First Baptist Middlesboro - First Baptist Spartanburg Connection - Ky Missions

Here is a test. Read this list and tell me what they have in common: Arjay Baptist; Bethel Baptist; East End Park/East Cumberland Ave Baptist Church; First Christian-Pineville; Jenson Missionary; Newtown Baptist; Pine Grove Baptist; Chenoa Church; Wasioto Baptist; Bethlehem Baptist Church of Dorton Branch; Now your first inclination might be to say they are all Baptist, but that not correct. A matter of fact, one of the places there is not church, it is just a park. Baptist is out! What can it be? What is it that each of these locations share in common? Bell County has experienced this week the invasion of ‘White Vans’. If you have seen what looks like several vans traveling down the highway or in your community picking up kids but not sure what is happening or going on, you might not be alone. If your favorite hamburger joint or hotdog stand seemed to be overrun with teenagers everywhere, the likely hood is that you witnessed the Student Ministry of First Baptist Spartanburg in action. The connection with each of the locations I mentioned is that this week teenagers, college students and adults have been conducting Vacation Bible Schools, Basketball Camps, and community outreach events throughout Bell County. This tradition began in 1969, and here is the history of this experience we have each summer at the end of June. In 1955 the First Baptist Church of Middlesboro, called as their pastor, Dr. Alastair Walker. He fell in love with the mountains and the people of Southeastern Kentucky. Dr. Walker was only in Middlesboro-Bell County for a short time but the impact this area made on him continues still today. After leaving First Baptist Middlesboro, Dr. Walker in 1962 became the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C. While serving as their pastor, he spoke about the people he served in the mountains, “how precious they are and how people who would go and give could make such a difference”. Dr. Walker’s passion was to see people experience the love and power of Jesus Christ through a personal relationship. From this grow a trip to Kentucky in 1969 by a small handful of people who came to conduct a Vacation Bible School for churches that might not otherwise have a summer Bible School. Today, the little trip is known as Kentucky Missions and it has continued to build a connection with Kentucky and more especially Bell County. This week teenagers, college students and adults have volunteered their time to make a difference by loving on people and sharing that Jesus Christ loves everyone, and not only that, but that Jesus also has a wonderful plan for all our lives. Kentucky Mission is a project that ministers to churches throughout Southeastern Kentucky. Churches in Bell, Harlan, Knox and Whitley Counties will result in over 5,000 children, teens, college students, young and old adults experience this week of singing, preaching, testimonies, games, skits and fun like never before. When you’ve been coming to the same place for over 44 years you might think it would get old, but that is not the case at all. A matter of fact the relationships that are built from this week continue to grow year after year. Seth Buckley, the Minister of Students has often shared the story of a little boy who was 8 years old being invited to attend a Vacation Bible School at Crocket in Fields, Kentucky. This little fella loaded up in station wagon and off he went. He learned how to sing songs like “Jesus in the morning, Jesus in the noon time, Jesus when the sun goes down”. He made his first craft, played all the games at VBS and most importantly was introduced to a guy named Jesus Christ. Some might never imagine what would happen or what can happen because someone shares and another listens. Who can imagine what God will do with a life that volunteers and follows His call. We may never know all the answers but this we can know for sure. Because the people of First Baptist Middlesboro called Dr. Alastair Walker as their pastor the lives of thousands have been touched. Thousands have volunteered each year to come to Kentucky and their training process is a big commitment of time, preparation and study. Self-Sacrifice is always a great place to start to go and make a real difference. For those of us here in Bell County thousands have been touched, changed and discovered a plan for our lives all because of this one week. Until then

