LISTEN
James 1:19 (NLT) Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: you must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
Does anyone find this verse difficult with which to comply?
2. “Listening doesn’t happen by default; it happens by design.” (1)
What does this mean?
3. An axiom of Mark Batterson has been helpful to me. It is as follows:
“Change of pace + Change of place = Change of perspective (2)
Has anyone found that to be true? Share.
Dr. Wayne Williams example
4. Confessions for not wanting to listen to God.
What God might say.
He is All-Powerful God.
What if I don’t hear anything?
What if I hear a message, but I don’t know if it is from God?
I am scared that you are not pleased with me, and your voice may not be pleasant.
I might need to change after hearing from God.
God may ask me to do something that I really do not want to do.
Do you have others?
5. Answers
I realized that I was being self-centered minded instead of Kingdom-minded.
I am not loving God like I should. This thinking show lack of trust and lack of obedience for God.
I am not loving people like I should. In order to be the me God wants me to be, I must allow Him to guide me. This will help me to help others.
I desperately want more of God in my life.
Do you have others?
6. Scriptures to help Guide us.
Psalm 46:10a
Psalm 37:23
Romans 8:28
Others?
7. How can I enhance my ability to hear God?(3)
Find a place of quiet.
Carve out the time. (This will not happen by accident.)
We must WANT to hear from God.
We must listen.
Others?
8. How does God speak to us?
Through His word
Through others
Impressions deep in our soul
Circumstances
Others?
9. Final Verses
Matthew 6:33
Hebrews 12:2
10. Other questions, answers, thought, scriptures, or aides to help us listen to God?
Endnotes are all from Whisper; How to Hear the Voice of God by Mark Batterson
page 46
page 49
With help from Chapter 2; “The Whispering Spot”
Wednesday, March 28, 2018
Monday, March 26, 2018
Mrs. Tense 1.2; MONDAYS!
Mrs. Tense hated Mondays! As she awoke to the smell of Maxwell Home, she realized---IT'S MONDAY!!! Mrs. Tense husband, Freddy, was a plumber. He got up early every morning. Freddy would cook Mrs. Tense or Carol (first name) and his breakfast. He usually fixed eggs, grits, sausage, and toast. Then, there was the coffee. Between the two of them, they drank a pot of coffee. Carol got up at 6:30 on week days. Freddy was always ready to leave by the time Carol got up, but he waited until 7:45 to give customers a chance to call him for a possible job.
Freddy would also check back at lunch and 3:00 to check their new fancy answering machine. Freddy paid a pretty penny for the fine machine, but it was worth it.
NOTE: THERE WERE NO CELL PHONES IN 1976
Mrs. Tense had to clock in at 7:45, so she left the house about 7:30. Her house was 10 minutes from school. Literally like clockwork, she punched in at 7:40 every day. The students came inside at the 8:05 bell. The 8:15 bell sounded the students were tardy. After roll check and the morning announcements, the students went to first period at 8:20.
Mrs. Tense first period class was Freshman English. Most of the year was spent on improving grammar. This class had a few challenges.
First, they were Freshman--enough said.
Next, it was early and many of the students were not fully awake.
Finally, there was a young man named, Bsocefiuos. Most of the students called him "Wichita" because he had moved to Smallville from Wichita in the sixth grade. Wichita was a piece of work. In his mind, he was the coolest student on campus, a teacher-out-smarter, and God's gift to women. The only problem with his self-concept was he had all three wrong. In reality, he was a skunk. Wichita was a problem student because of his disrespect of teachers. Finally, the only girls who though he was a gift were the crazy ones.
Monday, April 5, 1976
Mrs. Tense said aloud, "I HATE MONDAYS!"
As the first periods students stumbled into Mrs. Tense's class, the Class Clerk gave them an assignment. On cue, Wichita annoyed the first student he saw.
"Hey Patsy. Looking extra pretty today."
Patsy, the Class Clerk simply said, "Shut up, Wichita."
Wichita never seemed to get rattled. He was oblivious to the rotten reputation he had.
"Good morning, Mrs. Tense," Wichita said with an Eddie Haskel flair.
Mrs. Tense fired back, "We will see soon enough, Bsocefiuos."
After everyone was in their seats, Mrs. Tense gave instructions, "Claaaas, you will notice on the handout the clerk gave you that there are 3 writing prompts. You may choose only 1. How many class?"
Ninety percent of the class repeated, "ONE."
"Good. This will be a first draft only. When finished, bring your writing to me. Then go to the second assignment on the board."
Wichita couldn't help himself. "Mrs. Tense, if some of us feel good about our draft, may we share with the class?"
Mrs. Tense looked at Wichita for five seconds, then quietly responded. "Bsocefiuos, if your writing is decent, you can share it with the class."
As Wichita started to smile, Mrs. Tense added, "and to the President of the United States."
