A gathering

Dear friends:

When I was a child, I dreamed of the freedom being 18 would give me.
Most of it being the ability to go to a bar. I am sure other things
were in my mind, but the draft and being an "adult" stand out. I
thought my life would change. I had moved to Vermont to get away from
it all, and yet the move did not meet my expectations. I returned for
a short period to work in Connecticut, but the "freedom" offered in
Vermont was greater. 18 was a good year, I think.I did not even drink
when I on it. But with 18 came greater expectations. Great responsibility.

18 years ago yesterday, I gave my life over to the hand of the Lord.
18 years ago, my life was rocky. That morning I gave my life over to
the Lord that was bigger than the lord I served. Cash register aisle
2 of a grocery store with 2 of my friends. Little did I know it would
set things in motion for some pretty crazy things. Many thought it
was just a temporary thing. You know, a passing phase.

The idea of a witch becoming a Christian did not fit so well for
those whose circle I had been in. I guess I never thought much about
it or how it would affect my life, until I returned from my first
church service only to be put in the hospital by the woman I was
married to because of my salvation. Or coming to work to see one of
my stores destroyed. Or being arrested. Or closing 5 stores. Or
having to fight for my kids. Or spending my first and only day in
jail. All after salvation. I credit my entrance to sanity to the two
friends who walked with me for 2 years before I gave my life to Him.
They led me, He met me.

As recently as yesterday afternoon as I was trying to celebrate the
goodness of the Lord, the attacks increased. People. Wow. Thank God
we do not battle against flesh and blood. My head handed to me on a
platter. It is clear someone somewhere was not happy about my conversion.

Only yesterday someone was telling me about Wiccans. Most in the
world think they are OK. Christians think they are evil Well, I would
just like to say that it takes a tremendous amount of energy and
fortitude to get out of what witchcraft is. All the lines about
"suffer not a witch to live," were not funny to someone like me. Why
does it take so much? Because your life often becomes at risk.
Someone leaving the circle of witchcraft where I was , did not often
live "well." Someone asked me if these people still cared that I
left. I am pretty sure. An old "friend" recently told people that he
could not believe I crossed over to the other side. To tell that to
customers is a little over the top. So, I can not imagine what is
really going on. A few months an email "stalker" began on me. Wanting
to expose the "past." I was not a Wiccan. I went beyond that. I faced
controversy from the day I gave my hand and my heart to Him. I
suffered at the hand of the enemy and I suffered at the hand of the church.

This week has not been a "fun" week. On the other hand it is better
than what it used to be, and there is always the "end" of being in
glory. But, what has helped me make decisions this week has to do
with what has gone on. I experienced such a major transformation at
the time of my salvation; one voice versus many, discipline versus
lack of discipline, love versus hatred, freedom versus fear, that I
always wanted to share it. I have my issues. My bluntness has never
been judged as compassion. My passion judged as unwieldy. ("Tone it
down, please.")

But, it has shaped the foundation of the next season of my life. This
week I have meditated on the "tax collector's church." Yesterday I
was sharing it with someone. I think they thought we would collect
money at the door. (Hmmm...) I spend most of my time with people who
do not know what a church is like, or have previously not liked what
church is like. I am looking for that rag tag group of people. I like
music in church (Such irony, that we are back to CD's again.) and
that is considered a universal language(though recently I heard
laughter is the truly universal language.). But after that it often
does not get any better. Yesterday, a former stripper who is working
with me called me to support her. I missed her call(I was having a
bad time and went for a ride.) and later called her. She told me what
had happened. She had made a major accomplishment. I missed it and
felt like the parent who missed his child's first step. I am so proud
of her. She is not in the church, but she is one of those people who
just need a little encouragement.

And the Lord has spoken it over me so many times that business and
it's people is my reach that this week I began to "cave." (Maybe a
cave is not such a bad place.) And began a lot of new thoughts.

18-perhaps it is the freedom I have sought. A time to spread one's
wings and fly. To embrace the responsibilities of Christianity and to
further my education with Him. I see this coming year as a year of
new challenges that do not use the methods and ways of before. Paul
said that we were to give up childish ways. 18 represented a time to
fight and I believe that is true as well. Many of my friends approach
that 60 mark this year. (Can it be?) Marking change.

The Rolling Stones said "
No, you can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
You can't always get what you want
And if you try sometime you find
You get what you need"

What you need? I thought I got what I wanted. That was a change right there.

But at 18 years old I am pretty blessed. My son has come sober and is
in a good place. He is a compassionate young man. Sure, there are
things I would change(Aren't there always?) but really, he reminds me
of me. My daughter, Amy is loving her job, enjoyed her summer and
seems to have a handle on most things. Cass, is in school and
enjoying it. Alyssa and the kids are going through things but this
stage of the process is only beginning. Tyler is working and I have
to believe God has him in the palm of his hands.

So, where would they be without Jesus? I do not even go there in my
mind. And me...I am young enough to "vote" or make a difference.
Young enough to "drink" or enjoy and get wisdom. Young enough to enjoy life.

Blessings,
Lee

Prayer requests.
-Our new ministry would bear fruit

Lee Johndrow
Independent Manager
Group & Small Business Specialist
88 WCFR Drive Springfield, VT 05156
802-885-2885 Office 802-384-3993 Cell