God Is Not Through With Me Yet!

I don't know what God has in store for me.  I am retired, but I hear God saying, "I'm not through with you yet."  I was raised in the parsonage, made a sincere profession of faith while very young, and accepted the call to the ministry while still in High School.  I was active in some form of ministry (counting the years that I prepared for ministry) from High School (graduated in 1961), to my last church (2006), except for about six years.  Let's see.....that's about 45 yrs., minus six, equals about 39 yrs.  Of that, about 33 yrs. was spent in pastoral ministry, four yrs. at Lee University (full time), and maybe 1 1/2 yrs. attempting to preach revivals.  I wanted to be an evangelist, but it became obvious, that my calling was not evangelistic.  My calling was to serve the church as pastor.  I did that, and resigned as pastor of the church in 2006.  I retired in 2007, underwent a medical setback for about two years, was called to serve as associate pastor in 2008 and here I am today.  I am serving as an associate pastor, and have as much to do in that position as I desire, but I'm wondering if that is what God wants me to do for the rest of my active years, or does he have something else in mind.  Yes, that could 'fill the bill' when I say that God says that He isn't through with me yet, but I think it involves more.  I presently have one forceful, driving desire - to play my trumpet.  My interest in music has revived and I have written a few new songs and poems, I have developed a new feeling for the piano, and I have shown improvement in other areas of music.  Could it be that God would have me to be active for him, at my age, using my musical abilities?  I'm not a professional musician by any means, but I do enjoy it, and I do use it in ministry from time to time.  I'm 68 yrs. old.  My mother is 89 and she is still living by herself and taking care of her self.  If that is any indication of my life expectancy, then I may have at least 20, or 21 more yrs. to live.  A lot can be done in 20 yrs.  I still seek to know God's will, and to follow Him.  I want to follow Him closely wherever He leads.  I want the remaining yrs. of my life be more effective in spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ, than any of the previous years of my life. 

Since this blog is a re-post of a blog I posted about 1 1/2 yrs. ago on another website, I have received a few comments on it.  I want to share one of those now.  "I like your spirit of perserverance! Don't overlook the fact that you have a worldwide ministry over the Internet already. I see you on all these sites. You have a gift of encouragement, among many others. With your openness and humility there's no telling what God has ahead. It will be great." -- Dr. Bill 

You know, I have had a growing interest in different aspects of the internet.  Hummmmm!  Maybe there is something there for me.  By the way!  Check out Janwell.com.

What's Right With This World!

In my last blog I said that selfishness was the problem with this world.  I have not changed my mind, but that could be expanded to include the more or less identifiable symptom called greed.  However, I want to change the direction of our thoughts here so that we might see something that is right with this world.

We have just experienced the joy of Thanksgiving.  What a wonderful time of the year.  Now, I don't claim to be a philosopher nor even a teacher, so don't be disappointed if all I'm saying amounts to no more than just revving my engine, but I must yelp about the great time of Thanksgiving that we have just enjoyed at my sister's house here in Cleveland, TN.  We had relatives from Florida, Alabama and Texas and we got to met some new friends from Wears Valley, Tennessee.  The rest of us were from 'close by' Cleveland, TN.  There were about 40 of us.  Some were young and some were old, some were small and some were large, some were of modest means and some were fairing well, some were fit as a fiddle and some were more like Momma's old, antiquated, Stradivarius (copy) Violin, but we all had one common characteristic; we were all happy.  At least everyone seemed happy to me.  We've all experienced sadness and disappointment from time to time, but the good news is that we can got over it.  We didn't have to continue in a sad, despondent, gloomy mood. What fun!  Laughing, singing, reminiscing, and of course eating.

What does this world have to do with that?  Well, this world is the creation of God.  It is a display of His splendor and majesty.  He has created such a beautiful world that even the beauty of it has healing qualities.  There are marvelous healing qualities in the trees and the fruit of the land.  The clean air we breath is a gift from The Creator.  If we only use the "stuff" of this world properly, we would find that everything we need is provided for us by such a caring God, then perhaps, we would know more how to enjoy the good things that this world provides for us because of His care.  We have morning, day time, and night.  We have summer, fall, winter, and spring.  What wonderful mountains and valleys, oceans and springs of fresh, bubbling water.  This world operates according to the laws of nature that God has designed.  And, I could rev my engine more but I believe I'll just let it idle for a while.  There is something right about this world, and I thank God for it.

