tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50875169100912486182024-03-19T22:14:43.638-07:00Peanuts from the GalleryHarold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.comBlogger67125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-54192485651462918692014-03-02T15:32:00.000-08:002014-03-02T15:32:21.313-08:00Walk on the Water<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In my last
post we looked at the love of God even though He had to administer judgment on
Moab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't suppose it would seem that
strange to parents who have told their children 'this is going to hurt me more
than it is you.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God does not send judgment
flippantly, it causes Him serious grief when He is forced to inflict judgment. </span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However I
think many who want to blame God for their woes, don't have a proper understanding
of God. If our concept of God is that He is good because He supplies all our
wants, despite how we treat Him, then our concept of God may be warped. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps we need to understand who God really
is.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Let's go back to the idea of a
parent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all God is a Father. I am
speaking specifically to Christ-followers now, because God is not your Father
if you have not sought forgiveness for your rebellion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It should not seem odd that God disciplines us
when we stray from the way.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is
taught in Heb. 12:5-6, but it would be good to read though verse 12.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And if we are
trusting God to lead us, don't expect things will then be rosy, because He has
a better purpose for you than to make your life easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, He wants to prepare you for
Heaven.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have no idea how much dross
God still has to purge from me, but I am trying to learn what I need to give
up, and what I need to embrace, as I walk through this mortal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants me to shake off the deeds of the
flesh, and He wants the fruit of the Spirit to ripen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the idols in my life need to be toppled.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These and many more areas of my life need pruning
by the loving hand of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This doesn't
happen without some serious painful sessions!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And then God
wants to take us into a deeper relationship with Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we come to Jesus in child-like faith,
trusting in His sacrifice on the cross for the forgiveness of sins, we just use
the faith we have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may not be much,
but it is enough.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God gives everyone
enough faith to trust in His Son.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However,
He wants more from His children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let's look
at an episode described in the Gospels: Peter coming to Jesus, walking on the
water. Before belittling Peter for his
lack of faith, we need to commend him for his faith in getting out of the boat
in a storm, letting go of the boat, and actually walking on water!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a pity that his faith dimmed to the point
he started sinking.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But even then,
Jesus didn't react in anger at Peter's lack of faith, deciding to let him
drown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> No, </span>He was there instantaneously,
pulling him up and walking with Peter to the boat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can read the account in Matt.
14:22-33.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Sometimes
when God wants us to increase our faith, He doesn't give us a boat to hang
onto.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He wants us to come to Him, walking
on the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You probably have heard of
George Muller, who had the orphanage for poor, unwanted orphans in England.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Time after time this man of God prayed for
the food his charges would need, knowing the cupboard was bare.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At breakfast, he would thank God for the food
they would receive, and he witnessed miracle after miracle, as God provided.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had more faith than I ever will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> S</span>ometimes God wants us to trust Him,
without a back-up plan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words,
let go of the boat and walk on the water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The blessings are great, but developing that kind of faith can be
extremely painful.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may send you
through deep lonely valleys from which you do not think you will ever
emerge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember this when you are there
- God is holding onto you, and He won't let go.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now neither
the discipline nor the work of faith is judgment on the part of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is simply working His perfect work in our
lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is when we are willfully disobedient
that we incur God's discipline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And no
surprise, because God is your Father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
should be completely in line with your concept of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However if you are not a Christ-follower, and
don't know about having a personal relationship with Jesus, please understand
that there will be a judgment coming.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
will not be pretty, and it will not be something that will pass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, dear reader, it will be eternal
damnation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read Rev. 20:11-15 which is
the account of a future Great White Throne Judgment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is very good news - you can avoid all
this.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Repent of your sins against a holy
God, and accept the substitute He provided to suffer in your place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus was and still is the Lamb of God, who died in your
place and took your penalty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Ask God to
save you today.</span></span></div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-89809544744663703762014-02-09T16:26:00.000-08:002014-02-09T16:26:18.866-08:00The Heart of God<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God's Word,
the Bible contains so much of value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is a book to be read for wisdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We find
in it a moral compass.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The answer to the
question, where do we come from? is answered, and we find out why we are in
this mess and that God has a plan to save us from a terrible end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God's Son is introduced to us in this book,
as well as His teachings, penned by the apostles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the Old Testament, we learn the history of
the nation of Israel, from its first patriarch, Abraham to the millions
populating the Promised Land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The rise
to power and subsequent defeat and captivity is chronicled, as well as their
promised return to the Land.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this
Book God also teaches us about His heart.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For those of
us who haven't read much of the Bible, there are some parts of it that may seem
bewildering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After reading through
Genesis and the first half of Exodus, you can get bogged down with all the
rules and sacrificial rites that take up much of the next couple books.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then when you start reading I and II
Chronicles, the genealogies seem never-ending.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And when we get to that Saharan desert, the Prophets, we wonder what is
God trying to say?</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Well, I am
not here to tell you why God wrote what He wrote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He is the author and if He wrote it, then He
must have had a very good reason to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is His Word to us, much more important than anything anyone else
wrote.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would caution those who are new
followers of Christ, seekers, and anyone else who hasn't read the Bible that
much, that you need to take it easy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don't dive into the Old Testament right away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First read the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke,
and John.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Fall in love with the radical
rabbi, Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then read His teachings in
the epistles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After you have read the
New Testament through three or four times you should be ready to undertake a
reading of the Old Testament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please
don't think I am saying one part of the Bible is more important.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is all God's Word.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But it makes more sense if you read the N.T.
first. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I just
finished reading the book of Jeremiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He was known as the Weeping Prophet.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He warned the citizens of Jerusalem that the Babylonians would overcome
them and take them into captivity if they did not repent of their sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They did not repent, and Jerusalem was taken
and burned and the people were taken into captivity.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last
chapters of Jeremiah are dedicated to his prophecies against different
nations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Jeremiah 48 he tells about
God's judgment against Moab.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
Moabites were related to the Jews, since they were descended from Lot,
Abraham's nephew.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They worshipped the
demon-god Chemosh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through this god they
were encouraged to do very wicked deeds, including offering their children to
Chemosh.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This resulted in the death of
children - they were burnt to death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Because of their wickedness God pronounced judgment upon them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After their defeat by the Babylonians, their
land was destroyed and laid desolate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>What is interesting about this is what God says in verse 31, 'Therefore
I shall wail for Moab, even for all Moab shall I cry out.' and verse 36,
'Therefore My heart wails for Moab like flutes.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This so aptly expresses the heart of God.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Though God
was justly punishing Moab for centuries of wickedness, He did not relish what
He was doing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was doing what His
justice required, but He did not deny Himself to vent His sorrow for the
Moabites.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I read that God wailed,
it doesn't give me the idea that He cried a little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, wailing is a loud heat-rending anguished
sobbing of deep grief.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each of these
Moabites was a special creation of God. He loved them, and though it didn't
change His judgment, He was truly sorrowful that they would suffer punishment. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God wants us to know His heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He truly loves those He created in His image.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And now that
we know God's heart, those of us who are Christ-followers should emulate
Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not that we should think that we
ought to punish the wicked, but we should love them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are all created in God's image.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has taken a special interest in each of
us, breathing into each one a soul that will forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though there are billions of people presently
occupying this planet, God takes an interest in each one of us, and we should
love those we can.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we love the
unloved, they will see God through us.</span></span></div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-71853204490782005762014-01-25T13:44:00.000-08:002014-01-25T13:44:45.061-08:00What Is Righteous?<br /><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have seen
the word 'righteous' used recently without a real concept as to what it really
means.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't believe there is a verse
in the Bible that defines it, but there are numerous verses that mention the
word and it is used either as a noun or an adjective (which means it can refer
to a person or it describes).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Righteousness
has to do with the Law of God and our responsibility to that law.</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God is supremely
righteous and has always been so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
humans have not always been righteous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The first righteous act that we can ever do is to exercise a change in
our hearts toward God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This involves a
renunciation of selfishness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When one
comes to saving faith, he does not do so for selfish reasons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>By looking at the character and claims of a
righteous God the sinner renounces his self-seeking spirit and comes into
harmony with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now this is not
something that we can do on our own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
can only come to this righteousness through the illumination of the Holy
Spirit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The change
in our heart from selfishness to righteousness involves faith or trust in God,
that He will keep His promise to forgive us of our sin by the death and
resurrection of the Son of God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It also
involves repentance of our sins - that is rejecting our selfishness and coming
into harmony with God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Faith and
repentance are not separate acts but at salvation occur simultaneously.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It must be
noted that outward conformity to the Law of God does not constitute righteousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When doing all the good things that we
believe should please God, outwardly conforming to His will, without the Holy
Spirit working in our soul - we are being self-righteous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>True righteousness does not consist of good acts,
but of a changed heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The righteous
acts that we do are the result of the changed heart.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So the
question is raised, can we still be righteous if we backslide into sin?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If we look at the life of Lot, Abraham's
nephew, I think we can find the answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In Gen. 18:24 in a conversation Abraham has with God, He pleads that God
will not destroy the city of Sodom if there are fifty 'righteous' there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lot lived in that wicked city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God allows Abraham to dicker down to ten,
promising He will not destroy Sodom if ten righteous souls are found there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God, in His mercy , sent a couple of angels
to save Lot and his family from the destruction.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So was Lot righteous?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We see in II Peter 2:7 that Peter mentions
that God 'rescued <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">righteous </i>Lot.'</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But we
should realize that although God is extremely merciful, the life of Lot is not
the example God would have us pattern our lives after.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Lot was a sorry Christian, but he was found
righteous by God, not because of his actions, but because earlier in his life, he
had a change of heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That made the
difference.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God does not want us to
follow Lot's example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His biography is
placed in the Bible to show that he made some very wrong choices, and ended his
life miserably (see Gen. 19:30-38 if you doubt me).</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">God has invested
much in us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First, He gave His best, the
Son died for our sins in order that we might be redeemed and become
righteous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has also given His Holy
Spirit to dwell in us, so that we can live righteous lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember righteous acts come from a righteous
heart in conformity with God's will.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Being righteous is not conforming with a long list of 'do nots'; it is
