John Godfrey Life - DARE TO THINK PODCAST

I hope you will check out my new Podcast. My very first podcast is from an older audio I wrote and produced a year or so ago. I published this audio "If I Should Die Tomorrow " earlier this year here on my Blog, but wanted to include it in my first official podcast. It is spoken in poetic form set to the music Amazing Grace. When I look back over my life and see the way I've lived, I have to say that I'm here today because of God's Amazing Grace. My hope is that you will get something out of it.


FUTURE PODCAST WILL BE VARIED IN SUBJECT MATTER
I hope you will listen and respond as well to join in. I want the podcast to be a two way adventure, not just lectures from me. Any ideas for future podcast? Let me know, maybe we can add them

LISTEN!
Click the link below and either listen on Spotify if you have the free account. If no Spotify account simply scroll down the page that opens and listen by clicking the  "Play" button.

RECORD A MESSAGE!
If you want to leave a message then click the message link on my podcast page. Record a short message and I may even add you to a future podcast! Be nice though. Can't put ugly messages on my podcast for the listeners sake. :-)

FRIDAYS !
I hope you look for my " John Godfrey Life Podcast/ Dare to Think " every Friday afternoon. Here, or you can follow me on Facebook



(GO AHEAD...MAKE MY DAY! click the link below)

John Godfrey Podcast - If I Should Die Tomorrow

VETERANS DAY 2019 - What's your story?

Wishing all US Military Veterans a wonderful and peaceful Veterans Day on this November 11th 2019.

So many citizens have no idea what happens to military people while they are serving their country and what story each could tell if given the chance to share it  . I am sharing a couple of songs that I have written in honor of our Veterans, our Flag, and our Country.

The first song here was one that I wrote after witnessing the beautiful Flag display set up in the small town of Ringgold Georgia a few years ago. The American flags and crosses with names of veterans that have now passed away and branch of service have grown  over the years. Now they number over 1500 possibly more and the site is so inspiring that I felt moved to write the words I felt best describe what those flags and memorials stand for. I'm not a professional singer or musician but I wanted to share how I felt at the site.

Hope you enjoy the song. The Flags Still Fly in Ringgold

The second song that I wrote a few years back is actually a spoken version. I see so many Veterans, especially older ones, wearing Veteran Hats . I know there is a story under each one that they would love to share if they had the chance. I've noticed far too many of those hats on older veterans that seem alone now. No family around or friends and it makes me sad that life can end up that way. People are too busy these days it seems to care about the older folks and many veterans feel useless and unwanted.

This song is about an older Veteran that lives alone. He spends much of his time looking at the smiling pictures along his wall, pictures of his loved ones that seldom come to see him. They finally come one day only to leave before long and he funds himself him alone once again.
(The photo was copied from the internet and I make no claim of ownership of the photo)


I hope you listen to and understand what I'm trying to express in the song THE VETERANS HAT

Do you have a story under your Veterans Hat that you would like to share here? If so I'd love to hear it. Please keep it as short as possible and please keep the language clean for our readers.

Thanks for your service!

 

 

 

DO YOU FEEL THE HEAT?

by John Godfrey

 

I've always heard that if you put a frog in boiling hot water he will instinctively try to jump out before he dies! However, if you put him in cool water and then turn the heat up slowly he won't notice the changes and will stay there as the temperature rises. Finally, as he becomes weaker and weaker; eventually and sadly he finds he is now unable to get out of the heat and will boil to death.

Have you noticed that the heat is being turned up all around us in our country and our world? Those of us that have traditional or Christian values in America are finding ourselves in deep water yet many do not even notice what's happening. Things that used to cause alarm are now common place and are considered okay. Values are rapidly changing! So what's happening? Has the Bible changed? Is it no longer relevant? I, along with many others say a resounding "No, it hasn't changed, we have! And it is more relevant than ever before. 

 

So, in my opinion ,and the opinion of many others; if you can't see the changes rapidly taking place; if you can't feel the heat now, then my friend you're not paying attention or you're already done!.

Urgent Warning! 

Remember, by the time it comes to a boil around you it will be too late to do anything about it! 

 

The time is drawing nigh; it's time to chose your fate. Jump out of the Political Correctness mumbo jumbo, climb out of the pot of the world's ideas about what you must believe, and stand up for what you believe in! No choice is a choice of spiritual death. 

 

If you don't chose then you will find yourself boiled...oh, and tasting like chicken! 

 

 

3,000

 

3,000 Let That Number Sink In! (HINT...It's not just a number about 9/11)

We know that about 3,000 died on 9/11/2001 from the terrorist attack and we were all horrified as we watched all those lives lost on TV. But, did you know that in the year 2018 - 3,000 people died from government approved assisted suicide in Canada? Some of those people were not even elderly or terminally ill. They are discussing whether or not it should be open to anyone there that wants to check out.

It was reported that a 17 year old girl had been raped and couldn't deal with the mental anguish so they allowed her, no wait, they helped her kill herself. A precious young life was wasted because she was not helped thru her struggle by adults or professionals. It seems that life there is simply not worth saving.

Once life in the womb is considered disposable like it has been for here in the United States and in Canada for a while, the next step is to take away the lives of the older folks that are considered disposable too. After all they are a burden and an extra expense to the younger folks.

Then of course we can all look around and begin to remove the other disposable people that are in our way; the handicapped, those with down syndrome, diabetics, heart patients, cancer patients, or basically anyone that we or the government deem to be too costly or not perfect.

This complete disregard for human life is just another slippery slope that gains momentum in the frenzy created by those not recognizing the sanctity of life.

Satan loves to see life destroyed! Don't help his cause...Choose Life or YOU MAY BE NEXT!

SEPTEMBER 11, 2001
Do We Really Remember?
IS AMERICA CRUMBLING AGAIN? by John Godfrey

The words contained here are mine. I assume full responsibility for what I say and believe. This is not intended to hurt or offend anyone, we have enough of that going on in our country now. It is time we work hard to come together as a people, but we must not destroy our foundations in order to just get along. I simply believe that the direction we are headed leads us down a slippery slope and in the process we are slowly crumbling as a nation.