Harlan County, Kentucky - Tugglesville Baptist Church - Ky Missions

Here is a test. Read this list and tell me what they have in common: Arjay Baptist; Bethel Baptist; East End Park/East Cumberland Ave Baptist Church; First Christian-Pineville; Jenson Missionary; Newtown Baptist; Pine Grove Baptist; Chenoa Church; Wasioto Baptist; Bethlehem Baptist Church of Dorton Branch; Now your first inclination might be to say they are all Baptist, but that not correct. A matter of fact, one of the places there is not church, it is just a park. Baptist is out! What can it be? What is it that each of these locations share in common? Bell County has experienced this week the invasion of ‘White Vans’. If you have seen what looks like several vans traveling down the highway or in your community picking up kids but not sure what is happening or going on, you might not be alone. If your favorite hamburger joint or hotdog stand seemed to be overrun with teenagers everywhere, the likely hood is that you witnessed the Student Ministry of First Baptist Spartanburg in action. The connection with each of the locations I mentioned is that this week teenagers, college students and adults have been conducting Vacation Bible Schools, Basketball Camps, and community outreach events throughout Bell County. This tradition began in 1969, and here is the history of this experience we have each summer at the end of June. In 1955 the First Baptist Church of Middlesboro, called as their pastor, Dr. Alastair Walker. He fell in love with the mountains and the people of Southeastern Kentucky. Dr. Walker was only in Middlesboro-Bell County for a short time but the impact this area made on him continues still today. After leaving First Baptist Middlesboro, Dr. Walker in 1962 became the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C. While serving as their pastor, he spoke about the people he served in the mountains, “how precious they are and how people who would go and give could make such a difference”. Dr. Walker’s passion was to see people experience the love and power of Jesus Christ through a personal relationship. From this grow a trip to Kentucky in 1969 by a small handful of people who came to conduct a Vacation Bible School for churches that might not otherwise have a summer Bible School. Today, the little trip is known as Kentucky Missions and it has continued to build a connection with Kentucky and more especially Bell County. This week teenagers, college students and adults have volunteered their time to make a difference by loving on people and sharing that Jesus Christ loves everyone, and not only that, but that Jesus also has a wonderful plan for all our lives. Kentucky Mission is a project that ministers to churches throughout Southeastern Kentucky. Churches in Bell, Harlan, Knox and Whitley Counties will result in over 5,000 children, teens, college students, young and old adults experience this week of singing, preaching, testimonies, games, skits and fun like never before. When you’ve been coming to the same place for over 44 years you might think it would get old, but that is not the case at all. A matter of fact the relationships that are built from this week continue to grow year after year. Seth Buckley, the Minister of Students has often shared the story of a little boy who was 8 years old being invited to attend a Vacation Bible School at Crocket in Fields, Kentucky. This little fella loaded up in station wagon and off he went. He learned how to sing songs like “Jesus in the morning, Jesus in the noon time, Jesus when the sun goes down”. He made his first craft, played all the games at VBS and most importantly was introduced to a guy named Jesus Christ. Some might never imagine what would happen or what can happen because someone shares and another listens. Who can imagine what God will do with a life that volunteers and follows His call. We may never know all the answers but this we can know for sure. Because the people of First Baptist Middlesboro called Dr. Alastair Walker as their pastor the lives of thousands have been touched. Thousands have volunteered each year to come to Kentucky and their training process is a big commitment of time, preparation and study. Self-Sacrifice is always a great place to start to go and make a real difference. For those of us here in Bell County thousands have been touched, changed and discovered a plan for our lives all because of this one week. Until then

