tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81631599688866044952024-02-21T01:24:35.339-06:00Loving life and raising a family in Christ!Every day is a new gift. Some days are awesome and others, are a bit less fun! Regardless of what I feel, each day is truly a gift from God in one way or another.
Romans 8:28-And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
I know that I...have been called according to His purpose. Enjoy the Blog....Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.comBlogger181125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-56125721755617220272010-01-12T16:00:00.003-06:002010-01-12T20:44:53.513-06:00A New Year to see God at work!Its already halfway through the first month of 2010. One of my New Years Resolutions is to continue the hobby of blogging. I really do enjoy it – it is a calming hobby and I always find that as I blog or journal I look for the ways God moves in my life and other day to day things that sometimes, if too busy, I can take for granted. So, here goes. I was reminded yesterday how fast a year can fly by. Have you ever had a moment where you realized, ‘Wow…exactly this day….last year…I was here, or this had happened…..and now, it is exactly a whole year later’. Well, that exact thought came to my mind yesterday. For me, those moments generally come from a place of awe..that I made it through and my heart is so grateful. Ok...my heart is overwhelmed with 'whew...I made it!!'. Do you relate? However, the older I get, the more at ease I become with each challenge because of God’s faithfulness to me. It is the one thing that will never change. Time and time again, I can look back over a year and though there are always challenges, and I do mean always, I can say – “Thank you God, you carried me all the way through it”. <br /><br /><em><strong>Psalm 100:5<br />For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations</strong></em><br /><br /><br />Well, I don’t have experience with many generations, but I know what my family has experienced and time and time again – I have witnessed God’s love, mercy and rescuing hand. Sometimes it was through true miracles and we didn’t see the source of earthly help. Other times, it came in the form of my prayer warrior friends and family who hold me up and encourage me to brighter days. Either way….I saw God move in 2009. It started out as a year where I fell totally dependent upon Him and needed God’s strength desperately. As I searched for Him, I found these verses that totally encouraged me through most of 2009;<br /><br /><blockquote><strong><em>Isaiah 43 : 1-3<br /> But now, this is what the LORD says— <br /> he who created you, O Jacob, <br /> he who formed you, O Israel: <br /> "Fear not, for I have redeemed you; <br /> I have summoned you by name; you are mine. <br /> When you pass through the waters, <br /> I will be with you; <br /> and when you pass through the rivers, <br /> they will not sweep over you. <br /> When you walk through the fire, <br /> you will not be burned; <br /> the flames will not set you ablaze. <br /> For I am the LORD, your God, <br /> the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; </em></strong></blockquote><br /><br />I pray that you can look back on 2009 and even through the hard times, you can realize that He was there. Maybe you can see and be encouraged at the fact that you are still standing…the water did not rush over you nor were you burned by the fire. It doesn’t mean we enjoy the fire…believe me. But we know that nothing will overtake us, there is certainly joy in the morning! Looking to 2010 – I pray to walk closer to my God than ever before. I know if I can do that, it will be an amazing year.Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-53737749058676083882009-11-24T14:15:00.005-06:002009-11-24T16:26:39.500-06:0018 Years of being Married, and I'm still learning!It's been over two months since my last post and I wonder what all I've done. I haven't given up being 'online' but I think I can say that Facebook has taken precedence over my blogging hobby. I hate that because what I love about blogging is what I get to glean from other people - their thoughts, suggestions and life experiences. I hate that I've been slacking....because truly, God has given me some really cool experiences lately that I could have shared with others as well. But...today, while I am at home (on my second pot of coffee) I thought it would be a great start or re-entry if you will to my own blog!<br /><br />Sunday, November 22 I celebrated my 18th wedding anniversary. Amazing how the years fly by. We were both really busy over the weekend so planning a celebration was not in the forefront of either of our minds. I had been with 50 teenage girls over the weekend and Kevin was busy helping me and taking care of things at home. So,when I got home Sunday evening, our oldest already had friends over and had started a bonfire in the back and the other two boys were busy as well. Not the romantic night anyone would plan for their anniversary - but not too late in the evening,we were lucky enough to find that the teenagers had abandoned their bonfire and gone to a movie! Score! We found a place to have some quite time. I found two wine glasses and my favorite white wine and soon, the two of us were having romantic conversation and enjoying a beautiful fire. We enjoyed that for maybe 30 minutes before our youngest very excitedly came out asking so nicely "may I join you two". No kidding...that is what he said. Of course we said yes. And we enjoyed our time with him around that fire. We laughed, roasted marshmallows and enjoyed being together. And after he left about an hour later, we were left with smiles and laughter as we both had this amazingly blessed feeling. We looked at each other and shared our thoughts on how happy our life is. It is not perfect by any means. We get frustrated, hurried, mad, overwhelmed, stressed, angry (yes we fight) and sad.....but at the end of the day we are there to help each other through all of those feelings. We also get to share the craziness our boys bring to our lives, bonfires with friends and being active in our church family and other groups like teenage retreats with lots of girls or boys. I can't imagine my life without this man.<br /><br />Some days all we can find is 30 minutes around a second hand campfire. I know that is not enough - and believe me, we would both love to find more time. I hear people speak often of having a date night no matter what.....and I wonder how in the world do they do that - when Kevin and I can't seem to make that work with 2 busy teens and 1 busy 5th grader in the house. Our volunteer schedule seems to always be packed too. And I'm not complaining, because we love our lives...and our schedules. But we do crave more time with just each other. So, we take the 30 minutes here and there and we try and take time daily....weekly to make calls and send texts to express how much we love each other. And how we love this life we share together. I love that my husband is the only one who can truly share my joy and sadness where my family is concerns. He can laugh at the same things I find incredibly funny about my boys...and the crazy chaos we share inside the Johnson home. He gets it. He gets me and the fact that even though he bought me a front loading washer and dryer last year to help me with my laundry...I still wait until its piled up and nobody has underwear to wear. That is just one of the many things that sweet man deals with. I won't go into the rest!<br /><br />I've shared before how my husband is an amazing gift giver. Well, this year - he did not disappoint. I came home to find a beautiful conch shell sitting on my dresser. This may seem small to many of you....but it was OVERWHELMING to me. You see, we took an amazing vacation this summer to St. Marteen and my husband went snorkeling and found 5 or 6 beautiful conch shells. I fell in love with one of them and while trying to take it home with me, it was confiscated by the airport authorities of St. Marteen. I was devastated. Our family who flew out a week after we did, learned from our mistake and packed the shells in their suitcases and were able to bring them home. For our anniversary, Kevin had them send one of the shells back to us and surprised me with it. I just cried. The shell they sent was from one of our favorite days there. Kevin knew this. I could not think of a more special gift to receive from my sweet husband.<br />Is this shell not amazing????(Thank you Steve and Nancy for sharing!!!) <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsj1d767wLbRQZSyBtgKgVVr1INkLSVYGjT578UvZI4qRT3P3sEBMpj_mCXuHycwpZIZ64_fF0VqStKT1hO-vNfBz-Z0K-BfKxzppa4EN6aiuEsg0VxPzLrZPqbQD1AaHR3DRTn4AmR0/s1600/shell.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsj1d767wLbRQZSyBtgKgVVr1INkLSVYGjT578UvZI4qRT3P3sEBMpj_mCXuHycwpZIZ64_fF0VqStKT1hO-vNfBz-Z0K-BfKxzppa4EN6aiuEsg0VxPzLrZPqbQD1AaHR3DRTn4AmR0/s200/shell.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5407775947782237698" /></a><br /><br />Marriage is an awesome expression of love. I love what 1 Corinthians 13 says about love. The entire 13th chapter is wonderful. I hope to love my husband in this way....and my friends as well. Sometimes, I'm sad to say its harder to love my husband than my friends. I seem to take out my stresses on him daily because he is always there. He should be the one I give my best to at all times, but isn't that the way we are at times. Offering others the very best and the ones closest to us, and know us best are getting the leftovers. My aim is that I offer my amazing husband the type of love that is found in 1 Corinthians 13. This version is from The Message. I love how it reads;<br /><br /><blockquote><em><strong>1 Corinthians 13<br />The Way of Love<br />If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don't love, I'm nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God's Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, "Jump," and it jumps, but I don't love, I'm nothing. If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don't love, I've gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I'm bankrupt without love. <br /><br />Love never gives up. <br />Love cares more for others than for self. <br />Love doesn't want what it doesn't have. <br />Love doesn't strut, <br />Doesn't have a swelled head, <br />Doesn't force itself on others, <br />Isn't always "me first," <br />Doesn't fly off the handle, <br />Doesn't keep score of the sins of others, <br />Doesn't revel when others grovel, <br />Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth, <br />Puts up with anything, <br />Trusts God always, <br />Always looks for the best, <br />Never looks back, <br />But keeps going to the end. <br />Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled. <br /><br />When I was an infant at my mother's breast, I gurgled and cooed like any infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good. <br /><br />We don't yet see things clearly. We're squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won't be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We'll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us! <br /><br />But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.</strong></em></blockquote><br /><br /><br />How amazing would it be to consistently love someone like that passage explains. I am thankful for the last 18 years being married to Kevin. I look forward to walking through many more situations with him...laughing,praying,running,crying and anticipating.Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-9245656829542690532009-09-15T15:30:00.001-05:002009-09-15T20:26:23.406-05:00Turtle TruthI know...cheesy name - but what else do you call a blog centered around a turtle? This 'happening' has actually stuck with me for a while - and maybe just maybe you'll laugh with me - or quite possibly be encouraged today by this silly blog.<br /><br />A while back my sweet husband and I were out for an early Saturday morning date. We were driving to get some breakfast when we saw the sweetest little turtle trying to cross a busy road. Of course we had to get him!!! I can't bear the thought of those turtles getting run over. Little known fact about me??? I simply love turtles. I also love tortoises. One day...I will have one. For now, I settle for the occasional found turtle. Anyway, we rescued this little turtle who lived as a member of the Johnson family for about 2 weeks. I think rescued is a funny word to use when you think that we literally picked him up - disturbing his walk - only to place him in a large box as his new home with brief walks given to him daily. ANYWAY....Max loved this turtle and for some reason named him Jim the Turtle. It worked for him. He loved Jim - but Jim was not happy living with us and we could not find anything he wanted or would eat- so eventually, we all agreed we would have to let him go. When Max would take him out for walks before school, we would put him the yard and he would start to book across the grass.....only to be picked up by a 10 year old placing him right back by the walk way where he started. He never made any real gain....but he would keep booking it each time he was placed in that yard! It was funny. <br /><br />On Jim's last day with us, we decided to take a few pictures so we could remember what a great turtle he was. Very social - never shrinking into his shell to avoid us. Sweet - just a great turtle!! As I began taking pictures - I noticed that Jim was determined to get out of his box. He really thought he could get out all by himself. At first - I sat and watched as he rose up and just looked over the box that sat inside his larger box. (Max was trying to make him a bedroom) <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqUJb8i0pJadz_lNdgAPlh3uh73nKB4EPerow8RB98c-QeMqdsEJF891_IpMLa1-y4dyakp7Hq174o9CspVLM7nKgHLuzInlTfJ6CEnpSjczmcXeaOdC36nfAfkfREHOVc-lBEqZHUL4/s1600-h/jim+looking+up.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXqUJb8i0pJadz_lNdgAPlh3uh73nKB4EPerow8RB98c-QeMqdsEJF891_IpMLa1-y4dyakp7Hq174o9CspVLM7nKgHLuzInlTfJ6CEnpSjczmcXeaOdC36nfAfkfREHOVc-lBEqZHUL4/s200/jim+looking+up.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381774461712552386" /></a><br /><br /><br />It was funny to me that he just stood there on his little legs. It kind of cracked me up. So I took a picture of his little face. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXDLOd2KOYhTUAAmXlq1IADOjEao71IKu2eJJQzJbR-ACwb_Hp12OSpp9o_DieF5C1thHZ8hY9bxGPT8sMRM_gzEWiLIr6AFlC9nl98qeRngD6mUz3xovnwhsLVA3Y4P0VHDupEmbuBU/s1600-h/Me+looking+at+Jim.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXDLOd2KOYhTUAAmXlq1IADOjEao71IKu2eJJQzJbR-ACwb_Hp12OSpp9o_DieF5C1thHZ8hY9bxGPT8sMRM_gzEWiLIr6AFlC9nl98qeRngD6mUz3xovnwhsLVA3Y4P0VHDupEmbuBU/s200/Me+looking+at+Jim.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381774792303638482" /></a><br />And Jim seemed to have much determination - he began to scratch his little feet against the box and try with all of his might to climb over the side of that box! Those little turtle legs were moving! First the scratching with the right leg....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7XtfCSkk0V7ETB1lJJkcpz-wE-1cAjXhooxkKXdB7VE37unNqUdxQSx7ihxJHzJqWNLtLyNOsx8XC8zi8cgTrtmIukSjs0wYyLM39KBixJ9-hJ1TlA2SvUXwjnrnbQeEDbNSGGbwijs/s1600-h/one+leg+up.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ7XtfCSkk0V7ETB1lJJkcpz-wE-1cAjXhooxkKXdB7VE37unNqUdxQSx7ihxJHzJqWNLtLyNOsx8XC8zi8cgTrtmIukSjs0wYyLM39KBixJ9-hJ1TlA2SvUXwjnrnbQeEDbNSGGbwijs/s200/one+leg+up.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381775337024426130" /></a><br /><br />Then the left leg went into action....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidS16J-_a7KEZA74pqs_VOVbuTZOfEIoMoNG4-vyE46SMIKcm1rFjBXnd9dyXyy2aRlUbeqSAJJpUQQycHyWe7GTSl2ZScWvHiIIE9DZ66-b1id6QkCIpQZ7_2FZIuBLl-dBcUviqcngU/s1600-h/another+leg+up.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidS16J-_a7KEZA74pqs_VOVbuTZOfEIoMoNG4-vyE46SMIKcm1rFjBXnd9dyXyy2aRlUbeqSAJJpUQQycHyWe7GTSl2ZScWvHiIIE9DZ66-b1id6QkCIpQZ7_2FZIuBLl-dBcUviqcngU/s200/another+leg+up.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381775620650216610" /></a><br /><br />And then soon - he had some real progress!!! I was shocked at this little guy!I was cheering for him!! <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM79h_uJoSjTpKzJkg8OO02NQzlLrd22HFwI-YwYLchKjO6Yz1aMD80fzilOltFOtJIYI8OBZ0wk2tMEesb5oO7nk2FZyeacWdxLJKrIukbl6AMPGgjJV_6C6kJQxsqnJgzvT4GqW6tzg/s1600-h/almost.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM79h_uJoSjTpKzJkg8OO02NQzlLrd22HFwI-YwYLchKjO6Yz1aMD80fzilOltFOtJIYI8OBZ0wk2tMEesb5oO7nk2FZyeacWdxLJKrIukbl6AMPGgjJV_6C6kJQxsqnJgzvT4GqW6tzg/s200/almost.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381870333091257170" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEVNbfg2HH52Bqaf0i7HK5joVBIfsticz1JBQM_EZYix2N6NP0aCMeHFtWbZPDm-cM3-x_fCpojHe8_sdoz2l_nqTdsq6y1bO1CjhW5inB8yn3RzxWiqGpNuG5d_8Z0WlrI5Ag-seHC0/s1600-h/got+it!.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPEVNbfg2HH52Bqaf0i7HK5joVBIfsticz1JBQM_EZYix2N6NP0aCMeHFtWbZPDm-cM3-x_fCpojHe8_sdoz2l_nqTdsq6y1bO1CjhW5inB8yn3RzxWiqGpNuG5d_8Z0WlrI5Ag-seHC0/s200/got+it!.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381776005199171618" /></a><br /><br /><br />And then......he made it!!! But...there he sat. Not one bit closer to being out of that box. Instead....he found a bigger, higher wall to face.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-k3WL_TUrZ-vBf1a4jbfFBH7jIg4ieR-jhrUM3SKSoP9j_t37Bt98GlxbpXYdH-4qxYAQ3cabsKSoiGGglV2RdcpNKNhddeZ2AWFzdMrv-XkvqtqsTkHrmfJNNuxNSUDPgqmTCZbBXA/s1600-h/another+wall.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2-k3WL_TUrZ-vBf1a4jbfFBH7jIg4ieR-jhrUM3SKSoP9j_t37Bt98GlxbpXYdH-4qxYAQ3cabsKSoiGGglV2RdcpNKNhddeZ2AWFzdMrv-XkvqtqsTkHrmfJNNuxNSUDPgqmTCZbBXA/s200/another+wall.