Celebrating 70 Years

In just a few short days, my uncle will turn seventy. A pretty significant milestone in its own right. Accompany that with the fact that he is the oldest living male in my family's history, that we know of, makes this an even greater accomplishment. I am pretty proud of my uncle. He is retired Navy and a decorated hero from the Vietnam war. But more importantly than that he will always hold a very special place in my heart. Thirty seven years ago today, my father and his brother died of a massive heart attack. It was Roy that was assigned the task of coming to where I was sleeping at my grandmother's house to give me the worse news a 10 year old boy could ever hear. I often wondered how he was chosen for that assignment. Perhaps it was because he was the oldest sibling and back in the day things like that mattered. Or maybe it was because it was something that had to be done, and as a soldier he saw to it. I don't know why, but I am sure glad he did.

Later in the day, as family and friends began to gather at my grandmother's home I heard my uncle explaining to his oldest son what had happened. Very simply Uncle Bennie had gone to heaven. I don't remember a lot about my uncle for the rest of that day, or even through the funeral services that followed. However, I will never forget waking up and seeing his face the morning of my father's death. Of all the medals that decorate the uniform of my uncle, none are any more meaningful to me than the one earned that day in grandmother's back bedroom on December 23, 1971. Thanks Uncle Roy, and Happy Birthday!

An Economic Crisis of Historical Proportions

Our money contains a phrase that for some is offensive, and for others it is routinely ignored. The phrase is, "In God we trust." For someone like myself it is really no real challenge to write blogs and talk about this economic crisis as if it were something that happened over there and not at my house. However, I think it is safe to say that it could very well be my turn next. How will I respond to the notion that my family is one paycheck away from serious financial trouble? How will I respond to the inability to put food on the table and pay my bills?

There's a story in the Bible regarding Peter's need to pay his taxes. With no money, and no immediate plans to make any, Peter went to Jesus with his dilemma. Jesus instructed Peter to go fishing. That sounds like a pretty relaxing thing to do when Peter was faced with an economic crisis of historical proportions. So, being the fisherman that he was, Peter followed Jesus' instructions and went fishing. The first fish he caught had in his mouth enough money to pay not only his taxes but Jesus' taxes as well.Maybe it's time I took a few days off and went fishing. Not a bad idea regardless of the outcome.

Let the Meals Begin

I had my first Thanksgiving meal yesterday. A kind group of folks from a local church brought the meal to our campus. Our students and adults enjoyed the turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, rolls and desserts. This particular church has been bringing the Thanksgiving meal to our campus for the last 16 years. Two of the original hosts were there last night. When they first came to our campus their daughter was in the sixth grade. She is now married and has children of her own, and she was with them last night. Sure this is only a once a year event, but to know that there are those who are willing to come every year with no plans to to not come in the foreseeable future is indeed impressive. So, thanks church for giving us all good reason to be thankful.

Searching for a Name

Time to take a few minutes away from writing about politics, and discuss a more important issue. I have three siblings and only one of us has a middle name. So, I am on a mission to find a middle name that will offset the very feminine name that I have carried all of my life. I put this search as my status on facebook and the suggestions have started to come in. So, for the three that I know who read this blog, now is your chance to put in your two cents worth. Send me a comment and let me know what you think.

I Love this Country

What a great lunch hour I had today. My wife and I had lunch at home and then drove to our public library. There we took part in one of the greatest privileges that all of us Americans have. We drove in the parking lot and spoke to a woman sitting under a shade tree next to a poster reminding passersby of the importance of life. We parked, made our way into the building and began to follow the signs to our final destination. We walked through the non-fiction section and through the reference books as well. And then, there it was just beyond the adult fiction, a sign that read, "Vote Here." We showed them our voters' registration cards, and signed our name on the dotted line, and then we waited for the next available booth.

A kind gentleman showed us how to use the computerized voting machine, and then graciously stepped away from the area. Then reality sits in, and you realize that this is by far the greatest opportunity ever given to us. We have the awesome privilege of stepping up to that booth and voting for the candidates who best reflect our personal philosophies and convictions. Granted, we will not all vote for the same individuals. As a matter of fact, if the last few elections are accurate indicators, we will be divided right down the middle. But we all share one common thing, and that is the power of the vote. It is the one time in American politics when we can all say that what we believes really matters. So, take some time to vote early, or make your way to the poles on November 4th and exercise this right, even if ironically you do so in the adult fiction area of the library.

What Happened to Being Philanthropic?

Philanthropy is defined by Webster as goodwill to fellowmen ; especially : active effort to promote human welfare. How does the idea of philanthropy differ from the "spread your wealth" mentality that has surfaced over the last several weeks? Very simply, one is out of the goodness of your heart, and the other is imposed on you by forces outside yourself. Rendering unto Casar what is Casar's is not the problem. The problem is taking what is mine against my will and giving to causes that are not in any way consistent with what I value or believe. In 2006 the good people of this country gave over $300 billion to charities. Left up to us, we will meet the needs of our fellow human beings. Now is not the time to force us to take what little is left after taxes and redistribute it so that, "we can even the playing field." There has never been nor will there ever be an even playing field. What gripes me the most is the very ones that talk about doing such as this want for nothing. There is enough discretionary income in this country to do more than we than we ever thought imaginable. Leave my money alone, and let me decide where to best put it. Most nonprofit, nongovernmental agencies are far better managers and produce much better results than any government run program out there.

As you travel this journey, look for worthy causes to invest your extra income. Take time to find out what you are interested in and dig deep to meet those needs. Nonprofits are in constant need of finances and volunteers to help do what they are called to do. Don't stand for those who would take what you have and do with what they want. Take what you have and do with it what you want. Invest in the lives of those less fortunate through people you know and trust. Most of us can give more than we think. So let's do it by our own volition, and not by the manipulations of the socialist politicians of our day.

