If you are following me here at terrybjohnson.blogspot.com please consider moving with me to terrybjohnson.wordpress.com. I apologize for the move, but feel like I can serve our interests better there.
Thanks,
Terry Johnson
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Daddy
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. — Exodus 20:12
Daddy:
I stand here looking down at this piece of granite with your name etched on it – Harrison Benjamin Johnson. You gave me 2/3 of your name – carrying on the tradition of the name Benjamin in our family. I am honored that you chose to send forth that name with me. I’ve been thinking alot about you Daddy – how you raised us kids, how you worked hard at the factory, how you disciplined us, how you provided. I cannot imagine having 9 kids, especially on your income, but you did and we never went without the things we needed. I remember how Thursdays were always paydays, which meant grocery shopping day, which meant more “stuff” in our house on that particular day. We were never hungry, but having potato chips and cookies on Thursdays was always a treat so we tore into them like a pack of dogs. They were gone by Friday.I remember Sunday mornings when Mother would get up early and make a big pan of gravy and some of her delicious biscuits – the house would be full of us all and we would all dig in until our bellies were about to explode. Then we would get ourselves ready and go to the church and hear an awesome sermon from Rev Allen. Often I would sit beside Mother on the pew and would lay my head on her shoulder and fall asleep. I know you never liked that but you did allow me to have a good nap here and there.
I remember those huge console TVs that we had over the years that was attached to an antenna that we had to turn by hand. Don’t know how you afforded that either, but somehow you did manage. Daddy, I remember how very hard you worked and how you would come home at the end of the day all dirty, greasy and tired. But you would come home and begin to work on that list of chores – always involved around trying to fix up the leaky, drafty house we lived in. I told somebody the other day how I learned HONESTY from you, Daddy. I don’t know that you ever said that word to me, but you lived it and set a fine example. I want you to know that I speak of you kindly, even if you did whip me awfully hard with that belt of yours way too often. I deserved them all.
“Any man can be a Father but it takes someone special to be a dad.” -Anne Geddes
Daddy, there are some words that I am pretty sure that I never spoke to you. I want to speak them to you now. You know, growing up we never hugged as a family, never showed much affection. But it was felt by us all. We saw the sacrifices you made. So even if you never said those words to me either, I knew how you felt about me. I love you Daddy – there I said it. I love you. It’s OK for a son to say that to his daddy, right? You provided, you instructed, you disciplined…..you loved me Daddy.
OK, so you never encouraged me to play Little League Baseball, so you never pushed me to play football. You saw us play those games with the neighborhood kids and you were content with that….and I was too. You didn’t take me to Boy Scouts. We went camping as a family each summer – I certainly remember those times in that big canvas tent. And I remember the smell of bacon cooking in that big iron skillet by the campsite and how Mother loved that. I guess that was Boy Scouts for me, huh Daddy? I don’t have any merit badges to show off, but I have something better – those memories that will dwell in my mind and in my heart as long as I am breathing. Oh, how I wish I was camping in the mountains by that stream with you now, Daddy.
So here I stand, looking at that piece of granite with your name etched on it and the years 1915 – 1997. I am standing here and I am remembering, I am reliving. Daddy, in my mind right now I am giving you a big hug, then shaking your hand like gentlemen do and I am saying…”I love you, Daddy“. My heart is full of many things now, notably love and gratitude. I am sorry I never adequately expressed those things to you before 1997. But I am now and I know you can hear these words being spoken from my soul to yours. You did good by me, Daddy. I will do my best to carry on the legacy that you entrusted to me.
Love,
Your youngest son.
Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. — Proverbs 1:8
and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. — Proverbs 1:8
Monday, October 18, 2010
Elected
We're gonna win this one, take the country by storm,
We're gonna be elected,
You and me together, young and strong,
We're gonna be elected, elected, elected,
Respected, selected, call collected,
I wanna be elected, elected.
-----from Elected, by Alice Cooper
This morning I had a beautiful drive in - the air was cool, the sky was mostly clear, the sunrise was gorgeous, but the signs that littered the streets were hideous. I can't wait for this election to be over. With mutliple signs on every street corner, billboards, TV ads, mailouts - I just want it to end. And many of the TV ads don't tell you who TO vote for...many of them just tell you who NOT to vote for. Mud slinging, BBQ eating, baby kissing----it makes me want to throw up. Early voting has started today - maybe I will go vote for the people who have NOT littered my landscapes and airwaves.
The Good News - I have already been elected. Almighty God has elected me as a "citizen in waiting" of His amazing Kingdom. No signs will be there, no airwave pollution. I do hope to eat some pig though - man I hope I don't have to give that up for eternity! God has elected me - he gave me this beautiful gift all wrapped up with a big bow on it. All I had to do was accept the gift, which I have. I have been called, I have been respected, I have been selected....I have been elected. Thank you God.
