Wednesday, November 21, 2012

I am thankful...

Thanksgiving is less than 24 hours away. Turkeys and cranberry sauce being prepared across the United States. Just two of the traditional foods that have managed to stay on the menu since that first dinner in 1621. In a peaceful gathering, the Wampanoag tribe and the pilgrims gathered and shared a meal but things wouldn't remain peaceful.

As  a Native American, this is not a day that has always been viewed as something to celebrate but also something to remember, to mourn, and to learn from. As greed from material possessions took over, war began. Many Native Americans were killed, raped and infected. When William Trent saw ,in 1763, that he may be losing the war, he commissioned the handing out of blankets from a hospital infected with smallpox. They were distributed among tribes that had no medicine or access to medicine, wiping out Native American men, women and children. As the settlers took over, more of our people were moved West and you know the stories of the trail of tears.

So what about Thanksgiving? Many tribes, especially those close to plymouth actually fast on this day. While many elsewhere celebrate, they acutally mourn.

We must never forget the lessons that can be learned from such tragedy. We must also not let it harden our hearts. My family and I celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. We sit down, enjoy a peaceful meal and we remeber to give thanks. We are thankful for a heritage that reminds us to be kind, to be helpful. There is no question as to what was done to Native Americans and how wrong it was. There is also no question as to what the Native Americans did and how right it was. They helped a people, on the verge of starvation. They showed them how to survive, they fed them, and they welcomed them. In return, they were hurt by the very people they tried to help. This is unfortunately how the world still works in many ways. Just as the pilgrims turned around and caused harm to the very people that helped them, we often find ourselves doing that today. It's our sinful nature to hurt one another, intentional or not.

The greatest lesson, don't stop helping. We have to keep moving forward. We have to be of service and help one another, always giving back and living for the greater good. When we stop helping and start blaming, we find a breakdown in common humanity and if you don't believe me, look around.You can't miss the fighting, the wars, the judging one another, the battles, and the ones left behind. Those things are all too common.

We have to go back to peaceful, to thankful, to grateful, not just posting 24 days of something good on facebook, but practicing 365 days a year through our actions. To love one another, it is part of the greatest commandment. This isn't about letting go of what happened in 1621, but learning from it.

This Thanksgiving, are you ready to be truly grateful and thankful? Are you so thankful and grateful that you are willing to give some back? Are you ready to leave fingerprints?

A Grateful Believer in Jesus Christ
~Johnna

Friday, November 16, 2012

Gaining Victory over Fear

Fear, it showed up as soon as the first sin was committed. With knowledge, Adam and Eve were afraid and hid from God.

“ And the Lord God called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where are thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself” Genesis 3:9-10 (KJV)

Fear becomes a reality as a result of learning. We cope with what we perceive as a threat with the emotion of fear. There is no way to  rid our world of fear, it is a part of who we are, it comes from inside. The victory over fear comes from our reaction. There are two possible reactions from a Christian perspective. Fear can cause us to run to God, or hide from God. The secular world will call this fight or flight response.

Just as knowledge brings fear, knowledge can bring the correct response to  gain victory.  Victory over fear comes from knowing God, from fearing God.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding” Proverbs 9:10 (KJV)

There is a lot going on in the world. Every day as more things come to light, more fear is born. There is more violence, more threats, more plagues, and more things that we all would just love to run from. We can’t flee from these things, we are surrounded. So that leave us the choice to fight, to gain victory.

We are in a time where it is crucial, more than ever , for Christians to stand together. As we face a scary world that could consume us with fear if we let it, we have to fight back as we remember the promises of God.