Cumberland Gap Still a Gateway - First Baptist Spartanburg - Ky Missions

Have you ever seen traveling through our area a mile long group of white vans? Every year at the end of June there is a group that stops on top of Clinch Mountain, enjoys the view from the overlook and even takes time to have some lunch on their stop. There is about 250 of them and if you happen to just drive by the overlook it is a sight to see, and you brain will stop for a moment or two and ask what in the heck is going on? The answer to the last question is simple and complicated. I can answer the question simply by sharing the group of teenagers, college students and adults are from First Baptist Spartanburg in South Carolina and they are traveling through the Cumberland Gap and immediately heading in every direction in what is the State of Kentucky’s largest mission event sponsored by an organization not from Kentucky. The Kentucky Baptist Convention recognized Seth Buckley, Minister of Students and Pastor Don Wilton previously for the continuous ministry efforts that started in 1969. Our local area here in Claiborne County has a connection with this group. For years this team of missionaries and their church called the dorms of Lincoln Memorial University home during their week long commitment of conducting Vacation Bible Schools and sponsoring mission projects. While the church is a Southern Baptist Church they are fully committed to loving people and being a helping hand wherever they can serve. The New Tazewell United Methodist Church connected with these willing volunteers one year and demonstrated what the church of Jesus looks like when in action. Helping out, crossing denominational lines to assist when a need exists never flinching for one second at the call for help. Serving Jesus for some churches can be confusing. Normally the confusion begins with a long list of rules, do’s and don’ts. This attitude followed by a no bending or adjusting spiritual position that seems to exclude everyone that doesn’t fit your idea of proper connections, and even worse seems to be most self-serving tops the list off. First Baptist Spartanburg has been creating a long line of white vans down Clinch Mountain, through Tazewell and New Tazewell toward Harrogate and even back in the day over the Cumberland Gap. The travel route along 25E over two mountains until this caravan made it way to Kentucky always causes folks to wonder who are these people? Where are they going? Smiling faces and even hands waving out the windows, horns sometimes blowing catch our attention as they drive by through to their new home for the week in Barbourville, Kentucky. Imagine once our forefathers traveled from the Carolina’s to discover the trail that Dr. Thomas Walker found over the Cumberland Gap. Dr. Walker traveled with his band of surveyors and scouts to what is known today as the Dr. Thomas Walker State Park. The travelers in these white vans, these missionary surveyors if you will, are out scouting for the heart of people by means of an introduction to Jesus Christ. The Cumberland Gap has long been the Gateway for many a traveler and for even many a weary traveler too. The Bible talks about each of us traveling and bearing our load. Scripture talks about us sharing that load too. Helping those who might also fall beneath a heavy load unless someone comes along to walk beside us and help in our journey. . Today, I am so thankful for not just First Baptist Spartanburg, South Carolina, but I am thankful for the way East Tennesseans are too. A gentle people, who can and will defend her own if rattled without a doubt. But a people with great big hearts that believe in helping neighbors, giving aid and assistance, just as these visitors to our area offer to help us by extending their hand of friendship. The Bible says that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forevermore. It is exciting to know that when Jesus comes into your heart, there is a change. The change will get you moving and going. Real change will motivate you to tell the greatest story, the story of Jesus and His love. Throughout our county we have churches on hillsides and in the valley standing as a lighthouse of the power of God and the plan of God. It is my prayer that because we see others coming that we will hear that still small voice of God that moves us to pack our backs and go for Him too. Until then

First Baptist Spartanburg - Continuing the Tri-County Connection - Ky Missions

If you were to survey the Indian Creek Baptist Church in Gray, the 1st Christian Church-Disciples of Christ in Corbin, Cedar Gap Baptist Church, Chapel Grove Baptist Church, Apple Grove Missionary, Dewitt Baptist, Northside Baptist, Roadside and Walker Baptist as to what is one thing each year they look forward to, I am rather confident they are going to say “White Vans” rolling into town. The Tri-County Area this week has been invaded by South Carolina, or at least it can feel that way and it is an awesome invasion too! Setting up operations and headquarters at Union College in Barbourville, these area churches are experiencing what First Baptist Spartanburg Youth Ministries calls Kentucky Missions. If your favorite hamburger joint or hotdog stand seemed to be overrun with teenagers everywhere, the likely hood is that you witnessed some of the over 250 volunteers taking a break in between morning or evening Vacation Bible Schools, Basketball Camp, a community outreach event, a building project as just a few of the events they sponsor or hose in our area churches. For those of us who are locals, this is a highlight of summer as eternal differences are made because people are willing to go in His name. This tradition began in 1969, and here is the history of this experience we have each summer at the end of June. It all started down in the Crater City of Middlesboro In 1955. The First Baptist Church of Middlesboro, called Dr. Alastair Walker to serve as their pastor. You should note that the First Baptist Church in Corbin, Barbourville, Pineville and Middlesboro all have connections as they were established by men of vision to impact our communities. Dr. Walker was only in Bell County for a short time but the impact the area made on him continues still today. After leaving First Baptist Middlesboro, Dr. Walker in 1962 became the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, S.C. While serving as their pastor, he spoke about the people he served in the mountains, “how precious they are and how people who would go and give could make such a difference”. Dr. Walker’s passion was to see people experience the love and power of Jesus Christ through a personal relationship. From this trip to Kentucky in 1969 by a small handful of people the ministry is thriving and impacting thousands now over the years. The Kentucky Missions project reaches into Bell, Harlan, Knox and Whitley Counties resulting in over 5,000 children, teens, college students, young and old adults experience this week of singing, preaching, testimonies, games, skits and fun like never before. When you’ve been coming to the same place for over 44 years you might think it would get old, but that is not the case at all. The students that come bring with them a real energy and excitement about sharing about Jesus, meeting needs, teaching someone a new skill or just sitting and talking about life or basketball. I know some might wonder why at Vacation Bible School would you be talking about basketball, well here’s an answer. It’s fun! It is a connection point with people. Some might never imagine what would happen from expressing an interest in others so it is safe to say “only God knows”, and He does. For some it might be hard to imagine what God will do with a heart that says yes to Him, deciding to ask God is there something He wants to do with their life? Just imagine what happens with one person volunteers to be a friend to someone else all in His name. We may never know all the answers but this we can know for sure because people are willing to hear and respond the difference made might very well be forever untold here, but we will know it all in the by and by. Thousands of lives have been touched by those that have volunteered over the years. Some of the adults traveling with this group first came to Kentucky as teenagers. They have witnessed generations of impact, and that is quite awesome! For those of us here in the Tri-County, thousands have been touched, changed and discovered a plan for our lives all because of this one week. Thanks First Baptist Spartanburg! Until then

