Being God's

Friday, June 12, 2009

We Are the Walker Warhawks

In honor of those who went to Walker High School here in Atlanta, especially the classes of 1966 through 1975. The all-years class reunion is tomorrow and it will be a great day for all the Warhawk nation!

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We are the Walker Warhawks. The last generation to have lived in the Age of Aquarius. For us it was an age of innocence, of hope, of a bright future, a time where we believed in eternal youth and life. The world was ours for the taking and the halls of Walker High School were our step stools. It was a time for learning and for play, for growing and for wishing time would stand still forever. Like Camelot. We had our own royalty of sorts; the kings and queens of our student body led us to greatness in academics and sports. When our football teams took the field, our spirit and pride rose higher than the heavens. The weather did not matter when our Warhawks were on the field and our wonderful cheerleaders were doing their best to raise the limitless ceiling above with our cries of support. The band, chorus, drill team, and majorettes provided a society where geek was cool; where the lower halls met the upper. Those who were rulers over books, audio-visuals, and equipment made the halls their playgrounds and we were their admiring public.

We are the generation who learned to drive with Mr. Dill, type with Mrs. Kimsey, algebraic formulas with Mrs. Robertson, Geography with Mrs. Booher, the sciences with Coaches Huey and Patterson and Mr. Rochelle. We learned English under Ms. Lee, Hargis, and Lawler and faced the paddle under the ever-popular Mr. Beck. Mrs. Henderson ruled our kingdom from the front office, Mrs. Smith in the kitchen and Coaches Hogan, Locke, and Curtis from the locker rooms.We are the generation who could still have homecoming parades on the streets, have prayer in schools, and pledge the US flag with pride. Our small kingdom existed in general harmony and unity despite the (usually friendly) rivalries between the Grove boys and the Gresham Parkers. The world we knew consisted of the best sock-hops and pep rallies imaginable, all ruled over by the wings of our mighty Thor. Other school mascots came and went, yet Thor rose above them all. He was the symbol of Walker High School, of our generation’s desire to fly above the world and make our mark on the world.

Sadly, however, our generation was not one to escape the sadness to come. A tragic war halfway across the world claimed many citizens of our world. To others came an early passing from illness, accidents, and other causes. We are the fortunate who remain to pay them homage for making a place in our lives for such a period. We are the generation who is once again coming together, not to revive the days of our Camelot, but to remember the friendships and bonds we have. Class years no longer matter, grades have gone by the wayside, Izod shirts and John Romaine purses no longer provide status, and the height of hair and the number of awards on our jackets do not define who we are.

We are the Walker Warhawks. Even though decades have passed since we walked the halls of the land of Walker, we still remember those days with pride. Our hearts are still stirred at the thought of Thor raising his wings and hearing the sounds coming from the stands at Panthersville:“So fight, so fight, to win this game tonight.Come on boys and do your best to win this game tonight.Go Walker!”

We are the Walker Warhawks. Then. Now. Forever.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Don't drink the Kool-aid...you apparently need Sugar-free

One thing I hate is feeling like I am being made to do something against my better judgement. Now, I will be the first to admit I can be a rather complex creature and it is difficult to figure me out....sheesh, I have trouble doing that myself. However, of one thing I am sure and that is my faith and my beliefs. Just like a lioness will protect her cubs under attack, then I will often lash out when my thoughts and opinions are questioned with pious little spiritual quotes and tripe. Folks, don't do it. What is there about the word "opinion" that is so difficult to understand? I have been a Christian since the age of 11, studied God's Word steadily since then, heard umpteen thousand sermons and lessons, have a seminary degree, am an ordained minister, serve as a consultant and speaker for several Christian networks in the area, so I do think I have some fairly spiritual thoughts on occasion. Words are not used lightly in my world even though I have been accused of not being that great a writer by some "holier than me" individuals in the church.

I was once told I should be careful of what I write on this site because of the heading "Being God's." I admit that does give me pause and I do think about it first, but, heck, I am God's....He is mine...and I'm just a human being trying to do better each day. Each day as I try to Be God's.

