Back to 1975
When JoJo asked his dad for permission to go over to Nancy's, Dan told him it would be fine ONLY if he took a shower. Now, that JoJo was in Nancy's Living Room, he was glad for his father's insight. He was also glad he put on a splash of Brute--he was a man!
"What did you and the guys do today, JoJo?" Cindy asked more out of politeness than curiosity.
"Nothing much--hung out, ate, and played football."
"Did your team win?" Nancy asked
"HUH...Oh yea, we won."
"Good," the girls said in unison.
"So how bout y'all. What did you do today?" JoJo returned the politeness with the same lack of interest.
Nancy said, "We went shopping."
Cindy chimed in..."It was the best!"
"Oh...what did you get?"
"Clothes, make-up, and perfume!" Nancy said enthusiastically.
Oh Brother JoJo thought. "Yea, that sounds like a fun day."
Both girls giggle.
Wonder why they do that?? JoJo thought
As they listened to records and talked, JoJo quizzed the girls.
"Name your favorite song!"
Nancy said, "That's easy for me...My Eyes Adored You by Frankie Valli!"
Cindy said, "Well...I really like: Jivin Talkin by the Bee Gees."
"Yea, those are good songs."
"What's your current favorite song, JoJo?" Nancy asked.
"I like several, but I would have to say my favorite is: Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglas!"
JoJo jumped up and did some "Kung Fu" while he sang the chorus.
The girls broke out in laughter, and pushed each other around.
When things settled down, Cindy said, "I have some news for you two."
JoJo and Nancy looked at each other...then back at Cindy.
"Shoot," JoJo said.
"I AM SAVED!!" Cindy shouted.
"YAH!!!" Nancy and JoJo shouted.
"Tell us about it," Nancy said to Cindy.
"Well, Ms. Passion and I met and I told her I wanted to be saved. Well, she asked me did I know anything about Jesus. When I told her, 'No'. She made read the book of John."
JoJo exclaimed, "The WHOLE Book?!"
"Yes. I read it 3 times."
Nancy said, "WOW!"
JoJo said, "Go on..."
"So, Ms. Passion and I talked again. This time, I listed 74 descriptions of Jesus from the book of John. Not only did I know who He is...I knew I wanted Him to be my Lord and Savior."
Nancy anxiously said, "And..."
"I asked Jesus into my heart. He filled me with His Spirit. I am a New Creature in Christ!"
"Wow! Way cool," Nancy responded.
JoJo said, "Praise the Lord!"
Tuesday, August 29, 2017
Friday, August 25, 2017
JoJo 11.2; Back to 1973
Meanwhile back in 1973....
Fire reminded Dan of the 8 questions:
1. What does it really mean to be a Christian?
2. What part of the Bible should I read to start off?
3. How do I pray?
4. What if I sin?
5. Why do Christian people die of cancer or other stuff?
6. How can I be a better father?
7. How can I be a better husband?
8. Can I go to y'all's church?
Dan reviews the list...again. It was such an honest list of questions.
"Well, let's see which questions we have answered."
"Let's check it out, Danny Boy!"
"How do you feel about #1?"
"Yea, I feel good, but I am still learning."
"Fire, the learning of being what I call: The Me God Wants Me To Be continues as long as we breath!"
"OK. Cool."
"On # 2...You read John. Have you read any other books?'
"Yes, I went back to the beginning. I am on Genesis chapter 37. Joseph has just walked on to the scene."
"Great---that will help us with question # 5, but we will come back to that."
"Dan, I am really learning about # 3."
"Tell me about it."
"Sometimes if I just sit still and focus on God, it is the best prayer I can have! Other times, I feel like my prayers are not reaching too high."
"Fire, the being still is absolutely one of the best forms of prayer! Secondly, we all have trouble at times with the feeling our prayers are NOT going anywhere."
"So, what's up with that?"
"It is one of the mysteries of God! Just keep on keeping on until you get a breakthrough."
"Will do."
"How is # 4 going?"
"Good and bad. When I confess my sins, I KNOW I am forgiven! But, sometimes...I kinda want to cover them up. I want to hide them from God. After a while, I realize I am dumb cause God knows it ALL. So, I confess and I am forgiven."
"That is a sign of spiritual maturity to already realize that. You amaze me--Fire!"
"Really, Danny Boy?"
"Absolutely, Fire! OK, # 8....I am thankful our families are going to church together!"
"Man, I am, too. I do have one question."
"Shoot."
"Bang! Couldn't resist, Ole Buddy. How can I get in the Church Band. You know I play the drums."
"I sure do, Fire, and you can tear them up. Let me check on that one."
"Sounds good, Pal."
"Now, that leaves us with Questions # 7 & 8."
"Yea, I wanna be the best Daddy and husband I can be!"
"I think that is admirable, Fire. Let's look at some scripture I picked out for the answers."
"Good thinking."
"Here are some verses for being a good husband."
Proverbs 18:22 let's us know it is a blessing to have a wife. The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.
Ephesians 5:25-30 really tells us the importance of the husband-wife relationship.
For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washing by the cleansing of God's word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body.
1 Peter 3:7 continues to instruct us on the manner in which we should treat our wives.
In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
"As you can see, Fire, that scripture came with a verse concerning God answering our prayers."
"This is heavy stuff, Danny. I mean it's good---real good, but can we stop there for today? Let me take this in and we'll talk about being a good father later."
"Sure Fire. I think that's a good idea."
"Well, I sure appreciate this!"
"You are welcome, but honestly it's helping me, too. Plus, I enjoy our fellowship."
With a wide grin, Fire exclaimed, "Me too Ole Buddy!"
Fire reminded Dan of the 8 questions:
1. What does it really mean to be a Christian?
2. What part of the Bible should I read to start off?
3. How do I pray?
4. What if I sin?
5. Why do Christian people die of cancer or other stuff?
6. How can I be a better father?
7. How can I be a better husband?
8. Can I go to y'all's church?
Dan reviews the list...again. It was such an honest list of questions.
"Well, let's see which questions we have answered."
"Let's check it out, Danny Boy!"
"How do you feel about #1?"
"Yea, I feel good, but I am still learning."
"Fire, the learning of being what I call: The Me God Wants Me To Be continues as long as we breath!"
"OK. Cool."
"On # 2...You read John. Have you read any other books?'
"Yes, I went back to the beginning. I am on Genesis chapter 37. Joseph has just walked on to the scene."
"Great---that will help us with question # 5, but we will come back to that."
"Dan, I am really learning about # 3."
"Tell me about it."
"Sometimes if I just sit still and focus on God, it is the best prayer I can have! Other times, I feel like my prayers are not reaching too high."
"Fire, the being still is absolutely one of the best forms of prayer! Secondly, we all have trouble at times with the feeling our prayers are NOT going anywhere."
"So, what's up with that?"
"It is one of the mysteries of God! Just keep on keeping on until you get a breakthrough."
"Will do."
"How is # 4 going?"
"Good and bad. When I confess my sins, I KNOW I am forgiven! But, sometimes...I kinda want to cover them up. I want to hide them from God. After a while, I realize I am dumb cause God knows it ALL. So, I confess and I am forgiven."
"That is a sign of spiritual maturity to already realize that. You amaze me--Fire!"
"Really, Danny Boy?"
"Absolutely, Fire! OK, # 8....I am thankful our families are going to church together!"
"Man, I am, too. I do have one question."
"Shoot."
"Bang! Couldn't resist, Ole Buddy. How can I get in the Church Band. You know I play the drums."
"I sure do, Fire, and you can tear them up. Let me check on that one."
"Sounds good, Pal."
"Now, that leaves us with Questions # 7 & 8."
"Yea, I wanna be the best Daddy and husband I can be!"
"I think that is admirable, Fire. Let's look at some scripture I picked out for the answers."
"Good thinking."
"Here are some verses for being a good husband."
Proverbs 18:22 let's us know it is a blessing to have a wife. The man who finds a wife finds a treasure, and he receives favor from the Lord.
Ephesians 5:25-30 really tells us the importance of the husband-wife relationship.
For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washing by the cleansing of God's word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body.
1 Peter 3:7 continues to instruct us on the manner in which we should treat our wives.
In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.
"As you can see, Fire, that scripture came with a verse concerning God answering our prayers."
"This is heavy stuff, Danny. I mean it's good---real good, but can we stop there for today? Let me take this in and we'll talk about being a good father later."
"Sure Fire. I think that's a good idea."
"Well, I sure appreciate this!"
"You are welcome, but honestly it's helping me, too. Plus, I enjoy our fellowship."
With a wide grin, Fire exclaimed, "Me too Ole Buddy!"
Tuesday, August 22, 2017
JoJo 11.1; JoJo and the Fellers
It was a spectacular Saturday in Smallville! Thankfully, the boys had made up with JoJo---well, let's say they had forgiven him for not getting Wake-Up Calls. It had been rough. Ralph Sampson transferred to Johnsonville High due to the vicious beating he took two weeks prior. The fellers figured if JoJo could save his head, more power to him!
The day started off with extra sleep until 9:00. JoJo awoke to the smell of Blueberry Pancakes! He was in his dining chair within 37 seconds! Remi laughed at JoJo's head.
"Ha, Brother got smushed hair on one side!"
JoJo rarely paid his little sister any attention and this would count as one of those times.
"Smells good, Ma!"
"Well, thank you, my boy!" JoJo's mother's health had been really good for the last 3 weeks.
After JoJo gobbled down 6 pancakes, 3 pieces of bacon, and 2 glasses of chocolate milk, he let out a loud burp to show his appreciation to the cook.
Dan didn't see it that way. "Son, are you an animal or a person?"
"Oh excuse me, everybody. Uhhh...person, Dad."
Dan realized his choice of words were not the best. "Son, I'm sorry. I know you are not an animal, but PLEASE do NOT burp at the table when you are at someone else's house."
"Sure, Dad."
"So, what activities do you boys have planned today."
"First, we are going to hang out at Tommy's. He has new records. Next, we are going to play some football. After that...about 1:30, we will listen to Larry Munson's call of Georgia vs Ole Miss."
"Sounds like fun!"
"Yessir."
Sure enough, JoJo, Greg, Oliver, and Jay showed up at Tommy's during the morning between 10:00 and 11:00. Tommy had 3 new records:
Wildfire by Michael Martin Murphy
Get Down Tonight by KC and the Sunshine Band
Magic by Pilot
The fellers listened to the songs and the radio for about an hour. Mrs. Wildfire fixed hotdogs, potato chips, and Coca Cola.
Man is this good JoJo thought.
All the guys remembered to thank Mrs. Wildfire (exactly like their parents had told them).
It's time for Backyard Football! JoJo liked suiting up and playing for the Rec. Dept., but he gave up the game and his dream of making it to the NFL when he arrived at Smallville High School. Besides, the band needed him on Friday nights for the Half-Time Show! So, getting to show off his football skills in the backyard was fun. Since, there were only 5 fellers, Tommy played All-Time Quarterback. It was a tough game. The guys used the One-Point System for scoring---meaning a touchdown was worth a point. They all decided that 1:00 would end the game. It was 12:59, and the game was tied. The other team had the ball, so JoJo played back and suckered Greg into thinking he was open. Just as the ball left Tommy's hand, Jo jumped the route and made the interception. He raced down the sidelines (the tree line), and danced into the end zone (the area between the clothes lines).
What a thrill! Maybe I can still make it in the NFL one day!! JoJo kidded himself.
Almost time for the Bulldawgs! The guys grabbed a snack and went into Tommy's room.
"Get the picture. Dawgs dressed in white pants, red jerseys, and red helmets. Ole Miss in those dark blue pants, white jerseys, and those dark blue helmets." Larry Munson painted the scene.
The game was pathetic! The Dawgs lost 28 to 13. All the boys went home a little down.
Almost every time JoJo was down, he would call Cindy. He was so glad to be off Phone-restriction. And he had to admit---his grade were really good now. But oh how he hated to behave in class! JoJo had gotten his own phone in his room for his birthday about 2 weeks prior. He dove on his bed, pick up the receiver, and dialed Cindy's number: 555-1268. Unfortunately, Cindy was not at home. About that time Nancy called. She said Cindy was at her house. They had been shopping. Yippee JoJo thought. Nancy asked if JoJo wanted to come over.
"To your HOUSE?"
"Why yes, JoJo. Do you have other plans?"
NO! JoJo thought. "Nancy, let me check with my Dad, and I'll call you back."
"Sure, JoJo."
"DAD............
The day started off with extra sleep until 9:00. JoJo awoke to the smell of Blueberry Pancakes! He was in his dining chair within 37 seconds! Remi laughed at JoJo's head.
"Ha, Brother got smushed hair on one side!"
JoJo rarely paid his little sister any attention and this would count as one of those times.
"Smells good, Ma!"
"Well, thank you, my boy!" JoJo's mother's health had been really good for the last 3 weeks.
After JoJo gobbled down 6 pancakes, 3 pieces of bacon, and 2 glasses of chocolate milk, he let out a loud burp to show his appreciation to the cook.
