tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8785991819217723222024-03-17T02:25:11.711-07:00God SightingsThe Creator is Everywhere!Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.comBlogger290125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-61346034439507076482024-03-13T03:33:00.000-07:002024-03-13T03:47:08.141-07:00Southpaws<p> <span face="Verdana, sans-serif">by Macy
Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrq0LCqqgZelwD18HNlsu1lflsJAkZW_qZsioDkvUUUrS5b-oVlmq_35dOjrNNaWMqf_vRRhtCzudIa2lqLUBJfnKI3xBOCf-OyybwD_au4wwOPuOSEzDHFgF2y-3XQrGNWTYKNuEnhZw-_rjjc527MywPSwUOr4S6oH1q3iLYQWQvvUIpoaFUYtmwW68/s1280/South%20Paws.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="851" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrq0LCqqgZelwD18HNlsu1lflsJAkZW_qZsioDkvUUUrS5b-oVlmq_35dOjrNNaWMqf_vRRhtCzudIa2lqLUBJfnKI3xBOCf-OyybwD_au4wwOPuOSEzDHFgF2y-3XQrGNWTYKNuEnhZw-_rjjc527MywPSwUOr4S6oH1q3iLYQWQvvUIpoaFUYtmwW68/w200-h133/South%20Paws.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">“Among all these soldiers there were
seven hundred <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">chosen men who were left-handed, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">each of whom could sling a stone at a
hair and not miss.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">(Judges 20:16 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Amy, our
church’s music director, was seated at the piano bench with me one night before
choir rehearsal. We practiced a four-hand piano duet together. I suggested I turn a particular page, so she wrote my name at the bottom of the sheet
in her music book with her left hand. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p><span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Later I
became curious about those who prefer to write with their left hand. After
Google research, I discovered approximately 8-10% of the world’s population is left-handed.
Most are males. The term “Southpaw” emerged in the 1800’s to help describe left-handed
baseball pitchers and first-basemen. It later was used to describe left-handed
boxers.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Most
left-handers are born in the months of March to July. I found this interesting,
because two of my sisters who both celebrate March birthdays are left-handed.
And my partner on the piano, our choir director, also has a birthday in March. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">It is a God-given
genetic trait to be a southpaw. Those who prefer to use their left hand struggle
to live in a right-handed world. Yet, they tend to be more creative than us
righties. That would explain the talents and resourcefulness I have witnessed
in my siblings and Amy. I have also observed humble, caring, kind dispositions
in each of these sweet sisters in Christ.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I am
amazed at the ingenuity of our heavenly Father and the unique differences He
has blessed us with for His purposes. Although relatively small beings in His
universe, we are created to make a large impact for His glory. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I will celebrate
those who are gifted with left-handedness and have been called to serve God in
ways I cannot. I hope you will, too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-61709880510936810062024-03-06T03:31:00.000-08:002024-03-06T03:45:54.547-08:00Selective Hearing<p> <span face="Verdana, sans-serif">by Macy
Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa6rUUUIkwUKi3K2QgXvlc443VMK1vAa5iqXW-Y487ocasZshOHXQkxYsBnCFsYCkZ0vbw8i5YjbFIEQPErGddUJ0fbVctbmjNFY3YvQ_RWU7ozHJw9n-8l1KLcXNg7gcTH4Muy9Q_kUrg90GVhPv75uWvPcRUITINjNm-bs9SajwMAD9JuD3JJ_7GpE/s1280/Selective%20Hearing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxa6rUUUIkwUKi3K2QgXvlc443VMK1vAa5iqXW-Y487ocasZshOHXQkxYsBnCFsYCkZ0vbw8i5YjbFIEQPErGddUJ0fbVctbmjNFY3YvQ_RWU7ozHJw9n-8l1KLcXNg7gcTH4Muy9Q_kUrg90GVhPv75uWvPcRUITINjNm-bs9SajwMAD9JuD3JJ_7GpE/w200-h113/Selective%20Hearing.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>“Son of man, you are living among a
rebellious people.</i></div><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">They have eyes to see but do not see
and ears to hear <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">but do not hear, for they are a
rebellious people.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">(Ezekiel 12:2 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">My next-door
neighbor, Susan, and I belong to a small choral group that sings at a local
nursing home. We gather every Wednesday afternoon for the shut-in residents
there. During one of the songs I leaned over to her, held the open hymn book up
to my face and whispered, “See the lady in the back of the room in the blue
shirt? She sticks her fingers in her ears when we sing.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p><span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">My friend
acknowledged the strange sight and we monitored the lady while several hymns were
sung. Most of the time she put her fingers in her ears, but sometimes she chose
to listen to us. It was odd behavior. Perhaps we sang too loudly for her sensitive
ears. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I later
realized I am like that lady. When God speaks to me through His Word and other
believers, I sometimes put my hands over my ears. I don’t want to hear what He
has to say. My upcoming audiometry evaluation might reveal a physical hearing problem, but
it will not expose the condition of my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Did I hear
the pastor’s sermon tell me to “Come and Die”? Did I keep my mouth shut when
tempted to talk about myself? Did I push someone away Jesus asked me to
include? Have I ignored the cry of the needy all around me?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">As a
follower of Christ, I am not allowed to select what to listen to when the Holy
Spirit speaks. I know He will guide me through my ears into my brain as He
chooses. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I choose to
hear my heavenly Father’s words every time! I hope you will, too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-22805045177864064812024-02-28T02:38:00.000-08:002024-02-28T02:38:03.767-08:00In or Out<p> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by Macy
Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeZjmelrpBzhQrQyKS8obhi9bew3JIsdbLiIj8w4iY8S7FNHvmLNfK8JNq4N8SuKeRYNuTzJymB-9Q_8x0OIu6TRX_WtMHJI2-oBvIvccd6U_Xevx95sxrqYgmaMVLTahjsgwncaLiD9AaT7XecqBI9hu44J5t73KMYagPynLPGc_yByvcmRJFIzmfZE/s1280/In%20or%20Out.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="586" data-original-width="1280" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikeZjmelrpBzhQrQyKS8obhi9bew3JIsdbLiIj8w4iY8S7FNHvmLNfK8JNq4N8SuKeRYNuTzJymB-9Q_8x0OIu6TRX_WtMHJI2-oBvIvccd6U_Xevx95sxrqYgmaMVLTahjsgwncaLiD9AaT7XecqBI9hu44J5t73KMYagPynLPGc_yByvcmRJFIzmfZE/w320-h147/In%20or%20Out.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“The earth is the Lord’s, and
everything in it, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">the world and all who live in it.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">(Psalm 24:1 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">As a child
I often heard the phrase, “In or Out!” It usually occurred when I lingered in
the doorway and allowed precious heat or cool air to escape. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p><span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Driving home
from the campground, I shared an epiphany with my husband. While at the
campsite, I discovered I experience God better outside. Inside I am surrounded,
even in our camper, by my things, my trappings, and my conveniences. I enjoy outdoor
furniture, fire pits, and all sorts of enhancements in the yard, but true beauty
comes from nature. Only my heavenly Father can take credit for that. Jeff
agreed. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">When I
furnished my previous home, I instructed the decorators to “bring the outside
in.” My desires resulted in stylish draperies in the dining room with elegant images
of fowl and foliage. The bedroom curtains resembled tranquil scenes from a
lake. I loved the earthy combination of colors which flooded the rooms. Yet, in
my heart I knew I would rather be outdoors than in the house.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Every morning,
I step out onto the second-story balcony attached to my studio and commune with
God. I listen to birds as they sing praises to their Creator. I open my arms
and receive His Spirit from the sky above and thank Him for the day to come. I
witness as His hands spread across the sky and paint masterpieces with vibrant
colors just for me! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Look
around you and test me on this. Do you not feel the presence of God more
powerfully under His sun, His clouds, His moon, and His stars? Enjoy the
blessings He freely gives each of us…outside.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I will
cherish every opportunity to meet with God today, in or out. I hope you will,
too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-47252137607652641282024-02-21T10:14:00.000-08:002024-02-21T10:14:59.644-08:00Daffodils<p> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by Macy
Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ-0EZScIdUGiFhWmkHonKz09iO8MjmlKOXN0OcSwK_i9e0-o7bN-poanss_3M4WTUqm4__1c58Vzc4YHOABUu3vAKa5PseoUzbrE2MDT-M9RT2uT4GVcfYs7eeW6zCMb2fQWljGOosACfaH4ngmbJ1Dmh2_8vIulGczsPRupYYtW8WPK0dTWqtB1P78/s1280/Daffodils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="1280" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSQ-0EZScIdUGiFhWmkHonKz09iO8MjmlKOXN0OcSwK_i9e0-o7bN-poanss_3M4WTUqm4__1c58Vzc4YHOABUu3vAKa5PseoUzbrE2MDT-M9RT2uT4GVcfYs7eeW6zCMb2fQWljGOosACfaH4ngmbJ1Dmh2_8vIulGczsPRupYYtW8WPK0dTWqtB1P78/w200-h134/Daffodils.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“Abraham answered, ‘God himself will
provide <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">the lamb for the burnt offering, my
son.’ <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">And the two of them went on together.”