1 But now, thus says the Lord, who created you, O Jacob, And He who formed you, O Israel: "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, Nor shall the flame scorch you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, The Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba in your place. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, You have been honored, And I have loved you; Therefore I will give men for you, And people for your life. 5 Fear not, for I am with you; I will bring your descendants from the east, And gather you from the west; 6 I will say to the north, 'Give them up!' And to the south, 'Do not keep them back!' Bring My sons from afar, And My daughters from the ends of the earth-- 7 Everyone who is called by My name, Whom I have created for My glory; I have formed him, yes, I have made him." Isaiah 43:1-7

Whether you are scared of something in this world that is going on or if something more personal is causing fear, know that fear is a normal response with the opportunity to react in a way that will strengthen you as a Christian. Then, to God's glory, you will have gained victory over fear.Victory because something that satan brought to weaken you, the Lord has used to make you strong.

“Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed ; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help the; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.“ Isaiah 41:10 (KJV)

A Grateful Believer in Jesus Christ
~Johnna 






Thursday, November 8, 2012

Base, you can't get me!!!

I take our kids to the park quite often. They have really developed a group of friends that are also regulars. This last week, we had something unexpected come up so while we were waiting, we made an impromptu trip to the park. There were more than the average number of children there this day. It wasn’t but a few minute in, a huge game of “tag your it” began. There were close to a dozen kids involved.

I sat on the bench and watched. All of the children were so happy and full of laughter,  I was almost nostalgic about my childhood. As one of the children ran across the park closer to where I was at, she grabbed one of the big yellow bucket swings and yelled, “BASE, You can’t get me!”. Immediately, other children began running to the swing and yelling base. My first thought, “I wish my life had a base so people couldn’t get to me.”

Of course, these ideas began growing with comparisons. It’s how my thought process works. You know, I do have a base. It’s God and he provides us several bases while we are in this world. I use my bases too!

I find myself frustrated at times, hurt by other people, just plain out of energy or motivation and I need a break. I have said this before but my favorite way to be still when time(err children) allows, is to retreat to my room with my bible. You can’t read the bible without coming out refreshed and renewed. The bible reminds me, if my faith is in God, this world can’t hurt me. The bible is one of my “bases”.

Another one of my bases is prayer. A quick breath prayer can instantly restore calm. It's like holding on to “base” to catch our breath while no one can touch us,  prayer does that too. It allows us to catch our breath and hit the ground running again.

One of the most important aspects of “base” is our friends there with us. Just like all of the children quickly caught on that they would be safe if they grabbed base, the lost catch on from us. They see us holding on to Jesus for strength and hope and they want to hold on to. They find their way to salvation by our example.

When we look around, we see other Christians holding on to the same “base” that we are. This is the protective base known as our “spiritual family”.

Imagine it this way. The child that is “it”, running after everyone, trying to get them. If  most of the other children are safely on “base”,  the child that is “it”  stands there OR goes after the kids not on base. It’s easier to grab one than to jump into a group that considers themselves protected.  The world works this way too. We are safer when supported by and supporting our spiritual family.

“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.” 1 Peter 5:8 (NLT)

So now we can see our earthly bases clearly. We can take heed from a game I am sure all of us played in childhood. We can remember our one solid base and we can find comfort knowing we are protected.

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, ...  Ephesians 6:10-18 (ESV)


Do you feel safe? Do you know where your bases are and do you use them? Do you take the time share your bases with others?

A Grateful Believer in Jesus Christ
~Johnna




Saturday, November 3, 2012

I can do all things....

I think one of the biggest lessons I have had to learn is how much my life requires that I just don't have. With a super busy schedule, 6 beautiful children and an amazing husband, I am not enough. At one point in my life, I sunk into a depression and pretty much just gave up. I would sleep my days away, with too much on my plate, I completely buckled under the pressure. That was a couple of years ago. Today, I do more than I ever imagined possible.

I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. Phillipians 4:13 (KJV) 

I still have a tendency to run myself too close to empty. I have to stop myself a few steps short of exhaustion and refill. My favorite way to refill is to bury myself in God's word. I love the bible, it is the living word and applies 2000 years later to my life. That alone makes me realize how amazing God is that he has provisioned that source of strength for us. My other favorite refill is a good sermon. I have several favorite people I will listen to, mostly those types that have a contagious energy and passion for God and fullfilling His purpose.