Jesse Jones "A shining example of the best of Bell County" Air EVAC Team 109

Public Service is a phrase that is heard of from time to time. Most often we hear it in commercial advertisements as a statement that the information shared is for the common good. When attempting to define public service and common good the definition will vary but there are basic concepts to the phrase that impact all of us. Law Enforcement, Emergency Responders, Medical Service Providers all clearly qualifies as a benefit to the common good. The supporting agencies could be government services such as our county sheriff and city police departments, fire departments, rescue squads, ambulance services, doctors, nurses and emergency response teams which might be called upon for a number of difference types of emergencies. Several years ago I became a member of an emergency Air EVAC program. When memberships were first announced I joined and gladly paid my membership fee, knowing that my benefit through membership far outweighed the expense of the services they provide should I ever need air lifted to a hospital or medical facility. When I was growing up, my interest in things all surrounded around my talents, people I knew, and things I enjoyed. I know others who when looking at a career question things from possible salaries ranges, benefits and opportunities to advance professionally. These questions are equally important but I myself have always placed my emphasis on my passions, the things that motivate me all by themselves. I have never been one interested in a title, but I respect positions. Benefits through employment are awesome, but I understand totally what it is to work without health care, a 401K and even no paid vacation time. People with passion often have a self-sense of what they want to accomplish and what that picture looks like. When they see it, they latch on. Jesse Jones, flight nurse, Eddy Sizemore, pilot of Air EVAC Team 109, and Herman “Lou” Dobbs, flight paramedic were all people who were passionate about what they did, why they did what they did, and service to others, the common good, all describe them and the public service they provided. They each gave the ultimate sacrifice of service on Thursday, June 6, 2013 when their Air EVAC helicopter crashed after safely transporting a patient to a hospital facility. While they were each employed by a privately owned company, their work was a public benefit, and our community is stronger because of individuals like them, because they each followed their passions, the things that brought them great personal satisfaction because of their efforts, training and work. There can never be enough said about an individual who makes a difference because they use what the natural talent they have been given and then they took that to the next step by training and growing that gift. Jesse, Eddy, and Lou each are examples of the best in people! Jesse Jones, 28 of Bell County, Kentucky lived in the Frakes Community. He graduated from Bell County High School in 2003. One of his former teachers Dr. Allison Barton commented that “Jesse was honestly one of my favorite students. A great student who knew in high school what he wanted to do”. The process to fulfilling his dream to becoming a flight nurse continued after high school with Southeast Ky Community Technical College where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Science and became a Registered Nurse. Prior to his assignment in Manchester Kentucky, Jesse worked with the Harlan Air EVAC Team. A lifelong dream of working with Air EVAC, Jesse achieved through hard work and dedication. It is clear to me that Jesse Jones is a shining example of the very best Bell County has to offer. A young man committed to a vision, worked to make his dream become a reality and though sad, he died doing what he loved and wanted to do most. It is not every day you meet folks who are doing what they love to do, but he did. He served thousands of patients in his career and he gave the ultimate sacrifice, laying down his life in service to others. He is a HERO and while his family, co-workers and friends are heartbroken because of the loss, his life is an example of what can be achieved and I honor that! In the midst of emergencies often times the appropriate moment to say thanks never arrives during the situation. There are times no doubt that patients were able to say thanks for the service and aid received. Jesse, Eddy and Lou probably responded to comments of thanks with a statement like, “I am just doing my job”, maybe, “I am glad to help”, or “this is what I do, thank you, and I you are going to be ok”. Their encouragement to others impacted every patient and family member they served. Today it is now our opportunity to say to their families and to all who serve as they did, thanks. To you who serve like they did, for the Common Good we salute you for your public service! We are humbled because of your willingness to follow your heart of passion and career choice. We are a safer, stronger community because of you and your work. Your commitment and willingness “to lay down your life for another” humbles each of us to our inner core. Your difference will never be forgotten. Air EVAC Team 109 remembered for their individual contribution of service and sacrifice. Until then

