Traveling the Rock Road

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.

Back around 1977 a movie about two free-spirited, renegade truckers was released. The storyline was they had to drive to Colorado, pick up a load of beer and bring it back to Texas in a certain amount of time. One drove a hot Trans Am out ahead of the truck to watch out for Smokies (Police Officers) as they raced across the states at neck break speeds. By now I’m sure you’ve figured out I’m revering to “Smokey and the Bandit.” Well the movie was a box-office hit, but it was also the starting point of a craze that swept the country. The two stars communicated with CB radios using all the jargon and slang that truckers were known for. “What’s your 20? You got your ears on? 10-4 good buddy,” etc. Within the course of a year sales of CBs for cars and home skyrocketed. Millions began conversing with friends and strangers all across the country. The airwaves became so packed with users the FCC changed regulations allowing radios to carry 40 channels instead of 23. Nearly every person I knew had CBs, and yes, I was guilty as anyone having one of the squawk boxes in my van; which brings us to my story.

Back in the early years of my Lady’s and my marriage we’d often travel to my birth-state of West Virginia to visit family and take in the grandeur of the mountains. Being a night person, I preferred to start out in the evening and arrive the next morning. Cathy would go to sleep and I’d be left with my thoughts, the radio, and the CB. I seldom spoke on that contraption since I didn’t understand half the lingo that was being used, so I would just listen, and often wonder what the folks broadcasting on airwaves were really like in their day to day routine. The best profile of one of these individuals ever to capture my imagination was a CBer in Charleston, West Virginia that called himself “Grandpaw Harry.” You could tell he was an elderly man and that the expressions of his words fit his handle to a T.

I was about halfway through the city on 77, daylight was still an hour away and the highway was busy with morning commuters when his voice came through my speakers clear as a bell. “Good morning to all my friends out there! “Grandpaw Harry here wishing you a safe and happy day; don’t forget to smile!” As tired as I felt, his words gave me a better pick-me-up than a cup of coffee. I was about to pick up the mic and tell him thank you for making my day so early when another voice, with much less of a cheering attitude came blasting through. “Hey you old goat, is that all you have to do, get on the radio so people can hear how crazy you are. You must have escaped when they left the door to the mental hospital unlocked!” I’m not a person who’s taken to road rage but at that second had I been able to locate this killjoy, well let’s just say the arrival time to our destination would have been postponed! Now there was silence coming from the radio, that is, until an upset lady let it fly.  “Why you stinkin sourpuss! How dare you belittle him for wanting to spread a little joy. Crawl back under your rock and leave the good people alone!” She followed up with, “Grandpaw Harry, thank you for every morning having something nice to say, it means so much!” Another person came on, “Grandpaw, you are a vision of what all of us should try to be; thank you!” This was followed by at least half of dozen more voicing their support for Grandpaw and his cheerful words. Killjoy never came back on the radio and for a long moment neither did Harry. Then, out of silence there Grandpaw was again, and this time he was singing. “Let me call you sweetheart I’m in love with you. Let me hear you whisper that you love me too. Keep the love light glowing in your eyes so true. Let me call you sweetheart I’m in love with you.” Oh my! Ma use to sing that song to me when I was a little boy, and hearing him sing it made my heart want to jump out of my chest in joy. After many spoke love felt accolades to Grandpaw Harry, he came back on the CB. “Thank you all, it’s such a joy to know I have wonderful friends out there. I’ll be back tomorrow morning; be safe, have a happy day and don’t forget to smile.” Don’t forget to smile?!! I don’t think my face would have stopped grinning if you would have hit me with a bat!!

“Joy is a decision, a really brave one, about how you are going to respond to life.” I drew a picture in my mind of Harry, someone who possibly doesn’t get around well anymore. All his life he’s been a person everyone likes because of his attitude. A man that goes out of his way to bring a little cheer to all he meets. Maybe he can no longer physically go out to greet others, so he uses this new avenue to spread his message of cheer. It makes me wonder if God brought the CB craze along just at the right moment for tired, early morning travelers around Charleston, West Virginia to have their day perked up a touch by Grandpaw Harry, still spreading joy and happiness.

Over my lifetime I’ve met my share of people that have rejected God because they feel there’s just no fun, no joy in being a follower of Christ. I don’t know anyplace I have had the freedom, joy, and laughter as I have found since becoming a believer. Trust me when I say He wants us to be more like Grandpaw Harry, than old Mr. Killjoy.