Join me this year in voting early.....and often! Let's vote Almighty God as our King. Let's vote for Jesus Christ as our Savior. Let's vote for The Holy Spirit as our Counselor. They are on my ballot and I am about to pull the lever strong and hard. Don't want any hanging chads. I want my vote to be loud and clear and I want it to be counted. I want them all, Father, Son, Spirit - to be Elected.
My name is Terry Johnson.....and I approved this message.
We're gonna be elected,
You and me together, young and strong,
We're gonna be elected, elected, elected,
Respected, selected, call collected,
I wanna be elected, elected.
-----from Elected, by Alice Cooper
This morning I had a beautiful drive in - the air was cool, the sky was mostly clear, the sunrise was gorgeous, but the signs that littered the streets were hideous. I can't wait for this election to be over. With mutliple signs on every street corner, billboards, TV ads, mailouts - I just want it to end. And many of the TV ads don't tell you who TO vote for...many of them just tell you who NOT to vote for. Mud slinging, BBQ eating, baby kissing----it makes me want to throw up. Early voting has started today - maybe I will go vote for the people who have NOT littered my landscapes and airwaves.
The Good News - I have already been elected. Almighty God has elected me as a "citizen in waiting" of His amazing Kingdom. No signs will be there, no airwave pollution. I do hope to eat some pig though - man I hope I don't have to give that up for eternity! God has elected me - he gave me this beautiful gift all wrapped up with a big bow on it. All I had to do was accept the gift, which I have. I have been called, I have been respected, I have been selected....I have been elected. Thank you God.
Join me this year in voting early.....and often! Let's vote Almighty God as our King. Let's vote for Jesus Christ as our Savior. Let's vote for The Holy Spirit as our Counselor. They are on my ballot and I am about to pull the lever strong and hard. Don't want any hanging chads. I want my vote to be loud and clear and I want it to be counted. I want them all, Father, Son, Spirit - to be Elected.
My name is Terry Johnson.....and I approved this message.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Rainbow Connection
This morning while driving in to work in a slow, unsteady rain I had the pleasure of seeing an awesome rainbow. I could see about 1/2 of the rainbow - it began at the dark, imposing clouds and streamed almost straight down - apparently touching the mountains in the distance. The view from my windshield was awesome. On the radio these words were being sung:
Its all Yours, God,
Yours, God
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor
And its all Yours, God,
Everything is Yours
From the stars in the sky
To the depths of the ocean floor
And its all Yours, God,
Yours, God
Everything is Yours
You're the Maker and Keeper,
Everything is Yours
You're the Maker and Keeper,
Father and Ruler of everything
It's all Yours
It's all Yours
----lyrics by Steven Curtis Chapman
Wow! This morning I was treated to an awesome display of nature, a powerful visual of God's hand in this world. The rainbow, the mountains, the rain, the clouds, the Earth.....me. It's All yours, God. We are all Yours, God. Through drops of water and a rainbow I had a connection with my Creator.
I gotta feelin'.....
Terry
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Reign O'er Me
Love Reign O'er Me Clip
LOVE.....reign o'er me! ---- The Who
Good Wednesday Morning JJFG:
Last night our run was highlighted by some awesome lightning - thank God it was away in the distance a bit and wasn't ever a threat to us. It was a beautiful and awesome display of God's power in this universe. Streaks ran horizontally across the sky and then forked off this way and that. A few drops of rain fell here and there during our run - mostly there. It has been rather dry here lately - save for a few occasional showers. The local news said yesterday morning that we are officially in a drought. My car is dusty, my lawn is dry, so far the changing leaves just don't have that wow factor. The drought is showing it's ugly head all around - including my spiritual life.
For some reason lately I have found myself in a spiritual drought. I don't know why - is it because I am not praying as often or as fervently as I could be? Is it because I am not cracking open a Bible, except to prepare for a Sunday School lesson? I am reading a daily devotion which includes Scripture. I am praying rather long prayers, usually on my drive in to work each morning. I have, for the most part, been in church every Sunday. So why am I in this spiritual drought? Well after reading what I just wrote, the answer is painfully clear. You see, sometimes I need to organize my thoughts in written form before I can truly see the truth.
"Nobody puts Baby in a corner" - Johnny Castle (played by Patrick Swayze) from Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing Clip
I have placed Almighty God in a corner. I go to that corner when I need something, whenever I am driving and have nothing better to do. I read His words to me when I need to prepare for a lesson. I have taken my relationship with my Creator and have neatly shoved Him over into a corner of my life. I go to visit him in that corner often but it's for a quick visit - hey, how 'ya doing, what's new, see 'ya later. He wants me to sit with Him. To slow down and talk. He wants me to prove to Him that my love is real. He doesn't want a quick prayer while driving at 55 MPH. He wants me down on my knees bowing before Him. He doesn't want a Twitter existence - where I am only reading 140 characters of His Word to me at a time. He wants me to go deeper.
