Hopegiver's Path

Through the Forge

2011-07-19T06:39:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to share this great quote...

"The good Lord made us all out of iron. Then he turns up the heat to forge some of us into steel."
-Marie Osmond

Broken

2011-07-06T08:34:00.000-07:00

There are times in our lives when we will find ourselves truly broken. In body, in mind and/or in spirit. In these times God's word reminds us that He is still there for us.

Psalm 51 is important to study at this time. In part in says "(1)Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love;according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.(2) Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin."
Later in the passage is clarifies sacrifice, "(16)You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.(17)My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and remorseful heart you, God, will not despise."

Glory to you Almighty God, Jehovah Jireh, my provider.

Clyde

Taking Another Look

2011-03-28T05:12:00.000-07:00

There were a book of meditations back in 1996 or so titled "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff...and it's all small stuff" written by Dr. Richard Carlson. For many of us, it just needed to be pointed out that we spend too much time being bothered by the details of everyday life and not enough time appreciating the important things.

Dr. Carlson was not the first person to bring this concept to our attention, and most likely will not be the last. However, it was timely for a whole generation of Generation X'ers who, in their mid 20's, had not put career above all else and for the most part went about unfocused at the expense of their health, relationships, and economic stability.

I was one of those people, and the idea of slowing down to focus on anything was alien and unlikely. Thankfully, there were books like this one and people in my life influential enough to help me re-evaluate my place. I made a lot better decisions in my life once I took time to understand what really mattered and how important it was to not let others affect me unhealthily.

When this kind of life changing outlook occurs, it is easy to take it for granted that one time is enough. Perhaps, like me, you need to take a new look at your circumstances and consider how much of the anxiety and headaches are due to you absorbing only the negativity. How much attention are giving the small stuff? Take time to embrace the most important details in your life and focus on what matters most. A fresh perspective may help you realize that many of the things you have been worrying about really do not add up to much at all.

Welcome!

2011-03-24T02:31:00.001-07:00

I just wanted to drop in and say hello and Thank You to my new visitors! To my faithful followers, yes I do realize it has been 3 months,...;0)

I am looking forward to posting more often as there is always so much to say, in the meantime please bare with me.

Keeping my head up,

CJ

At The Closing of the Year

2010-12-27T18:16:00.000-08:00

Well 2010 has come and gone. It has been a challenging one, but one also filled with many blessings. So as we wind down the last week of this year, I leave you with a special lyric from one of my favorite songs for the Christmas season. The main verse from "At the Closing of the Year" written and performed by Wendy Melvoin and Lisa Coleman. This was the main theme song for the movie "Toys" starring Robin Williams.

"If I cannot bring you comfort
then at least I bring you hope
for nothing is more precious
than the time we have and so
we all must learn from small misfortune
count the blessings that are real
let the bells ring out for christmas
at the closing of the year "

I even found the video...

CJ

Aspiring to Excellence

2010-11-12T16:25:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine was going through a "drive for excellence" type movement where she works and had some wonderful words to share on the subject::
(*Re-printed with permission*)

{"So I was pondering on why do we not strive for excellence at all times? And not just at work, but in all areas of our lives?

The idea of "the ultimate excellence" may be too extreme; however, I do believe that we all possess the energy needed to achieve "our own level of excellence." Our highest potential if you will. There is something that distiguishes the ordinary from the extraordinary."}

Then she included this great quote:

"Excellence is an art won by training and habituation. We do not act rightly because we have virtue or excellence, but we rather have those because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit." - Aristotle

CJ

Waiting on God?

2010-09-27T06:10:00.000-07:00

Maybe, just maybe, God is waiting on you.

It is a simple statement, but one that holds a magnitude of great power. Suppose you find yourself in a position where life seems to be dragging on at a snail's pace and you are going nowhere. You pray that God will help you, that He bring you the answers you seek. Then you wait...and wait...and nothing happens to change your situation. You keep waiting for God to send you your miracle and it never seems to come.