What Teeth and Toes Have in Common

I read an ancient proverb today. Here is what it said, "Like a bad tooth or a lame foot is reliance on the unfaithful in times of trouble." Two of the most annoying pains in the world come from a bad tooth or a hurt toe. Grown men and women are known to cry over both. It effects almost everything we do. We are preoccupied with the pain and our need for relief. Neither the toe or the tooth are reliable in times like these. I believe the same could be said of the unfaithful things in life as well. Perhaps the lack of trust one might have in an unfaithful spouse, or the lack of confidence in an unfaithful employee. What about the unfaithful men and women who represent our republic? How reliable are they to solve the present crisis or any crisis for that matter. In our present situation voting is not an option, it is essential. And for those of you who are followers of Christ, remember how unhealthy it is to put much faith in anyone or anything other than Him. So as you continue on this journey, make sure you stop by your voting booth and make your voice heard.

Just a Thought

Webster defines socialism as, "any of various economic and political theories advocating collective or governmental ownership and administration of the means of production and distribution of goods." Sound familiar?

What's In Your Wallet?"

A friend of mine, who served in the position I am in for about twelve years, sends out a thought for the day via email. Today, I received this note from him. Sometimes when we are on the journey, its nice just to be reminded of what is most important.

"Do not lay up for ourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also." Jesus in Matthew 6:19-21

Easy Come Easy Go

Well after hearing that the stock market fell over 700 points today I made the mistake of checking on my retirement account. Needless to say things aren't looking good for early retirement. At the present rate my account should be depleted in about a year. Oh well, at least the price of oil fell today. See, there is always a silver lining. Maybe we could play those TV clips of President Roosevelt encouraging the nation after the stock market crashed in the late '20's. That should cheer us all up.

The truth is some times this journey is not much fun. No, it's not about the money. It's about all the uncertainty. It's about the choices people make, and the huge ramifications of those choices on others. It's about being frustrated with the way things are and powerless to do anything about it. Working for a nonprofit, I am reminded of how unstable things can be with so much volatility in the market and around the world. And, just once I wish I could turn on a news station and someone would be telling the truth. I grow tired of talking points that are so rehearsed that they remind us all of TV after the writers strike of last year.

Now, I feel better. You see my wife is away for a few days, and I can't stand watching the Steelers play with those yellow helmets.

Winners and Losers

"Talking Heads" usually drive me crazy. But every once in a while someone will say something that at least gets my attention. This morning a gentleman was discussing the 700 billion dollar bailout proposed by our government. He noted that the bailout was guaranteeing that the institutions involved would not fail. His concern was the message that would send to all of us that we should never let anyone fail. This is the same message that we teach from preschool and beyond. Children are not allowed to play games where there is a clear winner and loser because it might damage their psyche. The truth is there are winners and losers and there always will be. Until we spend time training up winners and teaching others how to lose gracefully, we will forever be bailing people out of messes. The greatest feeling in the world is winning at anything. However, the greatest lessons learned come from our defeats. Thomas Edison failed over 10,000 times before he discovered the light bulb. If someone had bailed him out, we would be sitting in the dark trying to figure out how to come up with this 700 billion dollars.

Planning for the Future

I just finished reading a book entitled, "Leadership Jazz" by Max DePree. In the epilogue he recounts this story. I will let you draw your own conclusions regarding applications to your journey. As for me, it is a reminder of how important it is to consider the impact of the present on the future. Decisions made today may play a critical role in the plans of tomorrow.

In the late fourteenth century, the members of New College, at Oxford, moved into their quadrangle, the first structure of its kind, intended to provide for the residents all that they needed. On the north side of the quadrangle sit the chapel and the great hall, beautiful buildings and, as you might imagine, the focus of the life of the college.

In the middle of the nineteenth century, almost five hundred years later, the college hired architect Sir Gilbert Scott to restore the roof of the hall. The roof and the great oak beams that supported it had badly rotted. And so representatives from the college with Sir Gilbert visited Great Hall Woods, in Berkshire, where they expected to find trees for replacement beams. Sure enough, the replacements were standing there, waiting to be hewn out of the living oak trees planted a century before for just that purpose.

An anonymous leader's promise had been fulfilled. The voice and touch of a distant leader had been joined.

A Friendly Reminder to All

The following note came from a friend who has dedicated his life to helping people in a rural area of east Kentucky. Perhaps we could pause in our journey long enough to read what he has to say. You can check out his work at www.bigcreekmissions.com.

Today, I have been doing some planning for one of the mission groups coming to Big Creek in just a few weeks. One of the things that I enjoy the LEAST about this ministry is the home visits I have to make. You see, homeowners will send in an application for home repair and I will have to go look over the house and see if we can help the resident.

Sometimes, you can tell the people are just looking for a free handout. Other times, you know the people are in serious need of help. Often, the problems are so serious, we can only do a temporary patch job that will hopefully help the residents.

Yesterday, I was overwhelmed after looking at one home in Wooton, Kentucky. The man living here (I'll call him Will) was without running water. His plumbing was useless due to years of neglect. The home had electricity, but no heat and no air conditioning. The old man (probably around 70 years old) was sitting in a house that was probably 80 degrees, wearing a jacket because he was cold.

Gnats, Fleas, and Roaches were everywhere, and a rodent infestation was obvious. The place was filthy - huge cobwebs hung from the ceiling, floors and counters were disgusting, and the smell was overpowering. It was also evident the man had not bathed in quite some time. Trash was strewn through the house.

He only received $600.00 per month in Social Security payments. His only food was delivered by the local Cutshin Senior Center "meals on wheels." Unfortunately, because of cutbacks, they've had to decrease food deliveries from five days per week down to three days per week.

His home had large holes in his floors and very little insulation. The director of the senior center who went with me was doing her very best to convince Will to move into assisted living - but this was his home. He just wanted it fixed.

Where was his family? He only had a nephew and Niece - both of which charged him to drive him anywhere. Will said they required him to pay almost $40.00 to take him to town - which was an 8 mile drive. His nephew mowed his yard - but Will wouldn't say how much he had to pay for this service. Will had little trust for people, as through the years, he has been taken advantage of, and was a witness to his brother's murder - at home.

Where were his friends to help? The lady who was with me asked, "Will, does anybody come visit you?" He responded, "the trucks go by all day long." His chair was positioned to have a clear view of the roads - and you could tell, his eyes would follow each and every truck. He had no visitors, and his only entertainment was the roar of the coal and gravel trucks coming down the mountain.