I have no reason to hate or put down anyone that does not share my views, I only pray we know what kind of country we will be leaving our children and grandchildren. There needs to be a solid foundation for them to cling to when the world continues to change with every new fad or philosophy.

GOD BLESS AMERICA, but more than that I believe that America needs to bless God again. We need to come together under our one God to keep from crumbling like the towers did. There's already smoke and flames in the air, but so far we haven't fallen. We're not a perfect people, but we can stand for the right and stay strong.



REMEMBER HATE WAS THE TIP OF THE SWORD THAT BROUGHT THE TOWERS DOWN!

 If I Should Die Tomorrow by John Godfrey

Have you ever looked back on the events of your life wondering what was important to you? If you should die tomorrow would others know anything about you? Would they know what was important to you? Would it be money or things accumulated? How about your work? If they do know your life, would anything stand out to them as something important to you in their mind? Something they can cling to? Will you, will I leave them any hope?

The video podcast below was published on my Facebook page June 27, 2017. It came about as I looked back over my own life wondering what I could possibly say about my own existence to those I leave behind. The good, the bad, and the ugly are all condensed here in this recording. It's not a sermon by any means, just my thoughts looking back. Of course there is no way a man or woman in their senior years could record everything about the days of their lives on a short video like this, but hopefully this will serve as a short record of my life to encourage others when I'm gone.
We all make mistakes, but they do not have to define who we are. Get back up and keep moving forward!

Through my Faith in Jesus Christ I do not fear death, but for those left behind that I love, I want them to know a little about who I am. My life is not all good, but I'm confident that it ends well because of Him.

What if its all taken away? by John Godfrey

Its Sunday October 6th 2013; time 1:00pm.

Most of you have already enthusiastically jumped out of bed, cleaned up by showering and shaving (men I hope here);  you've checked your closet and put on your Sunday clothes with your nice clean shoes and gone off to the church of your choice. Maybe your church isn't as extravagant or as large as this cathedral that I had the pleasure of visiting in Savannah Georgia pictured here, but I'm sure your church is nice and has all the comforts associated with churches of today, well in America at least.

No doubt at your church today you had a  great service with inspirational singing, spiritual preaching, loving fellowship, and some of you have even taken a leadership role. Maybe you sing on the Praise Team, play an instrument, or you blessed the congregation with a solo that may have brought a standing ovation? The minister may have brought a message like never before; it was so very inspiring! Who knows, you may possibly be that minister? Maybe you attend an old fashioned spirit filled "shouting" or "bench jumping" church; or yours could have a much more quiet reverent atmosphere. On the other hand many churches today have gone more toward contemporary services to help encourage the newer generations to come and join; maybe this describes your church?. Either way, what a wonderful feeling to have been there and been a part of such a great and heartwarming service.

Afterwards, as you rode in your car toward your home maybe you talked with your spouse or family about the wonderful church experience. You loved the singing and the preaching was okay too; at least it wasn't boring like other Sundays. It was a good morning. By now you are probably home, or maybe you're seated at your favorite restaurant preparing to enjoy a nice Sunday chicken dinner... today life is good. But before you take that first bite of chicken, stop for a minute! I want you to experience something I have thought about many times and I believe it is worth your time to at least consider. In reality I'm just a pile of dirt no better than anyone, but I do find myself questioning and considering things that many others may not care to do.

Try this short experiment with me. It will only take a few minutes I promise.


In your mind I want you to humor me and put your life in reverse (today specifically).. Simply go back to the very moment you parked your car at your church door. Remember? You parked,  got out of your car and headed towards the building with a smile on your face as you began to greet those you came in contact with. To most of those around you seemed to not have a care in the world and they seemed the same right back at you. We call that our Sunday morning mask and it is a normal part of our Sunday experience. But this morning you notice something is strange, something is different as you enter the sanctuary.

What would your christian life be like if the things you are so accustomed to began to disappear? What if its all taken away? What would you do?

The first thing you notice as you enter the building is that the beautiful church interior has been stripped away! The carpet is gone; the padded pews are replaced with hard benches; its a bit hot because the air conditioning is not on and as you look around you quickly notice the entire heating and air system is no longer there! Its gone! You look again and notice the stained glass windows are replaced with plain clear glass; flowers are all gone; statues are missing; pictures of Jesus are missing as well; and to beat it all the three large viewing screens are showing scrambled fuzzy images where the elegant inspirational videos are usually played!

What in the world is going on you ask?

People in the sanctuary cannot answer that question either because they are all in shock as well! To the older folks its almost like being in the old TV show, the Twilight Zone where nothing seems real!

Then you look up and see the church Choir inter the room along with the Choir Director/ Minister of Music followed closely by the Praise Team. Then in spite of the missing items in the building the Pianist and Organist along with all of the church musicians begin to play, but it last for only a minute because suddenly the musicians each notice that their instruments are vanishing into thin air! In the midst of the song you see the Praise Team, some with hands already lifted high in the air, suddenly drop their hands in disbelief that the music has stopped! They soon realize that there are no instruments to accompany them so they feel they can no longer sing; in fact a few seconds later all of their voices are completely gone as well! They look back at the Choir and the beautiful robes have just as quickly vanished and the choir members stop without another note. What a terrifying moment! People throughout the sanctuary try not to panic but can barely stay in the building!

They all begin to question themselves and others...

What is happening? Is this the end that we have been preaching and singing about all of our lives? If so why would it happen this way and is God trying to tell us that he is not interested in our songs of praise? Instinctively all eyes turn to the pastor sitting on the stage for answers; surely he will have words of comfort and wisdom that will calm our fears and inspire us?

Nervously the pastor stands and walks to the pulpit. He too has a look of disbelief as to what has just started happening in his church. He's been to Theological Seminary; he's earned his Doctorate; surely he knows why this is happening. The church doesn't know it, but the truth is, he doesn't have any idea what to say because he doesn't know what is going on himself. Everything that the church has relied on to carry out the quote "normal" worship services in the past decades has been suddenly and completely stripped away! Slowly the pastor opens his mouth to try to speak, but he finds that he is simply dumbfounded and can think of nothing to say. He turns and moves toward the kingly style chair from whence he came that had been purchased for him a year ago by the deacons. He shakes his head as he sits down placing his head between his knees and he begins to cry feeling like a failure.