The students broke out in laughter. Wichita had no idea he was busted. He exclaimed, "Right On, Mrs. Tense."
Mrs. Tense thought to herself: I really hate Mondays!
The three prompts were:
* You are approached by a Senior to buy some weed. What do you do? Use dialogue.
* Your father allows you to choose the family vacation. Explain in detail the vacation you and your family take.
* If you were the school principal what changes would you make?
Freddy would also check back at lunch and 3:00 to check their new fancy answering machine. Freddy paid a pretty penny for the fine machine, but it was worth it.
NOTE: THERE WERE NO CELL PHONES IN 1976
Mrs. Tense had to clock in at 7:45, so she left the house about 7:30. Her house was 10 minutes from school. Literally like clockwork, she punched in at 7:40 every day. The students came inside at the 8:05 bell. The 8:15 bell sounded the students were tardy. After roll check and the morning announcements, the students went to first period at 8:20.
Mrs. Tense first period class was Freshman English. Most of the year was spent on improving grammar. This class had a few challenges.
First, they were Freshman--enough said.
Next, it was early and many of the students were not fully awake.
Finally, there was a young man named, Bsocefiuos. Most of the students called him "Wichita" because he had moved to Smallville from Wichita in the sixth grade. Wichita was a piece of work. In his mind, he was the coolest student on campus, a teacher-out-smarter, and God's gift to women. The only problem with his self-concept was he had all three wrong. In reality, he was a skunk. Wichita was a problem student because of his disrespect of teachers. Finally, the only girls who though he was a gift were the crazy ones.
Monday, April 5, 1976
Mrs. Tense said aloud, "I HATE MONDAYS!"
As the first periods students stumbled into Mrs. Tense's class, the Class Clerk gave them an assignment. On cue, Wichita annoyed the first student he saw.
"Hey Patsy. Looking extra pretty today."
Patsy, the Class Clerk simply said, "Shut up, Wichita."
Wichita never seemed to get rattled. He was oblivious to the rotten reputation he had.
"Good morning, Mrs. Tense," Wichita said with an Eddie Haskel flair.
Mrs. Tense fired back, "We will see soon enough, Bsocefiuos."
After everyone was in their seats, Mrs. Tense gave instructions, "Claaaas, you will notice on the handout the clerk gave you that there are 3 writing prompts. You may choose only 1. How many class?"
Ninety percent of the class repeated, "ONE."
"Good. This will be a first draft only. When finished, bring your writing to me. Then go to the second assignment on the board."
Wichita couldn't help himself. "Mrs. Tense, if some of us feel good about our draft, may we share with the class?"
Mrs. Tense looked at Wichita for five seconds, then quietly responded. "Bsocefiuos, if your writing is decent, you can share it with the class."
As Wichita started to smile, Mrs. Tense added, "and to the President of the United States."
The students broke out in laughter. Wichita had no idea he was busted. He exclaimed, "Right On, Mrs. Tense."
Mrs. Tense thought to herself: I really hate Mondays!
The three prompts were:
* You are approached by a Senior to buy some weed. What do you do? Use dialogue.
* Your father allows you to choose the family vacation. Explain in detail the vacation you and your family take.
* If you were the school principal what changes would you make?
Saturday, March 24, 2018
Mrs. Tense 1.1; Pilot for this Blog
The Blog for Mrs. Tense is a Spinoff of the JoJo Blog. Mrs. Tense is JoJo's English teacher. After a rocky start, JoJo really begins to like Mrs. Tense when she decides to help him after school with bettering his English skills. JoJo begins doing so well in English, that it spills over into his other classes. He goes from Straight D's to all A's and B's. This specific blog is the Pilot for the new Blog. Hope you enjoy it!
It is Monday, March 14, 1976. The action takes place at Smallville High School. Mrs. Tense is at the beginning of her sixth period class, Creative Writing.
Mrs. Tense adresses the class, "Now claaaas, today we will use our collective creativeness to construct a paragraph....one sentence at a time. Although we will create the paragraph orally, I have asked our Class Clerk, Jenni, to write the paragraph in the Clerk Notebook. People, the rules are simple: First, keep it "G" rated. Next, use your creativity. Finally, listen well, so that you can build from the previous sentences and to help you not look like a dummy bear!"
There were a few snickers, but otherwise, the students said, "Yes Mam."
"I can't hear you class. Did you say, 'Let's work on this after school or yes mam?'"
This time the students used their outside voice, "YES MAM."
"Thank you," said Mrs. Tense. She continued, "I will begin our story. On a cold, dark night, Sammy walked home from baseball practice."
Mrs. Tense gave further explanation. "For those who don't remember how to play our game or you hit your head on a hard object at recess, I will now call on a student. That student will build on my sentence. When I give the OK---yes, the sentence will need my approval---he or she will call on another student. This action will continue until we have built our paragraph. Any questions?"
