Run On

As you move through life you complete task after task, moving through season after season, trial after trial, joy after joy. You are almost done. You can see the finish line. Yes, it has been difficult, whatever 'it' is. Anything worth having is worth the work. Let me share what I learned when I was in high school. I competed in a junior Olympics and I was up to run.  I waited for the person that I would be running against, my heart pumping to get started. My coach, Booker T, was talking to the officials. I thought I had won by default. I thought. Booker T came to me to give the report. He told me that I would not have any person to run against, but I could not take my time. I had to beat the clock. I had to beat my best time. Then Booker T said something that has stayed with all these years. He said, "Don't run to the finish line, run through the finish line."

 As Booker T left the track I looked up in the stands and saw those cheering for me, then the gun shot signaled the start, and I was off. Did you hear it? "Don't run to the finish line, run through the finish line." Run, knowing that there are those encouraging you to make it.  You do not have to beat anyone but your best time.  In this life's journey, run, knowing that your best time sometimes may not be speed but ethical decisions you make, and the love you share.  Run, understanding that your approval comes from the Author and Finisher of your race. enough for now.

All God Everything (#allGODeverythingPDC)

Get Involved

Yesterday workers who are grossly underpaid had a press conference in front of the White House.  I was there as clergy to support.  It really amazes that we are so jaded as a nation that we would want to take 'it' all and leave nothing for anyone else.  These workers are the service workers working under government contractors.  The contractors get the contract from the government and are paid very well; yet, they give the lowest pay they can to the workers. 

That's not all.  These workers have no benefits, they are docked pay for anything, they are not paid overtime; yet, work 50-70 hours a week.  The contractor pays them from different accounts to bypass paying overtime.  Let me say it another way.  It was stated on a news interview that the contractors are being paid up to 200% over what they are paying the worker.  Come on.  Many of these workers cannot speak for themselves.  They are afraid and need their jobs.  Many of them are working three jobs to care for their families.

The resolve is to police the contract and not give contracts unless the worker is paid a better wage of at least 12.00 an hour. That's is what is being said, I say 20.00.  But they didn't ask me. What am I asking of you?  Pray and remember the government service worker who is fixing your sandwich. Please be in support as these are your neighbors.  Be kinder, speak up for them please.

Yes, there are many other stories out there, I agree.  My question to you - "What are you doing?" When we get home God will ask what did we do.  enough for now.

Your Season

Donald Lawrence sings, "This is your season, walk into your season."  This is your season.  This is your time.  Your time to make a move.  Your time to change some things.  Your time to get out of some things.  Your time to stand.  This is your time.  Take it!  Speak it! Believe it!  You can do it effortlessly by following Holy Spirit's guide.  Come on, let's get started- TODAY. enough for now

Don't Worry, Let it Go

I think too many times we find ourselves stuck in a rut, or running around in hamster-like wheel, or like a dog chasing it's tail, or (as my mother often said) running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. Whew!  That took a lot to say, especially when you think about it.  Go ahead, find yourself in one of those instances.  Oh yeah, you are there somewhere.  You see, too often we allow so many crazy things to take us into a spin. I know it to be true. 

So what can we do?  Glad you asked (as F.G. Sampson used to say). Okay here is the  experiential:
Take one of those crazy thoughts, the worries in your hands.  Hold on tight to them, as you are doing anyway.  Now turn your fists upward and work on releasing your fingers.  Why? because you can't release them to the work of God if you are gripping tight.  And if you can't release, you can't receive.  Go ahead, practice getting there.  That is the experiential.  Yes, it does work, oh I promise it does. 

Now let's get to self.  When we are worrying about so many things we take up useless energy that could be used in other directions.  We must capture the senseless thought before it becomes a thought.  "We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ" (2 Cor. 10:5 NIV).  Is it senseless?  Yes, if it takes you away from your peace.

Should you worry?  No, Jesus said, "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about you life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear" Luke 12:22 NIV).  That 'do not worry' is a command from Jesus.  I should not need to say anything else.   Try it- go ahead.  Try it, and watch what God does with it.  enough for now.

Celebrate

I have been celebrating birthdays.  My sister's birthday, my grandson's birthday,  my niece's niece's birthday (follow that one).  Anyway It is also celebration as my son prepares to run the  half-iron in the name of Valanda Wilson to fight Leukemia.  I have place the link here as I feel it is a big thing.  This is the last few days to donate as the run is Sunday.  Please pray for him and pray for the triathlon. 

http://pages.teamintraining.org/mi/rev3cdrp13/DMJohnson?fb_action_ids=10151519228491467&fb_action_types=og.recommends&action_object_map=%5B669904733037043%5D&action_type_map=%5B%22og.recommends%22%5D&action_ref_map=%5B%5D#My-Person-of-Honor
Celebrate life!  It is not promised, each day is a gift.  enough for now.

The First Day

Today is the first day of September. Join me in doing a new thing, and let's do it for the month of September.  What you ask?  Oh choose: diet, writing, fasting, exercising, forgiving, laughing, being kinder, gardening, running, walking, trying something new. . . You see where I'm going.  Whatever it is let it be something that brings glory to God and this benefitting you. You ready?  Check back with me October 1.  I'm excited that I am not doing my thing alone, I have you.  enough for now.