There is a joke that goes something like this:

There was a man in sinking boat out in the ocean. He prayed and trusted that God would save him.
Soon a boat came by and offered to pick him up and take him to shore. The man refused saying, "I'm waiting on God to save me" and the boat left. He sank a little bit more.
Another boat came and offered to take the man to shore and again the man declined help and said, "I'm waiting on God to save me" and the boat left. His boat sank, leaving him swimming for his life in the deepest of water.
Finally a third boat came and offered him help, again the man said no adding, "I'm waiting on God to save me". The third boat left, and the man drowned.
When he came before God, he was upset saying, "I waited for you. Why didn't you save me?"
God said: I sent you 3 boats!!!

So often we are looking for a specific answer to our worries or concerns, we begin to give form and substance to our expectation, dress it up and call it THE answer to our prayers. And we wait for that one answer. However, sometimes God is waiting for us to stop asking the question. Stop talking in general and listen to what He is saying. He is sending the boats, but we are so sure we understand how he will lift us up out of our troubles, that we refuse to see Him in action. Maybe its time to stop waiting on God, and get in the boat.

Maybe you find yourself asking the same question, over and over. You earnestly pray and beg God to remove the obstacles in your way. Are you missing anything? Is there something you should be doing to start the process? Are there answers in front of you that keep overlooking?

When it seems like you keep waiting on God, perhaps the truth is that He is waiting on you.

CJ

Ode to the Reverend James Howell

2010-08-17T20:19:00.000-07:00

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Ode to the Reverend James Howell

Daydreaming in a cloud white sky

Tender memories of you return to embrace me

All noise fades away as the joy of your laughter fills the air

Guiding light, pastor.

More than words, teacher.

Compassionate heart, father figure.

You are in my thoughts,

You are missed.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

This is something I have been meaning to post for a long time. I wrote this for my pastor shortly after he passed away a few years ago. He was a man who embodied the essence of love and compassion. Aside from his sermons on Sundays, I learned from watching him in his actions with people. He always had a kind word, he always gave of his time and resources, and he was always available to listen. He was a true gentleman and I knew in my youth that I wanted to be a man like that.

Kindness in Action!

2010-07-09T21:49:00.000-07:00

A most wonderful scene took place this afternoon. I was in one of the local gas station/convenience stores standing in line to pay. In front of me were two women, one directly in front of me waiting her turn and another talking to the cashier about her total. This woman at the very front had several snacks and drinks for what appeared to be her 4 children. They were also preparing hot dogs to complete the items to be bought. It seems the woman was having trouble either using a coupon or combining it with her food stamp card to cover the purchase. The cashier was patiently trying to clarify and confirm the options.

A few minutes passed as the woman directly in front of me and I watched the discussion at the register. Suddenly the woman in front of me stepped forward and said to the cashier, "I'll take care of hers. Please add her purchases to my $20 for gas at pump #1." The cashier just kind of stared for a moment. The woman in front of her said, "Oh no, you don't have to do that." The good Samaritan simply insisted by repeating the same request to the cashier. The cashier said OK and took her credit card. As she handed the card back, the woman in front just bowed her head a little and said, "Thank you so much!"

She turned to her children and told them to be thankful, "You all say Thank You to this nice lady, she just bought your food for you." They did and began to gather their items and leave. As the woman in front of me signed her reciept and walked out as well, I was just a bit stunned and had to snap out of it to make my purchase. I left the register and walked outside, but before I made my way to my vehicle I was led to speak to the woman who had done something so nice.

I walked up to her and said, "That was beautiful. You don't see goodness like that often enough. I am going to say a special prayer for you and ask God to bless you even more for sharing love." She just smiled and said it was nothing. Oh but it was something, yes indeed, something we can all be inspired by.

CJ

Poetry on the fly

2010-06-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

Seems like writing often takes a back seat to life in progress. So I thought I would take this opportunity to switch seats. For now, just some impromptu poetry...

Scattered Reception

Mind brimming

Fingers blazing

While the music blares.

Words cascade

Pages fill

While the brain empties.

Emotions pulse

Dreams dance

While the window opens.

Glimpse inside

Ponder awhile

While my soul speaks.

Falling On

2010-05-18T20:11:00.000-07:00

It is sometimes so very hard to live on this planet.