A pointy-headed smallish boy in the center of the room raised his hand.
"Yes, Poindexter."
"Mrs. Tense, when will we know when the paragraph is complete?"
"We or I will decide."
"Jenni, please repeat the first sentence."
Jenni parroted, "On a cold, dark night, Sammy walked home from baseball practice."
Mrs. Tense told Jenni to call on another student.
Jenni squeaked out, "Ralph."
Ralph thought for a moment. "Sammy was so mad that his moms forgot to pick him up."
Mrs. Tense, "Nice build-on, Ralph. But, would you mind if we used another word other than 'moms'?"
"How bout, 'momma'?"
"Fine, Ralph call on another student."
Ralph used his deep voice, "Mellow."
Mrs. Tense said, "WHO?!"
"Oh, Martin."
Martin said, "His anger turned to despair when a black Cutlass Supreme pulled up next to him."
Mrs. Tense decide to simply nod if the sentence was alright. After all, this was her game.
Martin called on Thomas (also known as TURNIP)
Thomas continued, "Sammy was relieved when the car window rolled down." "James"
James let out a deep breath like he thought this was the stupidest game in the world. He just sat there.
Mrs. Tense thought about the situation. She sternly warned, "Anyone who does not participate when called on will get a zero. We will come back to you, JAMES." Then, she gave him the fish eye. Mrs. Tense gave Jenni a nod. Without hesitation, Jenni said, "Bob."
Bob decided to play the James game. After all, they were buddies, and buddies stand together.
Mrs. Tense simply said, "Bob-zero." She gave Jenni a nod.
Jenni said, "Alawisheh." His friends called him Wish.
Wish decided to play. "It was wonderful to see a friendly face." "Buster...I mean Sims."
Sims continued, "Sammy's cousin, Nancy peered out at Sammy." "Susie-Q"
Susie Q wanted to make it a little more exciting. "However, Sammy spotted the driver, which sent a shiver down his back!" "Samson"
Samson did not miss a beat. "The driver, a 19-year old loser named Clint loudly told Sammy, 'If you want a ride, it will cost you fancy pants.'"
Many of the students laughed. Mrs. Tense smiled and nodded.
Samson called on Rick. "Sammy told the driver, He didn't need no ride."
Mrs. Tense broke in. "What English rule did Sammy break?"
About ten students yelled, "Double-Negative."
"That is right. But, as a writer, you can develop your character to speak with grammatical errors."
Rick was beaming. "Robby"
Robby said, "Sammy told the driver, 'And don't call be fancy pants!'" "Nigeria"
Nigeria thought for about 2 seconds. The driver yelled, "I'll fancy pants you, Punk."
Mrs. Tense said, "You are not allowed to call anyone 'punk' in this classroom. However, your character may."
Nigeria called on Wilson.
Wilson was half asleep. "Uhhh. Give me all your milk."
Mrs. Tense calmly said, "Wilson-zero."
Jenni called on David, after a head-nod from Mrs. Tense.
David tried, "I've never seen a person get fancy panted."
Mrs. Tense broke in. "Uh no. Thanks anyway, Dave."
Jenni called on Anne.
Anne said, "The driver got out of the car and moved cautiously toward Sammy." "Pervis"
Pervis said, "Sammy's cousin, Nancy, moved over to the driver's seat and told Sammy to jump in."
Pervis called on Tammy.
Tammy concluded, "After Sammy jumped in and the two drove off, that was the last they saw of Clint."
Mrs. Tense said, "EXCELLENT! That will conclude our paragraph. Your Homework is: Complete problems 1-20 on page 286.
It is Monday, March 14, 1976. The action takes place at Smallville High School. Mrs. Tense is at the beginning of her sixth period class, Creative Writing.
Mrs. Tense adresses the class, "Now claaaas, today we will use our collective creativeness to construct a paragraph....one sentence at a time. Although we will create the paragraph orally, I have asked our Class Clerk, Jenni, to write the paragraph in the Clerk Notebook. People, the rules are simple: First, keep it "G" rated. Next, use your creativity. Finally, listen well, so that you can build from the previous sentences and to help you not look like a dummy bear!"
There were a few snickers, but otherwise, the students said, "Yes Mam."
"I can't hear you class. Did you say, 'Let's work on this after school or yes mam?'"
This time the students used their outside voice, "YES MAM."
"Thank you," said Mrs. Tense. She continued, "I will begin our story. On a cold, dark night, Sammy walked home from baseball practice."
Mrs. Tense gave further explanation. "For those who don't remember how to play our game or you hit your head on a hard object at recess, I will now call on a student. That student will build on my sentence. When I give the OK---yes, the sentence will need my approval---he or she will call on another student. This action will continue until we have built our paragraph. Any questions?"
