JoJo 15.3; Two Turtle Doves or Two Kids in Love

"Samantha, did you and Alice have some girl time?" JoJo asked.
"Well, yes we did!" She smiled at Mrs. Smith.
Dan greeted Samantha, "Hi, Samantha!"
"Hey Mr. Smith."
"JoJo and I have been slaving over lunch! Hope you girls will like it."
Samantha eagerly said, "I know I will." She hadn't eaten since yesterday, so it would be mighty tasty.
The four ate in the backyard at the picnic table. The adults ate one burger, but the two youngsters wolfed down 2 each.
"Thanks, Mr. Smith...and JoJo. This was delicious!"
"You're welcome!" said the Smith Men in unison.

JoJo's mother said, "Why don't you play something on your guitar, Son?"
"Aww, Mom..."
"Yea yea," chimed in Dan and Samantha.
"I'll be back in a minute." JoJo came out of the sliding door on the back porch in literally one minute.
"So, what do you want to hear?"
Alice spoke up, "American Pie."
"Ok, but y'all will have to sing."
Samantha was amazed at the music that transpired. JoJo played ok, but his parents sang great!
When the song was over, Samantha exclaimed, "Wow! That was super-cool!"
Alice spoke for the family, "Thanks Samantha! Is there a song that you want to hear?"
"I would rather y'all pick the music."
And, that is just what happened. Dan and Alice called out song after song, and JoJo cranked them out. They hit most of their favorites: James Taylor's You Can Close Your Eyes; Elton John"s Someone Saved My Life Tonight; Harry Chapin's Cat's in the Cradle.
When they were finished, Samantha didn't know whether to cry or laugh. She simply said, "That was beautiful!!"
The Smiths thanked her. As Dan and Alice started to clean up, JoJo told his parents that he and Samantha were going to walk down to the Living Room.
"Don't be long. It will be dark soon." Alice conveyed in her motherly tone.

As they started walking through a wooded-area, Samantha stopped.
"I thought we were going to the Living Room."
"It's a kinda Outdoor Living Room."
The 2 walked for about five minutes through woods and brush until they finally reached a cleared out area. Sure enough there were stools and a 'couch' carved out of wood. The 2 sat on the couch.
They talked about supper and the songs for a little while.
Suddenly JoJo said, "I am not good with this kinda thing, but I have a question for you, Samantha."
"Shoot."
"Will you be my girlfriend?"
"I don't know...I have several offers...my hamburger was kinda burnt...OF COURSE, JOJO!"
Before JoJo knew it, Samantha was hugging him.
Before he knew it, JoJo was kissing Samantha.
The two enjoyed the moment. Then, they heard a high-pitched whistle.
"That's my dad," JoJo disappointingly said.
The love birds walked back hand-in-hand---until they got within eye-sight of JoJo's parents. They both were a little shy.
Alice said, "JoJo help me with this To-Go-Plate for Samantha."
"Yes mam."
"Dan is pulling the car around for y'all. Samantha, may we pick you up for church in the morning?"
"Yes mam, please. And, thanks for EVERYTHING!"
"Remember, you made me feel great!"
Samantha just smiled. The two piled into the Smithmobile and Dan took Samantha home.
When Samantha got home. She ate some of her To-Go-Plate. Then, she got down on her knees.
God, you are good. I wasn't sure what good meant until I met the Smiths, then I met you! I love you, Lord. Please help my momma. Lord, also help me to be a witness for you. In Jesus name. Amen.

JoJo 15.2; Samantha Gets a New Bible

"Mom, can Samantha come over for lunch?"
"Of course! Do you want me to pick her up?"
"That would be cool."
"JoJo, do you mind if I go alone?"
"Sure, but why?"
"Oh, I want to have girl talk with Samantha."
In his best Rocky imitation, JoJo said, "ABSOLUTELY."
"Ha. That never gets old, son."
"Aww, I bet you say that to all your sons."
"OK Mr. Cornball."

