Freedom in General

11-26-2020, Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. Here it is, the day officially set aside to give thanks! It is amazing that we have established a holiday...to give thanks! While many may be wondering what it is we would want to be thankful for in 2020, it is important that we sever from this world for a day....and to give thanks for what we have....but also for who we are.
We are Americans, which means very few of us are native to this country, We came from all over this globe to a land mass called North America...400 years ago, there was few people and a large land mass...in 400 years, 350 million people now reside on this land mass....amazing! From every corner of this planet, people have come and continue to come here...with all their cultures and all their differences they come for FREEDOM. Yes, in 400 years God has taken people from all over this planet, placed them in America and said, "Here, get along"! Candidly, I think we're doing ok. And candidly we have much to be thankful for. And, as always, we have work to do.
While 2020 will be seen as a disaster by many, there are amazing things happening out there. People are reaching for answers, for peace, for quiet. 2020 has re-set a lot of what we felt was important, people are looking for spiritual answers and a calmer life. As always, Jesus is waiting for all His children to come home to him in thought, action, and spirit.
Jesus was very adamant that we adult humans are supposed to some how, some way, maintain and live with our "heart of a child"! (And some will say this is clear because we adults are acting like children! Clearly Christ is referring to the child like trust and innocence we arrived with.) Those that know me well can attest to my "child like" antics some days... I ain't giving up my child heart!
So, today, let's look at our character friends in the pic...all very different individually, yet none of them being completely whole and full, without the others at the table. Hmmmmm......
Join me? In giving thanks to our Benevolent and Loving Creator, in extending a deep and heartfelt thanks for each of you. And in the spiritual recognition that we are loved, we are cherished, we are surrounded by Angels, we are the children of the Living God, Jesus Christ...Here, just for you, specially crafted...a heartful of Blessings...from the Creator, of FREEDOM....
Happy Thanksgiving...
Paul(

Timeline photos

5-4-2013, Saturday, 36 degrees and I am happy to forecast another stunning day on the weather front. Mid 60's, sun and high clouds. A bit muggy this morn, but hard for humidity to hang around long this time of year. Get off your arse and get something done today. Traffic is light so that you can't use that as an excuse...hope to see you at The General at some point.
- Paul Foisy and I make it abundantly clear in this photo that for us middle aged men, it is really all about the vest!!! Practical, Tactical and just darn stylish!!! Look at all those pockets...heck between the two of us we're sporting 8 pockets in the vest alone...add in our pants and the 2 old fellas in the photo have 16 pocket capacity!!! Room for all needs, chap sticks, lighters, aspirin, reading glasses, rolaids and who knows what else...I have many vests, always have...must be the Irish...It is all about the Vest- Practical and Tactical for men over 50!!!
-Blessings....

