Short and Sweet

What a ride the last 7 days has been. How can one express feelings or emotions that soar so far in often opposite directions. One thing that remains clear on this bucking roller-coaster ride is that there is A Living and Loving God in Jesus Christ.

Most now know that a week ago today I took Caleb, Cole, Jaden Joy and Johnny (my 3 year old) to do some things for my dad (Lee Johnson) down at his home. He lives about an hour Southeast of Pella. We tried to call him a few times along the way down to his place. My son Caleb was sitting in the front seat with me as we got his voice mail every time we called. I could tell my son too was "filling in the dots" to what may be coming. As we pulled on to his yard, Caleb and I spoke without even speaking. Caleb stayed in the car with his brothers and sister as I went in dad's house to confirm what my I fearfully wondered over the last 15 minutes.

Dad had passed into The Presence of his Father sitting in his "easy chair" sometime over night or early morning. Caleb being the young man he is came into the house a few minutes later. My son and I shared something at that moment. I am sure many people would see that time Boo and I shared to be "gross" or "not normal". Caleb and I however grew from it. We learned we have NO fear of death. My dad believed Jesus Christ was and is The Lord He claimed to be. Both Caleb and I, through The Holy Spirit grew in our own spiritual walk last Sunday. My son is a better man for it, as am I.

I would love to describe in detail how I truly believe that dad's death was all part of the "big picture" of life. Already in dad's passing I find my own family drawing closer to Him. I learned that the relationship between a dad and a son is special. I believe I fell more in love with my own sons in the passing of dad. I believe I was to find dad in his chair. It was supposed to be me who he last had conversation with. Even in our ugly history, that bond, that....whatever it is......well, I get now. As a dad and a son, I understand finally.

Lisa and I were able to attend a conference this weekend. Wonderful!!! This "Wholeness in Christ" conference was perfectly orchestrated by The One Living Lord God! Seriously. I don't know how to begin to verbalize or find words to describe some of the REAL miracles that I personal witnessed. Lives changed. Mine included. With dad's passing earlier in the week and just a week full of doing the "unusual" my heart was ready for some serious reflection and more importantly some time with Jesus. Again, His timing was Perfect.

As I close this short/brief "blog" I want to thank everyone who prayed for me and my family this week. Never once did I ever feel alone. Brothers and sisters in Him surrounded me and the family this week and THAT meant a lot!

Blessings,