A Salute to Herman "Lou" Dobbs - Air Evac Team 109

Public Service is a phrase that is heard of from time to time. Most often we hear it in commercial advertisements as a statement that the information shared is for the common good. When attempting to define public service and common good the definition will vary but there are basic concepts to the phrase that impact all of us. Law Enforcement, Emergency Responders, Medical Service Providers all clearly qualifies as a benefit to the common good. The supporting agencies could be government services such as our county sheriff and city police departments, fire departments, rescue squads, ambulance services, doctors, nurses and emergency response teams which might be called upon for a number of difference types of emergencies. Several years ago I became a member of an emergency Air EVAC program. When memberships were first announced I joined and gladly paid my membership fee, knowing that my benefit through membership far outweighed the expense of the services they provide should I ever need air lifted to a hospital or medical facility. When I was growing up, my interest in things all surrounded around my talents, people I knew, and things I enjoyed. I know others who when looking at a career question things from possible salaries ranges, benefits and opportunities to advance professionally. These questions are equally important but I myself have always placed my emphasis on my passions, the things that motivate me all by themselves. I have never been one interested in a title, but I respect positions. Benefits through employment are awesome, but I understand totally what it is to work without health care, a 401K and even no paid vacation time. People with passion often have a self-sense of what they want to accomplish and what that picture looks like. When they see it, they latch on. Herman “Lou” Dobbs, flight paramedic, Eddy Sizemore, pilot of Air EVAC Team 109 and Jesse Jones Air EVAC flight nurse were all people who were passionate about what they did, why they did what they did, and service to others, the common good, all describe them and the public service they provided. They each gave the ultimate sacrifice of service on Thursday, June 6, 2013 when their Air EVAC helicopter crashed after safely transporting a patient to a hospital facility. While they were each employed by a privately owned company, their work was a public benefit, and our community is stronger because of individuals like them, because they each followed their passions, the things that brought them great personal satisfaction because of their efforts, training and work. There can never be enough said about an individual who makes a difference because they use what the natural talent they have been given and then they took that to the next step by training and growing that gift. Lou, Eddy and Jesse each are examples of the best in people! Herman “Lou” Dobbs grew up in Tennessee in Hawkins County. This area is a unique part of the State of Tennessee sharing Kingsport-Bristol with the Commonwealth of Virginia too. Herman grew up in the Church Hill area of Hawkins County. He has been active in Public Service for over 20 years. He service in the State of Tennessee included the Sullivan Co Emergency Medical Services, (EMS), Church Hill EMS, Hawkins and Green County EMS. He also served the Hawkins County Sheriff’s Department. He continued this tradition by serving the people of Southeastern Kentucky as a member of the Air EVAC Team 109. Funeral Services were conducted for him in Rogersville, Tennessee and London, Kentucky. When an emergency crisis is at hand, and the services of such companies and individuals are required, often times there no appropriate moments to say thanks. Yet, there are times when an individual has an opportunity to say thank you for the help and assistance they are receiving. Lou, Eddy and Jesse probably responded to such comments with a statement like, “I am just doing my job”, maybe “I am glad to help”, or “this is what I do, thank you, and I you are going to be ok”. Their encouragement to others impacted every patient and family member they served. Today it is now our opportunity to say to their families and to all who serve as they did, thanks. To you who serve like they did, for the Common Good we salute you for your public service! We are humbled because of your willingness to follow your heart of passion and career choice. We are a safer, stronger community because of you and your work. Your commitment and willingness “to lay down your life for another” humbles each of us to our inner core. Your difference will never be forgotten. Air EVAC Team 109 remembered for their individual contribution of service and sacrifice. Until then