John 11:15: “I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”
Psalm 16:11: “You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”                                                            Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, JOY, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,”

Does that mean life is always great and you’ll never be sad or downhearted? Nope! It means you don’t have to stay in that condition. There will always be something that God brings your way to give you hope and joy, and then the power and ability to pass it to others. As I like to say, give it a go!

Well in a few short years the CB craze died down which I’m sure truckers, police and emergency workers were thankful for. And I never did hear from Grandpaw Harry again; by now I’m sure this happy, joy spreading “Traveler of the Rock Road” has left this world. But who knows, maybe someday when I get to Heaven and I’m boppin’ down Eternity Ave, perhaps getting ready to duck into the Celestial Coffee Shop there might be someone sitting on a street bench made of gold, crooning an old tune. “Let me call you sweetheart, I’m in love with you.”  Hey! Grandpaw Harry! My Man!!!

See ya next time.

I had to wonder for a moment when this man I barely recognized climbed in my car. But as soon as he spoke I knew it was my old friend, Al. The person I remembered was well groomed, always neat in appearance and had a body rippling with muscles. Here now was someone thin, frail, sporting a shaggy head of hair totally unkempt, dressed in shirt and pants that looked like he hadn’t changed in days. Still it was good to see him again since I had thought of him often and made numerous attempts over the years to locate his whereabouts, all to no avail. It was as if he had dropped off the face of the earth. When I finally track him down doubts still lingered that I’d get to see him. Talking on the phone he expressed surprise to even hear from me since no one had checked on him in years. “John, I’d love to see you, but call again tomorrow and I’ll tell you if I feel like getting out.” Thankfully he did agree the next day and I took him out to lunch. Al had been one of the best and brightest keyboard players Illinois had to offer. He said it had been years since he sat at a piano and even if he did there was little memory of the many songs he once knew by heart. Not wanting to concentrate a lot on the present, we spent most of the next two hours talking about the old days, friends we shared and anything else that brought smiles and laughter, something I was pretty sure he hadn’t done for a long time.  As our time of reliving the past began to wind down, Al opened more of who he was now. He referred to himself as a zealous misanthrope; that’s defines an individual who dislikes humankind and avoids human society. He was living off the grid; no computer, no smart phone, no TV and only a minute knowledge of anything going on in the world. He had a small apartment where the majority of his day was spent, venturing out mostly after dark. “Dude,” I finally said, “That’s not the Al I knew. People used to be around you all the time because of your positive attitude. You were fun, what happened?” He answered. “People let you down, and when more and more do it you realize that you can’t trust anyone. Society teaches you to take care of yourself first, even at the cost of hurting others. Religion, government, everybody and everything are only in it for themselves and I couldn’t take it anymore. I may be alone, but at least now I’m not getting hurt.” Of course I had all the reasons why he was wrong and needed to get back to living life again, but I also realized something else. All I had to say was meaningless to Al; this wasn’t a difference in opinion, this was a matter of the heart.

I once read this quote and kept it around possibly for a moment like this. ““Let me tell you this: if you meet a loner, no matter what they tell you, it’s not because they enjoy solitude. It’s because they have tried to blend into the world before, and people continue to disappoint them.”

I must admit, there’s a lot of truth in Al’s position. Government, politics, religion and people can and do let you down; all you have to do is watch a news program to draw that conclusion. And I know numerous that share Al’s dismal outlook. Shoot, there was time out of frustration I could have landed in an apartment across the hall hiding out from disappointments right along with him! But through all the down moments I’ve experienced, one truth comes forth out of the darkness; my Lord and my God are still there for me, and His love never fails.

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” These verses have been my strength and hope at those dismals times when I saw the world in complete negativity. Thankfully, I “HAVE” found Someone who is always there.

So what do we do with all the problems, all the pain and let downs that are out there in the world? Well, as I’ve said often, I’m not a religious man, but one of faith; and that faith says this, “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” I tried to avoid talking about all the bad stuff. That’s not saying I ignore it but rather I’d prefer to concentrate on where I find peace, hope and solutions.

What else can we do? The Bible says, “But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!” that’s a tough one, huh? I found life is better when I use this approach over fighting hate with hate.

