Traveling the Rock Road

Last month my Lady and I traveled up north from our home to hear a young man perform who is very close to our hearts. Joe used to live in Chicago where he became good friends with our son and daughter-in-law, Jeremy and Bekah. Jer and Joe spent a great amount of time playing music together but more importantly, creating a bonding friendship that goes on to this day. Joe would travel to any venue, large or small for the opportunity to play his songs and get his name known. It wasn’t long that Chicago could no longer keep this hidden talent to themselves. Today he is seen as one of the top performers in folk music as well as being called by many the best song writer in the business. From driving 100 miles to play free in a record shop for a small crowd, he has performed all over the world and worked with the likes of Josh Ritter & The Royal City Band, Steve Earle, Levon Helm and Elvis Costello. So on this night Joe was on the tail end of his latest tour once again playing at a folk club in Goshen. He texted and invited us to be his guests, and we knew we couldn’t miss it.

The second Joe took the stage we recognized our young talented friend. But from the youngster who used to perform in worn out jeans and a dirty pair of work boots there now stood a man articulate in his looks, words and music. The show was tremendous as he belted out tunes from previous CDs as well as new numbers that he would soon be releasing. He flowed smoothly song to song, taking time to speak to the audience in the same creative way as his music; intelligent, entertaining as well as amusing. The sound system that carried his gift out to the listeners was amazing as his voice, guitar, harmonica and piano filled the room with the overwhelming rhapsody of all-encompassing melody. But then Joe did something, not once but twice, that is uncommon for a performer. He would shut off the feed to his guitar, step away from the mic and move to the front edge of the stage, singing and playing without the aid of amplification. Smiling to myself I thought Joe must me reliving some of his younger days when at times this was the way he had to sing to crowds. Then it struck me, that wasn’t his purpose at all. Without the sound system the music and his voice were softer and to hear you had to sit as still as possible, completely listening. That’s what he wanted, that was his purpose. These were not just songs he had written for entertainment purpose, these were messages from his heart, matters that he valued and deeply desired to share with everyone there. And you could have heard a pin drop. It was days later that the thought occurred to me, “Joe, young brother, you did exactly what God desires to do with each of us.”

One of my favorite verses is Psalms 46:10 says, “Be still and know that I am God.” So what does that mean? Is it saying if you find a quiet place to be all by yourself, void of all outside interference God will softly whisper in your ear all that He has for you? Well, I’m no theologian and I firmly believe in having quiet moments between me and the Creator of the universe, but that doesn’t appear to be what the verse is saying. In the daily rush we’re all going to have those moments when things are not going well, happiness seems far off and troubles appear to prevail at every corner. Those are the times many cry out, “God, where are you? Help me!!” then quickly dash back into the problems still weighted down with worry as they try to work things out by themselves. I know this to be true because I’ve been just as guilty as anyone. So as I’ve studied and pondered the words, “Be still and know that I am God,” I conclude that the Lord is saying, “Why do you spend all your time in worry? Why do you listen to the voice of doom and gloom? Why do you not earnestly come to me for guidance and peace? I’m here and I’m waiting on you, because I love you.”  Author and fellow blogger Jackie Trottmann points out, “The Hebrew definition is to stop striving, to let go, surrender. The chapter begins and ends with God is our refuge.” Friends and Family, I can truthfully  say, when I stopped facing difficulties alone and sought God through His Word, prayer, and other believers that problems no longer dominated who I was. They might have still been there for a time; but by turning them down and turning God up, fear and anguish was replaced with joy and peace. As our Savior, Christ called out to the waves, “Peace, be still!” so too He calls out to the storm that can rage in us, “Be Still, and know I am God.

Proverbs 3:6 “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.”

As our friend Joe quieted the audience so that they could accurately listen to his songs, God calls to each of you “Travelers of the Rock Road” to stop for a moment and listen to what He softly has to tell you. It just might be the most important whisper you’ve ever heard.

See ya next time.

Another Christmas has come and gone, and in the flash of moment the next thing we know it’s now 2018! It seems like only yesterday a young couple were celebrating their 1^st holidays together in a 10’x50’ trailer giving each other small but memorable gifts we could afford on our small budget. Nowadays we cram a family of 14 into my basement studio for a festive occasion packed with gifts galore. With Cathy and I raised as only children, we feel special with this gathering and thank God for how richly He’s blessed us. Probably like many our age, we’re not concerned with what we might receive as presents; we receive more joy watching the faces of the others, especially the children, as they unwrap their latest treasure.  Late Christmas evening the family gave me a gift they probably didn’t realize, and that I’ve been looking back at everyday since with a fond memory and a smile. What was that gift? Well hang on and I’ll tell you.