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381776371991579154" /></a><br /><br />If you are like me - I sometimes find myself in the same situation that Jim landed in. I'll scratch and climb over one wall...only to find I am facing an even bigger one! But the lesson in this turtle truth is that we should still fight like crazy to get over the wall - never be satisfied or stop working toward something better if you know it's out there. It takes courage, determination, and belief that a better day is coming. <br /><br /><br /><blockquote><em><strong>I Corinthians 15:58<br />Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.</strong></em></blockquote>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-64882176923768540152009-08-21T13:22:00.006-05:002009-08-21T13:38:59.886-05:00Are you ready for some football????I love this time of year! Not that I am huge fan of football itself. But, I am a huge fan of friends and gatherings and tailgating in general. So fun! If you know me even a little bit, you are probably familiar with the fact that my house will never turn down company or a party! So tonight is fun in our house for two reasons. One, my husband has his official NFL Fantasy Football draft. He takes this very seriously along with the other men that play with him. Now, this group of men started as a small group of a church we attended a few years back. All in the name of men's ministry right? Well, they all became friends and they are still playing years later. They literally gather in a room and have draft drawings, trading and so on. All I know is that every Packer accessory we have is packed in Kevin's car to be used tonight to decorate 'his area'. I love this for him!<br /><br />Tonight for me will be the Spain Park Jamboree. Our son Scout will play for the first time as a highschooler. He is a wide receiver on the Freshman team and he is psyched! Here is his game face...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoprO8Uw4ARE9aZMh-T8T66DersBtjFsz_BR_xWxl4rSI6mSVfw4fzt2ZPrCcL73o_TOKa3bqsr2veiVDh1FFoMSViUsLC25cB8bo2bPGP_rBVnE6xkOBQVc0jBTGV49WVEdwQOjXPCy4/s1600-h/GAMEFACE.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoprO8Uw4ARE9aZMh-T8T66DersBtjFsz_BR_xWxl4rSI6mSVfw4fzt2ZPrCcL73o_TOKa3bqsr2veiVDh1FFoMSViUsLC25cB8bo2bPGP_rBVnE6xkOBQVc0jBTGV49WVEdwQOjXPCy4/s200/GAMEFACE.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372485662650593554" /></a><br /><br />Cute face....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepK0GBvLXnHJ6KTUXJINuyeVpBkPI0GK7ioKcdxAn401D0IHHFdu2laEmc1rAmPa9ZU7jo3sRjr1nlMmwSiW-GIGfvqCnQxL93GUgBNzilD1Sgn_60udi47xObrDwls2S5w8qiJg5zCQ/s1600-h/CuteFACE.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiepK0GBvLXnHJ6KTUXJINuyeVpBkPI0GK7ioKcdxAn401D0IHHFdu2laEmc1rAmPa9ZU7jo3sRjr1nlMmwSiW-GIGfvqCnQxL93GUgBNzilD1Sgn_60udi47xObrDwls2S5w8qiJg5zCQ/s200/CuteFACE.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372485956904918018" /></a><br /><br />This was his first 'wear your jersey' to school moment. I am sure it was a good morning. And while I am excited for him, I prayed for my oldest today as he went to school without his football jersey today. He's played football since 6th grade and has loved it. This past year, at the end of his junior year, he decided not to play anymore. Though he had a fun 'free' summer of no practice - he felt a twinge of sadness this morning. His best buds still in their jerseys today....and he's not. I know he made the right decision for him - but I also know what he felt today and will feel tonight at that first kick off. Say a prayer for boy if you don't mind. Actually say a prayer for both Scout and Nick. Scout - that he plays well and stays safe. Nick, that he has joy and confidence in his decision and that its not as hard as I imagine it might be. Oh...a mama's heart. <br /><br />Earlier this week I blogged about the first week of school but had lost Max's picture. Well, here it is! Better late than never. Oh...check out the shoes. Max has never asked for anything in particular when it comes to shoes - but this year...he wanted Vanns. How fun for me.....kicking it old school....back to the 80s and my day!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8P_ZnGlhkcwb_iFt09a2RUj_kEgvJEFwkNbnRMXdhKr0gSEEctDQWqLlWS6jHYNhvPwMm-OlA4VNhvYNwueYRQS3LmLEx_x35jx39o2Pqq6G9L2omCL2XZfAhImfnDFNKOYaT_sNqVI/s1600-h/Max+first+day.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC8P_ZnGlhkcwb_iFt09a2RUj_kEgvJEFwkNbnRMXdhKr0gSEEctDQWqLlWS6jHYNhvPwMm-OlA4VNhvYNwueYRQS3LmLEx_x35jx39o2Pqq6G9L2omCL2XZfAhImfnDFNKOYaT_sNqVI/s200/Max+first+day.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5372487480661947378" /></a><br /><br />Is he not cute? He may look 10 years old...but his wit is years beyond 10. He cracks us up! Thank you God.Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-54069934646239933972009-08-20T06:27:00.003-05:002009-08-20T08:18:12.487-05:00When a song speaks to youDo you ever hear a song and just feel that 'Oh man...that's me' feeling? I am so preoccupied with one song as of late. I love the lyrics. I love the portion of the song that says...in every season....because there are so many season to all of our lives. In every season....the full, the dry, the hard, the bountiful....there is a reason to sing. This song is an encouragement to me to sew into lives of others because of all of those who have sewn into mine - for such a time as this. <br /><br />The Desert Song<br /><br />This is my prayer in the desert<br />When all that's within me feels dry<br />This is my prayer in my hunger and need<br />My God is the God who provides<br /><br />This is my prayer in the fire<br />And weakness or trial or pain<br />There is faith proved more worth than gold<br />So refine me lord through the faith<br /><br />I will bring praise<br />I will bring praise<br />No weapon formed against me shall remain<br /><br />I will rejoice<br />I will declare<br />God is my victory and he is here<br /><br />This is my prayer in the battle<br />When triumph is still on its way<br />I am a conquerer and co-heir with Christ<br />So fill my his promise ill stand<br /><br />I will bring praise<br />I will bring praise<br />No weapon formed against me shall remain<br /><br />I will rejoice<br />I will declare<br />God is my victory and he is here<br /><br />All of my life<br />In every season<br />You are still God<br />I have reason to sing<br />I have a reason to worship<br /><br />All of my life<br />In every season<br />You are still God<br />I have reason to sing<br />I have a reason to worship<br /><br />All of my life<br />In every season<br />You are still God<br />I have a reason to sing<br />I have reason to worship<br /><br />All of my life<br />In every season<br />You are still God<br />I have a reason to sing<br />I have a reason to worship<br /><br />I will bring praise<br />I will bring praise<br />No weapon formed against me shall remain<br /><br />I will rejoice<br />I will declare<br />God is my victory and he is here<br /><br />And this is my prayer in the harvest<br />And favor and provence flow<br />I know I'm filled to be emptied again<br />The seed I've received I will sow<br /><br />You can listen to the whole song here....http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=e9a972fbcb51e52f791c<br /><br />What seen can you sew today?Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-38973881111555793582009-08-18T22:31:00.009-05:002009-08-18T23:21:36.918-05:00A New School YearWell, I am a bit late with the whole first day of school picture thing! They've been in school for an entire week now. At least I did take pictures on that first day...I just didn't share them with anyone. So...for my mom and others that keep up with my blog....wait no longer.....here are the handsome boys of my house on our first day.<br /><br /><br />Max was so excited. (I can't find his pic right now...when I do...I'll add it! LOL) Typical 3rd child situation. HA! Anyway, he loves being in 5th grade. I'm a bit sad mind you....I can't believe we'll soon leave the school that has been a part of our lives for the last 12 years beginning with Nick. Seriously, this school has been a blessing. Filled with Christ loving teachers and teachers who just plain love their jobs and our kids. So blessed! Speaking of being blessed - Mr. Chaffin has driven the school bus that picks up outside our house ever since Nick was in 1st grade. After he got to know Nick - he truly looked forward to welcoming Scout on his first day of K5 and then Max. With Max he simply opened the door on the first day of school and said, "Well, little buddy...its about time!". Made my day just a bit better back then....so seeing him on the first day of my baby's last first day of elementary school...(did you follow that??)...was a welcome sight. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd9_CUqtvcAKRFYcJH7Nkt1l_FJ2V1JSWK7iE1txEEbxLtvCvH-KaZevrNjo33vvwzMiaR2N6Ng-c8cEe7v6qchyphenhyphen4IhsY6ptYiLad5sFC7-qRcJGgcwAPDa1zSLML4MWcMtxRFPABXxU/s1600-h/Mr.+Chaffin.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOd9_CUqtvcAKRFYcJH7Nkt1l_FJ2V1JSWK7iE1txEEbxLtvCvH-KaZevrNjo33vvwzMiaR2N6Ng-c8cEe7v6qchyphenhyphen4IhsY6ptYiLad5sFC7-qRcJGgcwAPDa1zSLML4MWcMtxRFPABXxU/s200/Mr.+Chaffin.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371514404888190994" /></a><br /><br />My handsome teenagers....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjno77g5cK2-_52MMKQAVpMcN9Qx8m2hbeYQE50Id18c7t50JOr7yZrCnIKnAghzu8_iiVpv81fGI3_HR8bC-I_Bcr-aczt1heI-lXYBE9NKAhVGiAkKz2S3ACBbzKrmEfvMx0Jb_7c6_s/s1600-h/Nick+and+Scout.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjno77g5cK2-_52MMKQAVpMcN9Qx8m2hbeYQE50Id18c7t50JOr7yZrCnIKnAghzu8_iiVpv81fGI3_HR8bC-I_Bcr-aczt1heI-lXYBE9NKAhVGiAkKz2S3ACBbzKrmEfvMx0Jb_7c6_s/s200/Nick+and+Scout.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371515028193013138" /></a><br />It was kind of an odd feeling watching Scout jump in the truck with Nick. Not needing me to take him to school...HIGH SCHOOL on the first day! I remember my first day of high school. And...if I remember it correctly, I rode with my friend Tonya and her dad took us. We were soooooo nervous going inside - but we did it together! Scout rode with his brother - went to breakfast with some other seniors....and they thoroughly enjoyed having a Freshman around, then met up with his bud where they entered the school to tackle their first day. I hear overall...it was a good day. I love these boys and am so proud of the young men they are becoming.<br /><br />At the beginning of each school year I ask God what specifically I can pray for over each of my boys. I ask him to be specific with me. I can think of alot of things to pray...but I want to hear straight from God what my kids need. I want the holy spirit to quicken my heart each time one of my kids needs encouragement, joy, strength...whatever! My heart grows heavy when I think of what their generation is faced with daily. Some people say things are the same as they were when I was in school but I disagree entirely. I did not have near the pressure my teenagers have. Don't get me wrong...I had my share of trouble - but it certainly came with less consequences than the trouble of today's kids. My thoughts anyway. So as I was praying this summer - I was drawn time and again to the book of Colossians.<br /><br />Colossians 2 in particular....read this;<br /><blockquote><em><strong><br />Colossians 2: 1-7<br />I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me personally. My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.<br /><br />So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.</strong></em></blockquote><br /><br />My desire for my children as well as others is that they are encouraged in heart, unity and LOVE.....that they know the fullness of God, that they are complete in understanding how much God loves them so that anything...ANYTHING that would tempt them to stray or water down their convictions will not hold a candle to what they know to be true and real with their God. That are rooted in their faith, firmly. When I read the book of Colossians, I can just feel Paul's struggle for a church and group of people that he loves dearly. He loved them so much he was overwhelmed with how he wanted God's best and God's joy for them. And he sees how the enemy is working against them. <br /><br />Now that my oldest is a senior I see year after year how prayer is THE MOST important thing I can offer my kids. I can buy them clothes....and can make sure they have friends and are social.....but if I don't pray for them I am missing opportunities to help protect and guide them as only God can...as I listen to his leading. Something else that I feel strongly about is taking prayer walks around their schools. Praying over the campus and for what they may encounter. Praying over their teachers - classmates - friends - lunch time - conversation - tailgating - anything that comes to mind. Just praying - offering up a petition of protection and favor over my kids and their friends. <br />My encouragement to you is to pray....keep journals of your prayers over your children and then take time to thank God for all he's done in the lives of your children as you see those prayers answered. When you see all the times you've been protected from crazy situations - recognize that as the hand of God...not just coincidence. This doesn't mean your kids will never stray, nor does it mean that you'll never experience heartache. Believe me. But what it does mean - is that when things happen -you have the benefit of knowing God is there and you've seen him work in the lives of your kids before...and he'll do it again. He will. The past few years have had both great and pretty crazy times for us. But through each - I've seen God's hand and felt his love carry me through all sorts of things. I love journaling for that reason alone - being reminded of the many ways God is faithful.<br /><br /><br /><br /><em><strong>"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus" Philippians 4:6-7 </strong></em>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-91480217702589482502009-08-10T00:02:00.005-05:002009-08-10T00:45:25.177-05:00Time Flies.......Wow! I guess the summer has flown by faster than I thought, because its been well over a month since I've blogged about ANYTHING. There have been so many fun things...and so many life lesson situations that could have made great blogs, but here I am...over a month since the last post....and I wonder where to start.<br /><br />After we met my sweet niece, Addie Grace, in Nashville - we hit the floor running with summer activities. Nick and Scout went to summer youth camp in Florida and Max went to summer camp that same week. It was awesome for all 3 boys. Awesome for me and Kevin too! Home alone was great....quiet....but GREAT! Here is a picture of Max from his summer camp week. Do I even need to mention that he came back smelling....well...like a 10 year old boy?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMfhv_plHysoLCI8qJ-RjhEsr0U4YmM3oYFuqepbjU8m0AQ6VoPc-WbCCLuR5Ph9STMyizYluDiyAG83myB5pRPMahhimYls0RJI_GHCVNsYDm7397HQ0udL87bfm0FDypM8yt53diCY/s1600-h/max+at+camp.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaMfhv_plHysoLCI8qJ-RjhEsr0U4YmM3oYFuqepbjU8m0AQ6VoPc-WbCCLuR5Ph9STMyizYluDiyAG83myB5pRPMahhimYls0RJI_GHCVNsYDm7397HQ0udL87bfm0FDypM8yt53diCY/s200/max+at+camp.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368199229991738914" /></a><br /><br />I like this one. This is when I was about to leave. The fake mustache, glasses thing? Well, that is something he thought would entertain the ladies. Not kidding.... He did not get that from Kevin, thank goodness.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-N9OUhAk5zDXJot6K70bzXIjTzOI970F_wPnIhDejO9R-oLpslgqrj76CKd-TprwSrB8zA36V5P5ohd3bmxOOKBNbxLVAsA58c1KxZRNUs8LCTw0QUwbjthKRtm5TMLEh1oSZAiGrow/s1600-h/me+and+max.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja-N9OUhAk5zDXJot6K70bzXIjTzOI970F_wPnIhDejO9R-oLpslgqrj76CKd-TprwSrB8zA36V5P5ohd3bmxOOKBNbxLVAsA58c1KxZRNUs8LCTw0QUwbjthKRtm5TMLEh1oSZAiGrow/s200/me+and+max.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368199774075172418" /></a><br /><br />Soon after we all got home...and settled back into a routine, the call that I have been dreading finally arrived. It was a little after 6am on Friday morning, July 17.<br />My sweet Nana had passed away. I think I'll remember that date forever. Many of you have been praying for my family since February when my Nana first went into the hospital. She spent the months following that incident in nursing homes and rehab centers. Its been a long 5 months to say the least. But as prepared as I thought I was, the words my father spoke just kind of went in one ear and out the other. And I just sat there and thanked him for calling. I think I asked how my mother was....but I don't remember alot after that. Kevin was there for me and did everything he could do to make me feel better. We woke the kids up and told them one by one and they each had their own reactions. And though we all respond so differently to things like this....we were all just sad. <br /><br />I was fortunate enough to have a few hours to myself that day. And in those hours, I allowed myself to cry. Uncontrollably at times - and then laugh....and then cry some more. It felt good to do all that too. Believe me. It would be right when I would think there were no more tears to cry...that I would find just a few more. <br /><br />That night, a sweet friend brought dinner to my family and we ate together at my mom's house. We talked about Nana and laughed alot too. Then of course....we'd cry some more. The following days were filled with funeral planning....and then the funeral on that following Monday. The 4 days of Nana's passing, funeral planning and then the funeral seemed to go by so fast. Its almost been a month and in some ways I just can't believe she's gone. I think it will be that way for a while. But I am so thankful for the friends that reached out to us during that time. We felt the love. My entire family did. Thank you so much to all of you! You know who you are. :)<br /><br />I have a couple of great thoughts that I want to blog about at a later time. But I feel so behind on my blogging right now....that each post would be WAY long if I wrote everything I was thinking. I'll save some thoughts for another time....and another night when I am not trying to get back into the swing of routine. Like I said in the beginning....the time flies...and my summer is over and the kids are going back to school.