LOVE.....reign o'er me! ---- The Who
Good Wednesday Morning JJFG:
Last night our run was highlighted by some awesome lightning - thank God it was away in the distance a bit and wasn't ever a threat to us. It was a beautiful and awesome display of God's power in this universe. Streaks ran horizontally across the sky and then forked off this way and that. A few drops of rain fell here and there during our run - mostly there. It has been rather dry here lately - save for a few occasional showers. The local news said yesterday morning that we are officially in a drought. My car is dusty, my lawn is dry, so far the changing leaves just don't have that wow factor. The drought is showing it's ugly head all around - including my spiritual life.
For some reason lately I have found myself in a spiritual drought. I don't know why - is it because I am not praying as often or as fervently as I could be? Is it because I am not cracking open a Bible, except to prepare for a Sunday School lesson? I am reading a daily devotion which includes Scripture. I am praying rather long prayers, usually on my drive in to work each morning. I have, for the most part, been in church every Sunday. So why am I in this spiritual drought? Well after reading what I just wrote, the answer is painfully clear. You see, sometimes I need to organize my thoughts in written form before I can truly see the truth.
"Nobody puts Baby in a corner" - Johnny Castle (played by Patrick Swayze) from Dirty Dancing
Dirty Dancing Clip
I have placed Almighty God in a corner. I go to that corner when I need something, whenever I am driving and have nothing better to do. I read His words to me when I need to prepare for a lesson. I have taken my relationship with my Creator and have neatly shoved Him over into a corner of my life. I go to visit him in that corner often but it's for a quick visit - hey, how 'ya doing, what's new, see 'ya later. He wants me to sit with Him. To slow down and talk. He wants me to prove to Him that my love is real. He doesn't want a quick prayer while driving at 55 MPH. He wants me down on my knees bowing before Him. He doesn't want a Twitter existence - where I am only reading 140 characters of His Word to me at a time. He wants me to go deeper.
The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. -- Psalm 97:1
Challenge: God deserves more than a corner of our lives. He deserves our First Fruits. We need to bring our A-Game out for Him. He deserves our BEST. Let's commit to placing our God center stage in our life.
Only love,
Can bring the rain,
That makes you yearn to the sky.
Only love,
Can bring the rain,
That falls like tears from on high.
Can bring the rain,
That makes you yearn to the sky.
Only love,
Can bring the rain,
That falls like tears from on high.
-----from Love Reign O'er Me, by The Who
Guys, I am reminded of one of my favorite movies, The Shawshank Redemption where Andy has been planning and preparing for his escape from prison for years. Then he consumates that plan one stormy night and gains his freedom through a sewer pipe. Once he washes out into freedom, he takes off his shirt, lifts his hands into the air - the lightning flashes, the rain pours down over him. Freedom. Today I am lifting up my hands to my Creator and I am feeling his amazing Love as it reigns o'er me. I have been cleansed, I have been forgiven, I have been set Free. And with you as my witnesses, I am placing Almighty God back where He belongs - front and center. The drought is over. Join me, will you?
The Shawshank Redemption Clip
The Shawshank Redemption Clip
And in the morning I will be making my escape on over to Java Journey. I will be sitting in a corner all by myself - that is until you join me there. Come share your experience and together we can allow LOVE to reign o'er us! C U there.
Terry
"We also assume responsibility for bringing to the house of the LORD each year the firstfruits of our crops and of every fruit tree." -- Nehemiah 10:35
Monday, October 11, 2010
Age
Terry is 53 years of age.
He looks like he is......well, you decide.
He acts like he is 25 on a good day.
What's wrong with him?
On Saturday a good friend of his called him a "freak". The friend said it with a smile on his face, but he DID call Terry a freak. Hmmmmm. [Reminds me of a scene from "The Lion King" when young Simba tells his uncle Scar that he is "weird" Scar answers with "Oh....you have no idea!"]
The Lion King Clip
So Terry is a 53 year old freak who acted on Saturday like he was maybe 15.
==================================
Last night I had these dreams - my dreams usually last about 5 seconds, but last nights were much longer. I was in a house and some guy was trying to get me - he had a gun in a sock. I was able to get it from him and I ran outside and buried it in some sand. While coming back in the house, the place where the gun was buried "exploded" - I looked back and saw several aliens coming after me with flame throwers. I eventually woke up and was tired from fighting with the aliens. Freak-ish.
Terry, the 53 year old freak who dreams of aliens and watches "The Lion King" found himself asleep on a bus Saturday night about 11:15 pm on I-40. He woke with a start, not sure where he was and looked out the window and saw a sign - it said EXIT 128. Freaky.
Terry, the 53 year old freak, who dreams of aliens, watches "The Lion King" and sleeps on buses......is done with this post.
Purpose: identity, life, friends.