C.S. Lewis: “If they are wrong they need your prayers all the more; and if they are your enemies, then you are under orders to pray for them” Friends, all I can tell you is give it a whirl, I don’t know what it will do to ones that have wronged you, but I believe you’re going to be pleasantly surprised what it will do for you.

The 3^rd point I’d like to offer is the toughest for many of us. One of my favorite bands from the 60s was the MC5. Before one concert, lead singer Rob Tyner voiced this question, “Are you going to be part of the problem, or are you going to be part of the solution?!!” I’m highly privileged to know people that have dedicated their lives to being a part of the solution. In the Central African Republican, Laos, Thailand, Syria, many places in Europe and Latin America they bring relief with medical supplies, food and whatever aid they can give. Yes, Christians, but they’re not walking around telling people they need Jesus, they’re showing the love of Jesus with their actions. Here in the good old United States, countless people are working feverously to make a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. That’s called an action of love. That’s called being part of the solution. If you never have before, you’d be amazed how great it feels to be one of those, even if it’s just a small part of helping others. You know it can be as simple as being a friend to someone who really needs one. You may not agree with me and that’s fine, but I firmly believe that’s how you deal with hurt, pain and disappointment; not by being an isolationist. Just sayin!

When Al, the latest “Traveler of the Rock Road” to cross my path, exited the car to retreat back into his closed off world, he turned and said, “I had a great time and I’d like to talk with you more. Can we get together again?”

Hmm, let’s see, he’s a hundred miles away, life is busy right now and there’s the chance that when I get over there, he’ll change his mind and turn me away. Do I really want to take the risk?

Hey, do you even have to guess?!!
See ya next time.

I can understand the people’s skepticism; opening the door on a dark October night to see two teenage boys standing there, one holding a plain brown paper bag, “Trick or Treat!” It goes without saying we got a lot looks from people seeing we were over the normal age of youngsters going door to door for Halloween candy; I’m guessing being donned in regular street clothes and not costumes didn’t help our case either. I’d say one in four closed the door in our faces sending us away empty handed, still by the end of the night we had a pretty good haul and happy with our efforts. But the candy wasn’t for us so let me explain.

When my friend Larry called to ask if I wanted to go trick or treating with him, I thought he was joking. At our age Halloween was more for going to a teen party or something more mischievous like decorating someone’s house and yard with rolls of TP. Larry, though, was on another mission. His little sister was home sick and wouldn’t be able to go out and collect candy. She had talked excitedly about this night for two weeks; now all she could do was lay in bed with her costume and be sad at her situation. “I feel so bad for her, so I’m going to go around collecting candy to give her when I get back home. Really didn’t want to do it by myself, would you mind going with me?” Oh, what the heck. I didn’t have anything planned that important, and I guess all the rolls of TP I had hidden could be put to better use!

The first house we visited gave a taste of what was ahead. The woman at the door looked on us suspiciously as Larry told why we were doing this; rather reluctantly she dropped a couple of pieces of candy in the bag; we thanked her and moved on. We met numerous with the same reaction as Larry explained his reason at each place we stopped. There were a couple of places that gave looks that said, “Yeah, right, sure you are!” and then closed the door leaving us empty handed. Surprisingly there were quite a number of folks that not only believed the story they complimented Larry on what he was doing for his little sister, some even threw extra goodies in the bag. Even though my role was just to be a tagalong, I was proud to be there to see those positive responses and even more proud of my friend, Larry. Seeing the smile on his face told me his heart and mind were back at his house with a little girl lying in a sickbed dressed as a fairy princess.

The evening was cold and it felt like we walked ten miles, so I was glad when we called it a night and headed back  to his place. There was no reason for me to go in. We said our goodbyes as I watched him walk up the steps to his porch and disappear into the house. Before turning to head home I noticed a light come on in a backroom and I could see Larry’s silhouette through the drawn shades. Reaching down he was handing his sister the bag of candy. Only a few short seconds and a little fairy princess was bounding up on the bed and jumping into Larry’s arms. Three words kept circling in my mind as I made the trek home, “Yeah, that’s love.”

Mother Teresa once said, “Love is not patronizing and charity isn’t about pity, it is about love. Charity and love are the same — with charity you give love, so don’t just give money but reach out your hand instead.” I imagine they could have bought her a bag of candy, or the other kids in the family that went our trick or treating probably would have shared their take with her. Larry wanted to do something more, not because he took pity on her at being sick, but out of love for his little sister. As the saying goes, “Larry, you had one job to do, and you nailed it!”