<br /><br />In the middle of the chaos, and the loss we've experienced, I've been reminded how good God is. How amazing living life can be. And...how thankful I am to be blessed with friends and family that love me so. Life is good, even if I'm never, ever going to be caught up on my laundry. Amen? <br /><br />And in the midst of the sadness, there has been MUCH to thank God for as well. God has been doing great things inside me as well as others within my family. I am humbled and amazed watching God work within me and those around me. I am so thankful for all he is doing. I guess there really is a season for everything. God's timing is beautiful. <br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOI_5EJPGjmR7WmwkalwGNB-ugcxOPT5VUuqP9pPlKuNHPTCEZ5eCTqRfr64VWSGfPhgtug_ZFlbG71Uuxg8YmJXY14bC-4YKU7zm2svYjstDPSaqQCDWOtIiUmNZJNXux9Pw_y0CJmxs/s1600-h/IMG_5776.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOI_5EJPGjmR7WmwkalwGNB-ugcxOPT5VUuqP9pPlKuNHPTCEZ5eCTqRfr64VWSGfPhgtug_ZFlbG71Uuxg8YmJXY14bC-4YKU7zm2svYjstDPSaqQCDWOtIiUmNZJNXux9Pw_y0CJmxs/s200/IMG_5776.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368207025007258210" /></a><br /><br /><br /><blockquote><em><strong><br />Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the LORD.<br />Psalm 1:24 </strong></em></blockquote>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-58719629463512967042009-07-07T14:40:00.007-05:002009-07-07T15:19:19.464-05:00Adoption and being a child of God<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuEVFe27lTYuK8Olom4zzqhypgRkoOiS5-rPM40PvUttCunbIRqhwD3Vd69WaQQ9Q-QcIn2rTXR8_msXBvl8mByS-1xZMOoo-8JY-ceNsqYEqJUkRhkfGfqnL9uZFCs24SbGkL98R1OI/s1600-h/addie.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjuEVFe27lTYuK8Olom4zzqhypgRkoOiS5-rPM40PvUttCunbIRqhwD3Vd69WaQQ9Q-QcIn2rTXR8_msXBvl8mByS-1xZMOoo-8JY-ceNsqYEqJUkRhkfGfqnL9uZFCs24SbGkL98R1OI/s200/addie.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355814178553242674" /></a><br /><br />Many of you know that my Brother/Sister in law recently adopted a precious baby from China. When I say precious....I mean Precious. Kissable and totally adorable. We have been praying for her arrival for over 3 years now. To finally hold her this past weekend was crazy. Surreal for sure....but oh so special. The kids were very excited about meeting their new cousin as well. They enjoyed holding and playing with Addie as well. <br /><br />You can see here...that she already loves her big cousins;<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcv_I55YkAyZ-V0NcCn8UPr3xS7k9RI9viGEkIcGSqqtBj71CN06ftzoqkm0SDsBbOoeuOvgu1v8RDXfZ5XKtNLqECNt2Xo5XjEaUwf_AMPdyaeY0kOKsFXZutX4kVW7kceym5EBVQ1M/s1600-h/boys+with+addie.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHcv_I55YkAyZ-V0NcCn8UPr3xS7k9RI9viGEkIcGSqqtBj71CN06ftzoqkm0SDsBbOoeuOvgu1v8RDXfZ5XKtNLqECNt2Xo5XjEaUwf_AMPdyaeY0kOKsFXZutX4kVW7kceym5EBVQ1M/s200/boys+with+addie.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355807896900446434" /></a><br /><br />When Ken, Kelly and Alec were in China, they were able to visit the province where Addie was born and they received lots of personal information on Addie as well. Part of Addie's story is heartbreaking. She was found abandoned and alone at a train station when she was only a day old. Can you imagine? Abandoning your child? Or even finding out that was your beginning as a baby? Both situations are hard to comprehend. While we can't imagine leaving our child at a train station - I doubt any of us can conceive the living conditions in China and how they dictate to our families how we can live and the children we can raise within our families. However, that is the way our Addie began her little life. <br /><br />Within the last year, we have prayed over this little girl. Not knowing her name or seeing a face - but knowing there was a baby out there that Ken and Kelly would soon be a mommy and daddy to. Early on, Ken and Kelly asked us to pray that she was held,was healthy, loved on, cared for and even for the birth mother. God was totally in control. He took care of this little girl and she was found at that train station and placed in a foster home. She was loved on and cared for, just like we prayed. She is now, safe at home....in a cozy bed....a long way away from being abandoned at the train station. Here is a snap shot of Addie's cozy bed.<br /><br />When God blesses....he blesses big.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzHzUQUmwXxvXCQSRclJjUjHJs_dsrSiNlyVXwEXyhCyxX7mJUERDcryiRja5WjAzKO51K7CERsff2qqQQVayRDQlkDds4ieOJKm2gu6Kscm3DKe4aN-aqqt7dEGXqweV_VQ30Fbw8kI/s1600-h/Baby+Room.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLzHzUQUmwXxvXCQSRclJjUjHJs_dsrSiNlyVXwEXyhCyxX7mJUERDcryiRja5WjAzKO51K7CERsff2qqQQVayRDQlkDds4ieOJKm2gu6Kscm3DKe4aN-aqqt7dEGXqweV_VQ30Fbw8kI/s200/Baby+Room.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355810108357026210" /></a><br /><br />Ever since I heard how Addie was originally found and thinking about where she is now....I can't help but to compare that to us. I mean - we are all adopted as Christians. I love 1 John 3:1 and how it describes us as Children of God. <br /><br /><strong><em>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!</em></strong><br /><br />It doesn't matter where we've been....where we were left or where we have been living. God calls to us through his love and gift of Jesus Christ - we can all find adoption into his family. And he blesses and cares for us more than we could ever imagine. He loves us that much. As much as I know Ken, Kelly and Alec will love Addie....God loves her even more. That's a whole lot of love! <br />Please continue to pray for this little girl as she bonds with her new family. Pray that she grows in the grace of our Lord and feels loved and cared for every day of her life. Pray that when she is old enough to learn of her story that she will see God's amazing hand in her life and how he loves and cares for her every need. <br /><br /><br /><br /><strong><em><blockquote>Romans 8:10-16 (The Message)<br /><br />9-11But if God himself has taken up residence in your life, you can hardly be thinking more of yourself than of him. Anyone, of course, who has not welcomed this invisible but clearly present God, the Spirit of Christ, won't know what we're talking about. But for you who welcome him, in whom he dwells—even though you still experience all the limitations of sin—you yourself experience life on God's terms. It stands to reason, doesn't it, that if the alive-and-present God who raised Jesus from the dead moves into your life, he'll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself? When God lives and breathes in you (and he does, as surely as he did in Jesus), you are delivered from that dead life. With his Spirit living in you, your body will be as alive as Christ's! <br /><br />12-14So don't you see that we don't owe this old do-it-yourself life one red cent. There's nothing in it for us, nothing at all. The best thing to do is give it a decent burial and get on with your new life. God's Spirit beckons. There are things to do and places to go! <br /><br />15-17This Resurrection life you received from God is not a timid, grave-tending life. It's adventurously expectant, greeting God with a childlike "What's next, Papa?" God's Spirit touches our spirits and confirms who we really are. We know who he is, and we know who we are: Father and children. And we know we are going to get what's coming to us—an unbelievable inheritance! We go through exactly what Christ goes through. If we go through the hard times with him, then we're certainly going to go through the good times with him! </blockquote></em></strong>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-30646159672458902522009-06-30T13:55:00.005-05:002009-06-30T14:30:30.517-05:00Was it this hot when I was a kid?I love summer and the heat! Really.....I love being home and sitting in the sun for a while each day. I will admit however, that as I age....I realize my skin does not enjoy the sun as much as I do. I am now beginning to see these glorious dark spots on my face. The telling signs of days gone by that were filled with baby-oil and iodine days. Maybe some butter occasionally while laying out on the roof or the hot drive way back in the day! Oh well....glad I get a new body when I get to heaven. Hope that includes the skin too! LOL<br /><br />Anyway, as I was saying, I love summer days. I remember playing outside all day long and my mom hollering for us to come in! Those were the best. We didn't stay inside all day because there was 'nothing' to do inside. All the fun....was outside with our pals. The <em>ADVENTURE</em> was outside. What does a parent do when their kids do not want to find the adventure? Seriously. Its my own opinion that we must make them find joy in 'the adventure' and do something different. Turn off the TVs for a day. For a week. Whatever - just get them off the couch. Make your teenager play battleship with you. We've had some great conversations that come out of nowhere just because the time is there. Or you could allow them a couple of choices. The choices I offered my 17 year old this week was do you want to do something <em>fun</em> outside with your brothers or do you want to do more yard work for me? Either way....<em>its totally your decision</em> is what I told him. I was delighted when he chose the play with your brothers option. They've ended up playing Nerf, shooting the paintball guns and eventually ended up at the $1 movie theater that night. It was a good day.<br /><br />When we take time to do something that involves participation with another person and not just computer/Xbox/TV interaction we get relational. And that is a good thing. Speaking of being relational and unplugging from the computer, I recently got back from a great trip to St. Maartin with my husband and our Aunt, Uncle and Cousin. It was a dream vacation for sure! Here are a few pictures from our week. Just a few - I'm going to try and post a new slide show for the front page of my blog that should have more!<br /><br />This is me and Kevin at Sunset Bar & Grill watching the planes come in...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofTZF3uS2GCVMzBkz2jcb56X4nTDMaWNU3jLZO291NmZRpVb41e8OsN94wVlOVtezJ399lHZAUHpuTaxdsmc4tnQjyISxOwPMVrA8b9tRTtKowO3lEySRwRt8kXv-TUUDRF2L2Ip5VTM/s1600-h/Me+and+Kevin.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 173px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgofTZF3uS2GCVMzBkz2jcb56X4nTDMaWNU3jLZO291NmZRpVb41e8OsN94wVlOVtezJ399lHZAUHpuTaxdsmc4tnQjyISxOwPMVrA8b9tRTtKowO3lEySRwRt8kXv-TUUDRF2L2Ip5VTM/s200/Me+and+Kevin.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353202662910547890" /></a><br /><br /><br />This is a group shot after one of our adventures driving the back roads. Steve told us this was Robert Redford's House...I need to google to check out the facts. I'll let you know what I find! LOL<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I4C4KQ7jf-yD3KJ6M1jQRQZSWtTzwdg1ELhv3QHzjJtxRtAm12-QRJlAyuGAGC5USnIJ5a1VcK5Fwdd-klv7smS9A3ukrwtoKyYGS41FHohcnxvoCL5HKWc_e_Gg1Ac_hq3ukH5hR8Q/s1600-h/group+shot.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8I4C4KQ7jf-yD3KJ6M1jQRQZSWtTzwdg1ELhv3QHzjJtxRtAm12-QRJlAyuGAGC5USnIJ5a1VcK5Fwdd-klv7smS9A3ukrwtoKyYGS41FHohcnxvoCL5HKWc_e_Gg1Ac_hq3ukH5hR8Q/s200/group+shot.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353203063753018434" /></a><br /><br />This is Orient Beach. A favorite shot - and the beach really was this pretty. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4B3_Qf_pwhRGWUdgX5coSEv9U3AR-yXGOitTGuawQ3Pf7ebdtt28Pauu3ybMgVDZzM9qEjILl1Es2o-vmbveOYrErJ_3YK0J8OJD7f5Aj27Z3WozRt_UiVK5ZBO-MaN45mfVvRDlslmk/s1600-h/Orient.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4B3_Qf_pwhRGWUdgX5coSEv9U3AR-yXGOitTGuawQ3Pf7ebdtt28Pauu3ybMgVDZzM9qEjILl1Es2o-vmbveOYrErJ_3YK0J8OJD7f5Aj27Z3WozRt_UiVK5ZBO-MaN45mfVvRDlslmk/s200/Orient.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5353203311453238290" /></a><br /><br />Like I said...only a few shots but some of our favs. Though it was hot on the island, there was a perfect breeze pretty much 24/7 every day. It was glorious. Maybe if I moved to St. Maartin my kids would find more adventure each day because of that perfect breeze. Its worth a shot. I mean, do what you got to do right? Ha! Well, I guess my other option is to keep the battleship game out and find more creative, manipulative ways to convince my kids to spend time together. Actually....that sounds like more fun anyway. <br /><br /><blockquote><em><strong>Philippians 4:4-7<br />Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.</strong></em></blockquote>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-48802731277053005192009-06-07T07:06:00.005-05:002009-06-07T07:31:51.150-05:00Adeline Grace Johnson is here!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6PNjj9rcGfj_57PgCbLNjndeftQObHXePrWccK03r66OShAJi1ICgDCK2yE6WX2laPoXQ4S8nPFJHFQXuaaLkA1dqEAgOwuSv1Xk68_zZgn4X29whe6IWJJI34o5Vyy5XL9ns_Jecmk/s1600-h/Gotcha.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 170px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD6PNjj9rcGfj_57PgCbLNjndeftQObHXePrWccK03r66OShAJi1ICgDCK2yE6WX2laPoXQ4S8nPFJHFQXuaaLkA1dqEAgOwuSv1Xk68_zZgn4X29whe6IWJJI34o5Vyy5XL9ns_Jecmk/s200/Gotcha.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344561894240657618" /></a><br />Ok...well she's not here as in the USA, but she is in her mother's arms now. We praise God for this little girl. She is a beautiful wide eyed little girl and I hear she is curious about everything....especially her mom's necklace. I can only imagine the sweetness in the moment that they gave that little girl to Kelly. I wish I could have been there. Wow! Kelly seems to be adapting amazingly quick, Ken holding her is joy and Alec....looks like the best big brother in the world. Seriously....what a protector he is going to be! Here are some pictures of the Gotcha Day in China. However, <a href="http://www.feathersfromournest.blogspot.com/">click here for Kelly's blog</a> where you can read about their sweet journey and see more precious pictures. <br /><br />First Family Photo<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy2oz_OIxiyrCDw1nOLpbA0YWmb0nZ0ohyphenhyphenriWboo6JoQjJqi7Sa4Uej60-clf5BBD6E5e7Oz3CInAZUQnKQCNpUGb_nbWKYOX9HAKOfzXuIByYHp44KCsnXnUIYh6tEtmOITth5gpTik/s1600-h/1st+Family+Photo.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 160px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTy2oz_OIxiyrCDw1nOLpbA0YWmb0nZ0ohyphenhyphenriWboo6JoQjJqi7Sa4Uej60-clf5BBD6E5e7Oz3CInAZUQnKQCNpUGb_nbWKYOX9HAKOfzXuIByYHp44KCsnXnUIYh6tEtmOITth5gpTik/s200/1st+Family+Photo.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344561795520942226" /></a><br /><br /><br />First Bath...so cute!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV3rvPnBFqme6M5beLavptzfLbXDss8UhiKjXLD7MhhYYc1idJTLjAOPSBSYqFEwY2ORoFfUD0SyCg9GYqDm2zK-a4rjziM7NVt3G_w-0S0qxe8RGmTjcd06wj4BJfXbpBaWs5EA8igg/s1600-h/first+bath.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvV3rvPnBFqme6M5beLavptzfLbXDss8UhiKjXLD7MhhYYc1idJTLjAOPSBSYqFEwY2ORoFfUD0SyCg9GYqDm2zK-a4rjziM7NVt3G_w-0S0qxe8RGmTjcd06wj4BJfXbpBaWs5EA8igg/s200/first+bath.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344561553312775538" /></a><br /><br />I love how God's timing is perfect. When we wait.....he says "hang on...it will be worth it". They waited 3 years and 3 months to the day for this little girl. Last year, I remember the waiting feeling very long for them. In fact....it was around the summer of last year. We all wondered when it would finally get here...their call about an adoption referral and travel date. When they finally got the call this spring, the birth date of the baby stunned them both. Adeline Grace was born on Kelly's birthday during the summer. God knew the day...the time...he was not worried...he knew it was happening and it was in his hands. How sweet to know that when they were wishing and hoping....God allowed Addie to be born on Kelly's birthday and he chose Addie specifically for Kelly, Ken and Alec. I imagine him literally thinking - <em>This baby is for Kelly she's waited a while for you little one, let's give her the best birthday present ever today. You. We'll tell her in just a bit....but she'll always know, that I was thinking of her and her desires to be a mom. </em> <br /><br />Now, those are my thoughts and they may seem odd. But the God I know and love....is crazy about us. He wants to shower us with joy and gifts. He loves us that much. He is a good, good God. <br /><br />I love this passage from Matthew speaking about seeking for God....and finding him. There is a reference to God's ability to give good gifts. Why is it sometimes so hard for us to grasp that God loves us sooo much that he will delight in doing good for us. Better than we can imagine. I mean, if we think we give good things to our children.....if that is our measure - God's ability is so much more than that. So much greater! I know I've seen that first hand in my own life. I am so thankful.<br /><br /><blockquote><em><strong>Matthew 7: 7-12<br /><br />7"Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. <br />9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets</strong></em></blockquote>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-894706285822807072009-06-06T13:57:00.006-05:002009-06-06T14:04:22.822-05:00My family is in China!!!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6XT8ck9jV6h2ZhQEUTgL9ZTsvQ3o5vBiSAtEZ_165e1s92t44SqEYJ3eYWBKKyZNxMe0PQKRGug1tnaiIPXYY1mk3pP_NpDQlQ2hTEs3kPfMcpsUG06FNKYHcCOBngDh5VuO6w5UKzQ/s1600-h/were+here.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 140px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjK6XT8ck9jV6h2ZhQEUTgL9ZTsvQ3o5vBiSAtEZ_165e1s92t44SqEYJ3eYWBKKyZNxMe0PQKRGug1tnaiIPXYY1mk3pP_NpDQlQ2hTEs3kPfMcpsUG06FNKYHcCOBngDh5VuO6w5UKzQ/s200/were+here.