In all reality, his house should be demolished. But, Big Creek Missions can't afford to build him a new one. So, we will attempt to patch this home the best we can and hopefully seal it up to keep out the cold this winter.

So, why do I hate those home visits? Because it's another reminder of the fact I'm spoiled rotten. I have more than I could ever need. My fridge is stocked, my house is clean. I have friends. My truck runs, and I have enough money to live "frugally" in great comfort.

But here's the kicker . . . Even with Will's seeming "poverty" - his meager $20.00 per day government check - he is RICH according to the world's standards. Almost HALF the world lives on less than TWO dollars per day. Will lives on 20.

I think we, as Americans, need a reality check. Considering our current "economic downturn" - we may be in for it!

Dear Santa

Today while having lunch at a small town diner, a mother began talking with us about her son. She had encouraged her little boy to go ahead and write his letter to Santa. So, the little boy wrote to Santa and asked for super powers and a side kick. When asked about his request the little boy said to his mother, "But mom, I will use my powers for good and not for evil!" Too much TV or just a great imagination? You decide. But it sure was good for a laugh. This same young man is a big Buzz Lightyear fan, and he told his parents that he wanted to go see Buzz at Disney World. His parents challenged the little boy to save half of the cost of his ticket to go see Buzz and they would take him. So, he did. Sounds like a young man that knows what he wants and what it takes to get it. My kind of guy.

Then Feed Just One

Mother Teresa once said, "If you can't feed a hundred people, then feed just one." I attended a banquet tonight for an organization that provides opportunities for children and youth who live in the inner city. The Executive Director referenced this quote when talking about how he can continue doing what he does with all the limitations that are sometimes associated with nonprofit work in a sluggish economy. It really comes down to the one that you can help; the one that will be changed forever by your willingness to invest in a life.

Proof of that came in the form of a testimony by a young lady who is presently a freshman in college. Three years ago she started visiting the local center and there found meaning and direction for her life. The agency was able to assist her with a scholarship for college. She plans to major in Spanish so that she can one day come back to her neighborhood and assist the Latinos moving into the area. Tonight this young lady thanked those who did not allow themselves to be overwhelmed by the masses, but did take the time to look into the eyes of this child and make a significant impact. What a difference we all could make if we took the time to do the same.

Whenever I See Your Smiling Face

My wife and I learned Sunday that we had folks from New Orleans staying at a shelter near our home. We gathered a few needed supplies and made our way over to the center. Before entering the building we met Kim who had volunteered to come help just after lunch. She instructed us where to take our supplies and then got busy with what she was doing. My wife, who is wonderful in situations like this one, struck up a conversation with a gentleman from New Orleans. He wept as he talked about his experience with Katrina and now this.

We learned that there were far more people at the shelter than were expected, so more cots were on their way. So, we went and ran a few errands and then came back to help. At some point I walked by a gentleman who was seated by the door. He asked me to sit and talk with him a minute. He too was a survivor of Katrina, and was not doing very well at the moment. He was released from the hospital on Friday and left on Sunday, like most of the people not knowing his destination. He told me his story, and then asked me to pray with him, which I tried my best to do. He then asked me for a few things like pants, shirts and underclothing. He had not showered in a few days, and did not want to clean up and then put on the same old dirty clothes. I told him to stay put and I would be back with what he needed.

I found my wife and daughter, and we left for the store. In a few minutes we returned to the shelter with the clothes that he had requested. He was sitting right where I left him. He took the new things and headed straight for the shower. We stepped outside and was talking with a few folks before leaving for the night. We heard a knock on the glass. We looked up and there stood our new friend all clean and dressed in his new clothes. And he had one other thing that we did not notice earlier, a smile on his face. Believe it or not on this journey there are people who are in desperate need of a few things that can make all the difference. Of course, it may take a few sacrifices on our part to see that they get them. But, what a joy to look up and see that man all cleaned up with a smile on his face.

Three Car Garage and We Need More Space

One of my new favorite cable shows is Clean House. The premise of the show is this. Families call in or some "loved one" calls in for them, and the Clean House crew comes out to see what kind of mess the family's house has become after months if not years of neglect. After some free in-home counseling, the crew cleans out the house, has a huge yard sale and uses the money earned to refurbish the house to the family's liking. Sounds like a great idea, however, you do have to live in the Los Angeles area.

Each morning as I walk through my neighborhood, I can't help but notice there are houses with two and sometimes three car garages and all of the cars are sitting out in the driveway. That usually means the garages are packed full with stuff. When you think about that a moment it tends not to make a lot of sense. We fill our garage space with Christmas decorations, high school yearbooks, and encyclopedias that even the flea markets won't take off our hands. All the while our $30,000 cars, trucks and SUVs whether the elements out in the driveway.

So how does something like this happen? Well to start with we find just what we want or something that we certainly can not part with, and we hang on to it forever. Before long, we find the next best thing so that "something we can't do without" finds its way to the closet. From there it is just a short trip to the attic. Once the attic is full and we need more stuff, we start moving stuff to the garage. When we are no longer able to maneuver around the stuff to get into our car something has to give, so of course the vehicle has to go. Now what? You would think a call to Junk-be-Gone would be in order, but no not us. We find the nearest storage company and actually rent space to put more stuff.

One of the greatest benefits to moving every so often is the purging that takes place. After moving some boxes from one location to the next it becomes abundantly clear that it is time to use what is in that box or get rid of it. Sometimes its best not to know what is in the box, and just let it go. Oh there are some things along the journey that we want and even need to keep. And then there are some things that just need to make their way to someone else's garage or the nearest landfill. Better yet, go green and call Clean House and have them come work their magic at your place. Of course, that will mean a move to California. And the cycle continues.

A Chance Meeting with a Veteran

I had lunch yesterday with a veteran of World War II. His name was Jerry and he was in the area visiting his younger brother. Jerry served the Navy mainly in the south pacific. He was was a part of the fleet waiting to storm the coast of Japan, and watched as the planes carrying the atomic bomb flew towards their target. From his perspective that one flight saved the lives of thousands of soldiers waiting to wade into the unknown territory of Japan.

