Velvet Hangers

 by Macy Johnson

“This is a day of good news

and we are keeping it to ourselves.

Let’s go at once and report this to the royal palace.”

(2 Kings 7:9 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, and I returned one sunny, Saturday afternoon from the surprise celebration of our friend’s ninetieth birthday. As I pulled my Tahoe into our carport, I noticed two large packages by the door. My heart sank. Something was amiss. Just as I suspected, my Amazon order had been double-shipped. I opened both boxes. Instead of receiving one hundred velvet hangers for the hospital’s Gift Gallery, I received two hundred! What should I do with so many?

Keys of the Kingdom

 by Macy Johnson

“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven;

whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven,

and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

(Matthew 16:19 NIV)

 

I sent a text to our church’s Worship Director. Could he please let me in the church so I could get the music ready for choir rehearsal? I had not yet been provided with my own key as our congregation’s Treasurer. Sometimes church administration wheels move frustratingly slow.  

Poldark

 by Macy Johnson

“Jesus did many other miraculous signs

in the presence of his disciples,

which are not recorded in this book.”

(John 20:30 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, and I enjoyed watching the “Poldark” series on Netflix. My favorite part of the program was the scenery. It is set on the ocean near Cornwall, England a few years after the American Revolutionary War. English author, Winston Graham, brought his saga of English history to life with his books written from 1945 to 2002.

Pinholes

 by Macy Johnson

“If you love me,

you will obey what I command.”

(John 14:15 NIV)

 

Oswald Chambers wrote, “If I obey Jesus Christ in the haphazard circumstances, they become pinholes through which I see the face of God. The Redemption of God will rush through me to other lives, because behind the deed of obedience is the Reality of Almighty God.”

This is from Me

 by Macy Johnson

“Then He said to His disciples,

‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few.’”

(Matthew 9:37 NIV)

 

As I wrote a love letter to God one morning, I struggled with thoughts of recent happenings. I tried to make sense of what had transpired the day before, and I heard Jesus speak in my heart, “This is from me.”

Documentation

 by Macy Johnson

“This is the disciple who testifies to these things

and who wrote them down.

We know that his testimony is true.”

(John 21:24 NIV)

 

During the last years before retirement I was a Documentation Specialist. My role in various organizations was to put accounting job processes into words, clearly organized and verified. I reported to management and their accounting firms.

A Year of God Sightings

 by Macy Johnson

“If it is the Lord’s will,

we will live and do this or that.”

(James 4:15 NIV)

 

My daughter, Libby, approached me one day and suggested I write a daily devotional book. She told me she likes to read something every morning, as I do, and perhaps I could write one for her.

New Power

 by Macy Johnson

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk

but of power.”

(1 Corinthians 4:20 NIV)

 

Oswald Chambers wrote: “The moral miracle of Redemption is that God can put into me a new disposition whereby I can live a totally new life!”

Stick Pin

 by Macy Johnson

“Who despises the day of small things?”

(Zechariah 4:10 NIV)

 

It was the final rehearsal before the memorial service. Forty-eight former students filled the choir of Fort Walton Beach’s First Presbyterian Church. A basket of stick pins was passed around the loft. The pins had a beautiful silk yellow rosebud attached. It was Phyllis Merritt’s favorite flower. I accepted the small rose in memory of my high school choir director.

He Never Failed Me Yet

 by Macy Johnson

“And my God will meet all your needs

according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus.”

(Philippians 4:19 NIV)

 

One of my favorite choral pieces I performed with the Morgan County High School Choir as their accompanist was “He Never Failed Me Yet” by Robert Ray. I sang it with the Madison Presbyterian Church choir and later accompanied the Madison First United Methodist Church choir while they sang this popular piece. I now play the piano for my church’s choir to sing this encouraging gospel anthem.

Elephants

by Macy Johnson

“Wait for the Lord;

be strong and take heart

and wait for the Lord.”

(Psalm 27:14 NIV)

 

A former boss once asked me, “Do you know how to eat an elephant?” I shook my head. He responded, “One bite at a time.”

Water and Fire

 by Macy Johnson

“He said to me: ‘It is done.

I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.

To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost

from the spring of the water of life.”

(Revelation 21:6 NIV)

 

“I have come to bring fire on the earth,

and how I wish it were already kindled!”