I haven’t seen Larry now in 40 years, and I wouldn’t know his baby sister if she passed me on the street. But their memory came flooding back to me this week and I wanted to get it down before it was gone again. To let you in on a little secret many of my stories are written like that. So when this happens, I generally ask God if there’s some reason for the memory and mostly the answer is yes. In the matter of Larry and the Little Princess, I see it as a reminder not only to tell others that I love them, but to show them that love. Not to blow my own horn; but I do this often with my family and some close friends and it truly does bring me enjoyment.

Recent events with the hurricanes have left hurting and caring for people I don’t even know in places like Texas, Florida, the Virgin Island, Puerto Rico along with other Caribbean Islands. I’ve been praying for these dear souls constantly, but I’ve been left with the question of what else can I do to show I care, to show I love them. Thankfully the Good Lord has opened doors for my Lady and me to do a little more, contribute in some way. I could tell how but that’s something I believe each must search for themselves. I hope and pray each will give this consideration.

My friend Larry and fellow “Traveler of the Rock Road” will never know how much his act of love touched my heart, and that’s okay. But I believe God orchestrated that moment for a dual purpose. First of course, for Larry to show his love for this sister; the second to be a reminder, to me, of what it means to be a follower of Christ which I’ll leave you with by citing two verses, simple but rich in meaning.

Matthew 25:40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

1 Corinthians 16:14 “Do everything in love.”

See ya next time.

Cindy dearly loved her father, Jack; he was understanding, always happy, calm in his demeanor, a loving parent and husband, and a good Christian man who told her often about the love of Christ. If she had any problem with her dad it was the fact that he never got angry, no matter what anyone said or did to him. If they had bad service at a restaurant he’d make excuses for the waitress, “They must be really busy or she probably has a lot on her mind tonight.” If they were in the car and another driver honked their horn and yelled something hateful Jack would smile, wave and even say, “Sorry” whether he was in the wrong or not. The only place his patience would get a little thin would be at his job. Jack worked in a factory on a production line with a group of hard talking men that enjoyed riding him knowing he wouldn’t ever say anything back. One in particular, Ben, seemed to make it his life ambition to ride Jack just as hard as he could every day. He’d yell at him, do things to make Jack’s job harder plus make him the brunt of every joke that came out of his mouth. Cindy’s dad would take it in stride saying, “We work hard and put in longs hours; they don’t mean any harm, it’s just Ben and the guys way of blowing off steam.”

Then came the day Jack did something that shocked everyone including himself. Toward the end of a long and hard 12-hour shift with Ben constantly belittling him, he had finally taken all he could. Dropping his tools on the shop floor Jack walked up to Ben, grabbed him by the shirt and yelled in his face, “I Hate you! Don’t you ever talk to me again!” Giving Ben a shove he walked back to his workstation, with complete silence from his coworkers the rest of the day. Arriving home his wife could tell something was wrong. He told her what had happened and how terrible he felt for losing his temper. His wife told him it wasn’t his fault and Ben had it coming. But Jack didn’t see it that way and knew what he had to do. Arriving at work the next day he walked up to Ben and told him how sorry he was for his actions. Most men would have accepted the apology, understood what led up to that altercation, but not old Ben. With his speech laced with obscenities he told Jack how worthless he was, he never liked him and he was more than happy never talk to him again. The rest of the guys eased up after that day and it made Jack’s job much easier. But Ben remained bitter; he not only wouldn’t talk to Jack but stopped talking to everyone on the production floor. If they wouldn’t take his side then he didn’t see any of them as friends.  Jack tried again and again to make things right, but Ben always refused. A few years later Ben retired but didn’t let anyone know about it until he was gone. The crew said it was good he was gone since he and his sour attitude were gone, but Jack was saddened that Ben was gone without their making amends. He had never had someone hate him and couldn’t get past it. He still hoped and prayed that maybe someday the two of them could make things right. That chance would come a year later.

Cindy speaking, “I was grown and had moved out but was at the house the day my dad got the call; I knew it serious from the look on his face. It was one of his coworkers letting him know Ben was in the hospital with late stage cancer and wasn’t expected to live long. He said, I’m going to go see Ben, mom’s not home, would you go with me? I didn’t want to, but there was no way I was going to say no. We drove an hour to the cancer hospital, Ben was lying in the bed and I could tell he was struggling. Dad walked over to the bed, took him by the hand and said, Ben, it’s me, Jack. Ben looked up and immediately started crying.”