Dan didn't see it that way. "Son, are you an animal or a person?"
"Oh excuse me, everybody. Uhhh...person, Dad."
Dan realized his choice of words were not the best. "Son, I'm sorry. I know you are not an animal, but PLEASE do NOT burp at the table when you are at someone else's house."
"Sure, Dad."
"So, what activities do you boys have planned today."
"First, we are going to hang out at Tommy's. He has new records. Next, we are going to play some football. After that...about 1:30, we will listen to Larry Munson's call of Georgia vs Ole Miss."
"Sounds like fun!"
"Yessir."
Sure enough, JoJo, Greg, Oliver, and Jay showed up at Tommy's during the morning between 10:00 and 11:00. Tommy had 3 new records:
Wildfire by Michael Martin Murphy
Get Down Tonight by KC and the Sunshine Band
Magic by Pilot
The fellers listened to the songs and the radio for about an hour. Mrs. Wildfire fixed hotdogs, potato chips, and Coca Cola.
Man is this good JoJo thought.
All the guys remembered to thank Mrs. Wildfire (exactly like their parents had told them).
It's time for Backyard Football! JoJo liked suiting up and playing for the Rec. Dept., but he gave up the game and his dream of making it to the NFL when he arrived at Smallville High School. Besides, the band needed him on Friday nights for the Half-Time Show! So, getting to show off his football skills in the backyard was fun. Since, there were only 5 fellers, Tommy played All-Time Quarterback. It was a tough game. The guys used the One-Point System for scoring---meaning a touchdown was worth a point. They all decided that 1:00 would end the game. It was 12:59, and the game was tied. The other team had the ball, so JoJo played back and suckered Greg into thinking he was open. Just as the ball left Tommy's hand, Jo jumped the route and made the interception. He raced down the sidelines (the tree line), and danced into the end zone (the area between the clothes lines).
What a thrill! Maybe I can still make it in the NFL one day!! JoJo kidded himself.
Almost time for the Bulldawgs! The guys grabbed a snack and went into Tommy's room.
"Get the picture. Dawgs dressed in white pants, red jerseys, and red helmets. Ole Miss in those dark blue pants, white jerseys, and those dark blue helmets." Larry Munson painted the scene.
The game was pathetic! The Dawgs lost 28 to 13. All the boys went home a little down.
Almost every time JoJo was down, he would call Cindy. He was so glad to be off Phone-restriction. And he had to admit---his grade were really good now. But oh how he hated to behave in class! JoJo had gotten his own phone in his room for his birthday about 2 weeks prior. He dove on his bed, pick up the receiver, and dialed Cindy's number: 555-1268. Unfortunately, Cindy was not at home. About that time Nancy called. She said Cindy was at her house. They had been shopping. Yippee JoJo thought. Nancy asked if JoJo wanted to come over.
"To your HOUSE?"
"Why yes, JoJo. Do you have other plans?"
NO! JoJo thought. "Nancy, let me check with my Dad, and I'll call you back."
"Sure, JoJo."
"DAD............
Monday, August 21, 2017
JoJo 10.5: The He is List
…I created a list about Jesus. It is called the He is List!”
He is…
The Word
The Giver of Life
The Light that darkness can not extinguish it
Full of Unfailing Love and Grace
Near to the Father’s heart
The Revealer of God to people
The Lamb of God
Rabbi (Teacher)
The son of Joseph of Nazareth
the Son of God—the King of Israel
Water-to-Wine Miracle Man
Passion for His Father’s House
Familiar with what is in People’s Hearts
The Son of Man
The Savior of the World
The Messiah
The Bridegroom
He came from above
Sent by God
Hated by many Pharisees
The Living Water
The Great I AM
Not honored in His hometown
Healer (i.e.:fever, lame, blind)
Always working
Does ONLY what He sees the Father doing
Gives Life to anyone He wants
The Scriptures point to Him
Fed 5,000 men (plus the others gathered) with 5 barley loaves and 2 fish
Water Walker
The Bread of Life
Forgiver of sins through His flesh and blood
A Dust Writer
Forgiver of an adulterous woman
The Light of the World
He does not belong to this world
Someone who has the ability to set people free
Before Abraham was born, HE WAS (I AM)
The Gate for the sheep
Giver of rich and satisfying life
The Good Shepherd
Loved by the Father
A Raiser of the Dead (Lazarus, after he had been dead for 4 days)
Hunted by Jewish leaders to be killed
His feet were anointed by Mary’s expensive perfume
Betrayed by Judas Iscariot
A donkey rider
Says whatever the Father tells him to say (obeys the Father)
A Foot Washer
The Way, The Truth, and The Life
His Advocate is the Holy Spirit
The True Grapevine
The Vine
Granter of prayers—if people remain in Him
Lover of people
Hated by the World
One who warns His disciples of things to come
He brought Glory to God, the Father by completing the work He gave Jesus to do.
One who prays for the protection of current (and future) disciples of His
Arrested by the Temple Guards
Slapped by a Temple Guard
Tried before Caiaphas, the High Priest
Tried by Pilate
King of the Jews
Flogged with a led-tipped whip
Mocked by soldiers
Wore a Crown Of Thorns
The Man
Sentenced to die
Crucified between 2 thieves
Rose from the Dead
Appeared to His disciples after He died
Breathed the Holy Spirit upon the disciples
“WOW,WOW,WOW! Cindy, did you learn all these things about Jesus from reading John?”
“Yes mam, and I believed God helped me!”
“He sure did!”
“I am ready.”
“For what?”
“To ask Jesus into my heart, to repent of my sins, and dedicate the rest of my life to serve Him!”
“Yes, you are!”
“As far as I am concerned, you just told God your desires. I believe you are saved already.”
“I believe it, too.”
“Ms. Passion…”
“Yes, Cindy?”
“Two things: Thanks for your help! And, I know God’s Spirit is living in me!!!!!!!”
“My blessing, Girl! Hallelujah!”
He is…
The Word
The Giver of Life
The Light that darkness can not extinguish it
Full of Unfailing Love and Grace
Near to the Father’s heart
The Revealer of God to people
The Lamb of God
Rabbi (Teacher)
The son of Joseph of Nazareth
the Son of God—the King of Israel
Water-to-Wine Miracle Man
Passion for His Father’s House
Familiar with what is in People’s Hearts
The Son of Man
The Savior of the World
The Messiah
The Bridegroom
He came from above
Sent by God
Hated by many Pharisees
The Living Water
The Great I AM
Not honored in His hometown
Healer (i.e.:fever, lame, blind)
Always working
Does ONLY what He sees the Father doing
Gives Life to anyone He wants
The Scriptures point to Him
Fed 5,000 men (plus the others gathered) with 5 barley loaves and 2 fish
Water Walker
The Bread of Life
Forgiver of sins through His flesh and blood
A Dust Writer
Forgiver of an adulterous woman
The Light of the World
He does not belong to this world
Someone who has the ability to set people free
Before Abraham was born, HE WAS (I AM)
The Gate for the sheep
Giver of rich and satisfying life
The Good Shepherd
Loved by the Father
A Raiser of the Dead (Lazarus, after he had been dead for 4 days)
Hunted by Jewish leaders to be killed
His feet were anointed by Mary’s expensive perfume
Betrayed by Judas Iscariot
A donkey rider
Says whatever the Father tells him to say (obeys the Father)
A Foot Washer
The Way, The Truth, and The Life
His Advocate is the Holy Spirit
The True Grapevine
The Vine
Granter of prayers—if people remain in Him
Lover of people
Hated by the World
One who warns His disciples of things to come
He brought Glory to God, the Father by completing the work He gave Jesus to do.
One who prays for the protection of current (and future) disciples of His
Arrested by the Temple Guards
Slapped by a Temple Guard
Tried before Caiaphas, the High Priest
Tried by Pilate
King of the Jews
Flogged with a led-tipped whip
Mocked by soldiers
Wore a Crown Of Thorns
The Man
Sentenced to die
Crucified between 2 thieves
Rose from the Dead
Appeared to His disciples after He died
Breathed the Holy Spirit upon the disciples
“WOW,WOW,WOW! Cindy, did you learn all these things about Jesus from reading John?”
“Yes mam, and I believed God helped me!”
“He sure did!”
“I am ready.”
“For what?”
“To ask Jesus into my heart, to repent of my sins, and dedicate the rest of my life to serve Him!”
“Yes, you are!”
“As far as I am concerned, you just told God your desires. I believe you are saved already.”
“I believe it, too.”
“Ms. Passion…”
“Yes, Cindy?”
“Two things: Thanks for your help! And, I know God’s Spirit is living in me!!!!!!!”
“My blessing, Girl! Hallelujah!”
Sunday, August 20, 2017
JoJo 10.4; Cindy's Hunger for God Continues
Cindy got to Smallville United Methodist Youth Service early that Sunday night. She hoped to talk to Ms. Passion about her reading. Sure enough, Ms. Passion made a B-line to Cindy as she entered the Youth Room.
“Hey, Cindy. How’s my girl?”
Cindy liked the feeling of ‘belonging to someone’.
“Hey Ms. Passion! Great! How are you?”
“Blessed.”
“I read John 3 times.”
“Which parts?”
“All of it…was that wrong?”
“Goodness no, Girl! How was it?”
“Well, I know who Jesus is!”
“Praise the Lord!”
“Can we talk after Youth Service?”
“Absolutely!”
Soon JoJo, Tommy (who had been sick for 2 weeks), Greg, Robbie, and the other members of the Band came in. After JoJo said ‘hey’, they went right to the stage to practice. About 20 minutes later, other youth arrived. Mr. Faith paid the Pizza Nut Deliverer for the 12 pizzas, and the kids started feasting. The room got loud, but Nancy and Cindy were able to communicate pretty well. Nancy had been a Christian for 3 years. She loved ‘talking God’ with anybody.
At 6:27, Mr. Faith asked the students to move to the Worship area, and the Band began within a minute. Cindy sat with Nancy, and this time Cindy remembered some of the songs. She sand along quietly. Nancy’s voice was so sweet that Cindy wanted to hear her sing more than sing herself!
At 6:49, Ms. Passion went to the podium.
“Please bow for prayer. ‘Father, you are so good to us! We don’t understand how much you bless us. However, I want to praise you for a few. For your mercy, your wisdom, your forgiveness, your Son, flushing toilets (a few students giggled), and for our speaker tonight…Donald. Be with him and use him to help us know You more.’”
Cindy thought DONALD? Cindy had never heard Donald speak a word in the 3 years she had known him.
Donald gave a wonderful talk. Afterwards, Cindy thought if God can use Donald, there is hope for me! Cindy thanked Donald for his talk. Then, she saw JoJo. She was mad at him for not calling her until she called him. JoJo’s mother explained his consequence.
“Hey convict. Did you get an early release?”
“Very funny.”
“Sorry, Jo. Your mom told me about your punishment.”
“She told me.” At the risk of feeling vulnerable, JoJo said, “I have missed talking to you.”
Cindy was a little taken aback. JoJo usually kept all feelings bottled up.
“Aww. Thanks, JoJo. I have missed our conversations as well.”
“I have 3 more weeks of no-phone restriction!”
“That’s not too bad.”
“That AND I have to behave in Old Lady Tense’s room the rest of the year.”
Cindy looked past JoJo and said, “Hi, Mrs. Tense.”
JoJo wheeled around to see… nobody. “Real funny!”
“Sorry, JoJo. Ha!”
“Well, I’ll talk to you at school.”
“Are you mad?”
“No, Girl. But, my dad is outside waiting on me, and I am trying to get on Dan’s good side!”
“Understood!”
Finally, Cindy and Ms. Passion got to talk about her reading of John and what she learned.
“OK. Cindy, tell me about Jesus.”
“Well…….
“Hey, Cindy. How’s my girl?”
Cindy liked the feeling of ‘belonging to someone’.
“Hey Ms. Passion! Great! How are you?”
“Blessed.”
“I read John 3 times.”
“Which parts?”
“All of it…was that wrong?”
“Goodness no, Girl! How was it?”
“Well, I know who Jesus is!”
“Praise the Lord!”
“Can we talk after Youth Service?”
“Absolutely!”
Soon JoJo, Tommy (who had been sick for 2 weeks), Greg, Robbie, and the other members of the Band came in. After JoJo said ‘hey’, they went right to the stage to practice. About 20 minutes later, other youth arrived. Mr. Faith paid the Pizza Nut Deliverer for the 12 pizzas, and the kids started feasting. The room got loud, but Nancy and Cindy were able to communicate pretty well. Nancy had been a Christian for 3 years. She loved ‘talking God’ with anybody.
At 6:27, Mr. Faith asked the students to move to the Worship area, and the Band began within a minute. Cindy sat with Nancy, and this time Cindy remembered some of the songs. She sand along quietly. Nancy’s voice was so sweet that Cindy wanted to hear her sing more than sing herself!
At 6:49, Ms. Passion went to the podium.