A pointy-headed smallish boy in the center of the room raised his hand.
"Yes, Poindexter."
"Mrs. Tense, when will we know when the paragraph is complete?"
"We or I will decide."
"Jenni, please repeat the first sentence."
Jenni parroted, "On a cold, dark night, Sammy walked home from baseball practice."
Mrs. Tense told Jenni to call on another student.
Jenni squeaked out, "Ralph."
Ralph thought for a moment. "Sammy was so mad that his moms forgot to pick him up."
Mrs. Tense, "Nice build-on, Ralph. But, would you mind if we used another word other than 'moms'?"
"How bout, 'momma'?"
"Fine, Ralph call on another student."
Ralph used his deep voice, "Mellow."
Mrs. Tense said, "WHO?!"
"Oh, Martin."
Martin said, "His anger turned to despair when a black Cutlass Supreme pulled up next to him."
Mrs. Tense decide to simply nod if the sentence was alright. After all, this was her game.
Martin called on Thomas (also known as TURNIP)
Thomas continued, "Sammy was relieved when the car window rolled down." "James"
James let out a deep breath like he thought this was the stupidest game in the world. He just sat there.
Mrs. Tense thought about the situation. She sternly warned, "Anyone who does not participate when called on will get a zero. We will come back to you, JAMES." Then, she gave him the fish eye. Mrs. Tense gave Jenni a nod. Without hesitation, Jenni said, "Bob."
Bob decided to play the James game. After all, they were buddies, and buddies stand together.
Mrs. Tense simply said, "Bob-zero." She gave Jenni a nod.
Jenni said, "Alawisheh." His friends called him Wish.
Wish decided to play. "It was wonderful to see a friendly face." "Buster...I mean Sims."
Sims continued, "Sammy's cousin, Nancy peered out at Sammy." "Susie-Q"
Susie Q wanted to make it a little more exciting. "However, Sammy spotted the driver, which sent a shiver down his back!" "Samson"
Samson did not miss a beat. "The driver, a 19-year old loser named Clint loudly told Sammy, 'If you want a ride, it will cost you fancy pants.'"
Many of the students laughed. Mrs. Tense smiled and nodded.
Samson called on Rick. "Sammy told the driver, He didn't need no ride."
Mrs. Tense broke in. "What English rule did Sammy break?"
About ten students yelled, "Double-Negative."
"That is right. But, as a writer, you can develop your character to speak with grammatical errors."
Rick was beaming. "Robby"
Robby said, "Sammy told the driver, 'And don't call be fancy pants!'" "Nigeria"
Nigeria thought for about 2 seconds. The driver yelled, "I'll fancy pants you, Punk."
Mrs. Tense said, "You are not allowed to call anyone 'punk' in this classroom. However, your character may."
Nigeria called on Wilson.
Wilson was half asleep. "Uhhh. Give me all your milk."
Mrs. Tense calmly said, "Wilson-zero."
Jenni called on David, after a head-nod from Mrs. Tense.
David tried, "I've never seen a person get fancy panted."
Mrs. Tense broke in. "Uh no. Thanks anyway, Dave."
Jenni called on Anne.
Anne said, "The driver got out of the car and moved cautiously toward Sammy." "Pervis"
Pervis said, "Sammy's cousin, Nancy, moved over to the driver's seat and told Sammy to jump in."
Pervis called on Tammy.
Tammy concluded, "After Sammy jumped in and the two drove off, that was the last they saw of Clint."
Mrs. Tense said, "EXCELLENT! That will conclude our paragraph. Your Homework is: Complete problems 1-20 on page 286.
Monday, March 19, 2018
JoJo 22.1; JoJo Goes to Church
Reverend Moody was in a good one today--mood, that is! As a matter of fact, he was ALWAYS in a good mood!
I overheard him tell my dad that the verse, Philippians 4:6 should not be ignored. I can remember Dan struggling, "Pastor, I don't remember that verse. Sorry."
Rev Moody chuckled, "I don't have the entire Bible memorized either, Dan! The Bible states:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God." (NASB)
Dan replied, "That's hard to do Reverend Moody!"
Rev said, "Dan, that is why we need a Savior! Praise God for Jesus Christ! He knows our struggles. We need to ask Him for help."
Dan was appreciative. "I think I understand, Reverend."
To be honest, Dan understood, but he is a worry-wart. He prays extra hard for help on not being anxious!
Today's sermon was about listening. Reverend Moody always used his Outside Voice whether he was involved in a conversation, praying, or preaching. JoJo had NEVER fallen asleep during one of his sermons! Today, the sermon topic was: LISTENING. The Bible Text used by Rev. Moody was James 1:19; This you know my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. (NASB)
Friends, take your fingers and touch your ears. Hold up that number of fingers. All of you are showing 2 fingers, except Mr. Thompson. Thank you for your service for our country, Mr. Thompson. (Mr. Thompson was a sergeant in WWII. He had his left ear blown off by a grenade.)