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344292119803938034" /></a><br /><br />Many of you have been praying for Ken, Kelly, Alec and their wait for adopting a sweet baby girl. Well...they are in China now and will get to hold their baby girl tomorrow morning. I wanted to thank you for lifting them up in prayer, but also show you a few pics from their trip so far! Please visit my Sister-in-laws blog for daily updates. <br /><br />All I know is that tomorrow morning, I will log on and see my niece, Addie Grace for the first time with her family. I cannot wait!!!!!!<br /><br />Here are some great pictures of their sight seeing while in Bejing, China.<br /><br />Ken and Kelly at the Great Wall<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXjgEPq3fmNvxb42ftq0gff0Xx1UMhowdyAZrnAEb78afLkYRL4EyKhZaLmaqMlUrA3LmQa7dv7ASnMYXxC4KK59p_U5vbB2ne6G8wA_ziQlsoE3KUwh1CaEUOh4w3eHikobxN1H0H-E/s1600-h/K&K+Great+Wall"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXjgEPq3fmNvxb42ftq0gff0Xx1UMhowdyAZrnAEb78afLkYRL4EyKhZaLmaqMlUrA3LmQa7dv7ASnMYXxC4KK59p_U5vbB2ne6G8wA_ziQlsoE3KUwh1CaEUOh4w3eHikobxN1H0H-E/s200/K&K+Great+Wall" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344291462839709074" /></a><br /><br />My nephew climbing the Great Wall. What an experience for him!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZpVcYpxglh-C2M81he6QEucLnlb60muagMOuIOnHLdCKMY95f9sj1ab9yBe0onQ8NwB7WCCNeejIgueSxx2MFefBseeF8_bcq15K-93LcianWwsIHGB1NUtzan3FoKVxxIj-1Wt-zSE/s1600-h/climbing+the+great+wall"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKZpVcYpxglh-C2M81he6QEucLnlb60muagMOuIOnHLdCKMY95f9sj1ab9yBe0onQ8NwB7WCCNeejIgueSxx2MFefBseeF8_bcq15K-93LcianWwsIHGB1NUtzan3FoKVxxIj-1Wt-zSE/s200/climbing+the+great+wall" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344291858812655138" /></a><br /><br />This is a picture of their family at the top! Wow!!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakWSipBRcYRVoPEFYtOp9EwJxtQr8bKXvoiJTVANHA_J0gH-dT6rddk7ctzruACgghyr2npySPIrj-mBkuPB-MNdi82-52g0Bfs8e6aMpMSkb1Iu4_hX6BOcFKIIEI_fv9KOVlhlkbsw/s1600-h/Fam+great+wall"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 133px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgakWSipBRcYRVoPEFYtOp9EwJxtQr8bKXvoiJTVANHA_J0gH-dT6rddk7ctzruACgghyr2npySPIrj-mBkuPB-MNdi82-52g0Bfs8e6aMpMSkb1Iu4_hX6BOcFKIIEI_fv9KOVlhlkbsw/s200/Fam+great+wall" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5344292327579941682" /></a>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-39779298548717845782009-05-31T06:50:00.006-05:002009-05-31T07:30:48.474-05:00A New Creation......explained perfectly, in my little opinion.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj2bRCdzf822Yqa_sGSuC8Z67Az7D8C4-YvKkDDDQ-piTHfACYrPeB9Ui9k95qV-RH4I1i8SLuW-heUGTjV2lGYhhzIGpMzQVdVksOuSHLQtK3Ys9Zdp4Eh0RdEufEQ18iCztGzwdUXU/s1600-h/L&S.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 172px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZj2bRCdzf822Yqa_sGSuC8Z67Az7D8C4-YvKkDDDQ-piTHfACYrPeB9Ui9k95qV-RH4I1i8SLuW-heUGTjV2lGYhhzIGpMzQVdVksOuSHLQtK3Ys9Zdp4Eh0RdEufEQ18iCztGzwdUXU/s200/L&S.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341960794262624962" /></a><br />I am so looking forward to church today. My dear friend Laura is getting baptized. I am so honored to be able to visit her church this morning and experience this moment with her. Truly its a privilege. <br /><br />I met Laura in October of 2005. We began working together in November of 2005. God truly blessed me with an amazing friend when he put us together. In some ways, we could not be more different - but in other ways....we are sewn together for life! Bottom line...I love her and am so thankful for her. She has taught me so much about authenticity in the Christian Life. She does not pretend, nor does she ever aim to just 'say the right things' that some Christians have learned to do over the years. If she hears something about God that she doesn't necessarily understand....or comprehend, she says it. She wrestles with it. She digs to know and learn more. When she experiences something wonderful from God - she is giddy. She totally excites in the joy of the Lord. In fact...at times she just gushes and will seriously share it with everyone she knows. <br /><br /><br />True story - She came to a point in her Christian walk where she realized a few things she had not taken to heart before. ( I hope this does not embarrass my friend...but seriously, I think she would share this with you on her own. After all -- she wanted to put this in her baptism video to be shown at her church. However, the videographer, encouraged her to leave that part out. He doesn't know our Laura so well does he? Anyway.....) So...she came to a point when she seriously started learning what the bible had to say about sex. I will never forget her astonishment, like...'Can you believe this?' She then began to very boldly share that with others....in bars....in the workplace....in fact, anytime she felt someone would listen she would literally feel free to share with them what sex was really intended to be. I love that in her. She shares her heart with no pretense. She's authentic. How many times have you felt led to say something...or share something you learned about God and fear held you back? Why does that happen? Seriously....talk to Laura....she can give you a kick in the pants!<br /><br />All of this to say, that I read her blogpost last night about her baptism and I would love for you to read it. <a href="http://laurakharper.blogspot.com/2009/05/you-are-all-invited-to-church-at-brook.html">Click here for her blog</a> - or you can click on the link to the right titled - <em>This Ain't No Ordinary Fundraising Letter</em>. Yep...she's going on her second mission trip this summer. Don't worry - she doesn't need anymore money....just click and read...and enjoy her posts. Wherever you are....whatever you've done or not done - God's love is for you and he never stops loving nor does he ever Go away. We go away...we move away from God and lose sight of his goodness, but he stays the same. <br /><br /><blockquote><strong>2 Corinthians 5:16 - 17<br />So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!</strong></blockquote><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJo98fHN1sx-H1mjYyD0wcOSAWkz9Z4OLQ0EKTS9BiqqhVjRuvZsGpBtrq0yfxXGy4iaYE5D4UE_3hDmWc0uhi3TUMARV0HOMDRP8NqdGT3ChpJ0xmd75Py57Baac_sWE3ZtXpjRbKsA/s1600-h/Laura+and+Shannon.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTJo98fHN1sx-H1mjYyD0wcOSAWkz9Z4OLQ0EKTS9BiqqhVjRuvZsGpBtrq0yfxXGy4iaYE5D4UE_3hDmWc0uhi3TUMARV0HOMDRP8NqdGT3ChpJ0xmd75Py57Baac_sWE3ZtXpjRbKsA/s200/Laura+and+Shannon.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5341961045463676418" /></a>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-7117036290832682342009-05-21T11:53:00.005-05:002009-05-21T13:07:28.882-05:00Firsts and LastsOk....its officially over. The school year that is. Today was the last day and it could not have gone smoother. I remember a few tears from Nick's last day of 8th grade.....but I am sure he does not remember that. <br /><br />Last night -we totally did not have 'typical' bedtime time. In fact we watched Australia until a little after 11:00pm. We then proceeded to try and find an 11th grade chemistry book (which i wrote a $47 check for today).....obviously we did not find it! But how funny...down to the end with a bit of drama. But this morning was great. I made breakfast and we talked about the year a bit. They were all a bit excited and reflective in their own ways. <br /><br /><em><strong>Scout</strong> - a bit nervous about summer football camp at the high school and then finally becoming a Freshman!<br /><br /><strong>Max</strong> - was already missing his buds, and THE BEST TEACHER ON EARTH as he said, Ms. Howell. In fact...he hopes she decides to teach 5th grade next year! <br /><br /><strong>Nick </strong>- Just ready to get those finals over and enjoy some summer. He can't believe he doesn't have summer football camp this year. He's not playing his senior year...so he's looking forward to something.....just not sure what! </em><br /><br /><br />So...as I'm thinking of this being their last day.... I couldn't help but think of the first day of school. This is the picture I took of them back in August.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmOG0kf4hwLj6uPHp2h1Di5vubhdZGZuCAHq3uq3eFsJu-3poUNdCe25Q7hrvY1pqVpayIZlQlp7UW1wVfR6aJAIB7IFbgLetRiA47ThZ4PTbZNzM0wakfUQ0bx4IY0oRBm6_NRk3AX8/s1600-h/first+day+of+school"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpmOG0kf4hwLj6uPHp2h1Di5vubhdZGZuCAHq3uq3eFsJu-3poUNdCe25Q7hrvY1pqVpayIZlQlp7UW1wVfR6aJAIB7IFbgLetRiA47ThZ4PTbZNzM0wakfUQ0bx4IY0oRBm6_NRk3AX8/s200/first+day+of+school" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338323496709844562" /></a><br /><br />I love how everyone is alert....ready for school in their favorite clothes. T-shirts are a staple at my house. Comfort....also key!<br /><br />Now....9 months later.....they've grown and changed.<br /><br />Max, proudly wearing his Safety Patrol belt one last day to school before the new school year begins. He's been 'in training' for 2 weeks now. He said he had a great hair day today. Hmmmm, I wonder where he has heard that phrase before? I'll shatter his world with a haircut soon. Its what I do.....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZN4ToP1KcWgtpddMmXJTxHj4SeACrXkPDjb-mMURT6UMmT_fnb5YsavecbSfv2Rr2bd4OmY9UbYdpCaATYpxHjferTpTkzjuNZy9t_JOl4zT7QtGXYcIeCePZY21xDS2eZkkmySXFNc/s1600-h/max+last+day.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_ZN4ToP1KcWgtpddMmXJTxHj4SeACrXkPDjb-mMURT6UMmT_fnb5YsavecbSfv2Rr2bd4OmY9UbYdpCaATYpxHjferTpTkzjuNZy9t_JOl4zT7QtGXYcIeCePZY21xDS2eZkkmySXFNc/s200/max+last+day.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338326605959825778" /></a><br /><br />Scout on his Facebook before school...which is typically a no-no..but on last day of school? Anything goes! We even had french toast with powdered sugar....yes....I forgot about the teacher's sanity today. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD96LTSkTlSNoMworaha27Th_aLPt27-TcICkQ1i7_khOd5vjwvwQNJzFXV8fjyTlB-KN8ImmqlCigCISOPMmWsrnIhuIVPuDSj5A0W3s4GzsHNaLC7wNqUxGerQnUSHzJu_lRPPqpfgc/s1600-h/scout+on+computer.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD96LTSkTlSNoMworaha27Th_aLPt27-TcICkQ1i7_khOd5vjwvwQNJzFXV8fjyTlB-KN8ImmqlCigCISOPMmWsrnIhuIVPuDSj5A0W3s4GzsHNaLC7wNqUxGerQnUSHzJu_lRPPqpfgc/s200/scout+on+computer.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338326596320635058" /></a><br /><br />This is Scout walking to the Bus Stop this morning....FOR THE LAST TIME!!!! He'll ride with Nick next year and will then drive or ride carpool his Sophomore year. I just realized this.....I may cry now.....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_FFj791dg2IbODB1ZUSCaS-y8pkVMcJm6SoWGxXx0eeimZ8MSkPJLY9U5AyBxPVO_03x_A8BTzDLSCbOXf-82dORUEEtCXEHRWQBtJCGPpveOsA_1TuRY_YmAycg1Ii7RyvlXFCewlE/s1600-h/Scout+walking+to+the+bus+stop.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL_FFj791dg2IbODB1ZUSCaS-y8pkVMcJm6SoWGxXx0eeimZ8MSkPJLY9U5AyBxPVO_03x_A8BTzDLSCbOXf-82dORUEEtCXEHRWQBtJCGPpveOsA_1TuRY_YmAycg1Ii7RyvlXFCewlE/s200/Scout+walking+to+the+bus+stop.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338326601658070546" /></a><br /><br />And then we have Nick.....you can't see the gray and black gym shorts or the flip flops that totally make this T-Shirt POP. He wanted to leave a fashion statement on this last day...HA! What I do love is his shirt. 'I survived 5th Grade' and on the back are several signatures from his 5th grade class that he still goes to school with. Kind of funny....a bit vintage! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzfRes4RmfeMZLrh0O9Y5qawz0owtGjpRLn4FnNjl8F7PFNRw3HZddOMVeQXQlWbd9IP_quERzhAMT933kT7LXXpTRWat9bQ7Uay7aDYjaHTn4Bp8DZVyIcsPszy4z_1ESUZa8kSz5pk/s1600-h/Nick+last+day+of+school.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWzfRes4RmfeMZLrh0O9Y5qawz0owtGjpRLn4FnNjl8F7PFNRw3HZddOMVeQXQlWbd9IP_quERzhAMT933kT7LXXpTRWat9bQ7Uay7aDYjaHTn4Bp8DZVyIcsPszy4z_1ESUZa8kSz5pk/s200/Nick+last+day+of+school.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5338326609386543330" /></a><br /><br />So, all of this to say that we've had a big year...in many ways. We'll look back on this school year for time to come with some new found knowledge that will make us better parents, make our kids better kids....and a better family all the way around. Though it was not a perfect year - and there were times I wish we could have had do-overs. But at the same time....we've seen God show up, again and again and show his love for us. We'll now enjoy a great summer......and do it all over again, wiser...hopefully smarter in some cases and with an attitude of thankfulness for this amazing life we share.<br /><br /><blockquote><em><strong>Psalm 90:12 <br /><br /> Teach us to number our days aright, <br /> that we may gain a heart of wisdom.</strong></em></blockquote>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-84026471879325002842009-05-14T21:17:00.007-05:002009-05-14T21:46:41.150-05:00And this week.........This week is quickly coming to an end and I am smiling big. So looking forward to the weekend. But in all, this week has not been bad, just a regular busy week. My husband and I talked this week and we realized that yes....April and May are always busy. Always. There is usually something to celebrate at the boys schools (all 3 of them) and you can typically add a track banquet, football banquet, Scout Blue and Gold banquet etc, etc....you get the picture. Well, this week we started off with spirit week at Max's school where each day holds a new theme. I loved Tacky Day.....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uwwW-dEV0EQtNSv9s9Zp1b9X-joRAL640P5NddmivBBWfeeKUvmCmafXI76fSMlPvIv6a3MPKkTr2gAgeX6-e7A8K6pt_a3vrH12u1yKMd3r4INjpG5h-4LVxMvA5_qVBjqzXm648Bk/s1600-h/Tacky+Day.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-uwwW-dEV0EQtNSv9s9Zp1b9X-joRAL640P5NddmivBBWfeeKUvmCmafXI76fSMlPvIv6a3MPKkTr2gAgeX6-e7A8K6pt_a3vrH12u1yKMd3r4INjpG5h-4LVxMvA5_qVBjqzXm648Bk/s200/Tacky+Day.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335870623682340626" /></a><br /><br />This was Max's version of tacky day. Believe it or not....but seriously, this took us an hour the night before looking for just the right combination. The only thing not pictured here is the hunting hat lined with fur that seemed to set the look off just right for Max. You'll just have to imagine that for yourself.<br /><br />Tuesday, I was blessed to be able to see Scout receive a few awards at his Middle School. I cannot believe he is going into high school next year. I am so proud of him. He is the type of student that works so hard. Truly....he works for what he receives. He is diligent with homework and projects and all of those things matter so much to him. <br /><br />This is Scout receiving his final award of the morning - his Junior Membership into the Beta Club. That was right after he had his induction to the National Junior Honor Society. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtqQHQwDQj2O0pqDHsnME9k8bT9w4A354Wxu8RN8Zu-ru_Yy84FdVtUCp0B8U2i4qJEr4WCZGCnpSBM_OjJutYwk0v5pM_mI7wgXhoCIw2JVpsIdYpq2k6UnRHy0GsJXEPlcDD-KpsKE/s1600-h/Scout+getting+award.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtqQHQwDQj2O0pqDHsnME9k8bT9w4A354Wxu8RN8Zu-ru_Yy84FdVtUCp0B8U2i4qJEr4WCZGCnpSBM_OjJutYwk0v5pM_mI7wgXhoCIw2JVpsIdYpq2k6UnRHy0GsJXEPlcDD-KpsKE/s200/Scout+getting+award.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335871591080574722" /></a><br />Such a cutie!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFW3_QPYwyG1AMmcdsWkv7R6C0q0v6haBkyBZr6n8Tio6YiS0mpaZBJeSJjSGFPGjvxEXpM_EQDvOUnWDDzm9cYUqQgp1XaHON8gT3Xs2uwekpG0HCcgEOCAAvrn-VQ_K73A4vIa_9dk/s1600-h/Scout+and+Award.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrFW3_QPYwyG1AMmcdsWkv7R6C0q0v6haBkyBZr6n8Tio6YiS0mpaZBJeSJjSGFPGjvxEXpM_EQDvOUnWDDzm9cYUqQgp1XaHON8gT3Xs2uwekpG0HCcgEOCAAvrn-VQ_K73A4vIa_9dk/s200/Scout+and+Award.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335872535073692930" /></a><br /><br />And in addition to those fun things....we are hosting the Regions Charity Classic at my hotel this week. Always so much fun! Here are some fun pics....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bCJEri0cm3gDZkXoVYwYiNhW-qjWqdpzf7usEvOminfcBDlKbJfz-_ET5rjvx-TacEIcF7Dik2WJWvZEkMn6lRYtH-o2hHJXZRyQfOtkWWAGZRbwWF_45RNs-qeskjytxkQGPcuQJlA/s1600-h/steph+and+laura.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8bCJEri0cm3gDZkXoVYwYiNhW-qjWqdpzf7usEvOminfcBDlKbJfz-_ET5rjvx-TacEIcF7Dik2WJWvZEkMn6lRYtH-o2hHJXZRyQfOtkWWAGZRbwWF_45RNs-qeskjytxkQGPcuQJlA/s200/steph+and+laura.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335873581110525330" /></a><br /><br />And here are the people we followed for a majority of the day Wednesday. This is my boss and my client from Atlanta. Was a great day. They did quite well.....didn't win, but they were close! This picture was actually taken after my client got a birdie on this hole. Did I say that right....sounds really funny....<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgLyNDnMtqjCsbugknOb5hE56nkrCQffQrvXyLUaWI8FONTkg4V1fCsM-wDrYxOPA4DvU_z7dgS9lHg0kNPiHTF6Pz6IY_GNb1YM-8tNbssk_MO8olBP6HJaIOzLvz71Os9uFcfgw24A/s1600-h/knuckles.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgLyNDnMtqjCsbugknOb5hE56nkrCQffQrvXyLUaWI8FONTkg4V1fCsM-wDrYxOPA4DvU_z7dgS9lHg0kNPiHTF6Pz6IY_GNb1YM-8tNbssk_MO8olBP6HJaIOzLvz71Os9uFcfgw24A/s200/knuckles.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335873959316273842" /></a><br /><br /><br />Fun stuff.....and after all of this week, I truly hear His word ringing in my ears....<br /><br /><em><strong>Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24</strong></em><br /><br />I hope I do that....as a mom, wife, sales person and friend. To work at those roles with all my heart. Because essentially....its Christ we serve through every little thing we do. So...to quote my friend Jenny today....why not jump right in...and just do it with all your heart. Why not??? <br /><br /><br /><em>Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed me with. The kids and their schools, the chaos and schedules. Thank you for my friends....how they bless my life and make even golf tournaments fun.....thank you for my job and how it provides and adds to my life. Thank you Lord for being so good.