by Macy Johnson
“Love is not rude, it is not
self-seeking,
it is not easily angered, it keeps no record
of wrongs.”
(1 Corinthians 13:5 NIV)
Children
in a TV commercial were asked what love is. Each had a unique answer, birthed
in their young hearts. Their responses made me wonder how quickly we pass over
the true meaning of love.
by Macy Johnson
“Faith comes from hearing the message,
and the message is heard through the
word of Christ.”
(Romans 10:17 NIV)
Do you
have problems understanding others, especially your "significant other"? Do you
blame them for mumbling? My husband has accused me of having a hearing problem.
I misunderstand about 25% of his words, especially if he is turned away from me
while speaking. I have had this difficulty all my life and recently identified
what could be part of the problem.
by Macy Johnson
“Live in booths for seven days:
All native-born Israelites are to live
in booths so your descendants will know that I had the Israelites live in
booths when I brought them out of Egypt.
I am the Lord your God.”
(Leviticus 23:42-43 NIV)
My husband
and I are on a quest to find the best camp site. Georgia has many amazing State
Parks, several within a few hours of our home. In one day we can explore two or
three campgrounds. I take notes on the map provided by the park office, while
Jeff navigates the snaky roads through the camping area. We enjoy lunch at a
local eatery and discuss what we’ve discovered.
by Macy Johnson
“God created man in his own image, in
the image of God he created him;
male and female he created them.”
(Genesis 1:27 NIV)
My husband
recognized Ronald Reagan’s voice in a World War II documentary. I wondered how
Jeff could identify our fortieth President’s verbal commentary above the sounds
of war. How are we able to distinguish voices, those of family and friends,
even over the phone or broadcast on TV?
by Macy Johnson
“Stop listening to instruction, my son,
and you will stray from the words of
knowledge.”
(Proverbs 19:27 NIV)
In a box
of old keepsakes in the attic I found letters written to me by my husband, Jeff.
His love came during our engagement from Houston to Pensacola in the form of a precious
collection of his thoughts. I felt like I was there with him as I read his
carefully crafted words.
by Macy Johnson
“The salvation of the righteous comes
from the Lord;
He is their stronghold in time of
trouble.”
(Psalm 37:39 NIV)
“I wrecked
my car and my apartment complex is on fire!”
Those
words shot out of my mouth before my father could even say “hello.” It was the
dreaded phone call that gives every parent nightmares. He calmly responded,
“You’re kidding, right?”
by Macy Johnson
“Then you will know the truth, and the
truth will set you free.”
(John 8:32 NIV)
One of my
very favorite Bible verses is John 8:32. For any addict this verse is the
ticket to freedom. To escape from the pull of this life is a gift straight from
the Savior’s hands.
I asked
God to take away my addictions. He responded, “You have this struggle to teach
you to want more of me.” If He dissolved my cravings, I might not run to Him
and fall at His feet for mercy and grace. He reminded me, “You will battle with
sinful addictions every moment you breathe on this earth. But don’t worry,
because I have overcome this world.”