(Luke 12:49 NIV)

 

In the beginning, God created water and fire, essentials for life here on earth. They are gracious gifts when they are properly used. Jesus is the Water of Life. The Holy Spirit is the consuming Fire.

Treasures

 by Macy Johnson

“But Jesus knew what they were thinking

and said to the man with the shriveled hand,

“Get up and stand in front of everyone.”

So he got up and stood there.”

(Luke 6:8 NIV)

 

I drove to a hospital auxiliary nominating committee meeting one sunny afternoon. The slate of most officers for the next year had been determined. The current officers had accepted renewal of their service, except for the Treasurer. When asked if I would assume that position, I explained, “I am committed to serve as the hospital gift shop’s manager.”

Washing Machines

by Macy Johnson

“My mouth will speak words of wisdom;

the utterance from my heart will give understanding.”

(Psalm 49:3 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, and I enjoyed a quiet Friday morning on our porch. I cradled coffee in my hands and looked out over the calm surface of the lake as I listened to Jeff’s “to do” list. We both had plenty on our plates before our daughter and her family arrived that evening.

Speech-to-Text

 by Macy Johnson

“What I tell you in the dark,

speak in the daylight;

what is whispered in your ear,

proclaim from the roofs.”

(Matthew 10:27 NIV)

 

One of my greatest joys is to be able to type on my computer. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in my right thumb. Pain in my hand forced me to give up a mouse and use my laptop’s touchpad instead. I wondered if someday I would need to give up typing. I hoped there would be a technology at that time that would allow me to speak and type words for me.

Birmingham is Local

 by Macy Johnson

“In my Father’s house are many rooms;

if it were not so, I would have told you.

I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

(John 14:2 NIV)

 

From the autumn of 1969 through the spring of 1972, I was the accompanist and a singer with Pensacola’s Escambia High School Rebelaires. Our director, Phyllis Merritt, disciplined our twenty-four vocal ensemble members through incredible musical creations. In 1970 we were invited to tour Europe and sing in cathedrals and concert halls.

Courtship Feeding

by Macy Johnson

“I am the Lord your God,

who brought you up out of Egypt.

Open wide your mouth and I will fill it.”

(Psalm 81:10 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, and I watched cardinals flock around our bird feeder. Several birds perched on nearby chair rails and we noticed a strange activity taking place. One male cardinal leaned over to a female and put his beak inside her mouth. He then leaned over to another female on his other side and repeated the process. “What are they doing?” I asked Jeff.

Knowing

 by Macy Johnson

“Dear friends, now we are children of God,

and what we will be has not been made known.

But we know that when He appears,

we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.”

(1 John 3:2 NIV)

 

I looked out of my upstairs window after a rain shower one morning in July. In place of a beautiful sunrise, all I saw was a fuzzy mist. The cool air inside my house had caused condensation to form on the outside of my windows.

Spacious Places

 by Macy Johnson

“He brought me out into a spacious place;

he rescued me because he delighted in me.”

(Psalm 18:19 NIV)

 

The Lord leads me to spacious places and helps me see Him more clearly. As I write this blog, my husband and I are camping with our grandson, Carver, at Mistletoe State Park near Appling, Georgia. It is one of my favorite campgrounds, because it presents breathtaking big-water scenes over clear Clarks Hill Lake.

Be the Light!

by Macy Johnson

“Who among you fears the Lord

and obeys the word of His servant?

Let him who walks in the dark, who has no light,

trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God.”

(Isaiah 50:10 NIV)

 

My friend, Susan, and I have experienced many struggles together in our community of faith. Her patient listening and wise advice have kept me in line and looking up to our heavenly Father. In response to one of my weary, negative texts she encouraged me, “You can do it! Be the light!”

God Bless You!

 by Macy Johnson

“The lamp of the Lord searches the spirit of a man;

it searches out his inmost being.”

(Proverbs 20:27 NIV)

 

The Holy Spirit leads me to places where He wants to serve with me. He knows what others need before I do. He searches their spirits and leads me to be a blessing to them.

Blaze to Blaze

by Macy Johnson

“Make levels paths for your feet

and take only ways that are firm.”

(Proverbs 4:26 NIV)

 

I recently camped at George L. Smith State Park near Twin City, Georgia. It surrounds a 412-acre pond filled with stately cypress trees which reminded my husband, Jeff, of the lakes he fished as a boy in Louisiana.

