July turned into August

Somehow, even though it happens every year so far, this one slipped up on me! Family, Ministry, Occupation, - three full categories, thank God. We've been able to fit in a few short trips and get-togethers here at home. Especially lovely time with Chapel Ministry Team to send off our faithful workers, Paul and Donna Hronek, to a new job in Huntsville, AL. Always a pleasure to spend time with Chap & Debbie Thompson, Greg and Sheila Simmons, Woody Jackson and Darrell Wilson. All dedicated and encouraging- being real. God Bless them as they bless us.

Ambrocio's Pastor and family with a few church members and children came by to visit and pray for direction as Ambrocio continues to follow God's leading into the ministry. He thinks he would like to return to Mexico as a Pastor. Add him to your prayer list, please. He is serious

One of the little boys sitting by me asked me if I was rich as this was the biggest house he had ever seen- I replied, yes, I'm rich in Jesus- He said "Me too!" Most of the adults understand a little english, but the kids are fluent and willingly interpret. They are smart, well-behaved and affectionate children. They love Jesus and He is a welcome member of the family. We especially pray for peace as they are subject to all sorts of pitfalls.

Everyday I meet people with every kind of issue, financial, health, jail, drugs, families broken, etc. and I'm reminded that God's mercy is new every morning and how blessed our family is. Keep praying for us all.

Children's children are the crown of old men. Psa.17:6a

Everything has a season and I love this one...

Even children are known by the way they act, whether their conduct is pure and right.

I was just reading my grand-daughter's blog and Proverbs 20:11 came to mind. One of the many endearing traits of this child (she's nearly grown!) is her willingness to serve. Over the years, I can remember her always checking to see if everyone had something to eat or drink, plenty of whatever you wanted...are you comfortable, Papa? Always a precious experience being with her. She got a double dose, since Mom and Daddy also have a sweet serving attitude- something that becomes more apparent as we all get older. I know I can call on them for anything. It is very satisfying and humbling to see your children's household producing such good fruit. Thank you Lord, for mercy every day.

Our Hope

"Hope" is the light that keeps the dark tunnel from overpowering us...Everyone has an understanding of "Hope" and how it impacts their life..."Hope" is the certain future with Jesus Christ..Titus 2:13 "Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;" but we have an additional blessing in Hope Adams, our beautiful little granddaughter.

I always take time to pray for my grands, and especially on their birthday, they are on my mind often. And Hope's even more so, as I always forget which day it is...the 25th or 27th...but, this gives me a few more days to pray! Happy Birthday and I love you, Hope.

Things are not always what you think...

The Pastor's Business Card

A new pastor was visiting in the homes of his parishioners. At one house it seemed obvious that someone was at home, but no answer came to his repeated knocks at the door.
Therefore, he took out a business card and wrote 'Revelation 3:20' on the back of it and stuck it in the door.
When the offering was processed the following Sunday, he found that his card had been returned.. Added to it was this cryptic message, 'Genesis 3:10.'
Reaching for his Bible to check out the citation, he broke up in gales of laughter. Revelation 3:20 begins 'Behold, I stand at the door and knock.' Genesis 3:10 reads, 'I heard your voice in the garden and I was afraid for I was naked.'

Thanks, Janice!

Good Fruit

Wow, sometimes things get past you, but I don't want to miss congratulating my daughter Connie on her 2nd wedding anniversary, Tuesday. Connie was our last child to marry and everyone agrees that Kirk was worth the wait. It is so comforting to know all six have chosen good mates and we do not take this rare blessing for granted. Each of our children have become our best friends and we give God ALL the glory. It's true that our mistakes should have manifested in really unpleasant people, but, again God is merciful....Reminds me of the little Sunday School saying - "mercy is not getting what we deserve and grace is getting what we don't deserve". Marriage is a serious topic in this group and we love to discuss relationship. Commitment is a skill we all are perfecting, and one so worth the effort. God Bless the Kirk Johnsons and a blessing on all our marriages.

Remnants

One of the people who prays for me and me him!!

I am enjoying the home inspection business very much. It is an opportunity to meet so many people in diverse circumstances. Many will let me pray over their situation. There are still many who respect the Word of God and are looking for His return. Somedays, judging by the TV and other sources, God looks outnumbered, but He always knows His sheep.