I feel I came here to be an agent of relief, helping others through their suffering. Angel? Maybe. Helper at the very least. However, before you can help someone on a deep level, you have to understand them. To truly understand pain and suffering, you have to experience it. I have.

I've been humiliated, cried, lost, fell, failed, been lied to, cheated, slapped, punched, kicked, subjugated, hurt, torn, broken, disrespected, hungry, thirsty, angry, abused, depressed, and lost. When I reach out to others I rarely say "I know what you are going through" nor do I often say "I know how that feels". Even though I most certainly do.

It can be extremely difficult to touch some one's pain without letting yourself be overwhelmed by those pains all over again. You have to feel them to show empathy, but how much you embrace is a line you must draw to stay on the strong side of emotions. Some people believe that counselors, and therapists draw that line dark & thick and always see it very clearly. I believe the line by its nature is light & fluid and can be crossed in a heartbeat. It is not a switch you can simply turn off. When the helping is all done, you take the pain with you. You process it as work, duty, or sacrifice to help others but sometimes it stays with you.

It's that one sad song you just cant stop playing, that sad movie that brings tears to your eyes every time, or that memory that rips you apart every time no matter how many times you say you have worked through it. These are the keys to your deepest pain, to the place where you truly understand what it means to hurt.

Sometimes we stay there too long. It comes a time when you need a shoulder to cry on. You feel like no one can help you because you have the world on your shoulders, and you must be strong enough to overcome your trials alone. It is during these times when it seems like living on this planet is a mistake, inside you are screaming in emotional agony. Now is when you must keep it all in perspective, after all there is no pain in the world that others have not suffered through before. Reach out.

Find your release. Write to your heart's content about what you are going through knowing that there is an opening at the other end. Listen to music that frees your soul from those painful memories. Turn to that special someone who knows how to ease your troubled mind. Cry if you must, but let it be a cleansing cry to shed some of the pain, not a cry that drags you down. If you were called to this place to help others, do it with compassion and sincerity. Just never let the emotions get the best of you.

Stay true to your mission and embrace the other wondrous feelings that surround you. Continue to bring joy, laughter, happiness, smiles, love, caring, comfort, support, positivity, and light to everyone you encounter. You will find it returned to you in amounts you cannot contain!

CJ

How I Enjoy Life

2010-05-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

Warning! The following post is being made as a stream of consciousness moment:

How I Enjoy Life
by Hopegiver

I think it starts with deep core values which have become ingrained in my soul.

1) Always have a smile & have a kind word for others
2) Never just be a sheep.
3) Never let them back you into a corner.
& 4) Have Fun!

1)In my brief 40 years on this planet, I have learned that laughter is truly the best medicine. When I smile and insist on a positive outlook, my days seem to always go better. When I am having a bad day, moment, or episode, I embrace it. I may not like it but I don't hide it. By feeling it and working through it, I can get on with it faster and back to myself. When I have a kind word for others (or just a smile) I know that I am making this world a more enjoyable place to be for someone else. This also re-energizes me and makes me smile.

2)I have followed others for too much of my life and have rarely enjoyed the outcome. So I try to remember that there is some truth in having "Master of my own fate" thinking. Whenever there is an 'expected' reaction, I often explore options to that. This keeps my thinking vibrant and helps me get through those moments where it seems like time to give up, run away, or get angry. From time to time when someone expects a certain reaction from me, I switch gears and investigate others responses not only to make life more interesting but also to stay true to myself. I try to be in a place where what others think of me in terms of how I live my life is secondary to my own feelings. As it should be.

3.)I make decisions everyday without thinking too hard, but at my center I am indeed probably thinking way too much. Like most of us I want to be in charge(even if I can't be, I WANT to be). If someone else is pushing, I began to believe I don't HAVE to push back, it is a decision to be made. If I don't push back I can find alternatives and steer clear of major problems. I suppose I really like what Louisiana Blues great Lazy Lester said back in the 1950s, "I'm a lover not a fighter." However, if I do decide to push back it will be because I have identified a path of resistance that I want to take like in a good argument. I hate to be reactionary, I much rather prefer to roll with it interactively or be proactive. Living a reactionary life is how you end up in a dark alley with no clue how you got there.