You look around and you notice that the smiling faces are all gone.

It seems that each and every person has a look of pain and it almost seems that you can sense the problems and hurts in their lives by simply looking at them. The secret drunk begins to look like a drunk; the cheater and the immoral have faces covered in shame; the greedy and the power hungry show their arrogance in plain sight while trying not to show their faces; the thieves and criminally minded have a look of extreme guilt! In the meantime you too are trying to cover your weaknesses that are showing to others on your own face. You are still sitting with your family in utter dismay on the unusually hard bench. Then you turn and you look at your wife and say "This is it...Our church is gone! There's nothing left!"

You stand to leave with nothing to say to anyone. Suddenly the church is shaken but its not an earthquake! It is being shaken by a loud voice from Heaven!

You along with everyone else there soon hear the voice say..."WHERE IS YOUR CHURCH NOW?"

The voice continues..."Pastor, can you not lead this flock without the trappings and glitter associated with your normal church services? And Mr. Choir Director can you not find a way to lead my flock in songs from the heart without the musical professionalism beside and behind you? What about you Praise Team...can you only lift your hands to me when you hear yourself singing while accompanied by beautiful music in front of an audience? What if you couldn't sing at all, would you still lift your hands in praise? Choir, do you have to be clothed in a magnificent robe to sing? Do you really sing to me, or is this just part of the religious show that I find in my house across this land? And to you musicians I say, you give your time and talents as well, but if these talents and instruments are gone what would you do for me then?

There is a deafening silence in the room as no one dares to speak out of fear!

Then the voice speaks again..."What about you...yes you in the congregation? Are you my flock only when you are in comfort? Is it all about coming to enjoy the show prepared for you?" "Pastor, Deacons, Elders, and Teachers are you leading people in the ways of righteousness and making disciples not just converts to enlarge your congregation?"  You bow your head in shame while no one can or even dares to answer the voice.

The voice continues..."This is My Church, bought and paid for by My Blood but you have been deceived into thinking it is all about you; you rely on your preaching styles, your ways of leading, your singing, your talents, your presentation, and even your comfort. Now you can see that I have stripped it all away for you to see clearly that your heart is far from me. Your worship services are in vain; you need only one thing and that is to completely Focus On Me and My Word so that I can teach you; so that you can bring the lost, the hurting, the ugliness of this world To Me for the answer. No, your church is not gone...I AM THE CHURCH! Your job is not to focus on inspirational preaching and singing as good as that may seem to you. Your charisma. talent, and money mean nothing to me. The works you do on your own mean nothing as well because Without Me You Can Do Nothing! Have you forgotten The Great Commission? You are to make disciples in my name so they can grow in me and then teach others to do so as well. Today I've taken your entertainment away. I've taken your comfort away. I have taken your mask away! Now, all you have left is all you really ever needed to change this world.I know and love my sheep. My sheep hear my voice and a stranger they will not follow...so, who will you follow? By the way in case you're wondering...Jesus is my name."

Then in the blink of an eye and as if nothing ever happened everything in the building returned to normal. You sit there amazed and in shock and you find yourself having to choose between what you have always done and what the voice just told you.You want to follow, but your comfort has always been in the way you have always done it. Its so hard to leave that behind; after all its doing good...isn't it?

What would you do?

What if this happened in your church? What would you do, stay the same? Close the doors to the church? Or get back to the basics of the church as true followers of Jesus? It is a question every true Christian needs to answer. Most of us answer it every Sunday without realizing it.We often see things through our own veiled vision of experiences and tradition while in reality we would be better off if the religious trappings and traditions were taken away from us. Think about it.

That's all I had on my mind today and it may seem strange that I would even think, much less write such a thing as this, but this is something I have pondered in my heart for a long while.,,,,What part of our church experience is truly God centered? Are we simply being entertained and made to feel good by going to our churches? Each person has to answer that for themselves.

Now you can finish your meal.

By the way, what if your Sunday dinners and religious social interactions were taken away too? Would you still worship and follow Jesus? Hey, I do these things myself so I am in no way your judge, but I do believe it is something we all need to think about and decide on. Otherwise we are just playing the game of church.

Pictured above, My Dad was pastor at a small country Baptist Church like this one many years ago

in Sequatchie Tennessee

Not all churches are extravagant, however we all still have our conveniences and traditions

Father's Day 2013 - What Does It Take?

FATHERS DAY 2013

by John Godfrey

           

L-R Kevin, Me (looking Rough), and Kerry

Dad its Father's Day! Your kids give you cards and presents...its your special day! But flip it around for a minute and ask yourself...Are you proud of your son or daughter? Silly Question? Not really.

Since its Father's Day I have a question for us dads. Come on, I'm serious! What does it take for a father to be proud of his sons or daughter? I remember that question being asked at a church youth gathering many years ago when my boys were young.

So what's the real answer? Is there more than one answer? Think about it. What does it take for you to be proud of your sons or daughters? Since I only have sons my questions may mostly center around boys, but you can insert the word daughter if I fail to do so. I know, I'm not a philosopher or trained counselor, I'm just a dad that has asked this question a of myself long time ago. I'll give you my answer too that question a little further down.

My boys Kerry and Kevin when they were young

How about it...What does it take for you to feel proud of your children? I've listened to and observed people with their children all of my life and sometimes it amazes me at what I see when dads (and mothers too) interact with their children.

So here are a few questions to get you thinking. 

• Do your children have to share all the same views as you do for you to feel a sense of pride in them? 
• Do they need to follow in your steps as they choose a life career? 
• Do they need to act perfect all the time for you to be proud of them, or maybe get straight A's in school? 
• Do they have to follow your ideas on politics or can they have a different view and still meet your approval?
• Does it become more of a source of pride for us dads if they become doctors, lawyers? You know, those positions of prestige or any profession we can brag about? 
• How about the president of a large corporation or President of the United States for that matter? 
• Pro Athlete? Winner of American Idol? The list is endless, but you get the idea I know.