</em>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-27198744800884195652009-05-12T14:25:00.004-05:002009-05-12T14:42:46.297-05:00Peighton Bailey is one today!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDP1aF5OucXhDRQrT4kCXO-x2Wvwqybkwhn1BmYG837HfPZj20DEe1_1ocYwBXk_HGE1TpKPJoWyrhF9elkDXuctsdEgQPdO0iuDGLNBGNI44W6N98gGtPJzwU01GES2JLoPTZr6C2Iw/s1600-h/peypey.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiDP1aF5OucXhDRQrT4kCXO-x2Wvwqybkwhn1BmYG837HfPZj20DEe1_1ocYwBXk_HGE1TpKPJoWyrhF9elkDXuctsdEgQPdO0iuDGLNBGNI44W6N98gGtPJzwU01GES2JLoPTZr6C2Iw/s200/peypey.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335022472956792610" /></a><br />Officially, my sweet niece is now 1 year old. I can't believe it. Seriously!!!! What a blessing she is...in so many, many ways. We celebrated BIG on Saturday for such a little girl. We laughed alot too....mostly at anything remotely cute that little girl did. Here are some fun pics of the party...and our gushing over her. My three boys were amazingly loved by their Mema and Papa....still are. But there is something about having this little girl around that makes us all, (my boys included) crazy and silly when she is near! I really can't believe that my youngest is 10...and that my oldest will be a senior next year. And Scout.....gulp...will enter highschool next year. Crazy....<br /><br />My daddy made her this sweet little chair. Her initials monogrammed too!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN702Vrz5xm42vpCQRN-CqGkWkpv8IMOj-esqZiGVVws4WlGD3N3bdo7MzRdHYzCe90QZVs7hiu_AvIV7eQ0jENNjy7R8qtr4NG4kyZoOPG9D21-Kd9YTUEF-TuuhNdKUC-32z6OPQUjE/s1600-h/P+with+Papa+and+chair.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN702Vrz5xm42vpCQRN-CqGkWkpv8IMOj-esqZiGVVws4WlGD3N3bdo7MzRdHYzCe90QZVs7hiu_AvIV7eQ0jENNjy7R8qtr4NG4kyZoOPG9D21-Kd9YTUEF-TuuhNdKUC-32z6OPQUjE/s200/P+with+Papa+and+chair.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335022476928399762" /></a> <br /><br />This made me laugh - no real reason...just struck me as funny<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7mMjMdDyCgt0jhpaD6xyJu1nuZaADja8C_-p0mlSv9u42CJ0hmF6s6grm_LU_QYBf8sS3SeJeActh6HRAKbUw_u1PDaOuAqc08cBoc7kgmbfgmdKohiFe2bztVeewNhJdJYX_1vGwiE/s1600-h/just+funny.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi7mMjMdDyCgt0jhpaD6xyJu1nuZaADja8C_-p0mlSv9u42CJ0hmF6s6grm_LU_QYBf8sS3SeJeActh6HRAKbUw_u1PDaOuAqc08cBoc7kgmbfgmdKohiFe2bztVeewNhJdJYX_1vGwiE/s200/just+funny.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335022482021305698" /></a><br /><br />And if you wonder if she enjoyed diving into her cake.....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOXEFeKBm4tcbRziBAYahSAw8j5ndBbO7Jgh0ERq0lY0nWF8By5wQEXwzXTOwDvMeerpiS73-ioV97F-0nqm2qO-l3Eo-bun3tOcUMLAOdlLJtB190x9ie6BM8VVBDMiCVordnP-IOrw/s1600-h/She+likes+cake!!!.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOXEFeKBm4tcbRziBAYahSAw8j5ndBbO7Jgh0ERq0lY0nWF8By5wQEXwzXTOwDvMeerpiS73-ioV97F-0nqm2qO-l3Eo-bun3tOcUMLAOdlLJtB190x9ie6BM8VVBDMiCVordnP-IOrw/s200/She+likes+cake!!!.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5335022486549422722" /></a><br />Yes...she most certainly did!<br /><br /><em><strong>Psalm 127:3 <br /><br />Don't you see that children are God's best gift? </strong></em>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-64933487967297071922009-05-08T14:15:00.006-05:002009-05-08T14:29:50.438-05:00Ahhhh Friday......I have no idea where this weekend will take you, but I can say with great enthusiasm...I am ecstatic that it is not taking me too far! We've had a busy couple of weeks so I look forward to having down time at home and a few family get togethers as well. Kevin wants to take the boys to see Star Trek tonight...I am more than good with that. I will enjoy a night with myself. Maybe a glass of wine and a movie only females can enjoy. I'm not sure....but whatever I do....it will be a me night. <br /><br />Tomorrow, I'll be at my sister's house celebrating my sweet niece's first birthday. I can't believe it. I am so thankful for how she has changed all of our lives. That little girl may never know the wondrous miracle she has performed.....just by being the little girl God created her to be. Simply Precious. So...with that said....I am using my right to brag as the Aunt of one of the most adorable girls ever. (I'll have to share with you soon about Addie Grace!!! I have another niece arriving from China early June....more information soon coming in another blog!)<br /><br />Anyway...here are some downright adorable pics from when I kept Peighton after the wedding. I loved all over this little thing....and then....after a mere 48 hours...became exhausted....and thought, I love that I can love her...squeeze her...then give her back! Whew....But we did just fine. We had 4 fun days with her and each one was wonderful.<br /><br />OK...we had just finished her sweet potatoes and she was so sweet...I had to get a picture!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJdcJ8ChrpUi4H523w6ivT4UhgAyasHRzv9zKtTAGemUWdHgyAE8EZv-S_eLF7KAPWjCzwnkYkEKGswSYUwnSQ9lnI6lhnT3Zc6Un9bDmfhzmjSUB6JHS-ZxptLMRH-LPbaZLYGKOhWM/s1600-h/P1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglJdcJ8ChrpUi4H523w6ivT4UhgAyasHRzv9zKtTAGemUWdHgyAE8EZv-S_eLF7KAPWjCzwnkYkEKGswSYUwnSQ9lnI6lhnT3Zc6Un9bDmfhzmjSUB6JHS-ZxptLMRH-LPbaZLYGKOhWM/s200/P1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333536484144488722" /></a><br /><br />She has 'Aunt Shannon's' Sass....<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VjiWkRhPOSqQP6sEPxIW-zWKuKqSEKYpnA4q8UNxIAw20cW3FxT2IOcFhy9NoX1o5hiJdiwfiYtdpb1agUbrP-nzpvZ2W0GFBvYbqUJNKrraKHdUfT8zD1vpUUBruZtz-DEtVFasPf0/s1600-h/p2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VjiWkRhPOSqQP6sEPxIW-zWKuKqSEKYpnA4q8UNxIAw20cW3FxT2IOcFhy9NoX1o5hiJdiwfiYtdpb1agUbrP-nzpvZ2W0GFBvYbqUJNKrraKHdUfT8zD1vpUUBruZtz-DEtVFasPf0/s200/p2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333536756907473570" /></a><br /><br />ADORABLE<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFtfYdQ9iWQdcdCOcWmiynzk4a0LC327EwzaBNVn17ZdS81bmTMeCavcG5gXC5XY1hdvukhYqmrOeyNFmdji2uUGqV7SrLkOzWl73Hz3iWwweXWllwZ4vpHkQ06vx9ak6dpImIvKhQi8/s1600-h/p3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPFtfYdQ9iWQdcdCOcWmiynzk4a0LC327EwzaBNVn17ZdS81bmTMeCavcG5gXC5XY1hdvukhYqmrOeyNFmdji2uUGqV7SrLkOzWl73Hz3iWwweXWllwZ4vpHkQ06vx9ak6dpImIvKhQi8/s200/p3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333537023858190402" /></a><br /><br />I like this one...because it shows my LACK of reading material for little girls. I need to get on that one....this is not acceptable for my prissy girl!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgYDqv3YBHPU_Lgfgm2ds2Fj_Y4m5q3eQ3ZDxcBtmIBuWUYLHIvitJlYGud6FcbpkuUZn1NllMlRexrBzcIGn608Wjb4hgpL9BLVxwPpDtd4VmIGs2fUKRgM81Ey3fgxhaZkR3s5jGRw/s1600-h/p4.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOgYDqv3YBHPU_Lgfgm2ds2Fj_Y4m5q3eQ3ZDxcBtmIBuWUYLHIvitJlYGud6FcbpkuUZn1NllMlRexrBzcIGn608Wjb4hgpL9BLVxwPpDtd4VmIGs2fUKRgM81Ey3fgxhaZkR3s5jGRw/s200/p4.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5333537208263602290" /></a><br /><br />Whatever you do this weekend...have fun and enjoy your mom and the other moms around you! Happy Mother's Day!!!Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-75293012956731834132009-05-06T12:03:00.006-05:002009-05-06T13:09:43.104-05:00Lots of Updates.....I've been away....Wow! The last post I have is from a few weeks ago when Nick was in Mexico. In case you are wondering....yes, he made it home! It was amazing to see how this trip affected him. To put it in his words, "I've never done anything that important in my life". He truly felt and saw that his actions that week had helped to change some one's life forever. He loved being outside and working on a house for a family in need. He truly loved being at an orphanage one of the days too. He told us a few times about the children jumping on him and how they wanted him to paint their face like a tiger. He smiled BIG telling us of his experiences. We are so thankful for that experience in his life. I can't wait to see how God will use that in his life later on. For now, he wants to go back as soon as he can. He literally CANNOT wait for another opportunity. <br /><br />This was our first Easter without Nick and that was really weird. But, because of unplanned circumstances, our family from Nashville joined us! It was wonderful! Here is a picture of my sweet Nana Sunday afternoon. She couldn't make it to church with us, but she loved us visiting in the afternoon. To be so close to death only a few months ago....she is has some amazing days now. She doesn't feel this good every day - but we were so thankful Easter Sunday was a good day. It was so nice being with her that day. She's still a way fun Nana, and laughed and enjoyed her great grandchildren to the fullest!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGDpbvy1fa_MAGG4ygIf44mEiek6FY-X0JM6Sf-iLWljwZZ7YXAHPSaVZ2ubZFaz21GPKMQugLUf4-sHwLd9dZIzmuta8-VSGMHpiRAZX-Ntns4O_LVbwgx1NSWpVFLhQ9ak2ToFts8o/s1600-h/Easter+with+Nana.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOGDpbvy1fa_MAGG4ygIf44mEiek6FY-X0JM6Sf-iLWljwZZ7YXAHPSaVZ2ubZFaz21GPKMQugLUf4-sHwLd9dZIzmuta8-VSGMHpiRAZX-Ntns4O_LVbwgx1NSWpVFLhQ9ak2ToFts8o/s200/Easter+with+Nana.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332770175007002178" /></a><br /><br />The week after Easter, my sister got married. It was a BEAUTIFUL wedding. Jennifer and Vince had one of the sweetest weddings I have ever seen. Along with traditional vows, they spoke their own words to each other. My sister has always been a writer - so she had a speech for Vince - and it was perfect. I loved that she took the time to tell him how she felt about him and the difference he had made in her life. Before the ceremony, she said that she thought maybe she should cut it short that people didn't want to hear all her stuff. I told her that it was her wedding and she should say what she wants to say. Its her wedding day! And she did....and it was great. The entire wedding was that way. It was very Jenny and Vince - and they enjoyed it together. Awesome day. Here are a few pictures.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gGpcwNChAsY-2WrPH3t16mbfBWX7lGfR2EgSNLXEvIIgo3xDAPCfo3iI5k3xGQI4fYKMcci4upufRRS-JOU7tdZUa4YSLs1gd1QJfh3rD1gs_JsvEcZjcLfFOn7jifdB5sIrvNVr8-s/s1600-h/jen+and+p.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gGpcwNChAsY-2WrPH3t16mbfBWX7lGfR2EgSNLXEvIIgo3xDAPCfo3iI5k3xGQI4fYKMcci4upufRRS-JOU7tdZUa4YSLs1gd1QJfh3rD1gs_JsvEcZjcLfFOn7jifdB5sIrvNVr8-s/s200/jen+and+p.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332770514569735218" /></a><br />Jen and her sweet Peighton. Peighton's dress was adorable! My mom bought it for Easter...and The Wedding!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyP7jzSmfyeGaclCpNUq-gT34fKt_NwjtCBlss4oNEwy0WACHBlIdNSHCUM4Rk8LsRJ6zdUMMbkzKB0a_30vSag6YMma6S-edkUa_PoTaA7YVRV0EJJjtu9hYsASiyCIM-4yL9tDdrl10/s1600-h/cake+flowers.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 133px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyP7jzSmfyeGaclCpNUq-gT34fKt_NwjtCBlss4oNEwy0WACHBlIdNSHCUM4Rk8LsRJ6zdUMMbkzKB0a_30vSag6YMma6S-edkUa_PoTaA7YVRV0EJJjtu9hYsASiyCIM-4yL9tDdrl10/s200/cake+flowers.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332771149340608498" /></a><br />My mother in law decorated the cake, the arch on the wall and the entire room...not enough space to post all the pics! <br /><br /><br /><br />I will say that I experienced Acts Chapter 2 in a big way during the wedding. What do I mean? The church that I am a part of is called a2 in response of Acts chapter 2. This is a wonderful portion of that chapter.<br /><br /><br /><strong>The Fellowship of the Believers <br />They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.</strong><br /><br />Since becoming a part of this church, that scripture has meant more to me than ever before. Well, during the planning of my sister's wedding, I was in need - and my community came to my aid. Seriously. They saw I had need and offered. I did not have to beg....or seek hard. My community was just there to help. For instance, I was catering the food - My friends Julie and Becky were there to make sure it happened and took care of everything that Saturday. They literally worked from 10am until 6pm, preparing, serving and cleaning. No complaints - smiled and were genuinely excited to do the whole thing! My girl Julie dropped her kids off that morning and picked them up after the wedding and enjoyed a whole 2 hours of rest...before going to the airport to pick up her husband and son. They had been in Mexico with Nick for that entire week before! What a week for everyone!<br /><br />My friend, Becky's girls were there to take care of my niece and help with cutting the cake and greeting guests. They were amazing! Simply amazing. My niece Peighton didn't cry for her mommie (the bride) one time. She had a great day with Kelsie! We were so grateful. Emily could go into wedding planning one day herself. She was great! This teenage girl cut and served the entire grooms cake with ease! <br /><br /><br />Our friend David Jacks offered to do a video and pictures for my sisters wedding at no cost. Who does that? A friend who loves you...that is who! He and Kevin worked together on pictures and video to make sure the day would remembered for years to come. I cannot say enough how amazing that is!<br /><br />My mother in law called the week of the wedding. She was sharing how she didn't think she could make it for my birthday...so she wanted to come down that week to see us. The week of my sister's wedding. Ok...this is where God put icing on the cake for us - I believe the Lord holds all things in his hand. All things. And that every little thing we are concerned with is important to God. Ok...so as I'm listening to my mother in law, I begin to think...oh, this means she will be here when my sister is getting married - and she is AN AMAZING FLORIST! What a brilliant change in plans! So, all of the sudden...we had a professional florist to decorate the cake and the reception area. The flowers were beautiful. Kathy really is amazing....and she blessed us all so much.<br /><br />If that were not enough - I made a request for serving pieces - My neighbor supplied me with beautiful silver serving pieces that day and there were several other friends who offered as well. I needed linen - my wonderful hotel supplied that without cost. My friend allowed us to use his coffee urns, a friend at work brought an outfit for me to wear because there was NO TIME to shop! Amazing.... and when the wedding was over, I sat back and thought, How blessed it is to have a community of friends who are there. It was my sister - not theirs....but love her as if she was. Have you heard of anything like that before. They gave of themselves out of love for me. It was love like God loves. That selfless love.<br /><br /><strong><em>John 3:16-18 <br /><br />"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son</em></strong><br /><br /><em>Oh....and in case I forget to update you on a few more little items.... Scout is enjoying Spring Trainin for Freshman football team next year. For our family that is out of state - he's grown about 6 inches this year! He remains our loud...but amazingly soft and tender hearted son. I look forward to what God is going to do with him during these teenage years. Max is ECSTATIC to have made the Safety Patrol Group at his school. 5th grade will be awesome for him! He says he has the 'hot spot' right outside the library. Its a big deal if you go to his school I hear. LOL Kevin is loving his jukebox and his 45 collection. Just picture it. The jukebox lives in our kitchen where we enjoy it every day....seriously. Nick is working hard on his grades....looks like I am buying a Martin Guitar this May. And me? Well, I'm 40 now...and love it. Thank you to all of you who make my life full of good things! I have been blessed.</em>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-21695747127957441932009-04-14T10:35:00.005-05:002009-04-14T10:48:26.254-05:00A few more pics from MexicoI have yet to actually talk to my son, however, the beauty of Facebook is that I get to see a bit of his trip through my friend Darrell's facebook. He tells me that they are having an amazing time, that God is moving and using our kids to do some great things. Nick is working with a college team, and yesterday was involved in helping to build a home for a family in Ensenada. <br /><br />This is where the family is presently living. The concrete slab is the foundation for the extension of their new home. Can you imagine?<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0v5bRRWtO_S5BQPja_RCQ3KXEL3WQfmeP-PPz92CTAqU9PPDPtELcKY8MNUF2i1U_sM6Wilq5X_10TL98D3s7Bkj64VkPGYzrsptQoZ_Ms6LNXkoZK-8ExwlSTNX2gm1qCyhHc9RrpLo/s1600-h/site+for+new+home.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0v5bRRWtO_S5BQPja_RCQ3KXEL3WQfmeP-PPz92CTAqU9PPDPtELcKY8MNUF2i1U_sM6Wilq5X_10TL98D3s7Bkj64VkPGYzrsptQoZ_Ms6LNXkoZK-8ExwlSTNX2gm1qCyhHc9RrpLo/s200/site+for+new+home.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324571641315787778" /></a> <br />This is the family being interviewed about what this means to them. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfd8lxi0jE_tZvF6iNr40vC76h-ThH581J79oGcpuM0tVgF6yzMxUqwpH-HA-RFyfiTZi0qkEtILsmu22lL_t2EbB6WivtGBdAKnw73gqujZFX9hbWSMlDrmdfl1RT1I7L2osx2yyr-A/s1600-h/family+with+a+home.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdfd8lxi0jE_tZvF6iNr40vC76h-ThH581J79oGcpuM0tVgF6yzMxUqwpH-HA-RFyfiTZi0qkEtILsmu22lL_t2EbB6WivtGBdAKnw73gqujZFX9hbWSMlDrmdfl1RT1I7L2osx2yyr-A/s200/family+with+a+home.