The Noticer by Andy Andrews

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Apr 27, 2009 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

The Book: The Noticer

The Author: Andy Andrews

Publisher: Baker Book House

Date: 2009

Carrying his old, well-worn suitcase, the ageless man find the lonely, the troubled, the traumatic and the depressed and provides a different perspective on their present circumstances. As the pages of the book captivate and challenge your own perspective, you see how a homeless man goes from sardines and Vienna Sausages on sand to “surf and turf with an ocean view.” The suitcase carrying old man changes the lives of countless people with just a little adjustment of perspective.

The old man’s name is Jones and he who is many of us want to be; a traveling guru of thought and mind, while providing wisdom at each turn of the page. His friendship transcends the pages and quickly you begin to identify yourself with someone in the book. Even at 12:30am the pages were turning quickly as I could not wait to find out the next challenging thought from the man called, “Jones.”

Andy steps out of the book as the person effected most by Jones, but as you read, it might be you who comes away mostly changed by the ageless man’s words. From the discussion of the four dialects of marriage to the challenges of a widow on the local dock, Jones transcends boundaries and lives through simple wise words.

His wisdom comes in the form of informal questions and answers; from George Washington Carver to five seagulls sitting on a dock, Jones challenges the minds to reach a high level and thus changing their lives.

As the pages of the books thinned out and I closed the final page, I had a problem – I wanted more! I wanted to read more of Andy’s thoughts and Jones’ challenging perspective.

Mr. Andrews, you created an excellent book to change each reader. The words you created make my desire to hear more about this man named Jones overwhelming. I want to hear more about the suitcase he carried and where he carried it.

A word of thought: As you sit down with this book, get comfortable because pretty soon you will find yourself in the pages of this book. Page after page will turn and time will stand still as you sit back and enjoy some words from a man named Jones.

Just my thoughts…

Chris

Get your copy of the Noticer here:

Top Ten Words/Phrases I Have Spoken

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Apr 23, 2009 in Uncategorized | 2 comments

I was going to do this top ten list as a video, but the words in some are a little too emotional for me. I have said them many times before, but right now they are emotional. One day I might share more, but for now, I hope you can read.

Enjoy!

Top Ten Words/Phrases I Have Spoken:

10 – “I’m Sorry” – Many times these are the hardest words I have said, but they are the most rewarding. I have spoken these words many times and I am sure I will speak them many more. Sometimes they were after a realization that my pride and ego got in the way and I needed to realize there is someone and/or something greater than myself. I appreciate these words!

9 – “Watch This!” – These words were usually said during the experiences of youth, but also the silliness of adulthood. They were usually followed my scars, bruises and bumps, but never an “official” broken bone. For my southern friends you might say, “Hey ya’ll! Watch this!”

8 – “I think I might preach.” – These words have been spoken several times, and I am still thinking about them daily. I first spoke them when I was in ninth grade as I sat with my dad outside our house in Buckhannon, WV. The next time I spoke them and truly meant them was when I decided to straighten up and attend FHU to receive a degree in Bible. I hope to grow up and preach, even still.

7 – “Whew!” – I spoke this simple word when my heart cath, echocardiogram, stress test and whatever tests I had came back clear and my heart was in tip-top shape. That was 2002 and I am still here! The doctors even proclaimed me as normal! “Whew!”

6 – “The healing starts when you help someone else heal.” – I mentioned these words to my family when one of the hardest times in our family hit.  Each of us have been hurt, but our healing begins when we reach out to others and pull them through the experiences of their life. Help someone today.

5 – “You can do anything you want and I will help you do it.” – I heard this phrase growing up and now I am speaking it to my own children. I want them to understand that God created them for a purpose and they can achieve that purpose if they are found in His Son. I will do whatever I can for them ”spiritually, mentally and physically,” but they still make the choice. I will provide all the resources I can.

4 – “Yes, sir. I do.” – As a 13 year old young man, I stood before a Judge in Buckhannon, WV and made the choice to have my step-father adopt me as his own. I made the choice; no one else did. I changed names and became the son of a Gallagher. I have not regretted this decision, because I choose to do it as a young man. (By the way, that is the first time I have used the phrase “step-father.” It just sent chills down my spine; because to me he is my father, my dad and my hero.)

