A Rich Experience

What a wonderful Veterans Day Josey and I enjoyed. I was invited to be part of a re-dedication ceremony for a war memorial erected right down the street from our home. This particular memorial is in honor of Corporal Oscar Hix whom was the first (and possibly 'only') South Thomaston resident known to have died in World War I.

Something I found very interesting, was a type of segregation between people of local communities. Not racial segregation but, it was a kind of pride that definitely divides. We are talking here about communities of 'maybe' 2000 residents. And yet there are very distinct feelings of pride about ones place of origin. Its somthing that is foreign to me. Then again, I am the "foreigner".

I never did well in school when studying history. I am not very proud of that - it just wasn't interesting to me. And someone with my smarts (or lack of it) needs a personal interest to motivate them to learn. But the Marines I met while pastoring close to Marine Corp Base Quantico sparked a new appreciation for the discipline of study. In case you don't know, learning and knowing 'war history' is HUGE for officers in the Corp. Its only now, in my early 50s that I realize how important history should be. And I am more motivated than ever to learn.

I think the most enjoyable part of the ceremony was not my participation in the ceremony itself. However, I felt tremendously honored with the invitation. The real joy was in meeting so many interesting people from the village. I was introduced to most of the South Thomaston Historical Society, and then to some of the 'history makers' themselves. It was fascinating to hear a 97 year old woman speak about her memories of the area. And we saw a few pictures of our street taken back in 1912. WOW ... that's rich!

Amy's random questions for MI-5:

Here goes;

1. Bath or Shower?
*I 'almost' always take showers because of the time factor. I guess that's because I see bathing as a basic part of hygiene. However, my wife has taught me some benefits of a hot bath ... more on that some other time. (:

2. If you are a beer drinker- what is your favorite? Is it a seasonal thing? If you aren't a beer drinker what is your favorite beverage and does it change with the season?
*I acquired a taste for beer several years ago ... especially with Mexican food. But due to my pastoral responsibilities these days, I don't drink it. But I DO enjoy a good fresh coffee. And I look forward to other hot beverages in the winter. My wife makes a wonderful spiced cider each Christmas - Its awesome!

3. Now that the election is over what is one thing you are looking forward to as "life resumes"?
*I will once again enjoy the evening news on TV. I got so disgusted with the political rhetoric of elections, that I had quit this form of evening relaxation.

4. If you were a board game what game would you be?
*I don't like that word ... wait, that's the word "bored" I don't like. I guess I would be Monopoly - because it has endured the test of time.

5. Do you like barbecue sauce? Do you have a favorite brand? A favorite barbecue dish?
*Oh Yeah! I grew up in the south where BBQ is king. Smokey Bones BBQ is some of the best. But I recently discovered a delicious sauce in California called, The Pepper Plant ... a rather 'spicy' recipe. I hope to find it in Maine - or maybe online. Its bottled by Blossom Valley Foods in Gilroy, California. It would be GREAT for chicken wings. Whew ... my mouth is salivating !!!

Never have I been SO HAPPY

Never have I been SO HAPPY for presidential 'campaigning' to end. Since I recently returned from vacation where I did not watch, read, or listen to the press, I felt I had some 'catching up' to do before voting ... especially on the local issues and referendums. So I spent considerable time 'online' the last few days - trying to increase my understanding of current issues. In the process I was both overwhelmed and embarrassed.

First, I was overwhelmed by an obvious 'war' in the press. I often hear Christian spokesman complain about a "liberal press". And quite honestly, that label never meant much to me. But at this time something has changed. Fox News (which I have always seen as being balanced in their reporting) seems to be over the top with attacks on liberals. And CNN has nothing good to say about conservatives ... if anything at all. Is this some kind of civil war of words? ... can we even call it "civil"?

Its unfortunate that the proposed policies of both Obama and McCain get lost in the public feuding. The average American is hard-pressed to get straight answers during the race - to understand where the candidates stand on important issues. All reporting of public information seems to be tainted by attacks of the opposition. And who do you believe is telling the truth?

The political rhetoric has become embarrassing. Everybody it seems, is slinging the proverbial "mud". Character attacks are constant, and somehow 'slander' has become accepted in the political arena. Nothing appears to be 'off limits'. I'll show my age here, but what of John F. Kennedy or Ronald Reagan. These great men spent little energy and resources 'bad-mouthing' the opposing candidate. They won an election based on the strength of their ideas and plans for the Country. SO WHAT HAPPENED?