The Golden Ratio

by Macy Johnson

“In the beginning

God created the heavens and the earth.”

(Genesis 1:1 NIV)

 

Have you ever heard of the Golden Ratio? My husband, Jeff, introduced me to it while reading The Epoch Times newspaper one afternoon.

 

The Golden Ratio is represented by the Greek letter phi and is approximately equal to 1.618. This mathematical proportion is found in nature, art, and architecture. April Holloway writes in the Epoch Times (“The Golden Ratio – a Sacred Number That Links the Past to the Present”) this ratio is used by architects and artists to “achieve a perfect aesthetic composition.”

Her Father's Eyes

by Macy Johnson

“In that day men will look to their Maker

and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel.”

(Isaiah 17:7 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, and I watched a documentary about Terry Kath, a gifted musician and an original founder of the musical group Chicago. His daughter, Michelle, interviewed many who knew Terry. He tragically died in a handgun accident when his daughter was very young.

Bench to Bench

by Macy Johnson

“Jesus, tired as he was from the journey,

sat down by the well.”

(John 4:6 NIV)

 

While camping at Florence Marina State Park, my husband, Jeff, and I visited nearby Providence Canyon State Park. It was established in 1971 to preserve the unique scenic beauty of Georgia’s Little Grand Canyon.

Offline

 by Macy Johnson

“He who pursues righteousness and love

finds life, prosperity and honor.”

(Proverbs 21:21 NIV)

 

I pulled our camper into Georgia’s State Park at Florence Marina on Lake Eufaula. Arriving near the Alabama state line I felt like I was lost in space, hovering between time zones. My cell phone received signals from a tower in Central Time (Alabama), while I stood in Eastern Time (Georgia). The camper’s clock said 3:00 pm and my phone said 2:00 pm. Both times were correct.

Dental Floss

 by Macy Johnson

“The creation itself will be liberated

from its bondage to decay

and brought into the glorious freedom

of the children of God.”

(Romans 8:21 NIV)

 

A wise person once suggested, “Only floss the teeth you want to keep.”

 

I wish I had taken better care of my teeth. My wallet is seriously taking a beating now because of my former foolishness. My mouth is home to four tooth implants. I am thankful for my new teeth and the joy of a stronger and healthier bite.

Gobbledygook

by Macy Johnson

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels,

but have not love,

I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.”

(1 Corinthians 13:1 NIV)

 

I confessed to the Lord while writing to Him early one morning, “Only you can reveal the Truth. My words are gobbledygook.” Oxford Dictionary defines gobbledygook as “language that is meaningless or is made unintelligible by excessive use of technical terms; nonsense.” My words are fruitless without the Holy Spirit to interpret them in the heart of the reader.

Still Learning

by Macy Johnson

“The infant will play near the hole of the cobra,

and the young child put his hand into the viper’s nest.”

(Isaiah 11:8 NIV)

 

A scrawny deer suddenly appeared next to Jeff while we were enjoying a fire at our campsite. It bent down to pick up and eat a large leaf that had fallen from a nearby tree. The deer crept around the fire to my side. Its big black eyes looked at me with anticipation of a morsel to eat.

Penelope 2.0

by Macy Johnson

“For I am the Lord, your God,

who takes hold of your right hand and says to you,

Do not fear; I will help you.”

(Isaiah 41:13 NIV)

 

 

One morning while camping at Georgia’s Fort McAllister State Park near Savannah, I read a devotional story about a boy hit by a car while riding his bicycle. My husband and I planned to take a long bike ride that morning. It would be the first time I got on my bike, Penelope, since the accident when I fractured my pelvis. Was the devotional a sign?

Ice Water

 by Macy Johnson

“But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst.

Indeed, the water I give him will become in him

a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

(John 4:14 NIV)

 

I imagined my day to be like a glass filled with ice cubes. The activities ahead were those cubes – touching each other and somehow connected. I imagined the Holy Spirit was the cool, clear, clean water poured over the ice. Slowly throughout the day, the ice cubes melted and became one with the water.

Water Damage

by Macy Johnson

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers,

whenever you face trials of many kinds,

because you know that

the testing of your faith develops perseverance.”

(James 1:2-3 NIV)

 

Drip, drip, drip. I was startled out of a deep sleep to the sound of raindrops splashing inside on my windowsill. I rolled out of bed, shuffled to the laundry room, and retrieved a beach towel. After placing the towel in the window’s casing, I fell back into my dreams.

