by Macy Johnson
“Glorify the Lord with me;
let us exalt his name together.”
(Psalm 34:3 NIV)
I sign the
title page of my God Sightings books with “Soli Deo Gloria.” It is a
Latin term for Glory to God alone, and has been used by artists like
Johann Sebastian Bach and Georg Frideric Handel to signify that their works were
for the sake of praising God.
by Macy Johnson
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“Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you
righteous;
sing, all you who are upright in heart!”
(Psalm 32:11 NIV)
She caught
me crying in the examination room. I was there for a routine checkup when
suddenly the dam broke loose and all my anxieties spilled out onto the floor.
After several probing questions, the nurse practitioner determined I needed
help. “You have GAD,” she told me.
by Macy Johnson
“Giving thanks to the Father,
who has qualified you to share
in the inheritance of the saints
in the kingdom of light.”
(Colossians 1:12 NIV)
I arrived
at church on a chilly, dismal morning. It was the first Sunday of Advent. I
turned on the sanctuary lights and climbed the polished wooden stairs to the
choir loft. After I highlighted all the musical selections in the bulletin and
opened the piano’s keyboard cover, I placed the new choral piece for Advent -
an Introit and a Benediction – on the music stand. The words reflected a
different emphasis on each Advent Sunday: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love.
by Macy Johnson
“For to us a child is born, to us a son
is given,
and the government will be on his
shoulders.”
(Isaiah 9:6 NIV)
The state
of Georgia had a runoff election for a senator to represent its citizens in
Washington, DC. On Thursday of early voting week I dutifully drove to our
county’s polling site.
by Macy Johnson
“Enter His gates with thanksgiving and
His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.”
(Psalm 100:4 NIV)
Every time
I read Psalm 100 my mind transports me back to May, 1990. Parents and
grandparents were seated in the crowded lunchroom of the elementary school. The
lights dimmed and we watched in expectation as my son walked to center stage, leaving
his kindergarten classmates on risers behind him.
by Macy Johnson
“Jesus turned and said to Peter,
‘Get behind me, Satan! You are a
stumbling block to me;
you do not have in mind the things of
God,
but the things of men.’”
(Matthew 16:23 NIV)
Albert
Einstein said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must
keep moving.” And you must avoid dangerous obstacles. I used to ride my bike from
my family’s home in Warrington across the Bayou Chico drawbridge to Main Street
to Seville Square in the historic district of downtown Pensacola. Riding over
the railroad tracks at Main and Barrancas was tricky and hazardous with
oncoming traffic. Those train tracks embedded in the road were potential
stumbling blocks.
by Macy Johnson
“A righteous man is cautious in
friendship,
but the way of the wicked leads them
astray.”
(Proverbs 12:26 NIV)
When I
first started writing my weekly blog, God Sightings, a well-known writer suggested
I post them publicly on Facebook. Little did I know the danger of that
simple suggestion. Several comments on my posts came from people who were not,
but wanted to be, my friends. I was tempted to believe their encouraging comments,
but the Holy Spirit warned, “These people are not who they say they are. Do not
accept them as friends.”
by Macy Johnson
“We have this hope as an anchor for the
soul,
firm and secure.”
(Hebrews 6:19 NIV)
Our son
and grandson visited recently for a week away together. One sunny afternoon we
took my pontoon boat out for a spin. Having a boat-lift affords us this luxury
during warm days in cool months. I chauffeured them around the lake, past our
special swimming sites, Midway Island and Ingles Cove, to our first-discovered
and most favorite spot, Lost Anchor Bay.
by Macy Johnson
“The secret things belong to the Lord
our God,
but the things revealed belong to us
and to our children forever,
that we may follow all the words of
this law.”
(Deuteronomy 29:29 NIV)
My parents
revealed God to us in amazing ways. They wanted to make sure my brother,
sister, and I followed our Creator’s laws. We were disciplined and spoiled with
tough love. I knew my boundaries and strived to stay within them, a “people
pleaser” on most occasions.
by Macy Johnson
“In a flash, in the twinkling of an
eye,
at the last trumpet.
For the trumpet will sound,
the dead will be raised imperishable,
and we will be changed.”
(1 Corinthians 15:52 NIV)
A dear
friend and fellow musician passed away recently. Friends were discussing
eternity in the light of this soul’s departure. One who is scientifically
inclined reminded us that our bodies can never be destroyed. When Christ comes
again at the Rapture, every cell will be changed and put back together, whether
buried or cremated.
by Macy Johnson
“Put on the full armor of God
so that you can take your stand against
the devil’s schemes.”
(Ephesians 6:11 NIV)
I was
shocked as I sat and watched a report on television one night. A father was
carried away from his Tennessee home by armed FBI agents. His offense? He had
participated in a peaceful demonstration at an abortion clinic many months
before. I cannot recollect the details, because I was so taken aback by the
fact that it could happen to me. Can officers of the law drag me away for
standing for the Truth?
by Macy Johnson
“Then the man (Adam) and his wife (Eve)
heard the sound of the Lord God
as He was walking in the garden in the
cool of the day,
and they hid from the Lord God among
the trees of the garden.”
(Genesis 3:8 NIV)
The
exterminator came on Thursday morning. I expected his chemical shower to stir
up all the pests in our compound. My husband said he saw several large ones in
the middle of the courtyard. Some were even on the stone pathway, exposed to danger.
They seemed confused, like they were searching for a new home away from us.
by Macy Johnson
“Simon Peter climbed aboard and dragged
the net ashore.
It was full of large fish, 153,
but even with so many the net was not
torn.”
(John 21:11 NIV)
While
camping at Moccasin Creek State Park on Lake Burton, my husband and I walked
next door to a Georgia Trout Hatchery. During two prior camping visits to the
park we endured distractions of construction noises across the creek. The park
ranger suggested we check out the facility’s new additions.
by Macy Johnson
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted
and saves those who are crushed in
spirit.”
(Psalm 34:18 NIV)
Something
was wrong with an old crown on a back tooth. A sharp edge was poking into my
cheek. The irritation distracted me from routine tasks and absorbed my
thoughts. I googled “what to do about sharp edges on teeth.” It was suggested I
smooth it with a nail file. I tried that with little luck, since the crown was
at least thirty years old and crafted out of metal, not softer porcelain.
by Macy Johnson
“Indeed, the very hairs of your head
are all numbered.
Don’t be afraid; you are worth more
than many sparrows.”
(Luke 12:7 NIV)
I enjoyed
watching “The Truman Show” one night with my husband. In the 1998 film, Truman
(Jim Carrey) was the star of a television show that aired 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. Over five thousand cameras in a small town on an isolated island gave
viewers insight into everything he did. They spied on Truman’s every-day
comings and goings.
by Macy Johnson
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“The creation waits in eager
expectation
for the sons of God to be revealed.”
(Romans 8:19 NIV)
I waited
for a response from a dear friend. My next move depended on her reply. In
resolve, I turned to my husband and said, “Guess I’ll be in limbo for a while.”
He tossed back at me, “We live in limbo!”
by Macy Johnson
“When the Samaritans came to Jesus,
they urged him to stay with them,
and he stayed two days.”
(John 4:40 NIV)
There is a
street named Linger Longer Road in the center of my community’s lake area. I
often wondered how a street could be named for what I thought was a colloquial
saying. I believe the meaning behind Linger Longer Road is to encourage
visitors to remain in the resorts and relax. When I cross that street at a very
busy intersection I am tempted to laugh out loud. The cars and trucks that
speed up to cut in front of others are not about to linger longer on Linger
Longer Road!
by Macy Johnson
“Then God said, ‘Let the land produce
vegetation:
seed-bearing plants and trees on the
land
that bear fruit with seed in it,
according to their various kinds.’
And it was so.”
(Genesis 1:11 NIV)
My husband
and I like to sit on our deck in the afternoon and watch hummingbirds and
butterflies swarm around the monster-sized Lantanas nearby. I loved these
plants as a child. The different color petals on the same flower enticed me to
create tiny bouquets.
by Macy Johnson
“But in fact God has arranged the parts
in the body,
every one of them, just as he wanted
them to be.”
(1 Corinthians 12:18 NIV)
Sometimes I
have to back off and let others fill in the gaps I leave behind. I remind
myself I cannot be everything to everyone. It is good to be a cheerleader in
the background and encourage others in their service.
by Macy Johnson
“So whether you eat or drink or
whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God.”
(1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV)
One of my
favorite songs from the late 1980’s is Michael Card’s “Joy in the Journey.”
There is a joy in the journey
There’s a light we can love on the way
There is a wonder and wildness to life
And freedom for those who obey
by Macy Johnson
“My flesh and my heart may fail,
but God is the strength of my heart
and my portion forever.”