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">(Genesis 22:8 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Friday
afternoons I enjoy “Tea at 3” with my neighbor. We talk about how God has
worked in our lives the past week over a cup of hot tea in my kitchen. Susan
and I discuss hopes and dreams for our families as we share our hearts. I
walked outside with her and she commented on the abundance of daffodils in our
yard. My husband, Jeff, planted them to pop before our eyes in early spring. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p><span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Susan
suggested I cut several flowers and bring them inside to enjoy. I arranged them
in a vase on the kitchen island and planned to take them with us on our next
camping trip. I like to put flowers on the picnic table at the site to make it
feel homier. Jeff chuckled at my suggestion and said, “You can’t take that vase
full of water and flowers with us.” I left them at home.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Setting up
camp at a nearby state park was fun, but a little chilly. Jeff started a fire
and we sat down to watch campers’ activities through the woods beyond us.
Suddenly he pointed out a small patch of yellow flowers growing next to a large
oak tree. A patch of tiny yellow daffodils had appeared out of nowhere. We did
not notice any other flowers in the park. They were there, just for me, God’s
gift to remind me that he cares about me and even my simple wishes. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I enjoyed a
beautiful flower arrangement, and it was much better than any I could have
brought from home! <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I will trust
my heavenly Father to provide for all my needs, even daffodils. I hope you
will, too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-29031867701937095312024-02-14T03:15:00.000-08:002024-02-14T03:15:50.933-08:00Fiery Furnaces<p> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by Macy
Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtODtQZQF0WhHM2YeGd172b7dZqnU24u4nxJd6QY7DCjnTZR4EjvNGODd8bo2Z87qo6inPNSvoFiJm2BJZYz6cKNJmOEkzBjALsA68OypdwACbNcF2Zyg7kYUngRouuj60fzehJx0s8DKqwBlFBWByQvLktU65MGDBlCJjGlhGCAHkaIHfOGpREVDwZ8/s1280/Fiery%20Furnaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHtODtQZQF0WhHM2YeGd172b7dZqnU24u4nxJd6QY7DCjnTZR4EjvNGODd8bo2Z87qo6inPNSvoFiJm2BJZYz6cKNJmOEkzBjALsA68OypdwACbNcF2Zyg7kYUngRouuj60fzehJx0s8DKqwBlFBWByQvLktU65MGDBlCJjGlhGCAHkaIHfOGpREVDwZ8/w200-h133/Fiery%20Furnaces.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“If we are thrown into the blazing
furnace, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">the God we serve is able to save us
from it, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">and He will rescue us from your hand.”
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">(Daniel 3:17 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I firmly
believe when I am taught a new lesson from scripture, I can expect a test along
those lines pretty soon after.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">The story
of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel chapter 3 is one of my favorite
Bible truths. Paige Brown of West End Community Church recently brought it to
life for me in her online study in the book of Daniel. Although the three men
were bound with ropes when thrown into the furnace, they walked around with a
visitor. The blaze burned off their ropes, but did not singe a single hair on
their heads. They were free! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p><span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">My last
thoughts before tripping and falling down were of reaching for the door knob. I
knew the cement steps of the old church building were not the same height, but
was temporarily distracted. It was my own fault. I was thrown into a fiery
furnace - the pain, bruises, nose bleed, and humiliation, in order to grow
stronger in my faith. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">A dear
friend and fellow musician received a concussion from a fall one evening at
choir practice. She recovered gradually over a period of weeks. Another friend
discovered a tumor on her ovary. Another had COVID. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“Though he stumble, he will not fall, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">for the Lord upholds him with His
hand.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">(Psalm 37:24)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Suffering
is required for spiritual growth. We must be purified. I hope my fiery furnaces
will test and refine my faith in God like Daniel’s friends. I pray for all who
struggle in life that they will cling to Jesus for hope. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I will be
more deliberate and careful in my physical and spiritual walk. I hope you will,
too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-44501387577023093372024-02-07T03:25:00.000-08:002024-02-07T03:41:30.584-08:00Adopt-A-Shelf<p> <span face="Verdana, sans-serif">by Macy
Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEkVnvz6FgesrrSVApc73S70scFAqwtPDOG2fpacSLH77FkHa4kme9xmhSglDbEKuC7UzRY5gcqk-A4h2Rl6EfQErZE8J1iKtMgCKHxsBamzAU0TG8l6nANADpM9DuaMt0zgESuULBFU9b6Ux8Bmg4CTWoXcCOTSt0_ETJ3KDCvK2htLzA8se46swgJQ/s1280/Adopt-A-Shelf.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJEkVnvz6FgesrrSVApc73S70scFAqwtPDOG2fpacSLH77FkHa4kme9xmhSglDbEKuC7UzRY5gcqk-A4h2Rl6EfQErZE8J1iKtMgCKHxsBamzAU0TG8l6nANADpM9DuaMt0zgESuULBFU9b6Ux8Bmg4CTWoXcCOTSt0_ETJ3KDCvK2htLzA8se46swgJQ/w200-h133/Adopt-A-Shelf.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">“Dominion and awe belong to God;<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">He establishes order in the heights of
heaven.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">(Job 25:2 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Benjamin
Franklin is credited with the quote “A place for everything, everything in its
place.” According to BookBrowse.com, “the <span style="color: #040c28;">first
known use of the exact expression appears in <i>The Naughty Girl Won</i>, a
story published by the Religious Tract Society in 1799</span><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156;">.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="background: white; color: #4d5156;"><o:p><span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I received
an email from Family Search not long ago. In my pursuit to discover my birth
family, I have connected with several ancestry sites. This particular email
announced that I am related to Benjamin Franklin. I care more that I am related
to my heavenly Father. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Maybe Mr.
Franklin passed the genes of organization to me, because I love putting
everything in its proper place. So, I recommended that our Friends of the
Library group begin a new project to adopt book shelves to put books in order
and periodically maintain. Librarians can work more efficiently when books and
DVDs are in their proper space.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">My
husband, Jeff, and I worked our assigned shelves together one afternoon. We
both like to plan and organize. Jeff wanted to go a step further and created an
electronic database to help monitor the books’ order. We can compare the list
to the shelves more effectively than to remove and examine each book.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">The desire
for items to be in their appropriate place is a gift from our heavenly Father.