Now, put your finger on your mouth. Hold up that number of fingers. Everybody is holding up 1. This means God designed us to listen twice as much as we talk!
In the coming days, let it be your practice to listen, first. Ask questions. By all means talk at the appropriate time. We need to praise our God and exhort our fellow man. But, do not speak just to hear your own voice. Ahem, even preachers! (This was the only part of the sermon in which you could hear 'Amen.')
The final part of this verse, commands us to be slow to anger. For some of us, this is a more difficult commandment than others. However, all of us are tempted to get angry from time to time. Some of us have made it a habit to get angry. If that is you, my friend, guess what?! Nobody wants to be around you! What's more--I don't want them around you! Why preacher--you may ask. Because I do NOT want you to rub off on them! There is no set answer to controlling your temper, but I will suggest a few possible aids.
1. When tempted to become angry, count to ten.
2. When tempted to become angry, take several deep breaths.
3. When tempted to become angry, ask yourself, 'Is this really worth it?'
4. When tempted to become angry, choose to laugh out loud. Ha! It may work....
5. When tempted to become angry---this is the most important option---PRAY.
Folks, the message is clear. However, the carrying out the message is a challenge. Let us encourage one another:
BE QUICK TO HEAR
SLOW TO SPEAK
SLOW TO ANGER
Amen.
I overheard him tell my dad that the verse, Philippians 4:6 should not be ignored. I can remember Dan struggling, "Pastor, I don't remember that verse. Sorry."
Rev Moody chuckled, "I don't have the entire Bible memorized either, Dan! The Bible states:
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God." (NASB)
Dan replied, "That's hard to do Reverend Moody!"
Rev said, "Dan, that is why we need a Savior! Praise God for Jesus Christ! He knows our struggles. We need to ask Him for help."
Dan was appreciative. "I think I understand, Reverend."
To be honest, Dan understood, but he is a worry-wart. He prays extra hard for help on not being anxious!
Today's sermon was about listening. Reverend Moody always used his Outside Voice whether he was involved in a conversation, praying, or preaching. JoJo had NEVER fallen asleep during one of his sermons! Today, the sermon topic was: LISTENING. The Bible Text used by Rev. Moody was James 1:19; This you know my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger. (NASB)
Friends, take your fingers and touch your ears. Hold up that number of fingers. All of you are showing 2 fingers, except Mr. Thompson. Thank you for your service for our country, Mr. Thompson. (Mr. Thompson was a sergeant in WWII. He had his left ear blown off by a grenade.)
Now, put your finger on your mouth. Hold up that number of fingers. Everybody is holding up 1. This means God designed us to listen twice as much as we talk!
In the coming days, let it be your practice to listen, first. Ask questions. By all means talk at the appropriate time. We need to praise our God and exhort our fellow man. But, do not speak just to hear your own voice. Ahem, even preachers! (This was the only part of the sermon in which you could hear 'Amen.')
The final part of this verse, commands us to be slow to anger. For some of us, this is a more difficult commandment than others. However, all of us are tempted to get angry from time to time. Some of us have made it a habit to get angry. If that is you, my friend, guess what?! Nobody wants to be around you! What's more--I don't want them around you! Why preacher--you may ask. Because I do NOT want you to rub off on them! There is no set answer to controlling your temper, but I will suggest a few possible aids.
1. When tempted to become angry, count to ten.
2. When tempted to become angry, take several deep breaths.
3. When tempted to become angry, ask yourself, 'Is this really worth it?'
4. When tempted to become angry, choose to laugh out loud. Ha! It may work....
5. When tempted to become angry---this is the most important option---PRAY.
Folks, the message is clear. However, the carrying out the message is a challenge. Let us encourage one another:
BE QUICK TO HEAR
SLOW TO SPEAK
SLOW TO ANGER
Amen.
Monday, March 5, 2018
JoJo 21.4; Cindy Helps JoJo
JoJo asked, "What years?"
Cindy replied, "71 to 75."
"Let's have no comments until the end."
"Check."
"Best and Worse?"
"Check."
"You begin, Cindy."
Cindy, "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
JoJo, "American Woman"
Cindy, "Rainy Days and Mondays"
JoJo, "She's a Lady"
Cindy, "Rocket Man"
JoJo, "School's Out"
Cindy, "Shambala"
JoJo, "Frankenstein"
Cindy, "Dancing Machine"
JoJo, "Rock On"
Cindy, "We didn't talk in between--Yah!"
JoJo, "I'm proud of you!"
Cindy, "Me?! You are the ONE!"
JoJo, "I know!"
Cindy, "You're first tonight. What was my worst choice?"
