I will give you rest

Good Morning Friends!  Wonderful to be HIS child, Wednesday!  Well, how’s everybody doing?  Is it just me, or does life just seem to be so crazy, hectic, busy, and so much turmoil in our world?   Sometimes, it all just seems to hit me and really weigh me down….I hate that, but sometimes…..like yesterday…..it happens.   Seemed like an ordinary morning at first and then bam….My husband and I got into a nasty screaming match, as a result, I left for work all upset…that started it…Darn, I really hate to leave for work like that, but I was really irritated.  My work day, was quite busy, which I like, but I felt like everybody was a bit off, like me…then in the afternoon, I had a call from a close family member very distraught…..at the brink of an emotional breakdown…..this person is precious to me, so my heart became heavy with worry….heavy….my heart, mind, and body felt heavy….worry, stress, anxiety taking over, stealing my joy….I try to be upbeat, positive, encouraging….I know I am a blessed child of God, but gosh…the day had me….heavy.  So on top of all that, I was mad at myself.  I was glad that Linda and I had car pooled, so I had someone to talk to on the way home….a good friend indeed to listen to me!  When I got home, Kim was still working, but when I talked to him he seemed to be in a good mood….that was good.  I had time to get some extra little chores done, plus get a head start on dinner before he came in.  Wow, when he came in, I could tell that his mood was so improved from the morning.  We talked, and calmly resolved the issues from the morning…what a relief….a little bit later, I got another call from my distraught family member….she had talked with her husband and got the support she needed and was in a way better place….oh thank you Father, I prayed…I felt lighter….then I got a text from a co-worker thanking me for the littlest deed….Oh Father…..I smiled as I closed my eyes, thanking HIM again, joyfully praising HIM for lifting the weight….asking for HIS forgiveness for carrying it by self in the first place…."Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”  Matthew 11:28  Thank you Jesus…

 

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.  Colossians 3:15.

Love you all!

The beauty in a dead tree

Good Morning Friends!  Wise and Wonderful is our God, Wednesday!  Yesterday I told you about our wonderful Thanksgiving at the cabin, today I want to share a little story from that afternoon.  Last Christmas Eve Papa and I took Cooper and Katy to the cabin for the day to have an old-fashioned Christmas!  We cut down a cedar tree, took it in and decorated it with homemade ornaments, we decorated cookies, had hot chocolate and cooked lunch on the camp stove and even took our naps there!  A wonderful time was had by all for sure.  Well, as things go….Kim and I don’t always get things done in a timely fashion….I think I got the tree undecorated and outside about…..April…..Kim always intended to cut it up and burn it, but just never got to it.  The once pretty little cedar tree with a homemade base still on it was still lying outside the cabin…..Thursday while Mom, Dad, Nana and Papa were sitting by the fire Cooper and Katy were doing some serious exploring!  Guess what they found???!!!  Yep, last year’s once beautiful, now dead, brittle Christmas tree….Cooper was thrilled!!!  He hollered at us, “look what I found, look it’s our Christmas tree from the cabin!” He was so excited, it was precious….Papa and I asked them, “remember last year we spent the day in the cabin and made cookies and decorated the tree?”  Oh yes they both remembered and were so excited sharing things they remembered.  Cooper was holding onto the tree, trying to get it up.  Mom and dad told him to get away from it because it was on prickley….but as they spoke, right in front of our eyes…..Cooper made his move to the cabin door……he was on a mission…..the once beautiful Christmas tree, now to say the least unattractive was going back into the cabin for this year’s Christmas celebration!  Cooper only saw a Christmas tree……he saw only the beauty of a day with Nana, Papa, and Sissy….a day he treasured, more than we could have ever imagined, in his heart.  Of course we had to stop him from putting it in the cabin (with a promise of doing it again), but I couldn’t stop thinking about Cooper and that tree……Cooper saw beauty in that dead tree.  Oh Cooper, sweet boy, what a wonderful lesson you have given your Nana….We are so quick to see the unattractive, past actions, or life styles of people in our lives…..remembering hurts, mistrusts, poor choices while missing the beauty inside, the beauty and forgiveness that God offers everyone….Makes me sad to think of the opportunities I have missed to share happy, loving times with people that might have “unattractive” trees in their pasts…..judging what I think I see or know…missing out on what God sees, missing out on the blessing of sharing with another of HIS children.  Father, forgive us when we misjudge one of Your children, give us eyes and hearts that see as You do.