Jerry shared about one of his Navy buddies that he still stays in contact with today. It seems that his friend was drafted into the military not knowing how to read or write. The letters from home would come. He would take a hard and observant look at the envelop and then quietly slip it under his pillow. One day Jerry asked his friend if he could read the letters he had been receiving. His friend told him that he could, and Jerry confronted his friends with these words, "You are a liar. So, if you want me to help you let me know." Before long Jerry was not only reading his letters to him, but was writing home for him as well. Recently the friend's wife commented on how much she enjoyed Jerry's poetry included in the letters home. By war's end Jerry had taught his friend both to read and write, and even today his friend continues to express his gratitude for Jerry's act of kindness.

Jerry survived the war, and went on to raise a family near the gulf coast. Jerry, his wife and daughter rode out Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Jerry said that for a day they were trapped in their home wading chest deep water. They were rescued, and later a church from North Carolina helped rebuild their home. Jerry said that without the church being there they would not have made it. I asked Jerry about his wife. He said his wife didn't survive the loss associated with the hurricane. His words were, "Her heart couldn't take the loss." I mentioned to Jerry that what was lost from the storm was much more important than the stuff our houses are made of, and he agreed.

It has been said that we are losing approximately 1,000 World War II veterans a day. As you travel your journey find the time to spend with one of these truly American heroes. It will be well worth your time.

Three Hours of CSPAN: Are You Kidding!?

Last night instead of enjoying the Olympics, I spent almost three hours watching C-SPAN. Book Notes ran a taped interview with the famous author from Greenville, MS who lived almost 40 years in downtown Memphis, TN, named Shelby Foote. Although referred to by many callers as Dr. Foote, he only went to college for two years and never finished his degree. Now he has 9 honorary doctorates to his credit. One of those came from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill; the school he started but never finished. Although Mr. Foote wrote for many years, his real exposure to the masses came as the distinctive voice and face of the south from Ken Burns epic documentary of the Civil War released back in the early 90's.

I learned last night that all his books were originally written by hand. He used a pen and ink well, and averaged about 500 to 600 words per day. He would work as much as two months at a time without taking a day off especially as he neared the end of the Civil War trilogy. Each one of these three books averaged 1,000 pages each, and he would do his own editing as well. Now, I have never taken the time to read his work, but I sat amazed as I listen to this 85 year old man talk about the events of the Civil War as if he personally knew all the characters. It is safe to say that Mr. Foote was passionate about "the war" as he called it on several occasions. And, although he fought in World War 2 and spoke about the Vietnam War, he stated that the Civil War was the only one that he cared to study. Mr. Foote died in June of 2005 at the age of 88.

As I sat and listened last night I was amazed at the look on this gentleman's face as he talked about the people and places associated with the many battles fought during the war. And as I stated earlier, he spoke as if he had personally met and interviewed each general and viewed the battles as they took place. As we journey through life, may we all find something that we are passionate about and be willing to invest our skills and talents into the greater understanding of our cause.

1.8 Miles of Pencils

I work with an organization that receives donations from the public. Since we work with children and it is back to school time, a lot of our donations are school supplies. Yesterday, I received an email from the person that is responsible for logging all of our donations. She informed me that we have over 16,000 pencils donated so far this year. The average length of a pencil is 7 inches, which means that at the present time we have 1.8 miles of pencils. So, while out on the journey and you have a thought, look down there just might be a pencil for you to use compliments of us.

"Fostering Mother"

I visited by alma mater a few days ago with my youngest daughter. She is enrolling there to finish her last year of high school. Alma mater comes from a Latin phrase that means, "fostering mother." Well, I am not sure that is what I would call my high school, but it certainly was a lesson in family history for us.

On the same day my daughter registered for her senior year my grandson registered for the first grade. So, we spent part of the day going down the various hall ways in the high school looking at senior class pictures from the past. On one wall there is my mother and father's class picture side by side from the late 1940's. On another hall you can see my wife and I's class pictures as well. We too graduated one year after the other, me in 1979 and her in 1980. And on yet another wall there is a picture of my grandson's mother (my daughter) and his father. Those photos date back to the early part of the present decade. So, three generations of pictures were there for us to enjoy.

So, I don't know if I ever considered school to be a fostering mother to me, but I certainly can appreciate the piece of family history that has been perserved through photography. By next year, my youngest daughter's picture will hang in those hallowed halls. And before long another generation will find their place there as well. What an unlikely place for a family photo album? Thanks "mom" for the memories.

Small World Experiences

My daughter started a new job a few weeks ago, and found out last week that she shared office space with a young man who once dated my older daughter. We all lived in the same town several years ago. Now several years later and three hours from our home town, these two can't believe the coincident.

Another daughter registered for school yesterday, and discovered her guidance counselor was related to a football coach from the other side of the state. The significance of that is we have a mutual friend that played under this coach a few years back. So, we spent some time with the guidance counselor playing connect the dots, discovering people and places we have in common.

Today, I am at the office working with a lady that I have known for several years. Her and her husband have been very influential in my life. Who would have thought that we would be working in the same office some seventeen plus years later? It truly is a small world, filled with all kinds of pleasant surprises.

A NEW CAR!

Today has been an interesting day. I started at Grace Community Church and then attended the People's Church with my family. After lunch in downtown Franklin, we drove north of Nashville to look for a new car. We drove through one lot and the vultures were swarming, so we quickly made our escape. We drove onto the second lot and this time parked the van to get out. Nikki met us and got right to the point. The most car for the least amount of money was right behind us. So, two hours later we drove that car home.

It is amazing how quickly a drive can turn into a major investment. But with gas priced as it is, and knowing that this particular car gets between 35 and 38 mpg, it was hard to resist. And, because of the kind of car it is, it should last us at least 10 years. My daughter will be the primary driver, so safety is a major concern. When I opened the hood and saw how little room existed between her and the back end of another car, I was a little concerned. She will have to learn how not to tailgate, and I'll have to learn how to trust her driving skills.

In a few days I should receive the title for my van in the mail. When I do, I will be donating it to one of my favorite ministries. The van was originally bought to be used in that ministry, and now that we are no longer there it's just appropriate that the van stay there and complete the task for which it was bought. It does my heart good to know that my daughter will be driving a reliable car, and that my van will be used to assist the work of the ministry. And just like us, even a vehicle can serve its purpose and then move on down the road.

