Menu
Menu

Light, Love, Hope

Light in the Darkness Surrounded by Love with Hope for those in need.

Gregory Johnson

About Gregory Johnson

http://www.studiofyra.com

Gregory C. Johnson, aka The Quiet Computer Guy, handles all technical aspects behind the scenes here at Light Love Hope. He gifted the design and hosting of the site to Shirley to encourage her to write again after the tragic death of her sister. A shy, yet devoted, friend til the end of time.

Posts by Gregory Johnson:

Silence

0

I sit alone in silence. There is no one to listen, to hear, what my heart needs to speak. The silence surrounds me; wrapping me in a blanket of insecurity. These feelings running through my head and heart need to escape but there is only the silence of my room. I slump on the couch trying to fight the great weight that I feel upon me. I gasp as if the breath is being forced from me. I look around. I am alone in silence.

I reach out my hand and utter a little cry. When all seems lost I begin to talk to the silence; to let out my heart and soul. I let all the feelings that I have buried inside me come out though there are no ears to hear my troubles; just the silence.

But in this silence there is solace for I know that God is there for me. He is listening to me; even if no one else is there for me. He reaches out to my heart and lifts me up. He gives me hope for a new day, a new week, a new year, a new lifetime. Though I may live in silence, he is always there for me just as he is for you.

Joy

0

Have you ever thought about what brings joy to your heart? For me it can be a number of things. The smile of a special little girl who is surprised with the gift of a horse figurine she wanted. The sound of a teenager’s squeal when she realizes she has tickets to see her favorite band.

For me it’s about giving. It’s about offering someone a chance to realize that they are thought of and special.

Lately I have been experiencing quite a period uncertainty and sadness. To help myself try to crawl out of this, I opened up the Jim Brickman Holiday channel on Pandora the other day. The first song that came on was one of my favorites that always fills my heart with joy; Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song.” It did the trick. I knew that this was God saying to me that things would be alright.

So when you are feeling down. Take a step back and think of something that brings you joy and do it. Let it warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. Even if it may be for just a short moment.

Love

, 0

This is one of my favorite topics that I never talk about.

I was recently sent a link to an article about someone who had “fallen out of love” with their significant other. After reading through some of turmoil this person went through, they made the point that they had decided to “choose to love” their partner.

I sat and thought about that; choosing to love someone. That is one of the things that has always resonated with me about Jesus’ teaching; we should love one another. There are different types of love. We love are friends and family. But then there are certain people that touch us in a way as to heighten the feeling of love. They affect us in such a way as to reach into the depths of our heart and warm our souls. That is a very rare and special feeling. I just don’t believe you can get that from “choosing” to love someone.

I have often wondered why we “fall in love” with certain people. I have always thought that it was some message from God saying that we should be a special part in someone else’s life; whether or not they feel the same way about us. Love is a gift from God that should be cherished and given back to the world.

Possible

, 0

Many times I have heard the phrase; “anything is possible.” That can make someone wonder. Is something that you think will never occur possible? I can say from personal experience that that little three word phrase can be true.

I would have never thought that I would have the chance to share an afternoon with someone that is very special to me. Never in a million years would I have ever though that would be possible. But it did happen. For a single afternoon, I was able to share in the joys of the little pleasures that God has put on this earth with this person. It was a wonderful afternoon full of fun, laughter and enjoying the beautiful scenery as we went from place to place.

We need to hold on to a little more faith, a little more hope and trust in God that things are possible; though they may not seem that way at the time.

God Only Knows

0

While growing up, I never really listened to the Beach Boys much. It wasn’t until I grew older that I grew to really love some of their songs; “I Get Around”, “Barbara Ann”, “Good Vibrations” and so on. I have even played a few of their songs in bands over the years. So when I saw the Brian Wilson movie “Love & Mercy” for rent on Amazon this past weekend, I snapped it up.

The movie is about the struggles Brian went through while with the Beach Boys and later on in life. It culminates in how he finally found someone that helped him get away from bad influences to get the help he needed to begin living his life again. The movie opened my eyes to what an amazing person and musician he is. I, of course, had to check out some of the things I saw in the movie to see how true they were and I found the movie was pretty accurate in its story on his life.

They spent a bit of time on the recording of the Beach Boys album, “Pet Sounds”, which is considered a critically acclaimed work for its writing, production and performance. I will be honest. I never owned Pet Sounds. I have never heard the whole album. However, there are two songs on there that are favorites of mine; “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” and “God Only Knows.” Since I watched the movie, I have been listening to these two songs over and over. I have found that “God Only Knows” has a very special place in my heart at the moment.

