Life’s Interruptions need a grounding rod

​No one likes interruptions, but they will and do happen in life. At times you will feel devastated while other moments will feel like just a bump in the road. Preparation is the key. Faith in Jesus is my grounding rod. ​My father and I often had a conversation on the topic of writing things down. I write down a lot of things. I write down dates and times and the people I experience moments with. These notes I often record from life reflect everything from sermons I preach to dinners and events with friends. I like for my friends to even sign such reflections, just like a guest book. My dad and I could agree that somethings were good to write down but there were other thoughts he believed were best kept too oneself. I even agreed with dad on those thoughts, in part, but I saw personal value in writing them down for reflection and I’ve continued to practice such throughout the years. ​Interruptions in life are one reason I like to write things down. Any notebook will serve as a good journal of thoughts for the interruptions of life. It is often suggested that it is best to have a response to life’s happenings than a reaction. I agree a response is better than a reaction but that is hard to temper in the heat of a moment. Writing things down as the interruptions occur I‘ve discovered have provided me a foundation of preparation that knocks me less off my feet, because I’ve not only thought about it, but writing my feelings down has provided me with a response for when such moments arrive. ​Feeling devastated by life happens rather quickly in life for some, although it might take sometime to realize. For example, the loss of a parent to a child or the loss of both parents because of an accident. Depending upon age appropriateness the ability to morn a loss and see the blessings because of the same experience is one that requires reflecting and processing. Never miscounting the impact of a single moment in life helps put all the things of life into a big picture that can provide plenty of positivity even though tragic. ​Faith can be applied loosely to life. People often use the word faith with little to no thought, or at least it seems that way, in conversations. I’ve heard people yell at folks “I have faith in you”, after just walking away from a conversation, as an add on to what was said. I’m not saying that isn’t genuine or appropriate, but faith has more than one definition. For example, faith alone is defined as to believe or give credit too while there is no evidence for, or faith can be expressed because of another person has suggested the idea. Biblical faith also contains an element of conviction and belief. Christian faith identifies the source of authority for faith. Biblical faith is called a blessed hope and assurance. It is a solid foundation that has no elements of corruption or decay. ​When I write that Jesus is my grounding rod it is because my experience in faith has proven itself throughout the interruptions of life. Life is a bump in the road and it is my full intentions to make sure that if I’m driving I can safely maneuver and if you hit the bump too fast that I can be there to help you get back on the road of life again. Until then

Connections between Knox, Bell and Harlan Counties

​Shared history and connection is a thing “mountain folks” like to establish. For outsiders this attitude is not easily grasp at first. Sometimes its importance is not recognize or even more profound, there is a missing link of previous experiences to help one draw connections. To understand some of our history and connections it's beneficial to try to see some of our shared history, people and moments. Stepping back and looking at history is always a good teacher. ​This week, the 90th Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival will be held after being cancelled in 2020 due to the Coronavirus. Lauren Bohl a Knox County native who is a graduate from Barbourville Independent School District was crowned Queen of the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival in May 2019, as she represented Union College. She is only the second Queen to ever be Crowned representing Union. The first Crown belongs to Patricia Parsons Bennett in 1950. Little did Lauren Bohl, or anyone know, she would earn another title and crown as the longest reigning Queen since World War II because of the pandemic. History is a precious gift that marks time and moments. Connections are pretty awesome too, especially when neighboring counties get to share and love on the people they discover, get to know, cherish and share. The 2021 Queen Candidate from Union College is another Knox County resident, Emilyann Taylor Wilson, Gray, Ky. Her escort will be David Ethan Miller, from Barbourville, Ky. Representing Barbourville High School in the Princess Coronation this year is Emmaleigh Bargo. ​The history of Knox County and Bell County is uniquely tied in other ways too. For example, Bell County was created out of land from both Knox and Harlan Counties. There wouldn’t be a Bell County if we had not been willing to share some land. Dr. Thomas Walker made his way through the Cumberland Gap to just outside of what is now the City of Barbourville. The Cumberland Gap National Park was the gateway discovered by Dr. Thomas Walker back in 1750. If you’ve ever heard of Lewis & Clark, just know that Dr. Walker explored that land here and in western Kentucky decades before them and his documentation of the Cumberland Gap Passage would become a highway of people as Colonel Daniel Boone and his frontiersman cleared the Warriors Path or the Wilderness Road as it would became famously known, in 1775. The Warriors Path followed along the Cumberland River, straight through Flat Lick and throughout Knox County. ​ ​The Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival began in 1931 because of the passion and dream of Anna Walker Burns. She wanted to find a way to honor her famous ancestor. For the record, the Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival started 4 years before the Kentucky Derby was organized and held her first race. The Daniel Boone Festival began in 1948 and we have some history here in the mountains of Kentucky, of which we can be quite thankful for and proud of. The KMLF is named for the beautiful Mountain Laurel which is a shrub with large clusters of small pale pine flowers that grow wild in Pine Mountain. ​One fact about us, our history and our connections, if you’ll give us enough conversation time, we will figure out a way to make us “all kin” and we will be able to explain it too, using your grandpa’s side of the family, more than likely. ​Life is a wonderful road of travels, moments and people. Shared history and connections make life more meaningful and give us plenty to talk about. Until then​