 

You were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.  1 Corinthians 6:11.  If you forgive men when they sin against you, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.  Matthew 6:14-15.  God has shown me that I should not call any man impure or unclean.  Acts 10:28.  Do to others as you would have them do to you.  Luke 6:31.  How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!  Psalm 133:1  Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Hebrews 10:24.  Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God.  Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.  1 John 4:7. 

Love you all!

 

Batter up!

Good Morning Friends!  Thankfully His Tuesday!  Ran across a bible verse this morning that hit a spot with me….with a special T ball team…..from Isaiah 60:1, “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and glory of the Lord rises upon you.”   Last night, after several cancellations, we had another T ball game!  I was excited as I climbed into the bleachers with Katy, mom and dad….the other team was already on the field practicing!  Didn’t take but a few moments to see that this team…was pretty darn good!  For starters they looked like giants compared to our little guys and they could throw and catch, I mean really throw and catch….wow….dad and I chuckled at the thought of what we were up against!  Our kids took their places in the field, excited, thrilled and just proud to be there!  Well, bam….one hit, then another, and another, 1, 2 ,3 points and going crazy…our kids were so happy to have balls to chase, places to throw them if it wasn’t the right place….they were giving it their all!!!  This went on for three innings!  We, parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles were screaming and hollering, disgusted with how out matched we were….but the kids…..the kids….they were shining….Giving it their best, they played the game with gusto, enthusiasm, determination…..Our little team shined, no crying, stomping, pouting, no giving up!  They shined while us adults….we were rather pathetic at times….who cares that the final score was 18-1…..God doesn’t care one bit!  As I read Is. 60:1 I couldn’t help but think that His light had risen on them, they shined with HIS love…..Oh my, if only we could rise and shine in our faith like those kids did playing ball….”Arise, Shine….you and me, let’s get up to bat for HIM….HIS Glory is rising upon us…..HE loves us….verse 2 continues, “See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness is over the peoples, BUT the LORD rises upon you and HIS glory appears over you.”  Don’t worry how big the other team is…..Remember we have the PERFECT COACH!!!  Our Father rises out of the darkness and shines HIS everlasting glory on us….HIS PERFECT all powerful LOVE….Unending FORGIVENESS, MERCY, GRACE….Father, thank you for shining YOUR Glory on us…..help us to rise and shine for YOU!  Rise, shine….give God the glory!

 

Though I have fallen, I will rise.  Though I sit in darkness, the Lord will be my light.  Micah 7:8.  Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  To HIM be glory both now and forever!  2 Peter 3:18.  My soul is downcast within me.  Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope:  Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail.  They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. Lamentations 3:20-23.  Light is shed upon the righteous and joy on the upright I heart.  Psalm 97:11.

Love you all!

 

 

Little leaks lead can to big problems!

Today at 11:15 AM

Good Morning Friends!  Mighty awesome is our God, Monday!  I was anxious to get the water bill for the fire department this month (I am secretary/treasurer for fire department) because last month it was really high, more than double the usual amount…the reason, a leak.  A leak somewhere, but where?  That was the important part….where was the nasty water leak that was causing the water bill to soar???!!!  So the search was on, it was finally determined it was the flapper in the women’s toilet….a dumb little flapper caused that big of an increase….I was skeptical.  My husband fixed it right away…then the wait for the new bill.  That’s why I was so anxious to get the bill…..I was not as sure as him that that was the cause….for heaven’s sake a stuck flapper….a little leak in the toilet caused that huge bill!  Well, I knew the bill probably came on Saturday because ours did, so on my way home from church yesterday I stopped at the fire department to get the mail.  Sure enough, the water bill was there and….well for goodness sakes…..the bill was the usual minimum……so obviously the toilet was the problem….a little leak….a big bill!  As I drove home contemplating the leak situation, a thought came to me.  I wonder how many “little leaks” I have in my life that left “unfixed” could create big problems…..Seemingly  trivial gossip about a co-worker…..a grudge that stays stuck in my attitude…..cards and letters long over-due…..hasty judgment on a friend’s situation…..occasional skipped prayer time……habitual tardiness…..just little “leaks” right!  No big deal right!!!!  “OK Father, I get it!  “Little” seemingly harmless actions and attitudes can cause big problems for others….pain, anxiety, pulling us away from a life that makes You smile….a life that does not bring glory to Your Holy Name!”   OH Father, forgive our little leaks…..we want to do our best for You, but we are so weak….we mess up so often.  Father, fill us with the desire to live closer with You, so that You can “prevent” us from leaking so much!  Thanks for forgiving us when we mess up!  To You be all glory!