allowing the Spirit to live and work in us.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When we
think of all the Lord God has done to bring us to Himself and all He has
offered to help us live righteously and victoriously, what can keep us from
allowing Jesus to reign as King in our lives?</span></span></div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-35881204477862442842013-12-30T16:26:00.000-08:002013-12-30T16:26:52.200-08:00Joe and Danielle's Growing Family
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lo, children are a heritage of the
Lord: and the fruit of the womb is His reward.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Ps. 127:3<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As many of
you know, our daughter-in-law Danielle gave birth to another girl, Kendra
Mally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She must be either stubborn or
shy, since she didn't show up when expected.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was nine days overdue, which partially explains why she weighed in
at 8 lbs, 14.5 oz.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not a typical Johnson
baby.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a very cute little girl
with a nice head of hair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The arrival
of Kendra marked the arrival of our sixth grandchild.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Each one is precious to us, and also precious
to our Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Formed by the hand of
God, who put within her an eternal soul, so why wouldn't God care for His little
helpless creation?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This innocent newborn
has been blessed by God, who gave her to loving parents who will care for her
physically, but more than that, she has been born to parents who will care for
her spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have seen them with
their first-born, Nicole.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although only
18 months old, the evidence of godly upbringing is evident in her life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a grandfather, I rejoice to see that, and
to know that her little sister will have the same upbringing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In this post
my charge to all my children and the rest of you who are reading this is that
you will take to heart the words of Moses in Deut. 6:4-9.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First we are to love the LORD our God with
all our ability, then we are to diligently teach God's Word to our children:
when we sit in our houses, when we walk by the way, when we lie down, and when
we rise up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In other words, this is not
something reserved for a couple hours on Sunday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>No, this is 24/7.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And in order to teach our children well, we
should know what we are teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God
did not give us His Word to collect dust on the shelf.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I suggest that you dust it off, and read it,
learn it, and diligently teach it to your little ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their minds are sponges, soaking up what is
before them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is up to you as parents
to determine what their little minds will be filled with. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Actually, as
we enter into 2014, we should make this a New Year's resolution.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not big on New Year's resolutions, but
occasionally I will make one, and try to remember to keep it throughout the
year, but often forgetting to do so.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But reading
the Bible should be daily, and can soon become a habit.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And teaching your kids the Word of God should
never be dull or a drudgery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Make it
enjoyable and geared for their age-level.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although you may read a Bible story before their bedtime, this teaching can and
should be done throughout the day, often in a casual format. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think that God expects and wants that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We should make talking about Him and the
Bible a natural part of our lives and conversation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And our lives ought to demonstrate the love
we have for God.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My prayer
for all young parents is that you will purpose to love God with all your
ability and that you will train your children in His way. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you do so, God promises that His Word will
not return empty.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-26663834748083621482013-08-03T10:24:00.000-07:002013-08-03T10:24:49.932-07:00Toddler Time III<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although
this is the third (4th if you include the Father's Day) post on raising kids,
it may not be the last, but is the last of the series for this summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust that what has been mentioned so far is
of value.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This post is on what has
become a controversial subject - that of corporal discipline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I use the word discipline instead of
punishment for a specific purpose.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we
learned in the last post, discipline comes from Latin, meaning 'to learn.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When spanking you child your purpose should
have as its motivation to teach rather than to punish, although punishment is
definitely part of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And I should
know.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It has been many years since I was
on the receiving end of the 'board of education,' but I can assure you that the
pain that was inflicted was punishment!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First please
never use types of punishment that God did not intend you to use.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some parents that feel they need to
use extreme forms of punishment because their child is incorrigible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This is usually the case of not starting to
discipline early enough in life or of waiting until the child is really testing
your patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the next couple
paragraphs, I will address both of these failures of proper discipline.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you have
waited until your child is three or four before exercising the paddle, you have
waited far too long. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These first
formative years are critical in setting boundaries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The boundaries that you set should be
reasonable - set with love and your little one's best interests in mind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An example would be to expect your child to
stop when you tell her to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She may not
see the danger of a moving car, and if she doesn't mind you, the result could
be horrible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To teach obedience to this
rule is an act of love.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Kids will
push against the boundaries set for them, seeing how far they can stretch
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is your job, as the parent, to
make sure the boundaries stay firm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
are two aspects to obedience: instant and complete.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When you ask your little one to do something,
you should not have to ask them three times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>You may give them the benefit of not having heard you the first time you
requested.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if they still ignore you
after the second request - they are pushing against those boundaries - they may
know they will eventually have to do as told, they are going to find out how
many times they can ignore you!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So as a
general rule, do not allow your kids to refuse to do as they are told after two
requests from you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Once they learn this,
they will not be trying your patience as much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then you should expect complete obedience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Young children should learn that the chores
they are given should be done to the best of their abilities.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It will stand them in good stead when they
get a job.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is very
important to talk to your child after administering discipline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He may want to run to his room and shut
himself away, but that is not best.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
should be told why he was spanked and asked if he was sorry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After
repenting, he should be loved and hugged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
Pray with him. </span>Notice that this doesn't include any shouting or anger on your part, although
perhaps disappointment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please make sure
you discipline before you lose your temper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The discipline is so much more effective if you are calm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember this should be a time of teaching.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don't remember
when I stopped receiving spankings, but I was told by Dad years later that he
didn't remember spanking me by the time I turned eight.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as a parent I don't remember spanking my
kids after that age - give or take a year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The early years spent in consistent discipline produce good
results.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you wait, your child will likely
become the incorrigible brat you will dread to discipline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just remember that God made a place on the
body where the spanking is to be applied.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And aside from swatting a baby's hand when they attempt to touch things
they shouldn't, you should never use any other parts of the body to inflict the
punishment.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is cruel to slap
a child on the face.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
evil to use other forms of 'discipline' on children, some that I would refer </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">to as torture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Too often the failure of
parents to lovingly discipline their young children results in older brats.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">May our
Father, who disciplines us in love, give you the wisdom to deal well with those
He has put in your care.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-10554502527075148682013-07-07T18:12:00.000-07:002013-07-07T18:12:22.275-07:00Toddler Time II
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I would like
to address the subject of discipline in this post.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though we often think of discipline as punishment, we all understand that the word has other meanings.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Noah Webster in his 1828 Dictionary lists
punishment third, and learning is the first meaning he gives to this word which
comes from a Latin word translated 'to learn.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Therefore we will try to hone in on the learning aspect of
discipline.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Children are
sponges.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They soak up information.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As parents, it is our duty to make sure the
information they take in is the right kind.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>From a very early age they should hear the Bible read to them, they
should hear accounts of God's working in the Old Testament and lessons from
Jesus' life, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>death, and resurrection in
the New Testament.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They should be learning
Christian songs, memorizing Bible verses, and in other ways they should be taught
to be disciples of Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Pre-school
salvation experiences are often doubted later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I have had my share of doubts when I would listen to others give an
amazing account of their wicked lives powerfully transformed by the grace of
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I never had an outwardly wicked
life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then some would say, 'You should
know when you were saved.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, I don't
know when I was saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I just know that
I was saved when I was a little kid, possibly when I was five years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Three of our four children have pre-school
salvation experiences.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of those, they
all have had doubts and have done like I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They asked Jesus to save them (again), because they weren't sure if they
were saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe in most cases,
these young professions of salvation are real for kids who have been raised in
homes where the Bible is taught.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And for
those of you who think I am full of hot air, consider John Wesley, England's
greatest evangelist.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came back from a
failed missionary trip to Georgia, convinced he wasn't saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At an Aldersgate meeting his heart was
'strangely warmed' - his point of conversion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yet I read in his journal, later in life he really believed that as a
child when he prayed at his godly mother's knee, was when he was truly saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now all of
that is to emphasize the importance of your small children coming to you and
telling you that they want to accept Jesus as their Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point of their lives, I believe it is
harmful to press them to be saved.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They
have soft hearts, and pressure would easily force them to comply with something
they may not even understand.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But with
your faithful prayers for their salvation, coupled with the instruction of the
Word of God, your precious kids will ask questions and seek a relationship with
God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Though they may be young, do not
think they are not ready.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a
time in some denominations when it was believed you couldn't be saved before
you were 12 years old.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust no one
reading this believes that.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For many
years I have tried to avoid using the term 'Bible Story' when teaching primary
age kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I always wanted my young
charges to understand that the accounts I was relating to them were real, not
fairy tales - though they may have included supernatural events.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At any rate, invest in some Bible 'story'
books, read them faithfully to your children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They make great bedtime memories, and let them ask questions, even if
they are just trying to prolong things before lights out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And above all, don't be doubting the accounts
of the Bible yourself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yes, God created
the world and all life on it in seven literal days; yes, there was a world-wide
flood which destroyed all mankind except for eight people; yes, God parted the
Red Sea and the Israelites crossed, after which the Egyptian army was
drowned.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You see, if any of these miraculous
events is too much for you to believe, your kids may wonder if the miracle that
Jesus was really raised from the dead could have really happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is either 100% true, or it's a lie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is the Word of God and can be
trusted.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At young ages kids will readily
believe it; you should too.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As they grow
older and connect with the internet, your role as parent gets more
difficult.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>First and foremost, make sure
you are not indulging in hidden sins on the internet (or anywhere else).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Continue to pray for them and try to monitor
their computer activities as much as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I was blessed with a wife that kept the communications open with our
kids when they were teens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After school
they all talked about their day and what happened.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't be afraid to confront your kids if you
suspect they are doing wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Along with
internet use, I believe it is important to limit the time spent playing
computer games and make sure the games are not suggestive of sex or filled with
violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also monitor what they watch
on TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Know what your teens are doing
and keep the lines of communication open.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don't let them shut you out of their lives.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And Moms and Dads, agree with each other.