After long illness, I’m writing again - The Mountain Advocate, Barbourville, Ky

I don’t quite have the space to tell me story in one column but it did begin with a stubbed toe in October, 2014. The past 7 years of my life has been a mixture of memories branded into my life’s experiences, including time when I have no memory or recollection at all. Health challenges arrive at times with no advance warning and sometimes health issues appear so simple that there isn’t any panic or worry until you find yourself overwhelmed and totally confused by the quickness and onslaught of things you’d never even thought of before. Having battled health issue and after issue and having attempted to remain positive with a happy and positive outlook on life, situations and circumstances, 2019 doubled down against me and my ability to write was unexpectedly totally off the table, as I fought for life. With this column I am excited to return and share that my health has improved, and for the record, I am still alive, lol. I appreciate the many personal inquiries as to my health and those efforts same efforts expressed to the paper about where I went. Its excited to share a quick answer to that wonder and question. It is also exciting to return to writing “Until then”. I pray my column will be an encouragement for your daily life and I’m excited about sharing my life’s story through the Mountain Advocate. My columns have been about 4 things that I find make life valuable. People, places, experiences and books we read. Given the surprises that life can hand us, I have no guarantee about time, but his I know. Life is short no matter how many years we live on earth. Opportunities are unique. By not seizing the moments we have been granted in life, there is sure to be regrets if we do not act, when and while we can. Until then.

Hay or Hey with Day?

As a writer I often get excited about writing this column and sharing something I've discovered, learned or find motivating. With the writing of this very column I got all excited and then I hit a roadblock. I was thinking about the term "hay day", an expression often used by we mountain folks, and then the roadblock problem was discovered. I am counting on the thought that many of you will be as I found myself to be with respect to a "hay day" expression. "Hay Day" is a great word to use in expressing success, excitement, joy, happiness or delight. People will often say 'they are having a hay day' in describing the fun grandchildren, children or others are enjoying. My roadblock occurred while conducting a little research on the subject when I discovered that there were two different meanings of my thinking also including two different spellings too. I've always spelled the expression "hay day" with hay and day as my combination of thought. Way back in the day kids and children rolled in the hay, played in the hay, jumped from bales of hay, built forts of hay and my list goes on. Thinking this way, hay is the only word I would think of using to express such a great moment of fun. However my thinking was roadblocked upon the discovery that using "hay" in the term "hay day" is totally incorrect and I was left sitting and thinking how could I have even been so misguided and I thought about even blaming my English and Spelling teachers from grade school and high school for failing to enlighten my mind to such understanding and knowledge. (Oh wouldn't they just love to correct my long drawn out sentence and over bearing use of the word and too, lol). The correct spelling for the expression is "hey day". The error of my way halted me and I'm not sure if I've properly written a work around but success is a notable moment that should be highlighted and marked with relaxation, smiles and if appropriate a laugh. Success is measured many different ways and while we may get the spelling wrong our expression will no doubt be correct. Sometimes words can get us tied up into a messy situation by we can thank God that He knows and clearly understands our hearts. There the real language of life is spoken and expressed. Until then

A song for frustration.

Frustration is a challenging obstacle and I don't know of a single moment in my life where frustration was my friend. When I consider moments that I've had to face frustration I have discovered that even admitting the situation can be a real challenge. No one likes to raise their hand and say please identify me as someone who is struggling with an issue or situation and then compound the matter by adding I am ready to surrender to frustration. Most everyone I know, including me, likes to see themselves as a strong individual. We like to put off this image that demonstrates confidence and even no fear. Frustration from being at the mercy or grace of others is not a slice of humble pie but rather cases that can be difficult to process. This situation becomes complicated if the "others" are individuals that enjoy seeing you bend beneath the load and enjoy observing the discomforts of your pain, stress and challenges. Seeds of frustration are easily planted into our lives when we acknowledge we have no control of outcomes nor are we able to direct or steer situations. Medical issues have been my frustration currently, while others may identify from an array of topics, situations and even people who have planted seeds of frustration into our lives that require us to handle properly in order to move forward. In offering a solution I am tempted to write the words of "What a friend we have in Jesus". The words of the song would be a strong display of confidence but it lacks in this situation the honesty that best properly reflects the situation when we admit that frustration has the upper hand. The perfect song is this one: Precious Lord, take my hand Lead me on, let me stand I am tired, I am weak, I am worn Through the storm, through the night Lead me on through the light Take my hand, precious Lord And lead me home When my way grows dreary Precious Lord, lead me near When my life is almost gone At the river I will stand Guide my feet, hold my hand Take my hand, precious Lord And lead me home. Until then

A letter to New Year 2017

If you've never written a letter to a New Year then all me to share my personal letter to I have written to this New Year, 2017: Hello there New Year, I feel like I can call you a friend since we've been sharing these moments for over 50 years together. Thinking back to when I was a little child I am not to sure I thought of you as I do today. Back then as a child I fought hard to stay awake to see you officially arrive. When we were first introduced you had been falling as a big ball in New York City for 57 years. Now that you are 110 years old in 2017 you still seem as young as ever. Watching you each year is for me confusing because with each new year that approaches you remain flashy with lights aglow, everyone approaches you with noise makers, music, crazy hats and love abounds in the air as a magical gift free to all. If you could tell me your secret to staying young I'd love for you to share your secret with my readers so we too can magically remain young if not ever changing to keep the affection of all who will gaze upon us each year. I mention the fact as a child fighting to stay awake for your arrival, if I write the total truth I find myself as an adult sometimes waging the same war at times. There are many dreams and visions you allow folks to consider, ponder and wander in the minds as they wonder in thought. With your arrival each year there is an opportunity to reflect on the past along with an opportunity to make corrections and adjustments to our resources of thought and planning. Allow me now to stay I appreciate being a part of 2016 even though I felt the breaking weight of the year several times, I'm just glad I somehow survived. In king regards, I remain. THM Until then