Alice decided this was kind of a mission trip. She wanted to make certain that Samantha owned her own Bible. The two had gotten pretty close, and Alice knew Samantha was reading a Bible from somewhere. About 20 minutes later, Alice pulled up at Samantha's trailer. It had taken Samantha several weeks to get comfortable with the idea of the Smiths seeing her place of residence. Samantha popped out of the trailer wearing the clothes Alice had bought her.
"Hey, Mrs. Smith!"
"Hello Dear!"
"How are you today?"
"Samantha I am pretty good, but you could help make me feel great."
"Sure. What do you want me to do?"
Alice jumped right into her plan. "Do you believe the Bible is important?"
"Yes mam!"
"Good! What Bible do you read?"
"My grandma's old Bible. It is kinda hard to understand, plus several pages are missing."
"I see. Would you mind if we go shopping?"
"Never. Ha!"

The two stopped at the local Christian Bookstore, Believe.
Alice told Samantha that the way she could make her feel great was by picking out her own Bible, and she would buy it for her.
Samantha objected, but then said, "I REALLY appreciate this, Mrs. Smith!"
They looked at almost every version, size, and color of Bible. Finally, Samantha decided on a green Living Bible.
"This is much easier to understand than my grandma's version."
"Oh Samantha, I feel great! Thanks!"
Samantha seemed to always know how to handle situations--unlike JoJo.
"Mrs. Smith, I feel great that I made you feel great."
They left the store with Samantha clutching her new Bible. She stared at it all the way to the Smiths' house. Alice really did feel great.

When the two arrived at the Smiths, the Smith men were grilling hamburgers.

Samantha whispered a prayer, Thank you, Lord! Not only did He provide Samantha this family and food, but also a Bible!
"Hey Samantha!"
"Hey JoJo!"
There was something relaxed about their greeting. There was no longer any pressure to keep their true feelings from one another.

JoJo 15.1; JoJo is a Lug

JoJo finally went to bed at midnight that Friday. It was the most comfortable night's sleep he had experienced in a month. Tommy and JoJo had made up. The thing that gnawed at him in the back off his mind for too long----admitting to himself that he might like Samantha---he knew was true.

Jo awoke at 11:30. He usually watched Bandstand, but he wasn't feeling it. The boy was somehow still wrestling with given in to the admittance of his liking Samantha. He fumbled through his music and found 10cc; I'm Not In Love. JoJo sang along. I'm not in love. It's just a silly phase I'm going through...

About that time the phone rang.
JoJo released a sleepy "Hello."
"Are you up, Jo?"
It was Samantha! Crap! "Oh. Hey, Samantha."
"Are you listening to 10cc? Is it oldie hour?"
"Ha. It's not that old." Oh, no! She heard this song! Hope she doesn't think it is about her!
"You're right. Also, I am wrong about something else."
"What?"
"I was wrong to go to the Show with Tommy."
"Why?"
"I was trying to make you jealous, you big lug!"
"Really?"
"Uhh. Yea."
"OK. It did make me mad. But, Tommy called me last night. We had a good talk."
"Go on."
"Not to get into details, but he resolved some personal issues. I was one of them."
"So y'all worked everything out?"
"Yea."
"So, what are you doing today?"
"Nothing. You?"
"Nothing."
JoJo almost blew it. He was about to see if Samantha wanted to come over after lunch, but he remembered she probably had not eaten. (And, he was right.)
"Do you want to come for lunch Samantha? Then we can hang out."
"Sure. Is it ok with your parents?"
"Yea, I better check. I haven't been awake long."
"No kidding."
"Do I sound that sleepy?"
"Just a little."
"Let me check with Alice and call ya back."
The two hung up, and JoJo started to go downstairs. Then it hit him. JoJo had made a commitment to do a devotion every morning. He prayed, then read the Proverb for the corresponding date.
It was Saturday, March 6th. When Jo got to verses 23 & 24 of Chapter 6, it seemed appropriate for Samantha. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law a light; Reproofs of instruction are the way of life, 24 To keep you from the evil woman, from the flattering tongue of a seductress.
JoJo thought to himself, Samantha is a good girl, especially for all she's been through. It is settled. I am asking her out.