Don't let your kids 'divide and conquer.'<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Raising kids
is hard work, time-consuming work, and thankless work.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But remember that for the short time that you
have them, they are lent to you by God, Who has commissioned you to raise them
to walk in His way and for His glory.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Seek the face of God and ask Him for wisdom to see your dear children
become disciples of Christ Jesus, their King.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-72090126912330407022013-06-16T16:49:00.000-07:002013-06-16T16:49:07.152-07:00Happy Father's Day<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A FATHER'S PRAYER<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A careful
man I ought to be,<span style="mso-tab-count: 9;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A little fellow follows me.<span style="mso-tab-count: 9;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I do not dare to go astray,<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 8;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For fear he'll go the selfsame way.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Not once can
I escape his eyes;<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Whate'er he sees me do he tries.<span style="mso-tab-count: 8;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Like me he says he's going to be<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That little chap who follows me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I must
remember as I go<span style="mso-tab-count: 8;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Through summer sun and winter
snow,<span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm molding for years to be - <span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 6;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That little chap who follows me.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I first
posted this three years ago on Father's Day, 2010.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It bears repeating for what I want to
say.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Father's Day I naturally think
of my father.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was a good father and
when I became a dad myself, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tried in
many ways to emulate him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although a
strict disciplinarian, one whom I feared when I had done wrong, he rarely
paddled in anger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He may have been angry
with what I or my brothers had done, but usually not with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say usually, because there were those times
when my dad lost his temper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was,
after all, only human.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However he was
one in whose footsteps I could follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Although I left home at the age of 17, his godly example is with me still.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Several
years ago I was with three Christian men and as we spoke, the discussion turned
to fathers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They spoke of their fathers
as either abusive tyrants or men who were absent more often than not.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One turned to me and told me I was very blessed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was sure there were very few fathers who
were like mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm not so confident he
was right, at least I hope that is not the case.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">America
needs fathers who will give attention to their God-given duty and
privilege.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although we may not feel we are
capable of raising children for His Kingdom, God will give wisdom if we ask,
and He has already given us a guidebook.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I urge each father to not only read through the Bible at least once
every two years, but also to read through Proverbs once a month for at least a
couple years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a lot of sound
wisdom for fathers and sons. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although husbands
and fathers need to be the leaders in the home, what I want to emphasize in
this post is the importance of being a good example.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And please don't give them the excuse, 'Do as
I say and not as I do,' which is a serious copout and dereliction of duty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your sons and daughters will not listen
nearly as well as they will watch and follow.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Make sure your language is free of offensive words and dirty jokes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't gripe and complain about the workplace,
the preacher, or your wife - especially your wife, your child's mother. Try to
be cheerful and industrious in all you do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don't just send your family to church, make sure you are there as
well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And if you can, participate in
children's church, Awana, or other children's programs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kathy and I ran the Primary church program at
our church for seven long years when our kids were in that age group.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then we involved ourselves in Awana for
several more years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is one of the
best ways to be involved in your kids' spiritual lives and is a good example
for them.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are
other areas that could be addressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You
will be able to figure them out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I hope
this doesn't sound preachy, because I don't want it to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My heart's desire is that you as a Christian
dad will raise up a generation that will be proud of you, follow in your
footsteps and eventually follow you to the Celestial City and the presence of
the Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After all, when you are at
the end of life, what can you take with you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Some will say, 'He who ends up with the most toys wins.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But they are wrong.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In the end we all die, and we take nothing of
material value with us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if we leave
without having done all we can to take our loved ones with us, surely we die
miserable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fathers, go
out in the strength of the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In Him
you can be all that you ought to be. I pray God will give the leadership and
wisdom you need to be the exemplary dads God wants you to be.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span> </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b> </div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-82907148900068600022013-06-01T09:25:00.000-07:002013-06-01T09:25:22.216-07:00TODDLER TIME<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the
onset of grandbabies in our lives, Kathy and I are back to changing more diapers
and caring for little ones than we have been for the past couple decades.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually Kathy is doing much more in the
diaper department than I, although I did change my first poopy diaper in 25
years about a month ago.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Since we
have raised four kids and they all turned out reasonably well - each has professed
faith in Christ, and demonstrated that by their walk of faith, they all attend
a Bible-believing church, have married Christian spouses, and I could go on,
but these are some examples of what I believe show that they may have been well-raised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I say this to give myself some authority when
speaking on how to raise children who are disciplined, respectful, and grounded
in the Christian faith.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In this and some
following posts I plan to explore <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>what
it takes to raise good kids - and more importantly teach them to be disciples
of Christ Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I trust these posts
will not be considered just as lectures, but if any of you have questions about
raising kids well, please comment and I will do my best to give godly
advise.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The Word of God is our guide and
must always be understood to be infallible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Never accept the advice of your pediatrician, baby psychologist, or even
me, if any of us contradicts the clear teaching of the Bible.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">First and
foremost you must pray for your children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is best to start before they are born.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We all want healthy kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that God will save their souls.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is even more important than their health. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that you as parent may have wisdom to
raise and nurture them well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are
no set rules of parenting that will work for every child.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are all different and we need God's help
in knowing how to deal with the ones He places in our care. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray that God will give you the strength and
fortitude to do what is right, to be patient, not to lose your temper, and to
keep it up for all the years that you are responsible for your children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Among other things to pray for, pray that you
may always be a good example for your little ones - they will follow in your footsteps.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">With the
advent of children in the home, we all know that the dynamics of our marriage
changes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Where we were a couple, now the
family has truly grown - and in many ways become more hectic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The helpless little baby demands so much of
our time, especially Mommy's time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As
they develop, and begin to realize that there are two of you, they bond toward
their father as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Here, Dad, is
where you come in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you realize that
your little one's conception of God is formed from his conception of you?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You have an awesome responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In homes where the mother stays home with her
babies, the father's return from work is usually met with delight from his
kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They can't wait until he is
there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This doesn't last many years, so
make the most of it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Try to be home
every evening with your kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And spend
time with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They desperately crave
your attention.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The computer, TV, and other
work should be put off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Listen to them,
play with them, teach them - it is time well spent.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don't know
if there is anything more important than the time we spend with our kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Because <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the little ones can get on our nerves, we dads
often find excuses to be gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have
to work late, go shopping, attend a meeting, or some other lame reason to shirk
our responsibility.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Just remember, Dad,
that God places the ultimate responsibility of the home on you, because He made
you the leader of the home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Your kids
need you, they are desperate for your attention and approval, which leads me to
another point.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Give affirmation to your
kids. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Never belittle them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing more damaging to their
spirit than to know that their dad doesn't think well of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God does not do this to His special
creation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He proclaims the worth of a
soul as more than the whole world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
He proved that worth by providing salvation at the greatest cost possible.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It is a long
hard road that you will be traveling on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If done well, it will be self-sacrificing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If done well, it will be worthwhile in the