“Please bow for prayer. ‘Father, you are so good to us! We don’t understand how much you bless us. However, I want to praise you for a few. For your mercy, your wisdom, your forgiveness, your Son, flushing toilets (a few students giggled), and for our speaker tonight…Donald. Be with him and use him to help us know You more.’”
Cindy thought DONALD? Cindy had never heard Donald speak a word in the 3 years she had known him.
Donald gave a wonderful talk. Afterwards, Cindy thought if God can use Donald, there is hope for me! Cindy thanked Donald for his talk. Then, she saw JoJo. She was mad at him for not calling her until she called him. JoJo’s mother explained his consequence.
“Hey convict. Did you get an early release?”
“Very funny.”
“Sorry, Jo. Your mom told me about your punishment.”
“She told me.” At the risk of feeling vulnerable, JoJo said, “I have missed talking to you.”
Cindy was a little taken aback. JoJo usually kept all feelings bottled up.
“Aww. Thanks, JoJo. I have missed our conversations as well.”
“I have 3 more weeks of no-phone restriction!”
“That’s not too bad.”
“That AND I have to behave in Old Lady Tense’s room the rest of the year.”
Cindy looked past JoJo and said, “Hi, Mrs. Tense.”
JoJo wheeled around to see… nobody. “Real funny!”
“Sorry, JoJo. Ha!”
“Well, I’ll talk to you at school.”
“Are you mad?”
“No, Girl. But, my dad is outside waiting on me, and I am trying to get on Dan’s good side!”
“Understood!”
Finally, Cindy and Ms. Passion got to talk about her reading of John and what she learned.
“OK. Cindy, tell me about Jesus.”
“Well…….
Saturday, August 19, 2017
JoJo 10.3; JoJo Lives through His Punishment
JoJo's 'fun day' on Friday, August 22, 1975 became a nightmare. This occurred when Mrs. Tense called JoJo's Dad at 4:02.
"Is this Mr. Smith?"
"Yes, it is."
"Hello, Mr. Smith, I am Mrs. Tense, JoJo's English teacher."
"Hello, Mrs. Tense. How are you today?"
"Well, my day was fine until 4th period."
Uh oh..Dan thought.
Mrs. Tense continued, "I'm sorry to tell you, but your son played dumb---at my expense."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Tense! What did JoJo do?"
"He had a little plan. He would wait until class was almost dismissed. Next, he told me how much my class is helping him with his English."
"Uh oh. What happened next?"
"I asked him to demonstrate. So, he recited the following sentence. I can tell you because he actually wrote it down and practiced. At the end of class he turned the paper over to me. Here goes: Did you know I had not ran down the hall none this week Heck fire it ain't been no problem The best thang is settling down right shere being counted herely."
"JoJo said that out loud during class??"
"Yessir. Like I say, he waited until class was almost dismissed. I believe he thought I would not have time to deal with the situation. But, I've had practice with many different situations over 35 years as an educator."
My word---35 years...Dan thought. "Mrs. Tense, JoJo will be punished at home. And his mother and I certainly support any punishment at school."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Smith. The look on JoJo's face when I told him I would call you---is all I needed. Whatever you do to him will be enough."
"Well, thank you, Mrs. Smith. May I ask 1 favor?"
"Yessir."
"If JoJo so much as sneezes wrong the rest of the time he has the honor of being in your class, would you call me?"
Mrs. Tense had a smile so big it gave her a new wrinkle. "Mr. Smith, it will be my pleasure!"
"Thank you mam. Again, my apologies. I hope you have a good weekend."
"Not at all, sir."
Dan finished out the day at work. He thought about possible punishments for JoJo as he drove home. Hmmmm...he thought of a nice one. He would talk it over with Alice. They would decide together the fate of their precious son.
"Hello! I'm home!" yelled Dan as he walked in the house.
"Hi, hon."
Alice surprised him by coming out of the kitchen with her apron on. He never knew when she may need to get rest to feel better.
"How you feeling, Alice."
"Like a million dollars. Once you taste my spaghetti, I think you will, too."
"Yum! Yum! Where is our son?"
"In his room. He came in about an hour ago and went straight to his room."
"Alice, I know you are cooking supper, but could we talk?"
"Sure. Why don't you change clothes, and meet me in the kitchen." Then, Alice smiled. Dan still was knocked to his knees when Alice smiled.
"Sounds good, Honey."
Within 15 minutes, Dan had changed and supper was finished cooking.
"What did you want to talk about, Hon?"
"Let's wait until after supper. OK?"
"Sure, Dan."
Dan knew their conversation would take a few minutes, and he was hungry. Besides, JoJo could sweat a little bit at supper.
Alice couldn't get over how quiet JoJo was at supper.
Remi even said, "Brother, you have bad day?"
Dan couldn't help himself..."Yes, JoJo. Did you have a bad day?"
JoJo couldn't tell if Dan knew anything or not. Hmmmm "It was fine. I'm just tired."
After supper, Dan explained everything to Alice. The two decided the perfect punishment for JoJo.
Dan could hear the Doobie Brothers blaring from inside JoJo's room. So, he knocked loudly.
JoJo came to the door, "Hey, Dad...is everything ok?"
"You tell me, Big Guy---is everything ok?"
Busted JoJo knew when his dad called him a big guy it was for one of 2 reasons. One, to cheer him up if he was down. The other reason preceded a punishment. He decided to confess---maybe he would get a reduced sentence. "I got in trouble at school today."
"Uh huh. We better talk this over with your mother in the den."
"Yessir."
JoJo did not even dare to explain his way out of it---he knew Dan had the goods on him. Soon into the conversation, Dan said, "Mrs. Tense called me today?"
JoJo responded, "oh?"
Dan enjoyed himself. "I understood you ain't ran down the hall none this week Heck it ain't no problem for you to sit in yore seat herely!"
Even those were not the exact words, they were close enough. "I don't know what to say."
Alice joined the conversation. "JoJo Smith! How dare you get that woman's blood pressure up!"
"Did Mrs. Tense say I did that to her?"
"No! I was talking about me!!" Alice said.
"Sorry, Mom.." JoJo managed to screech out.
Alice continued, "JoJo, you represent this family. We are embarrassed."
Then Dan jumped in, "What in the world got into you, Son?"
"I HATE SCHOOL! I wanted to shove it down their throat!"
There was silence for 7 seconds. Then Alice said, "Your education is free to you, but it is not free! Tax payers spend hard-earned money for you to be there. You may hate it, but you WILL study, you WILL behave, and you WILL write an apology to Mrs. Tense!"
"yes mam..."
Dan stepped in. "Your mother and I have decided your punishment. No phone for one month."
JoJo ALMOST screamed WHAT!! But, he caught himself. "Yessir. Mom, Dad...I'm sorry."
Dan added, "If Mrs. Tense has any more problems with you, she is going to call me."
"yessir."
Oh no, I have to behave in her class---THE REST OF THE YEAR!!
Alice always ended with, "You know we love you, JoJo."
He did appreciate that. He knew some kids had rotten parents. But...NO PHONE AND NO FUN!
Oh well, at least no more Wake Up Calls this Semester.
"Is this Mr. Smith?"
"Yes, it is."
"Hello, Mr. Smith, I am Mrs. Tense, JoJo's English teacher."
"Hello, Mrs. Tense. How are you today?"
"Well, my day was fine until 4th period."
Uh oh..Dan thought.
Mrs. Tense continued, "I'm sorry to tell you, but your son played dumb---at my expense."
"I'm sorry, Mrs. Tense! What did JoJo do?"
"He had a little plan. He would wait until class was almost dismissed. Next, he told me how much my class is helping him with his English."
"Uh oh. What happened next?"
"I asked him to demonstrate. So, he recited the following sentence. I can tell you because he actually wrote it down and practiced. At the end of class he turned the paper over to me. Here goes: Did you know I had not ran down the hall none this week Heck fire it ain't been no problem The best thang is settling down right shere being counted herely."
"JoJo said that out loud during class??"
"Yessir. Like I say, he waited until class was almost dismissed. I believe he thought I would not have time to deal with the situation. But, I've had practice with many different situations over 35 years as an educator."
My word---35 years...Dan thought. "Mrs. Tense, JoJo will be punished at home. And his mother and I certainly support any punishment at school."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Smith. The look on JoJo's face when I told him I would call you---is all I needed. Whatever you do to him will be enough."
"Well, thank you, Mrs. Smith. May I ask 1 favor?"
"Yessir."
"If JoJo so much as sneezes wrong the rest of the time he has the honor of being in your class, would you call me?"
Mrs. Tense had a smile so big it gave her a new wrinkle. "Mr. Smith, it will be my pleasure!"
"Thank you mam. Again, my apologies. I hope you have a good weekend."
"Not at all, sir."
Dan finished out the day at work. He thought about possible punishments for JoJo as he drove home. Hmmmm...he thought of a nice one. He would talk it over with Alice. They would decide together the fate of their precious son.
"Hello! I'm home!" yelled Dan as he walked in the house.
"Hi, hon."
Alice surprised him by coming out of the kitchen with her apron on. He never knew when she may need to get rest to feel better.
"How you feeling, Alice."
"Like a million dollars. Once you taste my spaghetti, I think you will, too."
"Yum! Yum! Where is our son?"
"In his room. He came in about an hour ago and went straight to his room."
"Alice, I know you are cooking supper, but could we talk?"
"Sure. Why don't you change clothes, and meet me in the kitchen." Then, Alice smiled. Dan still was knocked to his knees when Alice smiled.
"Sounds good, Honey."
Within 15 minutes, Dan had changed and supper was finished cooking.
"What did you want to talk about, Hon?"
"Let's wait until after supper. OK?"
"Sure, Dan."
Dan knew their conversation would take a few minutes, and he was hungry. Besides, JoJo could sweat a little bit at supper.
Alice couldn't get over how quiet JoJo was at supper.
Remi even said, "Brother, you have bad day?"
Dan couldn't help himself..."Yes, JoJo. Did you have a bad day?"
JoJo couldn't tell if Dan knew anything or not. Hmmmm "It was fine. I'm just tired."
After supper, Dan explained everything to Alice. The two decided the perfect punishment for JoJo.
Dan could hear the Doobie Brothers blaring from inside JoJo's room. So, he knocked loudly.
JoJo came to the door, "Hey, Dad...is everything ok?"
"You tell me, Big Guy---is everything ok?"
Busted JoJo knew when his dad called him a big guy it was for one of 2 reasons. One, to cheer him up if he was down. The other reason preceded a punishment. He decided to confess---maybe he would get a reduced sentence. "I got in trouble at school today."
"Uh huh. We better talk this over with your mother in the den."
"Yessir."
JoJo did not even dare to explain his way out of it---he knew Dan had the goods on him. Soon into the conversation, Dan said, "Mrs. Tense called me today?"
JoJo responded, "oh?"
Dan enjoyed himself. "I understood you ain't ran down the hall none this week Heck it ain't no problem for you to sit in yore seat herely!"
Even those were not the exact words, they were close enough. "I don't know what to say."
Alice joined the conversation. "JoJo Smith! How dare you get that woman's blood pressure up!"
"Did Mrs. Tense say I did that to her?"
"No! I was talking about me!!" Alice said.
"Sorry, Mom.." JoJo managed to screech out.
Alice continued, "JoJo, you represent this family. We are embarrassed."
Then Dan jumped in, "What in the world got into you, Son?"
"I HATE SCHOOL! I wanted to shove it down their throat!"
There was silence for 7 seconds. Then Alice said, "Your education is free to you, but it is not free! Tax payers spend hard-earned money for you to be there. You may hate it, but you WILL study, you WILL behave, and you WILL write an apology to Mrs. Tense!"
"yes mam..."
Dan stepped in. "Your mother and I have decided your punishment. No phone for one month."
JoJo ALMOST screamed WHAT!! But, he caught himself. "Yessir. Mom, Dad...I'm sorry."
Dan added, "If Mrs. Tense has any more problems with you, she is going to call me."
"yessir."
Oh no, I have to behave in her class---THE REST OF THE YEAR!!
Alice always ended with, "You know we love you, JoJo."
He did appreciate that. He knew some kids had rotten parents. But...NO PHONE AND NO FUN!
Oh well, at least no more Wake Up Calls this Semester.
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
JoJo 10.2; Cindy Attends Youth Worship Part 2
....Bibles."
"It is really easy to understand, JoJo! It was nice of Ms. Passion to give it to me."
"Sure was. You two really seemed to hit it off well."
"We did! It was almost like she has been where I am already."
"Been where?"
"Ha, been at a place where I am asking questions and searching for something. Maybe...God."
"Oh, I get ya. Are y'all going to talk some more?"
"Yes, this Saturday morning at the church."
"Great. Did ya make some new friends?"
"I did....By the way, The Band did great...Karen, Nancy, and Misty."
"Nancy and I are going to be really good friends---I can feel it!"
"I am glad everything went so well, and thanks for those words about the band."
"Sure. Hey, my Mom's calling me. Talk tomorrow?"
"Absolutely."