I believe we (as a nation) have moved farther away from our Christian moorings. The Bible - at the very least, teaches people how to value and respect one another. But an American shift in philosophy and stance against religion in the 'public square' seems to be coming around to bite us. I see this as socially destructive ... while some no doubt see it as a good thing.
LORD, HAVE MERCY ON AMERICA ... AGAIN!

Its been said, "Home is where the heart is." I'm not sure if that notion is rooted in geography or the warmth of relationships. But I gotta say, I'm glad to be back in Maine!

We left Los Angeles on a beautiful morning characterized by warm temps in the 80's and perfectly clear skies. But landing in Philly for a connecting flight was quite a different story. About half way between LA and Philly, the plane started lurching forward like a car hitting patches of black ice. Then the sudden drops in altitude started. WHEW ... my belly was full of butterflies. I probably looked like I was trying to sleep through it, but I was actually pleeding with God in prayer. Thankfully, the pilots were skilled and God merciful. We landed in the home of Major League champs to a big round of applause from all passengers onboard. Unfortunately, our connecting flight was cancelled and we would have 5 hours to kill before the next flight to Portland. Needless to say, we were exausted to finally arrive home at 2 am - some 20 hours after leaving my sister's house in Cal.

Now, BACK TO WORK !!!

The "Big Sur"

WOW ... WOW ! That's all I kept saying while riding the "Big Sur" area of California's Pacific Coast Highway.

Earlier this week, Josey and I rented a 2008 Honda Goldwing and cruised the coastline from Santa Monica to Monterey. There are many 25 mph curves and several switch-backs, but the scenery was 'breath-taking'. In a few places the road is narrow with no shoulder. And the drop is about 300 ft. straight down to the ocean. This ride is a serious challenge of riding skills.

It was the longest ride we have ever done - about 350 miles each direction. We rode all day long to reach Monterey. And then a full day's ride back. Though our 'backsides' got sore (I know, TMI), THIS RIDE WAS AWESOME ! I 'highly' recommend it for the "bucket list" of every motorcyclist.

RIDE ON!

Well, we have been collecting shoes at Harmony for a wonderful new organization called "Soles 4 Souls"( www.soles4souls.org ). They are collecting and providing shoes for people who have lost virtually everything in 'natural disasters'. I discovered them when my interest was peeked with desire for our church to respond to the needs of people who lived on the Texas Coast. As you probably remember, 'Hurricane Ike' washed away their dreams about a month ago.

I liked the organization from the beginning. And now that I have done more research, I REALLY appreciate them. The organizer ( http://wayneelsey.wordpress.com ) of S4S was working for a shoe company when Hurricane Katrina blasted through New Orleans. He states that he was watching the news coverage and saw a single shoe wash up on the beach. That was his "ah ha" moment and the beginning of Soles 4 Souls.

What impresses me most is the heart of this group. They are linking up with other organizations to do some AWESOME ministry. From what I read, they hooked up with a church that meets under a cement bridge in Nashville ... in an effort to take the church to the people. The goal was to put good shoes on all of Nashville's homeless people. According to a blog entry, Vince Gill & Amy Grant even stopped in to provide some inspiring tunes. NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL "MINISTRY"!!!

Jim's Jive 5

	1. Name something a friend or loved one did for you in the last month that made you feel good. *A friend came and helped me move a very heavy wood stove into the house. There is NO WAY I could have done it without him. 2. Name something you did for a friend or loved one in the last month and how did it make them feel? *I cooked a big seafood dinner for my brother (and his wife) during a recent visit. I think he REALLY enjoyed it. 3. Tell us about the first childhood family vacation that you remember. If you don't have a memory of that then tell us the first family event memory you have. Don't forget to include details about that experience that stick out in your mind. *The first vacation memory was a road trip to my Aunt Ruth's house in up-state NY. I was probably 12, and it was my first time seeing snow. My uncle rented a snowmobile for me and my cousins ... it was PURE JOY! 4. Kids get hurt. Tell us a time you recall as a kid when you injured yourself. *EE-W-W-W ... I remember it well. I ran into a plate glass window and cut myself up BAD. Docs told my dad I may never walk correctly again - due to muscle and ligament damage. But I believe God blessed me with complete healing. The injuries never slowed me down in sports or other activity. 5. Tell us something you want to do before the snow flies. If you live in an area that might not get snow then before Christmas will do. *I want to take ONE MORE nice motorcycle ride - maybe an all-day trip. Motorcycling is not very pleasant when there is snow. (: