tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28547153379544758202024-03-13T06:35:16.696-04:00Chasing Their HeartsA place to come to be encouraged in your walk with Jesus, your relationship with your husband and children. A bright spot that not only will encourage you but also challenge you to become the woman God has created you to be.Glendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.comBlogger148125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-64807753779393143802012-03-27T10:19:00.000-04:002012-03-27T13:38:17.755-04:00Ever Feel Invisible? In a world where social media has all but taken over, we have more lonely people than any time in history. FaceBook, Twitter, and all the others, give people, and especially young people, the false idea that they have hundreds of friends.<br />
Addiction is rising among our children, and starting younger than ever. The average child has tried either an illegal drug or alcohol by the age of 10!<br />
Last summer my daughter was junior staff at a christian camp during a week for 4-5th graders. She was confronted head on with a camper who was cutting herself. As a mom, this rocks my very world. These girls are still so young.<br />
As a christian woman, who loves young people, I know the message that Jesus loves you, is one that must get through to all of these breaking hearts.<br />
These kids are feeling like they are invisible to the world and everyone around them.<br />
We MUST point these precious souls to the ONE who can rescue them from their loneliness and despair!<br />
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And by the way, it is not just young people who feel invisible. We must reach the world with the love of Christ!<br />
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Our youth group did this video to help get out the message that there is One to whom you are never invisible. <br />
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJXwZrary50" target="_blank">Glen Lyn Youth Group</a><br />
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Now, open your eyes and look for those who feel invisible and show them the reflection of Christ!<br />
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Chasing After Their Hearts,<br />
Glenda Johnson <br />
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<br />Glendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-32607634330358562292012-03-26T14:24:00.000-04:002012-03-26T14:24:24.788-04:00It Is MONDAY , AGAIN!Monday.<br />
You are here again.<br />
Monday.<br />
All day today.<br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-7"><span style="font-size: x-large;">M</span><span class="font-size-3">ust I get out of bed?</span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span style="font-size: x-large;">O</span><span class="font-size-3">nly 24 hours long. Praise God!<br />
</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span style="font-size: x-large;">N</span><span class="font-size-3">eed 2 pots of coffee today.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span style="font-size: x-large;">D</span><span class="font-size-3">o I Have to get out of bed?</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span style="font-size: x-large;">A</span><span class="font-size-3">ttitude check...</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Y </span><span class="font-size-3">complain? Monday comes around every 7 days.Time to learn to embrace it.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3">Chasing After Their Hearts (even on Mondays),</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3"><span class="font-size-7"><span class="font-size-3">Glenda Johnson</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>Glendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-79313023152787247622012-03-23T09:51:00.000-04:002012-03-23T09:51:44.538-04:00Keeping A Different Kind Of List<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfG2wtuStu6OO8dff-saQBmgILwaR9zPpZJ76yIwtXn3E4KQZguWw2mI9DfaDxtA_KDzI_bUmSU6SOlMlQ_ujRFeUA0wWN_IRZ9csDOhcfHZpy6W9n99n5Eipih5CcBFVv5weWselcIY/s1600/backflip+June+2010+726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfG2wtuStu6OO8dff-saQBmgILwaR9zPpZJ76yIwtXn3E4KQZguWw2mI9DfaDxtA_KDzI_bUmSU6SOlMlQ_ujRFeUA0wWN_IRZ9csDOhcfHZpy6W9n99n5Eipih5CcBFVv5weWselcIY/s1600/backflip+June+2010+726.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-25224"><span style="font-size: small;">I am thinking a lot about forgiveness today. </span><span style="font-size: small;">As I do, I am comforted in the fact that Jesus has forgiven me for many things. I have discomfort today as well. My discomfort come from "List Keepers" You know, those who think it is their "God-Given appointment" to dig up anything wrong you have ever done in your life and "bring it into the light" for all to see. So as I struggle with a battle going on in the earthly realm, God gently reminds me, that the spiritual realm is where my strength come from. </span></sup><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-25224"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></sup><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-25224"><span style="font-size: small;">As I was praying this morning, this is the passage that came to my heart:</span></sup><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWI4sMwnHw1210OBFDoxAXYyW1lv5eekUVKhODJiWOOwrWY2Q6XO6rj8rXNlnQjXAe3FeYUzmQptkIMGZ3VJFTvGXmF7PunXXdEJ9Pm-_bzg4qYUWoUI_PqLvkbdjfZnMP7JuH_u8eb4/s1600/woman+washes+Jesus+feet.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWI4sMwnHw1210OBFDoxAXYyW1lv5eekUVKhODJiWOOwrWY2Q6XO6rj8rXNlnQjXAe3FeYUzmQptkIMGZ3VJFTvGXmF7PunXXdEJ9Pm-_bzg4qYUWoUI_PqLvkbdjfZnMP7JuH_u8eb4/s320/woman+washes+Jesus+feet.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-25224">Luke 7:36-50 </sup></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-25224"> </sup>Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." <br />
"Tell me, teacher," he said. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> "Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?" </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." <br />
"You have judged correctly," Jesus said. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet. You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet. Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."</i></div><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28651"> <span style="font-size: small;">As I read through this passage, a couple of things really jumped out at me.</span></sup><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28651"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></sup><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>"If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner." </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28651"><span style="font-size: small;">Really?! Jesus knew exactly who she was. Some say this was the woman who had been caught in adultery, that Jesus forgave. Whomever she is, people knew her sins. Furthermore, in reading this, unless you participated in her sin with her, you knew about it because it was being talked about. By "list keepers".</span></sup></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-fH-QFGRSC_J4f4Q0AZqkJ02NszPyT20jtF-ft4uUqvzS3DJVOxhzUHfVTyKuIRv8_Hrf68RzzPee4EeMeEllewvy30KwpnjW13XKkdgGjw8HnX5O14LlhAN2mgQw24ZDPwNVsOGXYA/s1600/Jesus+and+forgiven+woman.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-fH-QFGRSC_J4f4Q0AZqkJ02NszPyT20jtF-ft4uUqvzS3DJVOxhzUHfVTyKuIRv8_Hrf68RzzPee4EeMeEllewvy30KwpnjW13XKkdgGjw8HnX5O14LlhAN2mgQw24ZDPwNVsOGXYA/s320/Jesus+and+forgiven+woman.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." </i> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." </i></div><br />
She loved much. That is a powerful statement coming from the one<i> </i>who <i>is the author </i>of love! And Jesus also says she had MANY sins, and that they had ALL been forgiven.<br />
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That is comforting to me! Jesus can forgive my many sins. My love for Him matters! My love for other people matters! "List keepers" don't take into account love. That never seems to make it on the list.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-28651"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></sup><i> Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."</i></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_BQ2Q_urQApT8zxieWXiB5InvWgC0ShXqWd93CstFnveOZU7bm08w1DzSMuDqGL653LhJ45Fzd0kj-YrNT2UCAKRdcUc_oJj-4DHHtcoZQyIqA1iVRT7XrbN8tK2FKq3sAuvNcN2FKc/s1600/sinnes+forgiven+joy.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7_BQ2Q_urQApT8zxieWXiB5InvWgC0ShXqWd93CstFnveOZU7bm08w1DzSMuDqGL653LhJ45Fzd0kj-YrNT2UCAKRdcUc_oJj-4DHHtcoZQyIqA1iVRT7XrbN8tK2FKq3sAuvNcN2FKc/s320/sinnes+forgiven+joy.jpeg" /></a></div>These words spoke right into my soul this morning. I can go in peace knowing my sins have been forgiven and my faith has saved me!<br />
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One of the hardest things for Christians to do, is allow others to be forgiven.<i> </i>If Jesus has forgiven someone, do we the right to "keep a list"?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Hebrews 8:12 </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>For I will forgive their wickedness <br />
and will remember their sins no more.</i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">To keep a list is to say you have more authority than God. That is a scary place to be. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>But The love thing.......Much love......</i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">I wanted to know<i> </i>just what Jesus<i> </i>defined as love, since He equated her having loved much with forgiveness. Here is what I found:</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">1 Corinthians 13:1-7</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>If I speak in the tongues<sup> </sup>of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. </i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">This is a powerful passage. This describes love the kind of love that God has for us. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> it keeps no record of wrongs.</i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> If we want to love like God, we MUST not keep any record of wrongs.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">The response to that tends to be, "OK, I'll forgive, but I do not have to trust you!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>always trusts</i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">If we are to love like God, we must trust. There is no love without trust. There is no argument that can be made to this except to choose to disobey God's Word.</div><br />
I too, can be a "list keeper" of sins. As a matter of fact, I am guilty as charged. But today, I will burn that that list out of my mind, and out of my heart. The only reason I should care about someone's sin, is to lead them back to Jesus! Not to throw them and their sin into the public arena for ridicule. I have the ministry of reconciliation, not humiliation! And if Jesus has already forgiven that sin between the two of them, I am entering a realm that I do not belong in! And I don't know what has gone on between Jesus and another in their private prayer time!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I choose to be forgiven because I have much love.</div><div style="text-align: center;">For Jesus.</div><div style="text-align: center;">For others.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am thankful Jesus remembers my sin no more!</div><br />
I think I may become a " list keeper" of a different sort.<br />
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I will keep a record of the good I see others do and recognize it. <br />
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That is the start to Chasing after God's Heart!<br />
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Chasing After Their Hearts,<br />
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Glenda Johnson<br />
womanaftergod@gmail.com<br />
http://www.twitter.com/GlendaJohnson63<br />
http://www.facebook.com/BibleBowlGlendaGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-86422029606882951042012-03-22T13:28:00.000-04:002012-03-22T13:28:34.720-04:00Desiring Weakness? Never!!!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrN87CFyhjj3AFjQ0V-r0sOOdvdAcc3l4pkK2wNVqmoUOubFCN0BsbmifQOsQTyDLle4aQgNc8TWEwNkT5Mvd_-8AsffGR1Ua4Q6JGJcV829bz31CfB50PwoACOs5qonE95Zy8LKzn7w/s1600/backflip+June+2010+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnrN87CFyhjj3AFjQ0V-r0sOOdvdAcc3l4pkK2wNVqmoUOubFCN0BsbmifQOsQTyDLle4aQgNc8TWEwNkT5Mvd_-8AsffGR1Ua4Q6JGJcV829bz31CfB50PwoACOs5qonE95Zy8LKzn7w/s400/backflip+June+2010+002.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">“ I am 100% sure that you have suffered a stroke in the cerebellum of your brain. It explains why you have such a severe headache, numbness on the left side of your body, and are having trouble speaking. We are going to admit you to the hospital and do some tests to see what caused the stroke and how extensive the damage is.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The woman stared at the doctor in unbelief. She never expected that this would be where she was at this point in her life.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Everything about her future was uncertain. And she was frightened. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The next morning as she lay awake, preparing to go for the MRI, she was screaming in her mind, “ I am only 48 years old! I should not be lying here, having had a stroke.” The nursing tech came in and began to bathe the woman. Her anger turned to humiliation as she wondered if others would be bathing her from now on. The humiliation and anger returned as she was tethered to a tech just to walk. “Has my life become nothing more than that of a dog? To be walked on a leash and lead everywhere?”</div><div class="MsoNormal">Then the real questions started pouring out of her pounding head:</div><div class="MsoNormal">“ Will I ever be able to speak again? Will I be able to care for my family? Will I ever write again?”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">A once confident, people loving person, was shying away from all people because she was embarrassed of her weakness. She did not desire to have her husband watch her. She did not take calls from her closest friend; she avoided all contact with others. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">I can relate to the woman whose story I have been sharing. Actually, it is my story; my walk of uncertainty, and God used it to teach me a very important lesson.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As God used no less than 500 prayer warriors from across the United States and in several foreign countries to petition for my healing, God spoke to me, through my anger with this:</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">2 Corinthians 12:10</div><div class="MsoNormal">That is why for Christ’s' sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For when I am weak, then I am strong.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">My strength came when I released my uncertain future and laid it at God's throne. I rested in His strength, and stopped trying to be strong on my own.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">The diagnosis was not a stroke. The symptoms resolved after several days. I either had a migraine with neurological manifestations or a TIA. I am, by the grace of God, in His strength, healing and finding life just a little more certain these days. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">What is uncertain? Everything about life is uncertain. </div><div class="MsoNormal">What IS certain, is the ONE in whom I TRUST, and HIS strength that gets me through each moment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf_y-NhO45TmWyk0vYYv2wpQ2nrSQVE40Mv-GrCeiBBiGgFRy3fRB8m_gdBSXYnNTid3tf1OrqMlGksNRYjLoDMaEa4awbaZENoLw0hhcP8RqV0EYIt_QCSYojQWlVciMfvhLKj68orU/s1600/beach3-2012.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXf_y-NhO45TmWyk0vYYv2wpQ2nrSQVE40Mv-GrCeiBBiGgFRy3fRB8m_gdBSXYnNTid3tf1OrqMlGksNRYjLoDMaEa4awbaZENoLw0hhcP8RqV0EYIt_QCSYojQWlVciMfvhLKj68orU/s1600/beach3-2012.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div><div class="MsoNormal">Where will you choose to lay your uncertain journey today?</div><div class="MsoNormal">The heart of God waits to use your weakness as a powerful tool to show His strength!</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chase After His Heart today!!!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Chasing Their Hearts,</div><div class="MsoNormal">Glenda Johnson</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
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</div>Glendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-30951709075352530152011-11-11T07:53:00.000-05:002011-11-11T07:53:07.024-05:00Two Funerals and A Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgAgf3EyfW9lxlaC_TFxkbJHKCkC0zHWSwYN_Iw9eHw5cKykHBH8LbBUqq-tHOnW4coPS1yYoGFpZ3FdtXnXPFQWuXAJZw6epqY4v9qBNaiK0R_P_i-Hk9xMIYyDSRRrO9H8_ArpBwu0/s1600/coffin.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtgAgf3EyfW9lxlaC_TFxkbJHKCkC0zHWSwYN_Iw9eHw5cKykHBH8LbBUqq-tHOnW4coPS1yYoGFpZ3FdtXnXPFQWuXAJZw6epqY4v9qBNaiK0R_P_i-Hk9xMIYyDSRRrO9H8_ArpBwu0/s320/coffin.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Two different churches.<br />
Two different women .<br />
Two different funerals.<br />
One powerful message.<br />
<br />
As I sat in the funerals services for two women I did not know personally over the last two weeks, I was moved in a very unexpected way.<br />
One was 92, and the other 89. The both lived a long life.<br />
As the women were remembered by family, friends, ministers, it occurred to me that their lives made a phenomenal difference in uncountable numbers of people.<br />
Eternal difference.<br />
I was moved to my very core as listened to the purpose with which each of these ladies lived out everyday.<br />
And I began to wonder,<br />
what is my life leaving behind?<br />
Each day, as I am walking through my daily activities, what am I leaving in the wake of my life?<br />
Is how I am living changing the lives around me for all eternity?<br />
<br />
Yesterday I walked through my 48th birthday.<br />
I realized something.<br />
Unless I live to be 96 years old,<br />
my life, here on earth, is more than half over.<br />
I have already lived out, at least, half of the years I have to live. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjMhR6a-2zbfJsZkWP7hlnZdXmzOjsC3wFwP_260N8CQMALJ8EdpCdLXd5jfiZheyl3xxG-lN-qknycueiCfgoNuvYjNiY_1IaL_CbPOXAOV4819DqRuQzSGGYCyDnzEOpD_ZflOiQ_g/s1600/rose+and+bible.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIjMhR6a-2zbfJsZkWP7hlnZdXmzOjsC3wFwP_260N8CQMALJ8EdpCdLXd5jfiZheyl3xxG-lN-qknycueiCfgoNuvYjNiY_1IaL_CbPOXAOV4819DqRuQzSGGYCyDnzEOpD_ZflOiQ_g/s1600/rose+and+bible.jpg" /></a></div>This thought created a new sense of urgency in my heart for those around me.<br />
Are they being pointed to Jesus by what is said and done?<br />
I don't have a guarantee of 10 more years<br />
to serve my family,<br />
to point my neighbors to Jesus,<br />
to be generous with the resources I have been entrusted with by God,<br />
to remember to be filled with thankfulness. <br />
<br />
This verse I believe was God's birthday present to me;<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><b>Colossians 4 <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29529"> </sup></b></i><br />
<i><b><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29529">2</sup> Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29530">3</sup> And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29531">4</sup> Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29532">5</sup> Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29533">6</sup> Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.</b></i><br />
<br />
I am praying for open doors, opportunities,<i><b> </b></i>and grace and wisdom<i><b> </b></i>to serve people.<br />
The rest of my life, no matter how few, or how many years, needs to be dedicated 100% to serving others like Jesus.<br />
How about you?<br />
Are you making the most of the very limited time you have? <br />
<br />
I invite you to choose with me today, to chase after the hearts of all those around you for God.<br />
After all, people are God's #1 priority, and He proved that when Jesus, His son, hung on that cross.<br />
<br />
Chasing After Hearts,<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-47161720676148991862011-11-09T19:36:00.000-05:002011-11-09T19:36:40.574-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBaWcNnf6mPO-fWfZl2HIYH4biD8hUEn8OtN2zHIlp_k6hUSoJ7COSuzTtazPVEoufesH5KFpuk1Qy3N3imwetruzENunKmSiJWQUCnJcGW4V7XrBBT3llDpHPivrjBBp9FGjhN86Jsc/s1600/light+house+strong+tower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIBaWcNnf6mPO-fWfZl2HIYH4biD8hUEn8OtN2zHIlp_k6hUSoJ7COSuzTtazPVEoufesH5KFpuk1Qy3N3imwetruzENunKmSiJWQUCnJcGW4V7XrBBT3llDpHPivrjBBp9FGjhN86Jsc/s320/light+house+strong+tower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Today has been a day of:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>triving<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">T</span>o<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">R</span>emember<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">E</span>ndless<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>avior's<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">S</span>ecurity<br />
<br />
As I went through the day struggling to hold on to the promises God has made in His Word, this very scripture the Holy Spirit lead me to:<br />
<br />
<div class="heading passage-class-0"><h3><i><b>1 Thessalonians 3:7</b></i></h3><div class="txt-sm"><i><b>Amplified Bible (AMP)</b></i></div></div><i><b> </b></i><i> <b><sup class="versenum" id="en-AMP-29596">7</sup>Brethren, for this reason, in [spite of all] our stress and crushing difficulties we have been filled with comfort and cheer about you [because of] your faith (the leaning of your whole personality on God in complete trust and confidence).</b></i><br />
<br />
Stress comes and stress goes. <i><b> </b></i><br />
It is good to know that leaning on God is the way for comfort during the stressful and crushing times in our lives. <br />
<br />
God's Word; the true stress-buster!<br />
<br />
Chasing After Hearts,<br />
GlendaGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-39395066153275498942011-11-08T07:05:00.000-05:002011-11-08T07:05:10.951-05:00A Place To Go<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBFLyx4QxxCMX1ok7scR_kkaRQSbnffOeRI1fdal1r7kjCu__Gy_lO4uLwPIY21_ujLtgabboE-_zpsAKM38DXvDU66_6veQtcvz0_FPa0nqh0FfF_usqwYrj-68M59lsv5DDE21U-zM/s1600/camera+pics+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKBFLyx4QxxCMX1ok7scR_kkaRQSbnffOeRI1fdal1r7kjCu__Gy_lO4uLwPIY21_ujLtgabboE-_zpsAKM38DXvDU66_6veQtcvz0_FPa0nqh0FfF_usqwYrj-68M59lsv5DDE21U-zM/s320/camera+pics+006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Every have a day when you just need someone who knows what you are are going through?<br />
Someone to talk talk to?<br />
Someone you can trust?<br />
Me too. It can be very hard to find. <br />
As listen and as I talk to people, I see a very common trend.<br />
When you begin to share your story, some one will interject, " Well at least you don't have....yada yada yada, like I did".<br />
I just want to scream! But I don't, I know people have lost the art of being a good listener. If I am part of this conversation as a third person, I try to re-direct it back to the person who is hurting and looking for compassion.<br />
So where can we go, when we just need someone who completely understands and won't make our issue seem insignificant?<br />
<br />
<i><b>Hebrews 4 </b></i><br />
<i><b><sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30012">14</sup>Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30013">15</sup>For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. <sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30014">16</sup> Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. </b></i><br />
<br />
Jesus knows what you and I are going through. <br />
Everything, we are going through.<br />
He has been there. He has walked through it.<br />
And He conquered it. For us.<br />
<br />
Today when you need someone who will listen, love you, and give you their undivided attention, go to the One I am choosing to turn to:<br />
<i><b><sup class="versenum" id="en-ESV-30014">16</sup> Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.</b></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Imf1_bO7f5g5D5yP4iO8a3eCW5YsfoCpJndEIOzk172RcmaUXS_04Uq2WM9bK5_DyJhLlsqJwkjCnqGYhXuV91BosV3U-bJL6eRTs52DQbItI9lx9iNyCcJsZMyIVxG8uNSWgtAW5Yw/s1600/jesus+hugging+girl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Imf1_bO7f5g5D5yP4iO8a3eCW5YsfoCpJndEIOzk172RcmaUXS_04Uq2WM9bK5_DyJhLlsqJwkjCnqGYhXuV91BosV3U-bJL6eRTs52DQbItI9lx9iNyCcJsZMyIVxG8uNSWgtAW5Yw/s320/jesus+hugging+girl.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><br />
You will never be interrupted, and you will be enveloped in a warm hug of mercy and grace.<br />
<br />
What will you choose today?<br />
<br />
Chasing After Hearts,<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-49361420480130015022011-11-05T21:39:00.000-04:002011-11-05T21:39:17.196-04:00Becoming A Titus 2 WomanGrowing up, this little girl just wanted to be in the same room with someone.<br />
She could talk non-stop, and just loved being around people.<br />
As she grew, her intellect became so apparent.<br />
In taking a test for gifted youth at Johns Hopkins University, she scored in the top 3% in the nation.<br />
She loved to cook and at by the age of 10, she could plan and prepare a meal for the entire family.<br />
Her love for music began to flourish in her early teens.<br />
The piano and her voice not only filled her home, but also her college, and the church building.<br />
Young children rapidly became her joy and passion as she used her giftedness to teach preschool children in Sunday School.<br />
I watched as this young girl matured into a beautiful young woman who found her prince.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZfPABEveSmRdAU1m86TVab9hn3GCYQTtUMlDcRAeCkY_3YLcFpfECYGL0Xt5LIvfs54qWgf_1X6NL5lvjdHhi_ygG7d34cxHeagOu768LQvB6uW4I2ThOJAqIoq1UBAtbzMbQ5jGcc0/s1600/Tara+bride+oval.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPZfPABEveSmRdAU1m86TVab9hn3GCYQTtUMlDcRAeCkY_3YLcFpfECYGL0Xt5LIvfs54qWgf_1X6NL5lvjdHhi_ygG7d34cxHeagOu768LQvB6uW4I2ThOJAqIoq1UBAtbzMbQ5jGcc0/s320/Tara+bride+oval.jpg" width="222" /></a></div><br />
As she stepped in the role of being a wife, my role in her life was directed by this verse:<br />
<br />
Titus 2<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29897">4</sup> Then they (the older women) can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29898">5</sup> to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. <br />
<br />
I hear over and over today, that young women do not want to be taught anything.<br />
This young women broke that mold.<br />
I feel honored to have been the one who has been called upon to "trian" this wife, and now mother.<br />
<br />
What has even been more exciting, is to watch as she becomes the "older" woman to younger wives and mothers. <br />
<br />
Who is the Godly, honorable, lovely wife and mother described above?<br />
<br />
She is the daughter God gave me twenty-six years ago today.<br />
<br />
Daughters are a blessing, and I thank God everyday for gift he gave me in my oldest daughter.<br />
<br />
Happy Birthday Titus 2 woman, Tara.<br />
<br />
Chasing After Hearts,<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-90903278248676828012011-10-23T20:56:00.000-04:002011-10-23T20:56:05.968-04:00When Trying Hard Just Isn't Good Enough<h3 class="post-title entry-title">I am re-posting this today, simply because it is what is on my heart today, as I have ministered along side of husband in the Kingdom. It was originally titled</h3><h3 class="post-title entry-title">"I Can't Do This On My Own!" Thanks for stopping by today.<br />
</h3><div class="post-header"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9PV1dyssRez7vrqaL68D4j8rvGBuvDFbPS6zAusU-3YNtA4rQbd8aH9qJCgo1WLu6g-etp3gJ_y9wE5DfR5gViIy1dCLCQu7fFKjvwrpJdSE2HgHQ2H2CXmKZ0Iuj2qSSrG1n6ahlpE/s1600-h/sunset-on-pacific-ocean320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9PV1dyssRez7vrqaL68D4j8rvGBuvDFbPS6zAusU-3YNtA4rQbd8aH9qJCgo1WLu6g-etp3gJ_y9wE5DfR5gViIy1dCLCQu7fFKjvwrpJdSE2HgHQ2H2CXmKZ0Iuj2qSSrG1n6ahlpE/s320/sunset-on-pacific-ocean320.jpg" />Enj</a></div><br />
I sat at the beach one Friday in Ocean City, MD. The sun was shining, a cool breeze was blowing and the waves were gently crashing onto the shore. It was just wonderful. I could see water as far as the furthest horizon.<br />
<br />
As I was looking over the ocean it occurred to me that while I am actually a very good swimmer, I would never get very far heading out to swim across it. I would have as much success trying to swim across the Atlantic ocean as I would trying to keep the the covenant of the Law. Remember the Ten Commandments? They are the basis of the Mosaic covenant with God. Take a look:<br />
Exodus 20:1-20<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>And God spoke all these words, saying, </i><br />
<i> "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. </i><br />
<i> "You shall have no other gods before me. </i><br />
<i> "You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. </i><br />
<i> You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the LORD your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, </i><br />
<i> but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments. </i><br />
<i> "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain. </i><br />
<i> "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. </i><br />
<i> Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, </i><br />
<i> but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, you, or your son, or your daughter, your male servant, or your female servant, or your livestock, or the sojourner who is within your gates. </i><br />
<i> For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. </i><br />
<i> "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you. </i><br />
<i> "You shall not murder. </i><br />
<i> "You shall not commit adultery. </i><br />
<i> "You shall not steal. </i><br />
<i> "You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. </i><br />
<i> "You shall not covet your neighbor's house; you shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his male servant, or his female servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor's." </i><br />
<i> Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off </i><br />
<i> and said to Moses, "You speak to us, and we will listen; but do not let God speak to us, lest we die." </i><br />
<i> Moses said to the people, "Do not fear, for God has come to test you, that the fear of him may be before you, that you may not sin." </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">The problem is, no one could keep from breaking these laws, and therefore sinning against God. No one.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Romans 3:23 <i>for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God </i><br />
I might do alright for a little while, then, wham! Just like getting a cramp while swimming, I sin and sink again .<br />
Then I find something kinda scary in Galatians<i>;</i><br />
<i><br />
</i><br />
Galatians 3:10<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Certainly, there is a curse on all who rely on their own efforts to live according to a set of standards because Scripture says, "Whoever doesn't obey everything that is written in Moses' Teachings is cursed." </i></div><div style="text-align: left;">Not only do I have to keep God's commands, but I have to keep all of them. ALL OF THEM. ALL THE TIME. Like swimming across the ocean, it can't be done.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxru4qg_bDCMUob9A7twhy5G635Gwucdwpu0HOcvd7AoT785jd7zBNRBWrnj0WDD2kD222FV7pcbqZ9Ku3G97xqb54OoLsg9xIzQUShkLDGK7wAE6iGQAYIQqcpVLXaPRlQE0ZeBG6pg/s1600-h/swimming320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibxru4qg_bDCMUob9A7twhy5G635Gwucdwpu0HOcvd7AoT785jd7zBNRBWrnj0WDD2kD222FV7pcbqZ9Ku3G97xqb54OoLsg9xIzQUShkLDGK7wAE6iGQAYIQqcpVLXaPRlQE0ZeBG6pg/s320/swimming320.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div>The great thing is that God's grace is bigger than the ocean, and bigger than my sin and inability to keep His law.<br />
<br />
I am glad that the Mosaic covenant was just temporary. It was put in place to prepare God's people for the second covenant. It was there to show us we could not keep it and needed help.<br />
<br />
We needed a Savior. So while we were still enemies of God, His great graciousness sent the only thing that could bridge the gap of the ocean size vastness of our sin, Jesus.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIwfbuOKwR-qSqgpJ3BQJK5U8N2ZY8bnmXUbJAtV9NnOf5C8sQoIV25GLIFyh9FAX9t41cPmo_1rtvfZjGbb31sfMlGGfyti2-n6LAwwWzjy_3rw9AHtVXK6x2WqcliJkNCyMT6qeotg/s1600-h/jesus-carry-cross320.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdIwfbuOKwR-qSqgpJ3BQJK5U8N2ZY8bnmXUbJAtV9NnOf5C8sQoIV25GLIFyh9FAX9t41cPmo_1rtvfZjGbb31sfMlGGfyti2-n6LAwwWzjy_3rw9AHtVXK6x2WqcliJkNCyMT6qeotg/s320/jesus-carry-cross320.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Always remember, God knows you cannot make it on your own in this world. His grace will provide everything you need. You don't (can't) have to go it alone.<br />
<br />
Chase after His Heart!!<br />
<br />
Chasing Their Hearts,<br />
<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-71239219623489059412011-10-22T22:11:00.000-04:002011-10-22T22:11:43.689-04:00A Shepherd For The SheepBaa. Baa. Running here. Running there. Sheep go to and fro, they need to be guided.<br />
I raised sheep when I was a young girl. I love sheep. <br />
I had breeding ewes, meat lambs, and always had babies aound.<br />
<br />
All during my 4H and FFA years, I raised sheep to show and sell. They are great animals.<br />
But something I came to realize, if my sheep got separated from me or the flock, they didn't do well. <br />
Shhh. don't tell anybody I said this, but they weren't blessed with common sense. Some might even say sheep are dumb.<br />
<br />
They REALLY need a shepherd.<br />
<br />
I find it interesting that Jesus calls his people sheep. He himself is our great Shepherd. <br />
But He knew that His sheep, just like the sheep I had growing up, would need a shepherd to guide them as they go through life.<br />
We, like sheep, sometimes lose our way. We wander from the fold. Get into danger. We need help. <br />
<br />
Acts 20<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-27642">28</sup> Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood.<br />
<br />
An Overseer.<br />
An Elder. <br />
A Shepherd.<br />
When you look up that word elder, it is the same word used for shepherd, overseer and bishop. All the same thing. <br />
<br />
A gift from God. A man who has chosen to keep watch over God's flock.<br />
Not an easy job. <br />
Not a job to take lightly.<br />
A job with pretty tough qualifications.<br />
<br />
Titus 1<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29882">5</sup> The reason I left you in Crete was that you might straighten out what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town, as I directed you. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29883">6</sup> An elder must be blameless, the husband of but one wife, a man whose children believe and are not open to the charge of being wild and disobedient. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29884">7</sup> Since an overseer is entrusted with God’s work, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29885">8</sup> Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-29886">9</sup> He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.<br />
<br />
<br />
I love the Shepherds where my husband serves as the senior minister. They are wonderful men who love their sheep. They care about the welfare of the people. They protect their sheep. They correct their sheep.<br />
<br />
I love them all.<br />
<br />
Tomorrow, a dear friend, will be ordained as a Shepherd, Overseer, Elder.<br />
I have watched this man grow and mature in the Lord.<br />
I am excited about his desiring to serve God in this way.<br />
<br />
Adam Snow, I know you will faithfully serve Jesus, and I am blessed to be able to be a part of this special day.<br />
Your new flock will be blessed by your love and guidance.<br />
<br />
I am so thankful God gave the gift of shepherds to the church. I know as a wandering lamb, it is comforting to know that God has men watching over me and making sure no wolves attack!<br />
Baa. Baa. Safe and sound in the fold.<br />
<br />
Chasing After Their Hearts,<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-30214907640333186762011-10-21T23:00:00.000-04:002011-10-21T23:00:27.831-04:00Listening For The WhisperIt seems I am always on the move.<br />
Going somewhere. Talking with somebody. Doing something. <br />
I like being busy. It is comfortable.<br />
What is uncomfortable is silence. Stillness. Solitude.<br />
And yet that is exactly what I need to hear God. To talk to God. To grow closer to God.<br />
<br />
<br />
I see this with Elijah.<br />
<br />
<br />
I Kings 19:11-13<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-9399">11</sup> The LORD said, “Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the LORD, for the LORD is about to pass by.” <br />
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-9400">12</sup> After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-9401">13</sup> When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave. <br />
Then a voice said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” <br />
<br />
God was not in all the loudness. He was not in the mighty power of the wind. He was not in the heat of a roaring fire. <br />
He was in the whisper. The quiet. <br />
It was there Elijah could here the question from God, " What are you doing here Elijah?"<br />
<br />
It is when I find the time to spend listening to God through His Word, I will be able to here the answer to WHY I am here, and WHAT God wants me to do.<br />
<br />
Far too often I find myself in a place I don't need to be, and I need to make time to get away from all the craziness of this world, and hear God ask, <br />
<br />
"What are you doing here Glenda?"<br />
<br />
It will be the only way I can get my walk back on track, when the busyness has taken me away. <br />
Quiet. Stillness. Solitude.<br />
<br />
Listening for the whisper.<br />
<br />
Chasing After Hearts,<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-90471909667237200042011-10-20T21:46:00.000-04:002011-10-20T21:46:09.032-04:00Trust What?It was just a dictation.<br />
My son's Language Arts curriculum uses a dictation exercise each week.<br />
There is usually two from the novel he is reading and two from scriptures that apply to the theme currently going on in his novel.<br />
Much to his dismay, his novel is Pride and Prejudice.<br />
<br />
What can you expect, he is a 15yo guy!<br />
<br />
The two scriptures were both familiar ones from Proverbs and 1Corinthians.<br />
When I do a dictation, I read it completely through, then I read sentence by sentence, then I read it through one last time in its entirety.<br />
<br />
It was on the second time through that I was Gibbs smacked upside my head by the Holy Spirit.<br />
<br />
This was the passage:<br />
1 Corinthians 13<br />
<br />
<sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28654">4</sup> Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28655">5</sup> It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28656">6</sup> Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-28657">7</sup> It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.<br />
<br />
It was here that the Holy Spirit Gibb slapped the back of my head:<br />
<br />
<strong><em><span class="font-size-6">always trusts</span></em></strong><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="font-size-3">Really? ALWAYS? TRUSTS?</span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="font-size-3">But always trusts WHAT?</span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="font-size-3">Or better yet, WHO?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="font-size-3">And what about those who have violated my trust.</span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="font-size-3">How about that person who has cheated me and done me wrong?</span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="font-size-3">Then there is that one person who is seeking to destroy me life.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="font-size-3">Whew, surely God does not mean them after all, those people are my enemies.</span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="font-size-3">I can get to where I can love and trust my friends, and MOST of my family, but those others, I should be ok not trusting them, because they have not earned my trust, or have lost it. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="font-size-3">Right?</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="font-size-3">Matthew 5</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-23278">43</sup> “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’</span> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-23279">44</sup> But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,</span> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-23280">45</sup> that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.</span> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-23281">46</sup> If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that?</span> <span class="woj"><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV1984-23282">47</sup> And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="woj">OUCH! Gibbs slapped one more time!</span><br />
<span class="woj"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="woj"> Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,</span><span class="woj"> that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="woj"><span class="font-size-3">I see the word LOVE. The Corinthians passage above says love always trusts.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="woj"><span class="font-size-3">The Matthew passage says to love your enemy. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="woj"><span class="font-size-3">As I look at these two passages, I will readily admit, I am struggling. </span></span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="woj"><span class="font-size-3">I can come up with numerous reasons to explain away the command to love and trust someone who has hurt me.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="woj"><span class="font-size-3">I can even find some Scripture, (Taken out of context) to back up my RIGHT to not trust someone.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="woj"><span class="font-size-3">But, I cannot get away from the fact I am called to love my enemies, and truly loving my enemies must include trust because , "Love always trusts".</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="woj"><span class="font-size-3">I am wrestling with God on this one.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="woj"><span class="font-size-3">I understand what God wants me to do, now to trust that the Holy Spirit to teach my heart how to do this!</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="woj"><span class="font-size-3">Chasing After Hearts,</span></span></span><br />
<span class="font-size-6"><span class="woj"><span class="font-size-3">Glenda Johnson</span></span></span>Glendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-51445857324409016012011-10-19T16:04:00.000-04:002011-10-19T16:04:45.582-04:00The Beauty in Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAdEvezZzLU01IT2mYWB3liyNM72U9Cbc4O5-6IlOC7WUFW57aHAbB3XKc5gA_0BO4lIwX1e89uS4tBCNJP7Bdpb0wNB_5X6VbR9GmcPUMkIeIhTrZQWJ_oG4ccnEKi2GGAZpzaK3ZUs/s1600/Fall+trees+road.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicAdEvezZzLU01IT2mYWB3liyNM72U9Cbc4O5-6IlOC7WUFW57aHAbB3XKc5gA_0BO4lIwX1e89uS4tBCNJP7Bdpb0wNB_5X6VbR9GmcPUMkIeIhTrZQWJ_oG4ccnEKi2GGAZpzaK3ZUs/s320/Fall+trees+road.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>I love Fall. <br />
I love the trees and the brilliant colors that I see everyday.<br />
I love my friend Sandy.<br />
She does not like Fall.<br />
As Fall comes, she knows that the dead barren trees and coldness of winter are right around the corner. I believe she grieves the trees losing their leaves and becoming dreary and barren.<br />
I think about her almost daily, and wish that I could impart my love for this time of year to her.<br />
This blog is for her. This week, I have seen Fall very differently, and hope to get her to see things differently.<br />
It actually started with a viewing last week of a beautiful Christian woman who went to be with Jesus. <br />
She was 93 years old. As I looked into the casket, her shell that was lying there, had a smile.<br />
I began to think how beautiful that was. <br />
Death, beautiful?<br />
Yes. Death CAN be beautiful.<br />
Let me explain.<br />
When we give our life to Jesus, we choose to die to sin.<br />
The death of sin in our lives. That is a beautiful thing. <br />
If we have died to sin, then when the time comes for physical death, <br />
then beauty for all eternity comes.<br />
Only after we leave this life and enter eternity, will we really know what beauty is.<br />
But, we must pass through that gateway of death to reach it.<br />
So, there is beauty in death,<br />
IF you are in Christ.<br />
So, as I see the trees, and see the leaves changing colors, watch as the glorious colors shine, as the leaves DIE,<br />
I think about the Christian walk.<br />
If I choose to die to sin, I choose a beautiful life while I am here,<br />
which will lead to a beautiful life eternal when all my leaves finishing falling to the ground, for the very last time.<br />
Death of those leaves makes me hunger for my life that will begin when the season of Fall is over.<br />
Sandy, think of eternal life when you see the leaves falling and know, that one day, in the season of Fall, heaven will be on the other side!<br />
I love you!<br />
<br />
Chasing After Hearts,<br />
<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-57909721975319940842011-10-18T17:06:00.000-04:002011-10-18T17:06:08.164-04:00Always in a Hurry!It started about 5am twenty-seven years ago. <br />
A few contractions, the mucus plug, and then I knew. <br />
Today would be the day.<br />
Almost a month early, but today, never the less. <br />
But, wait, I wasn't ready.<br />
So, I got up, did all the laundry.<br />
Then I went shopping for the things I still needed. <br />
Took my 2 year old to the sitter, and I was almost ready. <br />
My husband, who was a paramedic student at the time, stopped by his office at the ambulance company to let them know what was going on.<br />
After convincing all the medics there I REALLY did not want them to deliver the baby, off to the hospital we went. <br />
6pm. Contractions continued.<br />
I went to the hospital before most people would because, I had my first baby, who was almost 10lbs in less than 2 hours and I did not want to deliver at home!<br />
6:30pm, Nurse: "It is going to be awhile, I think I am going to send you out, go have dinner, go shopping, and come back later tonight."<br />
Me and Hubby (In unison): "This baby will be born on the street!"<br />
7pm Nurse: " I will let you stay for an hour and then I will insist that you go."<br />
7:45pm Me: "Go get the nurse! I have to push!"<br />
7:55pm Nurse gloving up, (she did not think the doctor needed to be call yet): " Don't push! Don't push! The doctor isn't here yet!"<br />
8pm (as the dr is walking into the room) Me: "I am pushing NOW!"<br />
8:05pm William Ray Johnson was born. <br />
My second son.<br />
The doctor held him up and looked at him and promptly said,"The plumbing works!" As he went to change his scrubs that were just peed on!<br />
Twenty-seven years.<br />
They go by fast. Really fast.<br />
Now that same little, red, born early boy, still amazes his mom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFVgRIbawqdEgrY7YuaegvFOOpzs2Q1kpBjzVdmqmV-LAiBTvk0UL4KpXa08MUOqUpNF18-O08OXHgHd76znxAF424xy14NixM452mIdGVpgkLHTKfjnO0sz1IBYj5AoShIOQBPmzufA/s1600/Billy+and+fam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFVgRIbawqdEgrY7YuaegvFOOpzs2Q1kpBjzVdmqmV-LAiBTvk0UL4KpXa08MUOqUpNF18-O08OXHgHd76znxAF424xy14NixM452mIdGVpgkLHTKfjnO0sz1IBYj5AoShIOQBPmzufA/s320/Billy+and+fam.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Grown up, with a family of his own, making me proud everyday.<br />
A preacher, teacher, lover of people, and passionate about the Kingdom of God.<br />
He was in a hurry to born, and today, he is in a hurry to get people connected to Jesus.<br />
I love you Billy. <br />
Everyday you look less like me, <br />
and more like Jesus!<br />
<br />
Chasing After Their Hearts,<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-29481468954490084862011-10-17T19:50:00.000-04:002011-10-17T19:50:54.274-04:00Overflowing Joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl1D6xkWQBlvmqaF-FNzvqLD-cGwpDJ41oAjtGk4JzZ3DAMJgiKS1NNa94I1VXyBTUCCNV93ex8VS7KMuHLNUq_xW_iZvktj3ET-aRBpqRwNNhs3XKUrxfQQZDjSBBcLCihLJUURQwJ0/s1600/Ravens+Stadium.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwl1D6xkWQBlvmqaF-FNzvqLD-cGwpDJ41oAjtGk4JzZ3DAMJgiKS1NNa94I1VXyBTUCCNV93ex8VS7KMuHLNUq_xW_iZvktj3ET-aRBpqRwNNhs3XKUrxfQQZDjSBBcLCihLJUURQwJ0/s320/Ravens+Stadium.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">It is football season. I love football. I am a home team girl through and through!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPMu_0HPyengXJvpCjZ7_sc-LpXUsHfgpNoPYGZFuSzhJnmc_-ZXudojx6FSn6SwtyhJbEDne_4LG6KQCAve2taXv7CAUZKwGl1cuKup5Ey4VO3I03ikXtjh3xeLl2uJGUvswZNurZ9I/s1600/Ravens+Logo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAPMu_0HPyengXJvpCjZ7_sc-LpXUsHfgpNoPYGZFuSzhJnmc_-ZXudojx6FSn6SwtyhJbEDne_4LG6KQCAve2taXv7CAUZKwGl1cuKup5Ey4VO3I03ikXtjh3xeLl2uJGUvswZNurZ9I/s320/Ravens+Logo.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Go Ravens!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-1l4SjOIKAh5cU*xLxtbeBkEXDqUh0*ZKqzm2WodOHx58pWrBjxe7*pQVk5DSSKq2R2tDkRRgQLkLHywr2VuIQ__/GilesSpartans.jpg" href="http://api.ning.com/files/-1l4SjOIKAh5cU*xLxtbeBkEXDqUh0*ZKqzm2WodOHx58pWrBjxe7*pQVk5DSSKq2R2tDkRRgQLkLHywr2VuIQ__/GilesSpartans.jpg" target="_self"><img _mce_src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/-1l4SjOIKAh5cU*xLxtbeBkEXDqUh0*ZKqzm2WodOHx58pWrBjxe7*pQVk5DSSKq2R2tDkRRgQLkLHywr2VuIQ__/GilesSpartans.jpg" class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com/files/-1l4SjOIKAh5cU*xLxtbeBkEXDqUh0*ZKqzm2WodOHx58pWrBjxe7*pQVk5DSSKq2R2tDkRRgQLkLHywr2VuIQ__/GilesSpartans.jpg" width="145" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Go Giles Spartans!!! Local High School team; Our kids are home schooled!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiy-73-2j6mHok3ogwHxO7MrEF8CpzsJfn4H2Vslfv_5IRCCcQQkuGSxnuea9dPo39ETQ2M9Y11rEe2Y5Nm1iBJHkBjiZPMjt34w1DENFbGLz3AvLWWbZS_6TBIffVJKh5NmeJmY6aF4k/s1600/AZ+cardinals+logo.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiy-73-2j6mHok3ogwHxO7MrEF8CpzsJfn4H2Vslfv_5IRCCcQQkuGSxnuea9dPo39ETQ2M9Y11rEe2Y5Nm1iBJHkBjiZPMjt34w1DENFbGLz3AvLWWbZS_6TBIffVJKh5NmeJmY6aF4k/s320/AZ+cardinals+logo.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">And unless they are playing the Ravens: Go Cardinals! (I was born and raised in AZ, what can I say!) </div><br />
But My 9yo son, Noah, he LOVES LOVES LOVES football. Right now, every move he makes in the house is a football play. Most every conversation has game stats from some game he has watched in the last week. He can explain, with enthusiasm, the play of the game that was the pinnacle of that game.<br />
<br />
Which is interesting.<br />
<br />
He doesn't play the game in an organized sport.<br />
<br />
Until a year ago when I took him to a Easton Warriors High School game, he had never seen a live game.<br />
<br />
SO why the passion for the game? Why does joy just pour out of him while watching football?<br />
<br />
I have been really enjoying watching my joyful son. And pondering his attitude.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFlTnqK0xSAIJHT-CjanbZSg0qm8RY6GZDaBoKQ1no1RffIs79kUCVpYbrSyK5i7KLxShuFoyoPZM1sPgv-JDRCiDDjPe-3veSI1U9puY0ATPFc0vqjP_MP0B82Jix3ZdgvXd0tTBUO8/s1600/Football+Noah.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQFlTnqK0xSAIJHT-CjanbZSg0qm8RY6GZDaBoKQ1no1RffIs79kUCVpYbrSyK5i7KLxShuFoyoPZM1sPgv-JDRCiDDjPe-3veSI1U9puY0ATPFc0vqjP_MP0B82Jix3ZdgvXd0tTBUO8/s320/Football+Noah.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is what I have observed:<br />
My son always has a song and beat going. He is always, and I mean always singing. 90% of the time it is what most would label as "worship" songs. But he really likes Dan Smith parodies.(http://www.whitedj.com) He just SINGS!! Or he is dancing to a beat that can only be heard in his head.<br />
<br />
It was while I saw him dancing that it hit me.<br />
<br />
The song he was hearing in his head that caused him to dance, was actually,<br />
IN HIS HEART!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>Psa 71:23 </b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b>My lips will sing with joy when I make music to praise you. My soul, which you have rescued, also will sing joyfully.</b></i></div><br />
My son finds overwhelming joy in football, because the joy is already there!<br />
He is a joyful child.<br />
(except with food, he is a picky eater. He has grown into being more joyful with that too!) <br />
<br />
When you have a heart that is filled with joy, it spills out in everything you do. I see this with my son so wonderfully. He sings while he does his school work. He sings while he does his chores. He sings while he is playing.<br />
All the time.<br />
His joy spills out!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Matthew 18:3</i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.</i></b></div><br />
This verse has always been very meaningful. I love the fact that we are to become like the children, not make them into stuffy adults!<br />
<br />
I think , that as I watch my boy, I have glimpse of what Jesus meant when He said it. Jesus saw joy in little children.<br />
<br />
Why this joy?<br />
<br />
They have very few cares in this world. They don't worry where the next meal is coming from. They trust it will be there when they are hungry.<br />
<br />
They don't worry about where they will sleep. They know where their bed is. They trust that it will be there waiting at bedtime.<br />
<br />
They don't worry about what they will wear. Clothes are in the drawer<br />
<br />
We have been given a life of hope, security, love, and an eternity with King Jesus, who, died for us! Why are we not singing, dancing and overflowing with joy every moment of our lives?<br />
<br />
Could it be we lack trust in our "Father"?<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>Matthew 6:25-34 </i></b></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><i>"Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? </i></b><b><i>And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? </i></b><b><i>And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, </i></b><b><i>yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. </i></b><b><i>But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? </i></b><b><i>Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' </i></b><b><i>For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. </i></b><b><i>But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. </i></b><b><i>"Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. </i></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will choose today, to trust and live in the abundant joy that Jesus has called us to!</div><div style="text-align: center;">This song helps me to remember this very fact!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4iydPKpz8E&feature=related">Trading My Sorrows</a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
By the way, I just secured tickets for the Ravens vs Jaguars game next Monday. Joy is definitely overflowing in my house this very minute! <br />
<br />
Chasing After Their Hearts,<br />
<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-48951348167721945882011-10-16T22:48:00.000-04:002011-10-16T22:48:38.693-04:00Goal For The WeekAfter being challenged from the Word of God today, <br />
Roman 12:4-8;<br />
This thought came to my mind;<br />
If I am part of the Body of Christ;<br />
And I am;<br />
Then how can I serve with the gifts I have been given?<br />
My goal this week;<br />
Use who God created me to be;<br />
So I can build up the Body;<br />
And allow the Grace of God to flow through me.<br />
What are YOU doing this week?<br />
<br />
Chasing After Hearts,<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-76673420087103264732011-10-15T22:14:00.000-04:002011-10-15T22:14:57.146-04:00"I'll Whisper It"There is a Homecoming Dance tonight. <br />
I asked a young woman if she was going. <br />
After a resounding "NO!" I was a bit confused. <br />
<br />
She has a boyfriend.<br />
She is popular.<br />
She has the ability to have a dress. <br />
<br />
So I asked why. <br />
<br />
<br />
She hesitated to give the reason for her skipping out on a very important event in the life of a high school. girl.<br />
<br />
I did not push for her answer, but she said, "I could tell you the reason, but it is inappropriate. But, if you want, I could whisper it in your ear."<br />
<br />
I said I would love to hear her reason for not going to the dance. <br />
What I heard blew my mind.<br />
And made my heart jump out of my chest.<br />
It also caused me look at this young woman with a new found respect.<br />
<br />
Her reason?<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">" I don't like to have sex with my clothes on."</span><br />
<br />
WOW! <br />
She chose to stay away from something that she knew would have behaviors that she as a Christian young woman would be uncomfortable with. This is not a statement against dancing. Or even going to this particular dance.<br />
<br />
It is however, a statement on standing for WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU INDIVIDUALLY.<br />
<br />
Praise God for her strong convictions and not being willing to give in to peer pressure!<br />
<br />
And by the way, I informed her that her response was AWESOME not inappropriate!<br />
I can't wait to tell her mom what a great job she has done instilling Godly values in her daughter.<br />
<br />
Helps me remember that the time I invest in my own precious daughter is so important.<br />
<br />
I challenge all the mommas out there to treasure and care for the beautiful gifts God has given them!<br />
<br />
Chasing After Their Hearts,<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-32372162675729349362011-10-14T22:46:00.000-04:002011-10-14T22:46:14.867-04:00A Feeling Of Belonging Beyond The WallsA parade.<br />
A smiling young young woman marches by with a flag.<br />
A football game.<br />
A senior making big plays on the field.<br />
A smiling, proud momma sitting in the bleachers.<br />
Homecoming at the local high school.<br />
A feeling of belonging in our new community.<br />
Celebrating with these members of our new congregation beyond the church walls.<br />
Priceless.<br />
<br />
Chasing After Their Hearts,<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-78455516512779335052011-10-13T22:40:00.000-04:002011-10-13T22:40:34.786-04:00A Vessel of GraceTonight at our ladies Bible Study tonight we looked at the story of the "Prodigal Son" found in the book of Luke.<br />
I was amazed at the openness of the beautiful ladies of our group. <a _mce_href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Hq7T*VHqa0LfXVFFhPZm92v96ucDPw9nDEGc8ax6Qk6P7hC4c6T0nPorgUjUkYMXWHl4DpM7kx*nmxwzyg69aA__/The_prodigal_son.png" href="http://api.ning.com/files/Hq7T*VHqa0LfXVFFhPZm92v96ucDPw9nDEGc8ax6Qk6P7hC4c6T0nPorgUjUkYMXWHl4DpM7kx*nmxwzyg69aA__/The_prodigal_son.png" target="_self"><img _mce_src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/Hq7T*VHqa0LfXVFFhPZm92v96ucDPw9nDEGc8ax6Qk6P7hC4c6T0nPorgUjUkYMXWHl4DpM7kx*nmxwzyg69aA__/The_prodigal_son.png" class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/Hq7T*VHqa0LfXVFFhPZm92v96ucDPw9nDEGc8ax6Qk6P7hC4c6T0nPorgUjUkYMXWHl4DpM7kx*nmxwzyg69aA__/The_prodigal_son.png" width="600" /></a><br />
We all realized that we can be so much like the older brother in the story.<br />
It boils down to lacking grace.<br />
Grace.<br />
The gift of God that cost Jesus His life.<br />
Grace.<br />
The gift God longs to lavish on us.<br />
Grace.<br />
You cannot say you understand and accept Grace, unless<br />
Grace flows from God'<br />
through you,<br />
to others.<br />
My beautiful, honest, authentic women came to the conclusion <br />
that while we might be like the younger son and walk away from God sometimes,<br />
and we might be like the older brother and be judgmental and unforgiving sometimes,<br />
our heart's desire is to be like the father in the story.<a _mce_href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/MmcEgHQvNORPO6WsasDBHsAStv8k1OLDIUfQLGpzUsOBRQAv57Idg7PRuneO3PRGvyiX11eDbnDtph07*1x*CQ__/graceandgreatness1pic.png" href="http://api.ning.com/files/MmcEgHQvNORPO6WsasDBHsAStv8k1OLDIUfQLGpzUsOBRQAv57Idg7PRuneO3PRGvyiX11eDbnDtph07*1x*CQ__/graceandgreatness1pic.png" target="_self"><img _mce_src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/MmcEgHQvNORPO6WsasDBHsAStv8k1OLDIUfQLGpzUsOBRQAv57Idg7PRuneO3PRGvyiX11eDbnDtph07*1x*CQ__/graceandgreatness1pic.png" class="align-left" src="http://api.ning.com/files/MmcEgHQvNORPO6WsasDBHsAStv8k1OLDIUfQLGpzUsOBRQAv57Idg7PRuneO3PRGvyiX11eDbnDtph07*1x*CQ__/graceandgreatness1pic.png" width="400" /></a><br />
To have grace flow from who we are in Christ to ALL we come in contact with.<br />
<br />
I choose today to be a vessel of grace, and to pour grace out on everyone I come in contact with, so that I can be like my Father.<br />
<br />
Chasing After Their Hearts,Glendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-19998422170623616912011-10-12T20:42:00.000-04:002011-10-12T20:42:14.144-04:00Being A Crown<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><br />