Terry
aka: Super Freak
He looks like he is......well, you decide.
He acts like he is 25 on a good day.
What's wrong with him?
On Saturday a good friend of his called him a "freak". The friend said it with a smile on his face, but he DID call Terry a freak. Hmmmmm. [Reminds me of a scene from "The Lion King" when young Simba tells his uncle Scar that he is "weird" Scar answers with "Oh....you have no idea!"]
The Lion King Clip
So Terry is a 53 year old freak who acted on Saturday like he was maybe 15.
==================================
Last night I had these dreams - my dreams usually last about 5 seconds, but last nights were much longer. I was in a house and some guy was trying to get me - he had a gun in a sock. I was able to get it from him and I ran outside and buried it in some sand. While coming back in the house, the place where the gun was buried "exploded" - I looked back and saw several aliens coming after me with flame throwers. I eventually woke up and was tired from fighting with the aliens. Freak-ish.
Terry, the 53 year old freak who dreams of aliens and watches "The Lion King" found himself asleep on a bus Saturday night about 11:15 pm on I-40. He woke with a start, not sure where he was and looked out the window and saw a sign - it said EXIT 128. Freaky.
Terry, the 53 year old freak, who dreams of aliens, watches "The Lion King" and sleeps on buses......is done with this post.
Purpose: identity, life, friends.
Terry
aka: Super Freak
Friday, October 8, 2010
Friday
This is Fantastic Friday - I have deemed it so myself earlier this morning. Part of my Friday routine involves going by McDonald's on my way in to work and getting me one of their awesome Yogurt and Fruit Parfaits and a Large Coffee - Black. I thought I left the house this morning at a good time to arrive at the Mickey D's in Lenoir to avoid the Fantastic Friday rush, but I was sadly mistaken. The cars were out into the street - so I avoided the drive thru and went inside. The line in there was just as long and patience is not a virtue that comes easily for me. But within a few short minutes I walked out the door, parfait and coffee in hand. My treat for Fantastic Friday. And now I am sitting in my office in downtown Lenoir, someone has the heat on HIGH, my window is open and I am hearing the church bells play hymns from FBC Lenoir across the street. Life is Good.
Terry
Thursday, October 7, 2010
The Agony of DeFeet
For a while now I have been feeling a pain in my left foot - it was in a very specific area at the ball of my foot at the base of my 2nd toe. I self diagnosed a stress fracture - I've had one before and I know what that pain is like. I took time off from running - 3 weeks. The pain of not running exceeded the pain caused by running. I finally gave it up and went to visit Dr. Bill Johncock - a Podiatrist in Hickory. Dr. Johncock is a Christian, a father, a Podiatrist and a runner - a good one at that. His marathons number somewhere in the 80's. But the real story lies in his dad - Jerry Johncock.
Bill's dad is 82 years old. Bill describes him as a lean 135 pounds. He says he has the biomechanics for a runner - something I only wish I had. Jerry Johncock can apparently run long distances and he just never has any pains or issues. I have them often. Jerry Johncock discovered the joy of running in his early 50's and he continues to run at age 82. This past Sunday Jerry Johncock completed his 110th marathon - yes, you read that right. At the tender age of 82 this man ran a marathon in 4 hours 31 minutes. That's about the same time that I can run a marathon in. For a man my age that is no big feat, for a man of 82 years to run a marathon at all, much less in 4 1/2 hours - that's amazing. But he does have that biomechanic thing going for him.
Bill has some stories about his dad's running history - I will let you talk to him about those. I saw Bill as a patient 6 days ago - I have run twice since and am pretty much pain free today. Dr. Johncock knows feet, he knows running and I recommend him if you have problems with your feet. But I didn't type these words to be an advertisement for his services. Tonight I am praising God that He allowed me to feel the agony of defeet. Why? Because it gave me an opportunity to reconnect with Bill Johncock.
I'm running a little slower than normal until healing happens completely. So if you see me running down the streets of Hickory give me a toot - we can connect that way!
Terry
Bill's dad is 82 years old. Bill describes him as a lean 135 pounds. He says he has the biomechanics for a runner - something I only wish I had. Jerry Johncock can apparently run long distances and he just never has any pains or issues. I have them often. Jerry Johncock discovered the joy of running in his early 50's and he continues to run at age 82. This past Sunday Jerry Johncock completed his 110th marathon - yes, you read that right. At the tender age of 82 this man ran a marathon in 4 hours 31 minutes. That's about the same time that I can run a marathon in. For a man my age that is no big feat, for a man of 82 years to run a marathon at all, much less in 4 1/2 hours - that's amazing. But he does have that biomechanic thing going for him.