end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My prayer for you, dear reader, is
that you will purpose in your heart to raise your precious children for God's
glory. <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-53569627969557961902013-05-05T16:17:00.000-07:002013-05-05T16:17:27.629-07:00The Miracle of Ethan<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I love the
spring of the year.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God's handiwork is
so evident in the rebirth of lawns, gardens, and trees.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although it is a relatively new hobby for me,
I enjoy planting bushes and flowers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
may water, weed, and put down fertilizer, but the spectacular bloom of
springtime azaleas or the summer blossom of trumpet lilies can only be attributed
to the handiwork of our Creator.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>To whom
else can we give credit for such intricate and perfect workmanship?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There is
even greater creation that God takes a part in, and even more personally.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When conception takes place and new life
begins in the womb of a mother, God comes down and breathes into that tiny life
His very likeness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The little life
becomes a living soul that will live forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Nine months go by and then after a struggle (part of the curse), the
little life comes into the world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
happened this past Wednesday evening when our daughter, Michelle, gave birth to
her first child, Ethan Joseph Steele.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He
came complete with all the genes and chromosomes he inherited from his parents
and looks just like his dad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has
perfectly formed fingers, two eyes, two ears, a full head of hair, although
still missing a set of teeth!<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I believe
God is personally interested in Ethan.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He chose Ethan's parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And God
has given Aaron and Michelle a great responsibility - that of raising Ethan to
live for God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have mentioned in a
previous post that my responsibility as a grandparent is to pray for the little
guy, give good counsel when asked, and do what I can to aid his parents in pointing
him to the Savior.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But God holds parents
accountable to do all they can to bring their children to the Lord.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I don't mean
to say that if a son or daughter strays away that it is always the parents' fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Part of having a soul or being a moral agent
is the ability to choose between right and wrong, goodness and sin.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And just as Adam and Eve<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>chose to sin while in the Garden, every child
that has ever lived (apart from Jesus) has chosen to disobey God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Is that the fault of the mother or
father?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course not! <o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">But there
are far too many young parents who have shirked their responsibility in this
area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I can't think anything more
terrible than to see your children doomed to hell, all because as a parent
there were more important things in your life than to spend your energy and
time leading them to faith in Christ Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This is the most awesome and serious duty to which God calls parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a lot
more time to do things I enjoy than I had several years ago <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>when my children were young.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But I determined long ago that my enjoyment
must be secondary to my children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Kathy and I</span>
have always felt it was important to serve in our local church and for many
years we taught primary church and worked in Awana.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We wanted be good role models for our kids to
emulate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also spent time talking with
them, often about the Bible or other spiritual matters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when it came to corporal punishment (yes,
we spanked), we tried not to do it in anger (it makes my blood boil when I see
mothers slap their child's face - never good!), but to explain what we and God
expect of them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We even home schooled
for a couple years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were not perfect
parents by any means, and I say this not to pat myself on the back.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But if it will encourage young parents to
keep at it when your children are driving you crazy and it seems hopeless, I
promise you, there is light at the end of the tunnel!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">From
personal experience and I know others will agree with me, the teen-age years can
be the best years you will spend with your kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It's payoff for all the work and sacrifice of
the previous 12-15 years of being in the trenches.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Deut. 6:4-9
are words we should take to heart:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">'Hear, O
Israel! The LORD is our God, The LORD is one!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all
your soul and with all your might.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And
these words which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and you shall teach them diligently to your
sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the
way and when you lie down and when you rise up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand and they shall be as
frontals on your forehead.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And you shall
write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.'</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My prayer
for my children and for you my dear readers who may be in the
child-bearing/child-rearing stage of life is that you take these words of God
to heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God will reward you for your
faithfulness to Him.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-44199306587436513182013-02-24T14:45:00.000-08:002013-02-24T14:45:01.834-08:00Remember God<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This morning
in church we sang that beloved hymn, 'Great Is Thy Faithfulness.' Tears came to
my eyes and my hand was raised as we sang those familiar, but powerful
lyrics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The title comes directly from
the book of Lamentations.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was written
by the weeping prophet, Jeremiah, and speaks of the destruction of Jerusalem by
the Babylonians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremiah is lamenting
the starvation from the siege, the wanton looting and killing as the city fell,
and anger of God against the people living in the city.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremiah doesn't condemn God as to any
injustice, but pleads for mercy and that God may remember His people.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you read
the book of Jeremiah, you will realize that he begged these same people for
many years to turn back to God. Shortly before the enemy broke through the
walls of Jerusalem, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>King Zedekiah sought
Jeremiah's counsel and despite the entreaties of the prophet, the king refused
to turn to God, and soon after was rewarded by watching his sons butchered just
before his eyes were blinded by the Babylonians.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So where is
God in all this?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And today, when we face
our own very real 'fire-breathing dragons' what do we do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would do well to look to Jeremiah and take
his advice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When financial ruin stares
us in the face, when emotionally we are drained because of the storms of life,
when everything we have worked for all our lives seems to have gone up in
smoke, when everyone and everything has turned against us, remember God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jeremiah 2:22-26:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Through
the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, </span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because His compassions fail not.<span style="mso-tab-count: 2;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness<span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 5;"> </span>"The
LORD is my portion," says my soul, "Therefore I hope in Him!"<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"></span>The LORD is good to
those who wait for Him, To the soul who seeks Him.<span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 3;"> </span>It is good that one should hope and
wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Remember the
Lord's mercies never cease, even when the city is being ransacked by the enemy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember His compassions are new every
morning, even as the enemy is setting fire to Jerusalem.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Read Jeremiah 3:31-32 and understand that
because of His lovingkindness (mercy), God will have compassion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In verse 33 we find that God does not afflict
willingly.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the Lord will not cast off forever.<span style="mso-tab-count: 8;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Though He causes grief, yet He will
show compassion </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">According
to the multitude of His mercies. <span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 7;"> </span>For
He does not afflict willingly. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The King is
at work in our lives, making us fit for a holy Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although He may allow us to suffer, it is
never so much that we cannot bear it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>And He is there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Remember also
that the sparrow does not fall without His knowledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My beloved
reader, if Jeremiah could break out in praise to the goodness of God in his
darkest hour, we would do well to remember that our God infinitely loves
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If He was willing to die for you and
me, surely He will care for us through this life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As we go through the valleys, let us trust
and remember God. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-65651693011204348812012-12-15T09:55:00.000-08:002012-12-15T09:55:04.566-08:00We Also Grieve<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">There are
few who can fully share the sorrow that has fallen upon the parents of small
children murdered in cold blood in the small hamlet of Newtown, CT.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>These children were young Americans, their
parents are fellow citizens, and we grieve with them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is little we can say to comfort these
folk.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Only time will ease the grief and
then there will always be the emotional scars.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>My prayer is that God in His mercy and grace will give comfort to those
affected by the death of their loved ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The senseless killing is horrific, which can only be explained as the
actions of a very evil man.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How do
people arrive at this stage?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How can we
say that God is loving and just when He allows these things to occur?<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We live in a
sin-cursed world, but God is aware of everything that happens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In our finite minds, although we<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>cannot fathom God's purposes, we need to
trust in God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He knows best, and nothing
happens without His knowledge, and yes, nothing happens without His permission.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">These
senseless shootings are occurring more often than in the past.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a time when God was invited in the
schoolhouse and in the government buildings all across this once great
nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Five decades ago we decided to
kick the Almighty out and replace a belief in God with a belief in evolution
and in government.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are now reaping