4)Who doesn't like to have fun? What I like to do is find what stimulates me and engage. Writing, Reading, Games, Chatting with Friends & Listening to Music! I am certainly aware of the consequences of over indulgence, afterall who I am today is the price I paid to get what I used to want. But we only go around once (that we are aware of - even the re-incarnationists usually agree that we are unaware of previous journeys), so why not enjoy it?

Through patience and understanding I have arrived at a place in my life where I can be in two or three moments at once and adjust my being to which one I prefer, or two at a time, or all at once. There is no real way to explain that, it just deep philosophical stuff here. Some people refer to it as being able to turn off a switch, moving from one emotion to the next. I much rather prefer the analogy of a train-yard. There are many tracks and you are usually only going one way, but there is beauty in the realization that you can back that engine up, uncouple the weight and reload as many times as you wish at least until the fuel runs out. Then of course you just need to grab a Dr. Pepper and blow the horn because it is time to roll on again, ALL ABOARD!!!

CJ

What Job?

2010-05-05T18:19:00.001-07:00

Okay, the job with the county didn't work out. Without going into details, let's just say that it was a bad fit. Luckily the United States government came to my rescue. I am now working for the US Census Bureau as an Enumerator. I am walking the blocks of my neighborhood to follow up on those addresses that did not respond to the census questionnaire.

Since I am a people person, I am enjoying this job alot. I get to meet & talk to a lot of interesting people and collect important data at the same time. Yes it is hot out there, and yes there are a quirky few folks out there as well, but for the most part I like the assignment.

Hopefully the next update will be another vlog (video log for all you less tech savvy visitors) entry. I really enjoyed doing that last time.

Come back and see me,
CJ

Someone Got a New Job!!

2010-04-15T13:54:00.000-07:00

Well it took about 7 months, but I will once again be a part of the work-force. On Monday, I begin working with the Nueces County Correctional Department as a Resident Treatment Assistant.

I am very excited about the challenge and the reward of working to help others who want to help themselves.

Thank you to all my friends and family who kept me in their prayers, to God be all the glory.

CJ

What's New

2010-04-05T14:51:00.000-07:00

Video Update

Messages of Hope

2010-03-08T20:47:00.000-08:00

The book of inspirational messages I was working on is complete.

"Hopegiver's Path - Messages of Hope"
By Clyde Johnson

Find it here:

https://www.createspace.com/3429277

Rest Stop

2010-01-22T11:34:00.000-08:00

Like walking through a series of tunnels I found myself wandering a bit in recent months. I ran into a space which seemed to be a dead-end. I had been searching the walls sure there was an exit I couldn't see. Day after day I insisted on looking for the way forward. I would look around at the walls and see no exit. I would press and feel for a trick opening, but none was found.

I realized what the problem was. It is not a dead-end, it is a resting place. Sometimes we are so busy running at full speed that we miss alot. Not only so we fail to smell the roses, we are going so fast that we didn't even know there were any kind of flowers nearby at all! What I have been perceiving as a ending, has actually been a beginning.

Before I could see my way out of the passage, I had to sit down and rest. Take it all in and prepare for the next part of my journey. There is peace here, I do not thirst, I do not hunger. Now that I am resting, I find myself inspired to create. Faithful readers have no doubt noticed that I recently completed a book. I am now working on two others...Yes 2! The inspirational one I am just about finished with and a children's book.

I am grateful that I have stopped looking for the way forward and have embraced that where I am supposed to be for now is right where I am.

CJ

Just Released!

2010-01-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

Please support yours truly as my first original book is now available for sale!
WooHoo!!!!!!!!!

https://www.createspace.com/3421190

Uneasy Darkness
www.createspace.com

There is nothing to be afraid of, except the dark. Experience stories and poems where the dead return to prey on the living, some things move unnaturally towards you, and things don't always go as planned. Tales and poetry to make you shiver uneasily in the darkness.

Book News

2010-01-13T14:47:00.001-08:00

I have completed a book. However, it was not written as Rev. CJ. It is something I was working on for the last two years.