“I may not always love you
But long as there are stars above you
You never need to doubt it
I’ll make you so sure about it

God only knows what I’d be without you”

The chorus has such a powerful message for me. I recently had the rare chance to spend some time with someone that has influenced me in ways that I cannot even begin to explain. I know that they have no clue as to how they have been such a great influence upon my life and how they have helped to make me a better person.

“God only knows what I’d be without you”

I am sure many of us have had our lives touched by others in such a way. Yet, we never tell them. We never let them know how much we treasure them and their part in our lives.

“God only knows what I’d be without you”

Have you ever thought that you may be that person to someone else and never know it. That is part of the wonder of what God puts in our hearts for us to share with those around us.

“God only knows what I’d be without you”

Michael W. Smith – Sovereign

0

Michael W. Smith has just released his new CD “Sovereign.” We have a video clip of the song Sky Spills Over.

Here’s a quote from MWS on the video:

“I’m really passionate about the song SKY SPILLS OVER. It was fun creating it in the studio and I’ve been overwhelmed at the response it gets when we perform it live every night. My son Ryan is a really talented filmmaker so I always enjoy working with him on a project. But what made this project even more special was that 3 of my own grandkids were in the video. This video was a lot of fun to make. I hope people enjoy it!”

Check out the full CD and other videos at iTunes:

MWS

Hillsong United: Empires

0

Hillsong United is the worship band from the Hillsong Church which is dedicated “To reach and influence the world by building a large Christ-centered, Bible-based church, changing mindsets and empowering people to lead and impact in every sphere of life.” Hillsong United is the worship band portion of the Hillsong Church bringing the word of God into people’s hearts through music. Based out of Australia, the church has ministries around the world bringing their love of God to local churches.

“Empires” is the follow-up release to the successful 2013 album “Zion” which reached number one on the American Billboard Christian Song charts. Hillsong United’s mission is “to write songs the speak truth, create a unique sound, connect with churches, individuals and ultimately connect people everywhere with God.” “Empires” fulfills their mission. The songs are well crafted with layered harmonies that take your heart to the clouds. I listened to this album many times over the past several days while driving hundreds of miles in the car. The sounds brought me to the joy of sitting in worship service. I especially was drawn to “Touch the Sky” the first single released off the album. I must say that Hillsong United has achieved their mission with the release of “Empires.” I can see these songs easily being included in local churches worship services.

@HillsongUnited
#Empires
#FlyBy

You

0

By mere chance your light came into my life at a time of darkness. A simple comment revealed that you had the heart of an angel. Numerous jousts of comedic and heartfelt remarks painted a masterpiece of a soul with a heart filled deeply with kindness, compassion and love. A love deeply centered within your world for family, friends and the world around you. A caring soul that will go beyond what most will to encourage and support others in their darkest times.

Yet, these traits were not your only gifts. You have an insight into things most people commonly overlook in their daily lives. Hidden talents abound within you that you tend to keep to yourself yet when you blossom out to the world you show those around what beautiful gifts you have for the written word and a singing voice that makes a melody dance across a light spring breeze.

For most, you are the embodiment of what is and should be a person’s most treasured friend. This is you.

Win a copy of Soothe

Jim Brickman’s Soothe: Soothe Yourself with Meditation

, , , , 0

Chapter six of “Soothe: How to find calm amid everyday chaos” deals with meditation. As I read through the contents of the book, my eyes stopped at this chapter as this topic has a special interest for me. I have been meditating since I was a freshman in high school which puts me at around the 40 year mark for practicing meditation. (Enter our Soothe Contest below)

What I found intriguing in this chapter is that Brickman discusses several ways for a person to get started with meditation. He lists six different types of meditation that anyone, beginner to expert, can use with ease. I loved reading these as it was quite different from what I first read about meditation.

My first exposure on how to mediation was what I think is the standard preconception about meditating. You sit with your legs crossed, straighten your back, have your arms bent with the palms of your hands facing upwards, breathe deeply and chant “om.” Guess what. That didn’t work for me. I can’t be comfortable sitting contorted like a pretzel, trying to breathe from my abdomen while chanting “om.” I didn’t let that discourage me. I just found what worked for me.

Many things I have read about meditation say that you have to clear your mind. For me that is extremely difficult as my mind is working non-stop all the time. I have found my own method that works for me. I recline in a comfortable position. I have a bean bag pillow to support my head and neck. I put headphones on and listen to some soft music. I always start with a short prayer. To try getting my mind away from the flurry of activity thinking about this or that, I run a few affirmations through my mind. Then I just let my mind go and concentrate on the music. When I realize that my mind is wandering to a place I don’t want to go, I bring it back to the music. Sometimes, I will think of a place that is special to me which brings out happy feelings and imagine myself there. At times I will get so into the music that it feels like I am floating upon the notes as the play. My latest favorite music for meditation is the companion CD to the book, “Soothe: Music to quiet your mind and soothe your world.” Other artists that I listen to while meditation are Ryan Farish, Kevin Wood, 2002 and Secret Garden.