Recently I made a rather innocent-meant comment on another website about our accountability as Christians in our behavior in society. My gosh, you would think I had questioned the Diety and the Virgin Birth for the reactions that have come flooding into that website and my own inbox since that time. It was my opinion based on an event I witnessed and made the comment we should be more careful. My opinion...my comment....my website.... Apparently hurt dogs bark loud because there has been a lot of barking in the area.

This is one of the problems the church faces today (in my opinion...gotta put THAT in there). The hypocrisy, the false piety, the "oh so spiritual me" attitudes, basically the same behavior as the Pharisees expressed. Do you not realize by berating me because you do not agree with something I said is exactly what you are accusing me of doing? Pointing finger...three fingers back at me....remember that analogy?

I have been in a writing funk for a couple years because of some events at a prior church....including the one person who told me in a professional meeting "and you call yourself a writer." (I wonder how many books they have published compared to me...but, that's rather snarky and petty to mention.) However, all that is now in my past. No longer will I allow other people to steal my joy and challenge my thoughts. I should mention here that for all the negative responses, there were positive ones coming in also and I thank those individuals for standing with me on the side of (what I think) is the high standards Christ has for His church....not my standards or your standards, but Christ's standards.

Too many people drink the Kool-aid and never have a thought of their own except in their small little world. I certainly relish your input and thoughts, even if they are not in agreement...but, let's not get personal. Yeah, I was really ticked, and still have a degree of bitterness, but I've had my chat with God and we're cool.

And so for today my friends, this is the new gospel according to Jimmy.

Monday, April 20, 2009

It's Good to be a Dreamer

Dreams have always fascinated me. I am not someone who dreams every night (that I’m aware), but when I do it is always interesting to try and figure out if there are any meanings therein. Throughout my adult life, I have had three recurring dreams that involve three different houses. Each dream where I end up at one of these houses, I remember visiting the houses before and only one house is in each dream. One house is a very small and neglected house. It is similar to my first home that was a small, 600-ish square foot, four-room house deep in a wooded rural area. In my dream, this house has apparently been abandoned for years and has evidence that someone has broken in and been living there, however I never see them. The second dream house is a much larger house along a coast similar to that of Maine. It is a large Victorian style home with ornate gingerbread trim, turrets, and cupolas all around. A large porch wraps all four sides of the house with a spectacular view over the ocean and rocky cliffs. The house is also neglected, empty, and weathered. The shadowy and musty interior is full of sheet-covered furniture and each time I visit the house, I find new rooms and delight in uncovering items to see the original style of the room. At times, I also discover stairways and hallways leading to other floors, but always end up at the back of the house that has large screened panels facing the sea.
The third house is a modern day house, but extremely large and lavishly appointed. There are several floors with bedrooms, media rooms, wonderful wood paneling, balconies, hot tubs, indoor and outdoor gardens with ponds with more to see each time. The consistent fact of each of these houses is that I am the only one at each house and no matter whether it is day or night; I feel a sense of security, peace, and “being at home.” Not long ago, I had a difficult night sleeping and I found myself saying aloud, “oh, if I could only get to the big beach house, I know I could fall asleep in a minute.” Before you start thinking I am a total loon, let me get to the point.
Whatever the purpose of these recurring dream houses might be, the only thing I feel is memorable is the feeling that they are there just for me. Whoever may have come before my visits prepared them, may have lived in them, but now they were left for me as a respite from the stress and daily grind of life. I do know that when I wake up after one of these dreams, I am more refreshed than usual, remember many details, and have a sense of longing to return.
Jesus’ followers worried about what would become of them when Jesus was no longer present with them. He gave them the promise and assurance that provisions were being made as they spoke. Jesus said, “many mansions were being prepared for them in Heaven where they would live forever in the presence of God.” This was meant to be a comfort to people of those days as well as us today. God is preparing houses for all believers for eternity. Houses of security, peace, and a feeling of “home.” Imagine no more broken appliances or leaks.
Just as my dream houses are all different sizes and types, they all give me the sense of peace and looking forward to getting there. I can’t imagine the type of home I’ll have in God’s heaven, but I know I am looking forward to going home to see….big, small, lavish, simple…..it will be home.
And for today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