He knows a cluttered workspace can reveal a cluttered mind. Like the library
books, I want my time to be in appropriate order. Giving people and activities
space in my days must come after my time and attention with God. He deserves
all dominion and awe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I will look
to the Holy Spirit to reveal the proper times and places of my life here on
earth. I hope you will, too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-67775883014189270922024-01-31T03:20:00.000-08:002024-01-31T03:20:20.102-08:00Ping!<p> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by Macy
Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzwU0cT6lHYbrM8GiH8rhHNByHRtEOIidKXlaVcAGkTFM8TBokAGKFFVHm1fQuhxM2H3EiP0EpI6tKVbOMgeUVtHGDg07sCn0XEtItqMmacPxAaOzUSWX53nJvsm9GCW3ocQBEIq6mBqpnALTj8naylTKW_i8qThGZHdMUDqFVHNG6aanvabpkLPSd70/s1280/Ping!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmzwU0cT6lHYbrM8GiH8rhHNByHRtEOIidKXlaVcAGkTFM8TBokAGKFFVHm1fQuhxM2H3EiP0EpI6tKVbOMgeUVtHGDg07sCn0XEtItqMmacPxAaOzUSWX53nJvsm9GCW3ocQBEIq6mBqpnALTj8naylTKW_i8qThGZHdMUDqFVHNG6aanvabpkLPSd70/w200-h133/Ping!.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“The sacrifices of God are a broken
spirit; <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">a broken and contrite heart O God, you
will not despise.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">(Psalm 51:17 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I sat
quietly and read through my weekly Bible Study on the book of Ephesians while
my piano received its annual tuning. The sporadic sounds of notes played repeatedly
were a distraction. Ping! A sudden “crack” reverberated through the house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p><span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“What
happened?” I asked the piano technician. “One of your strings for C above
middle C was frayed and caused a false tune. When I touched it, it snapped,” he
replied. “How often does that happen?” I asked. “Out of the four hundred pianos
I tuned in the past year this is the second one,” he said and quickly replaced
the string. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">What
causes a piano string to break? Age and usage are the main culprits. I have
practiced on my piano more lately with new opportunities to accompany church
choirs. During this time God has opened my eyes to the condition of my heart. Similar
to my piano string, it has been recently damaged and overworked with many
schedule and venue changes in His kingdom’s service. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">When the
Holy Spirit touches my heart, it often breaks. Like a rusty metal string, my
heart needs to be gradually brought up into tune over time to be on pitch with
Him. If I try to rush the process and stretch the strings of my heart too
quickly, they will snap. I must be flexible and content with God’s timing of my
heart’s tuning. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">If I stayed
home and did not allow God to stretch my heartstrings, I might have less
anxiety. That is not an option. My heart is not my own.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I will ask
my heavenly Father to gently tune the strings of my heart as I serve Him. I
hope you will too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-53790306006689199472024-01-24T03:38:00.000-08:002024-01-24T03:38:19.906-08:00Open Doors<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">by Macy
Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0CFiaAikj8CeKlG3fclbMtwJzV9sezfr-V7AFqTyuLD5-Jx6gO-gEKqMMsU6l3wvW0N8Zj28W-nG1n53PphC22R-vsheCSr8wruplHe6_Q0HrCtFowWZV5dKil9UZLBxFUakaJVojPFAbd3FHm4YFZo9nGNq6jYUoDGuzpdLGyhzYE3K5ud6l1nAapg/s1280/Open%20Doors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0CFiaAikj8CeKlG3fclbMtwJzV9sezfr-V7AFqTyuLD5-Jx6gO-gEKqMMsU6l3wvW0N8Zj28W-nG1n53PphC22R-vsheCSr8wruplHe6_Q0HrCtFowWZV5dKil9UZLBxFUakaJVojPFAbd3FHm4YFZo9nGNq6jYUoDGuzpdLGyhzYE3K5ud6l1nAapg/w200-h150/Open%20Doors.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“Ask and it will be given to you; <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">seek and you will find; <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">knock and the door will be opened to
you.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">(Matthew 7:7 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I took my
seat at the large table for the quarterly meeting of the Friends of Greene
County Library. I visited with the Vice President and prepared to take minutes
as the new Secretary when a member sat down next to me. I met Kim at a previous
library function many months ago. She laid down a copy of one of my <i>God
Sightings</i> books, pointed to the picture on the back cover, and excitedly
asked, “Is this you?” “Yes,” I replied. “I want to talk with you after the
meeting,” she whispered.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Kim had a
story to tell and wanted it published. When I gave our librarian copies of my
books I hoped it would open doors for me to help others in their writing
journeys. God brought Kim to me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">After the
library meeting I drove to my church to get the choir music ready for rehearsal
that night. As a newbie music librarian, I wanted to make sure everything was
set out and ready. My first stop was to retrieve bulletins in the work room.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">As I headed
out the office door the church administrator stopped me. “Can we talk?” she
asked. A volunteer had recently vacated a much needed position in the life of
the congregation. “Would you be willing to serve?” I was asked. Another open
door. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I must be
available for what I feel God wants me to do. His Spirit guides me in all I was
created for. My heavenly Father provides perfect opportunities to make an
eternal impact. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will
step through all the doors my Lord opens for me and seek His guidance and glory.
I hope you will, too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-68664474618596270632024-01-17T03:17:00.000-08:002024-01-17T03:17:53.090-08:00Celebrate Life!<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">by Macy
Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLuMbNzqAUFEA6tZ2PaBsMhKPYfO-EzAzC-FZfAIBXNojn_nhFqIJ9bqI618NVlEnXjB3x5_2S-ZLIYHS0MzTvYUGiwwSSS4lm96usAuyNoOJJSPUEpQgO9iaLVmGAAwfRhynJ7wG3_XDp_J8DB1RXyZage_pB2OLh88dWUNVc7OswNW1RYjaHcTD0dA/s1280/Happy%20Birth%20Day!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMLuMbNzqAUFEA6tZ2PaBsMhKPYfO-EzAzC-FZfAIBXNojn_nhFqIJ9bqI618NVlEnXjB3x5_2S-ZLIYHS0MzTvYUGiwwSSS4lm96usAuyNoOJJSPUEpQgO9iaLVmGAAwfRhynJ7wG3_XDp_J8DB1RXyZage_pB2OLh88dWUNVc7OswNW1RYjaHcTD0dA/w200-h133/Happy%20Birth%20Day!.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“For you created my inmost being; <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">you knit me together in my mother’s
womb.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">(Psalm 139:13 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I recently
attended the memorial service for a dear friend. Many years ago Sally and I
sang in the church choir and played handbells together. She passed away on her seventy-fifth
birthday after she fought a long battle with cancer. The same day she was
welcomed into heaven, my daughter celebrated her birthday. Sally ran into the
arms of Jesus while Libby strolled on a sunny beach in the Caribbean with her
husband. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Seated in
the pew I pondered recollections of Sally and soaked in the powerful words of
encouragement from the pastor and angelic voices of the choir. I imagined my
friend standing with Jesus, watching over the celebration of her life. Her
grandchildren tearfully read their final good-byes to Granny. This woman served
the Lord in more ways that anyone could recall. Her earthly treasures were her
family and the gifts of music and art that her heavenly Father lavishly poured
over her.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Conversations
after the service, as we stood in the reception line, spun around Sally’s
legacy and the courage of her grandchildren. A few friends recalled how they had
delivered tributes at their grandparents’ funerals. I did not have the courage
to provide eulogies at my parents’ memorial services. Some are called to speak
during difficult and stressful times, and some are not. I am so thankful God
uses us in different ways for different purposes.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Sally was
blessed with many gifts and humbly used them well for God’s glory. I hope to also
be remembered as a woman who was in love with Jesus and served in His kingdom
in unique ways.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will continue
to seek out ways to celebrate Jesus’ life and love. I hope you will, too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-91755673579886539912024-01-10T03:32:00.000-08:002024-01-10T03:32:09.839-08:00Glory<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RvS4GU4zoUlHWaaeAIIgwgsiDU2B6MWk5nLZoW7XledZtTOZ6i1N2yuUjQjKL1f2Ujajiq-X_RP9Vfn5vENB0kWHd3xn-OaR2dOoul9kavLnlPCZ01JxeY2aBD4B5MLvV1954ubGzgxGVivz86e6S68EkpwvFeGdjpEX7ztY6Z0Rd6YkyFhemUUybm0/s1280/Glory.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2RvS4GU4zoUlHWaaeAIIgwgsiDU2B6MWk5nLZoW7XledZtTOZ6i1N2yuUjQjKL1f2Ujajiq-X_RP9Vfn5vENB0kWHd3xn-OaR2dOoul9kavLnlPCZ01JxeY2aBD4B5MLvV1954ubGzgxGVivz86e6S68EkpwvFeGdjpEX7ztY6Z0Rd6YkyFhemUUybm0/w200-h150/Glory.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“Be exalted, O God, above the heavens;
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">let your glory be over all the earth.”