As the evening grew late and all the festivities were completed some of my kids and a grandson gathered at the dining room table to play games. Cathy and our two youngest grandchildren had turned in, three more stayed down stairs watching a Christmas movie and I went to my easy chair to put my feet up and relax. It wasn’t long after that the final and best gift was given to me. Listening to the kids in the other room I began to hear chuckles, then more with others joining in. Soon it seemed like no one could take a turn playing without everyone else bursting into hilarity. After a while the girls just had to come up from the basement and join in on whatever was going on. Now there was a roar of happiness coming from the room. And as for me I continued to sit in my chair and listen, listen to the wonderful gift they were inadvertently giving. So, have you figured out what it was? Well, simply, laughter.

As a young child I remember being happy and laughing often, but when Mom and I went to live with my great aunt and uncle he would not allow that type of foolishness. If something brought me to the point of laughing more than he felt appropriate there would be a price to pay, so I had to focus on how to stifle that emotion. Later when I went to school, there was group that targeted me to make fun of. Whenever they laughed, it was not with me but at me with ridicule and hateful words, and for a time I grew to have a distain for the sound of laughter. For a period of time I lived quite sober minded and would only allow happiness in situations I felt in control of. Thankfully that period of my life didn’t last as I learned it was okay to laugh and even vital to my health, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. The latter was by far the hardest for me to grasp; for some reason I just didn’t see where being a Christian and enjoying life and laughter went together. That is until I took a look at what God’s Word said on the subject.

Job 8:21 “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.”

Proverbs 17:22 “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

Nehemiah 8:10 Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

I have learned that bad things happen to all of us, it’s part of life here on Earth. But take two thoughts into consideration. The first, circumstances don’t have to rob you of happiness. I could give you a list longer than my arm of folks who have faced situations far worse than I ever have, but still find room for joy. The second is God knows of your state, cares for you and will never leave you. Take joy in Him for He takes joy in you.  Psalm 149:4 “For the LORD takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the afflicted ones with salvation.”

One of my favorite authors Max Lucado writes, “I Choose Joy. I will invite my God to be the God of my circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.” He goes on to say it’s okay to have joy and laughter. “Be a child again. Flirt. Giggle. Dip your cookies in your milk. Take a nap. Say you’re sorry if you hurt someone. Chase a butterfly. Be a child again.” Try that on and see how your day goes.

So, here’s my New Year’s resolution challenge for 2018. Laugh, smile more, enjoy life, be even a little spontaneous. I realize it’s almost impossible to be that way every day; the world and life just doesn’t work that way. But if you can’t today, aim for tomorrow, or the next day. Let nothing rob your life from the joy of laughter, especially you own. I know you truly don’t want a joyless life. Neither do the friends and family that care for you, nor this long-winded “Traveler of the Rock Road.” And especially, God. He is the giver of joy, happiness. “Laughter!”

As for me, I continue to hear the laughter of my children and I think about the awesome present they gave this old man. That’s one gift I could enjoy getting every year.

A Happy and Blessed 2018, Dear Friends and Family!

See ya next time.

Thank you all for one of the most successful years that I’ve posted “Traveling the Rock Road.” Your kindness in reading my blog, commenting and passing it on to others has been encouraging as well as humbling.

So we’d like to now give you a Christmas card of sort that I hope you’ll enjoy.

Blessings to you and your loved ones

See ya next time.

My beloved mother, or “Ma” as I called her was quite a strong woman, but then she had to considering her situation. Being a single mother with a severe hearing loss back in the 1950s, with few if any aid programs like we have today made it difficult finding a good job plus ensuring I would be taken well care of when she did work. So, on a couple of occasions I wound up living with other relatives until Ma could get on her feet and send for me.

During one of those times I found myself staying with family in Eastern Kentucky.  This was a family of six; dad, mom and four sons, nice but strict. The punishment “time out” was not part of the American way back then. If I didn’t do as I was supposed to, there was no talking, just a good crack on the back side to get my attention. But as I mentioned they were kind and treated me as their own; but still I missed Ma.