His purpose, that is the next part to staying strong. When I ran on self-will trying to fullfil the goals I had for my life, I was worn out and drained. Walking in confidence in the light of God's purpose for my life, I have renewed hope and strength. Of course so many things I do are way bigger than I am, it's because they aren't about me and they aren't for me and they aren't planned by me. It's God's plans and He has already made the way for those plans to be carried out. I don't have to find strength, it's already been found, in Christ and there is plenty of strength to go around. 

Yesterday was a busy day, today I just floated through. I  took care of responsibilities but mostly spent today reflecting, being still, and refilling. I am excited for tomorrow and for rest and for time change that will give me an extra hour of rest, but mostly excited for worship with my family. 

As we enter this busy time of year with holidays and all that follows, I wanted to remind everyone, you have exactly the amount of strength required to do whatever has been put in front of you. Instead of looking at all that may be on your plate, take a minute to look up, take a deep breath, say a prayer, and draw your strength from the one source that will never fail you. 

Are you ready to call on God for strength? Are you ready to leave fingerprints? 

A Grateful Believer In Jesus Christ
~Johnna

Friday, October 26, 2012

Character



I had someone once tell me to write out what I think God looked like. They wanted me to start with a blank slate and describe in every detail possible what I thought the appearance of God to be. I never did complete this assignment. I don't know but I just couldn't ever imagine in detail what God looked like in details.

 2 Corinthians 5:7  

For we walk by faith, not by sight (KJV) 

I realized why I was never able to draw a picture of God. It's not about what God looks like, it is about our faith. God gives us what we need to have faith in him and his character. 

In studying the character of Eve, it amazes me how awesome God is. His grace and mercy are so astonishing. At the same time he is disciplining Eve for her disobedience, God gives Eve  the greatest promise that any woman will ever need to sustain hope.  She will have pain, but she will give new life.  Eve gives the glory back to God when she has her first child. "With the help of the Lord, I have brought forth a man". From the very first sin, God grants new life, new hope. 

This isn't the character of an angry vengeful God, this is the character of God that wants his children to do well, to have hope, to have life, and even in the times of sin, He loves us all the same.

I can't even begin to list all the grace and mercy that has sustained me through my life. I can say that my faith is strong, that God has shown me over and over that he is truly sufficient. He always provides for us and always loves us. 

Do you know God, what he feels like? Can you imagine what he would look like? Will you take the time today to share His love with at least one other person? Do you want to leave fingerprints?

A grateful believer in Jesus Christ,
~Johnna



Saturday, October 13, 2012

Interrupted where we are at..

Saw an awesome sermon. What happens when the objective of our ministry becomes an interruption? We have to be interruptible to answer what God has called us to do.

Even the saved can fall off course, we may not even know where we are. God is like a heavenly GPS. He knows where we are at all the time and how to get us back on course if we would only stop and check-in with Him.


Do you allow yourself to be interrupted? Do you take time to check in? Are you leaving fingerprints?

A grateful believer in Jesus Christ
~Johnna

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Overcoming hatred

I struggle with this all day, every day. In my previous blog, I told about my daughters story with bullying. In my 34 years, I have seen more hatred that I care to even recall.

I grew up with a dad that was a very strong Christian man. It didn't matter what anyone did, he was kind, always. He taught me that kindness and for most of my life , that is who I was. If someone called me a mean name, I would ask them if they needed a hug. I did not understand meanness, nor did I know how to be mean.

In the last two years, trials and test have made my heart so hard towards mean people. Their hatred makes me hateful. I feel like I can't be nice or it will automatically open the door for me to be people's doormat.

I recently, and not really joking, told my husband that I really don't want to be the jerk whisperer anymore. He told me I should pray for people that are mean. He , as well as many others, have ministered to me to help me overcome traumatically hateful things I have been through. It's about learning and growing, and it is slow for me at this point.

The reason I am sharing this, because we are all a work in progress, ever growing stronger. That is what God does with our circumstances, if we turn them over to him. So I share myself for those that might need it.