 

Jesus said, “My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”  John 15:12-13.  Do to others as you would have them do to you.  Luke 6:31.  Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”  John 13:15.  Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.  Hebrews 10:24.  Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  1 Peter 4:8.  Encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.  1 Thessalonians 5:14.  Jesus said, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.  Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.  Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”  Luke 6:37. 

Love you all!

 

Kathie A. Johnson

Don't blame it on the dog!: Matthew 7:1-5

Good Morning Friends!  Forever His, Friday!  Yesterday I told you a bit about our dog, Holina Dos; today I am going to share a cute story that my dear friend Julie shared with me about her precious dog, Annie.  Julie got home after work, the day it had been raining, Annie was outside but very anxious (she is a bit of a worry wart) because there was a big truck parked next door.  So anyway, Annie was in a big rush to get into the house.  As soon as they got in the door Julie noticed some mud on the floor.  She scoffed at Annie, grabbed a cloth and went to wiping off Annie’s paws…..Annie wasn’t thrilled about it and was so excited that Julie kind of had to follow her through the house to get each paw.  She was irritated that she kept wiping, but there was still mud everywhere!  I wasn’t there, so I can’t be sure, but I would just bet that Annie was getting chewed out pretty good…..after a few minutes and lots of wiping on Annie’s paws, Julie discovered….oh my….ready for this….the mud she kept seeing was on her shoes!!!!  Annie was innocent, blameless….but was so quickly accused of making the muddy mess when actually….the accuser was to blame!  Ouch!!  We were laughing as she shared her Annie story, but it got me to thinking.  How often do we…..place blame on others rather than looking at ourselves, our actions first?.....Husband/wife a grouch????  Kids whiney??? Co-worker rude???  Grocery store clerk snotty???  Neighbor selfish????   Hmm maybe we should check for the mud on our feet, before we accuse everyone else around us of the wrong doing……Father, forgive us when we look to blame others before we look at ourselves.  Help us to be more like YOU…..Fuel our lights to shine brightly with kindness and love.

 

Jesus said, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged.  For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and the measure you use, it will be measured to you.  Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?  How can you say to your brother, ‘let me take the speck out our your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?.....first take the plank out of your won eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”  Matthew 7:1-5.  You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.  Ephesians 4:22-24.  We are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10.  How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!  And that is what we are!!!  1 John 3:1. 

Love you all!  Have a wonderful weekend

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

June 8, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Forever His, Friday!  I’m excited about tonight….Kim and I are taking Cooper and Katy to the rodeo (well mommy’s going too, daddy has to work).  It will be so much fun watching their excitement as they take in everything going on!  Papa says we are even eating there….oh boy!  We will all have on our boots and jeans and Papa and the kids will no doubt be sporting their cowboy hats!  Good times!  I talked to Cooper early this morning and he is sooo excited; driving into work, thinking about our fun evening ahead, my mind filled with memories of earlier rodeo outings with Hailey!  When Hailey was a toddler we all lived in California rodeo -country, so we had lots of opportunities for good times at the rodeo!  We always got her duded up in her best cowgirl clothes and headed out for a day of fun!  Hailey was such a good girl , you could take her anywhere and always have a great time…..a trip to the rodeo always included cotton candy, popcorn and soda!  The funniest thing with her…..Hailey always rooted for the animals, hated it when the cowboy roped the calf, but loved the clowns….bull riding was always our favorite, but again….she was always yelling for the bull!  Memories….precious memories…..such a wonderful blessing to be able to pull out memories from years ago….especially the happy ones….All the times our kids were growing up and with the grandkids too, I am known to say…”Makin memories…..kids….we are making memories now!”  Often times I would say this as a form of encouragement for times that at the moment did not seem so fun!  Making memories…..oh how often do we do things that we hope no one remembers!!!  You know the times I am talking about….And then one day out the clear someone says….”remember when you…..”  and your heart drops.  Thinking about memories this morning,  a bible verse came to mind…..one that really made me smile and picked up my heart…..words from our Lord, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.”  Jeremiah 31:34.  Thank you Father…..for forgiving our mess ups and for forgetting them!  Help us to do the same to others~  Thank you for precious memories…..

 

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.  As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him; for He knows how we are formed, He remembers that we are dust.  Psalm 103:11-14.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32. 

