Merry Christmas!

We've been getting into the Christmas spirit here all month long, although I didn't do nearly as much as I did last year with the kids as far as crafts and such. I wasn't sure if I'd have the energy to do much so I opted for simple and easy.

I did purchase the Playmobil Advent for M and the Lego City Advent for N, just as something fun to look forward to doing every day. They were a hit.

We have managed to work in a cookie exchange and Sunday School Christmas party to help celebrate the season which was a ton of fun. I am feeling very blessed and thankful this year to feel apart of a church family again after moving and to have activities to look forward to going to with friends.

Here's our two cuties before church one morning.

A fun tradition we started last year was to take the kids on the "Minivan Express." They love it.

We give them each a ticket to get punched as they arrive in their pajamas.

They get a bag of popcorn and a drink and off we go to look at Christmas lights. Maybe some day I'll get brave and let them have hot chocolate in the van. For now, they get water.

We also took a trip to North Pole City which is decorated from floor to ceiling with Christmas decor. Santa also comes and reads the story of Christmas....the REAL story of what Christmas is all about, Jesus' birth.

We topped off last weekend with making some sugar cookies to share with friends. Yum.

I used this recipe for the first time and I don't think I'll ever use anything else again.

If you like the soft, thick sugar cookies with frosting sold at places like Wal-Mart that are about 1,000 calories per cookie...you'll love these. And thank me later.

Being pregnant during Christmas time, again, always makes me even more aware of some of what Mary went through. Riding on a donkey while 9 months pregnant would put anyone in labor, I am sure. I think I could go into labor just riding in a car on a bumpy road. And the responsibility put on Joseph to find a place for their baby to be born. Stressful. And yet God chose such a humble place for His Son to be brought to earth. Born in a lowly manger. Amazing.

"For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6

No matter what your circumstance. May you feel the peace of Him this Christmas. Merry Christmas to you from the Johnsons.

Dreams of gratitude

Some days I sit on my couch feeling sorry for myself. As the children nap, I look around thinking of all of the things I'd change in our somewhat small rental house. Wondering if we made the right decision to move, as we fight the inefficient air conditioner that has our main living area set at 84 degrees.

And then I read this. And God wakes me up. Shakes me into seeing how good I have it, and how unbelievably ungrateful I can be. I love when He does that, and I dislike it all the same. Who wants to be told how ungrateful they are?

And I'm content for the day. Thanking God for ALL that He has given to us. The abundance we have. The food that fills our fridge and bellies, and the opportunity to go to the store to shop for more when necessary.

But sadly it might only last a day or two and I find myself back in that same place of discontentment. Why does that happen? I've realized it's a daily struggle for me right now. One of many reasons we are asked to call on Jesus every day. To be in His Word daily so we don't forget how much He has given us. Have you forgotten?

Don't get me wrong. I'm not unhappy. Just a girl with many dreams wondering how they're all going to happen. And as I wonder how those dreams are all going to happen and fall into place, God challenges me to wonder if those dreams are what I should be dreaming of in the first place? Afterall, He is the one "who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us..." (Ephesians 3:20). He wants more for my life than I can ever dream up.

So today I'm looking for the doors that God is opening, and perhaps closing, for our family. Doing my best to seek His Will daily in a world that constantly reminds me to seek my own. This is what the Lord says: "Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls." (Jeremiah 6:16). Oh to have rest for your soul.

He Knows My Name

Well, my photos from this past week are still on the camera so I don't have any to share. Perhaps tomorrow? But don't think you're going home empty-handed.

To be completely honest, through this whole moving ordeal, separation of our family and trying to sell our home, sometimes I get weary and really tired of praying about it. The thing is, I believe God is who He says He is and that He can "do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine..." (Ephesians 3:20), but lately I find more comfort sitting in silence with God instead of praying through my "request list" with Him. That's probably what He wants anyway, right?

The song, "He Knows My Name" by Tommy Walker, says what I haven't been able to. When I sit quietly waiting for answers, these words remind me of what I already know and brings me so much relief. Isn't it a relief to know He knows your name without you telling Him. Or all of the struggles, big or small, you might be going through?

I hope you'll take a few minutes to watch the video and read the lyrics to this beautiful song. And worship our Maker with me, because He knows your name.



Lyrics by Tommy Walker
I have a Maker
He formed my heart
Before even time began
My life was in his hands

I have a Father
He calls me His own
He'll never leave me
No matter where I go

He knows my name
He knows my every thought
He sees each tear that falls
And He hears me when I call