The gospel of John does well in covering this matter. Jesus tells us we will be hated and persecuted. Jesus gives us instructions so that we won't be offended by others (John 16:1) And assures us that our Joy won't be taken (John 16:22) and assures us peace (John 14:27) we are commanded to love (John 15:12) no matter what others believe, we do not judge unbelievers (John 12:48) the world would love us if we were in it but we were chosen to be taken out so We are hated (John 15:20) and we will have troubles in this world but Jesus overcame the world, and we can have peace (John 16:33)
*these scriptures are referenced, not quoted so please study the exact scriptures in your bible

It is very easy to slip, to become of this world. Thankfully, Grace doesn't run out, it is sufficient, always. So we pick up our struggles, throw them over our shoulders as if they are a bag of tools we have been given to navigate this place (because that is what struggles are) and with the love of Christ in our heart, we make the decision to stand up one more time, stare meanness in the face, and ask, do you need a hug? With the love of Christ in our hearts, we embrace the dark moments with his light

"While you have the light, believe in the light, that you may become sons of light."
When Jesus had said these things, he departed and hid himself from them. (John 12:36 ESV)

Have you loved to leave fingerprints?

A Grateful Believer in Jesus Christ
~Johnna

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Advice for Bullies from my 10yr old

Today in Oklahoma, a young teenager shot and killed himself after being a victim of bullies. It led to a conversation with my kids that led to this blog post.

My oldest daughter has been down this path of bullies. She has pervasive development disorder as well as health problems. She does stand out and it draws mean people. In one instance, a group of kids held her down, one covered her mouth so she couldn't yell for help and they kicked her. I had no clue until she got off the bus with bruises all over her and told me what happened. The schools response was to give her an ice pack, send her to class and later on to tell me they were just being kids. The kids involved did not receive spankings nor were they expelled, they were talked to. From this point it escalated and a teachers child joined in and refused to allow my daughter to play in her group at recess because "she didn't talk well enough". My daughter has speech apraxia and had to use sign language until she was 4 when she learned to talk. Ridiculous excuses were made for the teachers child. My daughter would get nauseous every morning before school and would come home sobbing, saying she hated her life and wanted to die. I was done. My daughters well being was more important than trying to straightness it out, two years of trying was enough . So we transferred to a new school district, one with a zero tolerance bullying policy. The difference was instant. That was over a year ago.

Today, my daughter loves herself, more importantly, she has found the unconditional love of Christ. Recently, someone made the comment that her arm was weird. She broke her growth plate as a toddler. My daughters response was to tell the other child that was their opinion but she thought her arm was just fine and the only opinion that mattered anyway was God's. Can you say proudest-mom-ever?!?

Today, I talked to my daughter about the young boy that hurt himself and what she thought bullies should know. She said she would tell them that was mean and then ask them if they knew God. She then asked me the same question she has asked me a dozen times, why is there a law we can't have our bibles at school. I told her there just was. She said we need our bible at school so we can have bible clubs, that every school should have a club that everyone would be allowed to join and the bible club would be perfect because Jesus loved us all. She then grew concerned, she said, "mom, what about people like me that need to know Jesus? Who is going to tell them! They have to know mom!" She then brought her bible to me and she read:

And he said unto her, Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague. (Mark 5:34 KJV)

She said thats what they need to know mom.

I can't make it okay for my daughter to take her bible to school, but I can sit here, barely able to type through the tears, and share what God has given Alyssa to share.

As a mom, I would do anything, and I mean anything to protect my children from hurt, to make their lives easier, to give them all I can. I can't ever make their lives perfect, I can't ever completely stop their hurt, but I can pray over them and make sure they have their bibles. In all their pain, God can take it and make it a blessing and a lesson. He can improve what can feel the most tragic of circumstances. When I felt so helpless for what my child was going through, God was working, He was working on my daughter, his child first, to help her leave fingerprints. She left so much on my heart today... I hope sharing will help someone else.