I would think about how the two us would sit on the couch laugh, play games, or just hug. Often, I asked when she was coming for me, but my questions would be ignored. Slowly I began to wonder if she would ever come back at all.

One day a large box showed up at the house and it was for me. Inside were toys, games and clothes; and it was all for me. I didn’t understand why I was receiving this and when I thanked the parents for the gifts, but they said it wasn’t from them but said no more. I then asked, “Did my mom get these for me?” Again, I received no answer, but both looked at me hard as if to say I hit the nail on the head. From that point on, each day I would climb inside of that box with one of my new toys and say to myself, “Mom’s coming for me, mom’s coming for me.”

Time passed until one day my Great Aunt Pearl came to visit and spent the better part of that night conversing with the parents. The next morning this family seemed to be sad. Each one gave me a hug. The father took Pearl and me into town where we boarded a bus to leave. “Pearl, where are we going?” I asked. With a soft smile she answered, “I’m taking you home.” I wasn’t sure what that meant; by that point in my life I had lived in Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland and Ohio. Where was this place she called home and how would I know it when we got there? That answer came some 12 hours later when the bus came to a stop in front of drugstore on a busy street. I sure didn’t know this place and was confused if this was where Pearl spoke of as home. But then, the doors opened. There waiting to greet me with tears and smiles–Ma! It no longer mattered where this place was. The only thing important was Ma there waiting on me. I was home!

Later I learned that the gift box had been sent by her. It had been Christmas time and knowing the family I was with didn’t celebrate the holiday, she wanted me to have something to know she was still there and stilled loved me. Even though they never told me it was from her, I just knew. I also learned it had been their plan not to let me return to mom but to keep me as their own. Enter Aunt Pearl to rescue but that’s another story for another time. Perhaps they thought over time I would just forget about Ma and stop asking for her. But I believe they learned that I could not forget or be happy separated from the one I loved most.

Some 2,000 years ago a Gift was sent from a Father, letting his children know He had not forgotten them, that His love was still there for them. That Gift was in the form of a Child, a Savior.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Another writer puts it like this, “Jesus was God’s gift to the world, not just for Christmas, but for every single day…your whole life through…and even beyond for all eternity.”

These many years later I can’t recall the contents of that most special Christmas present, but I still think about that box, “The Love Box” as I refer to it, was sent to assure me that I wasn’t forgotten and I would someday be home with the one who loved me most.

Many years prior to that moment, a manager with a baby was the eternal representation of the same thing, the same love. That God the Father hadn’t forgotten us and waits until the jubilant moment when we are with Him, Home, Forever!

On behalf of my Lady and myself I like to thank all who have “Traveled the Rock Road” with us this year, and we look forward to more journeys in the coming year.

A very Merry and Blessed Christmas and New Year to you and your loved ones.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!”

Last month my Lady and I took a trip down to French Lick, Indiana to spend a few days of R&R. The town was quaint and relaxed with several artist shops and eateries serving a delicious array of entrees both foreign and domestic. There are two large hotels with some fabulous architecture worth seeing, each with casinos for those looking for a little game of chance. (Not my thing but good look to the ones that it is. Just be careful and be smart!) But what French Lick is known for best is really why we came there; to ride the old trains on tours through the scenic countryside which allows one to take in close up the beautiful and panoramic view of the hills in the region vivid in the colors of Fall foliage. Unfortunately, we disregarded checking what lines might be running, and upon arrival found out the only tour available was the “Polar Express.” This little excursion was adapted from the book and movie of the same name.  Children, as well as some of the parents, came dressed in pajamas just like in the story, hearts excited on what they would see and hear upon boarding train cars each beautifully adorned with Christmas decorations. Well, we didn’t have our PJs with us, and we didn’t come all this way to turn around and go home. Besides, who’s gonna turn down an opportunity to see the big guy in the red suit? “All Aboard the Polar Express?”