Living in the Now

 by Macy Johnson

“If you pay attention to these laws

and are careful to follow them,

then the Lord your God will keep

His covenant of love with you

as He swore to your forefathers.”

(Deuteronomy 7:12 NIV)

 

My credit union recently changed its name. When I logged in online, I was asked to change my User ID for the new platform. I falsely assumed I was asked to change my password. The next time I tried to log into that account I was locked out after three erroneous attempts. I called the credit union and the User ID/Password confusion was successfully cleared. God got my attention.

Step Back

 by Macy Johnson

“The prudent see danger and take refuge,

but the simple keep going and suffer for it.”

(Proverbs 27:12 NIV)

 

I enjoy watching college basketball games. I played basketball in school many years ago, but practicing the piano took preference over other activities.

Monthly Fast

by Macy Johnson

“The Lord will guide you always;

He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land

and will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

like a spring whose waters never fail.”

(Isaiah 58:11 NIV)

 

It is good for me to abstain from events and things on a regular basis. Activities and indulgences could grab me by the throat and not let go.

Second-Hand Spirit

 by Macy Johnson

“You need to persevere

so that when you have done the will of God,

you will receive what He has promised.”

(Hebrews 10:36 NIV)

 

My husband, Jeff, and I visited around our breakfast table when I noticed a new, silver Jeep winding down our driveway. I assumed it was a postal service worker on that Sunday afternoon, delivering Jeff’s Amazon order. “Go get your package,” I suggested.

Heavenly Joy

 by Macy Johnson

“Each of us should please his neighbor

for his good, to build him up.”

(Romans 15:2 NIV)

 

I approached a lady seated in a wheelchair at the nursing home. “I watched you sing with us today,” I said, expecting a smile or some other acknowledgement of my words. She stared at me and I sensed confusion. So, I followed up with, “You have the prettiest eyes.” A glimmer of love shone on her face. 

The Best Medicine

by Macy Johnson

“He will yet fill your mouth with laughter

and your lips with shouts of joy.”

(Job 8:21 NIV)

 

During a dominoes game one afternoon, a friend recalled a conversation with another friend who babysat her young grandson. She knew he was picky, so she asked him, “How does your mother cut your sandwich for you?” In obvious exaggeration, he opened his little arms and answered, “I am just a child! You are an adult! Don’t you know how to cut a sandwich?”

Provision and Protection

 by Macy Johnson

“Because he loves me,” says the Lord,

“I will rescue him; I will protect him,

for he acknowledges my name.”

(Psalm 91:14 NIV)

 

We pulled into the campsite and reviewed the checklist. When Jeff turned on the water at the spigot, it leaked from the camper’s outside shower. He tightened the plastic shower knob and it broke. While he called the dealer, I drove to the camp office and returned with a list of local RV repairmen. We connected with Chad’s Mobile RV. Chad and his assistant arrived in a few hours, fixed the problem, and checked for other leaks. He was a godsend.

Blessings

by Macy Johnson

“The Lord bless you and keep you.”

(Numbers 6:24 NIV)

 

I waited patiently to lay down my last tile and win the hand during the weekly game of Mexican Train Dominoes at the Methodist church. Just a few more players’ turns and I could play my last piece. Then Tom, seated next to me on my right, stole my play and blocked me from winning!

The Process

 by Macy Johnson

“The Lord is God, and He has made His light shine upon us.

With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession

up to the horns of the altar.”

(Psalm 118:27 NIV)

 

The Sum of Saving Knowledge (A Brief Sum of Christian Doctrine) was a thoughtful gift from my husband. One morning as I absorbed its words of wisdom, I thought, “I am walking on the path my heavenly Father has laid out for me.” 

Life Goes On

 by Macy Johnson

“So you also must be ready,

because the Son of Man will come at an hour

when you do not expect Him.”

(Matthew 22:44 NIV)

 

It was a frigid January morning in Georgia. Ice floated on the lake forty yards out from our dock. Three ducks swam between our property and the ice floe, diving periodically and in sync. A squirrel scampered from his nest high in the tree to gather dead leaves from branches nearby. He carried the mouthful up in the frosty cold to make his nest cozy. Amid the rare, below-freezing temperatures, life goes on.