JANUARY 30, 2025

By Annette Jennings...Editor 

  Part 2

     It's taken me almost six months to write this introduction for Geoffrey’s Journey on my website. You see, I believe it’s important that you have a bit of information about him before I publish his writings. 

     All five of my sons are gifted with talent and a love of music that they inherited from me. I am not patting myself on the back, just stating something everyone tells us.

     I never realized the extent of their talent until the day Geoff arrived home from seventh grade with a tuba. It was the only instrument left for anyone who wanted to be in the band at N. Augusta Junior High. That was because his Junior High classmates didn’t think it was “cool” to play a tuba.

     Despite his brother’s objections to the noise, Geoff practiced for long hours each day. He didn’t want to simply play the instrument; he wanted to be pitch-perfect at playing the instrument. And perfect he was, not only on the tuba but the trombone and French horn also. Over the next five years Geoff made the South Carolina All-State High School Band each year.

     Fast forward to his final year in high school. His father got a job offer in our hometown of Rockford, Illinois and we decided to move. However, Geoffrey refused to go. Fortunately, the youth pastor at the church he was attending invited him to stay at his home for Geoff’s final year of school. Geoff and I will always be thankful to Joe Novenson and his wife for this wonderfully kind jester.

     When Geoff arrived in Illinois after his high school graduation in South Carolina, he told us about a marching band he’d heard of and said he’d like to join. The band’s name was “The Phantom Regimen,” a world championship group of young musicians that competed across the nation each summer, displaying their expertise in music, and interpretive marching skills. It cost several hundred dollars to join, and to this day, I do not know how we managed to find the money for his uniforms, instrument and fee to join the group, but we did.

     Despite both ankle fractures, which he incurred while playing pick-up basketball with highschool friends, Geoff marched across the Midwest and Western states in every kind of inclement weather. Our Orthopedic surgeon said he should not and could not continue to march, but Geoff endured the pain and, despite all our objections, proceeded to perform as though he was marching on two perfect feet.

     Perhaps that was the start of a host of physical issues he experienced in the later years of his life.

Continued in

An Unkind Life

By Annette Jennings...Editor 

  Part 1

     Sunday, July 14, 2024 seems so far removed from the start of our new year of 2025. Yet it also seems like only yesterday.

     As most Sunday mornings went it was fairly routine. An eye-opening shower, a bite to eat and in the car for a hurried trip some thirty-mile church. All of this before 8:15 a.m. It's true, I'm typically an early bird, but time and retirement have made me a little cranky when I’m required to be dressed and out of the house at the crack of dawn.

     Sunday morning bible study and church were excellent with Pastor Kennedy’s message on the unforeseen events that cause a Christian’s day to falter. I didn’t think too much about the “meat” of the message as it might pertain to me and was in a peaceful, relaxed Sunday kind of mood.

One of my close friends invited me to have lunch with her and her husband but I declined since my objective was to go home and take a nice long nap. As I said, old age and retirement have turned me into a world-class afternoon napper.

     It takes me close to forty-five minutes to make the 30+ mile drive from church to my home in Maricopa County Az. Since this was a typical mid-summer 103+ day in Arizona, I hurried home, had lunch, and was just settling down for my afternoon nap when the phone rang. A ringing phone at nap time on a Sunday afternoon was not a welcome sound.

     My soon-to-be daughter-in-law Lisa (hopefully) asked, following my rather annoyed hello, “Are you sitting down?” to which I replied, " No, just walking around, but I’m O.K. Her question didn’t cause me any alarm as I’d been having knee problems for a few months. At that point, Lisa insisted that I sit down before she told me her reason for calling. Now I really was alarmed and not a little…. a lot! My son had been in and out of the hospital with chronic stomach issues. So, I knew the call was about him and another trip to the ER.