Take a minute and just think about it. What is it deep down deep inside of you it that is the source of pride, or lack of pride in your children? After all, not every child can sing, or lead, or play sports well, or get straight A's in school! So, do you have hoops or levels that must be overcome before you really are proud of your son or daughter? I think that subconsciously many times we can fall into that performance trap.

Kevin about 4 years old

Okay so here goes...My answer to the question posed to us at that youth meeting many years ago was, and still should be really simple. The answer is...Nothing! Zip! Nada! Zero! A father is proud of his son or daughter regardless of those things that seem so important to so many around us. His children may be short or tall, skinny or heavy, by natural birth or even by adoption; none of that matters to him. He is proud just because he loves them.

Me and Kerry at Disney World

Of course any father will always take pride in the accomplishments of his children because he knows that those "high point" experiences are uplifting and encouraging to his children! It gives them confidence and hope. But that is not basis or bottom line reason of our parental pride. If that is the case then when they fail to perform like we want then we would lose our pride in them! Once again, the truth is that any father that truly loves his child is proud simply because that is his son; its his boy! Its his girl; Its his daughter!

His children may even have physical or mental limitations that keep them from performing as other children do, but to that dad, that doesn't matter either; its his child and that father is proud! He loves them just the same.Good times and bad times come and go in all families yet nothing that child can do makes dad love more than he already does and nothing the child does wrong will ever stop his love as a father! Its a trait that I believe comes from God. Once we allow Him (God) to adopt us into His family by our personal acceptance of Him, then we love as He loved us. No its not a perfect love on our part, but it is a love that cannot be explained in human terms.Performance has nothing to do with it He loves us and we love our children as well.

Kerry about 2 years old

My boys are now grown with their own families. They both have grown to become fine men in my eyes. No they're not perfect, they make mistakes as dads and husbands just like I did. They will have things to work through and improve on throughout life; its a part of growing and maturing. Mistakes will happen in both of their lives and no doubt some mistakes may be hard to overcome, but they will make it if they will stick it out. 

Neither of my sons are not carbon copies of me; thankfully they are their own men and in reality they are better men than me in many ways. Personally I wouldn't have it any other way..

They both work hard, love their families, and stand on their own. I've never seen them ask or expect society to take care of them. They've never even ask mom and dad for anything much for that matter. Of course I would do anything to help if they need it or ask, but they've not had to yet. When it comes to family they have both made theirs a priority. They are both mature enough and smart enough to work for what they have. They are stand up guys!

Kevin getting a much needed haircut

Kerry's first Barber Shop Trip

I was proud of them when they were little fellows by my side and I'm still proud now that they both are grown. I watch them as they do their best to raise and love their own sons and daughters too. Its a hard job to balance love and discipline with children, but they are doing their best! That is a blessing for me to see.

The good Lord knows that I've been far from perfect myself, but I tried to teach them right from wrong when they were small. I've had to scold and correct them; I know that I've even misjudged them at times; I've even embarrassed them by the way I act and do things, but in spite of me, they turned out alright.

To me, the best sound a father's ears can hear is not how much money is in my bank account or the accolades of other people. I could care less about those. The best sound to my ears are simply the words  “I love you dad”. That is awesome! But, then, to be further blessed and hear “I love you Papaw” on top of that is worth more than anything else you can ever pass my way! As I get older, its very important to me that I do not pass from this Earth without my sons and my grandchildren all knowing...Your dad and granddad is proud of each of you. Always have been; always will be!

Kerry just being cool!

As dads we have to choose to love on purpose through the mistakes, disappointments, and pain that can come along through life. We have to learn to forgive and to look for the good that is sometimes hidden behind the wrong actions of our children. We need to be vulnerable enough to ask for forgiveness when its needed and we have to keep in mind that every person on Earth makes mistakes and bad choices at times. Remember wrong choices and actions didn't keep God from loving us and it should never stop a fathers love either. Loving and being proud of our children comes naturally, but it can also be a choice we make on purpose during the less than prideful times, so we should never get caught up in the pride for actions game.

My sons and I have been through many things, both good and not so good, and we have made it this far. We'll make it the rest of the way too!

Always remember to "Love and Live On Purpose!" To my sons Kevin and Kerry, I'm proud of you both and I feel the same about your children who just happen to be "my grandchildren" whom I love deeply as well.

Dad

Kevin getting his Masters Degree

Kerry in Marines holding his son Blake the day he left for war in Iraq

With God's Help in 2013 I will...

With God's Help in 2013 I Will...

It has to be more than resolutions by John Godfrey  



I want to Live life on Purpose! Life without living it on purpose passes by far too quickly! Before we know it we are near the end looking back and we have moved to the beat of others drums.


Without living on purpose we miss many of the opportunities to be with the ones we love, we miss their input into our lives and they miss ours. Sadly the time lost can never be returned to us. In the end our relationships are left weak and frail. We need each  other throughout life and that has to be done on purpose. It takes effort! I want to do better this next year at loving my family and friends and living on purpose for them. 



I want to Treat Others with Respect! Regardless of personal, religious, or political differences I need to be respectful. No one deserves a “know it all” attitude from me so even though I will always be open and honest, I'll try to do so with respect and answer tactfully.

God gave us the freedom to make choices even if we choose the wrong ones. We live with the consequences of our choices, so why should I do less for others? I'll share my values, guidelines, and input where necessary without hesitation, but I will never attempt force to my views on others. Others are due respect no matter how old or how young.


I want to Give More of Myself and Expect Less in return! My closets are full of clothes and other items that I do not use or need. There are things I can do to help the less fortunate and I need to do them. Time, Money, Clothing, Shoes, and more of my blessings are being wasted when they could be used. I want to be more aware of the needs of others and how I can help them. I want to be a giver and not a taker!

I want to Give God More of my time and effort! Days, weeks, and years pass by without thought of eternity or our purpose while here on Earth. Everyone has a reason for living, breathing, and being. God cannot, or maybe I should say will not use us if we do not make ourselves available without reserve. Of course that's not always easy to do and I'll most likely fail at times, but anyone that continually travels down the wrong highway in life will end up with an unfulfilled and empty existence. Life is not about stuff, it's about sharing and helping each other along the way as we follow God's leading. It takes strength to stand and give more time to God when others mock; its always easier to walk away, but we are told to stand in order to find our life purpose.

