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!"
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