     I sat down. “O.K., I’m sitting, I said.” To which Lisa replied, “I’m in a squad car behind the ambulance that's rushing Geoff to an emergency room. He coded about a half hour ago; I immediately started CPR and got him back as did the paramedics when he coded two more times before they got him in the ambulance. I think he’s breathing now but can you meet us at the Gilbert  Emergency room?

Part 2 Continued in

A Mothers Lament

By Geoffrey Goddard Contributing Writer 

WRITTEN IN 2024

Hello All!

     Today, I feel compelled to diverge from our ongoing dialogue and share a revelation that has been weighing heavily on my heart – a message I believe God has impressed upon me. It's no secret that we are navigating through challenging times. Sin appears to be spreading unchecked, crime rates are soaring, families are struggling to put food on the table, and hope seems to slip through our fingers with each passing day. In such moments, our faith is truly put to the test. For many, especially those who do not follow Jesus Christ, the future appears bleak, and hope becomes a scarce commodity.

     Even as Christians, we are not immune to moments of doubt and uncertainty. There are occasions when our hope wavers, when our faith feels fragile. We may find ourselves teetering on the edge of despair before we finally surrender our trials to God.

     In those moments, it can seem as though God is distant, as if He has momentarily turned His back on us, leaving us to fend for ourselves. I have experienced those feelings firsthand, yet deep within, I know that God has not forsaken me. I understand the importance of turning to God's Word for guidance, even though at times, it feels like I am simply going through the motions. I wrestle with frustration when nothing in Scripture seems to resonate with me.

     But there comes a point when I reach my breaking point, when I grow weary of the negative self-talk echoing in my mind, a voice that seems to echo the whispers of the adversary. It is then that I choose to immerse myself in God's Word, despite my initial reluctance. I am humbled by my own shortcomings, recognizing that God is using these moments to teach me valuable lessons.

     We should never attempt to navigate life's challenges on our own. It's imperative that we seek God's assistance in overcoming our adversaries. Through prayer, we establish direct communication with God—there's no intermediary, no additional work required to earn His favor. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are part of a family and heirs to His promises.

1 Peter 1:3-9

3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead

 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you,

5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials,

7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ,

8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

Our inheritance is distinguished by four important qualities:

1. Our inheritance in Christ transcends the limits of decay. While earthly possessions succumb to the ravages of time, what we receive through Christ remains untouched by its effects. Matthew 6:19–20 assures us that our treasures in heaven are impervious to decay.

2. Furthermore, our inheritance in Christ is unblemished. While earthly beauty often carries flaws, Christ epitomizes perfection, as Hebrews 7:26 emphasizes. Through Him, we inherit a state of holiness and purity devoid of earthly imperfections, as Revelation 21:27 promises an eternal sanctuary free from all impurity.

3. Moreover, our inheritance in Christ is unwavering. Unlike worldly possessions prone to depreciation, what we receive in Christ endures eternally. Revelation 21:5 assures us of a perpetual renewal, ensuring that the vibrancy of our inheritance never diminishes.

4. Additionally, our inheritance in Christ is securely reserved. As Ephesians 1:13–14 states, the Holy Spirit serves as a guarantee of our heavenly inheritance. Just as Abraham awaited the heavenly city, we eagerly anticipate our promised inheritance in heaven, reassured by God's protection, as John 10:28–29 affirms.

5. As heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, our inheritance is both a promise and a purpose, as described in Romans 8:17 and Ephesians 1:11. Through faith in Christ, we lay claim to this inheritance, knowing that one day we will fully inherit all that is promised to us.

     Even amidst trials and tribulations, we find solace in the certainty of our heavenly inheritance. Like John Calvin beautifully expresses, though we may encounter adversity in this world, the Holy Spirit empowers us with hope and strength to persevere. Therefore, we rejoice, give thanks, and patiently await the fulfillment of our inheritance.

     When we comprehend the magnitude of the glory awaiting us, we can endure the trials of this life with unwavering determination. Our temporary struggles fade in comparison to the eternal glory promised to us, as affirmed in 2 Corinthians 4:17.

