I have reached the decision to end this blog. A blog for me is meant to be a medium to work through things in your life. It is a medium used to express emotions of all kind relating to the trials you are going through. As I grow and mature (maybe not mature) I realize that this chapter of my life has ended. I will always love the days and memories shared in this blog and will cherish them for the rest of my days. I will leave the blog up for anyone that has enjoyed my writing. If you have,thanks!
Signing off, McClain Cauthen
Monday, August 11, 2014
Monday, March 17, 2014
"Why don't people just go for a drive anymore?" : A memory remembered on a rainy day
For those that know me well, rain and nasty weather often makes me think of my childhood. It makes me want to find a window seat and think about years past and what they meant to me. It makes me think of falling asleep in our farm house to jazz as a little boy. It makes me think of romping in my rain boots with childhood friends. It makes me think of people and places gone from this world, or at least from me.
This particular rainy day makes me think back to Christmas break. I woke with the dawn , poured a cup of coffee and was out the door. I was heading back to school for second semester and had a weekend or a few days to catch up with some old friends. As we drove we laughed and talked of times past. We listened to folk and country and got lost in the vast farmland that laid before us. As we sat down for lunch at local spot I grew up going to with my grandaddy . I asked the question " why don't people just go for a drive anymore?" We all sat in silence not knowing what to say. I honestly don't remember if we ever answered that question.
As the day dragged on I showed my friends the places and memories of my past. I drove them down Reid Road , and down past Pinetuck. I took them down old 901 and finally stopped at Landsford canal. The canal was used in the old days to help big boats carrying freight down river to different branches. It is a rundown and somewhat beautiful relic of early american engineering. All was quiet as we walked along the river. All you could hear or see was the rushing river a fish jumping from time to time. You could see an occasional Heron ruling over his river bank. As we walked down the path leading to who knows where I knew this time we had was short. I fell back to take a picture at one point and looked ahead to see where my friends had gone. Ahead of me they walked laughing and joking about so and so and who knows what. Moments like that are powerful and meaningful. It puts you in the spectator seat of your life and lets you really know what's important.
As I looked down at my watch I realized the time and hurried back to the car and on home . After a shower and a short drive I found my self side by side with one of my best friends (my brother) and my father and his. We walked up the stairs and through the door of the old southern home. The house was dimly lit and full of black clothed individuals. Music played softly and voices murmured quietly. This was a true southern visitation. As I rounded the corner my heart ran cold. A good friend of ours grandson had passed from cancer and had finally been laid to rest in the arms of our heavenly father. Here I was absent-mindedly running around the countryside all day , while others were mourning a boy who never got to do anything like that . But...he was loved , the house was packed with grieving friends and family. His church was there, his friends were there. The heart and life of a child often grabs a hold of our hearts and brings us off our stupid adult pedestals. The wonder of a child makes us see the world through a different lens. Hence the phrase " out of the mouth of babes".
How often do we as people leave our childlike wonder at the wayside? How often do we try to grow-up too fast? As a fellow person on this earth and brother in Christ I urge you to not live your life hurried. I am guilty of this. I get caught up in the day to day and forget what's important. Yes we are called and told at a young age to always be looking forward. But when we are constantly looking forward we never look backwards. We never cherish the memories of our youth. When bad things happen in our lives we often feel that it is someones fault. We don't know how to handle it. Grieving is good and necessary , but smile cause it happened. Smile because that person or place impacted you.
This weather makes me think of that day I spent with my friends and makes me beg the question. "Why don't people just go for a drive anymore?". So you have a few options. Next time you are wasting away in front of Netflix ( I am guilty of this) , get up and go do something. It can be as simple as going for a drive.
This particular rainy day makes me think back to Christmas break. I woke with the dawn , poured a cup of coffee and was out the door. I was heading back to school for second semester and had a weekend or a few days to catch up with some old friends. As we drove we laughed and talked of times past. We listened to folk and country and got lost in the vast farmland that laid before us. As we sat down for lunch at local spot I grew up going to with my grandaddy . I asked the question " why don't people just go for a drive anymore?" We all sat in silence not knowing what to say. I honestly don't remember if we ever answered that question.
