The actor Peter Sellers once said, “If you don’t live before you die, you’ll die before you live.”
It is with this thought in mind that despite my challenges in life and the difficult people I meet, I choose to look for things that make me smile. As I traverse life’s pathway, I refuse to give into negativism, whining, and senseless gossip.
It is a bit daunting however to share your thoughts with the world. What perspective or insights can I offer that someone else hasn’t already expressed?
I do on the other hand welcome you to share in my zest for life. I am first and foremost a Christian who adores his wife, loves his children, and is honored to serve two special congregations as a Pastor.
My perspectives will yield humorous and serious reflections on life.
I will also post past pieces from a column I wrote for a southwestern New Mexico newspaper under the title, “The Lighter Side”. I hope as you read my musings, you remember that my posts aren’t meant to hurt anyone’s feelings, but are meant to bring a smile to your face and a little joy to your day.
In this life, it is no matter if my name is not remembered, what does matter is that you know that someone still holds eternal optimism as a cherished gift. My little sunshine on an otherwise gloomy day is because Jesus Christ gave me so many things to be truly thankful for.
I hope you enjoy visiting my little corner of the world as you travel the information highway. Make yourself at home, come back often, and share this blog with friends. 🙂
Enthusiasm is Contagious 
MOST EXCELLENT John! May your new undertaking bring much joy to those who read and to the author himself! Blessings! Arthur and Tesa
As always, I will be interested in what you have to say because it makes me smile.
I too look daily for the smiles i give me! Be looking forward to more!
Good beginning, John. Will visit again. Cheers.\
John, I will enjoy what you write on here. I will keep up with your writing’s. Thanks .
I look forward to reading your musings as much as I enjoy your Sabbath sermons.
I will enjoy what you write on here as much as your facebook posts.
I will be following your blog! Thanks for including me. You always (well, most of the time) make my day!!!
really glad you started this blog John! Enjoying it already!
You seem to have a wonderful attitude, and a great sense of humor, and that is like the friend I knew also. But it has been quite some time since I’ve seen him, as you might imagine.
Hi John…Although we have never met…I feel as if I know you after reading your beautiful message about your mom. I have known both your mom and dad for many years and I can hear and see both of them in your humor and love. You have inherited these great gifts from wonderful parents. God Bless you and your family!
Thank you so much for reading my blog stories. It makes me happy that I can share some smiles and laughter. It’s in short supply in this world. Blessing. John
John thank you I am enjoying this blog , the nights can get cold out there , there is always room at my campfire for you
Thank you my friend. Except if I sit at your campfire I’ll need a pith helmet, blow dart, and large rifle. lol
Just love reading your contagious enthusiasm…..Your stories of your mom and dad, Ma and Pappy bring back so many great memories. I am a pipeline gal that lived in Shelburne, NH when your dad was growing up. I can see your humor comes from the folks for sure. Your dad preached for my mom and dad’s funerals…no better people than Jack and Betty Ann! Love them…hope to meet you sometime John.
Thank you for your kind words. I still consider New England my home. I miss my granddad bunches. I guess I’m one of a few that remembers the smell of the Androscoggin fondly. lol. I’m fortunate to be coming home soon to spend some time with my parents next month. I hope one day we will meet as well. Again thank you for reading my blog, I love doing it.
You make me smile….have to say that I do not miss that ?fragrance? of the Androscoggin! Moved to Lancaster Pipeline House and would sometimes get the Crude Oil fragrance….have to say of the two, that was better. 🙂
Hi there! My name is Jenny and I live in Portland, Oregon, through I grew up in New England and certainly know the Androscoggin Lake/River and area (I went to summer camp nearby on Cobbesseecontee). Anyway, I am writing because in my life I have been told one thing more than anything else, word for word: your enthusiasm is contagious! I am writing to you now because I see you haven’t posted here in 5 years and I’m curious if you still want this URL. I am a community organizer, teacher, consultant and group process facilitator and I’m starting my own freelance work doing these things, and hope to have a website with the URL that you currently own! Sooo I’m curious if you feel ready to pass this lovely title on…….. Thanks for considering! Also I think you would be able to migrate all of this content onto a new site, and I could help you do that. cheers from oregon, jenny
Well it’s been a year not five, but my website is a reflection of my outlook on life. I’m finishing a book on how to go through rough times while looking for the humor in life.
It’s entitled, “As For Me and my Outhouse, We Will Serve the Lord.” It’s a twist to the scripture in the book of Jeremiah.
While I’d love to assist you, I do desire to repost again after my book is completed. It’s always nice to talk with a northern New Englander.
Thank you for your inquiry and God Bless. John Baker