(Psalm 73:26 NIV)
I chatted
with a friend after playing Bridge one afternoon. She told me her daughter had
visited and helped with chores around her house. Thankful for the encouragement
after her accident, my friend graciously was able to back away from
opportunities to physically move and stay active. Unfortunately, as a result,
she was stove-up. The dear friend standing before me struggled to move, even to
take simple steps.
“For God did not give us a spirit of
timidity,
but a spirit of power, of love and of
self-discipline.”
(2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)
I asked my
daughter to complete a “Grandparent Medical Consent” form. We planned to take
our granddaughter camping with us and I wanted to be prepared for any potential
emergency. I never dreamed I would be the one rushed to the hospital.
by Macy Johnson
“At this, she (Mary) turned around
and saw Jesus standing there,
but she did not realize that it was
Jesus.”
(John 20:14 NIV)
I recently
traded my ten-year-old Toyota for a two-year-old Chevrolet. I enjoyed driving
the same model many years ago and am thrilled with my “new” one. It was on our
bucket list and the timing was right.
by Macy Johnson
“Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on
me,
for in you my soul takes refuge.
I will take refuge in the shadow of
your wings
until the disaster has passed.”
(Psalm 57:1 NIV)
I woke up Monday
morning in the campground with cramps in my abdomen. My inflamed appendix did
not put a damper on my day with my husband and granddaughter. We kayaked and swam
on Clarks Hill Lake. I woke up at midnight in pain. We arrived at the emergency room
near my home at 3 am, and I was transported six hours later to a hospital ninety
minutes away. My thoughts were, “Lord, if it is your will, please help me get
through this.”
by Macy Johnson
“There are also heavenly bodies and
there are earthly bodies;
but the splendor of the heavenly bodies
is one kind,
and the splendor of the earthly bodies
is another.”
(1 Corinthians 15:40 NIV)
A fuzzy caterpillar
crossed my path one morning. Later in my walk, a butterfly landed on my
shoulder. God doubly reminded me of the passage I had read that morning during
my devotions. Paul told the new church about the resurrection of the dead in
the book of 1 Corinthians. New life springs from death, like a tree grows from
a single seed.
by Macy Johnson
“All the angels were standing around
the throne
and around the elders and the four
living creatures.
They fell down on their faces before
the throne and worshiped God.”
(Revelation 7:11 NIV)
A young woman climbed on board a train and sat next to an
elderly woman. “Where are you going?” she asked. I tossed that visual in my
mind for several minutes before I asked myself the same question, “Where am I
going? Where is the Holy Spirit leading me?”
by Macy Johnson
“You prepare a table before me in the
presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil; my cup
overflows.”
(Psalm 23:5 NIV)
“Nana,
what does that mean?” my granddaughter asked as she pointed to the imprinting across
my green shirt. “My cup runneth over means I have more than enough. God
blesses me with more than I want," I replied. “It is from the Psalm about a
shepherd who provides for his sheep.”
by Macy Johnson
“Make every effort to add to your
faith goodness;
and to goodness, knowledge.”
(2 Peter 1:5 NIV)
I was
seated at a large round table in the youth’s fellowship hall of our church.
Friends, young and old, were gathered that Wednesday afternoon to play
dominoes. It was a fun, relaxing time to make new friends and maintain lasting
relationships.
by Macy Johnson
“But wisdom is proved right by all her
children.”
(Luke 7:35 NIV)
One of my
favorite lines in the movie, Amadeus, was spoken by Emperor Joseph II. “Too
many notes, dear Mozart, too many notes!” he said after a performance in Vienna.
Mozart replied, “Just as many as necessary, Your Majesty.”
by Macy Johnson
“Go up to Gilead and get balm, O
Virgin Daughter of Egypt.
But you multiply remedies in vain;
there is no healing for you.”
(Jeremiah 46:11 NIV)
My husband
and I wanted a new primary care doctor who would provide personalized assistance.
Frustrations arose from being examined by nurse practitioners only. We searched
for an astute physician whom we could trust.
by Macy Johnson
“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.”
(Romans 8:28 NIV)
A cousin
adopted a beautiful baby. What could have resulted in a tragic birth turned
into a blessing for the family in many ways.
An aunt is
nearing her ninetieth birthday. Her children found someone, a God-send,
to spend several hours a day with her. Not only does this new companion drive the
aunt to appointments and an outing, she has become a friend.
by Macy Johnson
“I removed the burden from their
shoulders;
their hands were set free from the basket.”