I do hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.  If you want someone to say a prayer for you, just click on 'Prayer Request' and let me know.  I'll be glad to pray for you.

What's Wrong With This World?

Do you ever feel like this is a crazy world?  What's wrong with it?  Here's a simple and short answer:  It's full of people!  That's right - People!  People are what's wrong with this world.  So, the question should be, "What's wrong with people?"  Do you ever feel like, if people would only listen to what you had to say, this world would be a better place?  Well, I'm going to be truthful with you......I have felt like that a time or two!  But, you know, I've found out that all people are not always going to listen to what I have to say, and even if they did, they would not all do as I say.  You're not surprised by that are you?  Well, the same thing holds true for you too. 

Everybody has their own idea or opinion.  How can we come together on common grounds, so that we can get along with one another and live and let live?  I know that it's a good possibility that somebody is already saying, "I don't believe that 'live and let live' is the right approach to life.  Instead we should require of everybody their own responsibilities and if necessary, punish them if they do not pay up."  Okay.  I don't expect everybody to agree with what I'm saying right here, right now, but, I'm going to tell you what I think is wrong with people anyway.  Are you ready?  Here it is: It's selfishness!  Greed, envy, jealousy, pride and all the other selfish adjectives can pretty well describe what's wrong with the people of this world, and since the people of this world is what's wrong with this world, then the answer to the first question is selfishness. 

I really didn't intend for this blog to sound like I'm preaching at anyone but if it does, so be it.  I might as well invite you to read these scriptures that are taken from the Holy Bible, the Contemporary English Version:

Jude 1:16-19  ...People grumble and complain and live by their own selfish desires. They brag about themselves and flatter others to get what they want.  My dear friends, remember the warning you were given by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.  They told you that near the end of time, selfish and godless people would start making fun of God.  And now these people are already making you turn against each other. They think only about this life.....

2 Peter 3:3  ...First you must realize that in the last days some people won't think about anything except their own selfish desires.....

James 3:16  Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things.

Galatians 5:19-21  People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds.  They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom.

1Corinthians 13:3-8  What if I gave away all that I owned and let myself be burned alive? I would gain nothing, unless I loved others.  Love is kind and patient, never jealous, boastful, proud, or rude. Love isn't selfish or quick tempered. It doesn't keep a record of wrongs that others do.  Love rejoices in the truth, but not in evil.  Love is always supportive, loyal, hopeful, and trusting.  Love never fails!

Mama Said There'd Be Days Like This

Did you ever have one of those days when everything hit you at once, or when everything just came together so perfectly?  We tend to quickly blame somebody or something, or maybe even God when it's things we don't like, but do we express thankfulness when it's things we do like?  I've had a mixture of those kind of things lately.  Mama Said  there'd be days like this! (Ya gotta click on "Mama Said")  My first tendency was to be upset about a leaky roof, a faulty air conditioning system, a major drain clog, and a leaky jeep radiator, just to name the recent, prominent things, but here is the fact at this very moment:  I am living comfortably in my home with my beautiful wife, I've got clothes to wear and food to eat, the vehicle that sits out in my carport is dependable and ready for tomorrow, and God loves me!


The few brief and small rains we have had in the past months have not been heavy enough to assure me that the leaky roof is no longer a problem, and I have reason to believe that the roof still leaks.  Nevertheless, I know that the story of my leaky roof is not over yet.  It is still being written.  But for now I am dry.  Although my air conditioner is doing a very nice job now, I still owe a little more payment for the work that was done.  The plumber who repaired my drain line turned out to be someone that was a pleasure to meet and I would not have met him if it had not been for the drain problem.  The leaky radiator in my jeep has highlighted the excellent graciousness of one of my brother-in-laws and nephews.  What a blessing to be in such a great family.  This all begs to mention the Bible verse that says, "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)


Mama and Daddy both said a lot of things that I disregarded when I was young.  I wish I could recall every one of those bits of wisdom.  Well, Fred, Wil, Bonita and Donice, (my siblings) we still have our mama today, and I'd say that she still has a few bits of wisdom to share with us.  Some of it we heard yesterday and we will hear it again tomorrow, but for now, I think I'll listen to what Mama said.  

Together Again!

Today is a day to be remembered by the Brannen family - by the Louis A. Brannen family, that is.  On this day, after more than 50 years, all of the original Louis A. Brannen family that are still living, have addresses in the same city.  That city happens to be Cleveland, TN. 

