Get Involved today - Your time is now to make a difference

The publishing of the news, blogging of stories, posting of videos and the use of today’s communication tools has really changed the landscape of our world. 30 years ago television as we know it today did not even exist. The real means of communication was radio. To ‘old school’ media individuals the understanding of a news release was a typed up headline that was sent out over the Associated Press News Wire. I am glad I had the opportunity from my early years of employment to tear the headlines from the teletype of the old news room of Ken-Ten Broadcasting studios. I remember so well standing around the AP machine to see what was happening around the world so I could broadcast it to listeners as “breaking news” here at home. Times have certainly changed. Today I write type this column to be released to the editor for publishing. Once it is published with the touch of the keyboard and a few key strokes this column will be shared via the world wide web, posted to websites, tagged on Facebook, Tweeted to followers and then shared by folks some whom I will never have met personally, who are just friends of friends or followers who are re-tweeting or quoting. The process started with no agenda at all actually. I began writing to share with local folks, the local community about events, people, thoughts and experiences. Long before we knew what a website was and long before our local paper even had a website. Honestly, websites are so common today, that if you don’t have one you are really w A y b e H i n d the times. Modern means of communication have changed the way in which we do thing and it has certainly changed the timing in which we must respond to situations. Local newspapers use video to tell their stories and video we once thought was just for television stations. Who would have figured right? Well, someone did, it just wasn’t me and I am a figuring it wasn’t you either. Attempting to be up-to-date takes a lot of work. Being aware and informed of situations requires a lot of commitment and dedication. In school I enjoyed reading. I loved history and so a lot of what I read as a student involved subjects of that matter. My base of interest has certainly changed over the years. I read many different articles, blogs and columns on an array of subjects. Some I have no interest in at all, but I have discovered it necessary to read to be informed. I have also learned how to read with an open mind. When you read something because you want to, then as you read you are looking for those key words or phrases that confirm your interest or point. My discovery and learning from the practice of reading from a variety of sources has been simply that, I have learned because of that activity. I have learned as much about myself as I have subject matters addressed or positions shared by others. My discovery has included my learning that I can be closed minded and yet just as broadminded on any given day. My biggest learning involves what I have learned about topics, and themed writings. I have learned that all things involve people. It is easy to brush something off until you realize you are brushing someone off. I can laugh at a statement and believe it has no value what-so-ever until I realize that there is someone behind the sentence that has taken it very much to heart and find no humor in my dismissal of their opinion. It is easy to do a lot of things in life if we don’t think. If we never look outside the box of our world we may discover ourselves still standing around what once was the fastest and best tool for news, scores and information even though that piece of equipment and her time has passed as we knew it back in the day. Life is too short to stand around as an observer forever. The time is now to be involved and make a difference as a participating party. Today is the day, now is the time, and tomorrow you may never have. Until then

Second Time Around - Jeff Musgrave - Joshua Howard - Whitney Gouch - Nashville Country Music Marathon 2012

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

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

"Do for one what you wish you could do for all"

Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Georgia coined the phrase, “Do for one what you wish you could do for all”. On Friday, March 2, 2012 the winds came handing out tornadoes that crossed the landscapes destroying homes, property and even claiming the lives of victims in her path of fiery on that afternoon. London, Kentucky and particularly the East Bernstadt Community took the brunt of the storm leaving behind the devastation of just seconds of wind. Thousands volunteered and responded to the immediate needs providing services and goods to help those impacted and who suffered loss. Churches united under the umbrella and cause as did organizations and other institutions including Union College in Barbourville who sent student athletes to lend a helping hand. “Do for one what you wish you could do for all” is the goal at Hawk Creek Church in London, Ky. Their members and attenders have responded like many of you but now they are going the second mile by attempting to do for one family what they wish they could do for every family impacted. Help them back to where they were from the ground up. This singular undertaking is a big decision and one that is being made in Christian Faith, to do for one what they wish as a church they could do for everyone. Sometimes that battle that rages within us as individuals and organizations is that with limited resources we end up doing nothing at all because we cannot do for everyone. In a good effort we want to make a difference but see the difference out of reach. Truth is, the goal of helping everyone individually is out of reach for one church or organization. However, it is not out of the reach of God if we each did our single part to make a difference. It is not out of the touch of God if we each gave of our expertise, skill and talent. God can use our gift with the gifts of others and then not just a little difference is made, but a BIG difference is made. God can only use us if we are willing to allow ourselves to be used by Him. In 1985, at the age of 21, I was struck with a rare form of arthritis that took me from health teenager to a wheelchair in 30 days. I had never prepared for or even thought of such an illness happening to me. 26 years later, I am still battling sero-negative arthritis & ankylosing spondylitis. I made a promise to God that if I ever walked again I would never complain and I would let a smile on my face show. He touched me enough to get me up and going again and I am holding up my end of the deal too. Not complaining, still smiling and attempting to do my part of making the world a better place. “Do for one what you wish you could do for all” is my theme as I participate in my 2nd Marathon event on April 28th. I am writing asking if you will join me in helping to make the difference for one. Would you sponsor me for $1.00 a mile for the 13.1 miles in the Nashville Music City Marathon? I am not skilled enough to build a home, but I can do plenty of things to support those with that talent to build. I do not have the talent to run the electrical wiring in a home, but I can support those who have the knowhow and skill. There are plenty of things I cannot do, but by flipping the coin there are plenty of things I can do, should do, and with His help, will do. Walking for ONE is something that I can do, and will do. I might only raise $13.00 but I could raise $1300. Or $13,000. Dollars with your help. Life often hands outs things that we are not prepared for, nor were we expecting. The happenings of life can catch us off guard and while we will have immediate reactions once we have let things settle from the surprise, it is time to have a response. Today, I am ready to respond to the physical storms of March 2, 2012. I am ready to “Do for one what I wish I could do for all”. Sscriptures teaches to whom much is given, much is required. For me, walking is a gift and I will use it for someone else’ benefit. Together has a nice sound to it when spoken out loud. It also has a positive impact when demonstrated through cooperation and commitment. Will you help make a difference for one? Until then

Annette Walden - A person of Impact

Most individuals set out to make a difference with their lives by impacting others. The task of making a difference is not really a big plan as you begin your life’s journey. Rather, I believe many do not even think of making a splash much less sitting down and pulling together a list of do’s that need to be accomplished to place your life in the center hub of making a difference for others. If I could call my life a research project I can say that the best way to make a difference is to simply live your life treating others as you wish to be treated. If you add respect for others and differing opinions, coupled with a desire to be friendly and be a part of things as you can then you are well on your way to looking back over life and being able to see an impact.
I first met Annette Walden when she was the organist for the Order of Easter Star Chapter #89 in Pineville, Ky. I was just a little boy who sang soprano and falsetto at the time and together we formed a team for special events and programs. She was a member of the First Baptist Church Pineville and when I became a church member there we continued our practice of her playing, and me singing throughout my days of children’s choir, the adult worship choir and so many solo’s I have lost count. We were never called a musical duet, but there is no doubt about this fact. Annette could and still can make a piano talk as the keys strike the strings speaking in her own language called music. For the record, I simply accompanied her with my voice. There is something about making music that is freeing to the inner spirit. There is something about music that causes you to be able to change location as you listen and participate. Annette and I have enjoyed over the years many special moments that took us both to another place because we each shared our talents with the other. The last public performance we shared was the Presbyterian Church in Pineville. Irene Adams, who created the “Lighting of the Star” program for Pineville/Bell County asked if I would come and provide special music. With that invitation there was no question who should be the musician at the piano. It was Annette Walden. We discussed the program and thought about the music that would be appropriate and we both agreed without any debate on Let there be Peace on earth, Amazing Grace in a special melody arrangement and Annette’s favorite, Sweet Little Jesus Boy.
In February of this year Annette and I held a concert that you unfortunately missed. I know you missed it because the venue was at her home and it was just she and I. Stopping in to say hello it was without any planning, but knowing full well there would be music in the living room as of this visit. Her husband “Bob” had purchased her a surprise gift of her very own grand piano back in 1964. She had an upright piano that she loved and enjoyed playing so much, but that was all about to change with the arrival of her new gift that would bring decades of fun and pleasure. Yes, Annette filled her home on that February day with the rich sound of a grand piano and her feel for the music added the emotions that move me to a new experience because I could clearly hear her heart and soul as she played. We sang from the hymnal, the old ones and the new one and we ended our concert of two with the singing of Sweet Little Jesus Boy.
Annette Walden made a difference in my life as a little boy who never realized that she was investing herself in me. Today, as an adult, I can tell you that she has been investing in me year after year and she may be as unaware of her impact on my life today, as I was of her back in that day. Annette Walden, a person of impact and I am one life that is changed because she did her part of living strong, with character and integrity and most especially love.

