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
it is so good to see your face my brother, you look fantastic, and I can hear how happy you are, and should be,you are the very best,,,,give my best to your lovely wife,,,any kids? stay in touch,,,,,,,God continie to bless you and your family. paul
God Bless you. It is so good to see you here. I have thought of you and Brenda so much over the years. Skip and I have been tremendously blessed over the years. Our kids (4) are grown and 3 are married and we are the grandparents of triplets.. 2 boys and a girl..truly 3 little miracles. Skip is still very much involved in the music industry.
God Bless
Nancy
Great to see you are doing so well. You've always been an inspiration to Charlene and me.
I was in the 11th Corps and was in the Word since I was a young girl (13) and always loved your Good News Day (poem). I've been trying to "recite" what I remember of it to my kids over the years. How can I get a copy of it? I have always admired your passion for the Word over the years.
God bless.
Donna (and Vince) Catalano
Love to Brenda and the girls,
S
Thanks for share with me about Eric. I had no idea that God had work so greatly in his life. I feel very uplifted have play a small aprt in God plan. I would love to stop by when I'm in Columbus visiting my son Jason. We are working the Word here in Rockford as well. We have a web sit as well but not as nice as yours. www.cffil.com
I would love to hear what God is doing in your life and ministry.
Love,
Charlie
Another note our church has a preschool we call "Sonshine Christian Preschool"
be good I know you will, eric
God bless you both abundantly. It was so good to see your picture. Brother back a lot of memories - good memories.
I am blessed that you are both doing so well. I have to agree with you, my passion for the Word of God becomes more and more intense as the years go by. We are full time ministry with a parachurch organization. I administrate an International Intercessor Prayer Team that we started about 8 years ago. (I am now 70- don't know where all those years went) God has blessed us and we have grown to reach into 23 countries with team members and pastors - especially Kenya, India and Philippines. I am on line every day all day keeping up with prayer requests and tracking the praises of deliverance by our wonderful God. Do let me hear from you.
Vivian
Your poem was a joy to read & absorb. You know that I have always been particularly moved by the way you put words & phrases together. I am very inspired to send you a few things I've done with recording poetry to original music- please look for it on your personal e-mail. (I posted one on my profile page, along with some songs). Also sending you something from my oldest son's (25) collection of recordings, FYE (for your enjoyment!). You'd have been proud if you could have seen him place in the poetry slam finals they held here a few years back. I guess he's kind of your nephew, in a spiritual sort of way... you always were one of my favorite brothers! And I rejoice at having you & Brenda back in my life. Your publishing company sounds like a perfect business venture for you too- for so many reasons :)
I've run out of time for now- I just didn't want to put off getting back to you for lack of time to sit & think & feel & write. More time for that after the big turkey day! Expect a long letter this weekend.
I love you SO much,
Sherry :)
You not only don't look any older but somehow look better. I would love to see you again before the return.
Love YA, Charlie