Down the Drain

I was watching the show Modern Marvels, and learned that an average of 7 million cell phones are flushed down toilets each year in this country. Think about that for a moment. Most of us pay approximately $100 per month for phone service, and we sometimes pay hundreds of dollars for the phone itself. And then in the blink of an eye there goes our link to modern society down the drain. Now phones with cords make so much more sense. At least then you could fish the phone out without getting your hands all wet.

Where am I

I heard yet another little kid story today. A grandmother was preparing to take her preschool grandson to the library, a place he really enjoyed going. As she walked to the car, she realized that he had gone back into the house. She found him staring at a family portrait made of his family before he was born. He looked at grandmother and said, "Where am I?" Being grandma she came back with a quick reply. She said, "You were still an angel in heaven, and were not with us yet." The little boy replied, "Grandmother I don't want to go to heaven I want to go to the library!"

There is some pretty deep theological and philosophical questions here. But, who cares. It is so great to hear the honesty of the child, and the simple truth that all he really wanted to do was go to the library.

Let Me "Splain"

A caucasian couple had three biological daughters. Then they adopted to older boys from Africa. One day while shopping in Wal-Mart, the family was confronted with the reality of someone's stupidity. I heard someone say that you can cure ignorance, but there's nothing you can do about stupidity. A woman approached this mother of five and said, "I guess they are not from the same dad." Before the mom could respond tactfully the smallest daughter put her hand on her hip and said, "Let me splain it to you. When my mommy was pregnant with my brothers she drank chocolate milk!"

As we travel along this journey it might be a good idea to think before we speak. I know from personal experience that what we say can and does hurt people. However, the real danger in opening our mouth without thinking is the genuine threat of being put in our place by a young child.

More Holes

I heard a humorous story yesterday. It seems that a maintenance man was doing some landscaping at residential home for children. While digging in the flower bed, a small boy approached him and asked a typical child's question, "What are you doing?" The man replied, perhaps inappropriately, "I digging holes to put mean children in." The young boy pondered the statement and then responded, "You're gonna need more holes."

I am sure that this was a reference to all his friends on campus and not himself. You just have to love the spontaneity and innocence of a child. There are comedians that work hard and even have other people who write jokes for them. And then here comes a little child that says something that just causes you to laugh out loud.

I learned today that former White House spokesman, Tony Snow died. Like most Americans our news media seem almost like arch enemies or close friends, even though most of us have never met them. Tony Snow seemed like someone that I would enjoy spending some time with. Last year he gave a speech at Catholic University, and pretty much sums up for me why it would have been good just to have a day to sit down and discuss life with Tony. Please follow this link and read his speech. It shouldn't take too long to read, and will be worth a pause on your journey to do so.

"My Feelings Exactly"

I heard a cute story about a small boy, who was either in kindergarten or the first grade when this happened. He had been studying George Washington at school, and really learned to like old George. One day at the dinner table the little boy said to his mother, "Mom, George Washington is dead." After a long pause, he then said with a great deal of emotion, "I MISS HIM SO MUCH!"

Have you ever felt that way about someone. Well, I have. Right now my wife and daughter are overseas, and will be there for several more days. Although, I am so excited for them, I have to confess I MISS THEM SO MUCH!

Celebrating Twenty Years

Yesterday my daughter celebrated her 2oth birthday. Her comment just before bedtime last night was, "It didn't seem much like a birthday, but I have had a pretty good one." She started a new job, and had dinner out with her dad. We came home to a small birthday cake with one candle on top representing her 20 years. We discussed earlier in the week how birthdays seem to take on less significance the older we get. And yet, that still beats the alternative.

As we sat together at a local eating establishment, I could not help but think what others might be thinking about us. Do I look old enough to be eating dinner out with my daughter, or was I some middle aged man who was out with a young woman that looked young enough to be my daughter? Well, I am not sure what others thought, and know for sure that most of those around us could care less. However, I do know what I was thinking.

Here in front of me sat a young lady, who showed signs of maturity and style that impressed the socks off her dad. She spoke of her new job and all that she had learned in just one day. She spoke about the people at the office, and her desk that came with all the electronic gadgets needed to do her job well. And all I could think about was how short this journey seemed. Twenty years have passed and yet she is still our little girl.

The Journey I Didn't Take

Today I took my wife and daughter to the airport for another trip overseas. They will be spending the next 12 days in Athens Greece. It is my wife's fifth trip and my daughter's third. They have some great friends there that they are anxious to see, and always look forward to meeting new people along the way.

We drove to the airport, and I walked them to the security check point. From there they were on their own. After a brief weather delay, they flew to DC. I spoke with my wife late this afternoon and they were on their way across the "pond." I can't wait until they get there and are able to let me know how things are going. My daughter communicates superbly over the computer, so I am sure I will hear from them soon.

There are some journeys that you would love to be a part of but can't. But I am so proud of my wife and daughter, I feel like I am a part of their journey even though I am not there. And, when they get back home, I will get to hear some incredible stories and get caught up on all the friends over there.

Upside Down Thinking

A friend emailed me the other day about a new ministry that he and his wife witnessed God creating in their community. They call it Upside Down Ministry. After hearing and seeing for myself this Upside Down ministry idea, I received another video link from another friend on Facebook. It is amazing how things come together sometimes. Check out the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avwQ4_eLasY.

A Life Saved Along the Way

Recently, I watched the movie Juno, There was a compelling scene where the main character made her way to the abortion clinic. She was confronted by a friend from school who was protesting in front of the clinic. Her last words to our main character before she entered the waiting room of the clinic was a reminder that the baby she carried already had fingernails, a thought that had not yet crossed the mind of this 16 year old mother. While she filled out the necessary paperwork, she could not help but notice the number of people in the waiting room and how each one of them used their fingernails for a particular purpose. Without hesitating, the young lady rushes out of the clinic and passed the friend and protestor outside the building. I can not entirely recommend the movie, but I will say that some very powerful statements about life and motherhood are made throughout.