About 55 years ago we all lived in the same three bedroom, shotgun house that was the parsonage for the church that daddy pastored in New Orleans, LA.  Daddy was a minister and pastored churches.  We moved a lot.   I used to look at moving to another place as an adventure, full of excitement and expectation with apprehension.  One or two years in any one location was not uncommon, but Dad stayed in New Orleans for four years.  Now, about the time we left New Orleans, my oldest brother, Fred, joined the U S Coast Guard after finishing high school in Cleveland, TN at Lee Academy.  I can't remember if he joined the Guard While we were still in N.O. or if it was after we left there in 1956 when we moved to Ooltewah, TN.  Ooltewah is only about 15 miles from Cleveland.  Fred was was the first one of our clan to leave the "fold". 

The next of the Brannen's who flew away from the "coop" was my next to the oldest sibling, Wil, who also completed his high school education at Lee Academy and joined the U S Coast Guard shortly thereafter.  I'm not positive about the exact times these events took place but I do remember that we moved from Ooltewah, TN, after being there only one year, to Smithville, TN where I started high school at DeKalb County High School in 1957.  I do remember for certain, that I had my own bedroom in that house.

That left two of us kids under the watchful eye of Mom and Dad - Me and my sister, Bonita.  We stayed in Smithville for only one year and then we moved back to Louisiana to the city of Monroe.  Monroe is the city I have often referred to as my home town.  While living there, I graduated from Ouachita Parish High School, I began my ministry with the Church of God, I began my college career at Lee University in Cleveland, TN, I joined the U S Air Force, I met my first wife, Vera Gail Welch, and I met my second wife, and we are still married after 37 years.  A lot of reasons to call Monroe my home, and Bonita has probably just as many and even more reasons to call Monroe her home, but she too now lives in Cleveland, TN. 

The three of us boys were at one time separated from each other as far as Corpus Christi, TX, is from Nairobi, Kenya, Africa, is from Lake Charles, La, is from Corpus Christi, TX, and Bonita was in West Monroe, LA.  At some point during that span of time, Mom and Dad were in Tennessee.  I heard my Mom say that we were all in different states, except that Fred was in Africa.  To say the least, we have been scattered.

While I was still in high school, there was another sibling added to the family, Donice.  She lived with Mom and Dad mostly in Louisiana and then attended, Lee College in Cleveland, TN, where she became engulfed with Tennessee culture and made Tennessee here home.  She now lives in Cleveland, TN.  As a matter of fact, so does Fred, Bonita and myself.  Oh, don't forget my Mom.  She moved here too, after Dad passed away over eleven years ago while they were living in Athens, TN.  That put us all here in Cleveland except for Wil.

Today, Wil is moving to Cleveland, TN.  He is here with some of his belongings and the moving van is to be here tomorrow.  It's been about 50 years but it is amazing how things turn around.  Time goes on and things change.  I don't know how long it will remain this way, but while it is this way, I plan to enjoy it.  Who knows?  It might be that the Brannen Brothers will become something of value, or it might be the Brannen Family that becomes renown.  There is already a Branham Family of note here in Cleveland but if you noticed, the spelling is different.  BRANNEN and BRANHAM!  The Branham Family Singers are really good.  What will the Brannen Family or Brannen Brothers be?  Who knows.  Anyway, we are all here together.  Look out Cleveland, TN!

Am I Getting Old?

Yesterday, Friday, proved to be a day that demands my consideration of the aging of my, and my wife's, mind and body!  We thought we would go to Captain D's for a break from the routine of our daily evenings and, for Janis, a break from the kitchen.  We ordered our meal, selected our table and waited a few minuets for our ticket number to be called.  Everything was going as it should, except for the fact that I had ordered two sides that was not the best combination, but it would do.  I wouldn't change it.  I hate to do things like that.  Still all was well.  We were enjoying the evening together.

