Praying For Johnson City

Pastor's P.O.V., Prayer,

If you haven’t noticed, our little “Mayberry” is changing.

For those not old enough to remember, Mayberry was the fictional community in the 60’s “The Andy Griffith Show” which served as a metaphor for the perfect place to live. As far as I’m concerned, Johnson City still is, but the big city is creeping in along with its problems.

Several years ago, an Airstream dealer next to the Pedernales River was busted for “theft by deception” and was wanted in Arizona for the kidnaping and sexual assault of a child. Also, some just-passing-through people from California were busted with 103 pounds of marijuana in their car by the JCPD.

Still, our city is pretty great. According to AreaVibes, a website that helps people find the best places to live in America, the overall crime rate in Johnson City is 62% lower than the Texas average. Our livability score is 76 which ranks 79% higher than other areas.

Yet Austin is getting ever nearer from the East with Alamo City creeping in from the south. With big city growth comes big city problems. I know. I used to live in the land of the knuckleheads. This little utopia may not last forever, but I do know how we can stave off the inevitable, for perhaps a few more years. But we all must do our part and it doesn’t involve building a wall on Highways 290 and 281, nor do we need to load our deer rifles with extra rounds. We certainly don’t have to panic either. The solution?

Read More

Why We Need This Day of Prayer More Than Ever

1 CommentPastor's P.O.V., Prayer,

Some potted plants went missing from a local restaurant’s sidewalk. The owner used to put them outside on the sidewalk for decorations, but after this recent theft, not anymore. He has noticed that things were changing in Johnson City.

Awhile back, an online predator targeted Johnson City middle and high-schoolers using SnapChat as bait.

A few years years ago, an Airstream dealer next to the Pedernales River was busted for “theft by deception” and was wanted in Arizona for the kidnaping and sexual assault of a child.

And, don’t forget about the just-passing-through people, like the knuckleheads from California who were busted with 103 pounds of marijuana in their car by Johnson City’s Finest!These were just some of the local incidents that have rocked our little town.

Not to worry though. According to AreaVibes, a website that helps people find the best places to live in America, Johnson City rates an A+. The schools also rate A+.

Still, Austin is getting ever-nearer from the East with Alamo City creeping in from the south. With big city growth comes big city problems. I know. I used to live in a big city.

Our little bit of Mayberry may not last forever but I do know how we can stave off the inevitable, for perhaps a few more years.

We all must pull together in this and does not involve building a wall on Highways 290 and 281, nor do we need to load our deer rifles with extra rounds. We certainly don’t have to panic either.

The solution?

Read More

How to Handle President Biden

2 CommentsPastor's P.O.V., Prayer, , , ,

PRESIDENT BIDEN WAS SWORN IN TODAY. Half of Americans are rejoicing, the other half are worrying about what the future holds for America.

Regardless of how you voted or whether you are happy or sad, laughing or mad, there’s something you can do that can and will change the course of this country, influence the governance of our new President and grant you a semblance of peace no matter your political persuasion.

Pray.

Read More

What to Do About President Trump

Pastor's P.O.V., Politics, Prayer, , , , , ,

THE ELECTIONS HAVE BEEN OVER FOR NEARLY TWENTY MONTHS. Half of Americans are rejoicing, the other half cursing over the election of President Donald Trump.

Regardless of how you voted or whether you are happy or sad, laughing or mad, there’s something you can do that can and will change the course of this country, influence the governance of our new President and grant you a semblance of peace no matter your political persuasion. That’s right, instead of demanding a recount, wishing for a third party candidate or smashing Trump’s Star on Hollywood Blvd. you can make a tangible difference in how America can indeed be made great again. 

Read More