Combat world problems with a Musical

Who doesn't enjoy a good musical? I think the world would be a better place if more joy, fun and music took place like this somewhat inpromptu musical in a train station in Antwerp. Enjoy.....I guarantee you'll feel better when you finish watching! (copy and paste into browser)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq6b9bMBXpg

Wednesday, April 08, 2009

My friend, the Cat Woman

An excerpt from the upcoming book "The Monday Night Supper Club." -

Everyone has one. That friend who for whatever reason has a hobby of collecting cats; not porcelain cats, not plastic cats, not cat clocks, but real live cats. You know, that friend we all affectionately call "the cat woman." We suspect our cat woman of going outside in the middle of the night with all seven of her little cats on little leashes and performing show tunes in her neighborhood cul-de-sac. And on Sundays when cat woman doesn't really want to get up for early church, she dresses all her cats in little nightgowns and have a Sunday brunch tea party. The advantage of having one of these people as a friend is that there is always a story to be told which leads me to my thoughts for today.

Recently, my friend the cat woman was telling us that Gracie (one of the horde) is fascinated with water and loves to reach out reach out under the running sink faucet with her little paw to touch the water, then try to lean over and slurp a little in her little cat mouth. How cute. Hmmm. So the story continues that my friend was in the bath one morning and Gracie decided to do more than sit on the edge and watch the water. She jumps into the bathtub, full of water, containing my friend, and again....full of water. From what I gathered, Gracie decided that the water was not quite so appealing and began creating quite the ruckus in trying to get out. My cat woman friend was creating quite the ruckus in also trying to get out at the same time, so by the time both were out of the tub, the room was quite wet and no one was very happy.

You know, as humans, we often become attracted by those things which are attractive and fun on the surface, however, they are not quite so lovely once we become engulfed. We tend to thinkof sinful things as dark and gloomy, however, I think they are bright red with streamers, polka dots, and music with a great bass beat. Why else would sinful things be so attractive? Now normally I tend to not use a lot of church words (like sinful), but it is the word that God puts out there, so we have to hear it. Basically, sin is doing those things that God is not pleased with and is not according to His wishes for our lives.

For example, I think back to some movies I have seen that were not the most appropriate for a Christian teenager, young man, or middle-aged man. Why did I go? To be honest, I went because friends were going and I didn't want to be left out, didn't want to be laughed at by suggesting we should not see it, plus....I wanted to see it myself. Yet, later on, I would find myself thinking more and more about the content, becoming immersed in the thoughts and actions in the show and would have to deal with knowing it was wrong, yet enjoying the experience.

That's why it is so important that we learn to trust the instincts that God gives us as His children. Folks, God is not a restrictive God who does not want us to enjoy life. I have a blast in living each day as I try to live as God would want. I am blessed with a great close family and friends support system, a good job that allows me to work from home, a church where I can find encouragement and growth, and gifts of music and writing that continue to bless others and myself. Yet, despite all of this, I struggle every day with staying out of the attractiveness of sin. Just call me Gracie.

We can all learn from my friend, the cat woman, and Gracie. You might think you like the water and finally take the plunge into the lovely tub of water, just as you discover that it is not where you really wanted to be. Too late, you are cold, wet, and miserable. Stay dry, happy, and and live according to the sense and ways God gave us as an example for life.