"Bye-bye"
"Bye-bye"
Cindy read her Bible every night. She read mostly the Psalms. It seemed like Saturday would never arrive. Cindy had sooooo many questions for Ms. Passion.
"Finally, Saturday morning."
Cindy's aunt dropped her off at the church. Ms. Passion was waiting on her with a huge smile.
"Good morning, Cindy."
"Hey Ms. Passion."
After the two settled into chairs in the Youth Sunday School Room,
Ms. Passion asked, "How did you like the Bible?"
"I love it! It is so easy to understand."
"What parts have you been reading?"
"Mostly the Psalms."
"I have a very important question to ask you, Cindy?"
"OK."
"Are you saved?"
"I don't think so..."
"Have you ever asked Jesus into your heart and asked him to forgive your sins...to be your Lord and Savior."
Cindy thought I've never heard of all that. "Ms. Passion, I've never heard of all that."
"Well, Cindy, we are going to talk about it today."
"There's another problem, Ms. Passion."
"Oh?"
"Yes mam. I...I have done some bad things."
"Darling, we all have. Those are called sins."
"oh..OH...Well how can I get cleaned up before I can get saved?"
"Cindy, I have Good News! You do NOT have to get cleaned up before you come to Jesus."
"You don't?!"
"No, you see, Jesus took every sin that was or will be committed upon Himself on the Cross, so that we could be forgiven."
"WOW!!"
"Cool! Huh?!"
"Very! Can I get saved today?"
"Cindy, that is up to you. But.."
"Uh oh..But What?"
"Do you know anything about Jesus?"
"No."
"Well, I think you need to learn about Jesus before you asked Him into your heart. After all, it IS for Eternity."
"OK, but how do I do that?"
"By reading the Bible. It is also called God's Word."
"I want you to read the book of John, then we will talk again."
"Can we read some of it together right now?"
"Sure!" I love her hunger! Ms. Passion thought.
"Let's turn to John Chapter One."
The two read the first 5 chapters together. Patsy Passion enthusiastically explained along the way. Afterwards, Ms. Passion took Cindy to the Tasty Freeze for Ice Cream. As they pulled up to Cindy's house, there was awkward silence when Ms. Passion told Cindy she would see her in the morning.
Finally, Cindy said, "I'm not ready."
"Ready for what," asked Patsy.
"To see all those grown-ups and..."
"And...."
"I don't own a dress."
"OK. Why don't we see each other tomorrow night. We will plan to go shopping for a dress next week."
"Ha, thanks Ms. Passion! See ya tomorrow night...and I'll be reading my Bible!"
I know you will, the hunger of God is upon you, girl...Ms. Passion thought.
"Ok, Bye."
"Bye."
"It is really easy to understand, JoJo! It was nice of Ms. Passion to give it to me."
"Sure was. You two really seemed to hit it off well."
"We did! It was almost like she has been where I am already."
"Been where?"
"Ha, been at a place where I am asking questions and searching for something. Maybe...God."
"Oh, I get ya. Are y'all going to talk some more?"
"Yes, this Saturday morning at the church."
"Great. Did ya make some new friends?"
"I did....By the way, The Band did great...Karen, Nancy, and Misty."
"Nancy and I are going to be really good friends---I can feel it!"
"I am glad everything went so well, and thanks for those words about the band."
"Sure. Hey, my Mom's calling me. Talk tomorrow?"
"Absolutely."
"Bye-bye"
"Bye-bye"
Cindy read her Bible every night. She read mostly the Psalms. It seemed like Saturday would never arrive. Cindy had sooooo many questions for Ms. Passion.
"Finally, Saturday morning."
Cindy's aunt dropped her off at the church. Ms. Passion was waiting on her with a huge smile.
"Good morning, Cindy."
"Hey Ms. Passion."
After the two settled into chairs in the Youth Sunday School Room,
Ms. Passion asked, "How did you like the Bible?"
"I love it! It is so easy to understand."
"What parts have you been reading?"
"Mostly the Psalms."
"I have a very important question to ask you, Cindy?"
"OK."
"Are you saved?"
"I don't think so..."
"Have you ever asked Jesus into your heart and asked him to forgive your sins...to be your Lord and Savior."
Cindy thought I've never heard of all that. "Ms. Passion, I've never heard of all that."
"Well, Cindy, we are going to talk about it today."
"There's another problem, Ms. Passion."
"Oh?"
"Yes mam. I...I have done some bad things."
"Darling, we all have. Those are called sins."
"oh..OH...Well how can I get cleaned up before I can get saved?"
"Cindy, I have Good News! You do NOT have to get cleaned up before you come to Jesus."
"You don't?!"
"No, you see, Jesus took every sin that was or will be committed upon Himself on the Cross, so that we could be forgiven."
"WOW!!"
"Cool! Huh?!"
"Very! Can I get saved today?"
"Cindy, that is up to you. But.."
"Uh oh..But What?"
"Do you know anything about Jesus?"
"No."
"Well, I think you need to learn about Jesus before you asked Him into your heart. After all, it IS for Eternity."
"OK, but how do I do that?"
"By reading the Bible. It is also called God's Word."
"I want you to read the book of John, then we will talk again."
"Can we read some of it together right now?"
"Sure!" I love her hunger! Ms. Passion thought.
"Let's turn to John Chapter One."
The two read the first 5 chapters together. Patsy Passion enthusiastically explained along the way. Afterwards, Ms. Passion took Cindy to the Tasty Freeze for Ice Cream. As they pulled up to Cindy's house, there was awkward silence when Ms. Passion told Cindy she would see her in the morning.
Finally, Cindy said, "I'm not ready."
"Ready for what," asked Patsy.
"To see all those grown-ups and..."
"And...."
"I don't own a dress."
"OK. Why don't we see each other tomorrow night. We will plan to go shopping for a dress next week."
"Ha, thanks Ms. Passion! See ya tomorrow night...and I'll be reading my Bible!"
I know you will, the hunger of God is upon you, girl...Ms. Passion thought.
"Ok, Bye."
"Bye."
Monday, August 14, 2017
JoJo 10.1; Cindy Attends Youth Worship
"Do you want us to pick you up, Cindy? You are right on the way."
"Would you mind if I meet you there, Jo?"
"That's fine."
"I'll meet you in the back parking lot." (Cindy was familiar with the church due to her days as a Girl Scout. The club used the church as a meeting place.)
"OK. 5 Bells!"
"See you then."
Cindy obviously did not want anyone to see her attend church that night. JoJo wasn't sure the reason.
"Hey Cindy," Dan practically yelled from the window of the car---5 feet away.
"Hi, Mr. Smith."
"JoJo, I will be back at 8:00."
"Thanks Dad!"
"8:00? I thought you said this got over at 6:45?"
"It does. But, we have Band practice after."
"Cool," Cindy said with relief.
As JoJo and Cindy entered the Youth Room, there was music playing. About 10 youth were there and 2 adults. Mr. Faith had been there for about 5 years, but there was a new Youth Lady. Her name was Patsy Passion. Ms. Passion introduced herself to Cindy and JoJo right away. JoJo turned and began talking with Mr. Faith. The next thing he knew, Cindy and Ms. Passion were seated on the side talking. They were smiling and already drinking a soda water. To which, JoJo excused himself and got a drink himself. JoJo grabbed a Grape Soda, and moved over to talk to some of the guys. Greg and Robbie were band members. So, right away they discussed the new songs they would learn as a band.
At 5:16, the group had grown to 35 Youth.
Jr. High and High School met together on Sunday nights. JoJo was glad to see Cindy had made new friends, plus she already knew LaDonna and Tristan.
JoJo approached the group of five girls that included Cindy.
"Ladies, I hope you are ready to worship with some dynamite music!"
LaDonna shot back, "Oh, are we having a guest-band tonight, Jo?"
"HaHa, LaDonna. I think you will approve of our sound. We've been practicing!"
"JoJo, you know I love our group! I couldn't help myself," LaDonna backed away from further quips.
"It's all good! Well, time to worship," JoJo rang out. Then, he whispered to Cindy, "Is everything going alright?"
"Going great. But, do I have to sing?"
"Besides your solo? Just kidding! No, you don't have to sing. But, please listen to the words."
"I can do that. You better go rock!"
Everyone sat down. Mr. Faith made a few announcements. Then, Ms. Passion introduced herself.
"Hi everyone. I'm Patsy Passion. It is great to be a part of this Youth Group. Let's pray. Lord, you are soooo good to us! We love you. Thank you for every person here. NO one is here by accident. Guide, direct and inhabit all we do tonight. Amen."
Without a warning, the band began to play. Most of the kids new the words and began to sing. Cindy was unfamiliar with every song, but she listened intently.
After 17 minutes of singing, Ms. Passion led a devotion. She read from the Bible. Her text was
Ephesians 4:29; Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ms. Passion told the students to watch the words that came out of their mouth. She talked about the power of words. At the end, Cindy thought to herself: I want to live like this, but I am afraid I will fall back to my old ways.
Before she left, Ms. Passion gave Cindy a brand New Bible. It was a new translation, called The Living Bible. Cindy was grateful. After LaDonna gave her a ride home, Cindy read her Bible for an hour. It was 8:05. She thought about calling JoJo, but she was afraid he had not made it home. About that time, HER phone rang.
"So what did you think about Youth Worship tonight?" JoJo asked.
"It was wonderful. Ms. Passion gave me a Bible, and I just read it for an hour."
"Wow! Hey, I thought you had a Bible."
"I do...well, it's my grandmother's Bible, and it's hard to understand. I really can understand this Living Bible!"
"I've never seen one of those.......
"Would you mind if I meet you there, Jo?"
"That's fine."
"I'll meet you in the back parking lot." (Cindy was familiar with the church due to her days as a Girl Scout. The club used the church as a meeting place.)
"OK. 5 Bells!"
"See you then."
Cindy obviously did not want anyone to see her attend church that night. JoJo wasn't sure the reason.
"Hey Cindy," Dan practically yelled from the window of the car---5 feet away.
"Hi, Mr. Smith."
"JoJo, I will be back at 8:00."
"Thanks Dad!"
"8:00? I thought you said this got over at 6:45?"
"It does. But, we have Band practice after."
"Cool," Cindy said with relief.
As JoJo and Cindy entered the Youth Room, there was music playing. About 10 youth were there and 2 adults. Mr. Faith had been there for about 5 years, but there was a new Youth Lady. Her name was Patsy Passion. Ms. Passion introduced herself to Cindy and JoJo right away. JoJo turned and began talking with Mr. Faith. The next thing he knew, Cindy and Ms. Passion were seated on the side talking. They were smiling and already drinking a soda water. To which, JoJo excused himself and got a drink himself. JoJo grabbed a Grape Soda, and moved over to talk to some of the guys. Greg and Robbie were band members. So, right away they discussed the new songs they would learn as a band.
At 5:16, the group had grown to 35 Youth.
Jr. High and High School met together on Sunday nights. JoJo was glad to see Cindy had made new friends, plus she already knew LaDonna and Tristan.
JoJo approached the group of five girls that included Cindy.
"Ladies, I hope you are ready to worship with some dynamite music!"
LaDonna shot back, "Oh, are we having a guest-band tonight, Jo?"
"HaHa, LaDonna. I think you will approve of our sound. We've been practicing!"
"JoJo, you know I love our group! I couldn't help myself," LaDonna backed away from further quips.
"It's all good! Well, time to worship," JoJo rang out. Then, he whispered to Cindy, "Is everything going alright?"
"Going great. But, do I have to sing?"
"Besides your solo? Just kidding! No, you don't have to sing. But, please listen to the words."
"I can do that. You better go rock!"
Everyone sat down. Mr. Faith made a few announcements. Then, Ms. Passion introduced herself.
"Hi everyone. I'm Patsy Passion. It is great to be a part of this Youth Group. Let's pray. Lord, you are soooo good to us! We love you. Thank you for every person here. NO one is here by accident. Guide, direct and inhabit all we do tonight. Amen."
Without a warning, the band began to play. Most of the kids new the words and began to sing. Cindy was unfamiliar with every song, but she listened intently.
After 17 minutes of singing, Ms. Passion led a devotion. She read from the Bible. Her text was
Ephesians 4:29; Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
Ms. Passion told the students to watch the words that came out of their mouth. She talked about the power of words. At the end, Cindy thought to herself: I want to live like this, but I am afraid I will fall back to my old ways.
Before she left, Ms. Passion gave Cindy a brand New Bible. It was a new translation, called The Living Bible. Cindy was grateful. After LaDonna gave her a ride home, Cindy read her Bible for an hour. It was 8:05. She thought about calling JoJo, but she was afraid he had not made it home. About that time, HER phone rang.
"So what did you think about Youth Worship tonight?" JoJo asked.
"It was wonderful. Ms. Passion gave me a Bible, and I just read it for an hour."
"Wow! Hey, I thought you had a Bible."
"I do...well, it's my grandmother's Bible, and it's hard to understand. I really can understand this Living Bible!"
"I've never seen one of those.......
