Spartanburg, S.C. and Ky Missions

Vacation Bible School is that one time of the summer schedule that churches go all out to make learning about Jesus fun and exciting. Vacation Bible School is traditionally speaking the most evangelistic time of a church year too. Children are invited to come, posters and banners are displayed, arts and crafts are organized for each grade level and the most important kool-aid, cookies and snacks for each day are planned and prepared. Across Southeastern Kentucky many churches with large and active memberships have no problem recruiting volunteers from within their membership to carry out the work involved in promoting and organizing a week long Vacation Bible School event. However, for many churches, the resource pool of workers are few and without the help of others the opportunity for a Vacation Bible School would not be possible. Since the year 1969 the First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, South Carolina has been stepping in to assist local churches and filling in where the need exists so that children, teenagers and even adults can participate in a VBS event in their local church. Rev Seth Buckley is the Minister of Students at First Baptist Spartanburg and he has been leading students and adults each year to make the journey through the mountains of North Carolina and over Clinch Mountain to this area to serve others through Christian Love and to make a difference by sharing their talents and energy to make the name of Jesus known to others. The vision of this year endeavor began in the heart of Dr. Alastair Walker, who served as the pastor of the First Baptist Church in Middlesboro prior to being called as pastor of First Baptist in Spartanburg. One will often hear the statement or the question, can one person make a difference and that answer is yes! This year 250 plus students and adults have cleared their summer schedule of sports camps, family vacations, and other events to be in Kentucky to make a difference. The difference these volunteers are making is an eternal difference. The impact of a smile, a handshake and a hug can make all of the difference. Acceptance, opportunity, and experience area a part of this week too. The difference that is being made flows two ways on this weeks journey and the experience for many will be a never forgotten moment of experiencing God's grace, mercy and love at work. It is often difficult to express thanks in a way that we think is appropriate. We want to say thanks in a dramatic way that will get our point across that we are grateful for the difference made. We look for a way to show a big time thanks that will impact those that have given to us. In saying thanks we want to share our hearts expressions of love that we've experienced because you came along side of us and gave of your time to just sit with us and learn about us and who we are, what we believe and what we are dreaming. With 52 weeks in a year it is easy for me to select the most important week. It is the week that we are invaded by white vans, happy people and folks willing to tell the old old story of Jesus Christ and His love. Thank you First Baptist Spartanburg and thank you for Vacation Bible School and for the difference one week out of a year can make. The story of that little boy standing on the side of the road waiting to be picked up is one life that is changed. There will never be enough space to write and say thank you! Until then

Planning & Preparation for Decisions

Planning is a subject that is often perceived to be avoided by many individuals. Not sure why this fact is so but many folks like to live by the 'seat of their pants' so to speak and at all cost avoid due diligence when it comes to planning and preparation. Often the expression has been shared with the non-planning group that "No planning is planning to fail". I personally don't believe that quote helps to motivate the un-planning mindset but nevertheless some think the slogan is a requirement to share when up against that type of attitude. If you were to sit down in a formal counseling session with a Psychiatrist, a Mental Health Professional, Pastoral Counselor or some other source of counseling and information you would no doubt hear that the best planning would be done prior to the immediate hour of decision. Even decisions at the emergency hour are best thought out in-advance. This type of preplanning prepares us in facing challenging situations and preplanning prepares us for not only living life to it's fullest, but it prepares us for facing death and eternity. In writing about planning the need is most urgent for discussion among our family and friends. Decisions that I believe require preplanning to best prepare one for life involve the choice about use of alcohol, tobacco, sexual activities, drugs and even the selection of characteristics we seek in our friendships. Planning for the moment you will face these situations that require a decision will arrive. Delaying the discussion with our children, teenagers and even adult children can be devastating if left unchecked without a discussion of their opinion, thoughts and considerations. The wrong decisions have often been made in a split second choice because of the lack of practice in thinking about making the correct decision. Time hands to each of us a limited opportunity. The Bible shares with us that each of us has but a limited amount of time here on earth. Some might like to live with the attitude that they are 'lucky' and things just always work out for them. This type of thinking is false and while it might appear on the outside that there are merits to such thoughts, the end of life teaches another lesson. Often we are handed little time to correct wrong decisions and in some situations we are handed no time. Planning requires immediate attention, otherwise you and I will run out the gift of time and opportunity. There are many things for us to learn from planning and preparation. We learn from thinking things out what we value. What thoughts and beliefs do we really cherish and what discovery can we make that identifies what is really important. Who in our lives really matters? This question can only be answered by thinking about the people that have impacted our lives and then the answer easily dictates to our living actions kindness, love and caring that is only discovered because we preplanned our lives to this decision. I have predetermined that of all the people I have ever met, including my immediate family the most important person to me is Jesus Christ. That is not a preachy answer even though it sounds that way. That is a personal choice from experience and there is no changing my decision. Until then