</h3><div class="post-header"> </div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuWuFI_hkXeS4FjmM3hirN_ARtKHRE96SgEFzEmRuj36_x9HWADST7p9j1lDD906kg9XoLGW7n9qGe0GuvLAKoLrIVF1IEvaCi23cQKqrm-gE5mL77cGx0F7k8FqZO0WBwF5nXpDz_a8/s1600-h/Crown.gif" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTuWuFI_hkXeS4FjmM3hirN_ARtKHRE96SgEFzEmRuj36_x9HWADST7p9j1lDD906kg9XoLGW7n9qGe0GuvLAKoLrIVF1IEvaCi23cQKqrm-gE5mL77cGx0F7k8FqZO0WBwF5nXpDz_a8/s320/Crown.gif" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
I like crowns. Ever since I was a little girl, I knew crowns were good. Princesses and queens have crowns when you a little girl. The homecoming queen has a crown when you are a young woman. Miss America has crown when you are a woman. Crowns are good!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEsMV1aC0gK_JaxvPQiQXzaWlz9siIvyHucQFEeRfvtMDfCDXYyNKDRH1Ue5OJ8_XGqPwUR6qWnA4qNmkN84hvnbnlCwyH1AXoA2Fk9X_PxsxorsYs-IZo8zwm5Z-fIp8_toqilK2_CU/s1600-h/Princess+crown.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjEsMV1aC0gK_JaxvPQiQXzaWlz9siIvyHucQFEeRfvtMDfCDXYyNKDRH1Ue5OJ8_XGqPwUR6qWnA4qNmkN84hvnbnlCwyH1AXoA2Fk9X_PxsxorsYs-IZo8zwm5Z-fIp8_toqilK2_CU/s320/Princess+crown.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRLc90mKUkVqDImMeWsYFRsK-yPYex40yP1m6rQCCXVtVoi_zllNDOXbIQlu6gMUGWvXAkWf_yOaVeP_i1LCd9YMfegJDSfWHUD6TimEotuExSxmeENxfl9WlVNcEBC9O4RgAca1mxKw/s1600-h/Homecoming+queen+crown.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXRLc90mKUkVqDImMeWsYFRsK-yPYex40yP1m6rQCCXVtVoi_zllNDOXbIQlu6gMUGWvXAkWf_yOaVeP_i1LCd9YMfegJDSfWHUD6TimEotuExSxmeENxfl9WlVNcEBC9O4RgAca1mxKw/s320/Homecoming+queen+crown.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro2VKNDmlrL5uJpP-X3rEKINXnH0gIiMKMdzB9Yx4r_bmrFh-GW2nqf9VkPJMfjYRZyk32bJZYFp6gsQ8m1tw18vb9OoIhgY45sSQLgV8xmDuPNj-fMlINoQQAUQppxhwQtEQO4TRRRk/s1600-h/Beauty+pagent+crown.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgro2VKNDmlrL5uJpP-X3rEKINXnH0gIiMKMdzB9Yx4r_bmrFh-GW2nqf9VkPJMfjYRZyk32bJZYFp6gsQ8m1tw18vb9OoIhgY45sSQLgV8xmDuPNj-fMlINoQQAUQppxhwQtEQO4TRRRk/s320/Beauty+pagent+crown.jpg" /></a></div><br />
My granddaughter and I play with crowns all the time. She ALLOWS me to wear a crown and be royalty WITH her. We RULE when we wear a crown.<br />
Truth be told, crowns are beautiful. Given the chance to pretend , I would even want to be a shiny, diamond and ruby, silver, beautiful crown.<br />
<br />
Crowns are worn by important people, and are the sign of honor.<br />
Be careful what you wish for, you just might get it.<br />
<br />
Proverbs 12:4 A wife with strength of character is the crown of her husband, but the wife who disgraces him is like bone cancer. (GW)<br />
<br />
I can be a crown!!!!! But I can also be cancer.<br />
<br />
Oh stink!<br />
<br />
As I was reading today, I realized my character determines whether I am a crown to my my husband or I am a cancer to my husband.<br />
<br />
I must confess, as people tell me what a "good preacher's wife" I am, my mind wanders back to a day a few years ago when someone didn't think so.<br />
<br />
Me.<br />
<br />
I mishandled something. I did something that was not right. Not on purpose, or with the blatant intent to deceive, but wrong still the same. My husband , being the Godly man that he is, stepped in the gap for me. He took the brunt of the the wronged person's anger.<br />
<br />
One line that person said still rings loud and clear in my head.<br />
<br />
" And you are supposed to be a man of the cloth!"<br />
<br />
I was devastated. My lack of of a wise choice, purposeful or not, gave my husband's reputation a black mark. God too, in this person's mind.<br />
<br />
It was a wake up call for me. My character directly reflects on my husband. I need to make sure I am being the Godly woman that God created me to be. My sin does not only affect me. It could give my husband spiritual "cancer".<br />
<br />
I would rather be a shiny, diamond filled crown on his head! It is more beautiful, and less painful than cancer.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8I7FQAXnUZ6ShLXWFBqUQHTjiW5jVcyNGJLPB9pYowxuSgnJI_iE7r_LLod5uJudVmaFBNUSVPn6jioyWWvkEn4rkghT7kbgzhAK8rCB12h51bG94F0DSC4Q2gNIcwc4PwOkNnq8JhK4/s1600-h/King.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8I7FQAXnUZ6ShLXWFBqUQHTjiW5jVcyNGJLPB9pYowxuSgnJI_iE7r_LLod5uJudVmaFBNUSVPn6jioyWWvkEn4rkghT7kbgzhAK8rCB12h51bG94F0DSC4Q2gNIcwc4PwOkNnq8JhK4/s320/King.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
So here's to forgiveness and grace. To making sure my character reflects honor for God and for my husband. They both deserve my very best.<br />
<br />
How about you? have you thought about your actions of today, this week, this year?<br />
<br />
Be a crown, it is the way to Chase After Their Hearts!<br />
<br />
<br />
Chasing After Their Hearts,<br />
<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-77462951888220776042011-10-11T21:30:00.001-04:002011-10-11T21:32:33.660-04:00Gentle Reminder<a _mce_href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/4Txx8zASKEY8FLv9vZpi8UFnbM4KMrEhsiQSrJS80RyGJNFBxs-nMnS0e5nOhhk-5*eYLiObhuHa2ZdAqRXXMg__/falltrees.jpeg" href="http://api.ning.com/files/4Txx8zASKEY8FLv9vZpi8UFnbM4KMrEhsiQSrJS80RyGJNFBxs-nMnS0e5nOhhk-5*eYLiObhuHa2ZdAqRXXMg__/falltrees.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_self"><img _mce_src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/4Txx8zASKEY8FLv9vZpi8UFnbM4KMrEhsiQSrJS80RyGJNFBxs-nMnS0e5nOhhk-5*eYLiObhuHa2ZdAqRXXMg__/falltrees.jpeg" class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/4Txx8zASKEY8FLv9vZpi8UFnbM4KMrEhsiQSrJS80RyGJNFBxs-nMnS0e5nOhhk-5*eYLiObhuHa2ZdAqRXXMg__/falltrees.jpeg" width="263" /></a>I was driving through the West Virginia Mountains today and the color that was radiating from the trees took my breath away.<br />
<br />
I literally was overcome by the beauty that was all around me.<br />
<br />
As I stopped and gazed at all the colors, I prayed a prayer of thanks to Almighty God.<br />
<br />
I wondered if there was anything that God created that was as beautiful as the tree covered mountains I was intently fixing all of my attention on.<br />
<br />
Then that sweet, small voice of the Holy Spirit whispered to my heart.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">"Yes. There is something that has beauty beyond compare. Something that is so ravishing,</div><div style="text-align: center;">it makes all the colors of this mountain dim and fade to nothing." </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://api.ning.com/files/zU7lqhWogFsKkPGSrwSlqva-Tqiy4227scQ3d1yDEANvOohmr2NLPFI7oVgQHguAyhg5wo2NxaVAftSgZKoD-w__/crowdoffaces.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_self"><img class="align-center" height="320" src="http://api.ning.com/files/zU7lqhWogFsKkPGSrwSlqva-Tqiy4227scQ3d1yDEANvOohmr2NLPFI7oVgQHguAyhg5wo2NxaVAftSgZKoD-w__/crowdoffaces.jpg?width=346" width="305" /></a></div><br />
"My Image Bearers". <br />
<br />
As beautiful as the trees and mountains are, God did not create them in His image.<br />
Jesus did not die for them.<br />
The Holy Spirit does not take residence in them.<br />
<br />
A gentle reminder from God to find real beauty <br />
in the people around me.<br />
<br />
Chasing After Their Hearts,<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-71339010571242214892011-10-10T20:23:00.000-04:002011-10-10T20:23:25.803-04:00Get Off That Fence!<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-4090879174014071591"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtOjMYbDMNCVj4WmlNd7ZE211PrTY1s5J4Fqbxj9op10QsOkwILvLPxXvMbI7Gpqew4DLlA5rePiOwH67OCIgPzYE8meyC9TCD2xAF0KUWBzjXSF0CMs3SM9QKIb32cvRCZqohMF0NSw/s1600/fence.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwtOjMYbDMNCVj4WmlNd7ZE211PrTY1s5J4Fqbxj9op10QsOkwILvLPxXvMbI7Gpqew4DLlA5rePiOwH67OCIgPzYE8meyC9TCD2xAF0KUWBzjXSF0CMs3SM9QKIb32cvRCZqohMF0NSw/s1600/fence.jpeg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Have you ever sat on a fence? I mean a real fence. One that separates two yards? It is hard to sit there and not fall off. Depending on how the fence is constructed, it is a difficult task to keep your balance. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LTUEXk7TJ_YTZ13zYM0MHgDGeEFvQ4JMn3LUks0uPjt9iPcTF4jJdGZ844ynBm3BUgrp-Q0xoqDWDYqYS3WZTQtXT7BboVj3GMl3Gj0pCFT0US7AF3vcF_atJKvSaxzmkTiFnTyH6KY/s1600/woman+on+fence.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0LTUEXk7TJ_YTZ13zYM0MHgDGeEFvQ4JMn3LUks0uPjt9iPcTF4jJdGZ844ynBm3BUgrp-Q0xoqDWDYqYS3WZTQtXT7BboVj3GMl3Gj0pCFT0US7AF3vcF_atJKvSaxzmkTiFnTyH6KY/s1600/woman+on+fence.jpeg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b> </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><b><br />
</b></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfy2AGpxd5lNpH5UmaOxXiAGMPlsun6qRfBTuNAtyR_kqR79ffkEek7f9qvwSrfj3hgogBiyJhENYcM4QBAuZZgnRgLoTayDPry1GZjtaJTloPRaqYAilLPv-5x30AR2KlT2IP3w_r7Y/s1600/old-pig-pen.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPfy2AGpxd5lNpH5UmaOxXiAGMPlsun6qRfBTuNAtyR_kqR79ffkEek7f9qvwSrfj3hgogBiyJhENYcM4QBAuZZgnRgLoTayDPry1GZjtaJTloPRaqYAilLPv-5x30AR2KlT2IP3w_r7Y/s320/old-pig-pen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">When you fall off the fence, you never quite know which side you will end up landing on. Which could be a problem. Especially if there is a ferocious dog on one side. Or a neighbors yard, with a neighbor who doesn't like trespassers. Or a big mud pit with pigs. Get the picture?</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-6491">Joshua 24:14-15 </sup></b></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><b><sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-6491">14</sup> “Now fear the LORD and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. <sup class="versenum" id="en-NIV-6492">15</sup> But if serving the LORD seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.” </b></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Joshua told the people of his day, they needed to get off the fence they were sitting on. Choose whom they wanted to serve, because they could not balance on the fence and serve God and the false gods of the land. Make a choice he says. Or you will end up falling off the fence where you don't want to be.</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;">The same thing applies to us today. Do you find yourself sitting on a fence. One foot dangling on the side of the world and the other on the side of the Lord? You must make a choice. You WILL fall off of that fence, probably because the world will push you down, and you will not like the pit on that side you fall into. You, me, everyone MUST make a choice. We need to make it today. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Throw away the false gods of this world and serve Jesus. Even if that is not the choice others make. We must serve the Lord. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbaSf7qVNxLBm3YGHpwdo8zZdWfTnkgX8q3SDxSQ6QNl0oEazMjsnE62zGINEH81Sfj4UAMqvzj_07HDUstwVLFBQuBhPox32vYDf2YRVITrNHG2LTGKiKpfJJhxU1MRF_oVebJYw4ig/s1600/sitting+on+fence+prohibited.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTbaSf7qVNxLBm3YGHpwdo8zZdWfTnkgX8q3SDxSQ6QNl0oEazMjsnE62zGINEH81Sfj4UAMqvzj_07HDUstwVLFBQuBhPox32vYDf2YRVITrNHG2LTGKiKpfJJhxU1MRF_oVebJYw4ig/s1600/sitting+on+fence+prohibited.jpeg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">By the way, not choosing is a choice. You have chosen the world by default if you don't choose the Lord. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">So, as for me and my household, there will be NO FENCE SITTING! We will serve the Lord.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Chasing After Their Hearts,</div><div style="text-align: left;">Glenda Johnson</div></div>Glendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-15792544393854746702011-10-09T20:43:00.000-04:002011-10-09T20:43:25.410-04:00Thankful You Agree With Me<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a _mce_href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/e9fCwJJg--CclVvXNJ1A7gmkfWIq6UlqOXBNUfH7DSCRASf5XykKNEZoDd2EBIl8IQIJBoLlFS*gTdYou3DxOw__/glendaandlarry.jpg" href="http://api.ning.com/files/e9fCwJJg--CclVvXNJ1A7gmkfWIq6UlqOXBNUfH7DSCRASf5XykKNEZoDd2EBIl8IQIJBoLlFS*gTdYou3DxOw__/glendaandlarry.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_self"><img _mce_src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/e9fCwJJg--CclVvXNJ1A7gmkfWIq6UlqOXBNUfH7DSCRASf5XykKNEZoDd2EBIl8IQIJBoLlFS*gTdYou3DxOw__/glendaandlarry.jpg" class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com/files/e9fCwJJg--CclVvXNJ1A7gmkfWIq6UlqOXBNUfH7DSCRASf5XykKNEZoDd2EBIl8IQIJBoLlFS*gTdYou3DxOw__/glendaandlarry.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>When my husband retired from the State Police he was offered many jobs. He was an expert witness in many things. The opportunity to make a six figure income was right in front of him.<br />
<br />
It never even crossed his mind to do anything but go into full time preaching ministry. <br />
He had been preaching as a fill in for many churches for ten years.<br />
<br />
A wrestling match between my husband and God had been going on for years.<br />
He had two reasons to not leave his full time job to pursue the ministry. <br />
#1- Insurance Benefits<br />
#2- paying for children's college<br />
<br />
God answered those excuses. You see, when he had to retire because he had back surgery, he got medical benefits for him and I for life, and for our children until age 25 or they married. He also received a retirement payment each month that would cover college costs. <br />
<br />
No more excuses!<br />
<br />
My man has served God faithfully in pulpit ministry for many years now. <br />
He has a heart for the Lord's people.<br />
He has a heart for those who need to know the Lord. <br />
He loves the Lord's Church and is committed to her mission. <br />
<br />
Today, the congregation we are serving, told him thank you by presenting him gifts and cards of appreciation for Minster Appreciation Day. <br />
<br />
It is NOT why he is in the ministry.<br />
<br />
But, it was a great source of encouragement. <br />
<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/oEByyqxHaA4qKZd-FuOh1OjHa3rEhobYruJ2uDcL*kbg3zMRNP0ezIk218bOi1vchgM3lnWprBnI81bnKA43Wg__/Ilovemypreacher.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_self"><img class="align-left" src="http://api.ning.com/files/oEByyqxHaA4qKZd-FuOh1OjHa3rEhobYruJ2uDcL*kbg3zMRNP0ezIk218bOi1vchgM3lnWprBnI81bnKA43Wg__/Ilovemypreacher.jpg?width=225" width="225" /></a>I am very thankful to the loving people of this congregation.<br />
<br />
Truth be told, it is the first time EVER in his time in ministry that he has ever been recognized for 'Minister Appreciation Day".<br />
<br />
I know he is wonderful, and I know his heart,<br />
it's nice to know that others agree with me.<br />
<br />
Chasing After Their Hearts,<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-35891678344930284792011-10-08T20:02:00.001-04:002011-10-08T20:03:32.129-04:00It Really Does Show<a href="http://api.ning.com/files/4w12zN-M2*v5ZydqOvu4H4G8My94g7uNY7ZrPRQWEeNjdWkXcBxbzptrmlnf2ZgWeimSFs-ijfIujTPMCS8Ekg__/tiara.jpeg" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://api.ning.com/files/4w12zN-M2*v5ZydqOvu4H4G8My94g7uNY7ZrPRQWEeNjdWkXcBxbzptrmlnf2ZgWeimSFs-ijfIujTPMCS8Ekg__/tiara.jpeg?width=229" width="229" /></a><br />
Ok.<br />
I will confess.<br />
I watched it today.<br />
I even engaged my family in it.<br />
Toddlers and Tiaras.<br />
Generally, I think this show is awful.<br />
Little girls with bad manners and even worse behaviors.<br />
Mothers dressing their precious daughters like they are for sale in the sex trade.<br />
Awful.<br />
There are some that are polite, beautiful, and well behaved. <br />
Those are very few and far between.<br />
Today however there was a little girl in the 5-6 yo age range. <br />
They described her as coming from a traditional, conservative family.<br />
Her mom prayed with this child.<a _mce_href="http://api.ning.com:80/files/LMUF7E2NcwpMXC2FkkgJyhzBvIqjYAOD9GgyyVTVTB7VU4Q9i-8a6dtprwn3k9CZwA3PD6SP2AevkV*SQjR3MQ__/sweetnaturedtoddlerandtiaras.jpg" href="http://api.ning.com/files/LMUF7E2NcwpMXC2FkkgJyhzBvIqjYAOD9GgyyVTVTB7VU4Q9i-8a6dtprwn3k9CZwA3PD6SP2AevkV*SQjR3MQ__/sweetnaturedtoddlerandtiaras.jpg" target="_self"><img _mce_src="http://api.ning.com:80/files/LMUF7E2NcwpMXC2FkkgJyhzBvIqjYAOD9GgyyVTVTB7VU4Q9i-8a6dtprwn3k9CZwA3PD6SP2AevkV*SQjR3MQ__/sweetnaturedtoddlerandtiaras.jpg" class="align-right" src="http://api.ning.com/files/LMUF7E2NcwpMXC2FkkgJyhzBvIqjYAOD9GgyyVTVTB7VU4Q9i-8a6dtprwn3k9CZwA3PD6SP2AevkV*SQjR3MQ__/sweetnaturedtoddlerandtiaras.jpg" width="121" /></a><br />
They worshiped God as they went about their preparation for the pageant. <br />
This little girl did not win the big prize, but was crowned as a princess.<br />
It was what the judge said that caught my attention.<br />
"She has the sweetest nature of all the girls in this pageant. That is just never seen in the pageant world. I was drawn to her sweetness immediately, and I loved watching her."<br />
Jesus does make a difference in our children's lives. <br />
A difference that can be seen by those around us.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+9:25&version=102">1 Corinthians 9:25</a></b><br />
Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a <b>crown</b> that will not last; but we do it to get a <b>crown</b> that will last forever.<br />
<br />
What crown are you encouraging your daughter to desire?.<br />
<br />
Chasing After Their Hearts,<br />
Glenda JohnsonGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2854715337954475820.post-40869313424880177642011-10-07T21:45:00.000-04:002011-10-07T21:45:31.471-04:00Friends Across The Years<h3 class="post-title entry-title"><br />
</h3><div class="post-header"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfSU24Wv3VUQB_hsI3VGaFD9YPAacMorb9imlZihVjbLNNDm9BWnqnWrIAM0TbBIem-7fRzvgekLQJDX1E9qDs2F3GPNm2h5VshwmvvWadLF6xkiqDhu8ERBiNSAbFmkz51whwlAIUN4/s1600-h/facial+friends.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkfSU24Wv3VUQB_hsI3VGaFD9YPAacMorb9imlZihVjbLNNDm9BWnqnWrIAM0TbBIem-7fRzvgekLQJDX1E9qDs2F3GPNm2h5VshwmvvWadLF6xkiqDhu8ERBiNSAbFmkz51whwlAIUN4/s320/facial+friends.jpg" /></a></div>My mind was rewinding today and thinking about a special friend of mine. A friend I was reunited with a couple of years ago.<br />
<br />
Here is the story.<br />
<br />
I was waiting for my husband to be moved from the OR recovery room to his regular room at the hospital. He had just had surgery on his neck. We were in the recovery room for five and a half hours because there were no rooms available.<br />
<br />
Then God showed up. A dear friend that I have known since 1987 walked by. She works at the hospital. It was awesome because due to our travel with different ministries, I had not seen her in eight years and had not communicated with her in five years.<br />
<br />
She and I looked up and caught each others eyes and immediately ran into each others arms. We stood there and hugged and cried for 5 minutes. Then we caught up for the next 20. We talked some more on her break when she came up to check on my husband.<br />
<br />
The time we had spent apart, melted instantly. It was wonderful. We had shared life over the years, raising children, ups and downs of marriage, and Jesus. We were connected at the heart level. I asked for forgiveness for neglecting our friendship.<br />
<br />
God brought back to my attention just how important it is to have women in our lives with whom we can share, trust for advice, and grow closer to Jesus with. God did not intend for us to be alone on the journey.<br />
<br />
I have a few ladies that are close friends. We are close enough that we can be real, and bear our hearts to one another without having to wear a mask.<br />
<br />
Tit 2:3 Tell older women to live their lives in a way that shows they are dedicated to God. Tell them not to be gossips or addicted to alcohol, but to be examples of virtue. <br />
Tit 2:4 In this way they will teach young women to show love to their husbands and children, <br />
Tit 2:5 to use good judgment, and to be morally pure. Also, tell them to teach young women to be homemakers, to be kind, and to place themselves under their husbands' authority. Then no one can speak evil of God's word. <br />
<br />
God wants us women to grow together, and teach each other how to chase after our husband's heart and our children's heart. But most of all, Jesus' heart.<br />
<br />
I have committed to invest back into this friend. I am going to nurture this friendship and the other ones I have so that we can all grow together.<br />
<br />
Is there a friendship you need to spend some time on? Is there a new that needs to be formed?<br />
<br />
Get busy Chasing Their Hearts!<br />
<br />
By the way, the time difference between my husband getting a room and me finding my friend, 3 minutes.<br />
God always has a plan!<br />
<br />
<br />
Chasing Their Hearts,<br />
Glenda Johnson<br />
http://www.twitter.GlendaJohnson63<br />
womanaftergod@gmail.comGlendahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03848823009808298969noreply@blogger.com0