Memorial Day - Remember who Paid the Price

During and after the American Civil War, the Citizens of the United States of America in the 1860’s were honoring the returning deceased Soldiers of both the Union Forces and the Confederate Soldiers who were dying in battle. It was small churches, communities and towns that were remembering her sons that would eventually lead to the ordering of flowers to be placed on the graves in Arlington National Cemetery that was called Decoration Day. In 1971 the Congress set aside a three day weekend declaring the last Monday in May as Memorial Day. Memorial Day is unique and the Holiday has one purpose, to remember the Fallen in Service to our Country. Remembering the men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice for our nation is and should be a matter of respect and a taught tradition. Too sadly for many individuals during this Memorial Day Holiday there will be no remembering of any solider who has fought for our freedom in defense of our Country or the advancement of Freedom around the world. My great-grandfather Nasby Mills who was born on Jan 2, 1892 I knew well. He lived 98 years here on earth, passing on Monday, 2 July 1990. He and I often talk about life, faith, and living and most especially about our family. He remembered well his parents, uncles, and great-uncles talking about the Civil War and those that served. My family on all sides, has always held proper and due respect. Why you ask, because my family members have served and the ultimate sacrifice has been paid which demands respect, but my devotion is one of love and appreciation. My great-grandfather was 22 when World War I broke out in 1914. Great-Uncles of mine fought in World War II in 1939 and uncles on all my family lines fought in the Korean War. Modern Day Conflicts have witnessed the volunteering and service of family members still. I am so thankful for Joshua Brock, his call to active duty while a student at Union College. There he was a member of the Men’s Basketball Team, pulled out of school to service during Operation Enduring Freedom and the volunteered as to serve as a National Guardsmen in the Iraq War. He was presented the Purple Heart for his service and sacrifice by President George W Bush while still recovering at Walter Reed Hospital. My connection with Memorial Day is personal. I love my Country first of all. I stand at attention when the Colors are presented. I don’t talk or run around when the National Anthem is performed. I hold my hand over my heart when I Pledge Allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America. I am an American and I am also a Christian. I am not a Christian because I am an American; I am a Christian because I believe in Jesus Christ, Acts 4:12. I am thankful that our nation was founded on Christian Principles and because of my personal relationship with Him, I have a life full of faith, hope and love. This weekend is a perfect opportunity to shore up some personal positions. 1-why not honor this time for its intended purposes. 2-why not determine some ways you can give thanks for our nation 3-why not see yourself as the answer for not just our countries problems but the worlds. After all, the men and women who have served our nation did so because they believed, and that should be reason enough for consideration of self-sacrifice for all of us. Let us never forget the war Jesus Christ fought for us and His sacrifice. He paid it all, so we might go free. Until then

Ky Mountain Laurel Festival - Reflecting Pool - Bell County High School - Macy Elizabeth Epperson; Middlesboro High School - Taylor Blake Grigsby; Pineville High School - Alexandria Susanne Knuckles

Kentucky is a most unique Commonwealth for many reasons. First our importance begins in geography and the forming of the nation. The Cumberland Gap was named for the Duke of Cumberland. The natural gap in the mountain created the only forgeable crossing for those earlier pioneers and settlers who traveled along the Appalachian route searing for a way to get over the mountains. In 1750 Dr. Thomas Walker discovered the Cumberland Gap, but it was Daniel Boone and all those who followed the Wilderness Road Trail that made it famous. The month of May is unique in Kentucky because of events of the first weekend and the last weekend. The first weekend in May host the Kentucky Derby. Hats, Horses, and Hot Browns. Now you can see my ministerial training at work in the 3 H’s of the Derby. The last weekend in May the City of Pineville-Bell County, host the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. The uniqueness continues as the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Queen’s Coronation and Pageant concludes with the Crowning of a Queen at the Laurel Cove Amphitheater. The Queens Candidates represent the colleges and universities from across Kentucky. The KMLF also host a Princess Pageant with the Crowning of the Princess on Friday night of the Festival Weekend. Locally representing our area High Schools are: Bell County – Macy Elizabeth Epperson, Middlesboro – Taylor Blake Grigsby and Pineville High School Alexandria Susanne Knuckles. The Festival begins Thursday evening, May 23rd at Bell County High School. Last year Brooklyhn Jhade Woods was crowned the 2012 Princess representing Harlan County High School This year Brooklyhn will not only be there representing her official capacity as Princess, but she will also be performing musically as a part of the evening’s entertainment. She will be singing prior to the main stage event with Red Bow Records Recording Artist Joe Nichols. I have been involved with the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival for many years. Each year witnessing the grace and beauty of the pageant Princess and Queen Candidates reminds me of the various roles we assume throughout life. Some roles are on the main stage and others are behind the scenes. Each year the festival welcomes many first time visitors to this Kentucky Tradition. For local Princess Candidates the Festival opportunity allows for them to see the city and her residents in a way probably never before experienced. Here in the mountains we like to talk about putting your “best foot” forward. It is basically the idea that we want folks to see the best in us and we are striving to make sure they see it. At the Laurel Cove Amphitheater each year the park staff creates a beautiful reflecting pool. On Saturday afternoon during the Queen’s Coronation the representatives all dressed in white dresses will line the rock edge of the reflecting pool. There is absolutely nothing any prettier than that moment when the Queen Candidates stand and the radiant blue water reflects their image. Seeing your own reflection is unique in life. Often times we go to look in a mirror to see what we see. Having a clear view is important when considering what you are seeing. Understanding the value of the reflection can make all the difference in the world. Seeing yourself as a beauty created in His image is a great starting point anytime. You may never be in a beauty pageant, wear a crown, or have to present a curtsy before others. You may never walk across a stage or ride in a parade float. But if you place your trust and faith in Jesus you will one day walk on streets of gold and be surrounded by gates of pearl. Until then