And for today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

The Church of the Expressway

I was recently in a meeting where a guy was describing his recent trip home from Nashville. After coming through Chattanooga into Georgia, there was some type of traffic incident which brought the entire southbound side of I-75 to a complete standstill. After a few minutes, it was obvious that whatever had caused this was not going to be cleared up anytime soon.
My friend remarked that as the minutes passed, folks would begin to open doors, and then in a little bit would begin speaking to each other about the situation. Over the next period of time, a sense of community began to evolve. Kids began to play soccer in the median; others were tossing a football on the side of the expressway. Those who had cell phones were loaning them to those without; guys were in groups chatting with each other about guy things; ladies were in groups talking about lady things. Some kind souls brought out bottles of water and their travelling snacks to share while some very generous folks even opened their RV’s for bathroom emergencies. As the afternoon progressed, the crowd seemed to forget about the hurry many were in to get to their destinations and became almost like one large family. A family united by a common event and then bound closer as the time saw friendships begin and phone numbers and addresses exchanged.
As the traffic ahead finally began to move slowly, my friend mentioned it was almost sad to see everyone getting back into their cars, making sure they had the right kids, and telling each other goodbye. Then, it was back to the travel and the routine of getting home.
In a way, this is what the church is all about. In the circle of believers, it is known that the ‘church’ is not a building or facilities; the ‘church’ is the people. This can apply to a local, singular unit or to the body of believers universal. In my opinion, the church should be made up of all manner of people from all walks of life in order to provide a true community that teaches and supports each other. Since Christians are to learn acceptance, how else can you learn this when your local church is full of people similar to you in looks, economics and heritage?
I am extremely fortunate to now be a part of a church in nearby Conyers that fits my idea of a real church. It is a very large and diverse congregation made up of varying ethnic groups, all manner of economic backgrounds, a harmonious staff, a place where the style of worship is pleasing to all and provides a time of real community with each other and with God. Recently, we had a “PastorSwap” Sunday where our pastor spoke at a nearby African-American church and their pastor spoke to us. It was a great day because the idea was reinforced that we are all unified in Christ. Sure, it was a little different in both congregations, but the change was embraced and the two churches now have a more common bond. This will be continuing in coming months with other churches and all are looking forward to it.
My thoughts are that it is so easy to stand and sing the chorus “We are one in the bond of love,” and another thing to actually believe and experience it. True church should not see financial status, skin color, clothing, or any other differences. True church should be done orderly and without confusion or dissension. Scriptures tell us that “no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female. You are all one in Christ Jesus.”

And for today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy.

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Some favorites

Methinks that I will share some of scripture verses that I have underlined in my Bible through the years. They all have special meanings to me and have been used in times of joy, of praise, of sadness, of stress and of teaching. A few may have an added 'editorial comment'. Hopefully, these will shed a little light on my Walk with God.

"And who knows whether you have come to this place for such a time as this?" (Esther 4:14) - This verse always reminds me that God places us in positions for His purposes whether we recognize it or not. We should always be aware that "for such a time as this" God may be able to use us wherever we are.

"Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory.." (Psalm 115:1) - We should always give the Glory to God for the work He does through and in us. "

" 'For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.' " (Jeremiah 29:11)

"Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine! When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they will not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched, Nor will the flame burn you. For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior." (Isaiah 43:1b - 3)

"And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." (Micah 6:8) -Thanks, Gabe. I never knew this verse until you preached on it. I learned a lot.

"Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship." (Romans 12:1)

"In all these things we are overwhelmingly conquerors through Him who loved us." (Romans 8:37) - This verse stays on my desk to remind me of the promise that God can conquer anything, even difficult and stoopid bosses (grin)!

"Don't worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God." (Philippians 4:6)

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13)

"For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline." (2 Timothy 1:7)

"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

"The grass withers and the flower falls off, but the Word of the Lord endures forever." (1 Peter 1:24-25)

"Casting all your worries upon Him, because He cares for you." (I Peter 5:7)

"And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." (Revelation 21:4)

"Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9)

"Bear one another's burdens and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)

WOW! Just going through my Bible, finding these verses (and many more) and remembering their impact on my life has given me a worship time right here in my living room. May God bless these words to your heart!

And for today my friends, this has been the gospel according to Jimmy. Be God's!

Preach the gospel at all times,
if necessary use words.
~ St. Francis of Assisi

Name: Jimmy
Location: McDonough, Georgia, United States
Email: jaydcochran@yahoo.com Follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/jdcochran

I'm a single guy who is trying to live for God in a tough world. I am a minister, freelance newspaper and magazine columnist, and have my first book, "Being God's: A Single Guy's Walk with God." available online via email to me or at www.xlibris.com. Through it all, I want to point others to God and make sure He gets all the glory and praise, because without Him, I could do nothing.

This is my story. The things I've learned and keep learning to become the man God wants me to be. Maybe some of this sounds familiar because you are going through the same thing. If so, then take heart because we are never alone. God is always there.

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