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">(Psalm 57:5 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">The word <i>glory</i>
appears almost three hundred times in the Bible, forty-four times in the Psalms
alone. It can be defined as the manifested presence and uniqueness of our
Creator God.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Every small
detail of His creation is significant. God’s Son was born in obscurity. Jesus’
birth in Bethlehem, “the House of Bread,” was the continuation of the Old
Testament story. Angels were sent to tell shepherds, social outcasts, about His
arrival. They were chosen to spread the news before returning to their sheep.
Nothing fancy, but miraculous nonetheless. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">My pastor
reminded me recently that God’s glory is the opposite of the world’s glory. A
famous movie star once said that most actors live for the moment between <i>Action</i>
and <i>Cut</i>. The minutes of real life are often only filler for them. It is
the same for most sports heroes and musicians, too. After many hours of
practice and preparation, the performance passes by in a blur, remembered by
some, forgotten by most. The world’s glory is a flash in the pan.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I see my
heavenly Father in a lone leaf, raindrops, music notes on a page, the smile of
a nursing home resident, a bird splashing in a birdbath, a helpless baby’s cry,
a cherished voice on the phone, a treasured memory, a deer crossing the road, a
friend’s laughter, a string of precious pearls, a “Welcome Back” sign created
by grandchildren, a heartfelt post on Facebook, a homeless wanderer, the sun,
moon, and stars, and the wind on my face. Where and how do you experience the
presence of God? What are your God Sightings? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will look
for God’s glory today in the often-ignored people and things around me. I hope
you will, too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-52941812399364658712024-01-03T03:32:00.000-08:002024-01-03T03:32:22.676-08:00Unseen<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLUEeTohqY7lWr3cUlI4I-dZpPlJc-7fB8udOWgGPASb2xO64AyL0L-5XEQRmQsAgYC0BiIaF_iD0SnXPGjcLaOA_6gaTZJMV8bP7PWY6uDVU9v58Q8dQdUf2j-3rvoNwcNYD7zCfLx3GZE-0fn-5zKh6wxwUOpy7rDth2C3qKpkS9TptFM5uwBJO4nw/s1280/Unseen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXLUEeTohqY7lWr3cUlI4I-dZpPlJc-7fB8udOWgGPASb2xO64AyL0L-5XEQRmQsAgYC0BiIaF_iD0SnXPGjcLaOA_6gaTZJMV8bP7PWY6uDVU9v58Q8dQdUf2j-3rvoNwcNYD7zCfLx3GZE-0fn-5zKh6wxwUOpy7rDth2C3qKpkS9TptFM5uwBJO4nw/w200-h133/Unseen.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“Be
careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">before
men, to be seen by them. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">If
you do, you will have no reward <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">from
your Father in heaven.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">(Matthew
6:1 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I recently
read a story about a master craftsman who labored at the site of a new
cathedral. A bystander asked him why he worked with diligence on a piece of
stone that would not be seen. The man replied, “God will see it.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">After worship
one Sunday morning a woman commented on the heavy bag I carried. I explained
the need to bring extra music from home, in case our pianist was not able to
play for the service. I want to be available to play the piano if needed.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“But my
Bible, Lord, do I really need to take my Bible to worship?” I asked. It’s bulky
and heavy, and my phone’s Bible app is light. I purchased this Bible in 1992,
just after we moved to Birmingham. It has been a trusted friend and important tool
in my bag of faith. God confronted me, “Why do you take your Bible to church?
Do you want others to see how ‘righteous’ you are?” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I thought
through the scenario. What if I were the only worshipper at church, would I
still take and use my Bible? Yes, I would. But, what if I were the only person
in the sanctuary and the pastor preached on the big screen, would I take it
then? Yes, I would. I decided to take my Bible to church with me and read it
during the sermon as I take notes in a spiral book. It helps me to focus on
what is being taught.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will thank
my heavenly Father as He leads me in seen and unseen acts of righteousness for
His glory. I hope you will, too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-22791695428470738012023-12-27T03:51:00.000-08:002023-12-27T03:51:10.687-08:00Imagine<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsopxtCP6-qN4iPJwt9HVWPxjocjg4wYvePeVgmXBzcwTWI2NmuiPsRp2EveaRhpf4878JPwrBbzTIxEPJ7ppplg8i7YvOoMUSxtsAMeanFhY3ZFzmrHE8uLt-Na4mPWrjvHn9vTMkBGVpBRpiCGVqM4XwoW9lSnKDoU3YsakmwOHKSjB2NJqJIhX5vw/s1280/Imagine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1078" data-original-width="1280" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYsopxtCP6-qN4iPJwt9HVWPxjocjg4wYvePeVgmXBzcwTWI2NmuiPsRp2EveaRhpf4878JPwrBbzTIxEPJ7ppplg8i7YvOoMUSxtsAMeanFhY3ZFzmrHE8uLt-Na4mPWrjvHn9vTMkBGVpBRpiCGVqM4XwoW9lSnKDoU3YsakmwOHKSjB2NJqJIhX5vw/w200-h169/Imagine.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“May the God of hope fill you with all
joy and peace as you trust in Him, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">so that you may overflow with hope by
the power of the Holy Spirit.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Romans 15:13 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">My word
for the new year is <i>imagine</i>. Merriam-Webster defines it as the act of
forming a mental image of something or someone not present. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">My husband
and I were driving to our daughter’s house to celebrate Christmas. As
I drove I thought of all the wonderful things ahead for this visit and the new
year and reviewed with Jeff some of the exciting experiences we had in the past
twelve months. When I looked into the future, I imagined Jesus in the middle of
each of those upcoming opportunities to serve in His kingdom. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I will start
as a volunteer at my hospital in January. I will be a substitute choir
accompanist for other churches, full time accompanist for my own congregation,
and one of three music librarians. I will serve as the secretary for the
Friends of the Library. I will play Bridge and Dominoes with various groups and
sing for nursing home residents. My goal is to make Jesus the center of every
activity, to imagine him by my side as He participates with and through me. My
complete focus on the Creator of the universe will be required. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">At the
conclusion of each Sunday morning’s worship service, our pastor asks us to open
our arms and hands to receive a blessing. I close my eyes and imagine God the
Father pouring out His Spirit on me and am renewed and filled to step into
service in His kingdom. My imagination opens the way for me to continue in
worship. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will
seek to imagine my Lord in every moment of every day. I hope you will, too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-77142191899356536682023-12-20T03:44:00.000-08:002023-12-20T03:44:33.998-08:00The Gift<p> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiVl_SDZH3Iu1aTrjhQ4obq74lU4U47u0Z2m5vNrggtmEiVOgVgn1ysdpqFeyEujWh3q-WCSv2ZLnNwxrokr92YzhYmeDnFMuV5xVVoMsZ7FLN9O8s9EpcZQIeYiigcFNoRNU84v5pgP2IHmPladAAik0KZFFPWVtWAEhlhXrIMkvtefbV6wQREY1LVs/s1280/The%20Gift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="854" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXiVl_SDZH3Iu1aTrjhQ4obq74lU4U47u0Z2m5vNrggtmEiVOgVgn1ysdpqFeyEujWh3q-WCSv2ZLnNwxrokr92YzhYmeDnFMuV5xVVoMsZ7FLN9O8s9EpcZQIeYiigcFNoRNU84v5pgP2IHmPladAAik0KZFFPWVtWAEhlhXrIMkvtefbV6wQREY1LVs/w134-h200/The%20Gift.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Be merciful, just as your Father is
merciful.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Luke 6:36 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">At the
suggestion of our son Jeff and I watched a Netflix documentary on World War II.
One of the commentators had been captured by the Nazis. He was the survivor of
a bombed tank in Northern Africa and told of the ordeal of his transport as a
prisoner of war across the desert and the Mediterranean Sea. Upon arrival in
Italy, he and his fellow prisoners were marched through villages to the prison
camp. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p><span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Bystanders
spit on them and kicked them, and women slapped them as they trudged by. All Nazi
supporters were angry at these American prisoners, except for a small child.