what we have sown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Godless society
cannot expect His protection.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who
have placed their faith in Jesus have a high calling, a purpose for living, and
the prospect of eternal life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who
accept this life as a senseless evolutionary brief time on earth and then
oblivion do not have any hope of a future after this life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With no sense of eternal judgment, evil
people become even more evil.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Their
lives are filled with emptiness and despair.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We as a nation must repent and turn back to God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Sadly too many are now turning to their
government and asking them to stop the senseless killings.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Our
government cannot help.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is filled
with wicked men and women too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many
think that gun control measures will stem the tide of violence.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My wife read a news item recently about a
deranged Chinese man who used a knife to kill and wound 22 kids.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Guns are not the only means of killing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually if some of the teachers, and perhaps
the principal had a gun and were trained to use it, we may have averted this
tragedy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">As darkness
descends on our land, may we as Christians stand up for righteousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>May we be salt and light.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-9698278684697073752012-11-12T17:25:00.000-08:002012-11-12T17:25:12.163-08:00What Next?<br />
<sup><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Some of
us were surprised that Obama was re-elected to a second term.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With the crowds that came out to hear Romney,
and the almost lackadaisical attitude Obama exhibited toward the debates, I was
sure Conservatives would flood the voting booths and vote Obama out of
office.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, as we now know, it did not
happen.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And now some are depressed,
thinking it is the end of America as we once knew it to be.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They may be right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have weak-kneed Republican leadership in
the House and Senate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are more
interested in getting along and getting re-elected than in principle. <o:p></o:p></span></span></sup><br />
<sup><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span></span></span></sup><br />
<sup><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So what do we do now?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There are some who have the means and the
will, and they are leaving.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That may not
be a bad idea, my forefathers did the same thing when they left the British
Isles and Sweden in search of liberty.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But now there is no place to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>As Ronald Reagan so eloquently put it, 'America is the last best hope for
mankind.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the United States falls to
tyranny, and she is surely heading in that direction, we have no place to flee to.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Others will go underground, perhaps taking a
cue from Ayn Rand's popular novel, <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Atlas Shrugged</i></b>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Again, not a bad idea, but with technology
the way it is today, it is very difficult to hide from the government if they
want to find you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></sup><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<sup><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So what
do we do?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It may seem pat, but now more
than ever, we need to trust in God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>There are brothers and sisters of ours who presently live in very oppressive
countries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They have families who have
turned against them, have lost jobs, have been turned out of their homes,
sometimes out of their villages, have been mocked, beaten, jailed, and some
have died a martyr's death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We have no
promise that we will be spared.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></sup></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<sup><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now for
the most part, we have much.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perhaps it
is harder to completely trust in God when you have money, job, family, and
security that you can trust in.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
in my case it is a struggle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I want to
trust God completely.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know He will
take care of me as surely as He took care of the Israelites for 40 years in the
Arabian desert.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have experienced time
and again answered prayer - God cares for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>But often I find that I have slipped from complete reliance upon the God
of grace to reliance on myself, or money, or others.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not a good place to be; there is more
stress, unhappiness, depression, and fear.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember 'God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of
love, and of a sound mind.' II Tim. 1:7.<o:p></o:p></span></span></sup></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<sup><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let me
urge you to strengthen yourselves in the Lord. Study and hold to the promises
of God, seek His presence, cling to Him, love and trust Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Do you want to please Him?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Heb. 11:6, 'without faith it is impossible to
please Him.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The days may seem dark, but
Jesus is still the Light of the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Let's go and proclaim the good news!<o:p></o:p></span></span></sup></div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-46845196290500632332012-10-27T10:32:00.000-07:002012-10-27T10:32:55.298-07:00Graveside Service - Miriam Johnson, Oct. 20, 2012
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dust to
dust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God created the first man,
Adam, He created him from dust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When
Adam died, his body was reduced to dust.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So it is with all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And as
Eve was created to be a help meet for her husband, so Mom was a true helpmate for
her husband.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God blessed the couple with
six children, of whom I was number two.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Middle child syndrome runs strong in my veins.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I didn't appreciate it at the time,
I now know what a task it was to raise six ornery kids, home schooling for many
years, and giving each of us a lot of individual attention.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have good
memories of time spent with Mom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She
loved to read to us when we were small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We would crowd around her on the couch at night and she would read Bible
stories.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was an accomplished pianist
and tried unsuccessfully to teach most of us to play the piano.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She loved crossword and jigsaw puzzles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am not sure, but she may have even enjoyed
home schooling us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was a good
teacher, but I am sure I tried her patience.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Most of all, Mom prayed and worked tirelessly to see her children come
to salvation in Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I said
goodbye to her last Sunday, although unable to talk, she was lucid, and smiled
when I told her we would meet again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Yes, the circle will be unbroken.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Gathered here are not only her children, but we have grandchildren and
great-grandchildren here as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
challenge to each of you: don't break the chain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pray your children into the Kingdom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nothing would please Mom more.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although we
are sad, we do not mourn as others, who have no hope, because Jesus said, 'I am
the resurrection and the life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He who
believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.'<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last
year and a half of her life, Mom suffered from mind-debilitating dementia.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Last week she couldn't speak or move her arms
or legs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now she can dance and sing the
praises of her Savior with a mind that is clear and sharp.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is reunited with her parents, her
husband, a baby she miscarried, and best of all she is with the King Who she
served during her sojourn on earth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My parents,
like Abraham of old, went out, not knowing where they were going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They waited for a city which has foundations,
whose builder and maker is God. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now Mom
has seen the city, she has seen God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now
Mom is home.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-14886643634585373242012-10-17T17:57:00.000-07:002012-10-17T17:57:20.855-07:00Mom
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">After living 88 years and 9 months,
my Mom finally passed from this life to a new one this past Tuesday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although death of loved ones make us sad, as
Christ-followers we have a hope which others cannot have.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When God creates a soul, it will never
die.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When Jesus walked this earth three
days after He had been crucified, He proved that He had the power over
death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those who trust Him will live
forever after leaving this earthly body.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mom was ready to go.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her mind was ravaged with Alzheimer's disease,
and in her last days was in hospice, since her body would no longer process
food and her immune system was gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This past Sunday I said goodbye to her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She was unusually lucid as Paul read from the Psalms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although she could not speak, her eyes were
open and when I told her we would follow her one day and meet together in Heaven,
she was actually able to smile.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
told that for the rest of her life, she was mostly unconscious until she
finally shed her body at 9:30 Tuesday morning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We can only imagine the glorious reunion in Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My memories of my mother are good
ones.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As the apostle Paul speaks
approvingly of Timothy's mother, Eunice's teaching him the Scriptures from an
early age, so Mom taught her six children.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It had to be very difficult, the first 5 of us were born less than 18
months apart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But her patience and
loving, careful discipline was exemplary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Much of our schooling was at her feet, since we were home schooled before
it became popular.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>More than academics,
Mom taught us character.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And yes, we
were characters!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most important to her,
Mom wanted us to not only learn about her Savior, but to know Him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The prayers of both my mother and father have
been answered.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure I speak for