4-12-2020, Sunday, Easter Sunday…the Filet Mignon of all Sunday’s…the number 1 Sunday of all 52 Sundays in the year! As a Christian, as a human being, this is the day that springs physically and soulfully forth as the day of Hope! Yes, Hope for all that we, too, can be given new life, a life that does not end…a life that is eternal.
A Sunday morning, after a very dark Friday, awaits us all! A new day, where life has been refreshed and made new by the light of the Resurrection. A tomb, holding death, was made an Empty Tomb by the brilliant light of God’s Love. Jesus is alive!
Isn’t that what we are? Closed Tombs. Smelly on the inside. And like Palm Sunday, don’t we have those moments in our lives where the Spirit of Jesus is so triumphant, we praise Him with all our being. We are joy-filled and Heaven bound, and we are so happy we have Him on our lives! We lay down Palms to welcome Jesus into our lives. And then, things go bad. A Pandemic hit, a loved one dies, a job is lost, and then like the crowds on Good Friday, we don’t know who Jesus is. We lose faith, we lose sight, we lose Hope. And we scream for His crucifixion! “He can’t be who He says He is!” “ If Jesus is so good and wonderful, He’d come down out of Heaven and rid us of this pandemic, take away the loss of the loved one, help us find a job.
We forget Him and fall into despair, depression; fear overwhelms us. These are the Boulders, the Stones that have been placed in front of the Light. Yes, these “obstacles” roll out in front of us. They entomb us. The light can’t get in and the smell can’t get out! Yet, who enters the Tomb on a Friday, and emerges on Sunday? Christ! In some mystical way, unimaginable to us, he conquered the darkness. And He invites us to join Him in the Supernatural gift. The gift of eternal life and light!
The tomb is empty! He is risen! Well, where is He then? He is in YOU. Once accepted by you, He is in you. Forever. The attendants at the tomb were told by the Angel that “He has gone before you to Galilee”, their point of beginning together.
And now, Christ has gone before you in this life! From your very point of beginning until this very moment. He has cleared the brambles of guilt, shame, unworthiness that you experience. He is there in every nook and cranny of your life. He is there in your sadness, He is there in your depression, He is there in your addiction, He is there in your divorce, your despair, your death! He will always be there.
When the Angel noted that they were to go “tell the disciples that He has risen”, the Angel was talking to all of humanity; to YOU. He is risen! And YOU have risen with HIM. It was as if he was saying “Go tell Paul, Go tell Jim, Go tell the world!” Tell them of the amazing mystical event that has occurred!
This very morning. Right now, the Heaven’s are rejoicing. And the invitation always stands, it never goes away, the simple and soft invitation to follow, to follow Christ! To go back to the point of beginning, where you began your walk with Christ. Or stand today, knowing He is there, and reach to Him. You see, through the resurrection we all have a new HOPE.
God is speaking to us. To all of us, in a very personal way. And, why wouldn’t He. He made you. God is talking to only you; as if you were the only person on this planet, when He said “The Tomb is Empty, Be not afraid.” Now go tell the entire world in all your thoughts, actions, and deeds, the Tomb is Empty! Christ is risen, and that spirit lives, it lives in YOU!
Enjoy your Easter, you are a forever being…you are forever loved…by the conqueror of the Tomb…the Love of Christ…be blessed…from….FREEDOM

4-5-2020, Sunday. How you holding up? Ya know? The Quarantine thing. Staying at home. Shelter in place. Six feet apart. Ok, the first couple days are kind of novel, hanging around at home,nothing to do...call friends and relatives...eat food...eat food we're supposed to eat for dessert for lunch! I'm sure you're all experiencing the same...at times, however, I think we stay busy to divert our attention from the anxiety and fear within us that is screaming out "what is going on around here?!!!" You see, this whole thing is a scary because we've never experienced anything like this before. It's all new. Sure, we've survived Blizzard's, Ice Storms, Power outages, Floods, the occasional famine, but never anything like this. And we're scared! Like little kids experiencing thunder and lightening for the first time, we're genuinely afraid. Afraid of what? The unknown? Death? Not having enough?...we're human...thus, we are afraid, It comes with the suit! The earth suit? Your humanness...it brings out the fear in you!!!
So, with all this time on our hands...and all the fear, panic and uncertainty bombarding us, how about we take a few moments of our uncertainty and fear-filled day and just sit there. Yes, just sit. Do nothing. Be not afraid, nor concerned...let your mind drift into a scripture passage that resonates with you...maybe introduce yourself to quietness and scripture for the first time...! Since the beginnings of time, man has reached to the spiritual and mystical for answers and comfort during scary times. And many times, man does so to comfort his soul even if he doesn't know why or where he is going to for the comfort. It seems natural for us to reach for comfort during moments of fear and unrest. Because it is natural for us to do so. We do it from the moment we are born...so, I'm thinking...of the words that grabbed me this morning in Ephesians 3:16, (remember John 3:16, and then I wrote on Colossians 3:16)."God will strengthen me, through His spirit that is in me!" Hmmmmmm, meaning I don't have to do anything? I just have to be still and let the Power of God, the Christ in me, strengthen me to get through this day! And not just get "through" the day, but to enjoy the day, regardless of what is happening around me.
When it comes to truth, and I mean real truth, Biblical truth, the truth that has survived the ages, we should listen. Maybe there is something there for you. Certainly, you will find Peace in the Spirit of God within you by being still, faster than you will find it watching the news. Can the Spirit of God in you give you Peace and guide the steps of your day? Can it guide your thoughts to places of calm and stillness? I believe it can...it has been promised.
So, I am thinking, how about you take just 5 minutes of this day...3 minutes if you're real busy doing nothing...and be still...and ask God, through His rich store house, that he may strengthen you with the Power of His Spirit that is in you, that is in your "Inner being"....yes,...take that time, reach into the "inner being"...feel the strength to get through this day without fear, to embrace the confusion, and uncertainty, with a strength you've never felt before...go ahead!...go ahead? Ask for it! See what happens...
...enjoy your day...enjoy your strength...it is there...a Blessing...from...FREEDOM...