As the day dragged on I showed my friends the places and memories of my past. I drove them down Reid Road , and down past Pinetuck. I took them down old 901 and finally stopped at Landsford canal. The canal was used in the old days to help big boats carrying freight down river to different branches. It is a rundown and somewhat beautiful relic of early american engineering. All was quiet as we walked along the river. All you could hear or see was the rushing river a fish jumping from time to time. You could see an occasional Heron ruling over his river bank. As we walked down the path leading to who knows where I knew this time we had was short. I fell back to take a picture at one point and looked ahead to see where my friends had gone. Ahead of me they walked laughing and joking about so and so and who knows what. Moments like that are powerful and meaningful. It puts you in the spectator seat of your life and lets you really know what's important.
As I looked down at my watch I realized the time and hurried back to the car and on home . After a shower and a short drive I found my self side by side with one of my best friends (my brother) and my father and his. We walked up the stairs and through the door of the old southern home. The house was dimly lit and full of black clothed individuals. Music played softly and voices murmured quietly. This was a true southern visitation. As I rounded the corner my heart ran cold. A good friend of ours grandson had passed from cancer and had finally been laid to rest in the arms of our heavenly father. Here I was absent-mindedly running around the countryside all day , while others were mourning a boy who never got to do anything like that . But...he was loved , the house was packed with grieving friends and family. His church was there, his friends were there. The heart and life of a child often grabs a hold of our hearts and brings us off our stupid adult pedestals. The wonder of a child makes us see the world through a different lens. Hence the phrase " out of the mouth of babes".
How often do we as people leave our childlike wonder at the wayside? How often do we try to grow-up too fast? As a fellow person on this earth and brother in Christ I urge you to not live your life hurried. I am guilty of this. I get caught up in the day to day and forget what's important. Yes we are called and told at a young age to always be looking forward. But when we are constantly looking forward we never look backwards. We never cherish the memories of our youth. When bad things happen in our lives we often feel that it is someones fault. We don't know how to handle it. Grieving is good and necessary , but smile cause it happened. Smile because that person or place impacted you.
This weather makes me think of that day I spent with my friends and makes me beg the question. "Why don't people just go for a drive anymore?". So you have a few options. Next time you are wasting away in front of Netflix ( I am guilty of this) , get up and go do something. It can be as simple as going for a drive.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Happy memories
Sunday Mornings, the roosters warnings walking together those days.
Eggs in the griddle a soft song from fiddle that played from the stereo.
Cob webs in windows,smoke from the old stove, a love, a memory only a few could know.
A Walking stick ,and rubber boots ,his old felt hat and a pocket of Red-man chew. Walking down to turkey creek with his beagle blue.
Life lessons and fun too.
Blood Sweat and tears, and a fire when the day was through.
A new bb gun , a broken window , a stern talking too.
Cowboys and indians ,playing in the woods with neighbor friends to sunset came and went.
We were wild-men, Tarzan, the lone ranger.
Putting pennies on the railway tracks to us that was flirting with danger.
When we turned 16 we got our jeep she ran like hell and the gas tank leaked. We were kings tearing down old Reid Road.
Cane poles and craw dads, lying about the fish we caught but never brought back.
Tall tales and cousins at turkey camp.
Days in the barn working on the ford.
Shouting to the rafters when the old girl actually worked.
These memories are lost but not forgotten.
Even as the barn paint fades and frame grows rotten .
I have left this place never to return.
It's ashes sit in my empty room as a memorial; a solemn tomb.
Life brings us love and laughter for reasons untold.
We step back and see as the grand story unfolds.
Friends made and memories shared.
We walk side by side like we did on those Sundays.
New lands and new adventures await but I will always... we always remember the memories just beyond that rusty old gate.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Winter and other Thoughts
The cold air is slowly but surely making its way into the high country.
The leaves have changed and have mostly fallen.
The trout streams and rivers run cold , and the banks frost up.
Winter is coming.
Winter for me is a special time. It is thanksgiving, Christmas, hunting, beards, flannel!
In a few short weeks I will be able to go back to very special places and will see very special people.