In each car was a man dressed as a conductor, walking up and down the aisle reading aloud (lip-syncing) from the fabled book the grand story we were now living out. When he finished they passed out hot cocoa and cookies, then two young ladies dressed as elves entertained in song, dance and leading everyone in familiar Christmas carols. My plan during all this was to stare out the window and take in the sights I had come to see. Instead my attention was drawn to a small heading bobbing up and down in the seat directly in front of me. The little cutie you see in the picture had come with her mom and grandmother and was bouncing vigorously unable to control her excitement on what was going on before her. Eyes shimmering, large as saucers and a smile from ear to ear proclaiming all the joy she was feeling during this event. The elves got the children out in the aisle way to help on several songs; some were too shy, but not Little Miss Starshine; she was right out there, singing, dancing, marching, fully enraptured into a character in the story. Finally, the moment came that every child had waited for. We pulled in the area designed and decorated as the North Pole. And there waving; Santa! The train continued and passed until finally coming to a stop, then reversing and going back the way we came. Santa was no longer standing at the North Pole. Where was he? Was that it? I thought this is a little disappointing if the kids don’t get to meet the old dude. But then, the door to our car opened, and with small gasps and shill screams filling the air at the sight, there  stood Santa Claus! The children were beyond themselves with excitement as he made his way to each one, sitting them on his knee and talking. But Little Miss Starshine was now still, not moving, just staring as he made his way closer to her. When her turn came she slowly moved toward Santa, sat on his knee, still quiet but with eyes bright as stars on a clear summer’s night, overwhelmed in joy and happiness. The was no reason for words. Everything else up to that moment had been nice and fun, but here was the real reason she came. Here was the one the hoped and believed she would see and be with it. Here was Santa!

“Childlike faith along with a childlike love are an open road to God’s Heart.” Little Miss Starshine reminded me of when I was a child and believed the people closest to me were the greatest in the world, that they could do no wrong, that their love for me was endless and life would always be good. As I grew older and began to experience disappointments, I became more skeptical. My heart began to harden and the question came of whether I could ever trust in anyone or anything.  Even when I first took a serious look at God I had reservations as to whether He could actually love me or not. I could tell you that through years of studying the Bible, praying, learning from others and believing in the love of my Lord, I have come to where my faith is today. But that’s not the end. I would be omitting some of my best mentors in faith, such as Little Miss Starshine if I stopped there. Childlike faith doesn’t question, does not give consideration as to whether something is true or not, it believes and loves unconditionally; that’s what God wants from us. For that is what He gives in return.

Billy Graham once said, “The greatest legacy one can pass on to one’s children and grandchildren is not money or other material things accumulated in one’s life, but rather a legacy of character and faith.” It starts with us, parents, grandparents showing our children love and faith. Even if we’ve haven’t done that in a long time it’s never too late to capture that childlike faith. Jesus said “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” In other words, “Just trust and believe in Me for my love for you is never ending.”

Romans 8:38-39 “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

If you still have problems believing, well look around, God has given us many examples from which to learn. They may be a little small, perhaps a little loud at times, but still great teachers of Childlike Faith.

Occasionally I’ll pull up the picture of this latest “Traveler of the Rock Road” and smile as I remember her thinking to myself, Lord, everything up to this moment had been nice, but you’re the real reason I believe and I wait. I yearn for the day I see you!”

Merry Christmas Friends and Family.

And a Special Merry Christmas to Little Miss Starshine. Thank you for being an example to the Gray One.  🙂

See ya next time.

Coming off of Thanksgiving, one of America’s most celebrated holidays, I was giving thought to what thankfulness means to this man. Of course it’s always meant a day of incredible food, being with family and then falling asleep in front of the TV watching football. But what do I truly mean when I say “I’m thankful” not just on the holiday, but in everyday life? And specifically how did I come to my position on what thankfulness looks like? Glancing at several online dictionaries, most interpret the word “thanksgiving” the same way: “an expression of thanks,” “a day set apart for giving thanks.” Then my eyes fell on this description: “a public celebration in acknowledgment of divine favor or kindness.” Instantly my memory flashed to one person–enter Great Aunt Pearl.