I want to Stand Strong even if it is on my own regardless of the manipulators and the pressure from others! No, I'm not saying that we should ignore others suggestions completely, however once I come to a decision that I feel is morally, spiritually, and economically correct for me and those I love, I will stand on that belief. I will not be forced to fit into any individual's, or any group's idea of what I should be, what I should do, or how I should act. Those decisions are between me and God.

I will do my best to avoid the manipulators that feel their way is always the “right way” and that everyone must follow their lead. I'll avoid the controllers that for the sake of getting their own way, have their own laws of life, but disrespect others feelings or wishes. In a way they live by the rules of their own minds and do not believe others have the right or the intelligence to make decisions. They lack faith and belief in others and everything must be their way. Selfish Manipulators and Controllers will be treated kindly, but for the most part they will disregarded in my decision process. God help me from manipulating or controlling others to further my own agenda or to simply be in control.

I want to Practice Forgiveness! As much as is humanly possible I want to forgive those that have wronged me, my family, and my friends. Some forgiveness can only come with God's help and I already know it will come hard, but I want to be available to let Him forgive others through me just as God has forgiven me. I cannot expect God to forgive my failures without forgiving others.

I want to Control my Tongue and even my Writing! Gossip, slander, or ridicule in any form, be it spoken or written, is wrong and hurtful. Every time someone is mentioned in a negative way by me or others it is a form of attack and personal destruction against that person. No doubt, some people are completely evil and need to be spoken against, but I'm speaking of normal everyday people that we know and associate with at work, in church, or in our relationships. The Bible says that the tongue has the power to kill. Good people in churches, groups, or personal relationships do easily get caught up in gossip and many feel it is okay to do so. Why? Because many times we feel that the gossip is true, but that matters not because its still destructive. I know I'm not perfect in this, I've done it. Even so, God forgives and forgets so when do we do the same? My goal is to move on with my life and not be stuck in the mud with others that have failed because I've failed as well. Or, in other words why should we throw stones when we live in glass houses of our own,

Finally, with God's help I want to be More Creative with the hands and mind that He has given me. God is the great Creator of all things and my desire is to be a small part of his continuing work by creating what I can. It may be writing, photography, music, or a combination of all three? Regardless, I want to express what I feel in a creative way because a person that is creating things has little time to be destructive.

Final note.
Throughout this past year and my life in general I have failed many times at all of these things, however should I stay in this rut simply because of my past?

With God's help these Eight things can transform my life in 2013. When I Focus my attention on: Purpose; Respect; Giving; God; Standing Strong; Forgiveness; Control My Speech; and Creativity, my life will be moving in the right direction. If not, then my life will be on my usual self-centered terms.  Time is fleeting for us all.

These things really are important to me. They are not rules and rituals that I feel are necessary for me to earn a place in Heaven, no not at all because I firmly believe and know that Heaven is because of my acceptance and belief in Jesus plus nothing and minus nothing. We cannot earn it or buy it through our quote "Good Works", "Traditions" or "Rituals". If we could work our way in then Heaven would be because of us and not because of Him and that does not match with Holy Scripture. No, these resolutions for the lack of a better word are just common sense things to help me be a better person and more true to who I fail to be, but really who I want to be. If I slip, I pray I'll get up and try again.

So what is important to you in the year ahead?  Lord willing 2013 will come and go before we know it, or who knows all things could come to a finale and that would not surprise me at all. Think about it!  My hope is that you will have a Happy and Fulfilling New Year!

HAPPY 2013!

Easter and Motion Sickness

In about one hour from the beginning of my starting this post Easter 2012 will be a reality. I have no doubt that Easter and all that it represents is a reality of historical fact and is without a doubt one of our most basic spiritual truths as well. If there was no first Easter; no bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ; then our faith is in vain. Without the first Easter we have nothing and our Christianity would be based on a lie. So, the first Easter and Christianity as well are either absolute truth or absolute fiction. We cannot have it both ways. I won't go into the reasons as to why I believe in the absolute truth of Easter, but I will just say that in my life's journey for me it would require less faith to believe than it would to for me not to believe. Over the centuries since Christ's resurrection untold millions have come to the same conclusion and they have lived and died with that hope.

However, for those of us that still are alive and live in that hope I can't help it but I find myself looking at how far we have come both in our observance of Easter and our worship services in general. The things I'm about to say may sound judgmental, but that is not the reason for my writing. God knows I have no room to judge anyone. I know that what I'm about to say may offend some even though that is not my intention at all. Others may even call my words heresy, but I guess that's okay too because the religious crowd accused Jesus of the same. Not that my words are on equal grounds as Jesus by any means, no they are far from it, but its just a fact that some people clearly do not like to hear anything that is unusual or different from what they have always heard or have been taught. Truth is some can get down right angry if you have a different opinion regarding church matters! If you don't believe me then I suggest you do a little research regarding church start ups and you will find that many began after a church split or fight. It's an ugly fact, but unfortunately it's a true one. However I'll leave that subject alone for another time.

I suppose what I'm trying to say is that I suffer from "Motion Sickness". No not the kind you feel when aboard a ship or spinning in a circle, no this is a sickness caused by going through the motions, specifically in this case I mean our "religious motions" that we find ourselves going through in the name of Christianity.

Recently I listened to a well known preacher on the radio that said something that took me completely by surprise. He wondered out loud about how far we as Christians have drifted back toward some of the forms of worship that were followed during the time of Christ without knowing it? Those early religious practices where mostly religious traditions that, if you lived back then, well you were expected to follow or you would be considered a heathen or blasphemer. This was not from Jesus perspective, but it was from the religious crowd. He then said that whether we know it or not it seems that many times we Christians, or at least those that claim the name of Jesus, fall into the same trap in the things we religiously expect of each other. And on top of that we find ourselves believing that our actions are exactly what God expects before He will notice us or give us His favor. Here are a few examples.