A grateful believe in Jesus Christ,

~Johnna

Sunday, September 23, 2012

My side of the street...

We have to worry about our side of the street is a concept my husband learned and taught me. It has helped me so much in maintaining focus on what I am called to do and be.

So often it is easy for me to be distracted by what others are or are not doing. I get so distracted that I find myself trying to figure out how to fix others or to help them with their problems.

We have a saying in Alanon know as the three C's, I didn't cause it, I can't cure it and I can't control it.

With everything in life, I can only accept my part. I can only work on cleaning up my side of the street. This is also the key point of the serenity prayer, what we can and can not change.

So then how do we affect change? For me, I have to stay focused on my part so that I am not wasting time climbing mountains that aren't mine. I climb my own mountains and let God turn my tests and messes into testimony's and messages. By giving God all the glory for all things good, those that struggle will know where to find help.

My side of the street gets messy often. I have good intentions but lots of obstacles come along and again, distractions. I pray for God to help me keep it clean, to help maintain. I can't do anything on my own.

I spent the morning reading in John, trying to find center again.

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27 ESV)

Doesn't get much more simpler than that. In our most frustrating times of tests , our shephard knows where we are at, and He is right there with us.

Are you being still and listening? Are you keeping your side of the street clean? Are you leaving fingerprints?

A Grateful Believer in Jesus Christ,

~Johnna

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Sitting it back down...

Life gets so extremely busy, and really fast too. We live in a fast paced society. There are times I run and I just feel accomplished. I sat down at the end of the day and I see where I attended a conference, 2 meetings, organized coupons, finished grocery shopping, did 6 loads of laundry, had dinner done on time, kids were all bathed, had a productive conversation with my husband and even remembered at some point to put food and water down for the dogs. It is really easy to fall on my knees and thank God for an awesome day and for the energy and strength that it took to get through.

Then there are the days that I am not sure what my name is, I forgot to check backpacks, I can't see my bathroom floor for the piles of laundry in the way,  walking down the hallway is more like navigating an obstacle course, I can't find a snack in the cabinets to feed the kids, and I think my husband made it home from work at some point but I was too busy yelling at the half naked child wearing skates with the dog tied behind them to notice. It is really easy to break down crying on these days and ask God where the heck He is at.

"For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of  the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God  who raises the dead."  2 Corinthians 1:8-9 (ESV)

Okay, so this verse is a little harsh for the situation at hand but it is true. More importantly, it is exactly where we are headed, that feeling we have received the sentence of death, that trapped, overhwhelmed, no way out feeling. I think the truth is most people, more than would admit, have reached this point at least once.

This point is something I struggle with a lot. It is the point of running on self-will until I can't run any longer. Self-will is something that is talked about a lot in the circle of addiction and alcholism. The problem for people like me that are not addicts, is that it is kept in that circle, yet it applies to so many others. So many of us, in fact, run on self-will, or at least we try to.

God's first priority is to make us holy. He wants us to want Him and He will do whatever it takes to bring us close. Someone once told me that if we only cry out to God in chaos, he will keep us in chaos. So, what do we do? We sit it all back down. I have to do this more often than I want to tell. I feel like I have a pretty good relationship with my higher power. I can see God shaking his head as I walk up to his throne with my arms full of my burdens and laying them down at His feet, again, for the millionth time. If I had just let God be God instead of trying to do it all on my own, I wouldn't be in this mess to begin with. As a Christian, I know that. As a busy mom, wife, housekeeper, worker, friend, I just want to get it all done. The truth is, God gave me more than I can do on my own because he wants me to need him, and I do need him, I really do.

I want to help impact the world in some way, I want to keep seeing change for the good, in my life and the life around me. I want to live in God's will and carry out all the purposes he has prepared for me. I want to leave fingerprints. All my work though isn't for me and it isn't about me. It's God working through me for his purpose, for his will. God knows the desires of my  heart and he is faithful and will help me through every bit he has planned, but I have to give it all to him or none of it will happen. It is God's will to be done, not mine.