I’ve known my share of folks that were quite content with what they had and their status in life and my beloved Pearly Mae will always be at the top. One day she was a little late getting home from work but when she finally arrived there was a big smile across her face and a bag from the Woolworth’s store in her hands. In the bag was as jigsaw puzzle she laid out a card table for us to work on and announced whenever we completed one she would buy another. She then announced the news that made her so happy; she had been given a raise and was now making a whopping $1.00 an hour! Here well over fifty years later, that doesn’t seem like any amount to get excited about (My grandkids wouldn’t let me get away paying them that low!), but in 1959 that meant she could afford to take care of the bills, buy us that puzzle and put back $5 each week, a practice she never stopped and increased the amount as time went on. Not far from the little home we rented sat an old rundown apartment house that had been vacant for years and looked like it would fall over if a strong wind hit. But Pearl loved place and was excited when it came on the market for the exact of money she could scrape together–$2,500. I wasn’t exceptionally thrilled when we moved into this overgrown dilapidated shack. We started by living in two rooms in the house, and as money became available fixed up the rest as well as cleaning up the yard and making it into a beautiful showcase of flowers. With each improvement Pearl would smile, this dear soul was living the dream. My favorite memory will always be Pearl’s story of the year she raised a large garden but didn’t have the money to purchase preservative for the canning process. After a short time in prayer she began finding money around the house and eventually ended up with enough to purchase what she needed. I still remember her telling me she sat for a time and cried for how rich God had made her with the gift of 30 cents.

It’s easy for me to remember the good things that made Pearl so thankful, but in the midst of those memories are ones that are far from being happy thoughts. For reasons I never understood, this wonderful woman married a man that could only be described as mean and cruel. How could such a saintly woman unite herself with such volatile angry person? Asking her in later years after he passed away, she told me he wasn’t always that way and delighted in telling me memories of their early days together before he changed so harshly. I then asked then why didn’t she leave him then. Pearl gave me several reasons, but the one that stuck with me the most was this, “Without him I would have never become as strong as I am today, and for that I’ll always be thankful to God.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18  – Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

When the apostle Paul wrote these words, his audience was one that was being persecuted in many terrible ways. He wasn’t saying, as the song goes, “Don’t worry, be happy.” He was reassuring them that God was still there for them, that there was something better He had for them. Don’t lose hope and don’t give up! Today God is saying the same thing to us. Don’t lose heart, don’t give up and be thankful for all you’ve been blessed with. One writer put it like this; “Be thankful for what you have. Your life, no matter how bad you think it is, is someone else’s fairy tale.”

It’ll soon be 34 years since Pearly Mae finished her “Travels of the Rock Road,” but her memory, ways, love of life and words will stay with me until I’m called Home. I may not have obtained all my wants, but the dear Lady from West Virginia taught me that God will give me all that I need.

Now who couldn’t be thankful knowing that?

See ya next time.

Back in 1953 a young teenage girl, attractive but impressionable, was swept off her feet by an older man.  This relationship resulted in an unplanned pregnancy, something that a woman-child was not equipped to handle at such a delicate, young age. With the courts stepping in, the expectant mother was sent away to another town until she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.  After two weeks the child was taken away to an orphanage which would become her home for 3½ years. I suppose at this point most are feeling sadness at the outcome for the mother and child, but that wasn’t the final chapter; God had a plan for both their lives. The mother grew into a strong and loving individual, raising three more children who deeply adored her, as well as grandchildren that saw as her nothing but the best. She discovered true love with a man and a love and wonderful marriage. The child finally found a permanent home with a devoted and caring couple that not only shared their love with her, but taught her early on of the love of Jesus. As the years went on the child grew into a beautiful intelligent woman filled with compassion and care for all she came in contact with. God also fulfilled her life with a loving husband, three dear children and seven amazing grandchildren. This writer is especially thankful that the Lord preserved this child, for if you haven’t figured it out by now I’m speaking of the love of my life–my Lady!

There’s so much more I could say on the subject, but that’s not the direction I’m going with this story. I will however tell you that the mother and child were reunited some thirty years later and shared a great love and friendship until the mother was called home to be with the Lord. But I’d like to focus today’s story on a certain article; something physical that carries a legacy for Cathy and the journey, the “Travels of the Rock Road” that God has mapped out.

When Cathy was at the orphanage she didn’t have clothes of her own. With so many children at this facility all garments were community objects separated only as boy or girl apparel. You might wear an outfit one day but after it went in the laundry it could go to someone else to wear. When one group of kids outgrew something it would be passed down to the younger wards and so forth. On the day my Lady’s new parents came to take Cathy home they were given a pair of slacks, two shirts, pair of socks and shoes, underwear, and a lovely delicate little blue and white checkered dress. The other clothes would soon wear out, and of course new ones would constantly be added to her wardrobe. But the little dress was special to Cathy’s new mom; it was that constant reminder how God had blessed her and her husband so richly by placing this precious child in their lives. You see, there was a time when they didn’t believe they’d ever have any children. But at the right time the Lord brought a special one into the world that He had picked out, in so doing made all their lives happy and complete. So when Cathy outgrew the dress her mom put it up to keep it safe and in good condition. Occasionally she’s get it out and smile.

