, Tennessee. Now here is the truth. Sometimes when folks accomplish something we who are standing by just don’t want to give them much credit for the accomplishment. We normally attempt to explain it away as if anyone could do it. Or, that it was nothing. In my friendship with Shannon Bunch, which has been in place for over 30 years, I do give him a hard way to go from time to time. It is a part of our friendship that we both enjoy. For me, I thought if Shannon could do it, I could. Little did I know of all the walking he was doing to be successful and me?...I was going to walk around and be just fine, I thought. On the weekend of my first marathon event in 2011, my support team consisted of Joshua Howard, Whitney Gooch and James Stephen Brown. Joshua, Whitney and Stephen were all a part of “Team Timmy” but my performance was a struggle. I did good the first 3 or 4 miles, no problems, but then I notice my hands were swelling, and by mile 6 my feet were hurting but I kept telling myself, this is normal you are fine. Of course, by the time mile 8 arrived my feet were on fire, and yes, I mean every sense of the word except actual flames. I thought about giving up and would have but being out on a 13.1 mile walk and stopping would mean they would have to come looking for me and I opted to just press on. I didn’t know it but they were waiting for me at mile 12 and were going to walk with me the rest of the way. The other truth to this story is that I don’t even remember what we talked about or any question they asked me. I was in too much pain to hear anything and with my arms and hips joining my feet and hands in swelling and pain, I just wanted my big idea of saying I could do this if Shannon could, to come to an end. I learned a great lesson at my expense and one I plan on not repeating ever again. This year I decided that I would join Melissa in her return to the Country Music Marathon and I would participate with her, but I was going to do some things differently this time. In January, I sought out the help of Jeff Musgrave, originally from Barbourville/Knox County, who is a physical therapist with Cardinal Hill Hospital in Lexington. Jeff is a marathon hero of mine. He ran the Kentucky Derby Marathon a few years back and while I didn’t understand the commitment he too had made to accomplish his goal I had admired him knowing that 26.1 is a long way to travel on foot. Jeff brought together a plan and a training schedule for me as I prepared for my “second time around”. He would coach me every day by text message, email and phone calls and he even surprised me by traveling to coach in person this past Saturday, April 28th. I reached certain miles stones for the race. The 5K mark (3.1) I reached in 00:48:34. This was a 10 minute improvement and the 10 mile marked I made in 2:45:37. These times are record pacing for my legs and as I reached mile post 11 and 12 I could not wait to see the sign that said 13. Having never ran the Nashville Marathon before I didn’t know that the last leg of the journey was downhill on a bridge and a right turn directly into L.P. Field where the Titans play. Of course I was excited because downhill was the only way I could travel as I reached the finished line. Joshua & Whitney there again to cheer me on and the results were totally different. Not sure what you need a “second time around” on, but I needed one on this type of event. Running has never been a past time of mine or even an interest. I have pushed myself to success in many things over the course of my life’s journey and I’ve done so learning about me everytime. The Bible says that if you “Don’t grow weary of doing good, in due season you will reap if you faint not”. Galatians 6:9. Whatever it is you need to go for again, do it. You will like the results. Until then

Blessings & Benefits - Thanks-giving Continues

Patriotic music and especially the song “God Bless America” makes me always things of Thanksgiving. In the midst of this series of columns about “Thanks-givings” I am very thankful for our Country and I have no lack of confidence in Jesus Christ and his blessings. The 103 Psalm says that we should bless the Lord and scripture reminds us to not forget his benefits. As you celebrate Thanksgiving 2012 this might be the best time ever to consider all the benefits Jesus offers to you. Today in America one of the big discussions that will provide plenty of emotion is this topic of benefits. One could argue that the foremost question of benefits would be health insurance. When I consider the benefits of the 103 Psalm I am thinking health benefits for sure. Here on earth I’ve got life insurance that I have personally owned since I was 21 years of age. I remember buying my first life insurance policy and thinking my parents are sure going to be happy when I die! What I didn’t quite understand 27 years ago was just how little $25K or $50K means today. I pretty sure most individuals will be thinking some money is better than no money, especially if it is a gift and totally unexpected. As for my parents, I guess I’ve just revealed for the first time publically, if I die before them, they can expect a lump sum payment. I don’t anticipate they will be celebrating my death as if they won the lottery, but maybe after a few weeks have passed dad and mom will announce with cash in hand I was a pretty good son after all! Of course I am kidding and I know my parents do not look at life that way. Because of personal deaths in our family we have had the experience of learning how to celebrate and honor loved ones who have passed unexpectedly and those cherished through the years. One of the benefits of Jesus Christ is a life insurance and there is also an earthly payout too. It is the best of both worlds and I personally and the beneficiary in the policy in both locations with big advantages. Consider for instance that I personally have paid the premium for my life insurance every month for years. When I asked Jesus Christ to come into my heart, he announced a black Friday special that is available every day, every hour. He had already paid it all for me. If you asked Jesus into your heart you would discover the same truth in your life too. Another fact to consider as a benefit with Jesus is that here on earth you will have the same benefit as I do now. A friend who walks beside you, will never leave your nor forsake you, someone that is willing to listen anytime and who always has a hand extended to help pull you, push you, or arms to carry you if necessary. When I think about benefits I am really struggling to say which benefit I like the best with Jesus. Life here on earth having a friend like him is such an unreal thing but the benefit of eternal life which is totally out of here is also unreal, but so real too! As we celebrate this Thanksgiving I am thankful to God for His blessings. I am thankful for his personally blessings and my benefits from a relationship with Him. I am thankful for His blessing to our nation as well. The biggest failure I see in people is their failure to count their blessings. If we miss counting the blessing I am rather confident that we will miss the benefits altogether. May this Thanksgivings be a different one for you personally and I pray you start counting today. Until then

