July 30, 2013

Good Morning Friends!   Mighty awesome is our God, Monday!  Kim and I had some unexpected, as well as uninvited visitors yesterday morning!  A group of lawn mowers……trouble with them is they cut down flowers and all!  Have you guessed yet….Yep, as we got our coffee and headed to the porch we were greeted by about 30 lambs mowing our lawn…thank goodness I got to my flowers before they did…..stinkers they came a long way down the road….from green pastures to get to our house…..never happy….(remind you of anyone).  Well, no sooner than we sat down, they turned and headed back towards the road.  Shepherd Kim was not happy…..couldn’t let them go out to the road again…..30 lambs on the road spells disaster anyway you look at it.  So, Kim got the four-wheeler, gathered them up and headed up the road to their pasture.  He had me follow them in the car with my flashers on; mind you, I was just out of bed….not dressed or anything….yippee!  Shepherd Kim seemed to have everything under control, always there to take care of his lambs, guiding them to safety and lush pasture.  Everything seemed to be under control, getting close to their home when one lone lamb decides to head out on his own.  Shepherd Kim attempted to get him back with others a couple times, but then went on with the group….I too gave it a try but to no avail.  This young lamb was bound and determined to take off on his own, no clue to the dangers awaiting him.  As I turned in the road to lambs pasture, Shepherd Kim was already turning around and heading out.  I backed out of his way and watched him go right to where the young lamb had wandered off…..he patiently…oh so patiently,  coaxed him back, back to the flock….in safe lush pastures.  How often are we the wandering lamb…….How blessed we are to have the Perfect Shepherd to come back for us….take us into His flock….love us and forgive us!  Thank you Father!

 

He tends His flock like a shepherd:  He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.  Isaiah 40:11.  “For this is what the Sovereign Lord says:  I myself will search for my sheep and look after them.  As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after My sheep.  I will rescue them from all the places where they were scattered on a day of clouds and darkness.”  Ezekiel 34: 11-12.  Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd.  The Good Shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.”  John 10:11.  “I am the Good Shepherd; I know My sheep and my sheep know me—just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”  John 10 14-15.  The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want……Psalm 23:1

July 26, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Forever His Friday!  Golly molly!  How about this weather!  Loving the rain, but driving in it is such a challenge for me, especially since my accident.  So, this morning coming to work, I had my job cut out for me….First thing I did as I started out, was say a prayer…..The roads were definitely water logged and first thing, 3 huge diesel trucks flew by totally obscuring my vision with muddy water.  That’s ok….I held onto the steering wheel, not with a death grip, I wanted to stay calm and focused, avoid being all stressed out….I held the wheel firmly, with confidence.  The traffic was pretty heavy as I turned onto 3W, but I wasn’t going to let them force me into going faster than I felt was safe…..the rain was steady, highway very wet, visibility not too good…..why in the world are people driving so crazy….one car after another passed me, flying by as if the world was about to end….lots of cars didn’t even have their lights on….and the roads were water logged….I stayed focused, held firm, checked my mirrors……determined to get to work, safe and sound…..focused, holding firm…..I made it just fine.  As I pulled into my parking space and grabbed my plastic rain cap, I felt warm and thankful….God was present on my drive…..God is present in my life…..sometimes the ride is tricky, hazardous….devastating illness, broken relationships, abuse, financial burdens, stress at work……God is present!  Hold firm to HIM….let the LIGHT of His word be your guide…..when the muddy waters obscure your vision turn to the wipers of His LOVE….He will clear your path…..be confident in His LOVE, trust in His CARE….Stay focused and steady through word and prayer…. Be firm in your faith…..don’t let the crazy drivers stress you out and lead you away from HIM... His GUIDANCE will take you all the way……Forever HIS!  OH Father, thank you for the LIGHT of Your Love……keep us holding on to YOU forever!

From everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children.  Psalm 103:17.  So we know and rely on the love God has for us.  God is love.  Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in Him.  1 John 4:16.  The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over you coming and going both now and forevermore.  Psalm 121:7-8.  The Lord will be your confidence and will keep your foot from being snared.  Proverbs 3:26.  Do not rear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God>  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.  Isaiah 41:10.

Love you all!

