This Awkward Life

I hope this memory of mine from my early teen years helps someone today. I was reminded of it this past week and I still learn from it today.

Not every situation is meant to have a nice fairy tale ending. Sometimes that next level or paradigm shift isn't what we expect it to be. We chase dreams that never come true, and in the end, disappointment awaits.

So what can we learn from disappointment?

Laughter is powerful. A good belly laugh can totally change a person's day, and it has the power to transform an entire room. Laughter can also be used to hurt, which is never good. But another way laughter can be used is intimidation.

That's how the days work. Walker, my little boy, said to me, and it got me thinking a lot. Days work for us and against us. Time moves and waits for no one. We have a best friend called time; on the other hand, time is our enemy.

I sat down with my friends Brian Henry and Heath Ellingburg and had a wonderful conversation. Both of these men are quick with scripture and whit. I appreciate them giving a little of their time to my podcast.

Art dominates my life. It always has. Much of the spiritual things I experience document the interaction between the natural and the man-made. Nature will always find a way to conquer man. And sometimes, I get an idea, which is what this podcast is about.

When I was younger, I had a lot of moves when I played basketball. I would fake left and go right. A shot fake or a quick turn of my head. But now, not as much. I use the fastest and most energy-efficient move on the court. It's easy to become predictive in all areas of my life. Good and bad

Walker and I discussed homework this week and how important it is for him to do it. Nobody likes homework; my dad hated it when we had it. One day back when I was in fourth grade, I wanted to ride bikes, so my older brother and one of his friends offered to do it for me and let me play. What could go wrong?

I had a dream concerning a field. No matter where we are, we create an area of influence.

Years ago, I was swept into a high-speed chase with my father. All I knew was that shots had been fired, and I was fledging art student by day and a shoe salesman by night. My dad was within two years of retirement but never hesitated.

Yeah, that's not me! I have a terrible habit of touching things while they are still hot.

When children become quiet, they are into something. Usually, it's mischief, just to be honest. Not all the time, but it's been my experience that when kids become quiet, they are most likely sticking a fork in a wall outlet, pouring chocolate syrup on the floor or having other grand adventures.

Even we older folks get this way. We get the same way when we are into something, or something is bothering us.

Check on your people.

If you are like me, you have a lot of faith. However, I tend to trust myself and other humans more than I do in my God! I'm working on doing better.

If you ever feel as if you are not important, read Isaiah 49:16. And I suggest you read the ERV! 

It doesn't take a lot to change anything. Just a little more can make a big difference.

When the windows of Heaven were opened for Noah, it was blessing for him but not so much for the rest of the world. 

Rage Giving is the new philanthropy. What is rage-giving? It's when people feel so passionate about an event they can fund, sometimes new start-up companies, to supply, support, or combat an adversary. Millions of people unified towards one goal. Small "offerings," usually five dollars or less, snowball into multiplied fortunes.

We will want to be profitable in our lives. After a call from a district manager, the word "Unprofitable" has been ringing in my ears. I hope ya'll enjoy this episode.

Every time I come across a set of keys, I ask myself why I still have them and what are they for? Keys aren't items that you just disregard unless you don't need them anymore, and then when you come across a set, you wonder, what have I missed.

Just my quick take on why you should take your fiance to a theme park before you marry. Feel free to take this as sound advice or a joke, either way, is fine with me.

A few months ago I found a dime in a parking lot. Since then I have had several people finding dimes and I took the time to do an episode on my thoughts. 

Many people feel that the dimes are a sign of communication from someone that has passed on, letting them know they are not alone. Some other interpretations of finding dimes are: – Someone or something is trying to get your attention. 

I sat down and talked with Roger Simpson. Bro Simpson has been teaching our new believers class at our church for the last 14 years. Bro Simpson is a studious man with a burden for souls.