She boldly walked up to this hostage and handed him a peach. He brought it to
his lips, cupped in his hands, and enjoyed the best fruit he had ever tasted.
It was sweet hope in the midst of dark despair.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Jesus came
to earth in the middle of the war of the human race. He invaded the small town
of Bethlehem and was unnoticed by most. The citizens did not know their Savior
had come. Some didn’t think they needed to be rescued from the oppression of
their own sinfulness. The Messiah was the ultimate gift, the perfect expression
of mercy. When I read of Jesus’ life on earth and can see God the Father in
Him, I can learn how to be a gift like Him to others.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">As my
mother celebrates her 100<sup>th</sup> earthly birthday in heaven, I thank my
heavenly Father for her and all the amazing gifts He has blessed me with. He
sends people to shine His glory through mercy extended exactly when we need it.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I will in
turn present the gifts of love and mercy to others today. I hope you will, too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-81291982111123318542023-12-13T03:26:00.000-08:002023-12-13T03:26:51.698-08:00Excellence<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDskXuapyXR7JHD4VjIvBDBaUBxzJcwBWG1lQb8RYgZscIlHoqiThwW6FiQZPUvxoa8lDtZGyQiTCDC1Fo-wAxBHuAdBAjoDgRgn175EhrjHUAGSUt7BjUJi434wLe7xiU2YRnHL3JWshZhi7KBB3oKz57VeTRys9CHaW-xS0M3SUoOjdRD1NoKBP5ga4/s1280/Excellence.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDskXuapyXR7JHD4VjIvBDBaUBxzJcwBWG1lQb8RYgZscIlHoqiThwW6FiQZPUvxoa8lDtZGyQiTCDC1Fo-wAxBHuAdBAjoDgRgn175EhrjHUAGSUt7BjUJi434wLe7xiU2YRnHL3JWshZhi7KBB3oKz57VeTRys9CHaW-xS0M3SUoOjdRD1NoKBP5ga4/w200-h133/Excellence.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But eagerly desire the greater gifts. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">And now I will show you the most
excellent way.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(1 Corinthians 12:31 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Excellence
is an outward expression of inner integrity, of having a passion and strong
sense to make a true difference. <span style="background: white; color: #4d5156;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p><span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">There is a sad lethargy that seems to have settled over our
community. It’s like the fallout from a bomb or a constant drizzle that dampens
the day. I see it in the faces of those I meet in the grocery store and on the
street. People are not encouraged to serve in the best ways they can. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">We received an email one morning from the Postal Service with
pictures of the mail we could expect to receive that day. Only one of several
letters arrived in our mailbox. Maybe postal employees are overworked. I hope
there is a good explanation for missing mail. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Hazel is a resident of a local nursing facility. She is
always excited to meet our small choir and join in the weekly singing. With
eyes closed and mouth open wide she sings every hymn with all her heart, by
heart. I know all of heaven rejoices to witness Hazel sing with praise to her
Lord. She may be a prisoner in her physical body, but not in her heart and
soul. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="background: white; color: #4d5156; font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">My husband and I attended award assemblies for our
grandchildren at their school. What a joy it is to know that so many children
are learning to consistently pursue quality in many forms. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Love in action
is the goal our Creator gave us to live by. Excellence can be defined as g<span style="background: white; color: #4d5156;">reatness – striving to be the very best
in what you do, the high quality of being outstanding or extremely good.
Perfection is not attainable, but excellence is!<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will
choose the excellent way in all I do today. I hope you will, too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-76536710861033366372023-12-06T03:50:00.000-08:002023-12-06T03:50:47.869-08:00Living the Dream<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_uaGnPgz6kKtB_aFbXQaidYxpDp2l8IQ7ecj5T8XBfxrfYB2ypOh680LvhllYF402jxX2quC_xl677a8PGEhdL89jbipUwFnI1u9bCXdrfWsWhHPCz0mUFQrbd6FjKhkw_pMUWrBkS2phAxK1hWe_rU6tWIQdRHRrBmaBMipXZOXdylxTwsRHBhBbvY/s1280/Living%20the%20Dream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS_uaGnPgz6kKtB_aFbXQaidYxpDp2l8IQ7ecj5T8XBfxrfYB2ypOh680LvhllYF402jxX2quC_xl677a8PGEhdL89jbipUwFnI1u9bCXdrfWsWhHPCz0mUFQrbd6FjKhkw_pMUWrBkS2phAxK1hWe_rU6tWIQdRHRrBmaBMipXZOXdylxTwsRHBhBbvY/w200-h133/Living%20the%20Dream.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Your eyes saw my unformed body. All
the days ordained for me <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">were written in your book before one of
them came to be.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Psalm 139:16 NIV)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Ponder
this for a moment: God dreamed of you before He created you. He imagined you in
His image. No one is conceived by accident. This is God’s plan from the
beginning. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">My body is
falling apart and I know it is part of His perfect dream for my life. For
instance, I have been having trouble swallowing pills, food, and pretty much
everything for quite a while now. I switched to liquid supplements, but knew I
needed to see my gastroenterologist. An appointment was made six months out.
So, I will learn to live with this inconvenience a little while longer. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">In a few
weeks, my third dental implant will be completed with the placement of a new
#31 tooth. I once thought I was one and done with implants for the rest of my
life. It is because I did not take care of my teeth in my early years. My youthful
disobedience is catching up with me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">My
seventieth birthday is quickly approaching and little ailments along with it.
One of my favorite Bridge partners will be celebrating her centennial birthday
soon. I want to be like her – I want to live a long, fulfilled life. My general
practitioner once said she expected me to enjoy 100+ years, so I plan to take better
care of this God-given body for a few more decades. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I look
forward to having a new body in heaven, but am encouraged to live the dream of
my Creator in this one while I’m here on this planet. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will
trust my heavenly Father with every year, every month, every week, every day he
has dreamed for me. I hope you will, too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-61827800966287997602023-11-29T03:22:00.000-08:002023-11-29T03:22:16.698-08:00Anticipation<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHhAmLP38NrgJh6tBPufj-4hoSgSeTlx1tj6xjA7lLMHR28y00eB8mi2Ha0KRz_dwCkV8dJ9U8zCQFqW0IsFjn5sUbLtWtfCqoHzVE4N-Pv5jxVsBSYE0GVBYjt37TdG9a7lrTZAsewGQepjef9FcitfFoMzoue_WYMjAamkSZ6CtK0K2wBTbrjdr5CE/s1280/Anticipation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="852" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcHhAmLP38NrgJh6tBPufj-4hoSgSeTlx1tj6xjA7lLMHR28y00eB8mi2Ha0KRz_dwCkV8dJ9U8zCQFqW0IsFjn5sUbLtWtfCqoHzVE4N-Pv5jxVsBSYE0GVBYjt37TdG9a7lrTZAsewGQepjef9FcitfFoMzoue_WYMjAamkSZ6CtK0K2wBTbrjdr5CE/w200-h133/Anticipation.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“We ourselves, who have the firstfruits
of the Spirit, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for
our adoption as sons, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the redemption of our bodies.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Romans 8:23 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I sat on
the long wooden bench at our dining room table. From there I can see out of our
sidelights up the long driveway to the street. My perch allows me to know when
our children, grandchildren, and special visitors arrive. Every house I have
lived in had a special place that gave me the perfect view of approaching activities
and people. Like a child waiting for her parents to return home, I wait eagerly
for guests. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">One of my
favorite Carly Simon songs is “Anticipation.” She sings, “We can never know
about the days to come, but we think about them anyway. Anticipation is makin’
me late, is keepin’ me waitin’.” That song spun around in my head as I thought
about Jesus coming to take me home to be with Him.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Every
morning I look out my window in anticipation as I watch the day unfold. “Will
Jesus come in the clouds today?” I wonder. “How much longer must I wait?” I am
like a child dreaming of Christmas morning, or a student counting the days to
graduation, or a couple expecting the arrival of their first child, but with an
unknown date. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“I lift up my eyes to you, to you
whose throne is in heaven. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">As the eyes of slaves look to the hand
of their master, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">as the eyes of a maid look to the hand
of her mistress, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">so our eyes look to the Lord our God.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">(Psalm 123:1-2 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I don’t
know when Christ will call me home to be with Him, but I know that day is
coming!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will wait
eagerly for my Savior. I hope you will, too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-72238558266583320232023-11-22T03:34:00.000-08:002023-11-22T03:34:26.856-08:00Inquiring Minds<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAyZa7DOTl_RYVdj3fHJvPg4rSuyLSUuEo4QjCGo5v0od_P-h6qOQGgx9jtd9eNyrfN2rBcmDFSYI8zdVYk8oEsShMVKlZNAK9aBbFGJ2FDiOVAlXyCM553n0cAakLFG1myh5_dgMAjxMyAxLSMqILZZBYVE8P-UovhoP_ss6KWS93IMVpURf-x28r68/s1280/Inquiring%20Minds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="827" data-original-width="1280" height="129" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioAyZa7DOTl_RYVdj3fHJvPg4rSuyLSUuEo4QjCGo5v0od_P-h6qOQGgx9jtd9eNyrfN2rBcmDFSYI8zdVYk8oEsShMVKlZNAK9aBbFGJ2FDiOVAlXyCM553n0cAakLFG1myh5_dgMAjxMyAxLSMqILZZBYVE8P-UovhoP_ss6KWS93IMVpURf-x28r68/w200-h129/Inquiring%20Minds.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“In the last days, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">God says, ‘I will pour out my Spirit on
all people. <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Your sons and daughters will prophesy, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">your young men will see visions, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">your old men will dream dreams.’” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Acts 2:17 NIV)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Maybe you
remember this slogan, “Inquiring minds want to know” which was used by the
National Enquirer in the 1980s. This tabloid magnetized the attention of
shoppers as they waited in the checkout lines of their favorite stores.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Eight of
us descended upon our pastor’s home one Friday evening for dinner and teaching.
