MI-5 jive

1 The most vivid childhood birthday memory; I must say, I'm drawing a complete 'blank' and don't remember details of a single one. Birthdays were not exactly a 'big deal' around our house. We celebrated with a home-made cake and a few small gifts - but nothing that burned life-long memories.
2 My favorite birthday moment may have been the day I turned 18. That started the 'age of adulthood' (& legal drinking age) in my home state. I felt so liberated - to go wherever I wanted. It was really exciting for about a week ... and certainly not all it was cracked up to be.
3 My favorite adult birthday came two years ago when my wife made arrangements for me to get a new motorcycle on my 50th. She said, "I want to do something very special for this year, go pick out a new motorcycle." COOL right! YEA ... I'm still diggin it!
4 I never had a "theme birthday" - that I know of. As I said, my childhood is somewhat of a 'blur'. But details of that will likely be an answer to another MI-5 question.
5 OK, the thing about turning 18. I have a brother 7 years my senior. Occasionally he would take me with him to hang out with friends. I thought they were 'so cool'. They sometimes went places where 'under-aged' kids could not go. I REALLY looked forward to the day I could go in those places. Turns out, I didn't like those places 'at all'. Funny how life is.

MI-5 - Psychobabble

OK Bill .......
If I were a snack cake I would be a moon pie. Why? Simple ... I'd be sweet & mushy!

If I were a car I would be a Rolls Royce. Why? Because I believe I was designed more for cruising ... not so much for speed. I've come to the conclusion that "speed kills".

If I were a kitchen utensil I would be a butta-knife. Why? Because they have multiple uses like screw remover, pry bar, & paint scraper ... besides spreading 'yellow fat' on toast or bread.

If I were a famous rich person I would be Jimmie Buffet. Why? Because he influenced lots of people with music, then became 'quite the businessman' with his earnings. He enjoys some of the same things I do - and can afford to do them anytime. Besides, I could become him with very few physical changes.

If I were a over the counter medicine I would be Ibuprophen. Why? Because I could help people of all ages find relief from pain and inflamation ... with very little 'side affects'.

People sometimes ask about my preaching, "Do you preach to individuals and their problems?" My answer is an emphatic "NO". The 'number one' rule of engagement for counseling is one of 'confidence' ... as in 'CONFIDE' -ENCE. That means I protect the privacy of those who 'confide' in me as their pastor.

While preparing for ministry I made it a point to study theology and psychology together. Why? ... Because I was not satisfied in knowing what we are supposed to do in relationship to God, without understanding (though limited) why we have difficulty doing it. And what I discovered are some basics about what it means to be a 'natural' man in relationship to a 'super-natural' God ... we are not the same. So when I preach, I'm preaching to 'mankind' about the things that most people struggle with ... simply because they are human.

I think one reason people wonder about my preaching is, they don't realize the problems they face are SO common to other people. Its just that the 'problems' are things people don't usually talk about in their social interaction. Sure, problems come in various degrees of difficulty, and not all situations are the same. But most people think they are the "only ones" to think, believe, behave, etc. etc. - a particular way. When in reality, people all around them may be experiencing - or have experienced the same things. In that regard, there really is "nothing new under the sun". So - NO! ... I have not been airing anyone's dirty laundry ... just our 'filthy rags'.

WHAT AN AWESOME TIME!
My friends all know how much I enjoy motorcycling ... since I was 14! I was 14 many years ago, but I enjoy biking JUST as much now as back then. About two years ago I joined the Christian Motorcyclist Association. My involvement in this great organization has infused new energy into my hobby. I have found that even the 'fun stuff' we do can truly glorify God.

This picture is a snap-shot of the Blessing of The Bikes recently held at Rockland Harbor Park - Rockland, Maine. We gathered there to pray for one another and safety in this riding season. If you're a biker, you should consider joining the CMA ... great people and good clean fun!

MI-5

1.  AAA predicts a first ever decrease in travel
for this Fourth of July due to the gas/oil crisis.
Do you find that you are traveling less these
days in an effort to conserve?
**Yes, and I also carefully choose which vehicle 
to travel in (or 'on') when I go. This summer I 
will ride the motorbike as much as possible.

2.  Many of the news shows have been showing
pieces about backyard fireworks, and the dangers
involved, in the past few weeks.  Do you, or have
you ever, staged your own fireworks on the Fourth
of July?  What did you do?
**OH YEA! As a former professional firefighter all 
that stuff intrigues me. The highlight was getting 
the opportunity to 'set off' a show for a community 
in South Florida. I only got 'minor' burns! 

3.  The vote for independence from England
occurred on July 2, 1776. Do you plan to vote in
the November elections? What are your thoughts on
exercising your right to vote?
** I would not pass up the opportunity to vote. 
I occasionally complain about US politics, and 
I have always held the belief that people who 
don't vote have no right to complain. 
Therefore I vote! Logical - isn't it? 

4.  Do you have holiday plans / traditions for
the Fourth of July?  Tell us about them.
**We usually host or attend a cook-out. I LOVE 
grilled food and celebrating patriotism. This 
year, Josey & I will join with fellow members 
of the Christian Motorcyclists Association to 
ride our bikes in the Thomaston parade. 

5.  Are you attending a parade this year on the
Fourth?  If so, what is your favorite part of a
parade?  Your lease favorite part?  Will you be
participating IN the parade? What will be your
role?
**YUP ... the parade in Thomaston, Maine. My 
favorite part is participating. I think most 
everyone there forgets about their troubles for 
a few hours and just enjoys a sense of "community". 
Its always festive. My least favorite part is the 
cramped clutch hand I get from trying to ride a 
fairly heavy bike at a 'snail's pace'. I have never 
served in an 'official' capacity ... only support 
for various churches or organizations.

Thanks Ginny!

OK, I'm sorry! ... I'm a doting grandfather. I have been without internet service for a month, and this is naturally how I am getting back into the 'swing' of it. You gotta admit he IS CUTE.

I always heard there is a special bond between men and their grandsons - now I'm beginning to understand it. I'm already looking forward to the seeing little Ethan again. Josey will be going down in another month or two for a visit. Me, I don't know when I will get to see him again. I'm discovering some drawbacks to the bi-vocational thing, getting 'time off' is one.
So for now, I'll be satisfied with digital pics being sent as often as possible.

"Grampy" ... OH YEH!

Well I have been pretty busy and falling short on blogging. I'm busy because I'm fixing up an old house, and 'moving' into the house on top of everyday work/ministry responsibilities. All this while preparing a trip to Virginia to see my first grandchild. YUP - I will be called "Grampy". They tell me its going to be a boy too!

I'm certainly not looking forward to the drive ... and with gas prices? But what guy wouldn't be excited about his first grandson? Well, maybe it IS an "age-appropriate" kind of excitement - but I CAN'T WAIT!

Signed,
Grandfather - Grand Dad - Grandpa - Gramps - Granpappy ... no, "GRAMPY"