3-29-2020, Sunday, my favorite day of the week!!!! Ya know, rest, relax, contemplate, wonder, worship! Lately, and seemingly on a deeper level, I find myself feeling that I am living in some kind of dream...that I will wake up and all will be "normal" again. Hmmm, and now I wonder what is "normal"?
We live in a fallen world. Spiritually, there seems to be a Tsunami of darkness, of unhinged hatred, panic and fear. All of these lesser energies, come from the lesser world, the negative stuff that plagues we humans. Yet, we individually, and collectively, can function and flourish, even in these times, with a great Hope. That Hope is called Christ!
As I was settling in for some quarantine breakfast, food for my body, I had just finished feeding my soul. I reflected on John 16:33. What an incredible thought for today's time! And my hunger for Peace during these times was met with God's unbreakable truth, He is with us!!!!!
"I have told you these things, so that in Me you will have Peace. In this Godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I have conquered the world!"
So, this means that we really have nothing to worry about. All we have to do is have faith and live in the manner that God calls us to live, with the Spirit of Christ in us. And as we ponder this mystery, of God indwelling us, then the moments of panic and fear subside, and our desire to be a light of hope and love to our family and neighbors increase!
It is difficult to not gather for worship. It seems almost wrong that we are not honoring God by attending Sunday Service. Be assured, however, that your prayers are heard...know that you have the strength to trust God enough to see you through this, and to act on the promptings of the Spirit...call a neighbor...cease drowning yourselves in negative news and FB rants...take care of yourself.
Trust that God has this...Trust that he has YOU...Trust...Trust...count your blessings every moment...and in the event that you're not "feeling it"...go to John 16:33...see what God has to say about it...oh, and take these with you today...go ahead, take them...Huge Blessings from the little Church, on the hill....FREEDOM

3-26-2020, Thursday...and here it is!!! Kinda like Ground Hog Day...and...changing of the seasons...and...running of the Bulls...it comes every year! And here it is, "say hello to my little friend"...Casey Jones' Birthday!! And what started as a simple pic for my daily post on March 26, 2013 at Freedom General has turned into an annual Casey Jones Birthday Picture Parade!! Yes, since 2013, 8 birthday's now, Casey's beautiful face have graced this page...she hasn't changed much...and certainly hasn't gotten any taller...except for 2015 when she was standing on a Snow Bank! Yup, our Little Casey is growing up...so...be certain to wish her a Happy Birthday today...oh, and the puppy is Jewel, her new friend...don't panic on me, Grace is still with us, she simply decided to sleep in...so, again...be sure to send birthday salutations to our friend...be blessed...from...FREEDOM....