Somehow, Janis made a move that resulted in her cup of water spilling right into her lap.  Oh my goodness!!  Water all over her lap, the booth seat, and the floor.  I helped her clean it up enough so that she could still eat, while sitting in the wet seat.  We continued with our meal and were ready to leave.  I thought she would be embarrassed with the front of her jeans being all wet, but the dark blue color of the jeans was a blessing because it really didn't show up too obviously.  So, with the tray of our dishes in my hands, we proceeded to leave.  As I turned around to leave the table, from somewhere, out of nowhere, appeared this half wall divider, right behind our booth and the tray in my hands found it.  Suddenly the cups with water and maybe a few of the other items like napkins etc., found their way over the wall onto the next table.  Oh no!!  Not again.  This time I was the one to be embarrassed.  I quickly got some paper towels and began cleaning up the mess while apologizing to the occupants in the booth.  Oh, thank goodness for large tables.  It did not splash on them and they were quite understanding.

Well, that makes me wonder if we are getting older or what.  I've noticed a few other minor fumbles that I've made lately, but wait a minuet!  Hasn't that always been the way it was?  As far back as I can remember, I have made mistakes.  When I was younger I made mistakes, but it seems that people were not quite as understanding.  And, yes, most of the time I probably could have avoided them.  Now, when I make a mistake, my age seems to get me off the hook.  That's good.  I should have some benefit for living this long.  I expect the benefits to increase as my age advances.  Hopefully, one day Janis and I can do whatever we want to, right or wrong, and no one will be upset about it.  Do you think that day will ever come?  Hahahaha!  LOL

I am glad that God is a merciful God.  If God was not merciful, I would be totally lost, without hope, but God is merciful.  Not only does He forgive me of my mistakes, and my out-right wrong doings, but He also blesses me with many, many good things.  One day I will be changed into the image of Christ.  Then I will make no more mistakes.  (1 John 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.)

Well, enough of that.  Just go to my website and buy something or visit my church page and see if there is anything there that might help you appreciate God a little more.

Virtual Piano

I installed this link on my website some time ago but I had never really checked it out.  I had played the keys and thought, "How neat!" but there was so much that I had missed out on because I didn't know it was available, until I finally stopped and really checked it out.  If you like music, you should check it out.  Just go to http://www.janwell.com/miscellaneous.htm and then scroll down to "Play The Keyboard" and there it is - Buttonbeats.com's virtual keyboard.  Really check it out.  Click on the various buttons and you may be surprised.  I sure was.  Like I said, "It's really neat."

While you are on my website, check out The Store, and the L & J Specialties Link, The CafePress Shop, The Church Page, and more.  Then, if you will, sign my Guestbook and let me know that you were there.

Too Much Internet!

Wait a minute!  Hold on here!  Stoooooooppp!  Yeah, that's the way I feel sometimes when it comes to this internet business.  I mean, sometimes it just seems like it is alive and furious - a beast trying to wrap it's fangs around me to suck the wind of life out of me.  Whew!  That's when I just have to set back and "let it be" for a while.  There was a time when I had so many applications going - you know, like My Space, Twitter, My Church, Yuwie, Zen Zuu, Sogocity, My Lot, Classmates, Cozi and more - that I just couldn't keep up with them all and would find myself spending all my time just checking applications and not really enjoying them.

Today, I am aware of the fact that I am trying out toooo many websites.  I mean web hosts for my own website.  There are several sites that will host your websit and will give you a free website for starters.  Some are free for only a short period of time and then you must begin paying either monthly or yearly charges, and some are with limited capability but remains free until you upgrade to a more professional mode of their hosting.  I've tried several to some extent.  I'll not mention all those sites and my experience with them here, but I'll say that the host of my website at http://www.janwell.com is freewebs.com.  The most dissapointing thing that I have found out about it is that I can only post five items in my store until I upgrade.  Of course an upgrade costs money.  I did upgrade enough to have my own domain name but I really need to post more items for sale in my store.  There is another host that will allow me to post many more items for sale (for free) but it has other disadvantages. Soooooooooo!

I must make up my mind.  Which host will I sink more money into?  Right now, I'm not sure.  Just check out my website that I am working with right now at http://www.janwell.com and see what you think.  Now, remember, I'm not a computer geek, nor a webtech.  That means my websites may appear somewhat undesirable or unprofessional but give me time.  In the mean-time check out my website and let me know what you think.  Go to my guestbook and tell me what I need to do to improve it.

One final word:  Don't let the internet beast make a slave out of you!!

College at 67?

Oh, dear me!!!!!  I just wrote this blog and messed around and canceled it by mistake.  Boy, that really makes me feel bad.  I will try to reproduce the bulk of it.  I'm sure every word will not be the same as before, but you should get the idea.  So, here goes!