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324571815039714962" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6vJEI5zAP6o42905K6lFDzz8z9cRGzwI0sRErpx8Ux1LiWX3GQG-Me1uKPe5FeMfmRTbmgF6rwPTkfQgMJUZf2Ufo72qo6Rxh9RM7J0teRwkxzxvxB9_Z0hMKQBH4VriAVOxhqFyjlY/s1600-h/homes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6vJEI5zAP6o42905K6lFDzz8z9cRGzwI0sRErpx8Ux1LiWX3GQG-Me1uKPe5FeMfmRTbmgF6rwPTkfQgMJUZf2Ufo72qo6Rxh9RM7J0teRwkxzxvxB9_Z0hMKQBH4VriAVOxhqFyjlY/s200/homes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324572152991395954" /></a><br /><br />More to come later.....I guess.....I'll have to wait on Facebook and my friend Darrell to tell me what is happening. Thank you for all of the prayers of protection and favor that you've prayed over Nick, Darrell and Britton. Please also remember our friend Sheril Brasher. I don't think I ever realized all that she does with that ministry. I live in such a bubble sometimes. I am so proud of her. She is a young woman of God with a heart for God's people. That is so evident to me now. She could have done anything and she is serving each and every day in a place that does not have any of the comforts of her home. Those 'things' that she lived each and every day with. Wow...I complain and get grumpy when I sleep somewhere that has a bedding with a thread count less than 300. Sad....<br /><br /><br /><br /><blockquote><em><strong>The Sheep and the Goats - Matthew 25:31-40<br /><br />31"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. <br />34"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' <br /><br />37"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' <br /><br />40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' </strong></em></blockquote>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-82599952474492678342009-04-12T22:48:00.007-05:002009-04-12T23:11:05.713-05:00Nick is in Mexico!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE5pxkFVR4qptuyj1vCuDCnxiPgMihEYcsaGz-ppPbOV9l5hroqzS1ve-RYZ7-z4Z0IkQFee8c8A9S58U9SlI17mFm2khtv_ZcN4xNS6mvPtPwVpubb1Xr7zAuBYMxFW3PWJH45j34Jw/s1600-h/IMG_3239.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtE5pxkFVR4qptuyj1vCuDCnxiPgMihEYcsaGz-ppPbOV9l5hroqzS1ve-RYZ7-z4Z0IkQFee8c8A9S58U9SlI17mFm2khtv_ZcN4xNS6mvPtPwVpubb1Xr7zAuBYMxFW3PWJH45j34Jw/s200/IMG_3239.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324019696148600770" /></a> <br /><br />Nick left on Saturday for Ensenada, Mexico. He is with some dear friends of ours participating in on a mission trip. One of our friends from church, Sheril Brasher is a director for YWAM in Ensenda and because of her, they have an awesome opportunity to see how God moves and works in a very different place than they one in which they live. Its a far cry from Hoover. I have yet to talk to him, but I have heard from the adult he is traveling with that he is having a remarkable time already. My prayer is that he hears from God this week. He is getting close to the age where he wants to feel a direction as to what he should do once he graduates high school. I can't believe that will be next year! Please pray that as he serves and seeks God this week, that he will hear something specific for his life. Please also pray for protection for Nick, Britton and Darrell Garrett as they travel together within Mexico. Please also pray for favor and wisdom as Darrell leads the worship services for this mission trip this week.<br /><br />This is Nick getting ready to go through security. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezGx4UkR43iZ6S9FD5lei9BtZOuaiUdMuuJmi8Vkuu7xtE1xeNs7kM7NXwHmqjLM7IAOM3ILe_7sKj8PwDSgCRjozJYZc5uI5wtmGHAid9LSTK0oEFbPYCo6iOJvTWqpwwYd1BqMe9yM/s1600-h/IMG_3246.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgezGx4UkR43iZ6S9FD5lei9BtZOuaiUdMuuJmi8Vkuu7xtE1xeNs7kM7NXwHmqjLM7IAOM3ILe_7sKj8PwDSgCRjozJYZc5uI5wtmGHAid9LSTK0oEFbPYCo6iOJvTWqpwwYd1BqMe9yM/s200/IMG_3246.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324020282033561442" /></a><br /><br />This is his buddy Britton. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGNX0Sw5qN5-cMPORy5ELncYXuaOU9Wl43I7hD3jVSRB3cNWRWNtzw5k4RHR5yak4ZpTE9dCcl8dcfKTuLEj9iRlvkC7_CTjJu2TfvY_A1ZVUZxWb9Sx6IJn7GbotEYoHBr6JKI8R8sA/s1600-h/IMG_3243.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinGNX0Sw5qN5-cMPORy5ELncYXuaOU9Wl43I7hD3jVSRB3cNWRWNtzw5k4RHR5yak4ZpTE9dCcl8dcfKTuLEj9iRlvkC7_CTjJu2TfvY_A1ZVUZxWb9Sx6IJn7GbotEYoHBr6JKI8R8sA/s200/IMG_3243.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324020814392484674" /></a><br /><br />I've been so anxious to hear something from Nick. However, I know that I won't get near the updates that I would like to have. I guess that is just part of having a teenage son. Or at least for me. Nick doesn't always want to 'fill me in' on everything that goes on! <br /><br />This is Nick with Britton and Darrell. These friends are really family to us - we love them and I can't think of a better way for Nick to experience this trip. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJHMGbEiEmE5iumqkYN_OJDA1sYKH-WCsZWWkc6nW_B8rc2azqhjkaJmA02Kx71cV4Cv_EydvKjH8Zvu5rjLxcPgDrEMWVH0zjCsmE3g_CtqUrUp8FWrL7CcPqaoVuFXZYl-P-zNBPnY/s1600-h/IMG_3241.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 112px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcJHMGbEiEmE5iumqkYN_OJDA1sYKH-WCsZWWkc6nW_B8rc2azqhjkaJmA02Kx71cV4Cv_EydvKjH8Zvu5rjLxcPgDrEMWVH0zjCsmE3g_CtqUrUp8FWrL7CcPqaoVuFXZYl-P-zNBPnY/s200/IMG_3241.JPG" \\border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5324021383205109314" /></a><br /><br />As I said I am praying for the Lord to speak to Nick - and though I am dying to know what he is thinking and feeling....I'll have to rely on messages from Darrell during the interim. Here is one I got from him today;<br /><br /><blockquote><blockquote><em>"You would have been so proud of our boys last night. They had to stand in front of 150 teens and leaders and introduce themselves as staff, and the college staff loves them. They went right to work, even went to a late night staff meeting. They were tired:) During the service last night they told me they wanted to skip college and come do this. It's going to be a great week for them.<br />Ill keep ya'll posted."</em></blockquote></blockquote><br /><br /><blockquote><em><strong>Lord, I am praying your word today, Psalm 37:22-24 (New International Version)<br /><br />22 those the LORD blesses will inherit the land, <br />but those he curses will be cut off. <br /><br />23 If the LORD delights in a man's way, <br />he makes his steps firm; <br /><br />24 though he stumble, he will not fall, <br />for the LORD upholds him with his hand<br /><br />Amen</strong></em></blockquote>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-15581834326771490742009-04-09T19:00:00.001-05:002009-04-13T20:24:51.107-05:00Jesus In The Garden, by M. B. GilesBefore you read this story, grab a cup of coffee - or just get to a quiet place in your day somehow. This story is written by an old friend of mine that I grew up with. We enjoyed the same youth group at Roebuck Park Baptist Church. Oddly enough, we've connected again through Facebook and I was humbled that she shared this story with me. I've asked her permission to share it...and she graciously agreed. So, Libby - thanks friend. I know this will bless many! This is a copyrighted piece that she is allowing me to share here.
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<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKi7vlIrxuvGq4paQM3e9l81gjSZNKx0U1sY4KilD48reyYxb5qgjyi-Cykt6HFiCFV0Z5GKr_qz6UuqxZbaEC6PpMf56WekpgP9RpYo28rle5VU2sN9olttZbQFFAIFHhhHisVsJHc0/s1600-h/PictJesusGeth.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 155px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKi7vlIrxuvGq4paQM3e9l81gjSZNKx0U1sY4KilD48reyYxb5qgjyi-Cykt6HFiCFV0Z5GKr_qz6UuqxZbaEC6PpMf56WekpgP9RpYo28rle5VU2sN9olttZbQFFAIFHhhHisVsJHc0/s200/PictJesusGeth.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322716313489023042" /></a>
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<br /><strong>Jesus In the Garden</strong> - as told by the voice of an angel.
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<br /><strong><em>Jesus leads the men down the empty street; he walks at a determined pace one or two steps in front of the others. The men languishing behind him are talking among themselves. The men are not worried about losing Jesus they all know he is walking to the garden where they spend many a day. It is not unusual for them to gather there; but it is unusual for them to go this late in the night.
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<br />Jesus’ steps are sure and strong but his face is strained. The small group of men follows Jesus to the brick wall that surrounds the garden of Gethsemane. He pauses a second; then moves forward without looking back,
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<br />“Peter, James and John come with me.” Jesus lifts the metal latch on the rote iron gate. The conversations of the men stop. They recognize urgency in Jesus’ voice. The gate gives a quick, metallic whine as Jesus pushes it open. He continues to walk with purpose into the outer garden area. The night is warm but a slight breeze occasionally blows causing almost a cold chill. Jesus hears one of the men push the whining gate closed and hears the metal latch lock. The sound of metal hitting metal sends a chill through Jesus that has nothing to do with the breeze.
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<br />Stopping, Jesus turns to face the three men. Even in the darkness the men can make out the expression on Jesus’ face. The four men stand for a long moment; Jesus seems unsure what to say. When he finds his voice he almost chokes,
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<br />“My soul is crushed by sorrow to the point of death.”
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<br />Jesus can hear the strain in his own voice. Seeing the alarm that floods across the men’s faces he tries to regain control. Faking a quick cough he says,
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<br />“Stay here and watch with me. Watch and pray.”
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<br />Jesus turns before the confused men have a chance to speak and walks away quickly.
<br />Turning a corner he walks the few yards to the inner garden entrance; he falls into the gate. His hands, shaking, fumble with the metal latch holding the gate closed. The rusty latch gives stubbornly and Jesus pushes the gate open and closed in one quick motion. The sound of the gate slamming shut echoes through the empty, dark garden. Jesus, his heart racing, stands looking into the garden where he and his disciples have spent many hours. Feelings of foreboding and terror are becoming overwhelming; frightened that his shaking knees will give under his weight he leans back against the stone wall that fortifies the garden. The realization that he is safely within the garden walls gives him a slight moment of peace; but staring into the darkness, even this familiar garden seems ominous. Dark shadows slide through the garden as the moon plays hide and seek with the clouds. His breath begins coming in short anxious gulps, fear again overtaking him.
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<br />Staring into the dark abyss Jesus tries to remember the garden in the brightness of the sun. Surely, he thinks, this is the very same garden in the dark that I have admired in the day. Every inch of this garden I have loved and always felt very comfortable within the garden walls. But it was no use; the garden – this garden - so brilliant and pleasing when bathed by the sun has an eerie feel tonight. This night Jesus will not be admiring the flora and fauna of the garden at the foothills of Mt. Olive; this night Jesus comes to the garden to find a peace that is evading him.
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<br />Clouds slip past the moon, once again allowing only intermittent flickers of light to escape. In the shadows crawling through the garden Jesus sees a large rock in the middle of the garden. The rock. Jesus feels a rush of energy. Jesus spent countless hours leaning against this rock; his followers sitting on the grass around him. By this rock Jesus and his disciples shared words of advise, laughter, dreams, wisdom, and even sorrows. Tonight Jesus comes alone with his burden. Alone into the garden -- to the rock. There is no one who can help bear the sorrow that weighs upon his soul.
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<br />Jesus is suddenly aware of the exhaustion his body feels from holding in his emotions all evening with his disciples. The weight of his own impending death terrifying him. Tears he held at bay will no longer be ignored; Jesus begins to weep. His tears come fast; Jesus leans on the garden wall, his hands over his face, sobbing. Pushing off the wall with his back Jesus tries to walk toward the rock but manages only to stumble forward a few feet; blinded by tears and grief. Taking another step or two Jesus reaches the rock and falls upon it; then slides awkwardly to the grass. Jesus places his forehead on the bend of his arm that is now on the rock.
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<br />Sobs cause his body to convulse; he gasps for air that will not fill his lungs. His heart pounds uncontrollably, his body shakes as much from the sobs as from fear.
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<br />“Abba. Father. Abba. Father. Abba!”
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<br />God alone could make out the words Jesus gasps in terror. Using the rock for support Jesus tries to push himself up; again, he falls on the rock; this time he catches himself with outstretched arms. Leaning his full body weight on his arms; his chest heaving Jesus pushes himself up slightly, throws his head back and screams angrily,
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<br />“Father!”
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<br />The sound of his shrill, scared voice bounces all over the garden. He holds his head back for several moments letting the moonlight shine on his face. Only 33 years old, in the moonlight his face flooded with anguish; Jesus looks more like a man of 60. Tears glisten on his cheeks, his beard. Jesus closes his eyes and allows the memories and the thoughts he buried for the last few days and hours to flood him.
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<br />Joseph teaching him to hold a hammer; Mary holding him and singing him to sleep. Running and playing with his brothers and sisters; Mary and Joseph smiling down at him, their faces filled with pride and love. Celebrations, joys and even places he traveled in his lifetime. Brilliant, beautiful memories of family, friendships, laughter and love; faces of those he cherishes strobe before his eyes like lightening lighting up the darkness.
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<br />All he has dreamed. All he has accomplished. All he still wants to accomplish. All the people he has held and comforted; people who can not comfort him now. The quick moments he took for granted fly through his mind like a flock of doves. Moments fly by at an overwhelming speed.
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<br />He feels the weight of his future and the weight of the sorrow that so many will feel when he is gone. He cries for them and the paralyzing sorrow and pain they are about to face. Pain he has no control over; sorrow he can not stop. The thought of the physical pain he must face and the feeling those he loves will feel watching it is too much. Surely, no soul should ever endure this much pain; this much loss. Again, Jesus screams to his Father, a cry that is almost animalistic,
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<br />“Father.”
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<br />His scream is a plea; a plea for acknowledgement from God, an acknowledgement from his Father. Again Jesus’ voice is the only sound echoing within the garden. Jesus falls again upon the rock in despair. Why will God not answer his prayer, surely, God hears the cry of his heart, his soul – his very being?
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<br />Hearing a noise behind him Jesus jerks his head up and looks over his shoulder toward the garden entrance. He stares into the darkness and sees nothing out of the ordinary Jesus remembers the men waiting for him just outside the garden gate. With a surge of adrenalin based on the thought the men have entered the garden, Jesus stands and walks swiftly toward the garden gate. As he opens the gate and steps out into the outer garden the adrenalin turns to anger. There on the ground are Peter, James and John sound asleep. Peter is even snoring. Jesus walks to their sides and kicks each of them roughly with his foot.
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<br />“Wake up! Peter, James, wake up, John!”
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<br />His voice is harsh as Jesus calls each of their names. The men wake, startled; rarely have they seen Jesus this angry. Even in their grogginess they are embarrassed. Standing up each mumbles an apology and an excuse but Jesus does not hear them,
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<br />“One hour? Pray for one hour. That is all I have asked of you. And even this is too much?”
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<br />As he screams he feels badly knowing that the men have no idea why he is so angry. He closes his eyes and tries to take a deep breath.
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<br />“Just one hour.”
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<br />The anger leaves Jesus’ voice, now he simply sounds hurt. The men drop their heads in shame, unable to look their Master, their teacher in the face.
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<br />Jesus does not wait for an answer he turns and walks back through the garden entrance. As he passes the archway his hand grabs and pushes the gate; he hears it hit hard and lock. Walking into the garden he is still mumbling out loud,
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<br />“Only one hour, I need them to pray with me. I need their strength. Am I to be allowed no support, no comfort in this hour?”
