The Cross: A Symbol of Life? or Death?

There are many who do not recognize the true meaning of the Cross. Not that I know everything, because as Stephanie will tell you, I surely do not. But since this is my blog, I get to have an opinion and since you are reading it, you have to at least read my opinion. The Cross is not just a symbol nor just two lines that cross each other. There has to be meaning behind the Cross. Sometimes I believe people use the Cross to mask themselves, even when they do not know or understand the meaning behind it or the significance behind (or in front) of the Cross. This is not the case for all, but for many. I believe people should truly think of WHY they put up a cross and make sure it is not for an incorrect reason. Now days, so many put up a cross to mark the place where a loved one has passed away, a "roadside memorial". A symbol of where a life ended. That is somewhat normal, I guess. Recently I drove down Gene Snyder Freeway and found myself counting crosses. Can you believe between a two mile stretch of road, there were 5 crosses. Now, if you know me, you know I do not mean any hard feelings when I ask... Are these symbols of religion or symbols of carelessness? (not meaning based on the person who died at that site, because it may have been anothers carelessness) I was driving down Smyrna Road earlier this year and saw this large beautiful cross with two people standing near it. They were obviously mourning the loss of a loved one, however, they were also pouring beer on the spot. It kinda reminded me of the sponge of vinegar that Jesus took while on the Cross, but I do not think that is what they were replicating. So, I ask.... Is the Cross symbol of Life? or Death?



Well, I think we need to look a little further.... You see some say that Jesus died on the Cross, which If you are Christian you know this to be true. Because Jesus' death on the Cross was the sacrifice for our sins. As John 3:16 so eloquently puts it. I ask that you look take a deeper, look at the Cross. The Cross may have meant death to Jesus (if you know the all the facts, you also know that this is not 100% true. Explain later), however, it meant life for everyone else. Per Colossians 2:13-15 (I will not make you look this up, but you should)

13When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, 14having canceled the written code, with its regulations, that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross. 15And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

So as you can see, the cross took life to give life. It continues to give life each day for those who will believe and accept the gift it offers.

So, I believe that the Cross is a symbol of life. A life with Christ. You see the Cross that Jesus was crucified on could not keep him, because three days later, he rose from the grave. Mark 6:6-7

6"Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "

So why do so many mark the passing of their loved ones with crosses? The cross is a symbol of life, not of death. Of Joy, not of Sorrow. Of peace, not conflict. Of giving, not taking. Of light, not dark. Of forgiveness, not condemnation.

What do you see, when you look at the cross? I see the many nails that I own that have been hammered into my Savior. I see the blood pour out of an Innocent side that cleanses me. I see the power of forgiveness in the eyes of the blamelessness. I see the a sacrifice that I know that I am not worthy of, but it was made for me anyway.

Yes, the Cross is a symbol of life. The life that was given as another was taken.

May God bless you and keep you safe.

Jon Without Phone

OH YOU KNOW IT IS BAD, MY PHONE HAS NO SPEAKER. I have been suffering with a deaf cell phone for a while. Well it was not all bad, because I could put it on speaker phone to complete my day to day communication. WELL NOW THAT DOESN'T WORK. AHHHHHHH, So since I could not talk very long to my loving wife last night, I wanted to send her a HUGH

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Hidden Treasures in Georgia

Recently Stephanie and I had a lovely conversation about me going to different places and her not ever getting to go anywhere. Well, this is not going to help my side of the discussion. See normally I do not do ANYTHING exciting during my travels, however, this time I took some time to do something a little different. Normally in my day, I would wake up, go to the store that I am visiting, complete a Standards Appraisal that last about 6-7 hours, talk with the owner/operators about how to improve their business, provide a plan to help them move forward, then drive to the next town, eat at a local favorite spot (sorta like being on food network), complete some follow up work on the computer (email, summaries of my visit, etc.), go to sleep and start all over again. Well, the last time I was in Georgia, I said the next time there I would drive to the Ocean, since one of my locations is 40 minutes from the beach. So, I did. (Sorry Steph, I am searching for a great place to bring you for a get a way) Well, You never see beaches featured in Georgia, I am not sure why, but you don't. I found on my Mapping System a place called Tybee Island, GA. It is not like an island, although it is surrounded by water, around 3/4 of it is Marshland. Now to get there you have to go through Savannah, GA which from where I was, Savannah was not much to look at. It was like driving through Shively, with a little better housing (Shively around the Krispy Kreme) Tybee Island was nice, it appeared to be quiet and well kept. It seems to be known for a Lighthouse, the Tybee Lighthouse. I have never heard of it, but it was what it was, a Lighthouse. The area was much more low key then most beach areas. It seemed to be more residential. It had a "hole in the wall" restaurant called North Beach Grill, which I did eat. It was OK, it was a little restaurant that was right off the beach, it looked like it was in the ocean at one time, not very pretty to look at, however the food was not bad. It is one of those restaurants that you would not know that it is there, except for the smell of fried fish sneaking up on you. I walked out on the beach, there were a very few people out there, once again, it probably is used by locals more than vacationers. A good place to take the kids and the wife and most likely we could find a inexpensive hotel within 20-30 minutes away. So honey, if you agree, we will make this a destination to visit. I did take a few pictures to share. If anyone is interested, let me know. For a small fee, I will book you a trip to "Our" hidden treasure.