JoJo 14.5; Fire Confronts Tommy

"Son, where have you been?"
"Out on a date, Pops!"
"With who?"
"Oh, a little chicky dee."
"Uh huh. Does this have anything to do with JoJo?'
Tommy felt naked in front of his daddy. How did he know??
"Sir?"
"Tommy, we are both blessed in so many ways. Would you agree with that?"
"Sure, Daddy." Tommy was wondering where this conversation was going.
"I've watched you for the last year. Year and a half. You are not the same Tommy."
At that moment, God convicted Tommy. He knew exactly what Fire was talking about. But, he decided to play dumb.
"How so?"
"Son, I was lost. Going to Hell. I saw a spark in you! That spark was Christ. I also saw it in Dan. God used the two of you and other people, other things, and His Spirit to bring me over to his side."
At first Tommy just sat there. He remembered the courageous young man of God he used to be.
What happen? He thought
Fire spoke again, "I owe you big time, Tommy. So here goes....That spark is not in your eyes. You have quit listening and playing Christian music. I told you before: I am not against your rock music as long as you listen and play Christian music. I believe music feeds the soul. You are starving your soul by not listening to God's music. One more thing...you have quit going to church."
Again, Tommy just sat there. He had been running from God. And, he had fooled himself to think otherwise.
Finally Tommy managed, "Dad, I feel lost."
"Good news, Buddy. You aren't lost. You have just lost your way."
"What do you mean?"
"I know you still love God, but you have been running from him."
"Daddy, you're right."
"The reason you don't want to go to church is you will be convicted. You know the Light, which is Jesus. Your life style has made you ashamed to go near the Light. Son, most of us go through these times."
"Really?"
"Absolutely! We battle our flesh, evil, and the world!"
"What can I do?!"
"You need to get right with God."
"How?"
"Pray. Confess your sins. Allow Him to forgive you. Let God wash over you. Read the Bible."
Tommy replied, "I have not read the Bible in so long, I don't know where to begin."
"Two suggestions: 1)Each morning read the Proverb that corresponds with that day's date. 2) At night, read a chapter from John."
"Ok. Sounds good. What else?"
"Start going to church. Many things will work themselves out when you go to worship."
Tommy was grateful God had changed his father. At one time, he was the spiritual leader of his father. Now, his father---like Fire said---was returning the favor.
"I am going to go talk with God in my room. Thanks, daddy."
The older Wildfire and the younger Wildfire hugged. It had been a while.
"Tommy, holler if you need me."
"I will, Dad. Thanks."
When Tommy got to his room, he got still and talked with God. Something weird happened. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw JoJo. After 3 times, Tommy got it. He had been rotten to JoJo.
Tommy swallowed hard and picked up the phone and dialed a familiar number.
JoJo answered. "Hello."
"Hey, JoJo."
"Tommy? Are you OK?"
"Well, kinda. No, not really."
"What's wrong?"
"JoJo, for a long time now, I have been chasing after the wrong thing. I began to hate myself. Heck, I didn't realize it until I talked to my Daddy tonight...Earthly and Heavenly."
"Wow! I am sorry, Tommy."
"JoJo, I am the one who is sorry. I apologize for trying to wreck your life. I realized the only reason I was striking out at you in hate, was because I hated myself. Will you forgive me, Buddy?
"Sure, Pal."
"By the way...There is nothing between Samantha and me. We went to the show tonight, but we were both miserable."
"Really?"
"Yea, Bro. Why don't you ask her out."
"I believe that is a good idea, Tommy."
"I know it's late. I will not keep you. Thanks for understanding."
"Sure, Buddy. Thanks for calling."
The two hung up, and God smiled.

