Crazy Good Worship

The lights dim.

The crowd screams in anticipation.

... and the unmistakeable strumming of his guitar catches our attention.

The stage is dark amidst the lights pointing up.

You can't see him, or them.

The lyrics appear on the projection screens...allowing us to join him and sing.

At the start
He was there
He was there
In the end
He’ll be there
He’ll be there
And after all
Our hands have wrought
He forgives

... and the stage lights up ...

bringing the David Crowder Band into view to worship with us.

Oh, the glory of it all
Is He came here
For the rescue of us all
That we may live
For the glory of it all
Oh, the glory of it all

crazy good worship offered to a crazy good God!!

Transformation

Are You Discontent and Unsatisfied With Current Conditions?

Desire for change begins when we identify our need for it.

As I looked around our living room, I realized the state of lack the room stood in. It was dull, lifeless and in desperate need of something.

And, so it goes with our spirituality.

There is a moment in time when we acknowledge our stance of absolute lack.

The depth of our need is identified as we understand and know of only one response. We surrender our hearts and lives to God.

A living room beckons paint but our souls beckon salvation through Jesus Christ.


Do You Get Frustrated When First Coat Streaks Happen?

The change process advances incrementally.

The lackluster living room walls transformed instantaneously under the strokes of the paintbrush filled with the bold new color. However, variation and irregularity of the color began to appear. Of course that happened; it was just the first coat. Painters understand that the first coat is not intended to be the only layer of color. It’s the additional coats of paint that fill in the streaks and deviations to bring out rich, deep, thorough color.

And, so it goes with our pursuit of image-bearing.

Stepping into God’s presence is a first coat and begins our internal transformation process. But, the relational Creator did not intend for us to live our lives based solely on one experiential coat of Him.

It’s the continued coats of conversation, presence and scripture that bring about His rich, deep and thorough likeness in us.


Are You Able To Clean Spills Quickly?

Change agents quickly adjust when things don’t go as planned.

Paint spills happen: a misguided paint drop on the floor,

a container accidentally tipped over, a hand unintentionally placed on the not-yet dry surface.

Ignored spills don’t destroy the function of the living room but the lack of appropriate response and correction does.

And, so it goes with our sin.

Choosing not to move quickly and attentively to the sin-spills wreak much havoc in our lives. As God’s kindness brings us to repentance, so repentance brings us into transformation.


But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret.

We will not all die, but we will all be transformed!
1 Cor 15:51 NLT

Nesting Again

In all of the excitement of adding to our family soon., I have been amazed at my unmistakable desire (and need) to nest.

I remember being pregnant with Theatre Dude when my nesting instinct kicked in around 6 months. As with all nesting festivities, I began the process of getting our home ready for the new arrival. It was so exciting making all the preparations.

dreaming of which parent he would look like

choosing the right name for him

anticipating holding him in my arms

and knowing my life would be made fuller with his presence.

I loved him before I saw him.

But, back to my nesting...

I've made several trips to the pet store in anticipation of just the right thing for my brand-new, haven't physically seen him yet but through pictures is a bundle of cuteness little puppy. But, all the trips have resulted in being easy on the wallet and empty in the hands. I just couldn't find the perfect first gift that would compliment my nesting rituals at the homestead.

Another trip out, and there it was! THE GIFT!

It's a comfort pal for puppy that you can heat up in the microwave to ease his transition away from his mom and siblings.

Yep, it's perfect.

Cappie!

During my chick trip to see my bff Angi , I got to snuggle up and have tons of fun with her dog Dell! I came home and instantly went into dog withdrawals and depression. (ok, Angi and the fam dts too!) So, a few weeks ago, Mr. Smart Guy and I made the long-discussed decision to add a new puppy to our family.

He's well thought through.

He's well-chosen.

He's a Miniature Schnauzer from a breeder in Virginia.

He's Dell's brother!

Please meet the object of my affection and attention .... Copernicus.

(ok, so Mr. Smart Guy named him but I will be addressing puppy as Cappie!)

~ Cappie will be joining Casa de la Johnson in 2 weeks ~

Showers of Blessing

Tears
Spill quickly and unexpectedly
They softly roll
Building a profuse river amidst guarded expression

You
Comfortably waiting yet not encroaching
Coming forward
Expressing compassion, love and friendship

Prayers
Gently whispered of perseverance and grace
Authentically spoken
Extracting truth from lies and help from damage

Blessing me at just the right time.

I will bless my people and their homes around my holy hill. And in the proper season I will send the showers they need. There will be showers of blessing. Ezekiel 34:26 NLT