Bill has some stories about his dad's running history - I will let you talk to him about those. I saw Bill as a patient 6 days ago - I have run twice since and am pretty much pain free today. Dr. Johncock knows feet, he knows running and I recommend him if you have problems with your feet. But I didn't type these words to be an advertisement for his services. Tonight I am praising God that He allowed me to feel the agony of defeet. Why? Because it gave me an opportunity to reconnect with Bill Johncock.
I'm running a little slower than normal until healing happens completely. So if you see me running down the streets of Hickory give me a toot - we can connect that way!
Terry
Wild Life
The word "wild" applies to the words "you" and "me".
While taking a walk thru an African park one day,
I saw a sign say, "The animals have the right of way".----from Wild Life, by Paul McCartney
4:45 AM - out of bed, brush my teeth, put on running clothes - then out the door. Why I am meeting my running buddies at this crazy hour is beyond me, but I am not asleep so I should be doing something productive, right? Driving down Falling Creek Road on my way to begin my run I see a couple or three dogs in the road - odd, I think. It turns out that they are coyotes. Wild Life right here in my neighborhood. As we preapre to run I look up into the dark, starlit sky. Orion is shining brightly overhead, bow drawn with his arrow pointed directly at Ursa Major - the Big Bear, aka the Big Dipper. Orion is prepared to shoot some wild life of his own. After our run I am letting our Jack Russell wannabe out for her morning business. She sneezes as she approaches the door - I say "Bless You"...to a dog. I chuckle. Wild Life. Upstairs as I am preparing for work Diane rolls over and says "did you realize that you didn't turn off your alarm clock before you left!" Dern! She was wakened at 5:00 AM to that awful sound of the alarm clock. Wild. Life.
Then coffee with my java buds - I get caffeinated up and ready for the ride up Hwy 321. Driving on that road should be a NASCAR event. On a road that should have a 45 MPH speed limit, but it is actually 55 MPH, which means most everyone drives 64 MPH. Life in the wild fast lane.
God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. -- Genesis 1:25
So 10/07/10 started off early for me and it has been WILD to this point. I've witnessed God's creation in all their glory...the stars, the animals, the drivers....the coffee drinkers. A beautiful start to what I am sure will be an awesome day. Even in the darkness that exists at 4:45 AM, God's Awesome Glory cannot be suppressed.
Let's let our (wild) light shine today....for Him!
Terry
While taking a walk thru an African park one day,
I saw a sign say, "The animals have the right of way".----from Wild Life, by Paul McCartney
4:45 AM - out of bed, brush my teeth, put on running clothes - then out the door. Why I am meeting my running buddies at this crazy hour is beyond me, but I am not asleep so I should be doing something productive, right? Driving down Falling Creek Road on my way to begin my run I see a couple or three dogs in the road - odd, I think. It turns out that they are coyotes. Wild Life right here in my neighborhood. As we preapre to run I look up into the dark, starlit sky. Orion is shining brightly overhead, bow drawn with his arrow pointed directly at Ursa Major - the Big Bear, aka the Big Dipper. Orion is prepared to shoot some wild life of his own. After our run I am letting our Jack Russell wannabe out for her morning business. She sneezes as she approaches the door - I say "Bless You"...to a dog. I chuckle. Wild Life. Upstairs as I am preparing for work Diane rolls over and says "did you realize that you didn't turn off your alarm clock before you left!" Dern! She was wakened at 5:00 AM to that awful sound of the alarm clock. Wild. Life.
Then coffee with my java buds - I get caffeinated up and ready for the ride up Hwy 321. Driving on that road should be a NASCAR event. On a road that should have a 45 MPH speed limit, but it is actually 55 MPH, which means most everyone drives 64 MPH. Life in the wild fast lane.
God made the wild animals according to their kinds, the livestock according to their kinds, and all the creatures that move along the ground according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good. -- Genesis 1:25
So 10/07/10 started off early for me and it has been WILD to this point. I've witnessed God's creation in all their glory...the stars, the animals, the drivers....the coffee drinkers. A beautiful start to what I am sure will be an awesome day. Even in the darkness that exists at 4:45 AM, God's Awesome Glory cannot be suppressed.
Let's let our (wild) light shine today....for Him!
Terry
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Praise
I've read the book of Job and how he praised God through the many trials that he faced. It's amazing that he had the ability to sing praises to God in the midst of such severe trials. I can read that, be moved by it and then find myself bogged down by my own small trials. In the midst of my being bogged down, I lose sight of what the Almighty is trying to teach me through the pain that He is allowing me to feel. But He is trying to teach me and I bet He is trying to teach you as well.
Let's decide today to feel the pain that we have, not to mask over it. Let's cry tears of sadness when they are appropriate. And let's cry out to our Creator for deliverance. But while doing those things that acknowledge our pain......let's PRAISE our Lord. We can bring glory to God in this way.
"The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21)
Praising God at this moment.....