Please visit my other blog for details:

http://rottingdead.blogspot.com

Cheers,

CJ

December Cheer!

2009-12-12T19:58:00.001-08:00

Just thought I would take a moment to catch everyone up on some fun news. Joshua is walking!! Still stumbling a few times and unsure of his steps outside, but he is most definitely putting one foot in front of the other....Yippee!!

I'll have more to say before the Christmas holiday but just a quick log in for now.

God is good!!!

CJ

Last November Update

2009-11-30T08:34:00.000-08:00

Well our destination city may not be San Antonio, how about Corpus Christi? Looks like the roller coaster of changes will not be stopping in the Alamo city after all. After December 1st, our family will be attempting to lay down roots in the beautiful "Sparkling City by the Sea". This is probably the last post I will make from Houston.

Please keep us in your prayers as we face whatever challenges these changes will bring.

God above all!!
CJ

San Antonio Bound

2009-11-23T10:05:00.000-08:00

Well the winds of change have begun to blow and we are moving to San Antonio.

Even though there are challenges and obstacles to overcome, God is watching out for us and I know His hand is keeping us. So we will be packing up and heading that way. Our last day in Houston will be Dec. 5th. Please check back here to see what updates might be posted.

Until I get to post again,
God Bless!!

CJ

Tunnel Light

2009-11-02T12:14:00.000-08:00

The light at the end of the tunnel is sometimes very hard to get to. We know it is there even if we can't see it. Sometimes it appears only as a pinpoint of light in the distance, still we know that we will get there if we can only keep moving forward. We have in other tunnels before, this is just another challenge we must overcome. But what happens when we get so tired, the light seems to be farther away than when we started? We've been walking, sometimes running for a long time. We collapse to our knees and exhaustion seems to squeeze the last bit of hope from us. How do we go on?

God's mercy, love and grace is sufficient to carry us to our destination time and again. We may not always acknowledge His part in our victories, but He is truly the only way we can overcome. In times past we relied on our bravery, intelligence, perseverance and charm to reach our goals. Where did those things come from? We are blessed with courageous hearts, wisdom to figure out where the next step should be, and strength of soul and character through God's abundance!

So if you find yourself slumped against the wall of a particularly long and dark tunnel, your energy sapped, eyelids heavy under a weary burden, look up. Look to our Father in Heaven and call on Him. He will comfort you in your time of need, send you just what you need to keep moving. Help may arrive in the form of a friend who comes to lend a helping hand. In your bed you may find a deep rest as God's spirit settles over you, waking in the morning to a brighter day.

Difficult challenges are a part of living in this world, but what a joy to realize that we are not alone. Sometimes the light is not only at the end of the tunnel, but right there inside you. God's love lighting the way. No matter how hard things may seem at any given time, God is there for you, just let him know that you need Him.

"Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in the depths, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning,
And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me,
And Your right hand shall hold me." - (Psalm 139: 7-10)

Glory to God,
Rev. Clyde Johnson

The Narrow Gate

2009-10-15T14:18:00.000-07:00

Here's a little something to think about...

"Enter through the narrow gate, for the gate is wide and the way broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way that leads to life, and those who find it are few." Matthew 7: 13-14

When I look back on some of the most troubling times in my life, I realize that it was often because I was going with the flow and making choices that required no courage or discomfort. Easy was the path that led me to places I would rather not have been in. I thought back then that stepping up to real challenges and embracing my faith in God was too much work. And because of that attitude, few were my blessings.

So we must turn against the tide of those around us following the broad path and choose the narrow gate. Knowing beforehand that it will not be easy, but God will be there with us as we struggle. We will find life in His grace, and life in His word.

Amen.

Rev. Clyde Johnson

An Honor to Serve

2009-10-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, October 3rd, I was ordained as a minister. I consider it an honor and a privilege to answer the calling on my life with this dedication.

"And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature."
(Mark 16:15)

I know this is a very brief update, but I have not had a lot of computer time recently. Moving at the speed of life...;o)

Hope to have more soon,
Rev. Clyde Johnson