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<br />The feeling of loneliness floods him and the tears that were gone for a moment have reappeared. Again he kneels by the rock. This time folding his hands and looking toward the sky that is now clear and drenched in moonlight. Jesus sits for a long time; focusing his full attention on the moon; on God. Jesus silently begs God – wills Him - to give him a sign – any sign that his prayer is making it to the throne of God. Jesus’ intensity causes sweat to bead on his forehead and run down his checks into his beard. When a drop falls into his eye, Jesus reaches up and wipes his forehead; he looks at his hand. It is covered in blood. Blood, not sweat, is forming on his forehead. Jesus stares in disbelieve at the blood on his hands. Holding his blood covered hand toward Heaven, Jesus begs,
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<br />“Father - Please allow this cup to pass from me. Please, Father. Please, Father.”
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<br />As Jesus begs to have the death sentence lifted the overwhelming terror returns. Jesus has a thought, a thought that might work. He could run. Simply leave. The simplicity of it makes him smile for a brief moment. It is perfect, really, no one has any idea what is supposed to take place or when. No one would ever know. If he walked away from the plan God held for him; he could leave and not face the horror set before him. Jesus runs his fingers through his thick, dark hair,
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<br />“No, no, no. This thing must be done.”
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<br />Again he turns to the dark sky.
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<br />“Father your will be done.”
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<br />As an afterthought he adds,
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<br />“But if at all possible please let this cup pass from me.”
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<br />The night seems so still; the silence deafening. Why is there no answer? Why is there no comfort from his disciples, no comfort from God Himself? Is he, Jesus, the son of God not worthy of comfort?
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<br />“Why is there no answer?”
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<br />Again there was a noise behind Jesus. He looks around quickly, fully expecting to see an answer to his prayers. But there is only a slight breeze flowing through the garden; the leaves of the olive trees rustle ever so slightly. Jesus stares into the darkness being sure his followers have not come into the garden. He feels badly again for yelling at them. They will know soon enough why he was so distraught; they will live the unthinkable. This thought makes the tears catch in his throat again. Jesus lays his head upon his folded arms and he allows the sobs to overtake him once more.
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<br />I lay my hand gently on the back of Jesus’ head. I smooth the curly, tousled hair on the back of Jesus’ head; the head that will soon bear blows of anger, the spit of the godless and eventually the crown of thorns. The sorrow that engulfs Jesus will allow him to neither see or feel me standing beside him. Tears well in my eyes as I watch the son of my God hurting; I want desperately to spare him the task that he alone must fulfill. But I know there is no other way.
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<br />I am not the only angel here; others, many others are with me. We were gathering long before Jesus even asked for comfort. God knew he would need us. A few of us were here when Jesus first entered the garden, but more angels arrived as Jesus prayed more fervently. I look out over what is now a sea of kneeling angels, only their iridescent wings visible. Together the multitude of angels are an impenetrable circle around Jesus; row after row of angels making an amazing glowing wreath of wings. If only Jesus could see these spiritual warriors surrounding him. The angels kneel not only in reverence and honor to the son of their God; they kneel in sorrow for the overpowering pain Jesus is experiencing.
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<br />I look down again to Jesus, I still stroke his hair. It is a shame that he, and all those in human form, are so unaware of the amazing army surrounding them. Even though we feel the grief of Jesus we come with the spirit of God to surround him. Each angel present would love to destroy the burden that lies so heavily upon Jesus’ soul; but we know this is the way it must be. Angels can only bring a message of love, peace and courage from God; we can not alter what God has ordained. Often, as in this situation, peace, love and courage seem to make no sense, it is unexplainable. That is when faith is born.
<br />
<br />Continuing to smooth the hair of Jesus; I close my eyes, even though there is peace within me the tears roll, untouched, down my cheeks. Long moments pass and there is no movement in the garden. Jesus does not move; nor do we. All the angels pray for Jesus to feel an end to the feelings of despair and heartbreak he now swims through.
<br />
<br />“Why? Why? Why?”
<br />
<br />Jesus whispers; even as he knows the answer. He knows there is no other way; it does not make the burden any lighter, nor make the horrific task any more bearable.
<br />
<br />I look again into the brilliance of the angels; not all are kneeling. Some rows of angels have risen up on their knees -- their eyes focus on Jesus, their hands raised to God. Directly behind those on their knees are legends of angels, standing, arms linked. The entire angelica realm in the garden has formed a protective, perfect circle around Jesus. Hundreds and hundreds of angels, unseen by Jesus himself. We have encircled the one we love so deeply. With him we pray – even beg - God to let us, the spiritual warriors, carry the burden that is too heavy for a human soul to carry alone. God’s love, courage and peace is flowing through us and it is beginning to fill the garden. I know it will not be long before Jesus will feel the power of our prayers. I lean toward Jesus,
<br />
<br />“Peace.”
<br />
<br />“Let this cup pass by me.”
<br />
<br />His heartbeat has slowed again, the memories too. I focus all the soothing power I have toward Jesus’ heavy soul.
<br />
<br />“Courage.”
<br />
<br />“Abba. Father.”
<br />
<br />I lean closer to Jesus’ ear,
<br />
<br />“He is here. We are here.”
<br />
<br />In this moment I no longer see Jesus, the son of God, I see only his soul. A human soul that is burdened and hurting.
<br />
<br />“Please….Father.”
<br />
<br />“He loves you, Jesus.”
<br />
<br />Quietly at first the angels on their knees and the ones standing begin to whisper,
<br />
<br />“Holy, Holy, Holy. Lord God almighty.”
<br />
<br />Those still kneeling, only their wings visible join with me in my prayer,
<br />
<br />“Peace.”
<br />
<br />Placing both hands on his head I whisper with the others,
<br />
<br />“Courage.”
<br />
<br />The whispers of the angels are blending into a song, a song growing stronger and louder with each utterance. Jesus raises his head. I walk around the rock; I am looking into his face; his eyes look around the empty garden. Surely he heard something. I, smile, he senses we are here. I cup Jesus’ raised face in my hands, leaning in closely I look into the eyes that can not see me,
<br />
<br />“God loves you Jesus.”
<br />
<br />Jesus glances up; did he finally hear me? Did he recognize the voice of his Father’s messengers? I realize Jesus is looking at the moon; it has returned yet again, the clouds no longer covering it. The look on Jesus’ face softens ever so slightly; the brightness of the moon somehow comforts him.
<br />
<br />Jesus breaths more deeply and his heartbeat is normal again. He is exhausted from crying, but feels renewed – even stronger because he let out all of the feelings he has been repressing.
<br />
<br />“Courage, Jesus, Courage.”
<br />
<br />His face still cranes toward the moon; he looks out of the corner of his eye into the empty garden. He knows without a doubt someone is with him in the garden but why can he not see them? I look around the garden; it is glowing with the presence of the hundreds of angels that encircle Jesus. The scene is breathtaking, I only wish Jesus could see it; could see the love and support that surrounds him. The light of the angels pulsates around him with a life of its’ own. Surely if Jesus could visibly see the powerful angels surrounding him then he would most certainly be regenerated. But this can not be; instead he, like all flesh, is unable to see the spirit-realm.
<br />
<br />I smile down at him,
<br />
<br />“Peace. Jesus, Peace.”
<br />
<br />All the angels in the garden begin to say the same making a chorus of voices more musical than any manmade instrument.
<br />
<br />“Courage, Jesus, courage.”
<br />
<br />The voices grow stronger fed by the love and strength of God.
<br />
<br />Moments pass - Jesus stands slowly buoyed by his renewed strength. Every angel in the garden stands too. Stronger, rejuvenated Jesus again has his faith and focus. He looks around the garden; it is beautiful again, no longer frightening as it was earlier.
<br />
<br />We watch with anticipation as Jesus takes a second sweeping look around the garden. He turns from the moon, the rock and me and walks, calmly and slowly, head held high through the pathway the angels are making.
<br />
<br />The angels bow deeply and reverently as he passes; the up and down movement of the angel wings make an iridescent rolling wave from the rock to the garden gate. . I smile watching Jesus walking boldly toward God’s plan for him.
<br />
<br />This time the gate shuts quietly, the angels linger a moment then begin to return to other angelic tasks. Soon I am alone in the garden. I look down, reach out and touch the rock where Jesus knelt only moments ago. I lovingly touch the wet spots on the rock; the places where Jesus’ tears fell. The rock is hard and cold but I can still feel the wetness of the teardrops.
<br />
<br />I see the drops of blood Jesus sweat; this too I touch. Still warm even on the cold rock; the blood is sticky. I hold up my hand and look at the redness on the tip of my finger. Tears well in my eyes when I think that this one drop of blood is nothing compared to the blood that will spill soon.
<br />
<br />This thought causes me to close my eyes and whisper,
<br />
<br />“Father, surely this horrible thing should not happen.”
<br />
<br />I feel something brush past my finger. I open my eyes and see that where the blood and tears were on the rock there are now red and white rose petals. I smile softly and scoop the petals up in my hands; raising them to my face I breathe their scent in deeply. The smell is sweet and powerful; it reminds me of something I had forgotten just moments before. God alone can take horrible pain and unspeakable hurt and turn it into something beautiful, with a fragrance that is sweet.</em></strong>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-45859489988040915062009-04-09T10:00:00.003-05:002009-04-09T10:23:38.623-05:00Maundy Thursday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lYg122ixF_OkBCCAO7EhndK4lTm10CA181h85kEWI36xeFUTvCbls0NeDZmrWD6u_FeUkJ1vDm8EcIBCylVJ2NCdHdEGwILFqC4-OKxqt6j5oUYa8mFnMOqL7E3CaG8dcqTnsplZcS8/s1600-h/the-last-supper.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 105px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9lYg122ixF_OkBCCAO7EhndK4lTm10CA181h85kEWI36xeFUTvCbls0NeDZmrWD6u_FeUkJ1vDm8EcIBCylVJ2NCdHdEGwILFqC4-OKxqt6j5oUYa8mFnMOqL7E3CaG8dcqTnsplZcS8/s200/the-last-supper.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322712619372482354" /></a><br /><br />In Celebrating Easter, I thought it would be appropriate to mention Maundy Thursday. Growing up Baptist, I never really experienced this day of Easter Celebration until I met my husband. As the son of a Methodist Minister, he was very familiar with the Maundy Thursday Service that typically takes place on the Thursday night before Easter. I am so thankful that through his family I've learned to love this Maundy Thursday.<br /><br />This day, Maundy Thursday (also "Holy Thursday" or "Shire Thursday"1) commemorates Christ's Last Supper and the initiation of the Eucharist. Its name of "Maundy" comes from the Latin word mandatum, meaning "command." This stems from Christ's words in John 13:34, "A new commandment I give unto you." It is the first of the three days known as the "Triduum," and after the Vigil tonight, and until the Vigil of Easter, a more profoundly somber attitude prevails (most especially during the hours between Noon and 3:00 PM on Good Friday). Raucous amusements should be set aside... (OK......I cut and pasted that last paragraph.....but you get the meaning right?)<br /><br />It is somewhat of a somber feeling to put yourself back to the 'Thursday' or night of the 'Last Supper' in the upper room when Jesus sat with his friends. He knew it was happening.......the reason he came. He sat with friends, he was comfortable with them in that room - leaning on them the scriptures say. It probably felt great thinking of 'living life' with that group of friends. <br /><br />He gave all that up for me. For you. He faced the most incredible situation and pain because he loved us more than any fear could separate. So, today - as we approach the dinner hour......it feels different today. I want to be mindful of that dinner that my savior shared with his friends. It marked the beginning of the weekend that would change the world. So....what do I do with that? I share his love with others and aim to live as he did. I will praise him for saving me and making up for all that I do wrong. For paying the price. For loving me when I am unlovable and dusting me off when I've fallen for the 100th time. <br /><br />Jesus, thank you for saving me and paying the cost of my sins. Thank you for your grace - that you make me whole. I can never be good enough on my own, this I know. But you graciously and never tiringly offer me grace each day to start anew, mercy and love flow from you each and every day. <br /><br />Thank you Lord for the cross.Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-73433114736906665292009-04-08T11:25:00.008-05:002009-04-08T12:00:15.533-05:00BOYS!!!!! I love being a boy mom!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLYOtlGKA_0q8eMs07LAwDiEhS1iAgV0N_AbcU6sPAKqn9P-mWYJTKcQYlq-Y5n5hDZSX-BuEVlmVlv4v7kkHAaBuPUKJFu7XuwmALTjFTatPAThv7o8q4TmivtEnuqStmFyBLlE5ISY/s1600-h/my+boys.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNLYOtlGKA_0q8eMs07LAwDiEhS1iAgV0N_AbcU6sPAKqn9P-mWYJTKcQYlq-Y5n5hDZSX-BuEVlmVlv4v7kkHAaBuPUKJFu7XuwmALTjFTatPAThv7o8q4TmivtEnuqStmFyBLlE5ISY/s200/my+boys.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322365591349829698" /></a><br /><br />I truly do love being a boy mom. Sometimes I do see my friends with daughters and think...."oh....that would be so fun". But I always have that reality check once they share with me how they deal with the drama queen moments. We don't have too many of those! However, there are things that seem to be the norm around my house that might not seem ok to my friends who have girls. These things include, but are not limited to the following; * The BB gun that stays ready in our kitchen just in case someone wants to shoot a squirrel that might be stalking our bird feeder. This means, squirrel tails here and there tacked up on a wall like trophies. I know.....I know..... * The BB gun that stays close to the window in our bathroom in case there are dove that need to be shot off the tree branch. This means that yes, they clean the birds and they've cooked them. I cannot believe I just typed that.....but I wonder...if that happens at other houses too. PROBABLY NOT....but I just told everyone how redneck we really are! (who knew we could hunt in our backyard!) The weirdest thing that happened around this topic was Nick asking me for one of my headbands so that he could glue the dove wings to the headband and have a crazy hat. I could not respond. I think I just gave him a look and quietly said..."No". * The grouping of trees that still seems to serve as an extra bathroom in our backyard. Why go inside???? Um....BECAUSE ITS WHAT YOU SHOULD DO. :) Ok...next. * The pile of weapons my boys have created with duck tape, sticks, nails etc. Everything....even a spatula can be 'turned into' a weapon with the right rigging. * The fact that our trampoline wears out almost yearly because they keep moving it around the backyard to see what they can jump off of to get the highest bounce. I could go on, but you get the point I am sure. All of these thoughts flooded my mind because of a video that a friend of mine, Tyra passed on to me today. It was classic! I felt it could have been taken from our video vault somewhere in the Johnson archives. Take a moment and watch this. Seriously!<br /><OBJECT class=BLOG_video_class id=BLOG_video-b4b62d1aad4435d7 height=266 width=320 contentId="b4b62d1aad4435d7"></OBJECT><br /><br />I literally laughed out loud in my office! That was great!! I could share some personal videos of my boys...but I'll save those for another day. Actually...if I had them with me, I would have added them today, but we'll have to wait!<br /><br />If you are a boy mom....enjoy the days and the humor they seem to provide. Here are just a few more pics that another friend passed on to me a while back. Gotta love being a boy mom!<br /><br />This sweet boy really thinks he can make it! :)<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvyAuLV5hlGEHcnl7dsAwg3aJa4z0jN5Ob7C0ykKgsGj3lYju7uDCIHpvG1FZGv5nBl7mErNaX5PhyphenhyphenYSNwf6XjfbbtTUxP4aPUXSGJ-rwIyqSfZnho6mD6GB1FNC82_rZeoT4w8i1fAg/s1600-h/I+think+I+can.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvyAuLV5hlGEHcnl7dsAwg3aJa4z0jN5Ob7C0ykKgsGj3lYju7uDCIHpvG1FZGv5nBl7mErNaX5PhyphenhyphenYSNwf6XjfbbtTUxP4aPUXSGJ-rwIyqSfZnho6mD6GB1FNC82_rZeoT4w8i1fAg/s200/I+think+I+can.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322362228599182626" /></a><br />Just like Nick and his buddies really thought Scout could make it down 'suicide' hill on his bike with training wheels and no helmet. Oh....I won't forget that day!<br /><br />No need to explain this one...<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2dpphJc7t21LV6SGmc7KxGWGFpcrqdqhe25WRj9N9dpa8hsqqpUMD25o0d2QlZ2Zqm55QFUanI04F4oXH3_7YZkywb5IybGV8ExvtKEuEvV8Hq5fFCi_6ROkhmC-bZjD9nLCDfL0uPc/s1600-h/no+training.bmp"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 149px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ2dpphJc7t21LV6SGmc7KxGWGFpcrqdqhe25WRj9N9dpa8hsqqpUMD25o0d2QlZ2Zqm55QFUanI04F4oXH3_7YZkywb5IybGV8ExvtKEuEvV8Hq5fFCi_6ROkhmC-bZjD9nLCDfL0uPc/s200/no+training.bmp" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322362743215379762" /></a><br />You know, I will NEVER forget being at Rich's Department store and watching my mom burst into laughter. We had Nick and Scout with us, but Scout was a tiny baby. Anyway.....Nick had taken a keen interest in one of the mannequins. I DIED. I'll leave that to your imagination, but I did say..."Get your hands off that!" Then, I burst into laughter as well. That was a realization for me that life was going to be interesting as a mom of boys.....and it has yet to disappoint!