Ky Mountain Laurel Festival - Reflecting Pool - Harlan County High School - Anna Jo Creech; Harlan Independent Schools - Samantha Caitlin Heason; 2012 KMLF Princess Brooklyhn Jhade Woods Represented Harlan County High School;

Kentucky is a most unique Commonwealth for many reasons. First our importance begins in geography and the forming of the nation. The Cumberland Gap was named for the Duke of Cumberland. The natural gap in the mountain created the only forgeable crossing for those earlier pioneers and settlers who traveled along the Appalachian route searing for a way to get over the mountains. In 1750 Dr. Thomas Walker discovered the Cumberland Gap, but it was Daniel Boone and all those who followed the Wilderness Road Trail that made it famous. The month of May is unique in Kentucky because of events of the first weekend and the last weekend. The first weekend in May host the Kentucky Derby. Hats, Horses, and Hot Browns. Now you can see my ministerial training at work in the 3 H’s of the Derby. The last weekend in May the City of Pineville-Bell County, host the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. The uniqueness continues as the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Queen’s Coronation and Pageant concludes with the Crowning of a Queen at the Laurel Cove Amphitheater. The Queens Candidates represent the colleges and universities from across Kentucky. The KMLF also host a Princess Pageant with the Crowning of the Princess on Friday night of the Festival Weekend. Locally representing our area High Schools are: Harlan County, Anna Jo Creech and Harlan Independent, Samantha Caitlin Henson. The Festival begins Thursday evening, May 23rd at Bell County High School. Last year Brooklyhn Jhade Woods was crowned the 2012 Princess representing Harlan County High School This year Brooklyhn will not only be there representing her official capacity as Princess, but she will also be performing musically as a part of the evening’s entertainment. She will be singing prior to the main stage event with Red Bow Records Recording Artist Joe Nichols. I have been involved with the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival for many years, including serving as a member of the Board of Directors. Each year witnessing the grace and beauty of the pageant Princess and Queen Candidates reminds me of the various roles we assume throughout life. Some roles are on the main stage and others are behind the scenes. Each year the festival welcomes many first time visitors to this Kentucky Tradition. For local Princess Candidates the Festival opportunity allows for them to see the city and her residents in a way probably never before experienced. Here in the mountains we like to talk about putting your “best foot” forward. It is basically the idea that we want folks to see the best in us and we are striving to make sure they see it. At the Laurel Cove Amphitheater each year the park staff creates a beautiful reflecting pool. On Saturday afternoon during the Queen’s Coronation the representatives all dressed in white dresses will line the rock edge of the reflecting pool. There is absolutely nothing any prettier than that moment when the Queen Candidates stand and the radiant blue water reflects their image. Seeing your own reflection is unique in life. Often times we go to look in a mirror to see what we see. Having a clear view is important when considering what you are seeing. Understanding the value of the reflection can make all the difference in the world. Seeing yourself as a beauty created in His image is a great starting point anytime. You may never be in a beauty pageant, wear a crown, or have to present a curtsy before others. You may never walk across a stage or ride in a parade float. But if you place your trust and faith in Jesus you will one day walk on streets of gold and be surrounded by gates of pearl. Until then

Ky Mountain Laurel Festival - Reflecting Pool - Barbourville High School - Courtney Leanna Mills; Knox Central High School - Hannah Brook Campbell; Corbin High School - Hayley Alaini Abbott; Union College - Carrie Lee Bucks & Escort Zachery Eagler;