each of my brothers and sisters when I say, 'Mom, we will meet again.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The chain will not be broken.<o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-6270847144518002012-09-02T18:01:00.000-07:002012-09-02T18:01:07.829-07:00You didn't build that<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">In an
unfortunate moment for Barack Obama this past month, he made a statement which
was part of his basic world view, but is not part of the American political philosophy.
Although there are those who deny it, everything he does<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and says reflects his socialist roots.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>America from its earliest days has been built
on capitalism.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Take the first summer
after the Pilgrims survived the terrible previous winter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They tried having a communal farm which
failed miserably (socialism).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>William
Bradford, fearing another winter of starvation, gave each family their own plot
to grow their own crops (capitalism).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Well the Pilgrims realized they could now grow their own food, and each
family showed up daily, working hard to provide for themselves. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is a basic human instinct - the opportunity
to work hard, and smart, to take risks to improve your lot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not an opportunity afforded everyone,
and sad to say, if Obama has his way, Americans will not have the opportunity
for long.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But capitalism, to a large
degree, is what built this nation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And we are a generous people, those who have
been blessed materially willingly share with the less fortunate.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But we do not want to be forced to do so, or
to give to those who do not deserve it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When Obama wants to redistribute the wealth, his socialistic views come
out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And when Obama said 'you didn't
build that' referring to small businesses, the American businessmen and
entrepreneurs took offense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now this may
surprise you, but in a sense, I agree with Obama.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not with what he meant, but in a very real
way, I received a lot of help in building my business.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I couldn't have done it <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>by myself.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I disagree heartily with what our president meant, because he was
referring to governmental assistance, of which I received very little.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually I have been hindered by the
government much more than helped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am
sure most people who have started a successful business will attest to that.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So when I
think back to the spring of 1994 before the company was formed, I promised that
if God would allow me to start a plastics distributorship, I would give it to
God, and would try to operate the company as He would want me to and give Him
the glory for what He would do through me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I can't say I always kept that promise, but despite my failures, God has
blessed Grace Plastics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not only a
plastics distributorship, but God has blessed us with two plants, where we sort
and grind plastic scrap.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not
always smooth sailing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Running a company
is a daily challenge and can be daunting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I try to keep the Almighty at the helm.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>He is the Chairman of the Board of Grace Plastics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He and I have a board meeting every morning
and every important decision is not made without seeking His approval.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When the
Israelites crossed the Jordan River and defeated the inhabitants of Canaan, God
constantly reminded them Who it was that brought them out of Egypt, led and fed
them for forty years, defeated the giants, Sihon and Og, and brought about the
conquest of the Land which God had promised many years ago to the patriarch
Abraham.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We would do well to remember
that it is still God who allows us to build our businesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I share the disgust my fellow entrepreneurs
have toward Obama's insinuation that they couldn't have built their businesses
without the help of the government, but instead of swelling up with pride and
saying, 'I built this company with my own strength, brains, and ability,' we
should humbly realize that it is God Who has blessed us, and it is He who can
take it all away in the blink of an eye.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>If you doubt me, read the first chapter of Job.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">We are
approaching a very important presidential election this fall, and although
neither candidate is a Christian and there are political short-comings on both
sides, we have to change the resident in the White House.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is nothing racist in my feelings toward
him, but Obama's politics are leading this country to financial ruin, and he
seems to relish in what is happening.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
God is in control and I can rest in Him, but I also would encourage everyone to
vote for Romney/Ryan this November.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If
Obama is given another term, I don't think Americans would survive as free
people.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-38251454054607093402012-07-15T14:53:00.000-07:002012-07-15T14:53:30.827-07:00Death and Life<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">My
mother-in-law Jean Snook passed from this life to Heaven this past June
18.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The funeral was two days later. My
son Joe was to be one of the pall bearers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His wife Danielle was expecting and due in a week.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Knowing that babies don't keep to rigid
schedules, contingency plans were made and sure enough, Joe called as we were
getting ready to leave for the funeral. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Danielle was 'having cramps and leaking.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kathy knew what that meant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a veteran of four pregnancies and told
Joe to get Danielle to the hospital, especially since Danielle's mom was famous
for having quick deliveries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They went
to the doctor who surprisingly told Danielle to go home and take a bath!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Although she followed</span> this piece of
advice, soon after they on their way to the hospital. A couple hours later, as we were leaving the gravesite, Nicole Johnson
came into this world, changing their lives forever.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">She is a
small, but beautiful and innocent soul, created by God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He has placed her in the trust of Joe and
Danielle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is their responsibility to
not only care for her physically, but to care for and nurture her
spiritually.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She will live forever and I,
as her grandfather, have a tremendous desire that she is saved at an early age
and lives for Jesus the Messiah.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have
been and will continue to pray for her salvation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The timing
was perfect.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A bright ray of sunshine on
an otherwise dark day.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jean
Lawrence Snook: 3/25/1931 - 6/18/2012<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">And now to
Jean's last days - this is good:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A month before
her death, Jean was in the hospital, the doctors were fighting to save
her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kathy was there, but kept out the
ICU.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a very close call, but she
pulled through.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The next day she told us
that Jesus had come to her the night before, had taken her hand and told her
that He would never leave her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He came
the next night also.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was seriously
disappointed when He did not show up the third night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Three days
before she passed we had her put in hospice.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>She couldn't swallow, not even water.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Death was a foregone conclusion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sunday evening we were all sitting around her bed, not knowing if she
could hear or understand us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>About 9:00
I left, leaving Kathy, her brother and sister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>An hour later Jean's eyes opened wide, after not having taken a breath
for over three minutes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She wasn't
looking at anyone in particular, so Kathy's brother asked her if she could see
her husband, Morrie.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With a big smile,
she was able to say, 'Un huh.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
Kathy's sister asked if she could see Jesus.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Again, a big smile and another, 'Un huh.'<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Kathy was dialing her remaining sister, who
lives in town, and brother who was driving from South Carolina and was still
four hours away.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jean seemed to
understand them and her son's plea that she hold out until he got there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Craig came rushing in at 2:00 and although
she didn't regain consciousness and departed this life at 7:00 that morning as Jean slipped her hand into
the nail-scarred hand of her Savior, Who led her through the Pearly Gates into
the splendor of Heaven.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For the last
year of her life she was bedridden.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Don't you think she was ready to dance and sing for the King?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She was in a church choir here on earth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now she has joined a heavenly one that is so
much better - the One they are praising is right there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Death is unnatural because God didn't plan
for it - it was caused by sin and rebellion against God's rule.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However the child of God has nothing to fear
in death.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jesus conquered death when He
rose from the grave that glorious Sunday morning almost 2,000 years ago.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-49819367729995538322012-05-20T18:15:00.000-07:002012-05-20T18:15:17.290-07:00NOW I REALLY AM A GEEZER<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">It's
official.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On May 19, I turned 60.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For those have not yet had the pleasure, it's
not that bad.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I'm a believer in the 'you
are as young as you feel' philosophy, and am still a kid at heart.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Actually God has blessed me with a healthy
body and mind, although the mind is deteriorating, and some would say it is
already gone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have nothing to complain
of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>With King David I can say, 'The
lines have fallen to me in pleasant places;' Ps. 16:6.<o:p></o:p></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">The last two
posts of this blog have dealt with those who question God's goodness and why He
allows so much grief and suffering.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
was a time when I thought God had abandoned me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was a tough period of life when I had gone for over a year trying
desperately to get a decent job, one that would provide for my family.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Although I never accepted government
handouts, we were grateful for family and friends who cared and provided
groceries.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>During the month of August,
1985 I was selling life insurance and was not doing well at it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I remember going to the office late one night
where I spent an hour on the floor pleading with God to help me make enough
sales to pay the bills.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I don't remember