Air EVAC Team 109 - Eddy Sizemore - Hermon "Lou" Dobbs - Jesse Jones

Public Service is a phrase that is heard of from time to time. Most often we hear it in commercial advertisements as a statement that the information shared is for the common good. When attempting to define public service and common good the definition will vary but there are basic concepts to the phrase that impact all of us. Law Enforcement, Emergency Responders, Medical Service Providers all clearly qualifies as a benefit to the common good. The supporting agencies could be government services such as our county sheriff and city police departments, fire departments, rescue squads, ambulance services, doctors, nurses and emergency response teams which might be called upon for a number of difference types of emergencies. Several years ago I became a member of an emergency Air EVAC program. When memberships were first announced I joined and gladly paid my membership fee, knowing that my benefit through membership far outweighed the expense of the services they provide should I ever need air lifted to a hospital or medical facility. When I was growing up, my interest in things all surrounded around my talents, people I knew, and things I enjoyed. I know others who when looking at a career question things from possible salaries ranges, benefits and opportunities to advance professionally. These questions are equally important but I myself have always placed my emphasis on my passions, the things that motivate me all by themselves. I have never been one interested in a title, but I respect positions. Benefits through employment are awesome, but I understand totally what it is to work without health care, a 401K and even no paid vacation time. People with passion often have a self-sense of what they want to accomplish and what that picture looks like. When they see it, they latch on. Eddy Sizemore, pilot of Air EVAC Team 109, Herman “Lou” Dobbs, flight paramedic and Jesse Jones Air EVAC flight nurse were all people who were passionate about what they did, why they did what they did, and service to others, the common good, all describe them and the public service they provided. They each gave the ultimate sacrifice of service on Thursday, June 6, 2013 when their Air EVAC helicopter crashed after safely transporting a patient to a hospital facility. While they were each employed by a privately owned company, their work was a public benefit, and our community is stronger because of individuals like them, because they each followed their passions, the things that brought them great personal satisfaction because of their efforts, training and work. There can never be enough said about an individual who makes a difference because they use what the natural talent they have been given and then they took that to the next step by training and growing that gift. Eddy, Lou and Jesse each are examples of the best in people! The individual thank you they received from patients who were able to say thanks for their work meant the world no doubt at each moment. Eddy, Lou and Jesse probably responded with a statement like, “I am just doing my job”, maybe “I am glad to help”, or “this is what I do, thank you, and I you are going to be ok”. Their encouragement to others impacted every patient and family member they served. Today it is now our opportunity to say to their families and to all who serve as they did, thanks. To you who serve like they did, for the Common Good we salute you for your public service! We are humbled because of your willingness to follow your heart of passion and career choice. We are a safer, stronger community because of you and your work. Your commitment and willingness “to lay down your life for another” humbles each of us to our inner core. Your difference will never be forgotten. Air EVAC Team 109 remembered for their individual contribution of service and sacrifice. Until then

'Life is'....or 'is not' a lot of things You say?

‘Life is’ a busy thing that keeps us hopping, going and looking for a resting point. If you become engaged in a conversation about what ‘life is’, it might just surprise you what folk’s value as their life connection or meaning. The answers vary in conversation from family to even work. We might call that total opposites and wonder who select work as an option to define what ‘life is’, but it’s a viable answer. Many would thing that we should all understand family as a good description of life. There are individuals whose experienced abusive family ordeals, some folks never knew their mother, father or even both. Sadly it is true that some folks we know, work with, and have as acquaintances in our lives have never witnessed or seen any demonstration of the value of family. I see clearly why family might not be the answer for ‘Life is’ from the lack of those type of situations. Answering the thought of what ‘life is’ depends on the individual, their back ground, education-which means more than academic training. Education to me also includes experiences with people, groups and causes. Some education is from following others while leading is certainly a good classroom for life too. A valuable education in life that is often missed would include working for yourself-following after your own dreams, fighting to make your vision happen, falling and getting up again all a part of the educational process. Personally I believe the most valuable part of education involves serving others. This aspect is not even considered by many, which is sad. For others that have so much to give and share, they are too inwardly focused to even understand that without an investment there is no return. No risk, no reward, and the difference they could make if they were only a part of the solution. ‘Life is’ a precious gift! ‘Life is’ a competition but not against others, it is a challenge where you are up against yourself, no one else. The reward for competing in life is not about who finishes first, as in most races. Winning in life is about completing the journey, which is your competition. Your test is not about how you started the race but how you finish. The test (bumps, roadblocks, setbacks) that you experience in your journey are also the rewards once you learn the proper way to view the issues. Romans 8:28 says that God works all things all to the good for those that love Him and called according to His purpose. I use this scripture so often in my life. I have discovered that it is the grounding rod that helps keep me from shorting out like an electric cord or outlet that has faulty wiring. The idea that I am in competition with myself and no other is because I was created in His image, given talents, skills, and the capacity to love. In His image I have opportunity that is limited if I only rely on myself. My resources are few and His are plenty. ‘Life is’ or ‘is not’ a lot of things. The answer depends on our commitment to see things differently, and to never step learning, because we have never stopped moving. And you say ‘Life is’…… Until then