Kathie A. Johnson

Receptionist

Administrative Services

Division of Housing

the Chickasaw Nation

580-421-8800

Kathie.johnson@chickasaw.net

July 24, 2013

Good Morning Friends!!!  Wonderfully wrapped in His loving arms Wednesday!  The first 2 verses of Psalm 66 have always been  favorites of mine, but this morning they took on a whole new meaning…..I got it!  “Shout with joy to God, all the earth!  Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious!’  The phrase, “all the earth” is what I got…..This morning the sounds of praise came to me……well, since it was raining and cool out Kim and I decided to sit on the porch this morning.  The rain was gentle as I sat down to read and pray…..I had only been sitting for a minute when I was greeted by the braying of one of my miniature donkeys…..right outside the window!  Great, I thought Eyore has gotten out….he carried on for a bit, guess he wanted me to know what he had done.  The rain sounded so nice on the tin roof….the thunder roared…..loud, long clasps resounding from the skies and the lightening, so close to the thunder….bright flashes lighting the sky….the rain pounding harder and harder on the tin roof balanced out the orchestra…..Ahh…..”Shout with joy to God, all the earth! Sing the glory of His name; make His praise glorious!”  OH Father how magnificent is Your world!  All the earth Your creation…..fill us our hearts and minds to see Your glory in everything around us…..And to sing, shout, bray, roar our Praises to You our most Awesome God!  Oh how blessed we are to be Your children!

I will extol the Lord at all times; His praise will always be on my lips.  Psalm 34:1.  The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped.  My heart leaps for joy and I will give thanks to Him in song.  28:7.  You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the  mountains and hills (and donkeys) will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.  Isaiah 55:12.  How many are your works, O Lord!!  In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.  Psalm 104:24.  Your love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the skies.  Psalm 36:5.

Love you all!  PS…..both donkeys and the mule escaped, but were captured successfully!

July 22, 2013

Good Morning Friends!!!!!!  Mighty is our God, Monday!  This morning on the news, on every channel, the birth of the royal baby was the main focus!  Yes, the whole world is a buzz awaiting the birth of Prince William and Princess Kate’s first child….prince or princess….that is the question!  Everyone loves a new baby…..so innocent and precious….this royal baby really has everyone excited…..As I listened to the news commentators this morning I couldn’t help but feel a bit of excitement myself….how nice it is to have hear something positive on the news….something really happy, non- violent, during such difficult, unsettled times in our world….Yes, this new baby is just what we need right now…..I had to chuckle as my mind turned from the baby in the news to the baby in my heart….OUR BABY, LORD OF LORDS, PRINCE OF PEACE, AND KING OF KINGS!  Princess’s Kate’s baby is being born in a huge hospital, with all the modern medical things needed; our PRINCE was born in stable, no doctors or nurses, just cows and sheep…..His bed….a manger….not a fancy cradle, but hold on…..Angels sang at HIS birth……the heavens were full of rejoicing, shepherds fell to their knees in awe and praise and Wise men traveled from a far to bring HIM precious gifts!  HIS birth had been anticipated for much longer than the 9 months that William and Kate have waited….For the baby in the manger….Our SAVIOR!  His birth was the beginning of life everlasting for a world that will simply believe in HIM…..HIS death and resurrection for us……children of HIS Royal Family! Father, thank you so much for giving us YOUR SON…..to wash us clean with HIS blood…..Help us  share Your love and the joy of Your forgiveness through Your Son, our Savior.  And Father, thank you for precious babies that bring us so much joy; bless Kate and William with a healthy baby, to You be the Glory!

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a SAVIOR has been born to you, He is the Christ the LORD.  This will be a sign to you:  You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His faor rests.”  Luke 2:10-14.  Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  Hebrews 12:2.  God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believe I Him shall not perish but have eternal life.  John 3:16. 