JoJo, "Your first one, Bridge Over Troubled Water!"
Cindy, "Wow! Classic! OK, your worse choice was She's a Lady!"
JoJo, "Fair enough. Your best choice...Rocket Man."
Cindy, "And, your best choice was School's Out."
JoJo said, "That was fun. Thanks for letting be call ya. Even though you scared the pee out of me!"
Cindy said, "HaHa, That was great! Next time, we are going to play, Name the Artist.
JoJo fired back, "I will demolish you at that game."
Cindy said, "We shall see, Big Guy!
The 2 hung up.
JoJo decided to study before he read Proverbs 9.
Cindy replied, "71 to 75."
"Let's have no comments until the end."
"Check."
"Best and Worse?"
"Check."
"You begin, Cindy."
Cindy, "Bridge Over Troubled Water"
JoJo, "American Woman"
Cindy, "Rainy Days and Mondays"
JoJo, "She's a Lady"
Cindy, "Rocket Man"
JoJo, "School's Out"
Cindy, "Shambala"
JoJo, "Frankenstein"
Cindy, "Dancing Machine"
JoJo, "Rock On"
Cindy, "We didn't talk in between--Yah!"
JoJo, "I'm proud of you!"
Cindy, "Me?! You are the ONE!"
JoJo, "I know!"
Cindy, "You're first tonight. What was my worst choice?"
JoJo, "Your first one, Bridge Over Troubled Water!"
Cindy, "Wow! Classic! OK, your worse choice was She's a Lady!"
JoJo, "Fair enough. Your best choice...Rocket Man."
Cindy, "And, your best choice was School's Out."
JoJo said, "That was fun. Thanks for letting be call ya. Even though you scared the pee out of me!"
Cindy said, "HaHa, That was great! Next time, we are going to play, Name the Artist.
JoJo fired back, "I will demolish you at that game."
Cindy said, "We shall see, Big Guy!
The 2 hung up.
JoJo decided to study before he read Proverbs 9.
JoJo 21.3; Where Do I Go From Here?
JoJo read Proverbs 7, then he prayed.
God, I have been bad. I have not talked with you much or read my Bible. You know I have been faking at church. Please forgive me. I feel dirty on that one. I know it is so wrong to play church. Please clean me up. I KNOW Jesus' blood is enough. More than enough! Thank you, Jesus for going all the way to the cross for me--and everybody else. Thank you for the pain, the sacrifice, the carrying of our sin, and the separation from your Father. I thought it was so cool that you asked your Father to forgive those who crucified you. But, what really blew me away is what you said to the thief who asked you to remember him when you came into your kingdom. You told him he would be with you that day in paradise. I really never got it---he understood Your Kingdom was not of this world! Even the disciples didn't get it. But, y'all were dying, so he had to know your kingdom was in the next life. Too Cool! Anyway, you know about me and Samantha. I pray for her--keep her strong and help her family.
Even though I have been away from you, I want to come back--just like the thief on the cross. Jesus, remember me NOW! I am drawing close to you, so I know you are drawing close to me. That is what is says in the Book of James, and I believe it! Thank you, God for your mercy. for your love. for your forgiveness. Change me from the inside out through Your Spirit to be like the JoJo that You want me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.
At lunch the next day, Samantha saved JoJo a seat.
"JoJo, OVER HERE," Samantha yelled.
"Hey Samantha! Hey Everybody!"
There were several kids from the Church Youth Group sitting at the table. But, JoJo pretty much talked to only Samantha. He felt there were some things he needed to say.
"Samantha, God put you and me together. Do you agree?"
"Absolutely!"
"We were friends, then we were going together, and now we are friends again."
"For sure."
Samantha was NOT adding much to the conversation.
JoJo continued, "I'm sorry that I haven't been here for you--even as a friend."
That hit Samantha in the heart. "JoJo, that was so sweet! You are forgiven. Somewhere along the way, I knew we were better off as friends."
"You did?" JoJo was shocked.
"It's not good or bad. It's just the way it is."
"Hmmm. I kinda like that. 'It's just the way it is.'"
"So, besides joking in class and torturing teachers, what have you been doing?"
"You will never believe it."
"Try me."
"Old Lady Tense and me are friends now."
"WHAT?!"
"I am making A's and B's now."
"JoJo Smith---you are lying!"
"It's true, Sister. I am growing up. Planning on having a job this summer."
"Well, I'll be a Monkey's Aunt!"
They both laughed. For some reason, JoJo did not want to ask Samantha about her recent history.
But, he was glad they had lunch. It helped with a little closure.
About 8:00, JoJo called Cindy. He needed a female friend at the moment, and nobody was better than Cindy at being a female friend.
"Hello! Who the heck is this!!"
"Um JoJo Smith. Is Cindy available?"