Terry
Let's decide today to feel the pain that we have, not to mask over it. Let's cry tears of sadness when they are appropriate. And let's cry out to our Creator for deliverance. But while doing those things that acknowledge our pain......let's PRAISE our Lord. We can bring glory to God in this way.
"The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21)
Praising God at this moment.....
Terry
HeartFelt
[Author's Note: For those receiving this blog for the first time: Terry writes a weekly blog devotion including an invitation to join him and his friends at Java Journey for a time of fellowship on Thursday mornings. Read my words here, join me at Java Journey this and every Thursday morning from 6:30 AM til 7:45 AM.]
[Editors Note: Terry wrote these words, but they came directly from Me. Be encouraged, be blessed. YHWH]
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. ---2 Corinthians 8:9
========================================
Way back in my High School days I read a book by John Howard Griffin titled Black Like Me. The book was published in 1961 and was a non-fiction account of a white man who passed himself off as a black man, while traveling on Greyhound buses and hitchhiking in the deep south. He wanted to feel what it was like to be a black man in those racially prejudiced times. Griffin kept a journal of his experiences and that journal was the basis for his book. It was good to read of his experiences. This past Friday night a dozen or so folks from FBC participated in Plunge 2 Poverty - a simulation where we lived in a cardboard box that we constructed for one night, we didn't eat, we had visits from the HPD who talked to us about the homeless in our area. It was an eye-opening time as we had moments of experiencing just a bit of what the poor and homeless in our area go through. Also this weekend the youth and some adults from FBC had the honor of manning a rest station for Brett's Ride. Brett Gosnell died of a rare form of cancer as a very young college student and his family hosts a bike ride each year in the fall to honor Brett and to raise awareness and money for cancer research. After helping with this event I pondered a bit about what it must feel like for the Gosnell family to have experienced the death of their child. They honor him in a big way each year, but the pain of their loss must be difficult to bear.
Mr Griffin experienced a small taste of what the life of a black man was like way back in the early 1960's.
Some FBC folks this weekend experienced a small taste of poverty and homelessness.
I pondered moments of the pain the Gosnell family must have experienced over their loss.
Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.--John 16:22
But guys, none of those attempts come close to the reality of the pain, despair and grief these folks have felt. We can make feeble attempts at feeling another person's pain or life experiences, and I think it's a good thing to attempt it, but we cannot truly know how another soul on the planet feels. Monday morning on my drive in to Caldwell Hospice, I experienced another one of those awesome drives where Almighty God was right there with me in my car. The air was cool, the sky was covered with intermittent clouds - deep grays, bold whites and intense pinks as the sun shone on them from a distance. There is one view of Grandfather Mountain I get while coming down Hwy 90 into Lenoir that was just spectactular. I was awestruck and I was having one of my moments with my Creator. And I can make feeble attempts at describing my feelings to you, but my desire is for you to feel them for yourself. This morning, my King was holding my heart and He can truly feel what lies therein.
In our brief life on Earth, we will feel moments of hopelessness and despair, we will feel intense pain and grief, and we will have some awesome mountaintop experiences that take our breath away. And all through those feelings and emotions, God Almighty is there with us, carrying us, holding our hearts, whispering into our ear that He LOVES us. You see, He loves us, His creation, so much that He sent His son to die for us. Ponder on that for some time today - make feeble attempts at feeling the love that God has for you. Trust me, you won't get close to knowing the depth of that love, but it is a good thing to make attempts to feel it. And when you do feel moments of His love for you, then make another attempt at sharing that experience with another soul. A soul who needs an encouraging word, who needs a hand up, a soul who is in the midst of despair, grief or lonliness. Reach out and touch the heart of another soul with the love of your Creator. Two souls will be blessed in the process.
Challenge: Reach out and touch someone's hand. Make this world a better place...if you can.
"You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you."
~ Frederick Buechner
Sorry guys, but I cannot word it any better than Diana Ross did in the song that I quoted in my challenge above. I think Mr. Griffin made the world a better place. I believe the folks who organized our Plunge 2 Poverty are making attempts. And I know that Brett Gosnell has made the world a better place. Let's join their efforts, let's carry on their legacy, let's honor our King. Let's make attempts at sharing in the pain and grief of our friends and then let's reach out and touch them. OK, all together now....both hands raised high in the air...sing along with me...reach out and touch, somebody's hand....make this world a better place, if you can. Reach out and touch......
And early on Thursday morning won't you join me over at Java Journey for some awesome time of fellowship? Guys I am touched each week while hearing accounts of your lives, your struggles and your joy. Join me there and together we can start a Revolution of Caring. You know, we all want to change the world. C U there.