Some Christians believe you must wear certain clothes, or speak a certain Christian lingo, or wear your hair a certain way, or your church pastors must comb their hair and wear their suites with almost the same look, or some believe that churches that sing "the old hymns" are quote spiritual while the ones that sing praise type music are not. Some believe that if you do not act the way they do then you are not even a Christian. Others believe that if you're not in a church every time the door is open then you must be less of a Christian or worse... not one at all! We go on and proudly say that we are not "conformed" to this world while we follow the same expected traditions that our fathers and forefathers set up in the past. We never seem to question if our traditions are really from God. We have become conformed to each others expectations and not necessarily to Gods expectations. Basically, we put God in our box where He can fit into our way of doing things and God help the one that tries to do anything different in our midst. Its sad, but unfortunately we sometimes can feel real good about ourselves just by looking down at those that are not like us. Funny that judging others can make us feel spiritual, go figure?

Some go even deeper by going through ceremonies and rituals following their church traditions in order to gain favor with God or to reach a quote "higher status". Others also add more works to gain salvation. Its an endless cycle that many may even question to themselves, however they do not dare to express an opposite view lest they be ostracized from the so-called faithful. I have heard people say things like ..."I covet your prayers" even though the Bible says "Thou shalt not covet". One church has a praise team to lead the service so others have to have one too. Churches have two services in order to get the quote "Traditional" old timey crowd and the other service is called "Contemporary" in hopes of getting the young folks that like up-beat worship. I'm not saying this is bad, I really don't know? Yet is all this really necessary to be given a chance to be a true follower and worshiper of a living and self-described loving God? It seems that we cannot become one as a body of believers because we keep splitting each other up at every turn!

We go through these same motions in our American churches every Sunday, or others go through the motions on Saturday, and I have to say that all of this working and jerking has led me to feel a little "Motion Sickness". Don't get me wrong I'm not against churches at all, after all Jesus is the head of the church. But, is all of this on going motion that we line up and follow really the church? Honestly, is that where we are in our faith? Or a better question would be...is that where we should be in our faith? Do you and I have to act just alike in order to be considered Christian? Do we all have to jump through the same religious hoops? Or did God have a plan for you or me that is different from my neighbor? If so do I need to judge my neighbor because he isn't just like me? Other than the basic fundamentals of the faith that include believing the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Jesus to pay for our sin and then accepting that as a free gift from God to me...well then ...I think not. Its not my place to be the judge of others.

Easter and Christianity mean that you accept as fact that Jesus died on the cross for you and that he literally rose from the dead on the third day. He conquered death for you and I. You either accept that as fact by faith or you reject it and choose your own way. Jesus said..."Follow me". He never said follow others. When we think that others must follow ours or our churches religious ways of doing things then we are simply stuck in traditions and going through the motions. If you think about it and realize what we expect from each other in the name of religion then you may join me by feeling a little "Motion Sickness".

Jesus was, and is, Easter in the flesh. Don't you think that we should stop adding our traditions, our rituals, our own works, and our own religious twist that do nothing more than make us feel spiritual. That is why Jesus said that in the last day he will say to many "Depart from me I never knew you." Sad words that will be spoken to religious people as well. The Bible also says that "Our works are like filthy rags in the sight of God". It also says that none are righteous...do you understand what the word NONE means? Of course you do. In plain words there ain't nothin' you can do to make God accept you and there ain't none of us that stand a chance to be good enough to be righteous in God's eyes outside of the blood shed for us by Jesus. Take it or leave it.



Unfortunately, Easter morning is one of those times when churches are full of people going through the motions and many are there in order to feel spiritually good about themselves. They are in the mode of religious ritual and tradition and they are not there to worship the one true God. Easter is about a God that traveled through time and space to pay our debt in a way that we never could ourselves. Our motives for church attendance should be more than just motions in front of others.

I wonder if God ever gets "Motion Sickness".

PS...For those of you that believe you have to add more to what Jesus did that first Easter then you have missed Easter all together. When Jesus said "It is finished" He alone had completed the work of redemption. He had no need for another to finish his task. To think otherwise is a false belief. I hope you will think it through.

Crossing The Bridge by John Godfrey Dec ember 19th 2011

I have passed this little bridge and pond pictured here many times and I've always wanted to take a picture of it. So, recently I decided to stop and give it a shot! I have to admit that I was a little nervous because this property belongs to a private family and unfortunately I did not see anyone available to ask permission to photograph it. With that in mind I pulled my car over and made a few pictures very quickly, then I left the scene! If you read this and the property belongs to you I hope you don't mind. Your property intrigues me.

Most of you who have read my ramblings know that I see things many times that are a bit more than meets the eye. Basically when I look at something it seems that my mind automatically builds into the scene something different or deeper than what is there before me. This scene proved to be another one of those times.

click on the picture to enlarge

As you look at the picture what do you see? A small bridge? A barn like building or the pond? Of course that's only natural because they are there. But the more I look at it the more I see. My imagination has always gone wild so hang in there with me a minute and I'll try to describe it to you.

That old bridge crossing the pond made me stop and think of my life as crazy as it may sound! To the left of the picture you see the beginning point where the land is solidly connecting to the bridge; that to me reminds me of my life's beginning foundation. It was a time of fun, laughter, learning, and ever changing emotions that I'll never forget! For the most part it was safe and a part of me wanted to stay always, but that was not to be.

I grew a little older and my ventures slowly led me away from the safe begging point of my youth. I began to head further out on my bridge of life. The more I moved out the more exciting it became! Even though I was doing what is a normal part of life by venturing out, I still would look back at my foundations or beginnings not wanting to completely let go. There they were behind me, my family, my friends, and my past experiences; they were all there to help keep me grounded in a strange sort of way. But I kept moving further out.

After a while I found myself traveling further out faster than I ever expected! Everything was moving in my fast pace life. Things changed rapidly...friends and relationships changed before I even knew they were gone. I wanted to hang on to it all, but I couldn't because I needed to go on and I knew they needed to move on as well. I felt the hands of those I cared for slipping away as I moved out yet further and they went their own ways. I continued my journey occasionally crossing some very shaky parts of my bridge and rotten parts as well that almost let me slip through, but somehow I would get back up and I managed to move a little further again.