 Have you not known? Have you not heard?
 The LORD is the everlasting God,
  the Creator of the ends of the earth.
 He does not faint or grow weary;
  his understanding is unsearchable.
 He gives power to the faint,
  and to him who has no might he increases strength.
 Even youths shall faint and be weary,
  and young men shall fall exhausted;
 but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength;
  they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
 they shall run and not be weary;
  they shall walk and not faint.
(Isaiah 40:28-31 ESV)

In God's will, I will run and not be weary, I will walk and not faint, I can do whatever that is set before me this day, if I sit it down before God first.

What are you struggling to do and just can't seem to get done? Do you have desires and dreams that you can't figure out how to accomplish? Are you tired and ready to sit it down?

A Grateful Believer in Jesus Christ
~Johnna


Thursday, September 13, 2012

It works both ways..

Two of my daughters are 8 years old. In the last week, one of them was put on a 30 day IEP while the special Ed crew tries to figure out how to best help her with her educational needs. The other daughter, tested and passed with flying colors for the gifted and talented program.

I wanted to share this because it is just one example of how God puts things together, including the people we are surrounded by. It is an interdependency created by him so we leave fingerprints in each others lives.

Both of these girls are so much to our entire family and friends around us but I want to keep focused for now on what I see them do for each other.

The one that is older is the one that got into gifted and talented. She has always helped her sister learn. There is something about being a peer that she is able to explain some things that a plethora of adults and specialists have not been able to get through. The younger sister is a lover of life and would rather be running around giggling and playing than reading and writing. She sees her sister step up and do something and it inspires her and motivates her to do that too. The child that I once was told couldn't
retain information, can now right her name and remembers a lot of things. I credit her sister for helping her climb over some of those mountains that were in her way.

I think it might be kind of obvious looking one direction why this relationship is helpful, but what about the other direction?

Well my other daughter is very smart, very busy, very goal oriented and very much a serious get-it-done kind of girl. Her lover of life sister will catch her in the middle of writing a story and tickle her, or she will come prancing in the room wearing a mermaid costume and ready to put on a play, or she will bring a purse full of lipgloss and eyeshadow and talk her into doing makeovers. She teaches her sister to have fun, to enjoy the little moments, and to laugh. Things that those with above average intelligence don't always take the time to learn.

Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? (Ecclesiastes 4:9-11 ESV)

These two girls, 8 months apart in age, were once cousins and strangers. When they were 2 years old, God put one of them in our lives for the first time to take into our home, to adopt and to love and for her to grow. It works both ways, she isn't the only one that has grown. Our entire family is exactly as it should be, exactly as God intended. I am reminded after this past weeks events, how even though we are called to leave fingerprints, it's always through the grace of God and His guiding hand that allows us to help others that He has placed in our path.

Can you think of someone you know God had placed in your life where fingerprints go both ways? Do you lift others up and let them lift you ups as well?

A Grateful Believer in Christ
~Johnna

Monday, September 10, 2012

I wanted to help and was helped...

Tomorrow marks the 11th year anniversary of 9/11. It was also 11 years ago, our first foster children (siblings) were reunited with their family. I still think of them, pray for them, and am always reminded on this day how blessed we were to get to be a part of their lives.

These children weren't with us long but they do remember us. I occasionally check in with them. The oldest is in college now.

And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me." (Mark 9:36, 37 ESV)

This time of year is bittersweet. I still miss them but I know God's will for them is good and sound. I took them in to help them, and they helped me. They left fingerprints on my life.

Have you taken the time to help a child? Has someone special left fingerprints on your life?

A Grateful Believer in Jesus Christ

~Johnna

Sunday, September 9, 2012

Repurposed

Still working on researching this topic
but I wanted to get it out there.

I have realized a lot of things over the last few years as major changes have happened. Most recently brought to my attention is how much my purposes have changed.