how the bills were paid, but I didn't make many sales.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was devastated.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believed God had turned His back and no
longer cared for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I got a job at
McDonald's, flipping burgers - minimum wage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Although God
has not revealed to me why He allowed me to go through those dark days, I know
that I would not be where I am today if God had not put me through His
mill.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I only wish I had more faith then,
but in His goodness, God wrapped His loving arms around me and carried me
forward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0in 10pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">For those
who are in similar circumstances, I can truly say, I know what you are going
through, for I have been there.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please
allow God to be God.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don't doubt Him
like I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is light at the other
end of the tunnel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>God has not abandoned
you.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Keep trusting Him.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-30705004192470407182012-04-01T09:01:00.002-07:002012-04-01T09:13:05.864-07:00Why Does God Allow...A month ago tornadoes tore through the Ohio Valley from western Indiana into west-central Ohio. It demolished a hamlet, Moscow, OH which is on the Ohio River, 20 miles south of our home. My nephew, who is six, asked this question: 'Couldn't God have stopped it?'<br /><br />It is one of the most difficult questions to answer. Do we simply say, "We are not to question God. He will do as He pleases and that is that"? To make such an arbitrary answer may turn some people away from God.<br /><br />First we must understand that our God is a God of love. Above all, He loves His creation, so much so that He gave his life for mankind. We must also acknowledge that He is holy and just. As such, He is obligated to punish those who rebel against His kingdom and law. That would include everyone of us. We have all sinned against God, and therefore have fallen short of His glory. When Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden, God punished them with a cursed earth. Man was never created to live in the conditions he often places himself in. We were created to glorify God and enjoy His fellowship. Many of the bad things that happen to us are caused by people doing bad things to others or to themselves. And often people blame God. But is God responsible for disease, famine, pestilence, or other horrific acts of nature (sometimes referred to as acts of God)? <br /><br />Let's look at Job who suffered incredible losses, all in one day, and then suffered excruciating pain. His three friends accused Job of doing something which must have made God angry with him. They said if he would repent, God would restore him to health and prosperity. But we are given a glimpse of what actually was happening behind the scenes. God and Satan were having a contest and Job was the subject. God never caused any of the suffering inflicted upon Job; Satan caused the loss and pain. He hates and despises all of God's creation, especially Christ- followers. Job stood firm in his faith in God, although he did not know the cause of his affliction. God won the contest and as a result was glorified. <br /><br />I believe that often when the righteous are faced with pain and loss, it is often caused by the most wicked and hate-filled creature that has ever existed. Yes, God allows it but He is not the author of it. Although we may not understand why, we should trust that God knows best. He's never vindictive, and never allows us to bear a burden too heavy or a temptation too great. He always has a greater reason for what He allows, often to make us able to shoulder increased responsibilities as was the case with Joseph. After being sold into slavery by wicked and extremely jealous brothers (possibly incited by Satan), and then thrown into jail though he was innocent, he kept his faith in God and at just the right time God brought him out of jail and he was instantly installed as the prime minister of Egypt, and several years later prevented the starvation of thousands of people, including his own brothers.<br /><br />Well, what about natural disasters, couldn't God prevent them? The answer is yes, He could. Then why doesn't He? The answer is not easy. We, like Job, cannot see behind the scenes. We also live in a sin-cursed world. When Adam and Eve sinned, God placed a curse upon the earth. One day it will all be changed. Rom. 8:21 states 'that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption.' Read Revelation 21 for a more in-depth description of the new earth which God will create after Satan's final defeat and after judgment has been passed upon the unsaved. But in the meantime we are living in a mean time. And it is not God's fault. The punishment for sin does not only happen after death. So much of the results of sin are experienced in this life, and tragically often innocent ones also suffer because of the sins of others. The greatest example of this is when the perfect Lamb of God was put to death at the hands of wicked men. Even in this, although the disciples thought surely God has made some terrible mistake, we know God's perfect will was accomplished in bringing the plan of salvation to the world.<br /><br />We should also remember that it isn't all about us or our needs and desires. Ultimately God is in control and will do the right thing. Trust Him, because He loves you more than anyone does.Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-74562757153919972312011-12-23T18:53:00.000-08:002011-12-23T18:58:00.102-08:00The Sacrificial LambMany Biblical scholars are in agreement that the town of Bethlehem was the home of the lambs that were used for the sacrifices in the Temple at Jerusalem. Bethlehem was fairly close to the capital city and we know that fields surrounding it had been used for sheep-grazing since the time of King David. What is interesting is that many of the stables in the town were birthing stables. The concept that Jesus was very possibly born in a birthing stable is beyond coincidence.<br /> <br />These lambs were set aside as special. They had to meet certain criteria, such as no blemishes and only male lambs were considered. This type of lamb was used as a Passover lamb, Exod. 12:5. The blood of this lamb was placed on the lintel and doorposts of the homes of the Israelites just over 3,500 years ago. When God slew the firstborn in the land of Egypt, He passed over the houses with the blood - a perfect picture of what Jesus did on the cross - the Lamb of God.<br /> <br />The Father no doubt sent Jesus to one of these birthing stables to be born. This is a beautiful picture of what His life was really about. Just like those lambs that were born to be sacrifices, Jesus was likewise born as the perfect and final sacrifice.<br /> <br />'For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.' Luke 2:11Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-77906859581010450912011-06-19T17:58:00.000-07:002011-06-19T18:02:14.161-07:00My HeritageAlthough my Christian heritage is rich, I understand that many others may not have been blessed with Christian parents. It certainly isn't your fault if that is the case. After all, we don't choose our parents, just like we don't choose our children. But as parents we can make better choices for our children to grow up with the right influences. In a spiritual sense I am rich because my children have risen up and blessed me. Allow me to brag a little; I trust I will be able to bring it all home:<br /><br />My great-grandfather came from Sweden to Minnesota, where he was saved. His youngest of seven kids didn't find salvation until in his 30's, I believe. And he raised my father in a similar way. But while in the US Navy during WWII, my dad also repented of his sins. He didn't want his kids waiting until adulthood to get saved, and chance losing them forever. He prayed and disciplined us (please understand that doesn't only mean corporal punishment, discipline comes from the same root that disciple comes from.) So we have become disciples of Jesus, or Christ-followers, because the mercy of God, and the loving diligence of a godly father. I am not purposely slighting the influence of mothers and grandmothers, but this is a Father's Day tribute, after all.<br /><br />Although I have had an easier path than others because of those who went before me, it is incumbent upon us all as fathers and mothers to raise up a godly generation to come after us, to never give up when it seems as if our kids will never amount to anything, and to pray long and consistently for our kids' salvation as if it depends on us even though our theology teaches us that it all depends on God.<br /><br />I have spoken to some men who told me I am in a small select group, because they believe most fathers are as theirs were, men who had either physically or emotionally abused them, and now they have trouble getting around the past and fathering their children in the way of the Lord. Since I have never been there, I have difficulty empathizing, but one thing is certain: you must break the generational cycle. If you don't, there is a much greater chance that you will allow it to continue. You know what the possible consequences are, so don't let it happen!<br /><br />One final point, and that is that God is our Father. He is not a woman, as the author of The Shack would have us believe. He is the most loving, caring Dad one could ever know. If we need pointers on being a better dad, we couldn't find a more perfect example. I want to let everyone know that I believe I had a great dad, but I know that I also have the greatest Dad possible, my heavenly Father. I love you, Dad!Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-24843044299816120012011-03-27T15:14:00.000-07:002011-03-27T15:18:02.468-07:00The Humanity of JesusOne has to be careful when discussing this subject. We cannot get so caught up in the fact that Jesus was a human, that we fail to remember that Jesus was the Messiah- the Anointed Son of God, and equal to God the Father. But He also was and is human. His birth and earthly life was quite a humbling experience as we read in Phil. 2:5-8.<br /><br />I want to look at one incident which shows us so clearly His humanity and is also a part of Him that we should try to pattern ourselves after. Don't forget that Jesus is not only our blessed Redeemer, but also should be an example for us so that we may accurately walk in His steps, as Peter mentions in his first epistle (2:21).<br />The incident I am referring to is the shortest verse in the Bible, John 11:35,'Jesus wept.' It is just a simple statement of fact and for so many years I would read that, and heard many sermons preached about it, but until recently, it never hit home to me personally. Why did the Holy Spirit inspire John to pen these two words? What was so special about the fact that Jesus wept?<br /> <br />This is during the miracle when Jesus delays His coming to heal His sick friend Lazarus, who dies because of the delay. When Jesus comes to Bethany, He is met by Martha, Lazarus' sister, and later by Mary. As they journey to the gravesite, Jesus weeps. He knew he was going to raise Lazarus from the dead, so why would He cry over His dead friend? Until I lost my father to cancer a couple years ago, it puzzled me. So why do we weep when loved ones we know are no longer suffering, but are in Heaven? I was rejoicing over the fact that my father, who served His Savior for 60 years, was now in His presence and receiving his reward and commendation. But I also wept. Why? Because I am human, and as humans we grieve when someone we love deeply dies. And that is why Jesus wept. He really loved His friend, Lazarus, loved him more than we ever could. Yes, He knew that very soon His friend would stumble from the grave alive and well. But for now Lazarus was dead and Jesus cried with Mary and Martha.<br /><br />What a wonderful picture of a loving man and merciful God! This is so comforting. To think that Jesus, the Creator of the world not only knows our cares and grief, but also can and does grieve with us. A couple weeks ago a young Christian client lost his wife and 15 month-old son in a car accident. He is only 26 years old and has been married for only three years. What a tragic loss, to go to work on a bright Tuesday morning and come home to an empty house. What had he done to deserve such a blow? I spoke with Clint's boss, who reminded me that Job didn't know why God allowed him to suffer like he did. We may not understand why God allows things to happen - but we must trust that God does not inflict pain frivolously, and because He loves us, let us also remember that Jesus not only is grieving with Clint, but on his spiritual journey, this is one of those times that Jesus is not walking with him, but in His strong, loving arms, Jesus is carrying a grieving, sorrowful man, who has lost so much.<br /><br />Yes, it is good to rejoice with those who rejoice. But as we weep with those who weep, may we remember our Savior weeps as well. When we go through the valleys of life, Jesus is there, caring for us more deeply than we can imagine. Although we may not understand why bad things happen to good people, we can trust that God knows, and He is good, all the time.Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-38252899817515876462011-02-07T16:30:00.000-08:002011-02-07T16:39:52.708-08:00Real ChristiansI finished reading a Christian classic that I would recommend to others. Foxe's Book of Martyrs has been one of the two most cherished books, apart from the Bible, among English-speaking people for 400 years. The other is Pilgrim's Progress. In some ways, it is not easy reading since it was written a generation before Shakespeare wrote his plays. But it is worth reading. And it is not as morbid as some would think.