There were many times that I would stop, turn around and look back, but I began to notice that my life's bridge was carrying me so far away that it was getting harder to see those that I had left behind. I always felt in my heart that they were still there...somewhere. I loved them, but I knew I had to keep going. I was fighting to succeed and I wanted to be someone people would be proud of as I crossed on.

Then one day, I reached the dreaded middle of the bridge. I had heard about this part of the journey from so many people before. Now the bridge seemed to be getting harder to cross; all of a sudden everything seemed to be going up hill and I found my steps slowing some; I was getting tired and when I looked back there was very little that I could show for my trip thus far. I looked back toward my beginning and I felt a little sad. I could almost see them, but I knew that some of the faces I loved were now gone completely from view. I was at the highest point of my bridge but at the lowest point of my life when I finally stopped to rest a bit. I turned and looked at the water below. The water was full of reflections of my past. Some made me smile as I remembered while others almost made me cry. I found myself thinking, "You should have done better on this bridge", "You've let so many down that depended on you", "You barely know where you're going and you can't even grasp where you've been." "How can you keep going when you know you will do the same as you go forward?" At that point on the bridge I knew that I had to make a choice...

Do I go on and finish my venture, or do I turn back to where I've been? I also felt that there was a third choice that I could make in my new found depressed state of mind...I asked myself...Would it not be best for everyone if I simply jump over the side of my bridge and stop the trip now?

Can I turn back now? No not really, its actually further back to where I came from than it is to where I'm going. And besides I have to realize that things have changed so much back where I came from that they can never be the same again no matter how badly I want it. So I know in my heart that I can't really go back. Do I jump now and call it all quits? No, I can't do that either...its the selfish way out and besides I would be heaping coals of sadness on the next generation that will be crossing here behind me. They would reach this point and remember the place I decided to stop and quit. I can't do that to them...I can't be that kind of example.

Looks like my only choice is to go on. There are still those that love me and pray for me on this journey and they want me to finish well. I've met and loved so many along my bridge and their faces are always in my mind. So I look up, turn, and start moving forward again. Strange...I can't see the other side yet but I know its getting very close. Even though I can't see it I know it will be the place I've longed for my whole life! A feeling engulfs me the closer I get to the other side. I can feel their presence and love in the breeze. I can see the smiles and almost hear the laughter as they wait for me. My loved ones behind are pushing me to keep going while those in front of me are reaching out and saying you're going to make it! Now I find myself reaching for the hands of those that crossed the bridge before and it starts to feel like home again. As I reach the end of my bridge it finally occurs to me that the this was never my bridge. No this bridge belongs to all of us that meet along the way. The trip across was never about me, it was about them. If I had taken the time to put others before myself instead of passing them by, I would have been much happier.

Crossing life's bridge is very hard at times, but once you've started in the journey you can never really go back. You just hold the memories from the past in your heart and keep the love alive there until you reach the other side. I'm almost to the end of my bridge and much of my venture has gone wrong along the way because of wrong decisions. My prayer...I just want to finish well.

Maybe Its Time For An Attitude Adjustment

Warning...this is not about photography...this is a personal rant! So there, you've been warned. :-)

Does it make sense to you that we live in a country where a man is threatened with 30 years in jail for lying to congress about his steroid use while playing sports, while at the same time a young mother (if you can call her that) goes Scott free when every terrible detail points to the fact that she killed on purpose, or at least accidentally killed her little girl and covered it up? The sports figure's lies to congress are definitely wrong, but all he is guilty of is lying to a bunch of professional liars. And for that he may get 30 years in prison! Things are backwards my friends.

Do the following two words ring a bell with any of you? "Attitude Adjustment" I dare to say that to the younger generation those two words may not mean much, but to the older generation; those over 50 years and especially to those that are now 60 years of age or older, those words probably bring up certain disturbing mental pictures to your mind. Images like your dad grabbing you by the ear and taking you out back to "The Woodshed" for an attitude adjustment! Remember those days? Some do I'm sure.

Those adjustments were not child abuse, but no doubt they would be categorized that way now. No, they were simply stern, informative, hands-on adjustments that were required shortly after we sassed, disobeyed, or broke the rules that our parents (or any other respectable adult for that matter) had set in place. Okay shut your ears and cover your eyes...yes I was spanked! Oh the horrible damage of it all! (lol) No silly, I was spanked but never abused...ever! I'll go on the record...I hate child abuse, but some kids, and adults, could use an old fashion spanking for sure! There is a huge difference between a corrective spanking of the bottom and child abuse. Okay, no doubt I just lost some of you. To the others still here, hang on it gets worse!

It may have been different for you. Maybe your "Woodshed" experience was in another room, or just out in the back yard where no one could see; regardless those attitude adjustment usually got our attention the way they were meant to. In the end (no pun intended) we kids usually found a way to change our sorry uncaring attitudes and we "got with the program" in a way that benefited our family and our neighborhoods instead of just ourselves!

What's my point? I guess you can see that I've got something to say and by golly I'm gonna say it!

I, along with what I honestly believe are millions of other Americans, think its time for our Big Babies in Washington DC to have a good old fashioned "Attitude Adjustment!"

Personally in my humble opinion, be they Democrat, Republican, or Independent, every member of Congress and the Senate should be included.

Oh and we need to catch Obama by the ear and include him too before he escapes! (Note: This is just an expression, not an actual request to grab the President by any means. Nor do I advocate taking our representatives out to a woodshed. Its just a figure of speech so lighten up will ya? Man, you never know how people take things these days)

Sure, a few of them are doing better than others, but they still need to be included just so they won't forget the lessons learned. I'm tired of being bossed by selfish crying full grown babies that supposedly work for me and you. Something needs to change. We were promised "Change". Little did we know it would include diapers...well it could happen!)

Here's the deal...They (the DC babies crowd) keep telling us that now is the time for the citizens of the United States to be ready for the hard decisions. Everything must be placed on the table in order for us to take care of the looming mountain of debt that our nation is facing. They say its our duty as Americans to tighten our belt and sacrifice....HOGWASH! They want us to cater to them while they remain the same or better off and that's it!