When my Lady and I married her mother gave her the dress to someday pass on to her daughter. Then as life at times goes we experienced the same frustration her parents did; it seemed we could not have children. Over the course of six years, try as we may, we could not produce a child. We saw doctors, specialists and even attempted adoption ourselves, all to no avail. Like Cathy’s parents we began to believe God had no plans to put children in our lives; but the journey of the little blue and white dress wasn’t over. December 31, 1979, after nearly a full day of hard labor Jamie Melissa Miller entered the world and our lives. Twenty months later she was joined by her brother Jeremy, and another twenty months, Justin.

Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Abraham and Sarah were promised by God that their descendants would be more than the stars in the skies, more than the grains of sand. Even with that oath they weren’t always faithful in trusting God at His word; but that wasn’t the end of the journey. What mattered was God made that promise and wouldn’t go back on His word. When the children of Israel were taken captive and their cities destroyed God told them He would someday restore them and their land. Often it was hard for them to believe that day would ever come, but that wasn’t the end of the journey; God made that promise and wouldn’t go back on His word. A young girl in Bethlehem gave birth to a son that God told her would be the redemption of the world. And 33 years later she watched him die on the cross, but that wasn’t the end of the journey; merely the beginning. I wasn’t there those 60 plus years ago when another young girl gave birth, only this time to a daughter. But I’m betting it wouldn’t be a stretch of the imagination, knowing this dear soul, that as she watched them take her girl away, not knowing if she’d ever see her again that she closed her eyes and prayed, “God take care of my little girl, and put her with a family that will love her as much as I do.” I believe God honored that girl’s prayer, and the journey was far from over.

Nowadays when I look at the dress and pictures of my Lady, our daughter, and our four granddaughters all wearing it as it has been passed down from one generation to the next, I can’t help but think it all began with a promise God made to a special young girl who put her trust in Him. And God never, never goes back on his promise.

Perhaps the journey of the little blue and white dress is now complete; sixty years and three generations it has made its way “Traveling the Rock Road.” But who can measure how abundant God’s giving is to those to put their trust in Him. Perhaps the journey is still, just beginning.

See ya next time.

My granddaughter, Madison and I were recently riding in my truck listening to the oldies station when one of all-time favorite tunes started playing. “Country Roads, take me to the place I belong, West Virginia.”  She then asks me, “Grandpa, what do you miss most about being a kid and going to West Virginia?” That’s a tough one I had to mull over for a minute; so many wonderful and precious memories come back to mind that’s it’s hard to pick just one. Finally I answered, “I guess one of my fondest memories was the field of family.”  As you can imagine that brought quite the puzzled looked, so I did my best to explain it to her.

As a child my family unit was Ma, my great-aunt and great-uncle. The absence of a father had its difficulties but not having brothers and/or sisters to play with could make life a little lonely. There were children in the neighborhood but I still spent the majority of time alone. When the moments came to visit West Virginia, it was more exciting than going to the beach, Cedar Point or even someplace like Disneyworld!

About a mile out of Rock, West Virginia sat my Great Uncle Dave and Aunt Virgie’s home, a large white house with a porch. There was a huge yard that ran out from the house and down a hill to the household of Great Uncle Sam and Aunt Dorothy who raised six wonderful kids there. During our visits others who lived in the region would come to see us and often relatives from other states would be in at the same time we were. It would be such a grand reunion that came loaded with happiness, smiles, laughter, and oh yeah, the most delicious food you ever tasted this side of heaven! But I think the best moments came when all the children would gather in the yard to run, play games and catch a few lighting bugs as evening set in. I remember Aunt Virgie once telling me there were children from five states playing in her yard; that truly brought her great joy. And words can’t begin to describe what those moments meant to this man as a child. For I remember one time stopping to just look at all the kids playing there with me, for each and every one was a relative. A lonely boy realized he had a family.

