Way Corp group(s) I was in
Second
Where I live
Columbus, Ohio
Married or Single
Married
About Me
I have been blessed to have enjoyed a rich and wonderfully diverse life with a variety of focal points, some of which start with the letter "P." I have been a PHARMACIST, POET, PROFESSOR, PASTOR, and PUBLISHER, among a number of other careers.
My Interests
My passion for the Word of God burns more intensely than ever. I continue to write and teach. I have traveled to Dakar, Senegal and Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, where I made some most satisfying connections with fellow believers.From September, 2007 to June, 2008 I served as Dean of Middle School at Sonshine Christian Academy in Columbus, Ohio, where I also taught 7th and 8th grade science and 6th and 8th grade language arts. Without a doubt it was the most challenging year of my more than 25 years in academe. Within a week at the end of the school year, I was on a two-week short term mission trip in Los Cabos, Mexico where I ministered at a bilingual Christian school. While there, the entire previous year made sense, as I recognized that all things work together for the good, to those who love God to those who are the called according to His purpose.
"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good."
Employment or Career
During my stint as a draftee in the US Army in 1967, in the thick of the Viet Nam conflict, I was not only introduced to The Way International but I also experienced the joys of classroom teaching when I taught pharmacy technicians at the Medical Field Service School in San Antonio, TX. Nine years later as an adjunct instructor at The Way College of Emporia, I taught New Testament History among other courses which gave me a taste of teaching on the collegiate level, and after earning my doctorate in English, I have continued to teach on the university level for more than thirty years. Here is a link to an article published in the National Education Association Journal in which I discuss my journey into academe via a most intriguing route.
http://www.nea.org/assets/img/PubThoughtAndAction/TAA_03_06.pdf
Music I Like
I enjoy all kinds of music, from opera to jazz and blues, not to mention gospel and contemporary praise and worship. I even like Country Music, in small doses, however. I like it all. Indeed, as the Poet (C'est Moi) says:
"All music seems to mirror me,
Express all of my innermost hopes and joys.
My soulful melancholody
ennobled by the rich chords' counterpoise."
Books I Like
Aside from the Bible, which still brings me untold joy, particularly the Psalms, I enjoy reading, teaching, researching and writing in the area of African American literature. One of the most moving book I have ever read is a novel by Ernest J. Gaines, A LESSON BEFORE DYING. Another work which had a similar kind of profoud impact upon me was WILD AT HEART by John Eldredge whose non-fiction work had a similar theme as the novel by Gaines. Unfortunately I don't have as much opportunity to read for pleasure as I would like, but I still love to read.
Television I like
I seldom watch television.
Movies I like
Movies that I have particularly enjoyed were The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe" along with "Akeelah and the Bee", one of my all-time favorites. There was a HBO version of "A Lesson Before Dying" which was disappointing in light of how moving the novel was.
Sports Teams I like
I'm not into sports to that degree that I have favorite teams. I enjoy watching basketball and other team sports, especially OSU and some of the other Big Ten Schools.
My Email Address:
ljohns10@insight.rr.com
Comments
If the MP3 resides on your hard drive I need it. There are a number of ways I can get it from you. I think you need to call me if you are serious about doing this. I know a way to do it fast. But you need a high speed Internet connection.
John - Cell phone (813) 404-9795
If you don't mind, I'll email you an essay I wrote in "English 101" in college. We were practicing writing different types of essays, and this one uses quotations. It is loosely based on Paul's activities in Acts. But since Acts was burning in my heart at the time I guess it came across well -- my teacher read it to the class, a student asked if "there were quotes" around it, as if I had plagiarized, the teacher said "I was thinking the same thing".
Anyways, I had to get the teacher to apologize to me in front of the class, but I still got an "A", perhaps my only one ever. Hope it blesses you.
Steve
Have a wonderful day.
I enjoyed reading your profile and thoughts.
Quite a wonderful life so far.
God Bless you in all your endeavors.
Love in Christ, Carolyn
This is a beautiful sermon from South Austrailia,
I thought you would enjoy it.
Love Matt
http://www.newcreation.org.au/studies/pdf/good_tree.pdf
Thank you very much for sending me such a lovely email. I am so glad to hear from you and to be able to write directly to you. Your delight in God’s Word and your undisturbed desire to bless the Body of Christ is refreshing and encouraging. I would very much like to read your book of poetry and to share it with my children and others whom I know would appreciate and enjoy your work. Good on you! With love, Sarah
PS I think it's neat that although I never actually met you when I was in America, I get to meet you now - it's God's goodness and grace!
I have been busy in a few projects -
I would like to introtoduce you to a special new member who I have spoken with.
Her name is Sarah Wilkinson Ghent and she has requested your book Stone -She is from Australia and has an interest in English Literature. She was born in Mombasa Kenya. She was in Emporia where you once taught during her years in the Corp and is currently in Brisbane - she just joined the site - perhaps a hello from you will bring many dividends of exceptional worth,
God Bless,
Matt
Stand By Me from David Johnson on Vimeo.
Dr LJ: Your prescription seems to have done the trick. My aches and pains are gone!