Here's my response to our beloved representatives in DC. You may ask me to help anytime. As an American citizen and a veteran I want my country to survive and even prosper, but first lets go to the "woodshed" with each and every one we've elected to represent us. Lets see...that would be about 535 attitude adjustments; 100 Senators and 435 Representatives from the house (hope that's correct?). Anyway that's a lot of whoopins' but by George its worth it!

If you are like me then you don't mind helping our country in times of need. If you, the country's leaders, will lead by example then I'll follow, but don't push me or my family to sacrifice when you don't intend to do any sacrificing yourself. I really don't respond well to pushing; never have and never will! Great Leaders lead by example first!

You say that Social Security is an "entitlement" for us. Sorry but NOPE we have paid into that system for years with little hope of a good return. It was our hard earned money that you have stolen to fund your pet projects. So find a way to fix it or go to jail; that would be my response!

Since 2007 our economy has been crashing. Americans have watched you waste money and do nothing but dig us into a deeper hole financially. We have lost jobs, homes, 401K's, Health Insurance and on it goes. What about you our trusted leaders?

Here's the facts about what you really are doing and some ideas that if taken to heart might begin to show that you really care about the Americans that put you in office and not just yourselves.

Fact #1: You have voted yourselves pay raises of about $8,800.00 during that same period of time since 2007 bringing your average salaries to $174,000.00. The majority and minority leaders make $193,400.00 annually while the Speaker of the House makes $233,500.00. In the meantime you arrogantly fuss at company CEO's and call them on the carpet to testify for making the "Big Bucks" and for flying their personal corporate jets. You say they are wasteful and are taking advantage of the stock holders and employees. At least most of them invested and worked for what they have and didn't steal the money from everyday people and old folks. Of course there are always a few bad apples, but most prospered because they risked to start a company or to grow their business. Oh by the way, President Obama makes $400,000.00 a year plus another $169,000.00 a year for travel, entertainment,and whatever else he wants. That's $569,000.00 for those of us that are counting. He also took in over $1,700,000.00 last year from book sales etc. No wonder he is smiling all the time!

So honestly, how about taking a look in the mirror Senator, Congressman, or Mr President, before you set yourself up as a judge of others? Truth is that on top of your salaries your average median personal wealth (not including the President) as our sacrificing government servants was $911,500.00 in 2009 and I'm sure its more now. Many of you are multimillionaires and I really don't care if you are, but I gotta ask...so how did you get your money? If your getting fatter and want to tax the poor or middle class more then shame on you!

Idea #1 If you really want and believe we should have higher taxes and deep cuts in Social Security and Medicare, then you go first and I'll follow. You could all start off by giving back the $8,800.00 each in raises you pocketed while we all suffered over the last few years. Maybe you can put the money into something worthwhile like feeding the hungry, or how about putting it back into the Social Security fund that you all have secretly drained away over the years? That would be almost 5 Million Dollars every year saved...its not a lot, but its a start! Then to show us more good will why not put your future raises on freeze status until you find a way to bring our economy back from the dead! I think you can live off of what you already make. After all you expect us to live off of much much less!

Whats important...your power and personal wealth or the future of your country? The elderly and poor along with families and businesses are suffering while you prosper. Is that really what you were elected for?

Fact #2: You have all voted yourselves great benefits in Healthcare and Retirement. You do not want to be on Social Security like us and you definitely do not want to be placed on the average person's Healthcare programs.

Idea #2 Bite the bullet and place yourself on the same systems as the people you supposedly serve. You have different Healthcare and Retirement systems that everyone knows are far better than your constituents, so how about joining us. After all we hired you...When did you become the elite class?

Fact #3: You give tax breaks, incentives, and low interest or no interest loans to foreign investors that want to start businesses in the United States. Wow how thoughtful. Are you great or what? (a little tongue in cheek there)

Idea #3 Here's a brilliant idea that you never thought of...How about giving the same tax breaks,incentives, and low or no interest loans to your own citizens. That way you will bring back jobs, stimulate the economy, and increase tax revenues, instead of crushing small businesses with your stupid taxes and regulations that send our businesses and jobs out of the country. How smart would that be? Are your thoughts consumed with taxing us and giving away our country to the world? Sorta looks like it huh?

Fact #4: You say that we must raise taxes to pay for increased spending.

Idea #4 First, stop wasting our tax money on non essential spending! You know what is essential and what projects are done just for votes. Most of what you spend our money for is spent to pacify people so you will get re-elected! Next, how about introducing a "Flat Tax" or something like it to place every person on the same tax percentage playing field according to personal income. Close the legal tax "Loopholes" that give the big wigs and the middle class ways of not paying their fare share. Exclude the verified poor and elderly from taxes all together.

Fact #5 From the President on down millions or actually billions are raised and spent on your combined re-election campaigns. Is that a waste of money or what? Is power that important to you? Old ladies and children are starving but at least you get elected. Awesome! Sorry, but when you get into office the results we get are far from worth the money spent to get you there.

Idea #5 Place real limits on how much money is spent on campaigns and set the limits low enough where everyday qualified people could afford to run for office. Give each person equal radio and television time and let the government pay for it. That would stop those of you that basically buy elections due to money you can raise from special interest groups. (poor baby...don't cry!) If you really want to impress people go ahead and raise all the money you can, but give the amount over the set limit to our national debt. (I know that will never be done because the politicians want the power that comes with that money. They want elected and they really do not care how they get it.)

I haven't even scratched the surface. If we do not stop being dependent on other countries we will fall. We need to drill here for oil and dig for coal while exploring all other alternatives. It can be done without harming our environment. Stop listening to the extreme environmentalist that are controlling you and our future. Put America first; not yourselves and definitely not our enemies. Close the border to illegals now! Never send our troops to a fight that we do not plan to win as quickly as possible. Just to mention a few.

Please stop pushing Your Agenda and Start Leading by Example...Do any of you in Washington DC have the moral courage to do what is right? You, our elected officials have just been taken to the "Woodshed" for an "Attitude Adjustment" by an average man. I pray you'll learn from it.

Note: Images on this post are Clip Art and not originals by John Godfrey.