Oh, those are such sweet memories that occasionally I love to replay in memory like someone who has a favorite old movie they just have to watch again and again because it makes them happy. But a lot has changed for me since the making of those memories over half a century ago. The first thing that comes to mind is my Lady who God has given me 44 wonderful years of marriage with. In those 44 years, He has multiplied us from 2 to 14. Family.

Dave Willis explains family with this interpretation: “Family isn’t only defined by last names or by blood; it’s defined by commitment. It means showing up when they need it most. It means having each other’s back. It means choosing to love each other even on the days when you struggle to like each other. It means never giving up on each other.”

Over the years many other children have come through our home and have stayed for periods of time, a number of them still refer to us a mom and dad. Family.

God has made me rich with some incredible friends that are as close as brothers and sisters, ones that I can call at a moment’s notice, and they’re there for me. Family

Without a doubt the most precious family I was adopted into was when I became a Believer in Christ Jesus and became a part of the Family of God. Now the Family of God is a term we’ve all heard before; God is our father, and we are his children.

John 1:12 “Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God”

Ephesians 2:19-22 “Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of His household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by h=His Spirit.”

Romans 8:17 “Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”

God is saying “I’ve already accepted you, all you have to do now is accept me and join the Family.”

And I’ll be the first to say here we don’t always act like it. We fight, bicker, disagree and even shun each other from time to time. (Hmm, maybe that does sound like family. Never mind!) But that doesn’t deter the love of the Father for each of us. So, we keep striving to show each other that family love and hopefully others will then want to be family, too. Amen?!!

Many years have passed since this “Traveler of Rock Road” has played on the Field of Family there where I felt so much love. I still occasionally visit that region just to drive by and remember. But I also am reminded that my Family Field is now worldwide, most I’ve never met and won’t until we get to Heaven and unite as Brothers and Sisters before our loving and proud Father. Who knows, maybe they’ll even be occasions to run out and see who can catch the most lighting bugs!

See ya next time.

In the summer of ’71, on an evening when my band was performing at a wedding reception I happened to lay eyes on the prettiest girl I had ever seen, and you better believe I made my move first chance I could. It was a short moment between the two of us, but something special began that evening. After she left the reception, I asked a friend about her and was informed she already had a guy. Second place, well bummer!

Some five months later we reconnected which made me very happy. I wanted to spend every minute with her, but that wasn’t to be. Her parents were good people but they were strict on what they would allow their daughter to do and not do. The biggest restriction was going to dances and parties that I was playing at; they disapproved highly and she would not be allowed to go. Being of the juvenile mindset I had at that age there were numerous times I tried to talk her into sneaking out to be with me, alas she would not have that. As much as she cared for me she cared for her parents more and would not go against her wishes. Second place again. Well Shoot!!

A while later her old boyfriend was coming home from serving in the military and she informed me he was going to make his pitch for them getting back together. I confess I was nervous and wasn’t sure where I would stand after the visit.  Words can’t describe the jubilation that went on in my heart when she sent him packing, telling him it was me she now wanted to be with. Alright! Finally! I’m #1! I’m #1!

Two years from the date we officially started dating she walked down the aisle of a small church in Fremont, Ohio on the arm of her father, to my waiting arms and became Mrs. Cathy Miller. What an incredible day for both of us. It was now official; no more worries of being 2^nd in her life. I would always be her primary love. Well, at least I thought that’s how it worked. But then reality revealed that once again I took the #2 position of importance in her life; well for a while I was confused, even angry. That is until I came to the understanding being #2 gave me more love than I deserved from the greatest gal God could have put in my life. Let me explain.

We had both given our lives to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; it was very important that we begin our marriage proclaiming our love and devotion for Him. But in my way of thinking that was only of the spiritual nature–going to church, praying, reading the Bible and trying to do His will. Physical, mental and emotional love were solely meant for the one He picked to be my helpmeet. And by making her #1, I was showing my love to God; that’s just how it should be the way I thought. But as time went on I came to realize that wasn’t it.