3-25-2020, Wednesday, and another day has arrived. Yup, complete with a new sunrise and all the wonder that comes with it. Yes, we can rapidly get caught up in the news feeds, numbers and reports, yet, as we are reminded in today's verse, we should, need to, take time to be thankful for the things we do have! When you ponder it, there really is much to be thankful for...
John 3:16 is one of the most popular and expressed Bible Verses, yet, tucked into Colossians 3:16 is some delicious soulful fodder. Given all that surrounds us today, take some time, reflect, make a list of all the things that are indeed blessings in your life. Thank God for them. Don't bemoan where we're at, embrace the opportunity to lean deeper into a spiritual relationship with Christ and thank Him for all the blessings and goodness in your life. See beyond yourself, call a neighbor, call a relative, call an enemy. See the warmth of the woodstove as a miracle, hear the birds(they're not worried) as they sing through the day.
Amazing, when we enter into an energy of gratitude, we are not feeding the negative energies of fear and despair, and we can actually feel a bit lighter.
Enjoy your day. Let me know of anyone who needs encouragement or direct help.
Be blessed....we still have...FREEDOM...

3-23-2020, Monday...how you making it? If you or anyone you know is in need of any assistance, please let me know and we will do what we can to assist.
It is at times like this that we can feel very, very helpless. A world seemingly careening out of control, with all normalcy thrown out the window, can send a person to some dark and lonely places. If we take the time to be still, and to place ourselves in God's presence we can begin to feel the anxiety lessen and the joy of the moment increase. Many times, we can step out of the darkness by becoming light to others. Light in the way of helping others...
Our neighbor and friend Joan Selmer-Larsen has prepared some Turkey Soup, placed it in 1 cup containers, and has placed some in the freezer at the church. The back door is open so step in and help yourself. And, again, if you know of anyone who might want a few, let me know, I'll find a way to get them there.
Stay well, reach out, be healthy, but mostly, Be Blessed...FREEDOM...

Timeline photos

3-20-2013, 24 degrees. On my way to plow out the parking lot early so we're open and ready by 4:30-5AM. Snowing quite hard still with what looks to be about over 12" on the ground. More to come...we're open for business and ready to see your happy face.
-Bernard Thomas, Knox along with Your's Truly noted in today's photo. Bernard is a close friend of mine and has been a faithful customer for 14 years. He proudly served our Country in the US Army during the Vietnam Era and remains very proud of that service. Thank you Bernard for your service to our country and for being a friend...
- Shovel fulls of Blessings on you today!!!

3-18-2020, Wednesday. Well these are some challenging times to say the least. As I write this I am in Massachusetts as we lay our Uncle to rest. Calling hours have been cancelled and the funeral will be limited to 15 people. Driving to Boston from Worcester was reminiscent of a Sunday drive in the 1960's, very few people on the road, and no delays.

In light of the events surrounding Covid-19 Sunday Services at the church will be postponed. However, if you, or anyone you know is in need of anything. let me know.

The church kitchen and dining facility is available for use, for cooking for others, as a distribution point for food and supplies and anything we may need to do. Simply reach out.

I would ask all of you to let us know of any shut ins or people in need and we will do all we can to assist. Please reach me at my home phone 207-437-2680 or Cell phone 207-314-5525.

We will get through this. We always do. Keep your faith in God, pray often, and be thankful for the many blessings that we do enjoy...Be safe and be blessed from...FREEDOM...

Breakfast for tomorrow morning is on...if you're up for coming out, join us!

Be Blessed!

It's all downhill from here: Local sledders race in N.E. Runner Sled Races

It's all downhill from here: Local sledders race in N.E. Runner Sled Races Montville is a small town in Waldo County, Maine, with a rural population hovering around 1,000. It is a place many native Mainers have never heard of,

2-13-2020, Thursday...Make Shift Coffee House scheduled for tonight has been postponed due to the weather. No need to travel if one doesn't have to.

We are re-scheduling for the 24th of March. Same place and time.

If you have any questions, give me a call. 314-5525!!!

