Its Hard To Believe

Its hard to believe I will never again go back to this haven in the Virginia mountains . Josey's mother, Helen died in February and her house was sold last month. The last of her furniture is being moved out this week - and that makes it final.

I always cherished our visits with her, and I absolutely LOVED hanging out a her place ... nestled in the most beautiful valley I have ever seen. The natural beauty was something to behold. And it was a very peaceful place. Though she only lived there 8 years (I think), I will always have pleasant thoughts about the times we visited there.

Helen lived in a few other places - all of them reflecting her keen eye for decorating. And they were all in great locations. But there was something very special about the mountain cabin. I remember conversing with Jos about 'why' her mother might want to move to "the middle of nowhere" to live by herself. We were perplexed by the decision ... that is, until we spent some time there.

I don't know what 'exactly' it is about this particular place that evokes powerful feelings in me. I know the view of majestic mountains so near always stirred my soul. But maybe its not REALLY about the place at all. I think 'maybe' its about the strength of the woman whom chose that spot to live out her last few years. Her bravery to face her own mortality was quite remarkable. Helen, YOU WERE TRULY AMAZING!

Amy's "all about where YOU live":

1. If I were coming to visit you- what time of year would you suggest?

Having just moved to Maine a year ago, this is a tough set of questions. But I don't think you can beat the end of summer for a visit to Mid-coast Maine. Many of the vacationers have gone back home to work, the weather is still beautiful, and most places are still open for business.

2. Any specific things you would suggest I visit while there.

For food I would recommend the Cod End in Tennant's Harbor. Its a wonderful blend of 'old Maine' culture and excellent seafood. For a view of Maines coastline I would recommend the Owl's Head lighthouse and/or Mt. Battie. My next favorite is the Camden Harbor when all the tall mast schooners are in port ... that's a beautiful sight!

3. Where should we eat?

OK, besides the Cod End I would recommend Primo - on the border of Rockland and Owl's Head. The food is 'outstanding'! (& 'pricey') Its a great place for a date with that 'special someone'.

4. Is there anybody I should meet?

I find some of the 'locals' very interesting. Richard Wall is probably the resident authority on lobster fishing, and a great guy too. Bill Batty is "the man" on the Mid-coast music scene. He always knows what's cookin' ... and where its being served. Then, one could always stop by the Key Bank of Rockland for a visit with my wife. Everyone should meet HER! (Are you reading this, Honey?)

5. Where else should I visit in your state?
I'm partial to Harmony Bible Church in South Thomaston. There are some wonderful people there, and its usually an 'inspiring' place. Next would be Acadia National Park. The high rock cliffs overlooking the ocean are awesome. Depending on the time of year, you are likely to see a few seal frolicking in the surf. And the view from the park's Cadillac Mountain is "breath-taking". Can you tell ... I just LOVE the coast of Maine!

Paddyquest - MI - 5

1. The first song I remember hearing on the radio (I think) was "Hang On Sloopy" by The McCoys. I think the song came out in the mid-sixties and was aired about every 15 minutes on local AM stations. Ha! FM in those days? ... not!

2. I wouldn't say radio played a "big" part in my childhood. But I do remember listening to WQAM out of Miami, Florida for a time - almost exclusively. It was 'pop music' ... and it was cool.

3. As soon as I could afford to buy music, I began purchasing vinyl albums for specific listening. By that time I was into the Beatles, Pink Floyd, Zepplin - and the likes. I was a pretty rebellious kid and looked for something to stir up the ol' teenage 'angst'. Hard rock fit the bill.

4. My special "radio moment" may have been when I realized that the girls often enjoyed a different type of song than I. I suppose I was recognizing the 'romance factor' in different genres of music.

5. I have tried MP3s and other portable devices, but just don't care for them. I DO listen to radio ... usually streaming over the internet. Guess I just like the clean sound of digital music in a controlled environment where I can hear all the little nuances.

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!