The Inquirer’s Class wanted to know more about our church, denomination, and
faith. Although this would be my third time to unite with these worshipers, I
wanted to experience the teaching and fellowship this class afforded. Two
stints of serving as pianist at another church had pulled me away from my church.
<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">The next
day the class concluded and the choice was ours whether to commit to this
congregation or not. Some information was overwhelming and brought more
questions than answers. This nudged me to seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">On my way
home, I stopped at Publix to get supplies for the coming week. Near the dairy
case, I saw Mary and her husband from the class. We confessed we were filled
with new insights and emotions from the teachings. The pastor had shared his
struggle with the faith of his family members, and encouraged us to trust God
with our prayers. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">As Mary
and I stood there and talked about the sovereignty of our Creator and the power
of the Holy Spirit, we encouraged each other to maintain a steady pursuit. God
is in control. We are <u>not</u> the Holy Spirit, but we <u>are</u> His
instruments.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will
eagerly receive the Holy Spirit and His wisdom poured out on me. I hope you
will, too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-15975623414334798522023-11-15T03:43:00.000-08:002023-11-15T03:47:55.389-08:00Messy<p> <span face="Verdana, sans-serif">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlRw24CLQ0jw3ldDQW6yYZwXQzhG5mLTG7MLO8GphRX2E8MQgxnLQTUhlKk_P9EwjN0CPJ6DEZla1Rd4wqJCEt6mxPXLLV842JBs5zJC52GXEAogw1Oia5klffvj2tcHrDccsUFLBZs3F3NQeyzSgX0lMYdWGJQui4R_XQgP5F4XKC1_rNMx1Dsghcd8/s1280/Messy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTlRw24CLQ0jw3ldDQW6yYZwXQzhG5mLTG7MLO8GphRX2E8MQgxnLQTUhlKk_P9EwjN0CPJ6DEZla1Rd4wqJCEt6mxPXLLV842JBs5zJC52GXEAogw1Oia5klffvj2tcHrDccsUFLBZs3F3NQeyzSgX0lMYdWGJQui4R_XQgP5F4XKC1_rNMx1Dsghcd8/w200-h150/Messy.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“He made Himself nothing, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">taking the very nature of a servant, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">being made in human likeness.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Philippians 2:7 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I took a
closer look at the genealogy of Jesus in the book of Matthew. Forty-two
generations from Abraham to Joseph included the names of five women. Tamar
deceived her father-in-law, Judah. Rahab was a Gentile prostitute in Jericho.
Ruth was a foreign widow from Moab. Bathsheba’s husband, Uriah, was murdered by
King David. Mary was an unwed mother. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p><span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Why did
Matthew include the names of these messy women? Jesus reminded us that He
didn’t come to save the righteous, but sinners. He came to rescue us from the
mess by getting down and dirty with us. Like a mother cleans her soiled child, the
‘Mess’iah steps into the trouble but remains pure and holy. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I can recall
some very chaotic times in my life. My mother often reminded me that I was not
up to her par. My appearance was lacking, my choices imperfect, and my attempts
at pleasing her fell short. Through those years my faith in Jesus grew
stronger. He stepped down into the distress with me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Messy was an
apt description of the audience gathered to hear our small choir at the nursing
home. Most had their eyes closed, but one lady couldn’t be still. She stood
next to her walker and danced to the hymns of long ago. When she sat down, a
helper handed her a cup of juice. She squeezed it and the sticky liquid spilled
onto her lap and the floor. I know Jesus’ heart went out to her. Messy doesn’t
scare Him away.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">God
doesn’t come to us by degrees. He is not afraid to jump into the grit and grime
with us. It’s all or nothing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I welcome
my heavenly Father into my messy life. I hope you will, too!</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-20987366424174391712023-11-08T03:12:00.002-08:002023-11-08T03:12:29.506-08:00Called to Serve<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1EhZKED0ZAurSE6o5oAwlavKmp6EekmL17fIMzQoevm18iHqCn1iqybIk8HTx-jexTktxrgw2HXUpW5NWIZmeHEQD8_IE1BcccF1FWiaukBivKKCwRANvTnVIbTeRy4UOIvNHcpTREwb1wPTsBFzlTs1PFZoXxm8DFwom3HVuKUV4Hyyv1DIeQ_u2CI/s1280/Called%20to%20Serve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1272" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH1EhZKED0ZAurSE6o5oAwlavKmp6EekmL17fIMzQoevm18iHqCn1iqybIk8HTx-jexTktxrgw2HXUpW5NWIZmeHEQD8_IE1BcccF1FWiaukBivKKCwRANvTnVIbTeRy4UOIvNHcpTREwb1wPTsBFzlTs1PFZoXxm8DFwom3HVuKUV4Hyyv1DIeQ_u2CI/w199-h200/Called%20to%20Serve.jpg" width="199" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But you are a chosen people, a royal
priesthood, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">a holy nation, a people belonging to
God, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">that you may declare the praises of Him
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">who called you out of darkness into His
wonderful light.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(1 Peter 2:9 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">It was
Halloween morning. I reviewed the notes I had written in the <i>My Utmost for
His Highest</i> journal my daughter had given me in 2003. On October 31<sup>st</sup>
of that year I had written, “Called to be a Christian writer.” God put the
desire in my heart and fulfilled it sixteen years later.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">In the wee
hours of that same morning God woke me and gave me a new calling to be a choir
director’s assistant. I had directed a choir during a concert many years ago, so
I tucked the thought away in my heart. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">At choir
practice the following Thursday night, my church’s director/pianist announced
that she would need to cancel an upcoming rehearsal for our Christmas concert.