Travel safe and have a blessed day from the place where we Makeshift our Coffee House...FREEDOM

Timeline photos

2-8-2015, Sunday...Our Day!...no one else's...It's been busy here this morning...crazy busy...everyone getting ready for the next round of winter...yup...more weather on the way...hey...look at the bright side...there will be one heck of a Sap Run come spring...Barometer 30.19...humidity 72%...temps 4 degrees...highs to 14...light winds lout of the NORTH EAST...hate it when that happens...no escaping a storm when the winds prevail from the North East...Sunrise 6:47AM...Setting 4:56PM...8"-12" snow on the way...traffic is light...
-Today's pic...a new and improved Bernie Thomas Food Gathering box...this gem was made by Dale Bryant over in Knox...so...think on this today...there remains those that need our help...not from the government...but from us...their neighbor...chuck a can in here next time you come through...some folks have donated some cash...Kate and I have used that to assist others with fuel, heating oil, propane....some cash we've used over at Caswell's to really stretch the dollars( Bernie would like that) and buy food to give to people...thanks for all your help...and...Dale is making these boxes, chests...why don't you message him here on FB and commission him to make a custom toy box...food storage box...or a Soap Box to stand on when you're expressing your opinions...
-Happy Sunday...take care...and take these Blessings...from...FREEDOM...

12-24-2019, Tuesday, Christmas Eve! Yup, the Big Guy is coming tonight and we celebrate the Little Big Guy coming in the morning. Yes, Christmas is very near! We celebrate the birth of Christ and we are gathering this evening to SING. Yes, to sing Christmas songs, to be together as a community! To simply be...and to sing.
Will you join us? We are starting at 7pm and will be done by 8pm. For those who've never been inside our beautiful church, treat yourself. The vintage Tin Walls and Ceilings allows the sound to echo amazingly through the chamber.
So, take a moment this Eve of Eve's...reflect...pray...SING...with us...in....FREEDOM

Celebrating the First Week of Advent

11-7-2019, Thursday, 36 degrees and some weather headed our way...you know...rain, snow...November type weather...
It's been awhile since I last posted, my apologies. I've been very busy, too busy some days...I still get to see many of you in my travels...and what a joy that is! As I reminisce on the past 20 years I have many great memories, met some amazing people and experienced some amazing things in our Town of FREEDOM. If there was one thing I enjoyed the most was the sense of community. You know? Being connected, knowing each other, participating in and being part of something beyond ourselves. And the person pictured here is a person who lived what community is...
Sallyann Hadyniak...our friend, passed away on the 5th. Her departure was very sudden. And the sudden passing has left us all with some sense of shock. A reminder of the preciousness, and frailty of life. Yet, on a broader level we are reminded by her life that we are called here to be part of something bigger than ourselves. She epitomized what it means to be a member of a community, a participating member!
Coming here from New Jersey, Sallyann could see how truly blessed we are to live in a small town like Freedom. She so loved and wanted all to experience the town she knew and lived for; a place where everyone knew each other 's names, a place where we celebrated together, and cried together, where we overcame our individual differences to celebrate each other and the beauty around us. And, she lived by example, she was involved in all aspects of her town, From taking pictures at every event to taking notes at Selectmen's meetings, she was there....her license plate said FREEDOM1...it's going to be hard to imagine life in Freedom without her. Yes, it will be very hard...
My condolences to her family..to all who were touched by her beautiful life...we are all better people for having known her...we are a better community for having her lived here...yes, Freedom lost one of it's greatest cheerleaders...heaven gained an Angel...and we are all blessed for having known her...rest in peace my friend...we have been so blessed to have you with us...in this little place...you sooooo loved....FREEDOM

Today's the day!!!!! Come on down...

2nd Annual Antique “roadshow” fundraiser.