<br /> <br />When I read the accounts of real men and women who fearlessly and even joyfully gave their lives for their Savior with the full assurance that they would wake on the other side of death in the presence of Jesus, it helped me realize that this world holds nothing for me. My hope is in the risen Lamb. Death should not be something we embrace, but it should not be something we shrink from with horror. There are some things that are worse than death. According to these heroes, one thing that they would never do is to renounce their King. They were true to Him, even to death.<br /><br />The book starts out giving the legends of the deaths of the first and second century martyrs. Then it chronicles the persecution by the Catholic Church of the Reformers starting with John Wickliff, who was known as the Morning Star of the Reformation. From there the book goes to what was happening during John Foxe's lifetime - fellow Englishmen and women who were sentenced to death for refusing to submit to the idolatry of the Catholic Church during the reign of the queen known as Bloody Mary.<br /> <br />When reading about these extraordinary people who faced the stake so fearlessly, continuing to pray and exhort the crowd gathered as the fire would start burning their flesh, I wondered how they were able to take it. There is one excerpt that shows the amazing presence of Jesus, when He said He would be with us to the end of the age:<br /><br /> "Thomas Hauker, being bound to the stake, the fire was set upon him. In the which when he continued long, and when his speech was taken away by the violence of the flame, his skin also drawn together, and his fingers consumed by the fire, so that now all men had thought certainly he had gone, suddenly and contrary to all expectation, the blessed servant of God reached up his hands burning on a light fire, which was marvellous to behold, over his head to the living God, and with great rejoicing, as it seemed, struck or clapped them three times together. Which thing he promised certain of his friends to do; and so, secretly between them, it was agreed, that if the rage of the pain were tolerable and might be suffered, then he should lift his hands above his head toward heaven, before he gave up the ghost."<br /><br />Although God doesn't promise a life free from persecution and martyrdom, He does promise His presence and protection, even through death. Many of our brothers and sisters are now suffering persecution, especially in North Korea and Muslim countries. We should hold up these dear Christians before the throne of grace. And as I mentioned in an earlier post, we in America are not exempt from the possibility of real persecution. We can take heart that there are those who have gone before. They have paved the way. They have shown us there is nothing to fear in death. It is momentary, and then....the smile of Jesus as He welcomes us to our new home.Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-80123013276411795112011-01-19T17:01:00.000-08:002011-01-19T17:24:41.792-08:00A New Year's ResolutionAlthough many people make resolutions at the beginning of a New Year, most don't stick with them very long. There is nothing wrong with making these resolutions, actually some are very good. An employee decided she would quit smoking starting January 1. When I asked her why she wouldn't quit in December, she said she wasn't ready. I'm not sure, but I think her resolution has already fallen by the wayside.<br /> <br />Good intentions are nice, but won't go very far unless backed up by a real desire. It also helps if you are seeking the assistance of a higher power. I have made a New Year's resolution. I am pretty sure I will fail from time to time, but I want to see my life changed by the principle Jesus lays out in Matthew 5:38-48. As many of you will recognize, this is part of the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus is zeroing in on our selfishness. He says turn you cheek, give the shirt off your back, go the extra mile, and love your enemies. This, I believe was the revolutionary way of living that was a large part of turning the Roman world upside down and made Christianity such a major 'religion' within 100 years after the resurrection of Jesus. Religion is in quotes because it is after all, not a religion, but a way of life and a relationship with our loving Creator.<br /><br />There are two reasons why I am making the resolution. First, because I want others to see God reflected in me, something that can be accomplished through following the steps laid out in the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus makes an incredible statement in verse 48: 'Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.' I'm not going to disagree with the scholars who say perfect doesn't really mean perfect, it really means mature. But what I am saying is that if we follow the guidelines laid down by Jesus, we are going to be what the Bible describes as perfect. I think that is a good reason. If you are in a position where God is pleased with you, you are in a good position. And you will reflect the Lord God to a world that desperately needs a glimpse of Him.<br /><br />The second reason I am making this resolution is what it will do for me. I know Jesus didn't make the statements in His Sermon just to see how difficult He could make things for His disciples, but because He knew that these principles He was laying out were to help us to live out His purpose. As humans we all have been made in the image of God. He knows us, and what is best for us. He also knows moral perfection, and how we can be morally perfect. Because Jesus knows what is best for me, why wouldn't I want to be obedient to what He says?<br /> <br />But there are many precepts laid out in the Bible that we as selfish humans reject as unacceptable. Solomon was the wisest man who ever lived, but when he says, 'If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the Lord will reward you.' (Prov. 25:21-22), my first reaction is to roll my eyes and mutter 'Yeah, right!' There have been people who have treated me and my family pretty bad and I really don't want to help them. But if I believe that the Bible is the Word of God, then I am expected to treat this passage, not only with respect, but with complete obedience, even if it hurts.<br /><br />Okay, it sure is good that Jesus gives us only four rules as listed above. Well, maybe He just gave four examples, and that actually there is a principle that He is teaching. This is where it gets really tough. I have to entirely change my way of thinking, which is why I am sure I will fail from time to time. But I am convinced that Jesus is teaching this principle: I am to place the interests of others before my interests. It is easy to say, but it is radical thinking and can only be accomplished through total dependence and faith in Jesus. <br /> <br />I want to be a Christ-follower. I want to live by His precepts, not to win His favor, but because I love Him. I will trust Him and pray that He will change my thinking. This is my resolution for 2011. What's yours?Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-37307398184278682842010-12-19T13:12:00.000-08:002010-12-19T13:15:24.847-08:00MERRY CHRISTMAS<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kAzxzEd-nQRuAvZQwFPzl0TL1oAsC1p1ylV_bWhpVZI-tgvA8nDkVNLboJAkjYIF4T4xvvbcx4QbMgNEJ2LCkZPbw8VTZobIkWdF2kO2JGuDfy8Td_-CvcEt6vCKv3SjkpsarMLLoiQ/s1600/DSC01000.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3kAzxzEd-nQRuAvZQwFPzl0TL1oAsC1p1ylV_bWhpVZI-tgvA8nDkVNLboJAkjYIF4T4xvvbcx4QbMgNEJ2LCkZPbw8VTZobIkWdF2kO2JGuDfy8Td_-CvcEt6vCKv3SjkpsarMLLoiQ/s320/DSC01000.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5552504953351880098" /></a><br />May the grace and peace of God be with you this season. We are thankful for His blessings and grace in our lives.<br /><br />Although it has been a colder than normal month of December, we have been very fortunate to not only have a well-working central heating system, but a wood-burning stove with plenty of wood. It makes for a very cozy basement. Kathy and I are doing well, and have become empty-nesters once again with the moving of Pat and Allie last weekend to a carriage house in Indian Hill - one of the nicest suburbs of Cincinnati. They have a very nice and reasonably priced place. <br /> <br />Pat has one more semester to complete before becoming an RN next summer. But his educational plans are more far-reaching. We are proud of what he has done and are confident that he will meet his long-range goals. Allie is doing well in her business endeavors. She has been successful in a tough economy and met her business goals for the year.<br /><br />Aaron and Michelle completed their studies this year. Michelle became an RN this past summer, and is now working at Jewish Hospital, the same hospital she worked at as an LPN a couple years ago. We watched as Aaron graduated from Xavier with an MBA this past summer. It was a great day!<br /><br />Joe is still working at Grace Plastics as our accountant. He and Danielle just returned from a three-week trip to Australia, Danielle's birthplace. We were all jealous, but know they had a good time. Danielle proved to be a top-notch photographer with wonderful pictures of the continent down-under.<br /><br />Elizabeth and Brian presented us with our first granddaughter, Ava Kathleen. She is healthy and her big brother Garrett is getting used to the idea that the universe doesn't revolve only around him. They are still in South Carolina, and Brian has been doing a great job as estimator with Trehel, the commercial construction company he works for. Elizabeth has been putting in a lot of over-time in her job as a mom, although she feels a lot better than she did a couple months ago when she was great with child.<br /><br /> For a down economy, Grace Plastics has been doing very well. We added another grinder this past summer, and although we are still working two shifts, a third shift is planned within the next couple months. We just need to get more organized.<br />From Grace Place to your place, we wish you a very merry Christmas and a blessed new year!<br /><br />All our love,<br />Harold and Kathy JohnsonHarold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5087516910091248618.post-78184974813200161252010-11-20T18:55:00.000-08:002010-11-20T19:32:38.740-08:00It's a Girl!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpK4Rjpvv2X-rtL_WmZ-UA6G57SrgxHLuIjg_TET67zH8ovp2WL_l0ynWjAJWSKsAbZPF4M5hg7vxOlNjtVV3v1uGstMmrqgcEeJ__24hqaA5k1Pxdu50Lh47WPnASlT-PZ7VkWr-GbtM/s1600/P1000874.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpK4Rjpvv2X-rtL_WmZ-UA6G57SrgxHLuIjg_TET67zH8ovp2WL_l0ynWjAJWSKsAbZPF4M5hg7vxOlNjtVV3v1uGstMmrqgcEeJ__24hqaA5k1Pxdu50Lh47WPnASlT-PZ7VkWr-GbtM/s320/P1000874.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5541840598450054994" /></a><br />A couple weeks ago, on Monday, November 7 Kathy and I left Batavia for Greenville, SC. We had heard that our daughter, Elizabeth was in the hospital. We were expecting this call because she was nine months pregnant. We finally reached Greenville General Hospital and as we stepped off the elevator Kathy received a call on her cell phone - Ava had just been born!<br /><br />We had reminisced about a similar incident that happened 31 years ago when Kathy went into labor for our first child and when the beautiful baby was born we named her Elizabeth Anne. One generation follows on the heel of the previous. As parents we do our best to provide our children with the best we can offer. As young parents we didn't have much materially and couldn't offer much. In retrospect, it didn't warp our kids in the least. If anything, it helped them realize that society doesn't owe them a thing. They have all grown to be hard-working, law-abiding, honest citizens, and I am proud of each one. But I digress...<br /><br />Ava Kathleen is our second grandchild. Two years ago Brian and Elizabeth had a son, Garrett. He is doing his best to adjust to life with a baby sister. As grandparents we will do everything to make sure our grandchildren do not go without, but I view my most important role as what I can impart to these children of my offspring. I am impressed first of all that these little ones have eternal souls, and it is my sacred duty to pray daily for their salvation. What a tragic shame if any of my children's children were to turn their backs on the Savior! Then I view my role as one of assisting the parents in leading these little ones to be followers of Jesus. I was not blessed with a great deal of intelligence. I look at my three brothers: a missionary with a PhD, an attorney, and an accountant. I'm just a scrap dealer whom God has been pleased to bless. But after all these years, surely I have gained some knowledge and wisdom. It is this that I wish to pass on to those who come after.<br /><br />I have a wonderful heritage. On my father's side, my great-grandparents came from Sweden in the 1880's, settled in Minnesota, received Jesus as their savior, and on that side I am a 4th generation Christian. On my mother's side, we can trace our roots back to 1640 when my ancestor landed in Boston as a preacher. As proud as I may be of my heritage, God isn't looking at my ancestry; He is looking at my heart. It is the same for my grandchildren. I Sam. 13:14 'The Lord has sought out for Himself a man after His own heart.'<br /> <br />As soon as a baby is born there is the discussion of who he or she looks like. We are generally pleased if they have some of our genetic characteristics. As parents and grandparents may we do all we can to instill our 'spiritual genes' in our offspring; may we be known to our descendents as men and women of God.Harold Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07099009020497334630noreply@blogger.com0