What are fingernails anyway? Well, if you were a dinosaur, it would be your talon. If you were a horse it would be your hoof. But since you are a human, it is simply a protective and useful collection of keratin at the end of your digits. It is an amazingly tough compilation of cells. There are three layers, with the middle layer being the source of strength for the other two. It is the top and bottom layer that provides flexibility. Fingernails are abused, used and chewed. Some are long, some short and some are the “press on” kind. However, like all of the human body fingernails are just further evidence that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. And, can be a subtle reminder that life exists. Click here to view the "fingernail clip" from the movie.

A Long and Distinguished Journey

A friend sent me this video. It's not so much about what she did or what she did not win. Nor is about who she lost to. It's about a life of sacrifice for 2500 children. Click here to watch.

The Road Much Less Traveled

My wife and I had the privilege of visiting a center in downtown Nashville that exists to meet the needs of children and youth who live in the area. Chris was gracious enough to take us on a tour and tell us the behind the scene stories. As we talked several children and adults played in the gym just outside our door. There was an occasional knock at the door, and at one point Chris took the time to carry on a conversation with one of the students who spoke to him from the other side.

We learned a great deal about the children who visited that center every day during the summer. Most of them come there to eat and have a safe place to learn and play. They hear about Jesus and His love for them, and then see that loved displayed by the staff that serve them. With minimal parental involvement many of these children are starved for affection, and drape themselves to the arms and legs of those who are there to love them.

Through this center the children are privileged to do things that they normally would never get to do. Things like riding in an airplane, seeing a play, or learning how to take pictures and develop them on sight.

I asked Chris what percentage of children were they able to help. His reply was expected but none the less unfortunate. "We are only scratching the surface." With the help of many volunteers and a small but significant budget they are able to impact the lives of children, and for that we should all be grateful.

As you and I travel this journey of life, it is always a good idea to consider the plight of others. Sometimes I get to feeling so sorry for myself that I forget about others who have far less than I will ever have. None of us have to travel too far to find those who could benefit from our time and resources. Take the time to pause on the journey long enough to see what might be available for you, and how you might be involved. If you live in the Nashville area check out the website of Youth Encouragement Services.

Poison Ivy and Good Friends

About thirty-three years ago, me and some of my buddies camped out in the woods. Little did I know that I made my bed for the evening in a very large patch of poison ivy. Needless to say, the next week or so of my life was miserable. I remember laying on the couch with cold compresses covering the large whelps and blisters.

For the last thirty-three years every time I get into more poison ivy I can't help but think about that time. This week was no exception. The staff and I spent some time this week cleaning up around our campus. Although my intentions were to not get into any poison ivy, it simply was not to be. Fortunately, this time I did not wait until it got out of hand, but went to the doctor the next day. The itching is not as bad, and the patches on my arms don't look as bad as they have in the past. Most importantly, it has not progressed to my eyes and fingers like before.

The moral of this story is simple. Every time you work in or around poison ivy you will break out and need medical attention. Of course that is only true for those of us who are highly allergic to the stuff. But as is so often the truth there is a silver lining in every rain cloud. It causes me to remember the best club house ever and some pretty cool friends. Just another part of the journey that makes me smile.

Grateful

The young man you see walking beside me on my blog home page is my grandson. Last week he had a pretty serious bike wreck. He spent two nights in the hospital, but is now resting at home. As we journey through life there are some experiences that cause us to reevaluate things. An accident like this is one of those events. This young man is full of life, and is an excellent baseball player. He loves being at his Maw Maw's house, and watching videos. He is a true ladies man. However, after the events of this past week we are just grateful for who he is. All those other things are important, but none more than the fact that God spared his life, and brought him safely back home.

It's Just Stuff

Recently my family and I relocated. That means we loaded up not one but two U-Haul trailers and moved from on location to another in our home state. As we were loading the last load onto the second U-Haul, it dawned on me that all of our earthly possessions would fit nicely into no more than 40 feet of truck space. Some of the stuff we moved will be left in boxes until we store it or God forbid have to move it yet again. It is really amazing how much stuff you can accumulate over a period of time, and how little stuff you really need just to live. I once heard someone say that in our world today people are renting storage units to store their old stuff so that they can replace it with new stuff, and that cycle continues indefinitely.

The greatest benefit of moving from time to time is the purging that always accompanies a move. It is so freeing to take a load of stuff to the curb, fully assured that the city will come along and haul your stuff to the landfill, or someone will drive by and spot something they can not live without. Just for fun, I like to put stuff at the road and see how quickly it gets carried away by someone who needs it far more than I do.

Just the other day I spent some time rummaging through my stepfather's many rooms filled with stuff that has been accumulating for the last several years. I thought as we looked for that one thing that I needed how difficult it will be some day to have to decide what goes and what stays. Most of us will be long gone before that decision is ever made.

In reality this journey that we are on requires very little stuff. A few dishes, a bed and just enough clothing to get you through the year. There is really something to this idea of simplicity. The principle is ageless. It is the difference between what we need and then what we want. Simplicity requires us to focus on the needs, whereas other stimuli draws our attention to what we want. So remember, as you gather what you need for the journey learn to differentiate between what you need from what you want, and consider those who will one day sort through it for the last time. And more importantly, remember it is just stuff.

Trimming Toe Nails and Giving Baths

As I visited with my twin sister this weekend, I realize a connection far beyond any biological similarities. Years ago my mother told us stories about taking care of some of the local folks in our small town. Mom was a nurse and would make house calls with the local doctor. One elderly gentleman in our community lacked the ability to cut his own toe nails. So, my mom would remove his shoes, wash his feet and trim his nails.

Fast forward now some thirty years. My sister lives in Houston, and for some time worked at a hospice for aids patients. She told us a story this weekend about giving a bath to a former prostitute who was dieing from the dreaded disease.

As she recounted the details of the story, I began to think about the gentleman from New Orleans that I met at a church in Jackson, MS. He had been on a bus for some time, and was now preparing to bed down for the night in the activities building at First Baptist Church Jackson, MS. We noticed a not so pleasant smell coming from his direction. Unfortunately, the elderly man had had an accident and needed some extra attention in the shower. He was disabled, so it required three to four of us to get him to the shower, unclothed and bathed. After we got him cleaned up it was time for new clothes. Fortunately, I had a pair of shorts and shirt that were just his size. With great humility I dressed this now homeless man from New Orleans and helped put him to bed. I told him good night and good by. We left the next morning for the gulf to serve the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

Parents are best known by what they past down to their children. We have their eyes, all their good or bad habits and if we are lucky just a few of their earthly possessions. However, it is the intangible things that I am most grateful for. Mom taught us that its okay to love and serve others. She taught us how to trim toe nails and give baths.

