MI-5

Here are the questions answers for the week;

1. Do you have any weird OCD issues?

* WOW ... its a small world. As a former Church Planter in
Virginia, I have met Tally Wilgis. We used to meet in Richmond,
Virginia for monthly meetings. As for OCD issues, I try my best
to continually reprogram. But the bills in my wallet MUST all
face the same direction. Does that count?

2. What major decision/change did you make in your life that
surprised your family and friends & how did things work out?

*OK - this is weird! I left South Florida for a 'life-change' too.
But I moved to North Florida for educational purposes. I had
a great job, a wife, three kids, and a beautiful custom home ...
my family thought I was NUTS! Things worked out great!
My kids grew up and moved out. My wife and I are happy to
be living in Maine.

3. What is something you picked up and who did you pick it
up from?

*Eating biscuits. I learned the beauty of the biscuit from a
co-worker when I was in the fire service. I learned how to
make (and several ways to eat) them, and now I enjoy them at
every opportunity.

4. What is something you discovered by accident but has
enriched your life?

* That would have to be regular reading. I started reading
books in a particular genre a few years ago. I did it in order
get some new perspective on my work. I found that regular
reading prompted all kinds of fresh thinking and creativity.
So now I read at least one book per month.

5. If you could influence a behavioral change in someone else,
what would it be and how would you go about doing it?

*I would change attitudes concerning motorcycling - which
happens to be my hobby. I was alarmed to discover that
some people dislike bikers SO much that they will intensionally
run them off the road. I would do this by taking them for a ride
on a gorgeous summer day up Cadillac Mountain. One ride on
sensory overload like that ... and they would forever appreciate
motorcycling.

Dave

Disaster Relief

What devastation! I got this photo from the website of Mission Aviation Fellowship - a Christian ministry group that flies airplanes to Haiti and other poverty-stricken places.

Words cannot express the struggle and suffering such events bring. I was fortunate (I think) to be in the first search & rescue teams arriving in Miami after Hurricane Andrew back in the early 90s. I was working for Palm Beach County Fire Rescue at the time, and happened to be 'on duty' the night the storm hit. It was a life-changing experience I will never forget.

Now I wish there was a way to help the people of Myanmar. Truth is, the government there is not allowing much aide into the Country. Many people and organizations are on "standby" ready to respond with help. Its a sad situation.

Hey, we've got problems here at home too. Last week many homes and businesses were damaged by flooding in northern Maine. I have notified the Maine Baptist Association Disaster Relief (say THAT 5 times quickly) of our church's willingness to help. We are on "stand-by" there too. I'll keep you posted on that.

Yea ... I'm a Floridian

OK ... I'm 'from away' in New England terms.
I was born and raised on the east coast of
South Florida where the briny breezes are
constant and fishing is good year-round.
That means it's ideal weather for the elderly
who are very sensitive to cold winters elsewhere.
Our town had whole communities of elderly packed
in small apartments like sardines - and stacked
like cord wood.  So as you could imagine, jokes
about senior citizens are plentiful there. My
brother just sent me several ... and I thought
I would share at least one. Here goes ...

An elderly Floridian called 911 on her cell phone
to report that her car has been broken into.
She is hysterical as she explains her situation
to the dispatcher: 'They've stolen  the stereo,
the steering wheel, the brake pedal and even the
accelerator!' she cried.

The dispatcher said, 'Stay calm. An officer is
on the way.'

A few minutes later, the officer radios in.
'Disregard.' He says. 'She got in the back-seat
by mistake.'

OH YEA!