Saturday, August 12, 2017
JoJo 9.5; Week # 2.5
"I hate school!" JoJo announced to no one in particular. It was 7:45 PM. As he stalked about his house, he replayed the events of the school day in his head.
"I hate tests. I hate being a Freshman. I hate the way teachers treat the students. But, most of ALL, I hate HOMEWORK!"
JoJo sat down beside his bed and created a list of things he would do at school tomorrow:
1st Period: Behave like an angel...I love Math.
2nd period: Roll pennies at Almanac's foot (his right one). I will see if I can get up to 5 before he notices anything.
3rd period:Stare at Ms CeCe
LUNCH: eat
4th period: Kick Mrs. Tense's hypothetical butt. I will focus the rest of my energy for this class.
A. Three minutes in to class, make humming noises. As Tense looks around, I will point to Marvin who sits in front of me.
B. I will poot. Just had lunch...it stinks in this class anyway. It will be therapy.
C. Throw as much of anything as I can for as long as I can without any one catching me.
D. Knock-Out: I will use incorrect grammar 3 times in one question to Tense. Hmmm.
Let's see. I will say: "Mrs. Tenses, Did you know I had not ran down the hall none this week Heck fire, It ain't been no problemThe best thang is setting down right shere being counted herely."
JoJo went to sleep with a smile.
It was a hot day---that Friday, August 22nd in Smallville. But, it would be a historical day for JoJo's school career. The beauty of it....he told absolutely no one his plans!
1st period: He made an A on his quiz.
2nd period: At 9:25 Eastern time, JoJo rolled a penny and hit Nac's foot. Nobody noticed---not even Nac. The next three were direct hits, however--several students saw these rolls. There were some snickers in the group, but Almanac didn't think anything of it---he was accustomed to being laughed at.
It was 10:08. JoJo had 2 minutes to complete the fifth and final penny-roll. Just as Nac moved towards the door, the penny caught him in the back of his foot. UhhOh...Nac whirled around and...
said, "Janna, do you know why this route was so important?"
Whew! He had done it. JoJo was very pleased with himself.
3rd Period: JoJo's eyes were sore from not blinking. He stared at Ms CeCe for 42 minutes straight!
Lunch: Yah! Hot Dogs, Fries, and apple sauce!
4th Period:
A. Hmmm Hmmmm. JoJo began. Tense looked around. JoJo gave a short point to his "buddy" Marvin. Tense didn't hesitate, "Marvin, detention tomorrow!"
"Mrs. Tense, why?"
"Pamphillia spoke up, "Mrs. Tense tomorrow is Saturday." Pam's voice sounded like fingernails screeching down the old chalkboards they had in Pre-K!
"Shut Up, Ms. Philadelphia."
"Marvin, I was mistaken. That will be Monday and Tuesday!"
Wow, this is great! The fact JoJo was totaling doing wrong, did not phase him. It was like the dude was on an evil mission.
B. JoJo let out a deadly silencer. You could see people holding their nose. This was nothing new in Mrs. Tense's class, but JoJo was proud he was the giver and not the receiver on this occasion.
C. JoJo had bird seed in his pocket. At 12:28, the first of the seed hit the wall. Several people looked around, but none the wiser. At 12:33, More seed hit the wall. This time, 2 hands went up.
Mrs.Tense said, "What is it Larry?!"
"Somebody is throwing something."
"That's nice. WHAT COMES AFTER SHUT?"
"up."
"Good you get an A."
Nieve Larry exclaimed, "Really?"
"No, moron. Get back to work before I hit you."
Tense would roll up several sheets of paper and hit people in the head...especially if they were asleep!
D. JoJo decided to hit the knock-out. He waited until 2 minutes before the bell rang to end class. It was 12:58 when JoJo raised his hand.
"What is it Freshy," Mrs. Tense said, exasperated.
"I want you to know how much this class is helping be get better at English, Mrs. Tense."
"Good, freshy. Why don't you demonstrate."
"Yesmam! I been practicing. HuhUhuh. Mrs. Tense, Did you know I had not ran down the hall none this week Heck fire It ain't been no problem The best thang is setting down right shere being counted herely."
Mrs Tense turned beet red. Then, the bell rang. Nobody moved. Then it happened....
Tense said back to JoJo, "Well, I guess you will not have no problem with me calling yore daddy on that there telly-phone?"
The entire class howled with laughter! "No homework for the rest of you! Have a great day!"
"JoJo, stay!"
Nooooooooooooo! My prefect game plan is spoiled in the ninth inning with 2 outs!!!!!!!!!
"I hate tests. I hate being a Freshman. I hate the way teachers treat the students. But, most of ALL, I hate HOMEWORK!"
JoJo sat down beside his bed and created a list of things he would do at school tomorrow:
1st Period: Behave like an angel...I love Math.
2nd period: Roll pennies at Almanac's foot (his right one). I will see if I can get up to 5 before he notices anything.
3rd period:Stare at Ms CeCe
LUNCH: eat
4th period: Kick Mrs. Tense's hypothetical butt. I will focus the rest of my energy for this class.
A. Three minutes in to class, make humming noises. As Tense looks around, I will point to Marvin who sits in front of me.
B. I will poot. Just had lunch...it stinks in this class anyway. It will be therapy.
C. Throw as much of anything as I can for as long as I can without any one catching me.
D. Knock-Out: I will use incorrect grammar 3 times in one question to Tense. Hmmm.
Let's see. I will say: "Mrs. Tenses, Did you know I had not ran down the hall none this week Heck fire, It ain't been no problemThe best thang is setting down right shere being counted herely."
JoJo went to sleep with a smile.
It was a hot day---that Friday, August 22nd in Smallville. But, it would be a historical day for JoJo's school career. The beauty of it....he told absolutely no one his plans!
1st period: He made an A on his quiz.
2nd period: At 9:25 Eastern time, JoJo rolled a penny and hit Nac's foot. Nobody noticed---not even Nac. The next three were direct hits, however--several students saw these rolls. There were some snickers in the group, but Almanac didn't think anything of it---he was accustomed to being laughed at.
It was 10:08. JoJo had 2 minutes to complete the fifth and final penny-roll. Just as Nac moved towards the door, the penny caught him in the back of his foot. UhhOh...Nac whirled around and...
said, "Janna, do you know why this route was so important?"
Whew! He had done it. JoJo was very pleased with himself.
3rd Period: JoJo's eyes were sore from not blinking. He stared at Ms CeCe for 42 minutes straight!
Lunch: Yah! Hot Dogs, Fries, and apple sauce!
4th Period:
A. Hmmm Hmmmm. JoJo began. Tense looked around. JoJo gave a short point to his "buddy" Marvin. Tense didn't hesitate, "Marvin, detention tomorrow!"
"Mrs. Tense, why?"
"Pamphillia spoke up, "Mrs. Tense tomorrow is Saturday." Pam's voice sounded like fingernails screeching down the old chalkboards they had in Pre-K!
"Shut Up, Ms. Philadelphia."
"Marvin, I was mistaken. That will be Monday and Tuesday!"
Wow, this is great! The fact JoJo was totaling doing wrong, did not phase him. It was like the dude was on an evil mission.
B. JoJo let out a deadly silencer. You could see people holding their nose. This was nothing new in Mrs. Tense's class, but JoJo was proud he was the giver and not the receiver on this occasion.
C. JoJo had bird seed in his pocket. At 12:28, the first of the seed hit the wall. Several people looked around, but none the wiser. At 12:33, More seed hit the wall. This time, 2 hands went up.
Mrs.Tense said, "What is it Larry?!"
"Somebody is throwing something."
"That's nice. WHAT COMES AFTER SHUT?"
"up."
"Good you get an A."
Nieve Larry exclaimed, "Really?"
"No, moron. Get back to work before I hit you."
Tense would roll up several sheets of paper and hit people in the head...especially if they were asleep!
D. JoJo decided to hit the knock-out. He waited until 2 minutes before the bell rang to end class. It was 12:58 when JoJo raised his hand.
"What is it Freshy," Mrs. Tense said, exasperated.
"I want you to know how much this class is helping be get better at English, Mrs. Tense."
"Good, freshy. Why don't you demonstrate."
"Yesmam! I been practicing. HuhUhuh. Mrs. Tense, Did you know I had not ran down the hall none this week Heck fire It ain't been no problem The best thang is setting down right shere being counted herely."
Mrs Tense turned beet red. Then, the bell rang. Nobody moved. Then it happened....
Tense said back to JoJo, "Well, I guess you will not have no problem with me calling yore daddy on that there telly-phone?"
The entire class howled with laughter! "No homework for the rest of you! Have a great day!"
"JoJo, stay!"
Nooooooooooooo! My prefect game plan is spoiled in the ninth inning with 2 outs!!!!!!!!!
Friday, August 11, 2017
JoJo 9.4; Week # 2.4
"HaHa! Nak's hair was kickin' today!"
"Be nice, JoJo. One day you may be bald!"
"Say it ain't true, Child!"
"I wouldn't worry about it."
"Who said I was worried?"
These two had meaningless conversation for 30.2 minutes, until---
"JoJo, I want to go to church Sunday."
Wow, that came out of the blue, JoJo thought.
"That's great, Cindy! Would you like to go to First Methodist? My family and I can pick you up."
"That's sweet, but I was thinking more like going to the Youth Group at night. What do ya think?"
"For sure! Do you want to meet there or do you want my dad to pick you up when he takes me?"
"Mmmmm. I'm not sure. Let's talk between now and then."
"OK."
"Well, I better hit the books."
"OK, Brainiac!"
"Whatever! Good night JoJo."
"Good night Cindy"
The next day, Beast walked right by JoJo, and...NO Wake-Up Call.
Am I on the right planet??
Within three minutes, two more Seniors walked right by JoJo, and.... nothing happened. Then, JoJo heard a big thump several yards behind him in the hallway. Sure enough, those same two seniors were popping Freshmen upside the head with their rings. JoJo had no idea what was going on, but he just smiled and kept walking.
At recess, Chris walked over to JoJo. They were both eating Moon Pies. (Mmmm good)
"Chris, you are a Veteran of the school, right?"
"You know it Freshy," Chris said with a smile and not like the rest of Smallville High.
"Was there ever a time when you were a freshman and the Seniors quit giving you Wake-Up Calls."
"Maybe....Why do you ask?"
"The weirdest thing happened this morning. First, Beast walked by me like he didn't even know me. A few minutes later, 2 Seniors--I don't know their names, passed me up and Woke-Up two of my freshy classmates. (Great, now he was using the term Freshy.)
"I'll let ya in on a secret. I put out a "Hands Off JoJo for the rest of this Semester Warning."
"Really/"
"Really."
"Cooool!"
"You might be good to your friends though."
"Why?"
"They may get a little jealous."
"Oh."
"See ya at Band Practice, Partner."
"Sure thing, Big Guy."
WOW, NO WAKE-UPS FOR A SEMESTER!!
Riiiiing! Oh no...the bell. I better not be late. He took off and ran. JoJo slid in his seat right as the tardy bell rang. Ms CeCe began speaking Spanish, and JoJo had no clue, but he was once again mesmerized. Suddenly, Cindy threw a wadded-up piece of paper and woke-him up. JoJo smiled like he didn't have a care in the world. But when Dan saw F beside Spanish on his Report Card, he would care. It seemed like Spanish class lasted 10 minutes. However, that got him to lunch more quickly.
Today, was Hamburger Helper Day---one of JoJo's favorites. He was use to sitting with "His Own Kind" or "The Freshies". Then, it happened....
Jr. Samples said, "JoJo, we hear ya cut somekind a deal with the Seniors."
"What in the World are you talking about, Jr.?"
"No Wake-Up Calls for this Semester? Right?"
"Maybe. Where did you hear that?"
"News broke this morning in gym."
Gym...the Info Pipeline. "I have not cut a deal with anybody, Pal."
"Whatever. A bunch of the fellers are mad with you."
JoJo was stunned! But, Chris warned him.
"Why?"
"Let's say you have a new name: JoJo the BoZo!"
"That doesn't make any sense."
"Hey Bud, I didn't make up the name. Anyway, I don't blame you."
OK, I have got to get this under control before all ninth grade boys think I am some kind of Punk!!
However, this hear-say had been broadcast school-wide!
"Be nice, JoJo. One day you may be bald!"
"Say it ain't true, Child!"
"I wouldn't worry about it."
"Who said I was worried?"
These two had meaningless conversation for 30.2 minutes, until---
"JoJo, I want to go to church Sunday."
Wow, that came out of the blue, JoJo thought.
"That's great, Cindy! Would you like to go to First Methodist? My family and I can pick you up."
"That's sweet, but I was thinking more like going to the Youth Group at night. What do ya think?"
"For sure! Do you want to meet there or do you want my dad to pick you up when he takes me?"
"Mmmmm. I'm not sure. Let's talk between now and then."
"OK."
"Well, I better hit the books."
"OK, Brainiac!"
"Whatever! Good night JoJo."
"Good night Cindy"
The next day, Beast walked right by JoJo, and...NO Wake-Up Call.