This isn't a good thing or a bad thing, it's just something that has had to happen. We can't grow without change.

"He changes times and seasons;
he removes kings and sets up kings;
he gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to those who have understanding;" (Daniel 2:21 ESV)

And so with this verse I understand I am going through a season of growth and learning. I also understand my plate of responsibility is growing.

I am scheduled to speak and give my testimony several times in the next month in various towns. This was all actually answer to prayers. I prayed for the ability to right it all down, then I prayed for the ability to share, and then I prayed that God would use me to lead people to Christ. All of those prayers have been answered!!!

With this "repurpose", I have whole heartedly accepted my responsibility with the gifts the Lord has given me.

I have always talked too much, too loudly. I have been made fun of for my faith, even when I was a child, and I have a passion for telling people about Christ! I just didn't realize until recently that God made every bit of that for a
reason!

I was very young, 13, when I first led someone to Christ. It was just a matter of time before I led family to Christ and after that, several friends throughout the years, and most recently my children. There is nothing more precious than the hope found in the eyes of someone that has just accepted the gift of salvation.

As I recently wrote a 4th step inventory over priorities, my faith was added to that list. I have to share that with others, in whatever mission field I am
currently in. As busy as my life has been with other priorities, I have a ton of mission fields.

I am extremely excited as life moves forward, as I pray every day, God's
will be done. There is a peace that come from living in his will and not
our own. Self will is exhausting, God's
will strengthens us.

And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10 ESV)

Have you had to change purposes? Have you opened your heart to accept
God's will? Are you ready to use your
Gifts to leave fingerprints?

A Grateful Believer in Jesus Christ

~Johnna



Sunday, September 2, 2012

Heart smartness

One of my children has a pretty low IQ, but I have always said it was because God made her smart with her heart.

I have been sick and my daughter came in to my room and gave me hugs and said she loved me and was sorry I was sick, and full of giggles as she did. I hugged her back and asked why God gave me such an awesome girl.

Her response, "because God loves me and I needed a family so He gave me you and so I wouldn't just be one. If
we were just one we would be sad".

How does an 8 year old that can't read and doesn't know all of her ABC's
comprehend something so profound?

She has always amazed me and often it's her that leaves footprints on my heart. She is right, God doesn't want us to be alone.

Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up. (Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10 KJV)

Do you try and be there for others? Are you loving others as Christ loved us? Are you ready to leave fingerprints?

A Grateful believer in Jesus Christ

~Johnna




Saturday, September 1, 2012

Give or Get

In reflection today over some things.. Starting with the subject of Church.

I have had times in my life that I didn't attend church. I feel "church" is a personal decision on how you feel you should worship. For me , my worship experience actually began to grow through Celebrate Recovery and that led our family's return to traditional services on Sunday.

I think that where we form our spiritual family and how strong that relationship becomes has to do with our motives. Are we there to give or get?

Churches do help people. I see food pantry's, clothing drives, baby showers and overall people just helping one another. That's what we are there for, right? We want to help our brothers and sisters in Christ.

I think we do get to a point where we start looking for what we are "getting". I don't just mean sticking our hands out expecting something, I mean spiritually as well. We expect warm fuzzies, people to appreciate us, people to be our best friends, everyone to be perfect and exactly how we want them to be. That's never going to happen. That's not why we are supposed to be there!

We should be there to give, and to love. That's it, nothing in return from anyone! The reason , those warm fuzzies don't come from people, they come from serving our purpose and being in line with God's will. When we focus on people and set expectations we feel let down when they fail us. Really, we have failed to do our part, and that is to keep focus on God.

This pours into the rest of our life as well. Our careers, our families, our homes, our marriages can all benefit in a change of attitude. We can try to do more giving and not think about what we are going to get in return.

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again." (Luke 6:38 KJV)

This verse doesn't say give so it will be given or give and it might be given, it says Give and IT SHALL be given.. We don't have to ever focus on what we will reap, only what we sow.

Do you try and give? Are you wiling to let go of what you might get? Are you ready to leave fingerprints?