Love you all!

April 8, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Mighty is our God, Monday!  So, remember a few weeks ago when I told you about the mouse in my house…..well, as a result of that story, a friend with lots of outside cats offered to give me a couple.  I jumped at the offer….she said if I could bring her a carrier she would catch a couple for me and we made arrangements to meet at the mini mart close to my church on Sunday.  However, one thing after another it wasn’t until yesterday that we finally managed to get together.  Church was a little long, so she was waiting for me while enjoying a sausage biscuit.  We sat and visited a minute and then went to our cars for the big transfer!  Poor cats were not happy about their confinement….there were three of them and they growled and hissed all the way home.  Kim had put out food for them in an old chicken coop…a really good place for them to call “headquarters”.   I stopped and unloaded them before going to the house….I knew they were ready for their release!  As soon as I opened the door out they came they all 3 scaled the wooden walls of their headquarters.  Well, that’s the last I have seen of my cats….Yep, it’s true, have not seen hide nor hair of them since their release….when it dawned on me this morning that I had not seen them, I thought, oh gosh….hope they didn’t run off…..but then I thought about the children’s sermon I had for the kids yesterday.  I put a glass ostrich in a box, told them what was in it (well I told them an ostrich)  and asked them if they believed me….without seeing the ostrich….did they believe it was in there?  The point being…..Thomas, without actually seeing our risen Jesus, did not believe his fellow disciples when they told him that Jesus was alive…….Jesus response when He confronted Thomas, “you believe because you have seen Me, blessed are those who have not seen and yet have not seen.”   Wow….I think our Heavenly Father sent me a little faith reminder….a little faith boost….perhaps a “practice what you preach” tap.  Yes, at times……I must admit, I am a bit of a doubting Thomas….Forgive me Father.  You know what!!!  Even though I have not seen the cats, I know that they are out there hunting….they are going to keep the mice out of my house!!!!!!  I am sure of it!  Father, sometimes I question my faith….question what’s going on in my life because I don’t see what I think I should.  Forgive me….help me to never be a doubting Thomas when it comes to Your will in my life!  And Father thank you for sweet friends that share their cats with me!

Then He (Jesus), said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands.  Reach out your hand and put it into my . Stop doubting and believe.”  Thomas said to Him, “My Lord and my God!”  Then Jesus told him, “because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”  Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded n tis book.  But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.  John 20:28-31.  Though you have not seen Christ, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.  1 Peter 1:8-9.  We live by faith, not by sight.  2 Corinthians 5:7.

Love you all!

Kathie A. Johnson

Receptionist

April 2, 2013

Good Morning Friends!  Thankfully His, Tuesday!  I didn’t realize that it had rained during the night, but when I got up I could hear it on the metal roof of the porch….I said a thank you prayer.  As I drove into work the rain was steady….not too hard, so visibility was ok, but steady enough to be a good rain….I said another thank you, grateful for the rain for our dry pastures and low ponds…..My thoughts turned to the pasture Kim and I had checked on Sunday….I smiled as I envisioned the fragile, green- grass yearning to emerge through the dry grass…..I felt my shoulders relax and even though when I left the house my husband was worried and anxious, I could feel a smile forming in my heart….yearning to break out in joy…….My heart and mind were consumed with the many blessings our Heavenly Father rains on me every day…..doesn’t have to be a torrential down pour, the gentle blessings are so wonderful too….you know…..lunch with an old friend…..a call from a grandchild…..fresh coffee delivered to your desk…..dying Easter eggs with grandkids and then hunting them……something you really need going on sale……a visit with family you haven’t seen in a long while…..notice of on-line donations to Rely for Life popping up on computer…..fresh eggs from the chickens you thought never would lay…..homemade ice cream…friends that pray faithfully for and with you…..new tires……the Good Will Store……volunteer firemen…..sweet puppies….good jobs…..French toast made with rye bread and powdered sugar…cold water in the fountain at the touch of a finger…an unexpected box of goodies in the mail from your sister…….gentle rain falling on the pastures…..sunshine that follows the rain……green grass…….Thank you Father for the good little blessings that bless us every day.  Forgive us for being too busy, too dry to appreciate our steady blessings……to Praise and Thank you with grateful hearts….Shame on us Father….Thank you for loving us still!  All glory, honor and praise to YOU!!

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is He who made us, and we are His;  we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.  Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name.  For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.  Psalm 100.

Love you all!