She would be out of town. At the close of that night’s rehearsal, I sensed the
Holy Spirit suggest, “Offer to help.” I approached Amy and suggested, “I can conduct
the rehearsal for you that day, if you would like.” She asked if I would also accompany
the cantata so she could direct. I told her I would be honored.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">The next
morning, Amy sent out an email to the choir announcing the rehearsal would not
be cancelled and I would lead it for her. I thanked my heavenly Father for the
opportunity to contribute in this new direction.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">All of
God’s children are called to minister in different capacities to assist others
in their ministries. I pray that my brothers and sisters in Christ will
discover their unique callings and eagerly respond.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will declare
God’s praises as I serve in His kingdom. I hope you will, too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-49416590038010542832023-11-01T03:22:00.000-07:002023-11-01T03:22:23.543-07:00Not for You<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJp3P04rExjrycR1OadHNGnJRHGscGr65IyCPp1xH3TcLpRIftWrIQ3oFczsXJ0cI_mmvc7lcVrOI43ELCPzXLnu53i7VaoCPLInYkpUHcpGsa71vOB0mfDO-mCY0iYliAn3-KoP7BeJ1ViPzCVXAFHp0216qHcxi2rC87yp0CuepoNGHHqSRtFWh0pU/s1280/Not%20for%20You.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="961" data-original-width="1280" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKJp3P04rExjrycR1OadHNGnJRHGscGr65IyCPp1xH3TcLpRIftWrIQ3oFczsXJ0cI_mmvc7lcVrOI43ELCPzXLnu53i7VaoCPLInYkpUHcpGsa71vOB0mfDO-mCY0iYliAn3-KoP7BeJ1ViPzCVXAFHp0216qHcxi2rC87yp0CuepoNGHHqSRtFWh0pU/w200-h150/Not%20for%20You.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“I am saying this for your own good,
not to restrict you, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">but that you may live in a right way <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">in undivided devotion to the Lord.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(1 Corinthians 7:35 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Friends
recommended I watch <i>The Chosen</i> on Prime Video. My husband and I were
captivated from the first episode by the authentic portrayal of Christ as He
selected His disciples. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">One of my
favorite scenes is when Jesus initially approached Mary Magdalene. Mary was
demon possessed and despondent as she reached for another drink at the local tavern.
Jesus stood next to her and gently laid his hand on hers. She looked up into
His compassionate eyes as He whispered, “This is not for you.”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I read one
morning about a woman who suffered from primenesia, a malady defined as
“Amnesia caused from over-ordering from Amazon. Forgetfulness regarding what
one ordered.” (Urban Dictionary) I can relate to that. With several supplements
and other personal items on my monthly subscription list with Amazon, I often
suffer from primenesia. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">This narrative
sounds a lot like an Amazon commercial. Our culture is permeated with online
ordering and streaming. The pull to view and/or purchase slowly creeps up and
grabs by the throat. I only need to listen to the words of my Savior, “This is
not for you.” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Our
heavenly Father sent His Son and His Spirit to help us thrive on this planet.
Some of His creations are very good and some things I need to leave alone. They
are not for me. Only with His guidance and courage will I be able to push the
trappings of this life out of the way so I may follow Him without restrictions.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"> </span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt;">I will turn from all that
is not for me so I can enjoy more of what is for me - Jesus. I hope you will,
too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-77170293770958906012023-10-25T03:26:00.003-07:002023-10-25T03:59:02.846-07:00Made for This<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5XZ_lDe3t4VmncDdrmFInKXSqBEJT_a_GERpUUNnrbkkquPxrFjiySF5hHg-0noLEbXbLffdTA1jOIj5TulzQVCCwCbi1tPiwjpvScj3KO_xWwWjwqBbEFMkBAa54CXPAFjXxkWkskYZiu6tKmIH0YcBIcgS63U-ZrEMTAtKJd1pHQgsrGBUqwv1krw/s1280/Made%20for%20This.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT5XZ_lDe3t4VmncDdrmFInKXSqBEJT_a_GERpUUNnrbkkquPxrFjiySF5hHg-0noLEbXbLffdTA1jOIj5TulzQVCCwCbi1tPiwjpvScj3KO_xWwWjwqBbEFMkBAa54CXPAFjXxkWkskYZiu6tKmIH0YcBIcgS63U-ZrEMTAtKJd1pHQgsrGBUqwv1krw/w200-h133/Made%20for%20This.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Blessed are they who keep His statutes
<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and seek Him with all their heart.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Psalm 119:2 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">A special
friend, fellow writer and Bible scholar, informed me she started
memorizing one Bible verse a day and suggested I give it a try. I pondered the
thought the next morning during my devotions and selected Psalm 119. On the
second day, I wrote verse 2 in my designated notebook and asked God to reveal
Himself in this process. The most amazing thought came over me – “You were made
for this!” <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Everything
that has occurred in my life and brought me to this point was planned and
orchestrated by the Creator of the universe! What a humbling thought. Whatever we
are experiencing right now is not an accident, but an intricate plan of the God
who loves us beyond our wildest dreams. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I now sing
in the choir during worship rather than play the piano. Maybe someday He will
want me to tickle the ivories again instead of croak like a frog on the front
row! This is a challenge, but I know I was ‘made for this’ at this time. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">While
singing with a small group at a local nursing home, a dear friend was wheeled
out to enjoy the hymns. His disease, like my father’s, had usurped his mental functions and left him confused. He, a former
choir director, attempted to direct our songs and brought us all such joy in
the shared laughter. I rejoiced to see my friend again and remembered how God
worked in his life to touch mine. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">What
freedom comes when we accept all of our circumstances as part of our heavenly
Father’s perfect plan! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">I will
rest in the knowledge that I was created for this place, this time, and God’s
purposes. I hope you will, too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-52759549001199132852023-10-18T02:57:00.003-07:002023-10-18T02:57:57.324-07:00Go There!<p> <span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHIf6msixJp6WboiHWDsTlLLa_UGteF-zEVLbIVFA4ASnufVunAyNgYQjLfJ-MXhKZUar69ZL45LEuOWAAwAZEaxK606-kTJ2BF1fpA7bRaqJ5_2lgd1Ky0OxOC5jQ60xYSKdsn5agmhwY637Ky_JEuIokwJ_tJQ3rPp8mRl3XSo-Tat1KYYOSwqG1ZQ/s1280/Go%20There!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiHIf6msixJp6WboiHWDsTlLLa_UGteF-zEVLbIVFA4ASnufVunAyNgYQjLfJ-MXhKZUar69ZL45LEuOWAAwAZEaxK606-kTJ2BF1fpA7bRaqJ5_2lgd1Ky0OxOC5jQ60xYSKdsn5agmhwY637Ky_JEuIokwJ_tJQ3rPp8mRl3XSo-Tat1KYYOSwqG1ZQ/w200-h133/Go%20There!.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">he is a new creation, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">the old has gone, the new has come!” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">On an
episode of <i>Heartland</i> on Netflix, Amy gently guided a potential police
horse through obstacles on the training ground. The skittish horse bucked and
whinnied, but Amy’s persistence paid off.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> <span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">There is a
feeling of joy and freedom that comes when I try something new and succeed. I
recently volunteered at an Expo at the nearby Del Webb community. Nervous about
driving to a new place, I asked God to give me a calm peace and help me to
trust Him to navigate me through the new experience. It was smooth sailing! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">Even
though I was an accountant for a life insurance company for many years, the ins
and outs of medical insurance always left me uneasy. My mind closed up at the
thought of grasping it. So, I gave my husband access to my online Medicare
account and breathed a sigh of relief as I allowed Jeff to monitor it for me. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">The Holy Spirit
gives me courage to tackle little demons that haunt my mind and tell me I
cannot do something. They shout “don’t go there!” The Bible tells me I can do
all things through Christ who gives me the strength I need (Philippians 4:13).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I could
spend hours watching YouTube videos, reading “how to” manuals, or climbing new mountains,
but the best way to spend time I have been given is to quietly commune with my
Savior. He always encourages me to “go <u>there</u>!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">“The fear of the Lord is the beginning
of wisdom, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">and knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">(Proverbs 9:10 NIV)</span></i><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif;">I will not
be afraid of life, but focus on Jesus and follow Him wherever He leads me today.
I hope you will, too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-47811965985076040092023-10-11T03:32:00.003-07:002023-10-11T03:46:34.105-07:00Dodger<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dSWHbaOU4Un3d5ARydUsx2IIBTnrkTdXLeOllEtySymCuTQvfSv62nxzzSpvzW8gAVzE1OxdcHF3E6u0OtFbbKzbB8w8qgwNVjtlcOsOVbQ0nMC_dqdKNBIcTqrMR9Uo8U2lgMiWxrke_ZVaFGuMngNy-6Ue4WTOcWdpApOj-eg9QEk2oXWBZpE2_TY/s1280/Dodger.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="1280" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0dSWHbaOU4Un3d5ARydUsx2IIBTnrkTdXLeOllEtySymCuTQvfSv62nxzzSpvzW8gAVzE1OxdcHF3E6u0OtFbbKzbB8w8qgwNVjtlcOsOVbQ0nMC_dqdKNBIcTqrMR9Uo8U2lgMiWxrke_ZVaFGuMngNy-6Ue4WTOcWdpApOj-eg9QEk2oXWBZpE2_TY/w200-h133/Dodger.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“What a wretched man I am! <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Who will rescue me from this body of
death?” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Romans 7:24 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">In my
daughter’s neighborhood lives a dog who is a major pest. Dodger wants you, or
anyone within his vision, to throw a stick for him over and over and over.
Don’t dare pick up the slimy piece of wood he drops at your feet. He will dance
around you and try to entice you to play his game, but don’t give in, or you’re
stuck! <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Some
nights my brain acts like Dodger when I try to fall asleep. I cannot seem to
stop thinking about this or that. Give an inch and my daughter’s neighborhood
fetcher will take a mile. So will my frenzied thoughts, if I let them.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Kimberly
Jones reminded me from her book, <i>You Gotta Get Up</i>, “God trusted you with
your mess so you can impact others with His message.” The Holy Spirit works in
and through me at the perfect time and in the perfect way to serve in His
kingdom. He shines so others will see Him in my mistakes. When you can relate
to me, you can relate to God. That is what God Sightings are all about!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Humans
struggle with the same things. God orchestrates our lives to remind us that we
are not alone. He created us for community, not isolation. We all suffer with messes
and failures that might threaten to keep us up at night. A mind focused on
Jesus will find rest.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Instead of
trying to be everything to everyone, to control and order upcoming events and
activities, my heavenly Father calls me to breathe, focus on Him, and relax in
a peaceful, calm sleep in His arms. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"> </span></p>
<p><span face="Verdana, sans-serif">I will
dodge the distractions and reach for my heavenly Father today. I hope you will,
too!</span> </p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-56826812583977852422023-10-04T03:34:00.003-07:002023-10-04T03:48:02.867-07:00Bubbles<p> <span face="Verdana, sans-serif">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5s2RQ83SvHHOSrSJWBxp26eLqwhemRFkXX-KAYvNJtY3YgQF0mWXwLDUcNr47bZbTmpJtcNbcdrcQDhPAm3wCqHEwimjqKz_2rkjnK8iO0LlAmVJepk1MIuS7ViSFB8RQcnWblS-n3ZnKe7KQ5Y7oUXQvJJS5DxDhGv9TmNsk9KJ5hQ5HN4iCZePb_cA/s1280/Bubbles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="893" data-original-width="1280" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5s2RQ83SvHHOSrSJWBxp26eLqwhemRFkXX-KAYvNJtY3YgQF0mWXwLDUcNr47bZbTmpJtcNbcdrcQDhPAm3wCqHEwimjqKz_2rkjnK8iO0LlAmVJepk1MIuS7ViSFB8RQcnWblS-n3ZnKe7KQ5Y7oUXQvJJS5DxDhGv9TmNsk9KJ5hQ5HN4iCZePb_cA/w200-h139/Bubbles.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“Direct me in the path of your
commands, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">for there I find my delight.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">(Psalm 119:35 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I drove away
from the Senior Center after a fun afternoon playing Bridge with friends. I maneuvered
my car into my favorite spot at the nearby grocer, turned it off, and traipsed
inside to gather supplies.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p><span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">After
loading my purchases, I climbed into the driver’s seat and turned the key in
the ignition. The dashboard lit up like a Christmas tree then suddenly went
black. “Oh, Lord,” I said, “Please tell me what to do!” I called my husband, Jeff,
and asked him to come help me.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">A nice
young lady with two small children stopped and asked if I needed help. I
assured her my husband was on his way. Upon his arrival, we were both
chagrined that his Tacoma could not “jump” the battery on my Tahoe. We
discussed our options and decided to call a local car repair company.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">“Did you
call Madison Car Care?” a young man asked as he cheerfully exited his car with
a heavy case in his hand. Connected to his contraption, my car started right
up. Jeff looked at the name on his work shirt and asked, “Is your name really
Bubbles?” The young man chuckled and said it was the name they gave him at
work. I thought, “How cool, God, that you sent Bubbles to lift my spirit and
rescue me today!”<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">If I had
driven home instead of to Ingles, this story might have had a very different and
not-so-happy ending. I felt God’s grace pour over me as Bubbles installed a new
battery in my car in record time.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I will
thank my heavenly Father for all the bubbles He blows my way to lift me up to
serve in His kingdom. I hope you will, too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-878599181921772322.post-29680791154436452432023-09-28T10:06:00.001-07:002023-09-28T10:09:19.148-07:00The Holy Spirit's Team<p> <span face="Verdana, sans-serif">by Macy Johnson</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMe0FEEAxwYjmdTxO05z7nqLiV_u5OjJybOFnOKhwIo3Yy8jZgeEEyhCKCQG-fAz8MAAUcNy_ubQmooCW-lJUtjSnPx37UKqwpWqstH1d46BOmXiRIOYZuzNLWH5TDSM7zFKqXyQG_uFaT1kpOP1ONbVofDBpC5p4ZFyqyMTYE3qsetCImhmk7k2rlNk/s1280/The%20Holy%20Spirit's%20Team.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="796" data-original-width="1280" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVMe0FEEAxwYjmdTxO05z7nqLiV_u5OjJybOFnOKhwIo3Yy8jZgeEEyhCKCQG-fAz8MAAUcNy_ubQmooCW-lJUtjSnPx37UKqwpWqstH1d46BOmXiRIOYZuzNLWH5TDSM7zFKqXyQG_uFaT1kpOP1ONbVofDBpC5p4ZFyqyMTYE3qsetCImhmk7k2rlNk/w200-h124/The%20Holy%20Spirit's%20Team.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">whom the Father will send in my name, <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">will teach you all things <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif" style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">and will remind you of everything I
have said to you.” <o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><i><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">(John 14:26 NIV)<o:p></o:p></span></i></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">The Holy
Spirit is a person, an awesome gift of God Himself to me. A recent study of the
book by Francis Chan, <i>Forgotten God</i>, reminded me that I often do not
treat the Holy Spirit as a person, but as an object. Jesus is God in human form,
while the Holy Spirit is God in spirit form. He, like Jesus, emanates from the
Father. Understanding the mystery of the Trinity includes understanding the Person
of the Holy Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p><span></span></o:p></span></p><a name='more'></a> <p></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">Francis
Chan challenged me to envision the church as a football team. It huddles on the
field, lines up, and calls the plays, but then returns to the bench. After I imagined
that process repeated several times, a chuckle emerged. What is the team
thinking? The Holy Spirit, the church’s Captain, not only calls the plays in
our lives, but enables us to make the plays. He gives us the victories! What is
the church waiting for?<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">The world sits
in the bleachers. They watch and cheer for God’s children to score. We must be
brave and courageous in the battle and in the game. We must demonstrate our passion
and joy as we are filled with and empowered by the Spirit.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I need to
be aware of what the Holy Spirit is doing around me. Who is He bringing to me
today? I can step up and touch others with the kindness He pours through me. I
can be the hands and feet and smile of Jesus to everyone. No procrastination allowed
in my life!<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif"><o:p> </o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span face=""Verdana",sans-serif">I will get
off the bench and love victoriously through the Holy Spirit today. I hope you
will, too!<o:p></o:p></span></p>Macy Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00266463098833655854noreply@blogger.com0