Also, While I was looking, I found the TITANIC, If you look closely, you will see it too.

Each treasure has a catch to it, as you come across the Marshlands you need to hold your nose, It smells like mud that has been sitting in a bucket soaking wet for a week. It Stunk!!!

So until next time, WHERE IN THE WORLD IS JON??????????????????????????

UK WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The only thing I have to say is WE WON THIS ONE!!!!!

What are you worried about????

How many times have you felt like this? Your Job, Health, Friends, Children, Spouse, Parents, Siblings, even your church can have this effect on you. This is a result of wanting too much control, too much involvement, or too much notoriety. So many people feel the only way to correct the symptoms of stress is by drinking, drugging, eating, smoking, yelling and a bunch more -ings that people turn to, but really it just takes praying. The world is feeled with too many stressed people. Let's face it stessed people are mean and what does the bumper sticker say about mean people???? It's true. It takes much more energy to be mean then it does to be nice and when you are nice to others, you began to feel better yourself. You should try it. Be super nice to someone that is mean, two things usually happen. The mean person usually feels bad for being mean to such a nice person. Also, they tend to start being nicer, at least to you for a little while. Take time when you are stressed and do something for someone that is not expecting it and do not let them know that you have done it. You will see it brighten their day and you never know, what you do, may make their day. I do a great job talking about this, but I am no expert. ASK MY WIFE. I am not as spontaneous as I should be, sometimes that stresses her out, right honey? I will try to be better at it, but I have seen the effect of secretly paying for a child to attend a summer camp or just buying a Christmas present for a mission project at church. I do not even know what child will receive the gift, but I know it will make their day and that brings joy to me. However, these tend to be quick fixes for most. What is the best way to become STRESS FREE????? The best way to answer that questions is to go to the most knowledgeable and reliable source, The Bible.

In Mathew 6 verse 6:25 to 34- Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes: Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?.....32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. There fore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will wory about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

You see to worry does nothing for you. Even in your worst situation, know that God will get you through. It may not be exactly how you expect, but he will do it for the glory of his kingdom. Your trials are others lessons, your debts are others gifts, your mourning is others compassions, you failures are other successes and you will always experience the valleys, it is important to remember to walk with God and allow him to take you to the hill top. Do not stress out, it is all apart of Gods plan and at the end it is always a blessing. When you are stressed out, just remember there are only 24 hours in a day and each day brings a new look and a renewed energy. Just say to yourself, if I make it til tomorrow, this will get better. Because when tomorrow comes, yesterday is history. Then you are one day closer to being stress free. Remember, the Bible is a ALL or NONE deal, you have to believe and trust it all or you can't trust any of it. So if Jesus says not to worry, who are you to argue with him. He always wins.

So the next time you worry, read a book, talk to a friend, take a nap, do something for someone else in secret. -Jon

Taco Who????

How many times can a question be answered? I have been asked over and over "What is a Taco John's?" Well, it is what it is... The best mix of West Mex food you could ever put in your mouth.

In Early part of this year I accepted a job with Taco John's International as a Franchise Business Consultant. Since then, everyone I meet ask the question above. Which is followed up with the second most popular questions...Are there any around here? The short answer is NO. However, If you ever get tired of the old meat in a bag, shells in a box, pre diced veggies, tasteless chicken and steak that you get from the "Bell", take a trip to Frankfort or Paducah KY and wake your taste buds up to "The Fresh Taste of West Mex". Where the meat is fresh and so are our shells. Now enough of the commercial. A number of folks wonder about my territory, so I will inform you now... I have stores in Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Ohio and Kentucky.

So when I am out of town, you may never know what I will blog about. I see a lot of unique things in my travels, so stay tune for the sights that get posted.

Oh, buy the way, if you go to a Taco John's, You must get the Potato Oles and a Churro. They are worth the trip.

The picture above is of a recently remodeled location in my Kasas market. Pretty Cool Look, eh?

Since I am often traveling, Please keep me in your prayers to be safe, Stephanie in your prayers to stay sane, Austin in your prayers to behave, and Trenton in your prayers to have his head scratched by Stephanie.

Where will I be next week? Here? There?