Am I on the right planet??
Within three minutes, two more Seniors walked right by JoJo, and.... nothing happened. Then, JoJo heard a big thump several yards behind him in the hallway. Sure enough, those same two seniors were popping Freshmen upside the head with their rings. JoJo had no idea what was going on, but he just smiled and kept walking.
At recess, Chris walked over to JoJo. They were both eating Moon Pies. (Mmmm good)
"Chris, you are a Veteran of the school, right?"
"You know it Freshy," Chris said with a smile and not like the rest of Smallville High.
"Was there ever a time when you were a freshman and the Seniors quit giving you Wake-Up Calls."
"Maybe....Why do you ask?"
"The weirdest thing happened this morning. First, Beast walked by me like he didn't even know me. A few minutes later, 2 Seniors--I don't know their names, passed me up and Woke-Up two of my freshy classmates. (Great, now he was using the term Freshy.)
"I'll let ya in on a secret. I put out a "Hands Off JoJo for the rest of this Semester Warning."
"Really/"
"Really."
"Cooool!"
"You might be good to your friends though."
"Why?"
"They may get a little jealous."
"Oh."
"See ya at Band Practice, Partner."
"Sure thing, Big Guy."
WOW, NO WAKE-UPS FOR A SEMESTER!!
Riiiiing! Oh no...the bell. I better not be late. He took off and ran. JoJo slid in his seat right as the tardy bell rang. Ms CeCe began speaking Spanish, and JoJo had no clue, but he was once again mesmerized. Suddenly, Cindy threw a wadded-up piece of paper and woke-him up. JoJo smiled like he didn't have a care in the world. But when Dan saw F beside Spanish on his Report Card, he would care. It seemed like Spanish class lasted 10 minutes. However, that got him to lunch more quickly.
Today, was Hamburger Helper Day---one of JoJo's favorites. He was use to sitting with "His Own Kind" or "The Freshies". Then, it happened....
Jr. Samples said, "JoJo, we hear ya cut somekind a deal with the Seniors."
"What in the World are you talking about, Jr.?"
"No Wake-Up Calls for this Semester? Right?"
"Maybe. Where did you hear that?"
"News broke this morning in gym."
Gym...the Info Pipeline. "I have not cut a deal with anybody, Pal."
"Whatever. A bunch of the fellers are mad with you."
JoJo was stunned! But, Chris warned him.
"Why?"
"Let's say you have a new name: JoJo the BoZo!"
"That doesn't make any sense."
"Hey Bud, I didn't make up the name. Anyway, I don't blame you."
OK, I have got to get this under control before all ninth grade boys think I am some kind of Punk!!
However, this hear-say had been broadcast school-wide!
Thursday, August 10, 2017
JoJo 9.3; Week # 2.3
I love Tuesdays, thought JoJo as he wandered into 4th period finding Mrs. Tense staring at him.
"Thanks for being on time, Mr. Smith. You might make it out of this year alive after all."
"Thanks, Mrs. Smith."
"Don't be a suck-up, Boy! That can get you hurt around here."
"Yes mam...I mean no mam."
"SIT DOWN, SMITH!"
JoJo silently sat down. He tried to not breath due to the stench, but he realized it was required to live--even at SHS. Mrs. Tense said it was time for a pop quiz for all freshmen in the classroom.
Real funny...there are ONLY freshmen in the classroom.
Name__________________________________ Date (don't write: I haven't had one lately.) _____
1. Select the option which completes the following sentence correctly. Make sure it makes sense. He seems to be getting _____________________ at soccer.
A. Better and better
B. Best and better
C. More better
D. Best
E. The bestest
2. A: Why wasn't Jennifer at the party on Saturday?B: She __________________ about the date change.
A. Wasn't been told
B. Hadn't been told
C. Hadn't told
D. Wasn't been informed
E. Weren't told
3. A: Who won the tournament?B: Both teams, they __________________ for first place.
A. Tie
B. Tied
C. Are trying
D. Had tied
E. Won
4. Hardly had I opened the door _________________ I heard somebody scream.
A. But
B. After
C. When
D. Than
E. If
5. Late _________________ it was, he stilled called her.
A. Although
B. Despite
C. Nevertheless
D. Though
E. However
After 6 minutes, Mrs. Tense shouted, "OK, Freshies, turn in your papers!"
JoJo was on question # 3. So, he guessed at the last 2. English was not JoJo's strong suit. He was a good reader, but he never made above a B in English classes.
"Today, we are going to discuss and analyze your reading passage from last night."
After a few minutes, all JoJo heard was, "BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.."
When English class was over he starting running to P.E. Right when he turned the corner, he saw Mr. Straight at the other end of the hallway.
I hope Straight didn't see me.
JoJo walked the remaining 42 steps to the end of the hallway where Mr. Straight was waiting on him.
"Mister, are you a track star?"
"No sir."
"You practice running a lot?"
"No sir."
"Well, what do you call what you were just doing when you rounded that corner, Mister?"
"Running, sir."
"How many warnings am I going to give you, Mister?"
"One sir."
"What are some kinda freshy punk?"
"No sir!"
"That is much better, my friend."
JoJo was startled..."Thanks, Mr. Sraight!"
"Don't mention it sonny. That will be after-school detention tomorrow."
"Yessir."
"Quite the yes-man. yessir. yessir. Well, yessir you got yourself detention."
When JoJo finally got to P.E., he saw the fellas huddled up in a discussion.
"What's going on, guys?"
"Charlie got a Two-Alarm Wake-Up Call, and his head is bleeding."
"How can this be tolerated," quipped Nate Nerdness
Tommy took the lead. "Raise your hand if you got a Wake-Up Call today?"
Everyone raised their hand but JoJo.
All eyes burned in on JoJo.
"Boys, this is the first day I have NOT had an Alarm!"
Strangely, that didn't satisfy the guys---not even Tommy.
Forget these guys, I am going to shoot the hoop...
"Mell, feed me!" And JoJo forgot all about the guys, including bloody Charlie.
"Thanks for being on time, Mr. Smith. You might make it out of this year alive after all."
"Thanks, Mrs. Smith."
"Don't be a suck-up, Boy! That can get you hurt around here."
"Yes mam...I mean no mam."
"SIT DOWN, SMITH!"
JoJo silently sat down. He tried to not breath due to the stench, but he realized it was required to live--even at SHS. Mrs. Tense said it was time for a pop quiz for all freshmen in the classroom.
Real funny...there are ONLY freshmen in the classroom.
Name__________________________________ Date (don't write: I haven't had one lately.) _____
1. Select the option which completes the following sentence correctly. Make sure it makes sense. He seems to be getting _____________________ at soccer.
A. Better and better
B. Best and better
C. More better
D. Best
E. The bestest
2. A: Why wasn't Jennifer at the party on Saturday?B: She __________________ about the date change.
A. Wasn't been told
B. Hadn't been told
C. Hadn't told
D. Wasn't been informed
E. Weren't told
3. A: Who won the tournament?B: Both teams, they __________________ for first place.
A. Tie
B. Tied
C. Are trying
D. Had tied
E. Won
4. Hardly had I opened the door _________________ I heard somebody scream.
A. But
B. After
C. When
D. Than
E. If
5. Late _________________ it was, he stilled called her.
A. Although
B. Despite
C. Nevertheless
D. Though
E. However
After 6 minutes, Mrs. Tense shouted, "OK, Freshies, turn in your papers!"
JoJo was on question # 3. So, he guessed at the last 2. English was not JoJo's strong suit. He was a good reader, but he never made above a B in English classes.
"Today, we are going to discuss and analyze your reading passage from last night."
After a few minutes, all JoJo heard was, "BLAH, BLAH, BLAH.."
When English class was over he starting running to P.E. Right when he turned the corner, he saw Mr. Straight at the other end of the hallway.
I hope Straight didn't see me.
JoJo walked the remaining 42 steps to the end of the hallway where Mr. Straight was waiting on him.
"Mister, are you a track star?"
"No sir."
"You practice running a lot?"
"No sir."
"Well, what do you call what you were just doing when you rounded that corner, Mister?"
"Running, sir."
"How many warnings am I going to give you, Mister?"
"One sir."
"What are some kinda freshy punk?"
"No sir!"
"That is much better, my friend."
JoJo was startled..."Thanks, Mr. Sraight!"
"Don't mention it sonny. That will be after-school detention tomorrow."
"Yessir."
"Quite the yes-man. yessir. yessir. Well, yessir you got yourself detention."
When JoJo finally got to P.E., he saw the fellas huddled up in a discussion.
"What's going on, guys?"
"Charlie got a Two-Alarm Wake-Up Call, and his head is bleeding."
"How can this be tolerated," quipped Nate Nerdness
Tommy took the lead. "Raise your hand if you got a Wake-Up Call today?"
Everyone raised their hand but JoJo.
All eyes burned in on JoJo.
"Boys, this is the first day I have NOT had an Alarm!"
Strangely, that didn't satisfy the guys---not even Tommy.
Forget these guys, I am going to shoot the hoop...
"Mell, feed me!" And JoJo forgot all about the guys, including bloody Charlie.
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
JoJo 9.2; Week # 2.2
The Pepsi and Reece's Cup seemed to make JoJo's head feel better. He really wanted to get back at Beast, but all of the sudden he remembered a Bible verse his class studied at Sunday school the day before: Matthew 6:14-15 If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.
JoJo said a silent prayer: Father, thank you I am alive. Thanks for allowing me to walk these halls, and thanks for allowing me to live in a free country! That Wake-Up call hurt! But, Jesus, you hurt for me! I'm gonna need your help on this one, Lord! I choose to forgive Beast. Amen.
About that time, Chris walked up.
"How's my fellow trumpet player?"
"Better."
"Oh, Was something wrong?"
"Well, I have chosen to forgive him, but..."
"Go on."
"Beast dropped a wicked Wake-Up Call on me this morning after first period. That makes one per day since I have arrived at the friendly confines of Smallville High."
"I see." That was all Chris said...
Meanwhile, JoJo made sure he was on time to third period. Ms. CeCe was especially pretty today. She had on a red outfit--JoJo didn't know what to call it--and he didn't care! He was mesmerized. Cindy broke his dream-state.
"Well, I see you are still breathing, Fresh Meat. Ha!"
"Barely! I am sick of being the Punk-of-the-Month!"
"Welcome to High school, Big Boy!"
"Hey, do girls get any of this Freshy treatment?"
"For sure! The women teachers hate us in particularly. And you can look around and see Upperclass Girls whispering about you--all the time."
Cindy scanned the room..."There you go! Charlotte and Carolyn are pointing over here and whispering." Cindy stuck out her tongue at them.
"You aren't scared of them, Cindy?"
"Heck naw! Remember, I do have an older sister."
JoJo forgot about Martha, a Junior. She was on the basketball team and quite the athlete. She would squash these girls!
I wish I had a big brother at this high school, JoJo thought.
Meanwhile in a third period P.E. class, Chris called Beast over to the side of the basketball court.
"Hey, Chris. How's your year started out?"
Since Chris demolished beast in a "fight" in the seventh grade--it was more like Chris shadow boxing---and Beast was the shadow, Beast had been scared of Chris. Chris decided to use his leverage a little.
"Well, I tell ya. My day was going great until I heard some news."
"Oh..."
"I heard you gave JoJo a vicious Wake-Up Call."
"I did, but it was nothing personal. It's my job as a Senior."
"Here's the thing. JoJo has had a wake up call every day that he's been here at SHS."
"Chris, that is a lot, but why do you care?"
Those were the wrong words. "Let me put it this way Boy (not Beast), I need JoJo to play the trumpet well in the Band! You do know how I feel about the Band...DON'T YOU?!"
"Sure, sure, Chris...what can I do to help?"
"I want hands off JoJo for the rest of the semester! And..."
"Yes, Chris?"
Chris poked Beast in the chest 3 times. "And, I am holding you responsible. If you need to have a Senior Boy meeting, then do it. But, I'm telling you....if I hear that JoJo gets another Wake-Up Call, I'm coming to YOU!!"
"I got ya covered Big Guy!"
As Beast (or Boy) walked away, Chris prayed, Lord, I really enjoyed that a little to much. Please forgive me for my attitude, but please understand my heart. Chris was not sure the moral answer on this one, but he felt good about protecting his little fellow trumpet player.
JoJo said a silent prayer: Father, thank you I am alive. Thanks for allowing me to walk these halls, and thanks for allowing me to live in a free country! That Wake-Up call hurt! But, Jesus, you hurt for me! I'm gonna need your help on this one, Lord! I choose to forgive Beast. Amen.
About that time, Chris walked up.
"How's my fellow trumpet player?"
"Better."
"Oh, Was something wrong?"
"Well, I have chosen to forgive him, but..."
"Go on."
"Beast dropped a wicked Wake-Up Call on me this morning after first period. That makes one per day since I have arrived at the friendly confines of Smallville High."
"I see." That was all Chris said...