For those of you that may be considering meditation for the first time I would like to give you this advice; find what works for you. Everyone is different. What works for me is not going to work for everyone. Try each of the types of meditation mentioned in “Soothe: How to find calm amid everyday chaos.” Make some changes to them if need be to find what works for you. The benefits Brickman lists in the book are valid and I have found them to be true in all my years of meditation.

Start yourself on a new path in life with Soothe.

For more information on Jim Brickman and how to Soothe your life visit jimbrickman.com/SootheOverview.

#SootheYourWorld

Win a copy of Soothe

Jim Brickman: Soothe Your World

, , , 0

We all feel stress. Many of us experience it on a daily basis. We know stress is bad. But do we really do anything about it or do we just live with? Jim Brickman, world renowned solo piano artist who has lived many years with a hectic stressful schedule, has compiled a wonderful collection of ideas and exercises to help everyone relieve the stress of daily life in an aptly named book: Soothe – How to Find Calm Amid Everyday Chaos.

Brickman brings together experts in various fields that share their insights into how each of us can soothe the stress in our lives. In a delightful narration, Brickman intertwines these ideas and exercises with his own personal experiences as he had worked to soothe the stress in his own life. The narrative is lively and entertaining with sections set aside throughout the book showcasing brief detailed descriptions of techniques and exercises we can use every day from his collection of experts.

As I read through the book, I could relate to so many of the things he touched upon which gave the book a more personal touch for me. I can relate to being a worrier. I can relate to getting stressed when I am late. I can relate to having my mind constantly working thinking about one thing or another; even to the point that it can affect my sleep. Some days it seems like all I am is a big ball of stress. Most of which I cause all by myself.

To accompany his book, Soothe – How to Find Calm Amid Everyday Chaos, Brickman has released a companion CD, Soothe – Music to quiet your mind & soothe your world, of beautiful stress relieving songs that incorporate the classic Brickman style arranged with peaceful sounds of nature. I have found the CD so captivating with the relaxing moods that emanate from each song that I have begun to use it during my daily meditation as well as playing it at my desk at work.

I highly recommend this book and CD for those of you that would like to try to soothe some of the stress and anxiety in your life. Brickman brings together an excellent variety of thought and examples that are easily integrated into your own schedule. Going through the book you might feel a bit overwhelmed at all the information. Don’t be. Start out slow and pick what you think will be easy for you to work into your day. You don’t have to do everything suggested in the book to see results.

Several of the techniques Brickman mentions in Soothe I have known about for some time. A couple of them I have already included in my daily schedule. Over the next several days, I would like to expand a bit on those things he writes about in Soothe – How to Find Calm Amid Everyday Chaos and give you some of my own experiences with trying to live a less stressful and more enjoyable life.

Start yourself on a new path in life with Soothe.
For more information on Jim Brickman and how to Soothe your life visit:
jimbrickman.com/SootheOverview.
#SootheYourWorld

When God speaks to you, do you listen?

0

I believe that each of us has what is generally called by most people; “intuition.” It those feelings you get sometimes that make you think about what choice you should make in a situation. I have read many times where people have experienced intuition, a bad or good feeling, followed that feeling and have had amazing results. For me, I think the times I get these feelings of “intuition” it is God trying to guide me to following the best path.

There have been many times over the years that I have not followed these intuitive feelings I have received. Each of those times that I have ignored those feelings, the results were that I missed out on thing that meant a lot to me or something good would have happened if I followed that feeling. The most striking example is that I missed out on having someone very special in my life and as such I have been alone ever since.

I have found that if you really listen to these intuitive feelings God sends you, they seem to come more often. This has happen to me quite a bit recently. I am the kind of person that receives joy in helping others before considering my own self first. In this past year I have done numerous things for others to offer help. The offers always seem to be accepted in a positive way yet the recipients never take it upon themselves to respond to go forward. As such, I have had this feeling that God is telling me to step back from everyone and think more of myself instead of always putting others first. I still don’t always blindly follow these intuitive feelings I get but I am starting to think and consider things about what decisions I should make when I do get them.

So to the title of my post, when God speaks to you do you listen? Listen and look for those feelings of intuition you get and don’t be so quick to brush them off. You may just find that feeling is a touch from God trying to lead you in the right direction.

«‹ 3 4 5 6›»