Until then

Do for ONE what you wish you could do for ALL

Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Georgia coined the phrase, “Do for one what you wish you could do for all”. On Friday, March 2, 2012 the winds came handing out tornadoes that crossed the landscapes destroying homes, property and even claiming the lives of victims in her path of fiery on that afternoon. London, Kentucky and particularly the East Bernstadt Community took the brunt of the storm leaving behind the devastation of just seconds of wind. Thousands volunteered and responded to the immediate needs providing services and goods to help those impacted and who suffered loss. Churches united under the umbrella and cause as did organizations and other institutions including Union College in Barbourville who sent student athletes to lend a helping hand. “Do for one what you wish you could do for all” is the goal at Hawk Creek Church in London, Ky. Their members and attenders have responded like many of you but now they are going the second mile by attempting to do for one family what they wish they could do for every family impacted. Help them back to where they were from the ground up. This singular undertaking is a big decision and one that is being made in Christian Faith, to do for one what they wish as a church they could do for everyone. Sometimes that battle that rages within us as individuals and organizations is that with limited resources we end up doing nothing at all because we cannot do for everyone. In a good effort we want to make a difference but see the difference out of reach. Truth is, the goal of helping everyone individually is out of reach for one church or organization. However, it is not out of the reach of God if we each did our single part to make a difference. It is not out of the touch of God if we each gave of our expertise, skill and talent. God can use our gift with the gifts of others and then not just a little difference is made, but a BIG difference is made. God can only use us if we are willing to allow ourselves to be used by Him. In 1985, at the age of 21, I was struck with a rare form of arthritis that took me from health teenager to a wheelchair in 30 days. I had never prepared for or even thought of such an illness happening to me. 26 years later, I am still battling sero-negative arthritis & ankylosing spondylitis. I made a promise to God that if I ever walked again I would never complain and I would let a smile on my face show. He touched me enough to get me up and going again and I am holding up my end of the deal too. Not complaining, still smiling and attempting to do my part of making the world a better place. “Do for one what you wish you could do for all” is my theme as I participate in my 2nd Marathon event on April 28th. I am writing asking if you will join me in helping to make the difference for one. Would you sponsor me for $1.00 a mile for the 13.1 miles in the Nashville Music City Marathon? I am not skilled enough to build a home, but I can do plenty of things to support those with that talent to build. I do not have the talent to run the electrical wiring in a home, but I can support those who have the knowhow and skill. There are plenty of things I cannot do, but by flipping the coin there are plenty of things I can do, should do, and with His help, will do. Walking for ONE is something that I can do, and will do. I might only raise $13.00 but I could raise $1300. Or $13,000. Dollars with your help. Life often hands outs things that we are not prepared for, nor were we expecting. The happenings of life can catch us off guard and while we will have immediate reactions once we have let things settle from the surprise, it is time to have a response. Today, I am ready to respond to the physical storms of March 2, 2012. I am ready to “Do for one what I wish I could do for all”. Scriptures teaches to whom much is given, much is required. For me, walking is a gift and I will use it for someone else’ benefit. Together has a nice sound to it when spoken out loud. It also has a positive impact when demonstrated through cooperation and commitment. Will you help make a difference for one? Until then