Neyland Stadium 100% - Thanks-giving Continues

Continuing my celebration of “thanks-giving” columns I think it is important to note that we can celebrate the little things just as easily as the big time moments that occur in life. Big time events are often best remembered which events like marriages, anniversaries, the birth of children, purchasing of a home, a new job or even a promotion or a new relationship take place. In our quest to celebrate life we should be mindful not to eliminate the little things or what might be best phrased as the simply things in life. Things like a great conversation, a drive through the park looking at the fall leaves. Standing at an overlook on a parkway viewing the earth’s vast expanse could be a simply thing too. How about a ride on a four-wheeler along some mountain trail? Personally I love sitting on my front porch watching traffic go by. A part of my “thanks-giving” is enjoying life as it happens and as I experience it. This past weekend I made history, and I love history! The weekend was a combination of several elements that I am pretty sure may never be duplicated again. Here is a list of all the combinations: Memories of the Kentucky Wildcats playing football in Knoxville; A friend and BIG Alabama football fan; the year 1984; Neyland Stadium; this year 2012; Missouri; and the University of Tennessee Football Volunteers; These elements make up my simply “thanks-giving” that I confess I am still enjoying a week later. Everyone in Kentucky knows that the University of Kentucky doesn’t have a football team, or at least not a winning one. Everyone also knows that the University of Tennessee has a great winning tradition, until recently of course. For Kentucky fans the last fact is more than enough for a celebration. I have often joked that in Kentucky the citizens of the Commonwealth have a big celebration with each loss that UT experiences and this year even with Kentucky’s losses, with UT’s too, Kentucky fans are confident in a win come November 24th in Knoxville. Now for all you Volunteer fans in Kentucky, smile and have a little chuckle with me as I announce my history making moment, at your expense of course. In my life, I have only been to Neyland Stadium twice. The first visit was with my father in 1984. One of his company connections provided great tickets for the UK – UT football game that year. With the historical winning streak of this series belonging to UT, no doubt there were no thoughts about Kentucky winning that game, but in 1984 Kentucky did. I was one crazy Kentucky Wildcat fan and not one Tennessee fans was happy I was sitting in their section on that day. Now let us fast forward to 2012. With the Vols playing so poorly a friend of mine offered tickets to any UT game I wanted to go to. I didn’t want to upset him with his offer and I thought what the heck, I’ve not been there in years, why not go and just enjoy myself. And that I did. I watched a great football game between UT and Missouri. I’ve never witnessed 4 overtimes before but I have now. I had never seen Missouri play before and to add to the unique elements of the day, I was joined by my friend Devin Masoner, an avid Alabama football fan. The combinations of the day all added to the fun and simply enjoyment of life. My record in Neyland Stadium is now 100%. My visits there score UT with two losses and I’m giving myself all the credit of course. 28 years may seem like a long time for a simply “thanks-giving”, but I’ll take it and hearing the dismay in that stadium on that day may very well last me another 28 years. Tennessee losing 51-48 was something else indeed. By the way, I haven’t forgotten the spiritual connection in this column. My “thanks-giving” is very simple. “God is good”….via Missouri! Until then