3 – “Will You Marry Me?” – My knees were shaking and my heart was pounding…and she said, “YES!” My Carolina Cutie was going to be my wife as we journey through this life. Love ya my Carolina Cutie! There are volumes I could write about that day, but I will cherish them for myself right now; maybe later you can hear.

2 – “I Love You!” – These words are spoken to four people more than others. I speak them to Carrie, Alexis, Emma and Caleb because my love for them exceeds any other on this earth. (Sorry ya’ll) They are my physical life and my family of hope and life. Without them I would not be where I am. I love each of you and may God give us more times to say, “I Love You.”

1 – “Thank You.” – This phrase was said on the greatest day of my life. I stood before a group of family and friends, soaking wet and excited about my new life. My life was changed and my hope was firm. The day was October 2nd, 1988. The place was the brick building which housed my spiritual family of the Buckhannon Church of Christ. I had tried to wait as everyone left, but they all heard what was happening and they ran back in. As Darrell Toothman picked me up out of the water, he gave me a hug, I saw the look on my parent’s faces and the only words that came to mind were, “Thank you.” I said that to each member as they hugged my neck and kissed my check. To my Jesus who died for me…..”Thank You.”

Honorable mention: I quick phrase that fits in this list but I was not sure where. The words are simple but the occasion is special. The words were, “I now baptize you….” I have said these words a few times, but one occasion trumps them all. My youngest brother asked me to baptize him and I did. After his baptism I hugged him the best I could (He is 6’4” and I am 5’9”). That day sets apart any baptism I have been asked to do. Thank you Matthew!

Hope you enjoyed tonight’s thoughts!

What would make your Top Ten?

Chris

Ish-benob, David, Satan and Jesus

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Apr 21, 2009 in Uncategorized | 2 comments

A person’s reputation usually proceeds the person. Our view of a person’s reputation provides us with a guideline as we interact with the individual’s actions, thoughts and emotions. How do you think Satan deals with a person’s reputation?

I believe Satan views a person’s reputation exactly the way Ishbi-benob does – he does not!

Ishbi-benob was a giant who sought to kill the Giant-Killer David. Ishbi-benob went after David even when Ishbi-benob does not seem to be as large as Goliath, but still be ignored David’s reputation and sought to kill David! I am sure Satan acts the same way! Consider the story of Ishbi-benob:

There was war again between the Philistines and Israel, and David went down together with his servants, and they fought against the Philistines. And David grew weary. And Ishbi-benob, one of the descendants of the giants, whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of bronze, and who was armed with a new sword, thought to kill David. But Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his aid and attacked the Philistine and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, "You shall no longer go out with us to battle, lest you quench the lamp of Israel."  (2 Samuel 21:15-17; ESV)

Satan does not concern himself with a person’s reputation. Remember these two people Satan went after:

• Remember Job? The Lord even mentioned Job to Satan. “And the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?" (Job 1:8) Satan went after Job to bring him away from the Lord. Satan was not concerned about Job’s reputation!
• Remember Jesus! Satan knew that Jesus was the Son of God, yet he spent his time tempting Jesus. (Matthew 4)

Considering the fact that Satan does not concern himself with our reputation, where should we go and what shall we do?

We should turn our minds and lives over to the one who crushed the head of Stan with the death blow of the cross and just at the moment Satan thought he had one, Jesus left the tomb empty to make Himself known again!

When is the last time you have turned to the true champion to pull you through? Turn to him now because He wants you on His team!

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."  (Matthew 11:28-30)

Just some thoughts,

Chris

Monday Morning Blues

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Apr 20, 2009 in Uncategorized | 0 comments

I thought and reconsidered then thought about posting this Jim Gaffigan clip, so I just decided to do it. Jim Gaffigan provides some hilarious thoughts about everyday life in very weird ways. Hence, I really enjoy his humor.

Take a moment and enjoy!

Hope you enjoyed!

Chris

Monday Morning Blues

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Apr 13, 2009 in Uncategorized | 2 comments

Today’s Monday Morning Blues is an old school bit of Johnny Carson and Jack Webb. Nothing like some simple old school humor to get the brain pumping.

Hope you enjoyed!

Chris