Meanwhile, JoJo made sure he was on time to third period. Ms. CeCe was especially pretty today. She had on a red outfit--JoJo didn't know what to call it--and he didn't care! He was mesmerized. Cindy broke his dream-state.
"Well, I see you are still breathing, Fresh Meat. Ha!"
"Barely! I am sick of being the Punk-of-the-Month!"
"Welcome to High school, Big Boy!"
"Hey, do girls get any of this Freshy treatment?"
"For sure! The women teachers hate us in particularly. And you can look around and see Upperclass Girls whispering about you--all the time."
Cindy scanned the room..."There you go! Charlotte and Carolyn are pointing over here and whispering." Cindy stuck out her tongue at them.
"You aren't scared of them, Cindy?"
"Heck naw! Remember, I do have an older sister."
JoJo forgot about Martha, a Junior. She was on the basketball team and quite the athlete. She would squash these girls!
I wish I had a big brother at this high school, JoJo thought.
Meanwhile in a third period P.E. class, Chris called Beast over to the side of the basketball court.
"Hey, Chris. How's your year started out?"
Since Chris demolished beast in a "fight" in the seventh grade--it was more like Chris shadow boxing---and Beast was the shadow, Beast had been scared of Chris. Chris decided to use his leverage a little.
"Well, I tell ya. My day was going great until I heard some news."
"Oh..."
"I heard you gave JoJo a vicious Wake-Up Call."
"I did, but it was nothing personal. It's my job as a Senior."
"Here's the thing. JoJo has had a wake up call every day that he's been here at SHS."
"Chris, that is a lot, but why do you care?"
Those were the wrong words. "Let me put it this way Boy (not Beast), I need JoJo to play the trumpet well in the Band! You do know how I feel about the Band...DON'T YOU?!"
"Sure, sure, Chris...what can I do to help?"
"I want hands off JoJo for the rest of the semester! And..."
"Yes, Chris?"
Chris poked Beast in the chest 3 times. "And, I am holding you responsible. If you need to have a Senior Boy meeting, then do it. But, I'm telling you....if I hear that JoJo gets another Wake-Up Call, I'm coming to YOU!!"
"I got ya covered Big Guy!"
As Beast (or Boy) walked away, Chris prayed, Lord, I really enjoyed that a little to much. Please forgive me for my attitude, but please understand my heart. Chris was not sure the moral answer on this one, but he felt good about protecting his little fellow trumpet player.
Monday, August 7, 2017
JoJo 9.1; High School Week # 2
"Why is a train coming down the track in back of my house!!" Suddenly, the boi realized he was sleeping and the "train" was his alarm clock. MONDAY MORNING?! ALREADY?!
JoJo headed downstairs and gobbled up his Fruit Loops. After all, he would not be able to eat again until 10:00! When JoJo got himself ready, he started out for the bus. Then, he remembered he had a ride with an Upperclassman! Over the weekend at band practice, Chris Slide had befriended JoJo. They both played the trumpet. Chris was a Junior, and even though he was a big guy, he chose Band over Football. A rare breed indeed! Chris was also a Christian! He and his family were long-time members of the Smallville First Baptist Church.
As they sped away from JoJo's house in Chris' dark blue Dodge Charger, everything seemed different. This is the way High School SHOULD BE, JoJo thought to himself. There was a slight problem...
Jive Talkin was playing---Loudly! JoJo HATED Disco. He was a Rocker! But, Chris loved his new Bee Gees' 8-Track.
Oh well, I can stomach this silly, dance-moving music as long as I don't have to ride the bus, JoJo thought.
Chris pulled into his normal parking place---right beside this ugly light blue Pinto. However, the girl inside was Karen Outlaw, a Sophomore. JoJo could not even see the car after she came into his vision. His eyes were fixed on Karen.
In his mind, he was under the illusion he was thinking, FINE! SHE FINE! (no verb was necessary).
However, JoJo was actually whispering the words. When he realized it, Karen had this huge grin. From his red-faced position, JoJo didn't know if Karen had hear him or not.
Then, she spoke, "Hi..."
JoJo had his mouth open beginning to say Hey, when Karen added ".....Chris."
"Well hey, Karen. How are you on this Monday morning?"
"I'm fine."
I'll say thought JoJo.
Next, JoJo almost pooted. Karen asked Chris, "Who is this cutie with you."
"This is JoJo. Say 'Hi' JoJo."
"Hi," JoJo squeaked out.
Chris and Karen laughed.
However, Karen was a cool chick and she said, "Hi, welcome to our little party we call high school." JoJo knew he would have her smile imprinted on his brain the rest of the school day. This time, he KNEW he was thinking FINE! SHE FINE!
"See you boys later. Nice meeting you, JoJo."
WOW that smile!! "Nice to meet you, too, Karen." This time JoJo did not squeak, and he was proud of himself.
Chris said, "See you at Band practice, buddy."
"OK. Thanks for the ride."
Tommy and JoJo sat in the front in their first period Math class. This began a pattern of JoJo turning around to see the Sophomore girls. He had no idea they could see him. (Duh)
Michelle thought she would have some fun. The next time JoJo sneaked a peek, Michelle puckered up her lips.
JoJo about caught a crick in his neck from the rapid pace that he managed to turn around to face the front. He could hear the 3 Sophomore girls laughing.
Tommy leaned over, "Busted..."
As soon as the dismissal bell sounded, JoJo practically ran out of class. He move credulously down the hall, which was a bad thing. The Senior known as Beast was walking right in front of JoJo, and he didn't even notice! Normally, JoJo would have maneuvered to a safe position allowing others to buffer the area in between him and a Senior.
All of a sudden, the Beast wheeled and did a High Rise Wake-Up Call on JoJo's unaware head!
Seniors loved this move! They would actually jump up in the air and come down on the crown of a Freshman's head.
"Bahaaa! You stupid Fresh Meat!"
JoJo was stunned. He went from embarrassment to pain, and he wasn't sure which was worse. When he sat down in second period, he decided the pain was worse!
Cindy quickly realized JoJo was looking pale. "Why are you so pale, JoJo?"
"I just got the Atomic Bomb dropped on my head by a Senior Freak."
"Maybe you should go see the nurse."
"Yea."
JoJo asked Nac if he could go to the nurse.
"What's the problem, Freshy?"
Does everyone in this high school hate Freshmen?? "I feel bad."
"Good try, Mr. Smith. We ALL feel bad---it's Monday morning. Plant it and get your mind on World History. It's the cure for everything!"
"Yessir." Ohhh Brother!!
JoJo headed downstairs and gobbled up his Fruit Loops. After all, he would not be able to eat again until 10:00! When JoJo got himself ready, he started out for the bus. Then, he remembered he had a ride with an Upperclassman! Over the weekend at band practice, Chris Slide had befriended JoJo. They both played the trumpet. Chris was a Junior, and even though he was a big guy, he chose Band over Football. A rare breed indeed! Chris was also a Christian! He and his family were long-time members of the Smallville First Baptist Church.
As they sped away from JoJo's house in Chris' dark blue Dodge Charger, everything seemed different. This is the way High School SHOULD BE, JoJo thought to himself. There was a slight problem...
Jive Talkin was playing---Loudly! JoJo HATED Disco. He was a Rocker! But, Chris loved his new Bee Gees' 8-Track.
Oh well, I can stomach this silly, dance-moving music as long as I don't have to ride the bus, JoJo thought.
Chris pulled into his normal parking place---right beside this ugly light blue Pinto. However, the girl inside was Karen Outlaw, a Sophomore. JoJo could not even see the car after she came into his vision. His eyes were fixed on Karen.
In his mind, he was under the illusion he was thinking, FINE! SHE FINE! (no verb was necessary).
However, JoJo was actually whispering the words. When he realized it, Karen had this huge grin. From his red-faced position, JoJo didn't know if Karen had hear him or not.
Then, she spoke, "Hi..."
JoJo had his mouth open beginning to say Hey, when Karen added ".....Chris."
"Well hey, Karen. How are you on this Monday morning?"
"I'm fine."
I'll say thought JoJo.
Next, JoJo almost pooted. Karen asked Chris, "Who is this cutie with you."
"This is JoJo. Say 'Hi' JoJo."
"Hi," JoJo squeaked out.
Chris and Karen laughed.
However, Karen was a cool chick and she said, "Hi, welcome to our little party we call high school." JoJo knew he would have her smile imprinted on his brain the rest of the school day. This time, he KNEW he was thinking FINE! SHE FINE!
"See you boys later. Nice meeting you, JoJo."
WOW that smile!! "Nice to meet you, too, Karen." This time JoJo did not squeak, and he was proud of himself.
Chris said, "See you at Band practice, buddy."
"OK. Thanks for the ride."
Tommy and JoJo sat in the front in their first period Math class. This began a pattern of JoJo turning around to see the Sophomore girls. He had no idea they could see him. (Duh)
Michelle thought she would have some fun. The next time JoJo sneaked a peek, Michelle puckered up her lips.
JoJo about caught a crick in his neck from the rapid pace that he managed to turn around to face the front. He could hear the 3 Sophomore girls laughing.
Tommy leaned over, "Busted..."
As soon as the dismissal bell sounded, JoJo practically ran out of class. He move credulously down the hall, which was a bad thing. The Senior known as Beast was walking right in front of JoJo, and he didn't even notice! Normally, JoJo would have maneuvered to a safe position allowing others to buffer the area in between him and a Senior.
All of a sudden, the Beast wheeled and did a High Rise Wake-Up Call on JoJo's unaware head!
Seniors loved this move! They would actually jump up in the air and come down on the crown of a Freshman's head.
"Bahaaa! You stupid Fresh Meat!"
JoJo was stunned. He went from embarrassment to pain, and he wasn't sure which was worse. When he sat down in second period, he decided the pain was worse!
Cindy quickly realized JoJo was looking pale. "Why are you so pale, JoJo?"
"I just got the Atomic Bomb dropped on my head by a Senior Freak."
"Maybe you should go see the nurse."
"Yea."
JoJo asked Nac if he could go to the nurse.
"What's the problem, Freshy?"
Does everyone in this high school hate Freshmen?? "I feel bad."
"Good try, Mr. Smith. We ALL feel bad---it's Monday morning. Plant it and get your mind on World History. It's the cure for everything!"
"Yessir." Ohhh Brother!!
Sunday, August 6, 2017
JoJo 8.5; Back to 1975
JoJo's first week of school had been rough! First, the amount of homework cramped his after-school-outside-time. Next, he got a Senior Wake-Up call (Senior Ring upside of his head) once a day! Finally, the girl situation was killing him. The Upperclassman girls looked at him like he was a bugger. JoJo (unlike Tommy who had an eighth-grade girlfriend) refused to go back to the Girls of Jr. High Scene. When he complained about this to his Dad, he told JoJo these were all First-World problems. JoJo thought, "I didn't know there was a second world." It would be two more years before JoJo understood the tremendous difference in America and Third-World countries.
However, church was still a wonderful place for JoJo. He loved the Youth Group! Tommy and JoJo played in the Youth Band. Sometimes, JoJo would sing, but most of the time, Mac Powell would lead the singing. Also, JoJo had a wonderful spiritual experience at the Adrian Youth Camp during the '75 summer. He still remembered many lessons God taught him. Plus, he kept in touch with some friends that lived 10 miles down the road in the city of Decathlon.
Cindy and JoJo had become really good friends. Even though she was pretty and they were both single, the friend thing seemed to be working. They talked on the phone every night. They loved talking about teachers. Mr. Almanac got many 'additional names', such as Nack, Mack, Cue-Ball Head, and Yacky Yack. The 2 went on and on about him. They were especially vicious about his hair cut. Then, there was Ms. CeCe. JoJo was failing her Spanish class, but he was "in love" with CeCe, the Spanish Beauty. Quite the opposite with Cindy. She had an A in the class, and she thought Ms. CeCe was classless. However, their favorite topic was music. They each bought a record per week---parents' rule.
Counting the summer, Cindy listed the following as her favorite:
1. Love Will Keep Us Together by Captain and Tennille
2. Lovin' You by Minnie Riperton
3. Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglass
4. The Hustle by Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony
5. I'm Not in Love by 10cc
Counting the summer, JoJo listed the following as his favorite:
1. Black Water by The Doobie Brothers
2. No No Song by Ringo Starr
3. Some Kind of Wonderful by Grand Funk Railroad
4. You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker
5. Fire by Ohio Players
Cindy and JoJo would often have music playing in the background as they were talking. If they heard a new song on the radio, all conversation stopped. Whichever music-lover heard the song would turn it up and tell their fellow music-lover to LISTEN! Sadly, they would sometimes talk for 2 hours, and they didn't have 2 hours worth of material. When JoJo got off of the phone--finally, his mother would say, "You are going to marry that girl."
"Maaaaa! We are JUST friends."
Dan would laugh--he knew nether one had a clue about JoJo's marriage plans!