Cindy rolled in the floor laughing. She had recorded the man's voice saying that 'greeting.'"
"Real funny. I think I peed on myself!"
"That was great!"
JoJo was trying to figure it out.... "How did you know it was me?"
"You always call at 8 o'clock---when you call. Plus, if it was somebody else, I was going to say wrong number (Cindy used her best man's voice)."
"How has your day been?"
"Well, I had to go to school---so rotten. Yours?"
"Samantha and I talked at lunch. We settled a few things. It was good."
"Good! I want to play the Oldies Game tonight!"
"Sounds good!"
God, I have been bad. I have not talked with you much or read my Bible. You know I have been faking at church. Please forgive me. I feel dirty on that one. I know it is so wrong to play church. Please clean me up. I KNOW Jesus' blood is enough. More than enough! Thank you, Jesus for going all the way to the cross for me--and everybody else. Thank you for the pain, the sacrifice, the carrying of our sin, and the separation from your Father. I thought it was so cool that you asked your Father to forgive those who crucified you. But, what really blew me away is what you said to the thief who asked you to remember him when you came into your kingdom. You told him he would be with you that day in paradise. I really never got it---he understood Your Kingdom was not of this world! Even the disciples didn't get it. But, y'all were dying, so he had to know your kingdom was in the next life. Too Cool! Anyway, you know about me and Samantha. I pray for her--keep her strong and help her family.
Even though I have been away from you, I want to come back--just like the thief on the cross. Jesus, remember me NOW! I am drawing close to you, so I know you are drawing close to me. That is what is says in the Book of James, and I believe it! Thank you, God for your mercy. for your love. for your forgiveness. Change me from the inside out through Your Spirit to be like the JoJo that You want me to be. In Jesus' name. Amen.
At lunch the next day, Samantha saved JoJo a seat.
"JoJo, OVER HERE," Samantha yelled.
"Hey Samantha! Hey Everybody!"
There were several kids from the Church Youth Group sitting at the table. But, JoJo pretty much talked to only Samantha. He felt there were some things he needed to say.
"Samantha, God put you and me together. Do you agree?"
"Absolutely!"
"We were friends, then we were going together, and now we are friends again."
"For sure."
Samantha was NOT adding much to the conversation.
JoJo continued, "I'm sorry that I haven't been here for you--even as a friend."
That hit Samantha in the heart. "JoJo, that was so sweet! You are forgiven. Somewhere along the way, I knew we were better off as friends."
"You did?" JoJo was shocked.
"It's not good or bad. It's just the way it is."
"Hmmm. I kinda like that. 'It's just the way it is.'"
"So, besides joking in class and torturing teachers, what have you been doing?"
"You will never believe it."
"Try me."
"Old Lady Tense and me are friends now."
"WHAT?!"
"I am making A's and B's now."
"JoJo Smith---you are lying!"
"It's true, Sister. I am growing up. Planning on having a job this summer."
"Well, I'll be a Monkey's Aunt!"
They both laughed. For some reason, JoJo did not want to ask Samantha about her recent history.
But, he was glad they had lunch. It helped with a little closure.
About 8:00, JoJo called Cindy. He needed a female friend at the moment, and nobody was better than Cindy at being a female friend.
"Hello! Who the heck is this!!"
"Um JoJo Smith. Is Cindy available?"
Cindy rolled in the floor laughing. She had recorded the man's voice saying that 'greeting.'"
"Real funny. I think I peed on myself!"
"That was great!"
JoJo was trying to figure it out.... "How did you know it was me?"
"You always call at 8 o'clock---when you call. Plus, if it was somebody else, I was going to say wrong number (Cindy used her best man's voice)."
"How has your day been?"
"Well, I had to go to school---so rotten. Yours?"
"Samantha and I talked at lunch. We settled a few things. It was good."
"Good! I want to play the Oldies Game tonight!"
"Sounds good!"
Sunday, March 4, 2018
JoJo 21.2; JoJo is Tripping
JoJo is tripping! It was December 7, 1976. His girlfriend just broke up with him. But, cuzz was singing away! He was singing Silly Love Songs by Wings, but the only part he uttered was, She said...
JoJo decided to write in his journal...after all, his Youth Pastor told him this was a good thing to do.
December 7, 1976
What a day! Samantha and I have been moving in different directions for some time. I was going to break up with her, but it never seemed to be the right moment. Well, she dropped the hammer on me and cut ties. I am not mad at all. I am disappointed in myself. Samantha was a GREAT girlfriend. Plus, she is seeking God. If I didn't learn anything else today, I was convicted to seek God. I gotta face it, I have been playing a church game. I look real shinny at church, but my heart is not into it. My Quiet time is non-existent. Tonight, I will read from Proverbs, and maybe Psalms.
About that time, the phone rings.
"Hello."
"Hey Big Guy!"