Kentucky is a most unique Commonwealth for many reasons. First our importance begins in geography and the forming of the nation. The Cumberland Gap was named for the Duke of Cumberland. The natural gap in the mountain created the only forgeable crossing for those earlier pioneers and settlers who traveled along the Appalachian route searing for a way to get over the mountains. In 1750 Dr. Thomas Walker discovered the Cumberland Gap, but it was Daniel Boone and all those who followed the Wilderness Road Trail that made it famous. The month of May is unique in Kentucky because of events of the first weekend and the last weekend. The first weekend in May host the Kentucky Derby. Hats, Horses, and Hot Browns. Now you can see my ministerial training at work in the 3 H’s of the Derby. The last weekend in May the City of Pineville-Bell County, host the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. The uniqueness continues as the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival Queen’s Coronation and Pageant concludes with the Crowning of a Queen at the Laurel Cove Amphitheater. The Queens Candidates represent the colleges and universities from across Kentucky. The KMLF also host a Princess Pageant with the Crowning of the Princess on Friday night of the Festival Weekend. Locally representing our area High Schools are: Barbourville – Courtney Leanne Mills; Corbin – Hayley Alaina Abbott; Knox Central – Hannah Brook Campbell; Representing Union College will be Carrie Lee Buck and her escort Zachery Eagler. The Festival begins on Thursday evening, May 23rd at Bell County High School. Red Bow Records Recording Artist Joe Nichols will be the evening’s entertainment. These ladies have assumed a great leadership role by participating in the festival. Their schools have placed a great deal of confidence in them by their selection to serve as representatives in this year’s event too. I have been involved with the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival for many years, including services as a member of the Board of Directors. Each year witnessing the grace and beauty of the pageant Princess and Queen Candidates reminds me of what happens on the inside of each individual when we commit to a higher calling or service. Each year the festival welcomes many first time visitors to this Kentucky Tradition. For local Princess Candidates the Festival opportunity allows for them to see the city and her residents in a way probably never before experienced. Here in the mountains we like to talk about putting your “best foot” forward. It is basically the idea that we want folks to see the best in us and we are striving to make sure they see it. At the Laurel Cove Amphitheater each year the park staff creates a beautiful reflecting pool. On Saturday afternoon during the Queen’s Coronation the representatives all dressed in white dresses will line the rock edge of the reflecting pool. There is absolutely nothing any prettier than that moment when the Queen Candidates stand and the radiant blue water reflects their image. Seeing your own reflection is unique in life. Often times we go to look in a mirror to see what we see. Having a clear view is important when considering what you are seeing. Understanding the value of the reflection can make all the difference in the world. Seeing yourself as a beauty created in His image is a great starting point anytime. You may never be in a beauty pageant, wear a crown, or have to present a curtsy before others. You may never walk across a stage or ride in a parade float. But if you place your trust and faith in Jesus you will one day walk on streets of gold and be surrounded by gates of pearl. Until then

Auto Disabilities - Complicated Repairs - Lifetime Guarantee

If you have ever been broken down on the side of the highway then I am sure it is highly probable you have experienced more frustration then just having your automobile no longer moving. In preparing for this column I was going to use the word phrasing when writing about being broken down by saying “when your automobile is disabled”. My brain was taking off in a lot of difference directions thinking about automobile disablement. Of course the words I just wrote are plain English but I am sure there can lead to misunderstanding, especially since I describing the situation as disabled. The term for most is associated with physical health but an argument could be made that if your automobile is not running and you are broken down then the physical health of our auto described this way could apply. For the sake of a really clear understanding we should discuss a few additional facts about the term disabled. When many people thing about the word I tend to believe they are also thinking of it in the most drastic form. Staying focused and on point your automobile could be disabled because you ran out of gas as one example. No doubt about the fix for this disability in your automobile performance. Get a legally approved container for transporting gasoline, purchase gasoline from a filling station, then transfer the gasoline from the container into the automobile gasoline tank. Once you have done this, you should find an almost immediate cure for your automobile disablement. If I was writing this column in the 1970’s you would recall your automobile mechanic telling you to save a little bit of gasoline from the container for your engines carbonator. Pouring just a little will help jump start the car if the gasoline line from the tank to the engine needs primed. Today we need automobile mechanics but their duties are totally different from the 70’s. Continuing to think about automobile disabilities and mechanics just think about this fact. In the 1970’s we used this all too familiar term that indicated our automobile was acting like it wanted to be disabled. You would pull into a gasoline station and tell your mechanic you needed a “tune-up”. (FACT: Hard to find a gasoline station with service bays today) Tune-ups like that are non-existent today. Automobiles operate on sensor and electronically control today. A tune-up will be replacing a computer check, or something like a circuit board. Automobiles have become very complicated today. Not to mention the various types of disabilities or let me just say mechanical failures you could possibly experience. It could very well be the biggest complication for fixing your automobiles repairs will be paying for the solution. Living life itself can be very complicated. If we were to eliminate automobiles all together there still remain many complications to avoid if at all possible. Experiencing an automobile breakdown or being broken down easily relates to the feeling that many individuals feel in life. Fixing your automobile can be complicated. On Facebook individuals sometimes describe their relations as complicated, but things don’t have to be constantly complicated in life. Bumps and breakdowns will happen in life. I have discovered Jesus Christ not only provides recommendations for repairs, but He provides guarantees. Not many warranties are valid for lifetime ownership, but Jesus as your Personal Lord and Savior absolutely is. Until then