By Geoffrey Goddard Contributing Writer

     The notion of maintaining a clear conscience is deeply rooted in the teachings of Christianity, particularly emphasized in 1 John 3:21, which states, "Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God."

     From the earliest stages of life, we are confronted with the reality of sin. Consider the simple yet profound example of a child's first word - "NO." This innate understanding of disobedience highlights the universal presence of sin in human nature. Even in childhood, our conscience pricks us when we veer from what is right, often leading us to falsehoods or evasion.

     Defined as an inner moral compass guiding behavior, the conscience reflects a core aspect of human spirituality. For those grounded in a biblical worldview, it represents a facet of the soul reflecting the likeness of God Himself (Genesis 3:22). The existence of such a conscience poses a challenge to explanations solely rooted in evolutionary theory.

     The awakening of human conscience finds its origin in the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve's disobedience in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6). Their act of tasting the forbidden fruit introduced them to the knowledge of good and evil, disrupting their prior innocence. This rupture in their relationship with God inaugurated a perpetual struggle within humanity, marked by a sense of discordance when we deviate from our created purpose.

     Yet, amid this moral turmoil, God offered a solution. Even as Adam and Eve sought to cover their shame, it was God who provided a covering through the sacrifice of innocent animals (Genesis 3:21). This act foreshadowed God's ultimate plan of redemption for mankind, culminating in the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ.

     Despite humanity's myriad attempts to assuage guilt and cleanse conscience through various means, true absolution remains elusive. Only through the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ can our consciences be truly cleansed (1 Peter 1:18–19). Jesus, as the perfect and blameless sacrifice, bore upon Himself the weight of humanity's sin, offering a pathway to reconciliation with God.

Through genuine repentance and acceptance of Jesus' sacrifice, we find release from the grip of sin and guilt. Confessing our sins before God allows His forgiveness to cleanse us completely (1 John 1:9), empowering us to pursue righteousness and live according to His will (Romans 6:18). As we strive to align our lives with God's purposes, our conscience becomes attuned to both moral pitfalls and the transformative work of God within us.

     However, this journey toward a clear conscience often entails more than just reconciliation with God; it may necessitate a reconciliation with those we have wronged. While God readily extends forgiveness, human forgiveness may be more complex and may require patience and understanding.

     Continual confession and reliance on the redemptive power of Jesus' blood enable us to maintain a clear conscience before God. We embrace the freedom found in Christ, refusing to dwell on past failures, and instead, trusting in God's unwavering love and transformative grace (John 8:36; Romans 8:31).

     In conclusion, the path to a clear conscience is paved with humility, repentance, and reliance on the saving work of Jesus Christ. As we walk in the assurance of His forgiveness, we are empowered to live boldly and confidently, knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38–39).

By Geoffrey Goddard Contributing Writer

  1 John 3:5-6: 5:18 NIV

 5 But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.

6 No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him. 

     Reflecting on the theme of sin as depicted in 1 John 3:5-6, we delve into the profound concept of redemption and the quest to overcome our shortcomings. The scripture emphasizes the purpose of Christ's manifestation—to absolve us of sin—and highlights the purity within Him.

     In recent discussions, we've explored the intricacies of sin and the journey toward self-improvement. It's a challenge to maintain focus amidst these trials, which I liken to temporary obstacles. Reflecting on my life, spanning over six decades, I acknowledge both remarkable and regrettable moments. While some actions may not appear inherently harmful, upon reflection, they yield a cascade of remorse.

     Regrettably, despite earnest attempts, I find myself unable to directly seek forgiveness from those affected. Whether reconciliation will materialize remains uncertain, and is subject to Gods intervention.

     The transformation I've experienced is a testament to the liberation found in wholeheartedly embracing my faith in God. Through sincere dedication, I've discovered that surrendering to God is the key to overcoming the grip of sin in my life. This realization isn't intended as a point of pride but rather to illustrate a profound shift—a newfound vigilance against sin.