"Cindy, Cindy! What are you doing?"
"Nothing. Just calling to see if you need any cheering up."
"Thanks! I really blew it with Samantha. So, how did you hear about it?"
"JoJo, This is Smallville--news doesn't have a chance to idle here."
They both laughed.
"Cindy, do you really wanna cheer me up"
"That's what I'm calling for, you big goof."
"Let's play your 5 favorite songs game."
"Sure. Oldies or recent?"
"Umm Recent."
"Alternate?"
"Yes."
"You go first, Jo."
"Well, since I have been singing it all night---Silly Love Songs."
"Do you want to wait to the end for comments?"
"Yea."
"Bohemian Rhapsody"
"Play that Funky Music"
"Dream Weaver"
"How many is that, Cindy?"
"Two each."
"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"
"Ohh, You can speak on that first hand!"
"Hey! You said wait until the end for comments. That was evil, by the way."
Cindy laughed, "Sorry, JoJo! I could not let that one pass by!"
"I would have done the same thing!"
"My third one: Dream On"
"Don't Go Breaking My Heart---and DON'T say anything."
"OK OK! Love Rollercoaster"
"Show Me the Way. Wow! I picked a list that fits my love life!!
"I did not say a word!! My last one...Fooled Around and Fell in Love"
"What game are we playing?'
"Let's tell each other their best choice and worse."
"OK You want me to go first?"
"No, I want to...Don't Go Breaking My Heart is perfect for your day, BUT a Terrible Song!"
"I thought you called to cheer me up." JoJo Laughed and immediately said, " Love Rollercoaster STINKS!!"
"OK Fair. Tough to pick even one that may be decent for you. But, I like Play that Funky Music."
"And I will give you credit....you had several good songs. Your best choice was: Bohemian Rhapsody.
"Why, thank you. Please tell me I cheered you up, even a little."
"A lot actually! Thanks for calling. Hey, I may call you tomorrow, if you don't mind."
"Of course, silly boy. Anytime."
The 2 hung up, and JoJo picked up his Bible and turned to Proverbs.
JoJo decided to write in his journal...after all, his Youth Pastor told him this was a good thing to do.
December 7, 1976
What a day! Samantha and I have been moving in different directions for some time. I was going to break up with her, but it never seemed to be the right moment. Well, she dropped the hammer on me and cut ties. I am not mad at all. I am disappointed in myself. Samantha was a GREAT girlfriend. Plus, she is seeking God. If I didn't learn anything else today, I was convicted to seek God. I gotta face it, I have been playing a church game. I look real shinny at church, but my heart is not into it. My Quiet time is non-existent. Tonight, I will read from Proverbs, and maybe Psalms.
About that time, the phone rings.
"Hello."
"Hey Big Guy!"
"Cindy, Cindy! What are you doing?"
"Nothing. Just calling to see if you need any cheering up."
"Thanks! I really blew it with Samantha. So, how did you hear about it?"
"JoJo, This is Smallville--news doesn't have a chance to idle here."
They both laughed.
"Cindy, do you really wanna cheer me up"
"That's what I'm calling for, you big goof."
"Let's play your 5 favorite songs game."
"Sure. Oldies or recent?"
"Umm Recent."
"Alternate?"
"Yes."
"You go first, Jo."
"Well, since I have been singing it all night---Silly Love Songs."
"Do you want to wait to the end for comments?"
"Yea."
"Bohemian Rhapsody"
"Play that Funky Music"
"Dream Weaver"
"How many is that, Cindy?"
"Two each."
"50 Ways to Leave Your Lover"
"Ohh, You can speak on that first hand!"
"Hey! You said wait until the end for comments. That was evil, by the way."
Cindy laughed, "Sorry, JoJo! I could not let that one pass by!"
"I would have done the same thing!"
"My third one: Dream On"
"Don't Go Breaking My Heart---and DON'T say anything."
"OK OK! Love Rollercoaster"
"Show Me the Way. Wow! I picked a list that fits my love life!!
"I did not say a word!! My last one...Fooled Around and Fell in Love"
"What game are we playing?'
"Let's tell each other their best choice and worse."
"OK You want me to go first?"
"No, I want to...Don't Go Breaking My Heart is perfect for your day, BUT a Terrible Song!"
"I thought you called to cheer me up." JoJo Laughed and immediately said, " Love Rollercoaster STINKS!!"
"OK Fair. Tough to pick even one that may be decent for you. But, I like Play that Funky Music."
"And I will give you credit....you had several good songs. Your best choice was: Bohemian Rhapsody.
"Why, thank you. Please tell me I cheered you up, even a little."
"A lot actually! Thanks for calling. Hey, I may call you tomorrow, if you don't mind."
"Of course, silly boy. Anytime."
The 2 hung up, and JoJo picked up his Bible and turned to Proverbs.
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