Lessons from the Lord through Dr. Kevin Elko

Yesterday, I had a God moment when I turned to the Paul Finebaum Show. God works in mysterious ways! Paul's guest, Dr. Kevin Elko, is a Sports Consultant for college and pro football teams. His clients include Alabama and the Philadelphia Eagles.

Dr. Elko was used by God to capture my attention (and I predict all Paul's viewers).
The first thing that grabbed me was an account of his recent heart attack. He said he had many injuries, but the 20 minutes of his heart attack was far worse. Yet, he was at peace. Dr. Elko is the master of succinct powerful phrases. He said the heart attack was a wake-up call, and he didn't even know he needed one! He has since changed his diet and runs. Also, each day Dr. Elko does something that is simple, but powerful. He recites the 23rd Psalm. He usually does this twice a day. His key phrase for the after-math of the heart attack:
IT DIDN'T HAPPEN TO ME, IT HAPPENED FOR ME.
Just let that roll around in your head and reach your soul. It reminds me of Romans 8:28
And we know God causes all things to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
I have loved the part about God causing all things to work together for the good of those who love God for years, but it just hit me about the second part. An interpretation that I never thought about prior---God causes all these things to work to accomplish God's purposes for each of us.
TOO COOL!

Paul took callers during the show. The manner in which Dr. Elko answered the calls was a blessing to me. He would speak to the caller by name. He would speak words of life and positivity and appreciation (when appropriate).
One example was a veteran who was paralyzed and recently discovered he had contracted Parkinson's disease. The caller thanked Dr. Elko. Much of the doc's advice was DO NOT have self-pity. The caller was encouraged and grateful. However, Dr. Elko expressed appreciation to this veteran for his service. Dr. Elko did not look for any accolades.
Another example was a pastor from Texas. He had many gracious words for Dr. Elko. However, Dr. Elko told the pastor that what he was doing as a pastor was much more important than his own work.

Dr. Elko spoke about talking to himself. He used Bible verses such as being courageous. He claimed God's Word---even if he had to tell himself more than once. Our decisions are what are important, not our feelings. (I think that is one lesson Alabama uses.)

The final lesson for me: Listen to people, Learn from people, and Help people.

JoJo 14.4; Tommy takes Samantha to the Show

Tommy and Samantha walked into the Beauty Theater on Main Street that unusually cold night in early March of 1976. Wonder Woman, the movie, came out in January, but it had taken 2 months to make its way to Smallville. The two were excited. Not about being with each other---they were using each other to get at JoJo. The thought of Wonder Woman on the big screen was going to be cool!

Meanwhile, JoJo sat in his room stewing. He was rocking out to KISS, when his momma called him to supper.
JoJo yelled back, "I'm not hungry."
Within ten seconds, his mother and father were at his door thinking the boy was dying. They had never heard the words 'I am not hungry' come from JoJo's mouth.
Alice started, "Son, lie down!"
Dan chimed in, "Should I call the doctor?"
JoJo shot back, "What in the world are you talking about?"
They were all practically screaming due to the volume level of JoJo's stereo.
Finally Dan yelled, "Turn that mess down!!"
JoJo turned the music down, and asked again, "What are you talking about?"
"Son, you are 14-years-old. You have never uttered the words 'I'm not hungry,'" Dan explained.
"Oh...I...I..." JoJo didn't know what to say.
Alice was still concerned. "JoJo, we just want to know if you are alright."
"I'm fine. May I eat in a little while?"
Both parents agreed, hugged JoJo, and went back downstairs.

Back at the Beauty Theater....
Tommy said, "So, tell me Samantha...what's going on with you and JoJo?"
"We're just friends."
"Oh, so he didn't mind me taking you to the show?"
"Hmmm. I really don't know."
A sly grin crept over Tommy's face.
Samantha chided him, "Be quiet. The movie has started."

