Interview – BCU

Survivor’s Song | Interview with Connie L. Johnson

Here there BCU Family!

You can access the podcast here , or click on the avatar below, as you refer to the show notes below for the highlights. We pray the content blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

BlenCouragesU · BCU podcast | Survivor’s Song | Connie Johnson | Ep 339

Podcast highlights:

We are wrapping up our conversation with my songwriter, author, advocate and friend, Connie L. Johnson.
In our first conversation, Connie and I talked about christian conduct, advocacy and blessing others.
Our last talk was about trauma, grief, AIDS advocacy, “busyness” and healing.
This time, we chat about introversion, “Ted Talking”, and being a good neighbor.

KJV Scripture References

Psalm 37:23
The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way.

Philippians 4:13

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

John 13:35

By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.

James 2:8

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

Where are all my introverts who are living in this extroverted world? LOL! lThe struggle is real, but so is our amazing God who is able to strengthen us to stand up and out for Him. Also, this was a good reminder for us to be a good neighbor to the people we come in contact with.

As a gifted speaker, Connie has a Ted Talk which you can access here. She has also written a book about women in Kenya who are living with HIV and AIDS. If you would like to purchase Connie’s book, Beyond Measure, please visit her site here: www.IamConnie.me, or you can reach out to her at “IAmConnie40” on all social media platforms. Let’s end in prayer!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, we thank You for the blessing of love, fellowship and friendship. We also thank You for remembering those of us who are on the shy side to allow Your Spirit to rise up in us, so we can boldly live and speak for You without fear—in the empowering name of Jesus!

Jesus, we ask that you please touch the body and mind of someone who is in pain today. Please remember all who are living with HIV, AIDS and any other disease, and heal as only You can, Jesus! We thank You that someone will now know that You are a Healer, Savior, deliverer and a very present help in the time of trouble!

Please help us, Jesus, to know how we can love on and be a good neighbor to everyone, so we do our part in honoring and caring for the people who are made in Your image. We thank You for continuing to bless and keep us as only You can, in Jesus name, we pray, Amen!

As a reminder, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Also, if you so inclined, join us Thursday nights––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Apple podcasts, Google podcasts, Pandora, and Spotify!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

26 Mar 2024

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Beyond Measure | Interview with Connie Johnson

Here there BCU Family!

BlenCouragesU · BCU podcast | Beyond Measure—Connie Johnson | Ep 338

Podcast highlights:

We are continuing our conversation this week with a sweet friend of mine, Connie Johnson.
Last time, Connie and I talked about christian conduct, advocacy and the importance of blessing others.
In this conversation, we talk about trauma, grief, AIDS advocacy, “busyness” and healing.

KJV Scripture References

Psalm 147:3

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

Luke 10:38-42

³⁸Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

³⁹And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word.

⁴⁰But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.

⁴¹And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:

⁴²But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.

Matthew 11:28-30

²⁸Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

²⁹Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

³⁰For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

BCUFam, when Connie asked, “am I busy, or about My Father’s business?”——that question resonated with me on a few different levels! Over the last few years, the Lord is helping me to realize that it is better sit at the feet of Jesus, to actually hear and do what He is calling us to do, versus proving our “faithfulness” to others by being overly busy in every area that needs help.

As a gifted speaker and author, Connie has written a book about women in Kenya who are living with HIV and AIDS. If you would like to purchase Connie’s book, Beyond Measure, please visit her site here: www.IamConnie.me

When we are together next time, Connie and I will wrap up our conversation, so please stay tuned! In the meantime, let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, thank You for the reminder Jesus, that we do not have to prove our love to You by being over-scheduled. Please help us to know which assignments are ours and when to do them, so You are honored and pleased with us.

Jesus, we also ask that You please heal all who are broken-hearted. Please touch the body and mind of someone who is in pain today, Lord. Please remember all who are living with HIV, AIDS and any other disease, and heal as only You can, Jesus! We thank You that someone will now know that You are a Healer, Savior and a very present help! Glory!

Please help us, Jesus to know how we can be a blessing to at least one person according to Your will and way, so we do our part in honoring and caring for the people who are made in Your image. We thank You for continuing to bless and keep us in Your care, in Jesus name, we pray, Amen!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

19 Mar 202419 Mar 2024

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

Room A203 | Interview with Connie Johnson

Here there BCU Family!

You can access the podcast here, or click on the avatar below, as you refer to the show notes below for the highlights. We pray the content blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the podcast!

BlenCouragesU · BCU podcast |Interview with Connie Johnson | Ep 337

Podcast highlights:

We are in Room A203 this week with a conversation with a sweet friend of mine—-singer, songwriter, poet, advocate and so much more, Connie Johnson.
Connie and I connected via “accidentally” via social media, and found we had many things in common.
In this segment, Connie and I talk about christian conduct, advocacy and the importance of blessing others.

KJV Scripture References

Luke 6:31

And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.

Luke 10:25-37

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him, saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?

26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?

27 And he answering said, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.

28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.

29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?

30 And Jesus answering said, A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way: and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was: and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.

35 And on the morrow when he departed, he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him, Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.

36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?

37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him. Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

WHEW!!!! BCUFam, when Connie said we have to be mindful of how we interact and view people, that was a spiritual gut check and call to action. As followers of Christ, we are called to love and care for His people, rather than name call, shame and neglect them. That was a good reminder that we have work to do!

Interestingly enough, I interviewed Connie late last year, with the intent to have podcast uploaded in January. God’s timing worked out so much better, since it is Women’s History Month. And with the help of the Lord, this amazing woman is definitely making history and changing the future for many children, and I am sure inspiring others to do the same as the Lord leads! Amen? Amen!