Journey Abroad

Israel, South Africa, Poland, and Greece. What do all of these countries have in common? I know at least one person that is traveling to one of these countries over the next several weeks. Each one of these represent a long journey and a lot of uncertainty. It would be nice if all the details could be worked out in advance, so that there would be no surprises. Unfortunately, it simply does not work that way.

So why do it? Why take the time and spend the money to embark on a journey plagued with so many questions? For some it is an opportunity of a life time. For others it is something that they have done before and wouldn't miss for the world. Still for others it is an opportunity to see and experience things that they have heard about all their lives.

As risky as trips can be today, there is no question that everyone of them will be well worth the investment. Everything may not go as planned, and there will certainly be anxious moments. However, part of living the journey is being willing to take risks. Risk taking is not something that everyone is comfortable with, but for others it is the spice of life.

So, as the time approaches and people travel literally all over the world, we send them off with the hope and belief that they will return full of stories and new experiences that will last them a life time.

Dr. Ivan Raley served for many years as my predecessor. Each morning he sends our staff a thought for the day. The following was an addendum to today's thought. I emailed him for permission to post it here. It is just another reminder about the importance of the journey.

Just a Small Part

When you get to my age in life you often wonder what you have accomplished. If you have done your best, made any kind of mark, and made any difference in the lives of others. That sometimes troubles me. I have been the father figure, more or less, for six children. I sometimes wonder what kind of job I have done in that awesome role. Last night I sat in a theater in Green Hills in Nashville and watched a short documentary written, directed, and produced by the youngest of those six, Jim. It was a tribute to Ken Berryhill, who gave the dream to Vanderbilt to start their own radio station and now in his late years has returned to be what he calls the 'Oldest Country D.J' in the world. It was very well done and if they had given awards for this type of film I am certain that it would have won. As I watched it I realized that I had given to Jim non of the talent, non of the ability which crossed that large movie screen, that came out of a talent he possessed. He used it well and I understood as I watched it why the Nashville Film Festival board of Governors had placed it in their schedule. While I had nothing to do with the talent that lit the screen maybe, just maybe I did give to Jim some of the belief that he could do anything he put his heart to doing. Now really that is enough for me, not to know, but to think that maybe, he received some words of encouragement from me along our journey together that gave him the heart to reach for his dreams. Being a father is a great responsibility. I could speak of the others and the joy they have each given to me but last night belonged to Jim. I am pleased to have had a small part in the lives of others.

Three Wooden Crosses

A few years ago Randy Travis sang a song about three wooden crosses along the side of the highway. The song told the story about the lives represented by those three crosses. As I drove home the other day, I too saw several crosses marking the end of life. I thought about the people whose lives were represented by those crosses as well. For them, that particular trip down the interstate was the end of the journey. I take arriving safely each time I travel for granted. There are no guarantees. Each trip could represent my last.

As I thought about that I had to ask what would that cross remind people about me. Would it be something that matters or just another cross? I have avoided referencing my faith in this blog, but now is the time for complete honesty. The cross on the side of the highway would matter because of the cross of Calvary. My journey is made easier because of the one who led the way. Each time I see the cross I am reminded of His journey for me. I am encouraged, and am reminded how safe my eternal travel will be thanks to Him.

A Long Pause

I am reminded of a scene from the movie "Driving Miss Daisy" in which Miss Daisy and her driver are on their way to visit relatives. They pull over and spend a leisurely afternoon eating sandwiches and drinking soda. It seemed so peaceful there. A place where time stood still. Unfortunately most of life is nothing like that. Since my last entry a lot of life has past me by. Where did the month of March go? And now April is here with no indications that it will be any slower than the previous month. Perhaps its time for a long pause. Maybe its time to find a place to simply pull over and enjoy the scenery.

Finding ways to enjoy the moment is sometimes difficult to do. Someone ask me the other day what I enjoyed doing for fun. It was hard to come with an appropriate response. I do enjoy walking, which I do mainly for exercise. Sometimes I walk simply to clear my head and think through things. Hobbies have never really been a part of my life. I enjoy a number of activities, but have never really adopted one as my own. Maybe that should be a side road to my journey, finding something that I enjoy doing and making it a point to participate in doing it more often.

Road Sign Ahead

Today was a day of reminiscing. I have been going through all of my old files preparing for the move. As I come across some folders I think to myself, why on earth did I save that. And then there are other folders that are opened and bring back a flood of memories. Looking back over the last several years I have been blessed to be a part of so many wonderful experiences. All of these momentos serve as signposts along the road of the journey already traveled. Simple things like painted rocks, napkins that have been doodled on, and newspaper clippings. Each one tells a story of how my life has been impacted by so many different people, and how my life has impacted others as well. Some should be thrown away, and yet I just simply cannot part with them.

As I think about the past, I anxiously look forward to the future. Wondering what relic will I save from my next leg of the journey. Yes, they do making packing an office a little more difficult. However, it is worth all the extra effort. Some day, after I am gone and the decision is no longer mine, I am sure that most of the stuff will be tossed out. But until then, I carry my treasures with me, and keep an eye out for the next signpost ahead.

Detours

Yesterday, two friends, my wife and I went to a local restaurant for lunch. Our server, brought our drinks and I noticed on the inside of her wrist a small oriental tattoo. When she came back to the table with our drinks I asked her to tell me the story behind the "tat". I learned from a youth communicator that it is far more interesting to hear the story than to condemn the person for wearing this permanant marking. She first translated the symbols for me which meant, "one love." Then she proceeded to tell us the story. About five months ago, her high school sweetheart and fiance was tragically killed. Part of the grieving process was getting this tattoo as both a memorial to him, and also as a reminder to her regarding all the things she loves.

