Cloudy Vision

by Macy Johnson

“The eye is the lamp of the body.

If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.”

(Matthew 6:22 NIV)

“You need to have your cataracts removed,” my optometrist said and referred me to an eye surgeon.

My vision blurred imperceptibly over the years. Driving at night on country roads between church and home was a nightmare. Approaching headlights became painful starbursts. Formerly colorful reflections faded into dismal blurs.

One-liners

by Macy Johnson

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

(Psalm 119:130 NIV)

I remember the day I began a collection of one-liners.

The first of these simple phrases popped into my brain decades ago. They are now a growing, alphabetized assortment of artful aphorisms.

Crown of Splendor

by Macy Johnson

“Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.”

(Proverbs 16:31 NIV)

I recently read an article that described hairstyle discrimination in the late 1990’s. The author claimed a large majority of women felt compelled to straighten their unruly hair in order to be socially accepted.

Be Fruitful and Multiply

by Macy Johnson

“God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’”

(Genesis 1:28 NIV)

One glance out my window reveals the marvel of God’s beauty.

My husband is blessed with talent to transform uncultivated land into a corner of paradise. Eighty-five tall trees of differing species were felled in order to build our house. While many stately, thriving trees remain, Jeff’s toil has successfully converted our landscape from a forgotten forest into an exotic garden.

Intercessory Prayer

by Macy Johnson

“We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

(2 Corinthians 5:20 NIV)

A godly couple in my church sensed the nudge of the Holy Spirit to start an Intercessory Prayer Ministry. The number of participants grew exponentially in just a few years.

Prayer warriors commit to pray one hour every week in designated church classrooms. They read the Bible, pray, and write notes of encouragement to those on the provided prayer list.

Practice Makes Perfect

by Macy Johnson

“He replied, ‘My mother and brothers are those who

hear God’s word and put it into practice.’”

(Luke 8:21 NIV)

I leaned against the cinder-block wall in the Morgan County Middle School Fine Arts wing.

Selections from a Broadway musical resounded within the Drama classroom. Through the door I watched 7^th graders swing their arms and gracefully step in time to the spirited music. 

Stand Firm

by Macy Johnson

“Even the bravest warriors will flee naked on that day.”

(Amos 2:16 NIV)

What are you afraid of? What tempts you to run and hide?

Several deaths have occurred in my circle of family and friends recently, in my community. I attribute it partly to the change of seasons, more specifically, the end of summer.