11-1-2019, Friday. Ya know, it hardly seems possible that we are having our last Public Supper of the season! Seems like we just started the Spring Schedule yesterday and here we are advertising the last of the season!
It's been a very good summer with attendance records being broken and more and more new faces being seen every month.
Not to be disappointed the finale this year is the Roasted Turkey with all the fixins...I know, you'll be eating turkey all month, but hey, one month a year with turkey in there a couple times isn't all bad!!! And for $8 someone cooks it for you, cleans up after, and you get to eat pie at the same time....
Hope to see you tomorrow afternoon...Blessings...from...FREEDOM

10-5-2019, Frosty one out there this morning. What a beautiful Fall day. And I am certain you have much planned for this day. You should, get out there and enjoy it! And as you go through the day, plan on joining us for Supper! A nice autumn supper of Baked Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Veggies, Baked Beans and...PIES...yes all kinds of pies to choose from!
Have a grand Saturday, and we hope to see you this evening.!!!!

8-3-2019, Saturday, Public Supper Night at Freedom Congregational Church...Roast Beef!!!!! Yes, slow Roasted Inside Round will be available to dance with your taste buds when you join us between 4:30-6PM...Mashed Potatoes, Vegetable, Gravy, Baked Beans, Rolls and of course Delicious Pies to round out a hearty meal.
No need to cook tonight, let us do that for you. $8, all you can manage to eat...
Gotta run, going to cut these beautiful 20 pound pieces of Inside Round to 5 pound roasts, perfectly seasoned, then in the oven and then...waiting for you...see you this afternoon...at the place where the church serves BEEF....FREEDOM

7-13-2019, Look what sold yesterday!!!!! Welcome Beth and Roy Mishou to your new home on Freedom Pond...in...FREEDOM. Congratulations on your new home and a huge Thank You to Dr. Binky Fine and his lovely wife Jeannie...

6-17-2019, Monday...and the post Father's Day weather looks to be a good one...oh, and thank you all for the birthday wishes. Very much appreciated...well...Father's Day...mid June...and another June tradition?...Strawberries!!!! Yup, plump and juicy Strawberries!!! And to help us celebrate this delicious little fruit the Freedom Grange will be having it's annual Strawberry Festival on June 29 from 4:30pm-6pm at the Freedom Grange Hall!!!!! A "come one, come all" event, attendees will be delighted with Turkey Pie, Mashed Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Cole Slaw, Biscuits, and of course Strawberries! There will also be Strawberries available for sale!!!!!
So...mark your calendars!!!!!!, It's coming....Strawberry Festival...Strawberries are coming...see you there!!!!

Timeline photos

6-9-2013, Sunday, 55 degrees and a sorted forecast. The "Forecaster's" called for rain all day yesterday...and...it stopped raining and the sun shone bright...today...I"M doing the forecast...according to me...ready...it will be Sunday, all day...it will be light out until around 8:30PM...it will get dark after that...given the wind direction- SSW- we may or may not see the sun...having a good day or not, I'll leave up to you...regardless of the weather...
-Dave Keller came from New York to visit his mother Tina, whose in the hospital...stopped for a coffee...hi Dave and get well Tina...
-Sunday traffic remains light which I find means the few on the road think they own the darn thing...that's right! We were passed by a vehicle on the way here!!! Imagine the audacity to pass a 1996 Subaru Impreza that is going 45 mph...with two middle aged occupants...bastards! Actually we were purposely going slow because, as everybody knows, it is Turtle nesting season!!!! Ever notice the uptick in Turtle traffic this time of year? Ever notice turtles dead in the road? Well people, the females are trying to find a high and dry gravel/sand bank in which to deposit their progeny. They travel from swamp and stream to continue this marvel of the life cycle...eggs hatch in November...Snapping Turtles, Painted Turtles...cut them some paved way slack...how the hell do you hit a turtle anyway?...He "darted' out in front of me..."he came out of nowhere"...slow down...if not for the turtle's sake, then your own...enjoy the ride...
-Slow down Turtle Blessings to all...