(Psalm 81:6 NIV)
I cradled
a cup of coffee in my hands one morning while I enjoyed the birds singing and
the water glistening in the sun. Suddenly God spoke to me. He said, “You’re on
vacation!” An unexpected peace came over me and I imagined myself sitting on a
beach. I realized I had allowed myself to get bogged down with worry - trying
to control this and that. He reminded me life is a gift. Every day is a free
gift to enjoy in communication with Him.
by Macy Johnson
“He has made everything beautiful in
its time.
He has also set eternity in the hearts
of men;
yet they cannot fathom what God has
done
from beginning to end.”
(Ecclesiastes 3:11 NIV)
It is a
recurring dream. I am at the piano with the Phyllis Merritt Singers nearby. The
concert is nearly over after I play a few piano solos. Suddenly, my music falls
into a pile on the floor next to the piano bench. Phyllis asks, “Was that your
final selection?” I reply as I frantically dig through the music, “No, I’ll
find it. I saved the best for last!” Then I wake up.
by Macy Johnson
“Set your minds on things above,
not on earthly things.”
(Colossians 3:2 NIV)
“Lord, please
help me juggle all these goings-on so they don’t land on my head,” I pleaded. I
cannot juggle balls like my son can, but I find myself often dealing with many
activities at a time.
by Macy Johnson
“O Lord, you have searched me and you
know me.”
(Psalm 139:1 NIV)
January
20, 1945 is a date my family will always remember. Most of Europe was in the
middle of World War II and the United States sent troops overseas to assist in
the struggle. Daddy was a paratrooper at Fort Benning waiting for his
deployment. He and my mother were huddled in a Justice of the Peace’s office in
Columbus, Georgia with a small family gathering to witness their wedding vows.
by Macy Johnson
“The plans of the diligent lead to
profit
as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
(Proverbs 21:5 NIV)
King
Solomon, the author of Proverbs, knew something about waiting. Although he had
a slew of wives and beautiful palaces, I believe he humbly trusted his Lord to
provide success. God blessed him with amazing wisdom to wait on Him.
by Macy Johnson
“The man said, ‘The woman you put here
with me –
she gave me some fruit from the tree,
and I ate it.’”
(Genesis 3:12 NIV)
It was the
summer of 1970. My brother took a long surfing trip with friends and left his
1969 Ford Mustang for me to drive. It wasn’t long before an Escambia County
deputy pulled me over. “Your inspection sticker has expired,” he told me. I
tried to wiggle out of the citation by explaining that it wasn’t my car. I was
sentenced to four weeks of driver’s education classes in the basement of the
Baptist Hospital.
by Macy Johnson
“Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are
the man!”
(2 Samuel 12:7 NIV)
I was in
an accident a short while after receiving my driver’s license. As I calmly drove
down Government Street near Seville Square in Pensacola, Florida, suddenly an
old, ratty, dilapidated car pulled out from a side street and hit my mother’s
car on the front right fender. We both got out of our vehicles and the elderly
driver from the offending car ambled over to me and asked, “Who hit your car?”
“You did!” I exclaimed.
by Macy Johnson
“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping
it holy.”
(Exodus 20:8 NIV)
Sunday morning is my
favorite time of the week. I wake early to read the Bible and talk with God
before getting ready to attend worship.
by Macy Johnson
“By faith we understand that the
universe was formed at God’s command,
so that what is seen was not made out
of what was visible.”
(Hebrews 11:3 NIV)
“We don’t
need one of those,” my husband said. Retirement has put us in a new world and
given us new mindsets. When we were both employed we needed more stuff, or we
thought we did.
by Macy Johnson
“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.
This is what you are to say to the
Israelites:
I AM has sent me to you.’”
(Exodus 3:14 NIV)
I have
pondered the name of God in order to achieve a deeper, stronger relationship
with my Creator.
Jonathan
Cahn’s writings seek to explain spiritual obscurities. In “The Book of
Mysteries” he claims we say God’s name all the time. YHVH (Yahweh) translates
into “I Am.” When we speak of ourselves, we say God’s name first, because our
existence comes from His existence. “I am Macy” translates to “God Macy.”
by Macy Johnson
“Reflect on what I am saying,
for the Lord will give you insight
into all this.”
(2 Timothy 2:7 NIV)
One of my
mother’s favorite phrases was, “What were you thinking?” I remember her words
when I consider a move or a big change.
There was
a dead skunk in the middle of the highway near our street. I had avoided it for
two days and pointed it out to my husband on the way to the Chinese restaurant
one evening. I felt badly for our neighbor who lives near the highway and would
suffer from the stench.