For her the journey was pretty much planned out. She would soon marry, and her and her husband would live happily ever after. Then out of nowhere a detour. At that point she obviously had a few choices to make. She could decide that life was no longer worth living and instead of a tattoo, put a knife to that same wrist and end it all. Fortunately for us that was not her decision. She could have simply given up and existed rather than live. The good news is she decided to proceed along the route of this unfortunate detour to her journey, and find a way to recover and get back to her travels. This came with a lot of tears and uncertainty. But one day she came to herself and realized that indeed life must go on. So for her the journey continues with the constant reminder that along her journey she had met and enjoyed the pleasure of knowing that "one love." And even when there are detours the journey continues.

Details Details Details

We are now in the process of selling our home before moving. In order to do that we are doing all the things that should have been done for the last six years. Our motto has been "make it livable." Once we got things to the point that they could be used, we didn't bother to finish all the details. Today we painted and did some repair work on some sheet rock. The tab for today is already at $43. We spent the weekend with cable and watched all those home repair shows. They take $1000 and spend $999 and are so proud that they stay under budget. That's great if you have $1000 and someone else is footing the bill. So, I hope to be able to do a lot with a little. No, I have to do a lot with a little. The journey begins and the details have to be addressed. I made a list and plan to check off the details one at a time. Before long, the details will all be taken care of and we will be well on our way. Stay tuned.

The Journey Begins in Earnest

You have heard the saying, "Getting back into the swing of things." It felt much like that as I sat and listened in on a meeting of likeminded people who are presently employed by the same agency that I will go to work for in about a month. It was good to hear some things, it was challenging to hear some other things. Overall, it was assuring. Self-doubt has a way of showing up when it is least expected. It is also one of the leading road blocks to most journeys. The best way to handle it is to address it headon. There is no need to ignore it, because it will only grow stronger. So, calling it what it is, and moving on is the best prescription for overcoming this time consuming and derailing feeling.

As we drove away from the meeting the question was asked, "Do you think you can do this?" The answer, "Yeah, I think I can." Here we go!!

What to Take on the Journey

I once hiked with a friend who was much more prepared for the journey than I was. His backpack was full of useful things for our trip. I felt more safe and secure with him along than anyone that I have ever hiked with. Well almost anyone. I do have one friend that could find his way back from any place, so it would be nice to hike with both of these guys. My friend was prepared for any situation simply because he had the most important items with him.

Aside from all the stuff that you have to take, what really is the most important items to carry with you on the journey?
-Memories from the past. Leaving behind the people who have been so much a part of your present journey is no easy task. However, you carry with you a long list of memories and experiences shared with each one.
-Lessons learned. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing the same way and expecting different results. As you look ahead to the new journey there will be ample time to reflect on the experiences of the past and cultivate all of the lessons learned both postive and negative.
-Contact information. There are some people who will become assests to the progress of the journey no matter their geographical location. Good advice, skill sets and friendships will sometimes cover any distance. They have a way of finding their way back into your life.
-Openness to new ways of doing things. With every journey comes a system to be learned, which includes different methods and different personalities. Having the ability to learn how you fit into that system, and adjusting to new personalities is essential.
-Never forgetting who you are. "Be yourself," is critical advice. The journey only becomes more complicated and less of a joy when you try to be someone you are not. Being stretched and learning new ways of doing things will always be easier when you do them as you.
-Family. The journey is always sweater when it is shared with those you love. Isolation and exclusion are two things that can damage any close relationships. Not having someone to share the journey with can be a very lonely existence.
-Faith. Dependence on a higher power is not only smart it is the right thing to do. Just as surrounding yourself with good people brings about success, so does knowing who to truly depend on in every area of life. Compromising of convictions will soon derail even the best leader.

The Journey into Yourself

Presently, I am reading a book by Noel M. Tichy and Warren G. Bennis entitled, Judgment: How Winning Leaders Make Great Calls. The authors quote a speech by Jeff Immelt, the CEO of General Electric, given at the University of Michigan in August of 2003:

The first part of leadership is an intense journey into yourself. It's a commitment and an intense journey into your soul. How fast can you change? How willing are you to take feedback? Do you believe in self-renewal? Do you believe in self-reflection? Are you willing to take those journeys to explore how you can become better and do it every day? How much can you learn? Can you look in the mirror every day and say, gee, I wish I had done that differently, boy I think I've got to do better here...you've got to be willing to do an intense journey into yourself... I've been lucky, you know, because I've got to do things that I love with people that I love. But more than anything else, the burning desire inside me was to get the best out of what I could be and go on that journey.

So many questions, all of which need to be answered on a daily basis. Knowing that I too will have the opportunity to do what I love, and will in time learn to love the people is an exciting part of this journey. Remembering to be myself is critical, and never forgetting that this journey is much more like a marathon not a sprint.

Nothing on the Calendar

To our amazement there is absolutely nothing on the calendar for this week. This is highly unusual. Most of the time at least two to five days during the week are cluttered with meetings and appointments. I find it interesting that the week we here from a new opportunity is completely open. It is almost as if everything for the week has been put on hold until we know for certain what direction this journey will take.

What if all the waiting leads to disappointment? Well, then we regroup here and look to the future. What if every thing goes as planned? Then we relucantly say our goodbyes and anticipate what comes next.

Where to Now

It has been said that a journey begins with the first step. What they don't tell you is how quickly those steps can come at you sometimes. Today, I met with a Realtor concerning the sell of our home. If everything goes as plan, we will be moving in the very near future. It 's one thing to buy a home, but it is totally something else to be selling a home. Of course, I would love to make a little profit off the sale. But with today's market I am not convinced that I will. The good news is that I will not have to buy another house any time soon. There are many minor things that need to be done to the house before we sell it. However, the decision was made today not to borrow money to do any major repairs. With any luck I should be able to sell and walk away with a nice profit.

And then there is the thought of leaving one job for another. Over the last six years, I have learned to love and appreciate a good number of people. Leaving is never easy, and is complicated by the relationships that have been forged during our stay in this area. Although the intent is to remain close, the reality is that with distance comes a preoccupation with other people and responsibilities. New networks, new responsibilities and new location provides us with the opportunity to be stretched once again. Stretching is a good thing and can always lead to a wonderful new experience. So, here we go!