I won’t give you a complete run down of the years we’ve been together; I’ve actually done that already in previous writings. But there have been times of complete disillusionment in God, nearly to the point of rejecting Him in my life. But let there be no doubt that because of Cathy’s #1 love for her Lord, standing firm that He was still caring for us, I came to see and understand that also. Maybe I was ready to give up, but she could not and would not forsake her first love. In holding firm to that position, she demonstrated the incredible love she had for me; that taught me being each other’s #2 love was the most tremendous relationship a couple could ever have.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

My Lady came to know her first Love when she was four years old, and even at that young age she knew that Love would never let her down, never fail her even in the hard times. And she made a promise that He would always be her first Love. Without her example and committed love to God, the life we share would not be what it is today–full, Complete, Awesome! As someone once said, “If you neglect your first love, you inevitably neglect your second.” Or as another said, “Marriage is an ongoing and vivid illustration of what it costs to love an imperfect person unconditionally, just as Christ has loved us.” Case in point, John 3:16.

This Friday these two “Travelers of the Rock Road” God brought together for a brief moment in 1971 will celebrate 44 years of marriage. What an incredible journey it has been! All because of being each other’s Second Place Love. Too Awesome!
See ya next time.

During a conversation with a dear friend who is not a believer in God or Christ he asked a very good question. “John, often I’ve been asked why I’ve never believed in God in 70 years of life. Let me ask you something; what has kept you believing all these years?” I’m sure some of my Christian brothers and sisters would say that’s an easy one and fire back with scripture to defend the position of their belief. That’s all well and good but truthfully, I’ve seen a good share stop believing when some type of catastrophe invades their lives. I’ve also witnessed those who fall away (And I was there for a season), but return to trusting God. Then of course there are the steady ones that no matter what comes they proclaim, “I will trust my Lord and my God!” I paused for a moment before answering my friend because frankly I didn’t know exactly what to say. But when I opened my mouth three words came out, “Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness.” I then followed up with “And the love of a Father that never ends.” He seemed satisfied with my answer and we moved on to other subjects. But for days after I questioned why I had answered the way I did and what did it really mean, to me.

When I was boy Ma and I were in Maryland and had little money. She talked a kindly elderly woman into letting us use the apartment over her garage until mom could get a job. This dear saint was more than glad and watched me when Ma did find work. Down the street was a corner market that let us have food under the same conditions as the lady with the apartment. Mom didn’t make much money but she always gave the two something to pay down our indebtedness. The time came when we moved to Ohio and mom promised she would send money to both as soon as she could. Each said about the same thing, “You proved yourself trustworthy, your debt it paid in full.”

Ephesians 2:8  “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God” – Grace.

When I was 16 I got into some trouble so serious that I was locked up in the county jail for a weekend. The seriousness of the crime was so high, I knew I was going to be sent off to a juvenile detention center. That Sunday morning a police officer that was a friend to the family came, got me out of jail, took me to breakfast and had a long and hard talk with me. He then drove me home with a warning not to let this happen again.

Hebrew 4:16 “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need” – Mercy.

This might be my favorite example. Cathy and I had gotten into a business venture so bad it wiped us out financially, left us in debt to many with the biggest being, everyone’s friend, the IRS! They went as far as freezing all our assets if we did not come up with the money we owed. After I paid that amount we were assessed with fines and levies that far exceeded the first amount. Not knowing what to do, I wrote a letter to them that went something like this. “You are right, I am guilty of not paying you and the only excuse I have is my own stupidity! I will make every effort to pay you and never make such a boneheaded mistake again. I only ask that you please set a payment plan we can work with it.” I never saw or talked to anyone after that point, but later I had vision of someone in the office there reading my letter, then passing it around to other saying, “Hey you gotta check this guy out, this is totally a first!” It was two weeks before that ominous envelope from the IRS arrived. With shaking hands we opened it. Inside was the bill for what we owed them–$0.00!!!

Micah 7:18 “Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.”

Ephesians 1:7 “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace” – Forgiveness.

As you can clearly see each works in conjunction with the others: Grace, Mercy, and Forgiveness hand in hand not because of what I’ve done, but because of the love the Heavenly Father has for me and you. That’s the kicker. Amen?!!

Well I totally went in a different direction than what I had planned to for Traveling the Rock Road.” But this has been heavy on my heart, and I believe it’s good for all who call themselves Believers to be able at any moment to state why they believe. For any Christians I have challenged to clearly define what keeps you believing, well.  Amen. For any who don’t believe but possibly I’ve given them reasons to at least take a look at the love of God that comes through Grace, Mercy, Forgiveness, then my message to you would be straight and simple.

AWESOME!!!!!

See ya next time.