I just talked to the Business & Technology Department of Cleveland State Community College about a course that I want to audit.  I was very pleased with the conversation and the information gained.  My plan is to audit the course entitled Personal & Small Business Taxes, but it is not offered until the spring semester so I will have plenty of time to get all my ducks in a row!  If you know what I mean!!  I read somewhere in the online catalog that the tuition is free for seniors over 60 years old.  Yes, I am over 60.  As a matter of fact, I am 67, so you can see that I need all the time I can get to be prepared for the course.  Not that I am slow or anything like that!  It's just that I like to take it easy and make sure everything is in order.  :o)

Those of you who know that my alma mater is Lee University and wonder why I did not choose to audit one of the courses there for only $50.00 per course, well, it's because I need this course and Lee University doesn't offer that class.  An for those of you who wonder why a 67 year old man would go to college and take a course, well, not only do I need it but I think these young kids today need some of us old heads around to show them how it's supposed to be done.  Right?? (Only to be answered by those who are 60 years old or older).

What is the business that I am interested in?  It's L & J Specialties, my online gift shop.  It's not only an online store but it is also a catalog, mail order, drop-ship, flea market, home party, and other kind of business if I choose to go in that direction.  If you are reading this, you must be online and I'm sure there are many, many, other folks online at this very moment.  If you guys will just go to my website and make a purchase, I'd surely appreciate it.  You will be saving 10% off the catalog price if you do.  As a matter of fact, if you will send me a written request and mention code #101 and include a certified check or money order, you can deduct 25% off the catalog price for any one item.  This will also work for personal checks but it may take up to five (5) extra business days to process.  To get this deal you must send in a written request (do not use pay-pal for this deal), identify the item by name and number, mention the code, and include your payment.  But hurry!  This offer expires in 90 days!!  I'm laughing out loud, because this is such fun.  Really, now is a good time to start thinking about some of those Christmas gifts that you want to purchase.  Send your request and payment to:  L & J Specialties, 4000 Sycamore Dr. NW, Cleveland, TN 37312.

When you visit my website you may think I need a course in web design, and I would agree, but I am learning and with the help of Yola I can make the website better.  But for now, WYSIWYG.  If you are interested in building your own website for free, try Yola.  You can update it at anytime, but the basic site is free.

It's Sunday Afternoon

It's Sunday afternoon, we've finished our noon meal, we've been to church this AM, and all is well.  This morning William Clayton & The Redeemed were with us in our church.  These men can really get you to clapping your hands and patting your foot.  They also carry a sincere message about Jesus Christ.

We had to rush out the door and get home so we could have the noon meal prepared for everyone by 1:00PM.  Everyone included My son Jonathan, his wife Kristin, and my nephew Marcus.  I know that is not a house full of people but it was everyone that showed up.  I always hate to have to leave church so early - just as soon as the "Amen" is said.  The church is a fellowship, but if we never stay around and fellowship with the other fellows our 'ship' will become a little 'canoe'.  Maybe tonight, we can catch up on lost fellowship.


A very significant thing happened today.  I received my first check, from someone who wasn't a relative, for their purchase of one of the products from my catalog.  My catalog shows all the products that I have available through mail order via L & J Specialties.  If you don't have a catalog, just go to my online gift shop.  You can order from the website by emailing me and sending a check via USPS or you can order online by using the checkout procedures available on the web site via Pay Pal.  Anyway, if you want to be my second non-relative customer, just ask me in an email, "Am I your second non-relative customer?", and if you are, I will let you take 50% off the catalog price of the next item you purchase from me.  The 'next item' is not the same thing as the 'next order' - just one item for 50% off.  And yes, any item.  You must take advantage of this offer before the month of August is over.  If you happen to be the third, fourth or fifth customer, I will let you take 1/3rd. off the catalog price of the 'next item' your purchase from me by following the same procedures as the second non-relative customer as already mentioned.  I hope that's not too confusing!  If you do not have a catalog, send me your name and address and I'll be glad to send you one.

Now, I think it's time for me to take a nap before I get ready to go to church tonight.  I don't want to go to sleep on the preacher.  That would embarrass me.  When I was pastor, I remember that it made me feel like I was not preaching good enough to keep peoples attention.  I don't want the preacher to think that I am not interested in what he has to say, so the best medicine for that is a good nap before church.  So here goes!!!!!  ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!!!!