Terry
=========================================
To make an attempt at knowing who Brett Gosnell was, read the words on this site: http://www.brettsride.org/docs/who_was_brett.pdf
To learn more about Plunge2Poverty...ask Dacia Jones
To read Black Like Me, order the book here: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Like-John-Howard-Griffin/dp/0451192036
To learn more about God's amazing Love for YOU, read His word here: http://www.biblegateway.com/
[Editors Note: Terry wrote these words, but they came directly from Me. Be encouraged, be blessed. YHWH]
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. ---2 Corinthians 8:9
========================================
Way back in my High School days I read a book by John Howard Griffin titled Black Like Me. The book was published in 1961 and was a non-fiction account of a white man who passed himself off as a black man, while traveling on Greyhound buses and hitchhiking in the deep south. He wanted to feel what it was like to be a black man in those racially prejudiced times. Griffin kept a journal of his experiences and that journal was the basis for his book. It was good to read of his experiences. This past Friday night a dozen or so folks from FBC participated in Plunge 2 Poverty - a simulation where we lived in a cardboard box that we constructed for one night, we didn't eat, we had visits from the HPD who talked to us about the homeless in our area. It was an eye-opening time as we had moments of experiencing just a bit of what the poor and homeless in our area go through. Also this weekend the youth and some adults from FBC had the honor of manning a rest station for Brett's Ride. Brett Gosnell died of a rare form of cancer as a very young college student and his family hosts a bike ride each year in the fall to honor Brett and to raise awareness and money for cancer research. After helping with this event I pondered a bit about what it must feel like for the Gosnell family to have experienced the death of their child. They honor him in a big way each year, but the pain of their loss must be difficult to bear.
Mr Griffin experienced a small taste of what the life of a black man was like way back in the early 1960's.
Some FBC folks this weekend experienced a small taste of poverty and homelessness.
I pondered moments of the pain the Gosnell family must have experienced over their loss.
Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.--John 16:22
But guys, none of those attempts come close to the reality of the pain, despair and grief these folks have felt. We can make feeble attempts at feeling another person's pain or life experiences, and I think it's a good thing to attempt it, but we cannot truly know how another soul on the planet feels. Monday morning on my drive in to Caldwell Hospice, I experienced another one of those awesome drives where Almighty God was right there with me in my car. The air was cool, the sky was covered with intermittent clouds - deep grays, bold whites and intense pinks as the sun shone on them from a distance. There is one view of Grandfather Mountain I get while coming down Hwy 90 into Lenoir that was just spectactular. I was awestruck and I was having one of my moments with my Creator. And I can make feeble attempts at describing my feelings to you, but my desire is for you to feel them for yourself. This morning, my King was holding my heart and He can truly feel what lies therein.
In our brief life on Earth, we will feel moments of hopelessness and despair, we will feel intense pain and grief, and we will have some awesome mountaintop experiences that take our breath away. And all through those feelings and emotions, God Almighty is there with us, carrying us, holding our hearts, whispering into our ear that He LOVES us. You see, He loves us, His creation, so much that He sent His son to die for us. Ponder on that for some time today - make feeble attempts at feeling the love that God has for you. Trust me, you won't get close to knowing the depth of that love, but it is a good thing to make attempts to feel it. And when you do feel moments of His love for you, then make another attempt at sharing that experience with another soul. A soul who needs an encouraging word, who needs a hand up, a soul who is in the midst of despair, grief or lonliness. Reach out and touch the heart of another soul with the love of your Creator. Two souls will be blessed in the process.
Challenge: Reach out and touch someone's hand. Make this world a better place...if you can.
"You can kiss your family and friends good-bye and put miles between you, but at the same time you carry them with you in your heart, your mind, your stomach, because you do not just live in a world but a world lives in you."
~ Frederick Buechner
Sorry guys, but I cannot word it any better than Diana Ross did in the song that I quoted in my challenge above. I think Mr. Griffin made the world a better place. I believe the folks who organized our Plunge 2 Poverty are making attempts. And I know that Brett Gosnell has made the world a better place. Let's join their efforts, let's carry on their legacy, let's honor our King. Let's make attempts at sharing in the pain and grief of our friends and then let's reach out and touch them. OK, all together now....both hands raised high in the air...sing along with me...reach out and touch, somebody's hand....make this world a better place, if you can. Reach out and touch......
And early on Thursday morning won't you join me over at Java Journey for some awesome time of fellowship? Guys I am touched each week while hearing accounts of your lives, your struggles and your joy. Join me there and together we can start a Revolution of Caring. You know, we all want to change the world. C U there.