I am a North Carolina man but memories from the great states of Virginia and South Carolina lay on my heart.
The memories, and people that go along with these places have shaped me forever.
I am ready to climb the mountain and to head back to a place where time stands still.
Where the quiet sounds of the New and of the birds fill my ears and bring me at ease.
Where the wood stoves illuminates the faces of my honorary kin.
Where my brothers and I can walk side by side to the woods.
Where a way of life is slower and people are kind.
I think the reason I live in the mountains is because they bring me at ease.
Who else can walk out of a math test and stare at the Blue ridge? (okay well a few of you but you get my point)
The mountains of this state run deep in my blood.
My grandparents were born and Raised in Asheville.
My Great Grandfathers both felt the call of these hills and either moved here or built a home here.
Whenever I am in my hometown. I scan the horizon for this land of strength.
Mountains are symbol of resilience and strength that only God can bring.
Do yourself a favor.
No matter where you live. Take a minute and marvel in the beauty.
Find beauty where others may not.
Live your life with both eyes open.
Open to your surroundings.
Open to the glory and will of the Father.
Cheers ,
McClain
The leaves have changed and have mostly fallen.
The trout streams and rivers run cold , and the banks frost up.
Winter is coming.
Winter for me is a special time. It is thanksgiving, Christmas, hunting, beards, flannel!
In a few short weeks I will be able to go back to very special places and will see very special people.
I am a North Carolina man but memories from the great states of Virginia and South Carolina lay on my heart.
The memories, and people that go along with these places have shaped me forever.
I am ready to climb the mountain and to head back to a place where time stands still.
Where the quiet sounds of the New and of the birds fill my ears and bring me at ease.
Where the wood stoves illuminates the faces of my honorary kin.
Where my brothers and I can walk side by side to the woods.
Where a way of life is slower and people are kind.
I think the reason I live in the mountains is because they bring me at ease.
Who else can walk out of a math test and stare at the Blue ridge? (okay well a few of you but you get my point)
The mountains of this state run deep in my blood.
My grandparents were born and Raised in Asheville.
My Great Grandfathers both felt the call of these hills and either moved here or built a home here.
Whenever I am in my hometown. I scan the horizon for this land of strength.
Mountains are symbol of resilience and strength that only God can bring.
Do yourself a favor.
No matter where you live. Take a minute and marvel in the beauty.
Find beauty where others may not.
Live your life with both eyes open.
Open to your surroundings.
Open to the glory and will of the Father.
Cheers ,
McClain
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Influential People
Below is a musing of people that have made an impact on me at ASU. From homeless to classmates .
His name is Thomas,
Thomas is man down on his luck. A man trodden upon by life and over looked
A man with hope in his heart but his outer shell is battered.
A man from a tough upbringing but with a sweet soul .
A man who Jesus loves.
Thomas's mother was reading about Thomas in the bible when she was in labor because she was scared to have her child. But God gave her strength.
Thomas is a man of faith but a man of the world.
At the bus stop he sat alone
An island. A stereotype.
"Why are people too afraid to speak to me?"
" I am a man just like you are".
Why do we leave the Thomas's of world in the dust ?
His name is Ben .
He is a man that is strong.
A leatherneck , A patriot .
A man that road his cheap bicycle to class two miles. While other kids slept in from drinking too much the night before.
Ben is a young soldier for his country and a new soldier for Christ.
He was sent away to war just when he was getting settled.
Here is my story that I share with Ben.
One day Ben did not come to class.
I later saw him in the quad and asked him why he wasn't there.
"I'm going to war " he said with tears in his eyes.
Me being the blubbering idiot that I am sort of mumbled an apology and kept walking.
Ashamed I sent him a simple text saying " may god be with you and I am praying for you."
Moments later he called saying we had mixed up our math books and he had to go turn his correct one in.
We arranged to meet back on the quad.
I gave him a handshake and an understanding look and said I will pray for you.
He said "okay" and took a knee.....dang
God stopped me in my tracks and I kneeled with him and together we prayed for safety and strength from God.
Ben had become a Christian the night before.
The Ben's and Thomas's of the world are abounding. We can choose to only go at face value and never truly get to know someone. But we know deep in our hearts that we should spread the great commission and message of Jesus.