However, church was still a wonderful place for JoJo. He loved the Youth Group! Tommy and JoJo played in the Youth Band. Sometimes, JoJo would sing, but most of the time, Mac Powell would lead the singing. Also, JoJo had a wonderful spiritual experience at the Adrian Youth Camp during the '75 summer. He still remembered many lessons God taught him. Plus, he kept in touch with some friends that lived 10 miles down the road in the city of Decathlon.
Cindy and JoJo had become really good friends. Even though she was pretty and they were both single, the friend thing seemed to be working. They talked on the phone every night. They loved talking about teachers. Mr. Almanac got many 'additional names', such as Nack, Mack, Cue-Ball Head, and Yacky Yack. The 2 went on and on about him. They were especially vicious about his hair cut. Then, there was Ms. CeCe. JoJo was failing her Spanish class, but he was "in love" with CeCe, the Spanish Beauty. Quite the opposite with Cindy. She had an A in the class, and she thought Ms. CeCe was classless. However, their favorite topic was music. They each bought a record per week---parents' rule.
Counting the summer, Cindy listed the following as her favorite:
1. Love Will Keep Us Together by Captain and Tennille
2. Lovin' You by Minnie Riperton
3. Kung Fu Fighting by Carl Douglass
4. The Hustle by Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony
5. I'm Not in Love by 10cc
Counting the summer, JoJo listed the following as his favorite:
1. Black Water by The Doobie Brothers
2. No No Song by Ringo Starr
3. Some Kind of Wonderful by Grand Funk Railroad
4. You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker
5. Fire by Ohio Players
Cindy and JoJo would often have music playing in the background as they were talking. If they heard a new song on the radio, all conversation stopped. Whichever music-lover heard the song would turn it up and tell their fellow music-lover to LISTEN! Sadly, they would sometimes talk for 2 hours, and they didn't have 2 hours worth of material. When JoJo got off of the phone--finally, his mother would say, "You are going to marry that girl."
"Maaaaa! We are JUST friends."
Dan would laugh--he knew nether one had a clue about JoJo's marriage plans!
Saturday, August 5, 2017
JoJo 8.4; Dan and Fire--Lunch # 2
Dan and Fire were sitting in a booth at Loren's BBQ. However, the guys got their usual: 3-piece Chicken meal and a Chocolate Milk Shake. (They had forgotten they were no longer 18.) Dan couldn't believe the difference in Fire's countenance. He could already see the Holy Spirit working in him.
Fire started, "I read the first 5 chapters of John last night."
"Wow, I have to say I am impressed, Fire!"
"Why is that, Danny Boy?"
"Well, I expected you to read one chapter per day."
"Oh, was that wrong of me?"
"Not at all, Fire. It is wrong of me to have low expectations. I guess it is a confession that I rarely read that many chapters in a day."
"Got ya. Well, I figure I am making up for lost time! I wanna know all I can about Jesus."
"Praise the Lord!!"
"Do you mind if we work on our list some more, Danny?"
"I would love to, Fire. Let's focus on questions 1 and 8 today."
"OK. Let's jump to number 8. Can I...my family go with y'all to church?"
"YESSIR! It would be the greatest blessing ever, Fire!"
"When will I get to be baptized?"
"Hmmm. I don't know."
"When do you want to be?"
"The sooner, the better!"
"OK, I'll talk to our preacher, John Moses, about it."
"Thanks, Buddy."
"You're welcome, Fire."
"I wonder if we could talk about what you learned from the first 5 books of John."
"For sure. And you can help me with some of the parts I didn't understand."
"I think that will work fine."
"Fire, do you remember anything about Chapter 1, the first 5 verses?"
"Uh OH, was I supposed to memorize all this, Big Guy?"
Dan laughs. "No, Fire, I'm sorry, that question was unclear. We will look at the Bible, but I just wondered if anything stood out in those verses."
"HaHaHa! Danny Boy, I am glad I didn't have to memorize all that. You know I didn't do too well in school! Ha!"
"Fire, you're a smart guy. I don't think you liked school."
"Thanks, Dan. I hated school. That sitting still and teachers making empty promises and takin all those big tests made me never want to read again."
"How do you feel about reading the Bible?"
"I can't explain it. It's like it is alive! It gives water to my dry soul! I praise God, who saved me for it!!"
"Wow! That is so cool that God has immediately blessed you like this!"
"Danny Boy, is my experience different from others?"
"I'll say! Most Christians develop this spiritual insight in time. What did you learn first as you read from the Book of John?"
"2 things: First, Jesus was there when the world was created. As a matter of fact...He brought life to everything! Mind if we read the first 5 verses, Dan?"
"May I have the honor.."
John 1:1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1:2 He is existed in the beginning with God. 1:3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 1:4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
"That is awesome, God! Thanks for reading it Danny Boy!"
"What was the second thing, Fire?"
"The first 2 things Jesus said. He asked, 'What do you want?' and 'Come and see.' I believe these words are key to reaching people. I didn't know what I wanted (or needed), but it was Jesus! When Jesus said 'Come and see', it was about where he was staying, but I take it for much more. If we 'Come and see' Jesus, He is ALL we need!"
WOW! Dan thought. "Wow, Fire! That was so insightful! God has blessed you with the gift of knowledge. I believe you will be a teacher of His Word!"
Before Fire could respond, Denise called. Fire told Dan that Denise needed his help in the yard.
"I better go if I want supper!"
"Understood. We'll talk later. But, this was a blessing to me."
"Me too, Brother!"
Fire started, "I read the first 5 chapters of John last night."
"Wow, I have to say I am impressed, Fire!"
"Why is that, Danny Boy?"
"Well, I expected you to read one chapter per day."
"Oh, was that wrong of me?"
"Not at all, Fire. It is wrong of me to have low expectations. I guess it is a confession that I rarely read that many chapters in a day."
"Got ya. Well, I figure I am making up for lost time! I wanna know all I can about Jesus."
"Praise the Lord!!"
"Do you mind if we work on our list some more, Danny?"
"I would love to, Fire. Let's focus on questions 1 and 8 today."
"OK. Let's jump to number 8. Can I...my family go with y'all to church?"
"YESSIR! It would be the greatest blessing ever, Fire!"
"When will I get to be baptized?"
"Hmmm. I don't know."
"When do you want to be?"
"The sooner, the better!"
"OK, I'll talk to our preacher, John Moses, about it."
"Thanks, Buddy."
"You're welcome, Fire."
"I wonder if we could talk about what you learned from the first 5 books of John."
"For sure. And you can help me with some of the parts I didn't understand."
"I think that will work fine."
"Fire, do you remember anything about Chapter 1, the first 5 verses?"
"Uh OH, was I supposed to memorize all this, Big Guy?"
Dan laughs. "No, Fire, I'm sorry, that question was unclear. We will look at the Bible, but I just wondered if anything stood out in those verses."
"HaHaHa! Danny Boy, I am glad I didn't have to memorize all that. You know I didn't do too well in school! Ha!"
"Fire, you're a smart guy. I don't think you liked school."
"Thanks, Dan. I hated school. That sitting still and teachers making empty promises and takin all those big tests made me never want to read again."
"How do you feel about reading the Bible?"
"I can't explain it. It's like it is alive! It gives water to my dry soul! I praise God, who saved me for it!!"
"Wow! That is so cool that God has immediately blessed you like this!"
"Danny Boy, is my experience different from others?"
"I'll say! Most Christians develop this spiritual insight in time. What did you learn first as you read from the Book of John?"
"2 things: First, Jesus was there when the world was created. As a matter of fact...He brought life to everything! Mind if we read the first 5 verses, Dan?"
"May I have the honor.."
John 1:1 In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 1:2 He is existed in the beginning with God. 1:3 God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. 1:4 The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. 1:5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
"That is awesome, God! Thanks for reading it Danny Boy!"
"What was the second thing, Fire?"
"The first 2 things Jesus said. He asked, 'What do you want?' and 'Come and see.' I believe these words are key to reaching people. I didn't know what I wanted (or needed), but it was Jesus! When Jesus said 'Come and see', it was about where he was staying, but I take it for much more. If we 'Come and see' Jesus, He is ALL we need!"
WOW! Dan thought. "Wow, Fire! That was so insightful! God has blessed you with the gift of knowledge. I believe you will be a teacher of His Word!"
Before Fire could respond, Denise called. Fire told Dan that Denise needed his help in the yard.
"I better go if I want supper!"
"Understood. We'll talk later. But, this was a blessing to me."
"Me too, Brother!"
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
JoJo 8.3; Lunch for Dan and Fire
Tuesday morning, Dan called Fire.
"Are you busy, Fire?"
"Not at all, Big Guy! I have taken 2 weeks of vacation, which began yesterday."
Dan thought...God is good! "This is amazing!"
"What, Dan?"
"I just began a 2-week vacation yesterday, too!"
"Nice. I hope we can get together and work on me being a Christian!"
"Absolutely! Do you have time today?"
"Sure. What if I buy you lunch, and we go from there?"
"Great! I will pick you up at...11:30."
"Mighty fine."
Wow, Fire really sounds different. I can tell he is a new person in Christ! Dan thought.
The guys ate lunch at Betty's Burgers. And...she did have the best burgers in town.
"Dan, how long have you been a Christian?"
"Oh, about 25 years."
"Well, I guess you got this thang down pat."
"I wish, Fire. I still battle each day, but I have grown in the Lord over these years. God has been good to me!"
"I have a list of questions. Do you mind if I show them to ya?"
"Let's take a look."
1. What does it really mean to be a Christian?
2. What part of the Bible should I read to start off?
3. How do I pray?
4. What if I sin?
5. Why do Christian people die of cancer or other stuff?
6. How can I be a better father?
7. How can I be a better husband?
8. Can I go to y'all's church?
"This is quite a list, Fire."
"I know, and I have more. I thought I would start with a few."
"Absolutely. Let's take one at a time. Honestly, we may not finish all of them today."
"That's fine, Danny Boy! Appreciate ya help. We'll does this thang how ever ya want to!"
"Great."
1. A Christian is a person who is a follower of Christ. When you received Jesus into your heart, you became a Christian. You will want to be baptized, too. In John 3, Jesus says we must be born of the Spirit and water.
2. I suggest that you read the book of John, first.
3. Prayer is conversation with God. You say anything you want to him. No fancy words are needed. We listen in many ways. You need to be quiet before Him. You need to read his Word. And believe God will answer you. It may be in your spirit, like you felt when you were saved or asked me for forgiveness. It may be a passage in the Bible. It may be the preacher's words or another Christian's words.
4. In the Bible, God provides a verse for the times we sin. I suggest you memorize it this week.
1 John1:9; If we confess our sins to Him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all wickedness.
"Why don't we start with those answers?"
"Sounds good, Danny! I will begin reading John today. Can we meet again tomorrow?"
"Lord willing, it would be my blessing, Fire!"
"Are you busy, Fire?"
"Not at all, Big Guy! I have taken 2 weeks of vacation, which began yesterday."
Dan thought...God is good! "This is amazing!"
"What, Dan?"
"I just began a 2-week vacation yesterday, too!"
"Nice. I hope we can get together and work on me being a Christian!"
"Absolutely! Do you have time today?"
"Sure. What if I buy you lunch, and we go from there?"
"Great! I will pick you up at...11:30."
"Mighty fine."
Wow, Fire really sounds different. I can tell he is a new person in Christ! Dan thought.
The guys ate lunch at Betty's Burgers. And...she did have the best burgers in town.
"Dan, how long have you been a Christian?"
"Oh, about 25 years."
"Well, I guess you got this thang down pat."
"I wish, Fire. I still battle each day, but I have grown in the Lord over these years. God has been good to me!"
"I have a list of questions. Do you mind if I show them to ya?"
"Let's take a look."
1. What does it really mean to be a Christian?
2. What part of the Bible should I read to start off?
3. How do I pray?
4. What if I sin?
5. Why do Christian people die of cancer or other stuff?
6. How can I be a better father?
7. How can I be a better husband?
8. Can I go to y'all's church?
"This is quite a list, Fire."
"I know, and I have more. I thought I would start with a few."
"Absolutely. Let's take one at a time. Honestly, we may not finish all of them today."
"That's fine, Danny Boy! Appreciate ya help. We'll does this thang how ever ya want to!"
"Great."
1. A Christian is a person who is a follower of Christ. When you received Jesus into your heart, you became a Christian. You will want to be baptized, too. In John 3, Jesus says we must be born of the Spirit and water.
2. I suggest that you read the book of John, first.
3. Prayer is conversation with God. You say anything you want to him. No fancy words are needed. We listen in many ways. You need to be quiet before Him. You need to read his Word. And believe God will answer you. It may be in your spirit, like you felt when you were saved or asked me for forgiveness. It may be a passage in the Bible. It may be the preacher's words or another Christian's words.
4. In the Bible, God provides a verse for the times we sin. I suggest you memorize it this week.
1 John1:9; If we confess our sins to Him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all wickedness.
"Why don't we start with those answers?"
"Sounds good, Danny! I will begin reading John today. Can we meet again tomorrow?"
"Lord willing, it would be my blessing, Fire!"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)