For further information or to request study materials, please contact Bro. Simpson at roger090649@yahoo.com

The way a person "Walks" through this life, greatly determines how he or she will be "Carried" out. I hope you enjoy this episode. 

Doors offer safety when locked. An open door gives us the feeling of being welcomed, invited, and accepted. There are a lot of spiritual references concerning doors and in the Church world, they are mentioned in much that we do. Oh, how we celebrate when those spiritual doors swing open. Situations we have prayed, sometimes years for, just seem to swing right on open and we walk right on through.

However, it has been my experience at times, that certain doors stay closed for a reason. It's not that God is deaf, it's just not our room behind that door. And to push, pull, pry, beg, scream and fight to get that door open and into that room, would be spiritual burglary.

I pray every day that God leads me to every door that safely secures whatever is in the rooms meant for me.  

Have you ever seen an Artist ball up a piece of paper and throw it away with vigor and force? Or maybe a painter cut up a canvas or a potter swiftly throw clay off his wheel? If so, you are witnessing, what I call, "Artist Rage." It's when an artist can't get the medium, to perform the way it should. 

I used to experience it all the time. I would throw sketches away,  stomp canvases, and generally destroy pieces that I was unhappy with upon completion.

However, In my old age, I have since found the value in every dented canvas, bad brushstroke, and glitch in the system. I now value the mistakes and sometimes even though it really is messed up, I can find some beauty in it. There is beauty in the mess. It may time some time to see it and even more time to appreciate and learn from it, but the beauty is there regardless.

I hope you enjoy this solo show.

Thanks,

Eric

One of the most faithful young people I know is Corey Cremeen. I have known him all his life and have watched him and been extremely proud of his faithfulness to the Kingdom of God. We recently sat down and talked about his startup suit company and who is better MJ or Kobe.

 Instagram: @cremeen_22

https://www.facebook.com/corey.cremeen

Hey ya'll.  Simple question sparks my imagination. So, when John Barfield asked me, "Eric, is there anywhere you know of, that needs lights?" I had an immediate answer. I hope ya'll enjoy this episode. 

https://www.facebook.com/mixcoachmatt

https://www.newkadia.com/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1XfjhkL20I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfyEniC8fb4&t=87s

We don't necessarily need more leaders. Now when I say that, it may sound like I am against leadership but anyone that knows me, knows that is not true. We all need those that have that special ability to organize and push through with vision and determination. But I also believe that we are lacking in one area and that is the development of Watchmen.

We all stand on the shoulders of someone else that helped us along the way. Whether we knew them or not, everyone owes a debt of gratitude to someone else.

Peter didn't have to be the only one. Any of the disciples could have stepped out there and gone too. But they didn't

Ryan Brister wanted to be a soul winner above everything else.

Several years ago, he started a Bible study in a tire shop and began preaching in local churches that were outside his Apostolic faith. During that time he was also youth leader at Pine Grove Pentecostal Church and head chaplain at a correctional facility.

He felt the call to evangelize, but all the doors seemed to be shut. He continued to work in the field God had given him. And just when he was immersed in the work at Pine Grove, that’s when God opened the doors to evangelize.

We talked about soul winning, church growth and how to build a lazy boy recliner.

Overcomers are often defined by the challenges in their lives that they conquer.

My friend Daniel Sisterson is one of those people.

He spent his formative years raised in a cult, and survived a devastating ATV accident at sixteen years old that left his left arm completely paralyzed.

Through it all, he has maintained his love for God, and continues to develop his calling by hosting Bible studies both face to face and online, and ministering in churches.

His desire is to advance and grow the kingdom of God from his home church in Buford, GA, and he is the latest guest on my podcast.

Hey ya'll! My first solo show in a couple months. Just me rambling in my studio closet today. I appreciate all the feedback and support. More interview this month. Stay Tuned.

I know of no job that constantly asks as much as that of a law enforcement officer.

At any moment, these proud men and women could be asked to fulfill the role of not only an officer of the peace, but also the role of medic, lawyer, counselor, chaplain or defender.