JoJo decided his rocking out may have released some pressure, but he was still angry. He turned on his latest Pat Terry album. He hoped the Christian music would calm him. Amazingly, it did. Then, he began to have a conversation with God like he had never had before.
Hey Heavenly Daddy. I know you are running the whole world, and maybe my problem is small. After all....I am saved. Thanks, Jesus. I have 2 parents. I have a home. I am healthy. I love music. God, there are so many things I am thankful for...
Then it hit JoJo...
I am really thankful for Samantha. 
I know you brought her into my life. into my family's life. Lord, I like her. You know what I mean. I want her to be my girlfriend. I confess I was a little worried what others might think if...if (a tear fell from JoJo's eye) I asked her out. Because she's poor. (Now, JoJo was sobbing.) Daddy, I ain't nothing without you. Forgive me for thinking I was something because of the things you have given me! Please don't let it be too late for Samantha and me.
JoJo grabbed his Bible to find the verse he read that morning.
Proverbs 11:16; A gracious woman retains honor, but ruthless men retain riches.
Lord, Samantha is a gracious woman, and so is my momma. My dad and me care too much about riches. Forgive us! Help us to treat our women right.
JoJo almost fell asleep. He was at peace. He knew Samantha was his girl. He forgave Tommy. JoJo accepted God's forgiveness, and headed downstairs for some food. He was starving!!

JoJo 14.3: Tommy Goes Vicious!

The time had inched its way into March. JoJo was lost in thought during first period. He had no idea Tommy was shooting a spit ball at him, while concurrently Sammy shot a spitball at Mr. Snooze! Both were direct hits! Tommy's plan was for JoJo to jerk around quickly just as Snooze got hit. It would look like JoJo was the culprit. Plus, Tommy stashed a straw in JoJo's back pocket just prior to class.

"Hey! What in the..." Mr. Snooze shouted.

He turned around to see JoJo jump around as he was hit. Tommy's plan had worked.

Mr. Snooze stared at JoJo as only a teacher can. He barked, "JoJo Smith, out of my class. NOW!"

"But, Mr. Snooze. I didn't..."

"Don't I didn't me! And don't act coy JoJo Boy!"

JoJo had pulled off tricks throughout his student career, and he knew he had been the punch line of a great one. "Yessir."

JoJo went outside. He leaned up against the wall outside Mr. Snooze's classroom and prayed.

Lord, I deserve to be punished because of all the tricks I have pulled over the years. My prayer is I am truthful and forgiving.

Ten minutes later, Snoozed walked into the hall. 

"JoJo, what am I going to do with you. That spitball not only hurt, it was totally embarrassing!"

"Mr. Snooze, here's the truth."

"This should be good."

JoJo knew he had already lost. "I am sorry you got hit with a spitball. I promise I did not intend for that to happen." JoJo told the truth and took blame for an act he didn't do.

"I see. Detention tomorrow."

"Yessir."

After class, Tommy and Sammy left so fast JoJo couldn't find them. However, he ran into Samantha.

"Hey Samantha!"

"Hey JoJo!"

In the last 2 weeks, the two 'friends' had gotten a little mushy.

"I like your shirt, JoJo."

"Thanks, I like your slacks."

"Ha, you can thank your momma for them."

"Hey, don't talk about my momma."

"Huh, she likes me more than you."

"Think you are right."

"Don't cry now."

"Nah. I am bummed about a weird event that just happened."

JoJo explained everything to Samantha. Then, her words sent him into a rage.

"Tommy is crazy. As a matter of fact, he is creepy. He called me last night."

CALLED YOU LAST NIGHT?! JoJo turned red as fire, but he tried to cover his anger.

"Oh yea, what did the goober say?"

"He asked me to go to the show this Friday night."

"Really?"

"Yea."

"And..."

"I said OK." Samantha was tired of JoJo creeping around the issue of them being more than friends. She decided to push his buttons.

"Hope y'all have a good time."

"Thanks. Gotta go to class. She ya."

"OK. See ya."

Tommy had gone too far. Because of him, JoJo had Detention. Now, Tommy asked his girl out. Then it hit JoJo...Samantha was not his girl! But, Tommy knew.....