It has been my desire to use the office of Chaplain without depending on it for livelihood and God has made that possible so far! We are expanding with every request for as many different types of inspection as we can and every spare moment is spent training. No way could I have seen this coming...God has taken all my past experience, training, licensing, bits and pieces of info, contacts, serendipitous events and knit it all together into something I can see. Thanks for all your prayers and encouragement.

Fishing and Living

We were watching "Men of Honor" last night about the Navy's first black diver - and he was caught by a slack cable and almost cut his leg off. A quick flashback to one night fishing with David and a sharkline cable came tight slashing across the stern, and caught him by the neck. Only by the Grace and Mercy of God that cable didn't cut his head off.

So many times danger is lurking nearby, and ONLY the favor of the Good Lord keeps us out of harm's way. We need to pray for each other when we think of each other. Some have more dangerous jobs then other, but all are out in the world dealing with every kind of issue. Lord, watch over our 12 children, 16 grandchildren and 3 greats and all the peripheral members we need and love.

Mysteries Revealed

Bill Steakin called me yesterday to confirm my speaking appointment last night at TRC...(more on that later-www.TRCprisonministry.org) He also informed me that one of the fellows was putting himself at serious risk with old addictions and careless behavior. I had a little time to pray and reflect and God directed me to James 5:13-16 - specifically call the elders to pray over him and anoint him with oil. Here's the provision of God: I keep a little vial of oil in my van, but it was empty. It just so happened that as I was going out the door yesterday, my wife handed me a new full vial of oil and said, "here, you might need this." She does not know I keep a vial nor that it was empty, and of course had no idea of the events of the evening until I got home! I was able to anoint the brother in the name of the Lord and he was totally broken as I told this story. He was able to feel God's singular love for him. And I was able to thank God once again for my wife and all the opportunities He gives me to tell of His wonderful LOVE. God, You are an Awesome God.

Memorial Day...Lots to be thankful for - So many loved ones gone, but lots of memories.

Our Jenny finished 12th grade last week and it brought tons of remembrance of our first baby granddaughter. She and I used to walk a couple blocks to get ice cream when she could barely walk. She'd patiently wait 'til we got back to eat our melted ice cream bars. Sometimes we'd sit in her Aunt Kate's convertible in the carport and pretend drive. Jenny taught me a lot about babies and especially your children's babies! "No" is not in our vocabulary, and the parents of all our grands have given us this special gift by their sweet skillful parenting. We are so grateful. Jenny, I can't be your "hubund", but I sure am glad to be your Papa.

Visions

I can't believe it was 10 years ago that Ron Kurusis invited me to speak at SLC Correctional Center. This was before the chapel was even built. God gave the right man the vision for that chapel and Ron did not falter. It was several years in the praying stage, alone.
Chaplain David Thompson has instituted many services and meetings, and offers opportunity for all to be ministered. He fills the Chaplain shoes well - and they had been "well worn and worn well" by Chaplain Jeff Owens in the many years he served there. It has been an awesome sight to see the variety of men God has sent to preach - several from the ranks of inmates, restored to the community and desiring to "give back" with gratitude. Much credit goes to our Sheriff Mascara who has endorsed and encouraged the work.

Thank God for new generations

The birth of my 14th grandchild has impressed upon me the narrow

window of time allotted to all of us. It's pretty amazing to think that this little child could someday be my last link to living memory. Already the little older children have nearly forgotten my father-in-law who passed away last spring. And none have recollection of my father, gone now for 24 years. Of course, it's age that presents these truths so brutally, life just a vapor. But, the assurance of God's timetable and plan helps soften brittle reality. We know we are here for God's purpose, be it brief or extended. Purpose is on every church going mind these days and it may be hazardous to so rigidly adhere to the idea that we can know the plan of God, even nudge His hand to meet our expectations. Let it suffice to say that man has his plans, but God is THE Planner and it is reasonable to assume He may not divulge His entire game. He comforts us with the assurance that He will "finish the work", which lines up with other advice - to "rest in Him." Be cautious about much discussion and dissension - but always ready to give a word of encouragement. Here's one: Kevin, you and Sara are truly blessed and a blessing.