Lord will, I plan to continue our conversation the next time we are together, where we will cover trauma, grieving, and healing. In the meantime, let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, thank You so much for all our ears have heard. Jesus, we ask You to search our hearts and please forgive us for any times we made someone feel marginalized for the situations or choices that were made. We truly want to do unto others and we would have them do unto us. Please help us, Jesus to know how we can be a blessing to at least one person according to Your will and way, so we do our part in honoring and caring for the people who are made in Your image. We thank You for continuing to bless and keep us in Your care, in Jesus name, we pray, Amen!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

12 Mar 202412 Mar 2024

BlenCouragesU2 Comments

What happened to my website?!

Hey there BCU Fam!

For this post, because of the informal format, please tune into the podcast recording (click here or on the BCU avatar below) and refer to the written post for the highlights. We pray the post blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

UPDATE: The BlenCouragesU.com site is BACK UP. GLORY to God!!!!!
Currently, there is some sort of debacle with my domain name which is now ~~http://www.bl-encourages-u.com.~~ (insert face palm).
I tried to get this fixed straightaway, but am still awaiting a response.
After taking this to the Lord in prayer, we are going to give thanks and go in another direction with our format.
Please listen in to see which of the questions below I answered.

BlenCouragesU · BCU Podcast | What happened to the BCU site? (Ep 298)

Scripture references:

Proverbs 3:5-6

⁵Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

⁶In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

I Thessalonians 5:18

¹⁸In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.

Questions:

What’s your favorite childhood memory?
How did you meet your spouse/significant other?
What is your favorite holiday movie, and what does that say about you?
What has been your favorite job you’ve held?
What has been your least favorite job to date?
If you could go back and give your 18-year-old self one piece of advice, what would it be?
Tell me about the three most influential people in your life and how they impacted you.
What does your morning routine look like?
What was your favorite subject in school?
What was your favorite trip you’ve ever taken?
What’s your favorite color, and what does that say about you?
Who has been your most important professional mentor?
What’s one lesson your job has taught you that you think everyone should learn at some point in their life?
At what time of day do you get your best work done?
What are three other podcasts you’d recommend to my audience and why?

BCU Fam, I hope you enjoyed our chat—I know I did! I confess I was a little stressed about this situation, but after taking it to the Lord in prayer, my choice was to leave it with Him and work around the situation with His help. Additionally, I was thinking to do a post like this for my 300th episode, but since things got shifted, we pivoted and adjusted as needed. Sometimes, these light afflictions come to test our faith and reliance on Jesus. With His grace, I believe I passed the test and we thank the Lord for that! Amen? Amen! Let’s pray!

Father, in the name of Jesus, as we come before You today, thank You for this special time together with my BCUFamily! And we bless Your name in the midst of the confusion that surrounds us. We thank You for the privilege of taking all of our concerns to You in prayer, and to hear Your voice as to the next steps we should take. As many of us wait for You to handle our situations, we thank You for helping us to maintain a demeanor and countenance that reflects You at all times, so that You are praised and honored in our lives! In Jesus name, we thank You, Amen!

Also, if you so inclined, join us for our Thursday Night Bible Study––we are LIVE on YouTube 8:05EST/7:05CST. You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on whatever platform BCU is available on. Some of those platforms are Amazon Music, AnchorFm, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Stitcher Radio , and many more of your favorite podcast platforms!

Thank you SO much for stopping by! May God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU

6 Jun 20236 Jun 2023

BlenCouragesU1 Comment

BCU Youth Squad interview: Kierra Hannon! (FINALE).

Hey 👋🏾 there BCU Family!

Typically, you have the option of listening to our podcast, reading the notes or both. For this post, because of the interview format, please tune into the podcast recording and refer to the written post for the highlights. We pray the post blesses and encourages you. If so, please thumbs up AND leave a comment! Thank you and enjoy the post!

Podcast highlights:

So thanks to our awesome God, we’ve aded a brand new segment to the BCU line-up–the BCU Youth Squad! This platform is designed for us to find out to what the younger generations have on their minds. As adults, we may not always agree with their thoughts and sometimes we need to correct, inform, reprove, teach or do nothing. ALL the time we need to LISTEN, PRAY and do what GOD says, so we can get the perfect result.

20180222_174456_Film1 — Special guest: Kierra Grace Hannon

In our first segment,we talked with now 19-year-old, North Carolina native Kierra G. Hannon, who kicked off our first BCU Youth Squad podcast by talking about her spiritual foundation, life in college and scriptures she’s been meditating on. Last week, we talked about music and how it can effect your spirit. Last time, we talked about Kierras’s view on being a Christian in music industry and Hollywood. This segment we’ll wrap up our interview about the power millennial have through Christ! Click the BCU icon below to listen in!

So what do you think about the Christian millennial generation? Kierra asked for help with getting the youth to flood the internet with positive and credible examples Christ-like millennials. What are your suggestions? Please head over to the comment section so we can continue the conversation or connect with Kierra on Instagram on energtically_me .

We do have our interview finale, so please stay tune for that! In the meantime, if you have not subscribed to BlenCouragesU.com, please do so! It’s free and a good place to get the encouragement, inspiration and information based the Word of God! Additionally, you can also see what we are up to on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram! You can also listen in and subscribe to the podcast on Stitcher Radio , Google Play, and Apple podcasts!

Thank you SO much for stopping by. God bless, keep and make His face to shine upon you as you #StayOnTheWall!

Love,

BCU