Terry
=========================================
To make an attempt at knowing who Brett Gosnell was, read the words on this site: http://www.brettsride.org/docs/who_was_brett.pdf
To learn more about Plunge2Poverty...ask Dacia Jones
To read Black Like Me, order the book here: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Like-John-Howard-Griffin/dp/0451192036
To learn more about God's amazing Love for YOU, read His word here: http://www.biblegateway.com/
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Heavenly Timpani
[Editors Note: Terry chose to ramble just a bit here - actually alot. I couldn't stop him. If you don't have 10 minutes right now, then read this later when you can slow down and savor every word. He has asked that you - the reader - be blessed somehow by these words. May it be so.]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The clouds poured down water,
the skies resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth. ---Psalm 77:17
the skies resounded with thunder;
your arrows flashed back and forth. ---Psalm 77:17
Good Morning Java Journey Fellowship Group:
Sunday night I was sitting out on my front porch a little after 11 pm. I was enjoying the warm night, the gentle breeze stirring, the intermittent clouds blowing past the bright, large moon. It was a nice evening to be sitting outside waiting on my dogs to take care of business. I wondered for a few minutes why the weather couldn't have been this nice just 24 hours ago, when my son and I were camping beside the Linville River - way down deep in the Linville Gorge. It began raining in the gorge about 4 pm Saturday afternoon and rained steady, not hard but steady until about 5 AM Sunday morning. We cooked our supper with our rain gear on, we ate out in the elements, we cleaned up our kitchen mess and we talked a bit with the two other Boy Scout adults who were brave (stupid) enough to stand out in the rain. Mike asked, "what do you think this weather looks like on the Weather Channel right now?" I said I am sure it would be a big green blob on the radar. Gene said he had watched the weather channel and a big "red" blob was coming! Geoffrey and I went to our tent about 8 or so as we were tired of being in the rain.
In our tent we were dry - the tent was doing its job. We lay there and talked, we played word games, we were silly, we were serious. We laughed - alot. Geoffrey and I lay there in the tent beside the Linville River in the steady rain and he and I had a moment - we enjoyed each other's company and we bonded as father and son just a bit. After a couple of hours we were getting tired so we decided to get some sleep. As the night wore on, the rain got just a bit more steady and we were still dry. Sometime around 3 AM there was a big flash of lightning and then the most amazing sound I have heard in a long time. It sounded like timpani - kettle drums - being played with gusto as the thunder bounced off the walls of the gorge. The sound rolled back and forth bouncing from the East wall then to the West wall of the gorge. This "heavenly timpani" concert played on for several seconds, the sound so deep that it rattled the ground beneath our wet tents. I turned to Geoffrey and said "did you hear that?". "Yes", he replied. I said, "we would be a 'red blob' on the Weather Channel right now!" The rain got harder, beating on the top of our little tent. The timpani concert and the light show continued for a while.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ---James 1:2
Back to Sunday night and my pondering about the weather again....if we had had beautiful weather Saturday night in the gorge, we would have missed that special time of laughing in our tent - we would have been outside around the campfire with the other boy scouts. We would have missed the sound of the rain beating on the top of our tent, we would have missed the awesome light show provided by the lightning. We would have missed the heavenly timpani rolling through the gorge. It was one of those times when the circumstances could have been difficult, but God provided an opportunity for father and son to laugh, talk, bond - and then to see His glory in nature.
and all of creation sing with me now
lift up your voice and lay your burden down
and all of creation sing with me now
fill up the heavens let his glory resound
lift up your voice and lay your burden down
and all of creation sing with me now
fill up the heavens let his glory resound
----from All of Creation, by Mercy Me
Sometimes we humans think we know exactly what we want - clear blue skies, warm dry air, a campfire surrounded by people. God will give days like those. But He may choose to give us some rain, some thunder - some time alone with our son. Whatever the circumstances - rain or shine, warm or chilly, bountiful or meager....these are circumstances that Almighty God has placed us in. And in the midst of what could be the considered a trial by most of us - in the very midst of the worst of all that - the heavenly timpani began to play. His glory resounds and fills up the heavens. I considered Saturday night - in the steady rain, in the confines of my tent with my son, with the lightning flashing and the thunder roaring - I considered it pure joy. Because my Father was there with me....and my son. And the three of us had a moment. It may have been a "red blob" on the Weather Channel, but it was pure gold in my heart. Amen!
Challenge: take a hike guys. Go into the gorge and sit on a HUGE boulder and see the power of the river as it flows. Take your son, your daughter, your wife, your friend.. And if it begins to rain, don't run for cover - lift up your voice, lay your burden down and with all of creation sing. Consider it pure joy!
Wow! My heart is full as I type these words early on Tuesday morning. Sometimes in life we will find ourselves in the deepest valley.....then it begins to rain. There in that valley of life God loves you just as much as He loves you from the very top of the mountain. He loves you in the valley and He is there with you - providing for your needs. Let's choose to consider it PURE joy. And all together now.......let's lift up our voices and with all of creation sing!
And on Thursday morning early let's gather at Java Journey and enjoy a moment or two with each other there. I'm praying for rain then so we can hunker down in The Gathering Place and sip, and be silly, and be serious...and laugh. C U There.
Terry
the reason we breathe is to sing of his glory
and for all he has done praise the father praise the son
and for all he has done praise the father praise the son
and the spirit in one
----from All of Creation, by Mercy Me
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