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWpAuFTLgOV4NZadFCdtmw1A7MGnIhiDyEO5Gwuo7GY_2i0cZyyAeXLb7qFOuIXpROs_XiVF0xreFSYk4PQjh5p56vNU4P8tfAjC-nfIg2oou7-lKA0TAUrGKy_bxwdzoVtWYbl8t5iw/s1600-h/boys+boycation.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSWpAuFTLgOV4NZadFCdtmw1A7MGnIhiDyEO5Gwuo7GY_2i0cZyyAeXLb7qFOuIXpROs_XiVF0xreFSYk4PQjh5p56vNU4P8tfAjC-nfIg2oou7-lKA0TAUrGKy_bxwdzoVtWYbl8t5iw/s200/boys+boycation.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322365306455458210" /></a>Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-39813761333249748732009-04-03T12:42:00.007-05:002009-04-03T13:11:45.579-05:00The Countdown has begun.....Wow! So I'm being quiet this morning, drinking my hot coffee and wondering how my day will turn out, when it hits me! I have 24 days left in my 30s! Wow...is an appropriate word. Not that turning 40 is this magic number and everything will change. That is not what I mean at all. Its just that it finally happened. In all honesty, I can tell you that I love my life. I love where I am, what I've become (though I know I am still changing into who I need to be) and what I have. There is a song that Point of Grace sings, and a line that always catches me is 'Have what you want...but want what you have'. I love that line. I feel like I do...for all practical purposes, I am a content and happy woman! <br /><br />Something happened this past week that did challenge my view of myself, that seems appropriate to share. You know, we all have a picture of who we <em>think</em> we are in our heads. Sometimes, we are dead on...other times, we might need to look again at who we are or maybe how we are perceived. I think I'm pretty snappy. I mean, 3 boys at home - two are teenagers and Kevin and I are both under 40. We feel like pretty cool parents and I think I look like a pretty cool chick on most days. Well, if you know my 10 year old Max, you know he has his own opinions. I sadly found out, that though he loves me and thinks I'm awesome. He doesn't necessarily think I'm awesomely stylish. I'll tell you what I mean.<br /><br />He and I visit DSW, totally a favorite store for me. I needed a new pair of black pumps because my pretty sassy Ellen Tracy pumps were worn out. They weren't Aerosoles....or Easy Spirits...they were pretty cool shoes. ANYWAY, I needed another pair of black pumps. So as I'm looking, I find a pair of cute Steve Madden's and Max says something that changed that whole shopping trip for me. He said, "Um, Mom...those are a bit too flashy for you....I think you need to look again". WHAT????? I laughed and asked him to find a pair that were more like me. I SHOULD NEVER HAVE DONE THAT. <br />This is what he found for me.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE5EzsY3uUd86l6VDibzHrJVk_YZSGU1xF1a4nzmeAZnDoCI5O-Y2ccN2rBF-SxzKxhfgsGHkdpGXe770DqPpvryXPNIykdpNXIcBg-v1cy_Z31J6RA3nuhFFtUOBCMQUbDhBSIgFq1Y/s1600-h/Shoe.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 129px; height: 97px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEE5EzsY3uUd86l6VDibzHrJVk_YZSGU1xF1a4nzmeAZnDoCI5O-Y2ccN2rBF-SxzKxhfgsGHkdpGXe770DqPpvryXPNIykdpNXIcBg-v1cy_Z31J6RA3nuhFFtUOBCMQUbDhBSIgFq1Y/s200/Shoe.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320525297859526882" /></a><br /><br />Ok...not that this shoe is bad. In fact, with the right pant suit...I would wear this shoe. But then he shows me this one and tells me it would be 'right' for me too.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFg3oflL5B4MlKWVJ63iy_ONNuaq7WVRewlJ9rsi5lbrCfEzOs_E17ruv5MxwkMAsOM9bNZbmu6WrK5c3g3ciUh4QOIctx09vqfOJe1xwC0TEYg99t2WHJezlErb5uPAcRnfHT0vZBlI/s1600-h/SAS.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 101px; height: 124px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCFg3oflL5B4MlKWVJ63iy_ONNuaq7WVRewlJ9rsi5lbrCfEzOs_E17ruv5MxwkMAsOM9bNZbmu6WrK5c3g3ciUh4QOIctx09vqfOJe1xwC0TEYg99t2WHJezlErb5uPAcRnfHT0vZBlI/s200/SAS.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320525830439757842" /></a><br />He says some people like to be stylish...other prefer to be comfortable and that is ok. HA! If he only knew the times I stumble through the day....toes all hunched over because I had to wear the uncomfortable red heels with my black suit. Maybe he had never noticed. Hmmmmmm. Just who did he think I was? His mom....I guess. :)<br /><br />Well, after that eye opening conversation, I kind of went on a frenzy through the store. I came home with;<br /><br />A pair of these in black for everyday stuff; <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNr9FWPRAWavHDrl9-zZbno-Z4gpJdhXghescPGrs0mNwmKAbsw00RDkKJobKOM0Y4IJD37bokSzl2V90cOdQDSX8IMv0RlwMVvzmsHavc649b1dqGrf9wEMhjef6AkRrvuePswXy8o4/s1600-h/ruffle2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 125px; height: 114px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHNr9FWPRAWavHDrl9-zZbno-Z4gpJdhXghescPGrs0mNwmKAbsw00RDkKJobKOM0Y4IJD37bokSzl2V90cOdQDSX8IMv0RlwMVvzmsHavc649b1dqGrf9wEMhjef6AkRrvuePswXy8o4/s200/ruffle2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320527109997908402" /></a><br /><br />A pair of these because my black suit will look great with them! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPPbb-LAjM5-n42Mqq1_WUAPsomMSPgX_ZXWX2LH3Or0AGd2S3k5Si42Dsc0LVqA6Ow-nWlMnd9vSx3SrCSXUruJq_6_mi3s6MBpgc3cEvMUjaXXr4Ac3XuOoNOgJLoC9TsQk8O-MFz8/s1600-h/leopard.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 111px; height: 111px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPPbb-LAjM5-n42Mqq1_WUAPsomMSPgX_ZXWX2LH3Or0AGd2S3k5Si42Dsc0LVqA6Ow-nWlMnd9vSx3SrCSXUruJq_6_mi3s6MBpgc3cEvMUjaXXr4Ac3XuOoNOgJLoC9TsQk8O-MFz8/s200/leopard.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320527362629275586" /></a><br /><br />And I got these......because I'm almost 40 and still love to be stylish....AND COMFORTABLE and these do both! <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZvOcuHSzwQM7TwC_buaiEu5o7r2PhVJZ6MJnoe75HdwyQCm-ZbjYYRBzH1JnH_vf32WHMcIpB2AhMNr027dRpqKKCNdv_zjhYF08cBNwFf8Al_vFzY6uI4X1m3_VeX-O44bg0ASp8y8/s1600-h/madden+blue+and+brown.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 120px; height: 106px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ZvOcuHSzwQM7TwC_buaiEu5o7r2PhVJZ6MJnoe75HdwyQCm-ZbjYYRBzH1JnH_vf32WHMcIpB2AhMNr027dRpqKKCNdv_zjhYF08cBNwFf8Al_vFzY6uI4X1m3_VeX-O44bg0ASp8y8/s200/madden+blue+and+brown.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5320527667682825506" /></a><br /><br />I will tell you Max was in favor of all but the last pair. He told me I got a little too crazy with those...but I will love wearing them!!! But seriously, have you ever done something so crazy....just to prove you still got it? Is that why some people go and buy expensive cars? Houses? Well, I guess I can be glad my total was not too crazy! I guess Kevin is glad too. HA! <br /><br />Anyway.....as I said, the countdown has begun! Bring it on....life is good. (and so is shoe shopping!)Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-35992258307453101672009-03-25T14:05:00.005-05:002009-03-25T14:39:28.124-05:00We will all be found out....one way or another.<blockquote><em><strong>Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper,<br />but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.<br /><br />—Proverbs 28:13</strong></em></blockquote><br /><br />Have you ever been 'busted'? I mean, totally found out regarding something you were trying to hide, or thinking you were hiding from everyone around you? That is the worst feeling! BTW, now is the not the time for my husband, friends, kids or especially my parents to comment on my 'hidings'. Got that? HA!<br /><br />Last night, I went to borrow my middle son's IPOD. I point out which son, because my oldest....has been there done that.....gets defensive sometimes on the <em>'it wasn't me'</em> stuff. And...the who is not so important other than that reason, because we totally all sin and fall short. There is none perfect.....nobody but Jesus. So...back to the story - and the point of this blog. As I asked my son for his IPOD so that I could use his stopwatch - he told me I could use his phone. BAM - a flag went up. I asked again. He told me he was about to use it. Then...I smiled.....kind of an evil smile, well, not really evil, but that 'hey I'm on to something' smile. I pretty much at that point demanded the IPOD.<br /><br />Let me take you back - the night before he told me he was going to download a song. We agreed on the song and I told him I would be checking the IPOD. I didn't check it that night - but I do periodic checks to see what is downloaded and about once a week or so, I go through our Itunes account to see what activity there has been, etc. So.......I am getting the picture through the ordeal that was taking place last night...that he didn't download the song that we agreed upon. Now, the song he chose....was just crappy. It was probably not the worst subject matter in the entire world. Probably not.....but it was still just crud. Not something I want my teenage boys head filled with 24 -7! There are some really cruddy songs out there! But...some great ones to chose from...so we do have options!<br /><br />As he handed over the IPOD, he said, "I know, you are going to check my IPOD, and I'm going to be in trouble". He then went on...without me asking...to tell me that when he had gone down the night before, he downloaded a 'bad' song and I would find it on his IPOD. Confession time...totally spilling the whole scenario. Kevin came in with that look that said..."How did you know this and how in the world do you get him to spill it like that?". I don't know....its just a mom thing. Or...truly, I believe its a holy spirit thing. <br /><br />After the confrontation, my son looked pretty sad, and said, I'm sorry, I'll go to bed now. He started to walk off and away pretty rejected. I then called him back to say, "Wait, do I not get a kiss goodnight? I mean, I'm taking your IPOD for a week because you know it was wrong, but I still love you and want a hug and kiss". (This is big because he sleeps with his IPOD) He turned and smiled and kissed both me and Kevin and went to bed. This morning, I asked him about the song and about asking God for forgiveness. About how important it is, each and every day to find peace with ourselves and God. He said, he was surprised at how we didn't yell at him. That was funny - because we really don't yell alot at our house. You would think its the other way with how they are constantly surprised by our reactions in situations...but anyway. I reminded him though it was a forced confession in a sense - he still <em>confessed</em> to us that he had done something wrong, <em>BEFORE</em> we found out on our own. When that happens, mercy flows and consequences though still tough sometimes......seem a bit lighter. I love seeing things within my life with the boys that truly teach me something about our God. I saw myself in my son last night. The times I've confessed my sin and felt unworthy of His love in return. And how God totally wraps his arms around me and tells me how much he loves me. We have such a great God!<br /><br />A repentant heart - receives mercy and forgiveness from our heavenly father, no matter what!!! All we have to do is confess our sins and ask him to forgive us. I need to do this daily. DAILY I tell you! But, when we hide our sin and feel prideful that we have nothing inside to need forgiveness from.....our heavenly father has to deal with us in a different way. And hiding sin in our heart.....separates us from the only love that can truly satisfy. You know? Daily confession.......keeps our hearts healthy!<br /><br /><strong><blockquote><br /><em>1 John 1:9-12</em> (New International Version)<br /><br />If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word has no place in our lives.<br /><br /><em>Psalm 103:11-13</em> (New International Version)<br /><br />For as high as the heavens are above the earth, <br />so great is his love for those who fear him; <br /><br />as far as the east is from the west, <br />so far has he removed our transgressions from us. <br /><br />As a father has compassion on his children, <br />so the LORD has compassion on those who fear him;</blockquote></strong><br /><br />Something funny - I went to <a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/">www.biblegateway.com</a> to get a verse for the end here and to my delight..... 1 John 1:9 was the Verse of the day. How cool is that? It was just the one I was looking for!Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8163159968886604495.post-84150954260859830222009-03-23T18:19:00.006-05:002009-03-23T18:56:11.057-05:00Time really goes by fast!It's been a while since I've blogged about ANYTHING. Believe me, its not because I haven't been doing anything fun, great or insightful. Its more like - I have not sat down to just do it. I feel the last month has literally moved at a speed faster than the speed of light. I spent a large majority of the beginning of February with my mom and watching over my grandmother. The other part of the month was work, travel, raising a family.....and in the moments in between....trying to be a good wife too. At times, I could feel the chaos totally surrounding me. That is when, in all seriousness I would recall the words that God so sweetly speaks in his word to us, "Be Still and know that I am God". What does this mean to me? I need to slow down, catch my breath, know that he is in control (thank goodness) and everything....does not depend upon me or my abilities. Ah.....sweet release. If it really was that simple right? But I hear his voice all the same. Its just up to me to believe it and actually be still.<br /><br />I just came back from a FABULOUS spring break. We enjoyed a week with some of our most favorite people in the world. We met the Garrett family at least 8 years ago. Maybe longer. Julie and I had met at church, but had our first real conversation at a choir retreat. Fun times....I think. I can't totally remember back that far. But I know we clicked. Anyway.....here are some fun pics from our trip.<br /><br />These are my toes in the sand......I love that feeling!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z2-fI_SbUNOJUXT4O1UYzA8NSaguvf12LxccdVg0gCFZwr8fnE_fp4HSUzToL33yPIiz2FP7twZhY6X_Zu5pqyHpA94Zo28kls8faDSI_kjbiqeo3wEOuWm0RM2nTWqbENO7s7hz8YU/s1600-h/Feet+in+the+sand.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 128px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6z2-fI_SbUNOJUXT4O1UYzA8NSaguvf12LxccdVg0gCFZwr8fnE_fp4HSUzToL33yPIiz2FP7twZhY6X_Zu5pqyHpA94Zo28kls8faDSI_kjbiqeo3wEOuWm0RM2nTWqbENO7s7hz8YU/s200/Feet+in+the+sand.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316533760643837426" /></a><br /><br />This is me frustrated because our 'pretty beach pics' were being destroyed by the wind...or at least my hair was!<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVVsnowcSyNplXhxnsWAS6Lbn67Rd59wEaPDxf6kTRNnDCkg1FyYDEGJeScR8EHYdYruJUbrbHR9yCILH8Y6dhQmU75e73-EgZvQRqozqXkgogeDBebSUgjr4hppEQBbFVqmr7cg9jpg/s1600-h/Me+crazy.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVVsnowcSyNplXhxnsWAS6Lbn67Rd59wEaPDxf6kTRNnDCkg1FyYDEGJeScR8EHYdYruJUbrbHR9yCILH8Y6dhQmU75e73-EgZvQRqozqXkgogeDBebSUgjr4hppEQBbFVqmr7cg9jpg/s200/Me+crazy.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316534316450772274" /></a><br /><br />These are our sweet friends - The Garretts. Can you imagine our condo with these 6 boys? Can you say...insane, yet fun??<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCpVQkUwoarOHFazVrQpeUIYl-vfO1QRPuCpeAKcVbskc-sCArPM8Hii3I1grEC_Csu_pVWdjp27z9Hh2Ywga9PhV4JDYlfz-CSqV-jykBg87FPdichBPrhcB4DI-7BnzZ2Aua66H8C0/s1600-h/Pyramid.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 112px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivCpVQkUwoarOHFazVrQpeUIYl-vfO1QRPuCpeAKcVbskc-sCArPM8Hii3I1grEC_Csu_pVWdjp27z9Hh2Ywga9PhV4JDYlfz-CSqV-jykBg87FPdichBPrhcB4DI-7BnzZ2Aua66H8C0/s200/Pyramid.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316534904930735954" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />During the first days of our trip - I spent some time alone on the beach while Kevin took all 6 boys snorkeling around the jetties. For the last 13 years or so, I've kept journals for my boys. I try and record life changing days, hard moments, good moments, just because days...and whatever. I write to them on their birthdays and most holidays too. Why do I do this? Because i want to remember their days. I forget so much. I had originally thought that I would give each journal as a wedding present to my future daughter in laws. Now...I don't know that I can part with them. I always thought it would be a way for my son's wives to get a glimpse into who they were as kids...and how that may have shaped them into the men they become. ANYWAY....the point is I love recording moments in their lives. This past week I recorded as much as I could for each boy. Some entries were harder than others...but that is because life gets harder and decisions come with more consequences the older they get. As I read through the earlier writings, I couldn't help but get overwhelmed with how time rolls on...whether we want it to or not. We run out of minutes, we leap over months...even years. Truly, after that day, I savored each day of Spring Break with the boys. Enjoying watching them play, fight, rough house and just be in front of me. Because, next year, my oldest son will be a senior. AAAHHHHHH! I have got to come to grips with that. I say that I am good with that...and I even encourage him to find something to pursue - even if that is the military. But am I really ready to let go? One entry from Scout's journal described a day that he and I were going to day care and he expressed how he didn't want to go to school and he wished he and I could just go feed the ducks all day at the lake. I loved that day. We made a stop on the way home from work that day....just to feed those ducks. <br /><br />If you are like me and you feel like you are constantly twirling around - and always trying to catch up. Be sure you take advantage of the little moments. A week here and there. A conversation daily.....and always a hug goodnight no matter how old your kids are. Never forget to tell them how much you love them....believe me they still need to hear it, even at age 16, 14 and 10! They may roll their eyes, but they need it. <br /><br />So, I'm back from the beach and trying to get my routine down again. That is so hard. I'm going to borrow a line from my friend Amy's blog/facebook. (She is the overthinker linked on the right side of my blog) She describes herself on her facebook page as the following; I'm twirling around, taking care of my family, enjoying my friends and trying to be an amazing child of God! I love it! I feel exactly the same this week. The twirling around represents lots of joy! So know this...I may look chaotic at times...but I'm incredibly joyful and grateful for the many blessings that God has bestowed upon me. I hope to make every moment count. Even the ones I don't capture in my prized journals!Shannon Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11791062623075004375noreply@blogger.com2