     It's as if a deep-seated aversion to sin has taken root within me. Subconsciously, through the Holy Spirit, my mind has sharpened its ability to recognize sin, acting as a protective barrier. While I understand that as a human, I'm inherently prone to sin, this heightened awareness has made navigating life's temptations considerably smoother. I attribute this ease not to my own strength, but solely to the grace of God.

     As a follower of Christ, I understand the weight of sin and the responsibility to resist it. While Jesus Christ bore the ultimate cost for my sins through His sacrifice, I acknowledge my duty to strive for righteousness in His name. This recognition underscores the profound grace extended to me and motivates me to walk in the footsteps of Christ.

1 John 5:18 NIV

    18 We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the One who was born of God keeps them safe, and the evil one cannot harm them.   

     The scripture in 1 John 5:18 resonates powerfully, affirming that those who are reborn in God do not persist in sin. Upon accepting Jesus and repenting sincerely, all sins are forgiven instantaneously. This pivotal moment marks a commitment to follow Christ, a transformative journey of faith.

     It's crucial to clarify that this forgiveness isn't a license for willful sinning; rather, it signifies a genuine dedication to God. Every subsequent transgression is swiftly cleansed upon confession. However, this doesn't absolve us of responsibility. As the scripture emphasizes, those born of God must actively guard themselves against the influence of evil.

     While not claiming expertise in biblical interpretation, it's evident that vigilance against the Devil's schemes is integral. This calls for a continuous commitment to righteousness, a conscious effort to align with God's will. In essence, our role in this spiritual journey involves both relying on God's grace and actively safeguarding our hearts and minds against the enemy's tactics.

     When grappling with persistent sin or facing daunting challenges in your walk with Jesus Christ, turning to God is the ultimate solution, heralding the commencement of a profound journey of renewal.

Here's a practical guide to navigating this journey:

1. Confess to Jesus: Begin by openly confessing the sin or challenge to Jesus Christ. Acknowledge it with sincerity and humility.

2. Specificity: Be precise in your confession. Identify the sin or challenge clearly, leaving no room for ambiguity.

3. Seek God's Intervention: Humbly request God's intervention in overcoming this obstacle. Trust in His power to bring about transformation.

4. Commitment: Make a conscious decision to avoid the sin or surmount the challenge. Dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to this endeavor.

5. Fight and Remind: Take active steps to resist the sin. Implement reminders and reinforcements to fortify your commitment. Surround yourself with supportive influences.

6. Daily Scripture Reading: Cultivate a habit of daily Bible reading. Delve into God's Word to deepen your understanding of Him and His ways. Allow His truth to permeate your heart and mind.

     Prayer is an essential precursor to engaging with God's Word. Here's why praying for knowledge, wisdom, and understanding before reading Scripture is crucial:

1. Knowledge: By seeking knowledge through prayer, we ask God to grant us insight into His truth. This knowledge goes beyond mere facts; it encompasses a deep understanding of His character, His teachings, and His will for our lives.

2. Wisdom: Wisdom enables us to apply the knowledge we gain from Scripture in practical ways. Through prayer, we invite God to impart His wisdom, guiding us in making wise decisions and discerning His plans for us.

3. Understanding: Understanding allows us to grasp the deeper meanings and implications of Scripture. Through prayer, we ask God to illuminate His Word, opening our hearts and minds to comprehend its profound truths.

     By approaching the study of God's Word with prayerful humility and dependence on Him, we invite His transformative power to work within us. Prayer prepares our hearts and minds to receive His Word with receptivity and obedience, leading to spiritual growth and a deeper relationship with Him.

     Reflecting on this journey, you'll witness remarkable changes orchestrated by God. As you conquer one sin or challenge, you may find that others are also vanquished unexpectedly. The commitment you make in one aspect of your life ripples outwards, influencing every sphere.

     Embrace this journey with anticipation and trust, knowing that God's transformative power is at work within you so you, too, can see the decreasing pattern of sin.