The challenges they face can be brutal, but also rewarding. I sat down and talked with officers Eric Quick and RJ Bell about their daily routines, things they’ve seen on the job, and the power of the Holy Ghost.

Samantha Thrash served six years in the Mississippi National Guard and even sat on a former Iraqi dictator’s throne; but her fondest “tour” was that of a teacher in the public school system.

She recently resigned from teaching to stay at home with their newborn baby girl. Listen in as we talk about her experiences in the Army, in the public school system, and in the church.

About two years ago, our church was faced with a huge dilemma. Our longtime minister of music was retiring.

Faced with the possibility of losing our choir, we looked inward and found a group of extremely talented and eager people, ready and willing to step in. One of those people was Lauren Morales.

I got an opportunity to sit down with her and talk about that transition, the importance of mentorship, and the true use of Walmart plastic bags.

Cody Thrash is one of the most detailed young men I know. A former 10 year veteran of the Army, he sat down and talked to me about his experience in Iraq. He and his wife, Samatha, were deployed at the same time. They came home and started a family. Although things were fine at first, His Rock and Roll lifestyle, drinking and partying began to have an effect on their marriage. But isn't it just like God to step in and begin to straighten things out? Yes, it is.

Cody and Sam have become strong leaders in our Church, leading youth prayer meetings, teaching Bible studies, and singing in the choir and praise team. 

He is currently back in college seeking a degree in Addiction Counseling. I hope you enjoy this episode.

Every time Jason and I sit down and talk Art, Songwriting, Comedy, Personal and Spiritual Growth, and Randomness, I always leave those conversations, wishing I had recorded them. So, when I began thinking about bringing guests on the podcast, Jason was the first person on my mind.

I hope the listeners enjoy my talk with him and check out his social media links. He also has a new song he has written and it has been released on the new Ernie Haase & Signature Sound album. The song "Overcome" is absolutely wonderful.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasondavidsonmusic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasondavidsonmusic

Website: https://www.jasondavidson.net

https://music.apple.com/us/album/overcome/1570354960?i=1570355323

If we are not careful we can reach the point where we think everything is about us. About our blessing and how God can best bless us. I hope I can learn that it isn't about me. When I have had enough, somebody else just now getting started.

It's amazing how fast a person can be labeled a god or devil. Sometimes it happens within a few hours or minutes. I hope you enjoy my latest episode.

My dad once told me there was a little man inside the car working the antenna. I searched all day for that man when I was 4 years old, now I search for the little voice inside my heart.  

What's the oldest game around? I am going out on a limb and saying it was invented in the garden by Adam and Eve. Yup, they ran and hid and the rest is history. 

I have never been too swift. Rather slow actually and that's okay. This walk of faith isn't a sprint to see who can get there first, it is a marathon that only those that endure will win.

Whether they be good or bad, memories never fade. In just a moment you can be transported back. I hope you enjoy my latest episode.

Have you ever broken a tooth and your tongue just keeps going over and getting cut? How quickly the tongue can adapt and in a day or so and maneuver without any problems. The tongue is the most unruly member and it can fool us and for a while say what we want but in the end, it's the heart that comes through.

Who was the best shipbuilder in the Bible? The answer seems pretty easy huh? I have one to consider. 

Imagine being 600 miles away from home and wondering if God is even with you. Well, that's where I was a few years ago and something amazing happened at a Taco Bell of all places.

"Ain't no sense in complaining. Nobody gonna listen." Have you ever said that? I have but the fact is the very person we are "complaining" to maybe the very one that can help. I hope you enjoy my latest episode. 

Have you ever had a conversation with someone that reminded you of one you had read in the Bible? Maybe it wasn't being swallowed by a fish but I have a story for ya.

Within the last 24 months, I have lost my Dad and Mom. This episode is just a few of my thoughts over the last couple of days.