God dragged me down off of my high horse and had me talk to a sad drunk and to a young scared soldier who I barely knew.
Let God work. Get out of the way ! Be an instrument for His glory.
I am in no way the influential person in these stories. I was merely a vessel used for God's love.
I pray that I continue to work for His Kingdom and to be a light at ASU.
His name is Thomas,
Thomas is man down on his luck. A man trodden upon by life and over looked
A man with hope in his heart but his outer shell is battered.
A man from a tough upbringing but with a sweet soul .
A man who Jesus loves.
Thomas's mother was reading about Thomas in the bible when she was in labor because she was scared to have her child. But God gave her strength.
Thomas is a man of faith but a man of the world.
At the bus stop he sat alone
An island. A stereotype.
"Why are people too afraid to speak to me?"
" I am a man just like you are".
Why do we leave the Thomas's of world in the dust ?
His name is Ben .
He is a man that is strong.
A leatherneck , A patriot .
A man that road his cheap bicycle to class two miles. While other kids slept in from drinking too much the night before.
Ben is a young soldier for his country and a new soldier for Christ.
He was sent away to war just when he was getting settled.
Here is my story that I share with Ben.
One day Ben did not come to class.
I later saw him in the quad and asked him why he wasn't there.
"I'm going to war " he said with tears in his eyes.
Me being the blubbering idiot that I am sort of mumbled an apology and kept walking.
Ashamed I sent him a simple text saying " may god be with you and I am praying for you."
Moments later he called saying we had mixed up our math books and he had to go turn his correct one in.
We arranged to meet back on the quad.
I gave him a handshake and an understanding look and said I will pray for you.
He said "okay" and took a knee.....dang
God stopped me in my tracks and I kneeled with him and together we prayed for safety and strength from God.
Ben had become a Christian the night before.
The Ben's and Thomas's of the world are abounding. We can choose to only go at face value and never truly get to know someone. But we know deep in our hearts that we should spread the great commission and message of Jesus.
God dragged me down off of my high horse and had me talk to a sad drunk and to a young scared soldier who I barely knew.
Let God work. Get out of the way ! Be an instrument for His glory.
I am in no way the influential person in these stories. I was merely a vessel used for God's love.
I pray that I continue to work for His Kingdom and to be a light at ASU.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
A prayer and some pictures
Here are some pictures and a short reflection I wrote over fall retreat this past weekend in the great state of Tennessee.
Father you know my heart.
You know my weakness but you give me strength.
For I am a child in your eyes and you give me a sense of peace
So let us arise as a congregation of one for you.
Let us tear down the the veil of fear that keeps us from falling in deep love with you.
"Our preoccupation with the future is our desire to control it"
In you oh God we find a new beginning and purpose each morn.
And how blessed we are for in you we live. Our lives travel roads you have laid out for us. "They wind through lonesome valleys , come upon brooks , discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!" God you traveled these roads as they curved up the mountain.
At last God we see your will. Your Zion in full view !
Some pictures from the weekend.
Father you know my heart.
You know my weakness but you give me strength.
For I am a child in your eyes and you give me a sense of peace
So let us arise as a congregation of one for you.
Let us tear down the the veil of fear that keeps us from falling in deep love with you.
"Our preoccupation with the future is our desire to control it"
In you oh God we find a new beginning and purpose each morn.
And how blessed we are for in you we live. Our lives travel roads you have laid out for us. "They wind through lonesome valleys , come upon brooks , discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain!" God you traveled these roads as they curved up the mountain.
At last God we see your will. Your Zion in full view !
Some pictures from the weekend.
 |
| The Lake |
 |
| Watauga |
 |
| Jared and Aaron trying to stack hammocks...apparently Jared makes a great ladder |
 |
| Aaron our resident monkey |
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Thanks !
Hit over 3500 views this week. I want to say thanks for those that read my blog. I know that half of the views are of people I will never meet and some are probably just spam sites sending you here. Thanks all the same ! Also check out my sound cloud account to hear some of my covers.
https://soundcloud.com/mcauthen
https://soundcloud.com/mcauthen
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