“Jack, I’m sorry for the way I treated you, I think I was jealous of the man you were, but didn’t know how to tell you.”

“Dad stopped him. No Ben, I’m the one who is sorry. You rode me hard, but you made me better at my job, I learned a lot from you. You were my hero, but I never got the chance to tell you, because of my hateful words, and I hope you can forgive me.”  Now there were tears coming from both these hardened blue collar workers, even more when they embraced.  I left the room so he couldn’t see my face was a mess from crying also. When he came out into the hallway way I’ll never forget what he said to me, “He had been my enemy and he needed to hear those words from me.”

Jack saw the problem he had with Ben as a failure, not only to himself but to God. His heart told him at some point he would have to try to make IT right, and if that attempt failed he had to keep trying.             C.S. Lewis said, “You must ask for God’s help. Even when you have done so, it may seem to you for a long time that no help, or less help than you need, is being given. Never mind. After each failure, ask forgiveness, pick yourself up, and try again. Very often what God first helps us towards is not the virtue itself but just this power of always trying again.”

Jack equated this to his relationship with Ben and the need to make things right, if not for himself then in the name of his Lord.

Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

For the next 9 days Jack visited Ben each day, and they laughed, smiled, and talked like old friends; his prayer had been answered. Still he had another prayer that concerned Ben, a bigger one he hoped desperately would be answered before it was too late.

On a Thursday morning, Ben passed away. But on the previous Tuesday, his now best friend in the entire world, led this “Traveler of Rock Road,” on the path the leads to Heaven.

Titus 3:3-5 says, “For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.  But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit.”

I imagine there’s more I could tell about Cindy’s dad, Jack and his friend Ben, but I think I’ll just leave it here for you to ponder. I know it got this man thinking.

See ya next time.

Seeing that this is Labor Day, my Lady and I are taking some time for ourselves, so I’m not writing my usual story. But I came across this video of a man who instantly became one of my heroes, a fellow “Traveler of the Rock Road.” Oh, to have this man’s attitude in life and all that we’re called to do humbles me, for I realize I do not measure up to what God says in his Word with, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Take a moment please to meet this man; I believe you will be blessed and challenged in the same way I was.

A Happy Labor Day to you and your Loved Ones!

I’ve wrote in the past how I didn’t learn to read until I was 12, and how thankful I am today for obtaining that most precious gift that we sometimes take for granted. But even though I mastered the understanding of many words and their definitions, the struggle continues with one learning disability that has stayed with me all my life–focus! Today it’s commonly referred to as Attention-Deficit-Disorder or AD/HD by the American Psychiatric Association. Endless studies have been performed on why children and adults alike struggle with hyper activity and/or inability to focus on subject matter in the same way that the majority do. In my circumstance, I can read a page, comprehend all that is written, but get to the end and not have a slightest idea what I just read. Without even realizing, my mind will drift to another thought completely blocking out what is in front of me. It can become quite frustrating to read something twice, even three times before I absorb it’s full meaning. (Side Note: this even occurs while I write my stories.)  In today’s world I realize medication has been developed to help individuals battle this problem and I do not look down on anyone who uses them. Thank God for the medical profession! But this man has chosen to meet the battle head on, working hard to improve my concentration, my focus. It hasn’t been easy and not completely successful but I have improved greatly with the struggle. Perhaps the hardest time was when I returned to school in pursuit of a college degree. The fight continued as I had to put in twice as much study time compared to other students. Still the perseverance was rewarded as I achieved the best grades ever in my life.

As I said the struggle goes on; then one day I realized something, the problem with “focus” not only was a deterrent to my mental understanding but my spiritual as well. Often have been the times when adversity and hardships have occurred, when I have forgotten or perhaps ignored the fact that God was still with me. I can look back at the past and see clearly the times I was at my lowest, and did not rely nor take it to my Lord. In my darkness moments I felt all alone, that no one understood, not even God as to what was happening in my life; that’s the same feeling I had when couldn’t read. It wasn’t until I allowed a dear and loving substitute teacher named Mrs. Cobb close enough to see my problem, and help me out of darkness.