July 19, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Forever His, Friday!  About 14 years ago my sister sent Kim and I some very special T-shirts; mine says, “Nana’s my name, spoiling my game” and Kim’s says, “Papa’s my name, spoiling my game.”  We loved them, and so began a tradition of wearing them to the airport when we went to pick them up for a visit and when we took them back to send them home!  Year in and year out each summer or winter visits to Alaska (I just put a turtle neck under mine) we wore our Nana/Papa shirts with love and pride!  The girls came to expect seeing us in them…….So last Tuesday as we were watching Hannah and Harper go through security at the airport, heading home after a wonderful visit, Papa and I were both shocked at Harper’s last words to us……”You didn’t wear your T-shirts!”  We looked at each other….horrified…..HOW COULD WE FORGET OUR T-SHIRTS!!!!!   They were both waving and smiling that, “we gotcha” smile as I said over and over again how sorry I was….Papa too!  As we headed back to the car, we both just shook our heads in disbelief….How in the world did we forget our T-shirts!!!  I truly felt like the worst Nana in the whole world, even though they both reassured me it was OK, I just couldn’t stop thinking about how disappointed they must have been….and then I got the most delightful idea!  While they were visiting, they talked their dad into sending me an old ipad that they no longer use because they have I phones…..Hannah got it all set up for me and taught me how to use it so that I could face-time with Tucker and them…..How special is that!!!!  So exciting for me and Papa!!!!  Wednesday was our first time….it was Tucker’s first birthday and to be able to see him crawling around, playing with his new toys and sing to him was a true joy…..a special blessing…..that happened because Hannah and Harper had a love-filled idea and acted on it…..and then we forgot our T-shirts…..oh heck, hang on….I know what Papa and I can do…..We can face-time them…..wearing our special T-SHIRTS!!!!  I was so excited to have a chance to make it up to them……last night was the special night….Papa and I got our shirts on and I called Hannah to see if they could face-time.  She said sure, so I connected on the ipad and WaLa!!!!  Hannah and Harper got a T-shirt fashion show!  I am not sure who was more excited the girls or me….I truly had the special “warm fuzzy” feeling….in my heart. I must admit that modern technology does have its plus side!  Warm fuzzies are a special blessing……Grandchildren truly are an endless source…..let’s learn from them and find someone that needs a “warm fuzzy” today…..I know our Heavenly Father will smile on us…..He is the Master of special blessings and warm fuzzies!   Thank you Father for filling our lives with special little joys that warm our hearts.  Help us to pass it on!

Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.  Hebrews 13:16.  Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.  Hebrews 13:2   Be kind and compassionate to one another.  Ephesians 4:32.  As God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Colossians 3:12.  In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.  (and everyone loves a warm fuzzy).  Matthew 7:12…….the greatest of these is love….

Love you all!

Kathie A. Johnson

July 18, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Thankfully His, Thursday!  Gosh the weather was crazy here yesterday!  Sitting at my desk I have a great view outside through the front doors.  It was bright and sunny as I started my day and then about mid- morning I noticed it was getting really cloudy…I could see the clouds getting heavy and then just before 12 it just started pouring…..now I mean pouring!  The parking lot was flooded in just a matter of minutes and then, as quickly as it came…..it was gone!  Within a few minutes, the sun was shining again.  The clouds were gone, parking lot drained off….clear skies…..for a little while!  Just when you think it’s clear sailing…Bam…..the clouds moved in dark, heavy and burst into heavy downpours……this was the scenario all through the afternoon.  Clear skies turning to heavy clouds and pounding downpours!  A friend and I were discussing the crazy weather and I said….kind of like our lives isn’t it?  One minute we are cruising along happy as can be….not a care in the world, thinking Woo Hoo, life is grand….And then the next minute dark clouds move in…..hanging heaving over us…..clouds of indecision, financial burdens, family problems, health issues, broken relationships, stress at work…..the clouds get heavier until they are finally pouring on us…..We think we can’t go on……and then, the rain stops, clouds clear, and the sun shines on us again….The sun shines because we are never alone in the downpours!  This morning as I reading God’s word, I came across a verse in James 1 that really hit me as I thought about life…..the sunny times and the downpours…..”Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.”  The next time I feel the clouds moving in…..and the downpours hit, I am going to remember these words….this promise…..If I love Him, I will receive His crown of life……definitely better than any umbrella….the SON is shining on and for us!  Thank you Father for the promise of a crown of everlasting life with You…keep us ever faithful.  Draw us to You in cloudy times and hear our Praise….sunny or cloudy!  And Father we do thank you for the precious rains You have sent to water our land…All praise to You!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.  James 1:2-4.  Just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.  2 Corinthians 1:5.  Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.  Psalm 55:22.  Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy.  He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.  Psalm 126:5-6.  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.  Romans 15:13.  Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Philippians 4:4. 