Storms of Strength and Thanks

The wind of Friday, March 2, 2012 has blown itself into the history of we the people. For those directly impacted there is no way to express the experience of being hunkered down trying to survive the tornado that touched down destroying everything within her path. Some areas experienced hail the size of golf balls that beat the yards in such a way that it looks like the ground had been aerated. The sides of homes look as if someone had opened up a machine gun and riddled the walls. Shingles removed leaving big patches on roofs were the fortunate individuals and families. Surviving with some damage compared to those who uncovered themselves to see nothing left creates a different emotion that can leave you speechless and in shock. Property damage is in the millions, some homes will never be rebuilt, and the wind will always bring fear for some as long as they live because of just a few seconds of time. It is the loss of life that brings things to a halt and our lives to a new focus. The first responders were family members, and neighbors. The survivors immediately became responsible for everything and in most of these situations with very little to attend with. None accepting any hero status, just simple statements of doing what had to be done. The arrival of professionally trained responders, those EMT’s, Police Officers, Deputy Sheriff’s, Volunteer Fireman, State Troopers, and members of the Rescue Squads all having their own journey working their way to those impacted. Every home was an emergency and every person in need of attention. What an overwhelming task for single individuals to begin to asses and figure out. It is one thing to drive through an area where you see and can recognize the land marks you’ve witnessed for years, and something totally different to be in that same area just trying to figure out where you are. On behalf of the families who experienced those responders, “THANKS”! When you talk with medical personal they simply say we were doing that which we were trained to do, “THANKS” to you too. It is in the midst of crises that we see the first glimpse of the real character people are made of. Through these situations we are reminded of the value of friendships and the cherished gems we have in people whom we do not even know by name but where there. 1000’s have responded and are continuing to respond even as you are reading this column. In the months ahead, thousands more will respond helping others to press on, move forward, rebuild, and gather themselves with your help. The task of making sense out of this experience for some will happen quickly and for others the journey will be a long road filled with more questions that will follow because of this search for understanding. Romans 8:28 says that “we know God works all things out, together for the good, to those who are called according to His purpose”. It is amazing that in giving ourselves away we can discover our own selves. In trying to find answers we learn the key is in focusing not on our own situation but on the circumstances of others. Finding within ourselves the courage to let go of our own holds on life we can discover the path which provides peace for even times like these. Prayers for those in Harrogate, Tennessee, London, East Bernstatd and West Liberty, Kentucky. May we each love stronger, give more generously, value the real treasures of people, who they are and the gifts they bring. May we each see ourselves as one person working together on a big team making a difference where we are while we can. Until then

Thanks-giving God Bless America

My season of “Thanks-giving” continues and as I write this column, the election of 2012 has not been decided. As you are reading this now, all of America knows who has won the election, or at least I am counting on that fact. If that isn’t the case then I am sure there were more than hanging chads and lots of questions about voting polling places and who knows what else has made the list. It will be safe to say it’s a mess if this is the case in our Presidential Election. This week has already presented one big responsibilities for all Americans, the right to vote. I am certainly hard line on this issue. I personal have registered many to vote throughout this past year as I do each year. It is a topic that I hold a lot of passion for. I have no skills that aid me in understanding why folks are not registered to vote and why they do not vote. I find no acceptable excuses and the more of a mess you believe things are in, I would think give you all the more reason to be involved. Having traveled to many different places throughout the world I have seen the conditions of other countries and understanding their political environment makes me clearly love America, appreciate our democracy and helps me see my role as a citizen. Voting is something that we should demonstrate “thanks” for and by participating we are “giving”, a responsibility we should never fail to honor. The second big responsibility this week is our chance to honor our Veterans. Sunday, November 11, 2012 is Veterans Day. I am not a fair weather American. I love my country and from the earliest time of my childhood I have always had a high level of respect and appreciation for those who have served our Nation. Those who have served in Peace Time have contributed to our nation’s stability and readiness. A role that is so vital to our security and promotion of democracy around the world. Others have volunteered to serve in wars, some were drafted, and still others have served in conflicts or been active members of our National Guard or Military Reserves. My hearts “Thanks” for your “giving” and for your sacrifice. My “thanks” also goes to the families of veterans who gave all in defense of our nation. In my family history I’ve been blessed to be able to have traced back those family members who fought all the way back to the American Revolution. During the Civil War my family like many, had members who fought on both sides. My great-grandfather Nasby Mills was born shortly after the Civil War, and he had plenty of stories about that time period. I had great-uncles that fought in the Korean War, WW I and WW II. Most of them never liked to talk about their experience. They did what our country asked them to do and they felt an enormous responsibility to volunteer and enlist. I am confident you too have family members who you learned the same lessons from. The Vietnam War was filled with politics and for many they wished that time could just be forgot in our history. For me, I will not forget, and I will salute the men and women who served without the applause of our nation. Today, the missing are still listed and our vow to never forget should remind us of the cost and we should forever give thanks for those who gave so much. Today’s younger generation has never known a Declaration of War. They have witnessed plenty of conflicts, but no declarations. The one thing that should be clear and without hesitation or reservation is our applause and support for our Veterans! American is great not because of political leadership, but because of her people who have volunteered and surrender all. God Bless America and you should have plenty to list for your “Thanks-giving” too. Until then