The impact of reading

​Reading is a practice that can be difficult to develop. If you were to discuss the subject with reading advocate Debbie Hoskins of the Children's Reading Foundation of Appalachia she would quickly share that the best way to develop this great habit is to read to your children, or any child 20 minutes a day! The foundations mission is an innovative approach to literacy and the practice of reading books is one that can change your life positively. I grew up on the classics of the 1950's and the 1960's children's books. A matter of fact I still have some of those childhood books too. Today if you good looking for children's books there are so many to select from and the stories are never ending to impact a child's life and to teach the value of reading and learning. ​The value of reading to me personally is like a confirmation exercise. Growing-up your first big steps in the process is to begin to question things and ask that one questions many adults grow weary in answering....why? When I read I learn sometimes things I never knew the answer to and I've found myself exposed to many new thoughts, methods and best practices through reading. Because of the books I've read I have also found confirmation of my thoughts and beliefs too. As a Christian I have grown in understanding the ways of God because of the experiences others have put into words for reading from their lives. ​Shirley Hufstedler was one of my high school teachers whose investment into my life as a child and teenager had a powerful impact in my thought processes and decisions. Her continued involvement in my life as an adult recently involved her giving me a couple books for reading. One of the books is titled "The Red Sea Rules" by Robert J Morgan. Her gift was timely and deals with lessons gleamed from the experience of the children of Israel being lead my Moses when they came to the road block of the Red Sea being pursued by Pharaoh and his army. Because of my recent medical issues and challenges the book has spoken volumes into my life. The word 'Rules' might seem like it will be a negative read but rules are a positive practice too. ​The Preface of the book provided me with cause for several highlights. One dealt with the feeling of being all alone and no help in sight. The writer described a situation in which he was flying in an airplane and the seat next to him was vacant. At the moment he was filling a void and something missing. He began to think about his situation and thus ensued ten rules for living life and facing the 'Red Seas' in our individual lives. Isaiah 43:19 reads, "I (The Lord) will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert". Personally I have discovered this truth in my life and because I read the book I've experienced the confirmation that God is my friend and I am never alone! ​Don't miss out on an opportunity to read. You might be surprised at what you still have to learn or confirm. Until then

My Favorite Things

For over 50 years people of all ages have enjoyed the work of Rogers & Hammerstine in their production of The Sound of Music. If you were to ask what song from the musical a favorite, individual answers would vary because the musical connects with people in many ways. "My Favorite Things" is a classic and I am one individual that connects with the thoughts, meaning and attitude of the song. Listing my favorite things is an ever changing collection of moments, things, and people. There are some items that have remained consistent on my list over the years while some other favorites have slipped over the course of time. Over the past 8 months of my life, I have been in a battle for life. Medical conditions change quickly and what is routine can become deadly in an instant of time. In 1984 my body began to experience some aches and pains that at first were dismissed as nothing. The spring of 1985 that all changed when those symptoms introduced me to a medical diagnosed of one of the crippling form of arthritis. At 21 years of age one of the changes in life I was not exactly prepared for was a wheelchair. With aggressive medical treatment and experimental drug trails two years passed and to God be the glory, I walked again. When you find yourself flat on your back and unable to move your list of 'favorite things' has a way of changing. The past 30 years of my life I have attempted to be a smiling, happy person. My faith in Jesus Christ and my relationship has grown each year from 1985 through 2015. I cannot describe in a single newspaper column all I have learned from Him and about Jesus, but I've attempted to share my story each week 'Until then'. Until then is not only the name of this column but it is a part of my Christian practice, belief and faith, that until my life on earth has run its course, I am to keep pressing forward. "My Favorite Things" includes singing a song, drinking an Royal Crown Cola or a Squirt! Bluegrass Music, and a hot pretzel to list some constant items that have remained on my list over the years. A goal in my life that I set back in 1985 in one of my growing moments with Jesus was from an arrangement He and I worked out together. I would accept whatever came my way as long as He helped me with opportunities to use my life experiences to help others. It is an agreement that I am still following through with today. My list of changing favorite things includes moving from a wheelchair to a walker and from a walker to a walking cane. Favorite things include being able to stand and balance myself. It may seem strange but I'm thankful for having conversations and being able to remember that we've talked! Of all the favorite things in life I am most thankful for God's plan, even when I don't know what the plan is, and I'm most thankful for blessings. In my relationship with Jesus He owes me nothing, I actually owe Him. A part of my favorite blessings in life are my parents who have been by my side for the past 8 months non-stop. My siblings, Jim, Jr., Bridget & Alicia Bernadine. Extended family and friends who have touched my life by their actions and who continue to be of service and encouragement. My favorite things include my progress and the improvements I've experienced. Being able to write this column each week is a favorite thing. My most favorite thing is knowing that Jesus Christ loves me and that He knows me by name, personally. His love gave me peace when facing death. His love gave me encouragement when I dreamed and His love gives me purpose as I look to the future whatever it presents along my journey here on earth. I have shared with you my personal thoughts and If reflecting on "My Favorite Things" does for you what it does for me, you will be glad you took the time to write them down. Until then