“Vision is the ability to see God’s presence, to perceive God’s power, to “Focus” on God’s plan in spite of the obstacles.” Charles R. Swindoll

I’ll be the first to tell you it’s not an easy thing to do, but the more I read the Word, learn about the love the Lord has for me, and take everything to prayer; the more I have learned to cope with whatever life throws my way. As Max Lucado says, “Focus on giants – you stumble. Focus on God – Giants tumble.”

Colossians 3:1 “Therefore, if you have been raised with the Messiah, keep focusing on the things that are above, where the Messiah is seated at the right hand of God.”

Psalm 91:14-15 “Because he has focused his love on me, I will deliver him. I will protect him because he knows my name. When he calls out to me, I will answer him. I will be with him in his distress. I will deliver him, and I will honor him.”

Pictured here is a bracelet worn by my lovely lady; I wear one as well. It’s my reminder when things get out of whack and my life seems to be spiraling downward, I need to get my “Focus” back; I need to turn it over to God and not dwell on it. A saying many have heard from me goes like this, “Thank God for today, Trust Him for tomorrow, One foot in front of the other.”

The journey for this “Traveler of the Rock Road” still has its moments of hardship. But when I refuse to let those hardships rule me, and I put all my concentration and effort, my focus, on the fact that God is with me through everything, then the road becomes smoother. For I know I am not alone in the struggle, and that I can get past the problems. “Focus!”

Hebrews 12:2 “Let us keep our eyes fixed (Focused) on Jesus, on whom our faith depends from beginning to end.”

‘Nuf said.

See you next time.

I imagine every ardent fan of Elvis Presley can tell you where they were on August 16, 1977, the day he passed away. I was a part-time music instructor back then and it was one of my students who broke the news to me. Shock, sadness, disbelief all flooded my mind. I had grown up listening to the music of Elvis and seeing all his movies; he was the biggest star in the world at the onset of rock and roll. Scores of famous musicians that followed in his footstep all tell of how he influenced their careers. You couldn’t go to a corner of the world without meeting people what knew and followed Elvis. And now, at the age of 42, he was gone. Driving home after work I turned on the radio and nearly every station was playing Elvis songs, as a tribute to the king. When I turned on the TV later, all the news channels were carrying the story of his death with most doing a recap of his life and rise to fame. Several stations were also rerunning old Elvis movies. A strange feeling came over me as I listened and watched all the mania unfolding before me, something I had never felt before. That night, after my Lady went to bed, I got out my Elvis LP collection, chose my favorite one and listened intently to every song on both sides. When the record finished I did something I’m sure few if any Elvis fans would had done. I packed up all the records, and never listened to them again. So, did I suddenly become anti-Elvis at that moment? Certainly not, I guess I’m as big a fan now as I was back in the early days, but I had a feeling of what was coming. Those feelings proved to be correct. Before the death of the king of rock and roll his record sales were immense, but after August 16, 1977 Elvis records, posters, movies and paraphilia soared to new heights. One source reports that records sales have now reached the one billion mark. With all the press releases on this sad moment in time, people were scrambling to find and buy anything related to the man, and the people who controlled the rights were more than happy to supply everything that could make a buck off the name of Elvis.

Now I do not look down on anyone who bought Elvis material; if you still play his records, awesome! But, for “ME” I could not get swept away in the obsession and a desire to keep his memory alive in me forever, as if it was sacred. I will always be a fan of his looks, sound and contribution to music. But still, he was just a man. So where did I develop this way of thinking? Well, believe it or not, from Elvis.

He appeared in concert in South Bend, Indiana back in 1974 and when one of his fans called out to him as king He responded, “Thank you but I can’t get caught in this kingship thing, to me there is only one, and that is Christ”

Revelation 19:16 “And on His robe and on His thigh, He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Elvis knew who was King, who deserved praise honor and glory; Christ the Lord.

So then, the best way for me, and for you also, to keep the memory of this “Traveler of the Rock Road” is follow his lead and give honor and glory to the True King. Amen?!!

Thanks for reading my story. And just let you know, if I’m riding in the car, listening to an oldies station and an Elvis song comes on I can still sing every word right along with him; still do a pretty mean impersonation too!

“Thank ya, Thank ya very much!!!”

See ya next time.

Life has been so busy I haven’t had time to write like I want, so this will be short. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining about being busy, I actually prefer it over a lot of idle time while enjoying all the activities that have come my way, especially the one I just came from which ranks right up there as one of the most prolific moments of my life. Let me explain.