Love you all!

Kathie A. Johnson

July 16, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Mighty is our God, Monday!  Yesterday, Papa had some chores to get done while the girls and I went to Sunday school and church, but he hitched a ride into town with Cooper and Katy (oh mommy drove) for lunch with good friends.  On our way home, Papa was quite serious as he told me he had a big mess for me at the house….he explained that he had gotten the 4 wheeler stuck in a great big, mud- hole while trying to fix a leak.  He was quite animated as he explained the whole ordeal….main thing… mud was flying everywhere…..and stinky, cow- poop laced mud to boot!  Poor guy, just knew I was going to be mad at him as he described the heap of nasty, muddy- clothes waiting for me on the porch!  My goodness…..let’s say…he was not exaggerating!  His clothes, lying in a heap on the porch, were totally covered in thick mud….the once wet mud was already beginning to cake….and his poor boots….not sure they will ever be the same!  Well, needless to say I wasn’t in the mood to mess with them right then, later would be soon enough.  Later….when it began to rain we all went out on the screen porch to enjoy the much needed blessing!  Hmm….think I will put this muddy mess outside and let it get a good soaking before I try to wash them!  The rain helped, but it’s going to take a lot more than that to wash away the dirt……I will spray them good with my homemade spray and wash add an extra scoop of OxiClean, do some good old- fashioned scrubbing, but my bet is I will have to wash them more than once to get them clean again!  Driving into work this morning, thinking about the task that lay ahead of me….the thought hit me….I sure am glad that it’s not to get “clean” from our sins as it’s going to be to get those muddy clothes clean again!   Oh goodness, how often we get stuck in the mud of envy, greed, gossip, self-pity, selfishness, caring more about ourselves than others…..the mud of sin is caked on us……we wonder how can we ever be “clean” again……Our Heavenly Father is right there waiting to forgive us…..the blood of HIS SON…..washes us clean……over and over again…..Thank you Father, for making it so easy for us to come to You with our “mud” and be cleaned!  Keep our faith strong and help us to turn to You when we are tempted.  All glory to You, Mighty Father!

 

“But thou, O Lord, art a God full of compassion, and gracious, longsuffering, and plenteous in mercy and truth.”  Psalm 86:15.  As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. (now that’s clean!)  Psalm 103:12.  If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  1 John 1:9.  “Come now, let us reason together,”  says the Lord.  “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.”  Isaiah 1:18.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32. 

Love you all!

July 11, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Mighty Awesome is our God, Monday!  This morning while sitting on the porch having quiet time with our Heavenly Father, I heard a sound….a melodic, pleasant sound….it was unfamiliar to me….Hmmm, sounds like wind chimes, but it’s right here not out front where my favorite chime hangs….there it was again…a sweet sound…then I discovered the source of the sweet melody….a small chime hanging in the screen porch…I have had it for a long time, but have never really heard it…..what a pleasant surprise to discover that the sweet sound was coming from a small in-conspicuous wind chime….Not sure why I had never heard the sweet sound before….maybe the conditions were just perfect this morning…or maybe, just maybe our Heavenly Father was blessing me a special love song….from HIM to me…. sweet music….music that prompted a smile… a smile from the inside out….As I sat in the still quiet of the morning, the sun not quite up….I knew that I was in God’s presence….I felt HIS peace and energy for the day…my spirit was renewed and my heart joyful!  I am loved…..So often we think that we can only find God in big things….the birth of a child…..a double rainbow painted across the skies….so many lives saved in a horrible plane crash….a sick child healed….This morning once again HE showed me that HE is always there and reminded me with the sweet music of a small wind chime.  Thank you Father…..for the Your precious, special little reminders to us that You are omnipresent in our lives….open our hearts and minds so that we don’t miss YOU!

 

This is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.  Psalm 27:4.  I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.  Psalm 139:14.  May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You; may those who love Your salvation always say, “Let God be exalted!”  Psalm 70:4.  The Lord replied, “My presence will go with you and I will give you rest.”  Exodus 33:14.