A Grateful Believer in Jesus Christ

~Johnna



Friday, August 24, 2012

Living to Lead

I remember a time when I had just become an adult. I worked at a collection agency. I am a people person, outspoken, and gung-ho, this job was my cup of tea. I was good at it most of the time and received rather large bonuses from the payments I was able to convince people they just had to make. Then one day, a woman trying to explain why she couldn’t make a payment, while I tried telling her all things are possible, stopped me in my tracks.
She said,
    “Honey, you can’t be older than 20, you haven’t even lived yet.     You don’t know what the real world is like and you don’t know my circumstances and what life has handed me. You can’t even imagine, but I can not take care of this bill.”.

It wasn’t until this morning in reflecting, this memory came up and I understand now, exactly what she was saying. You have to live to lead.

I have been placed in several positions lately. Positions in which I am the helper. I have been leading everyone around me for as long as I can remember. Some of this is due to my character and some of this is due to circumstances, either way, It’s not easy for me to watch someone else be the boss. The first thing I had to do was recognize I was being put in these positions and that is was probably for a reason.

The primary reason, I am convinced, is my husband. While I have always sought his approval in everything, I was the primary decision maker, responsible for most things where our life was concerned, and honestly, I threw the biggest fit when I didn’t get my way so , I usually got my way. It made my life easier to have this illusion of control, and it made his life easier to not watch me throw a fit.

These things have changed. As we work through recovery programs, life turned upside down, I have learned, doing anything driven by self-will, won’t work. This is especially true when it comes to being a leader. As my husband gears up to head into the call of ministry he is answering, I gear up to learn and answer my call as his helpmate.

Genesis 2:18 KJV “And the Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him an help meet for him”
So am I still a leader? You betcha! God has given me a testimony and it is my responsibility to share it, to lead others to Christ by setting an example. To lead others.. it’s a responsibility, an honor, a privilege. Not a position and definitely not anything that should result in “power trips.” It is being humble, being honest, being grateful and being a help to this world so that we can meet our brothers and sisters in Christ in the home that God has waiting for us.

Matthew 28:18-20 KJV “And Jesus came and spake unto then, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world, Amen”

Are you a helpmate for God and you spouse? Are you living to lead? Are you ready to leave Fingerprints?




A grateful believer in Christ,

~Johnna

Leave Fingerprints

I have had a blog for several years. It received some unexpected negative attention and ugly comments were directed at my kids. That didn’t work out very well for this momma. I was furious and heartbroken. I can’t imagine being mean to children.

After lots of prayers, I made the decision to not reopen my children’s blog to the public. Rather, I am launching a new one. This one, I hope, will carry messages to those that need to hear them, and will not have as many personal details regarding my children.

I was searching for ideas, for a name, for answers. I am also working on a book as well as publicly speaking. I felt that , like my previous blog, I wanted a uniform message.

One day, as I was browsing a social network site, I saw a post. It was from an amazing woman that I look up to and consider to be a “Titus 2” woman.

Titus 2:3-4 KJV “The aged women likewise, that they be in beahviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children.”

This woman, I call Ganny, was present when I was a young girl. She was so fun, hanging in there for girl scout trips, adored her grandchildren that I attended  scouts with, and was available to any child that needed a hug. She left fingerprints on my life, as well as many others.

This woman is a great grandma now, and her great grandkids had came to visit. (They live out of state so visits are especially a treat to her). She was describing the aftermath once they had gone home. She had cleaned up, and was reflecting on the fact the visit was over. She had noticed little fingerprints on the screen door one of the kids had left behind, and mentioned she could still see out of the door so she may leave them. The responses to that from people, “Leave the fingerprints”.

It was with this story, the idea of “leave fingerprints” was born. It’s the name and the message of this brand new blog.

Are you a Proverbs 31 woman? Are you a Titus 2 woman? Have you studied those women? Are you ready to leave fingerprints?

A grateful believer in Christ
~Johnna