For any and all that know me, have read my blog and other material I’ve produced, it’s no secret of my love and devotion to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. As I’ve said in the past I don’t want to come across as religious, or following a certain philosophy; I want to be seen as man of faith wanting to share with others something and Someone that’s incredible and life-changing in a positive way. But occasionally I find myself wondering, am I really doing any good sharing Christ with others in the way they will see why I believe the way I do with joy and excitement of the love He has for me and for others. I realized I was not called to reach millions with the Gospel message as a pastor or famous writer, but there are times I’d like to know perhaps I’ve made a difference in at least a few lives or even one. As one writer puts it, “If you had the cure for cancer, wouldn’t you share it? You have the cure to death, get out there and share it.” And the Bible teaches, “But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” That’s what I hope I’m doing, sharing something so special I want everybody to know and have the same. So occasionally I have to wonder, am I making a difference anywhere, to anyone? This evening I’ve just returned from an event where God said to me, “Yes, you are making a difference for my name sake.” That moment came from this “Traveler of the Rock Road” when I was privileged to baptize Madison Louise Shumaker, our granddaughter.

Proverbs 16:3 “Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.”  I like what the Message says about Roman 8:26-28, “Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”

You know, I could go with this subject all night, but I’m going to stop here and just ponder how God has blessed this man with a wonderful family, particularly a beautiful little girl whose smile can light up a room, who I call “Princess Butterfly” that brought a great man to tears, happy tears!

“Thank you Lord that I serve you; your payback is beyond awesome!!”

See ya next time.

This is going to be short today so bear with me.

As a child it seemed that disappointment and failure were attributes that would follow me all the days of my life. I didn’t learn to read like most kids and learning was difficult. One psychologist at a well-known hospital told my mother I would never rise above a 6^th grade level in my intelligence and personality. I couldn’t swim or ride a bike no matter how much I tried or who was trying to help me. When I tried my hand at learning to play guitar, the instructor, after several lessons, said it was a waste of his time and my mom’s money to keep trying; I just didn’t have it. Throw in a great uncle, my main male role model, who constantly reminded me of my short comings and, well, you can see how any child would have low self-esteem with early building blocks such as these. For a period of time, I was resolved that this would be my course in life, nothing to build on, and nothing to offer anyone else; just another statistic of a fatherless boy with no direction. But ya know, I’ve learned for every hopeless person as I and others saw me, there’s generally someone who doesn’t buy into the stereotype tag placed on that individual. For me that would have been my mom and Great Aunt Pearl.

Like any mother, Ma was always in my corner telling me I was better than people said; that I could and would rise above all the problems. And I appreciate all her loving support, but it was actually something Pearl once said that perhaps got the ball rolling in right direction. “Johnny, I believe in you, your mother does, and I know God has something better in store for you. But that means nothing until one thing happens; you have to believe in yourself the most.”

“You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman.” Max Lucado

It took years for me to see my beginning did not have to determine the end product; God has a special purpose for me with talents He provides to make me into the person He wants me to be.

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.”

I could go into a lot more detail, but I said I want to keep this short.  It wasn’t until the words of my Pearly Mae came home to roost that a difference started to emerge. I had to believe in myself, not in an arrogant way, but in the belief that God had something more for this “Traveler of the Rock Road” than what others claimed. God put it there; it was up to me to decide if I would go after it.

Over the years I conquered the skill of reading and many of those other short comings. I am a college graduate with honors, I have competed in numerous triathlons, while at the same time biking thousands of miles every year, and ones that know me will attest to the fact that I can hold my own on a couple of musical instruments. Again! This is not to blow my own horn; I’m still not the sharpest knife in the drawer and if you take all my accomplishments and $5 to Micky D’s, you can get yourself a happy meal! I’m saying if this is what God can do for me, imagine what He can do for you. Amen?

I write this today with one person in mind that is struggling to believe in himself and what God can do through him; I know he’ll be reading this and I hope he takes my words to heart. I believe that’s why God made me a writer; if I can get just one person to buy into what I’m saying, then it’s worth every dotted I and crossed T.

Let me close with two of my favorite sayings that summarize the point.

“If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it. If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning… Face it, friend. He is crazy about you!”

“God loves you just the way you are, but He refuses to leave you that way. He wants you to be just like Jesus.”

The rest, Friends and Family, is up to you.

See ya next time.