The Johnsons'

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Today, You Turn 8 Years Old!

My Love, look how grown up your are?

Did you know that when you lay on me, that it is when I am most comfortable?
You are a sleepy-head in this picture and you just wanted to love on Momma!

Madyson Elyse Johnson, I cannot tell you enough how good you are for my soul. When I say that you brighten our world, I don't want you to take it lightly. If God is light, than Sissy, you are a beam of His sunshine. You radiate all things beautiful. Let me tell you how, at 8 years old:
you strive to serve the Lord---- In EVERYTHING (even Barbie-playing)

Did you know that while we were at Nana and Poppi's you made a sign that read "Mady's Bible Class, ages 3 and up, Lesson: The ark of the covenant" and you set it out along the street by their driveway? You waited patiently for anyone to show up and were kind of sad when we had to leave for the evening. The thing about that is, you showed me that you have confidence in the Word we are placing in you. You are ready to share it!
Did you know that you weren't going to participate in the Easte egg hunt because you said, "Mom, I can't serve the Lord and hunt these eggs, I am too competitive and if I lose, I will cry and be angry." This gave me a peek into your heart: you know that serving the Lord is worthy to replace "fun" things if it causes you to sin. There are many adults that still don't know this or aren't willing to sacrifice the "fun."
Did you know that when you play Barbie's, I hear lessons of following the Lord come out? Your imagination incorporates wisdom into playtime. For example, I hear your wife Barbie taking care of her husband and helping him at his work (your Barbies often live on a farm, the wife "makes clothes" for her family, while her husband is working the fields she is taking care of toddlers and is always pregnant;) At times, I hear you talk about when you have to discipline the children for being mean to siblings. And, I cannot tell you enough how precious it is, when you take a break from playing, come find me and talk my ear off about what is going on in "The Domestic Housewives of Barbie-World" Mady, your imagination just rolls on and on and the stories you create are sincere and real-life like; at least the way the world should be. You have Godly roles planted deep within you and it shows me that you WILL become a woman of God. You are certainly His child.
Did you know that you were ready to quit soft-ball this year because the other children were disrespectful and rude? As you listen to their conversations at practice and how mouthy they were, you ran over to me with tears and said you needed to just take piano this year. You were devastated by how sassy the kids were, you were so smart and sweet as we discussed why it is that the kids are naturally mean. You came to understand that we are all natuarally sinners and that it is just in our blood to act worldly. We talked about how humans need a Savior to change our hearts; it is the only way to be made new. In our discussion, you saw what happens when kids don't have parents that intentionally place the Word of God in their hearts, it is a terrible thing for their souls because they are so young and already the serve the devil...Momma explained that instead of quitting soft-ball, you be the example, you be the God-girl, most importantly, you be the city on hill.
Did you know you are CONSTANTLY looking for ways to make others happy. You share often, there are times where Mika has pushed too far and you'll say, "Mom. I gave her this, this, and this, and I am not giving her this!" I'm so proud of the fact that you sacrifice for your sissy's happiness, I would have left Stephy to just cry and I'd probably have rubbed it in her face that I had what she wanted. Speaking of Stephy, you made her a ribbon tree for her wedding, but this was not enough. You got her decor that said, "When I count my blessings, I count you twice," but that was not enough. You took $15 of your own money and bought her a tube of perfect 50's red lipstick at Crescent Hotel while she was getting her hair done. It was called Red Zen and it was so perfect with our dresses that every bridesmaid and Stephy wore it during the wedding!! Sissy got upset that you got Stephy all these things and decided to hop on the band-wagon, she used her "own money" to get Stephy blue nail-polish! Any way, you are constantly thinking of Ashton and what you could send her, pretty much anywhere we go you can come up with something you think someone else would like. You ARE NOT a 'me-centered' 8 year old!
Did you know that some of your favorite quick-read picture books are 'Will it be Okay, Mom?', 'Someday', and 'I Loved You Before You were Born'... each of these deals with the stages of the life-cycle. You understand that we live and we die and that in all this ruckus of life, one thing matters; Do you glorify God? That is it. Period.
Did you know, you designed your own birthday cake? You even wanted your cake to display the Glory of God:

Great design! You did good;) You wanted an African sunset because Daddy was in Angola, a cross, and the words "God is Love" your cake is so much better than the green dog I chose for my 8th birthday party!

At your party you asked if we could have a Bible study, but amidst all the fun, time got away and what do ya know, Momma had everyone on a pallet watching Jack and Jill...Sorry.

Sis, 8 years ago today, honestly, I didn't know what I was doing. I knew I had an awesome responsibilty and that I was coming face to face with unconditional love, but I didn't know you would hold me together, I had no idea that you would teach me. I try to explain to you how much love I have stored up for you at times...I'll say, "Gah....I just love you so much, Oh, man, it's just like all this love is pouring out of my fingertips, I cannot control it, what can I do with all this love..." You just grin and hug me or kiss my cheek.

Father, thank You! I rejoice for this precious child You have given me as a gift. What a gift she is. Provide the wisdom I need to shepard her heart. She is such joy in a dead world and I know You have plans for her that surpass what I imagine. Show me how to provide for her best, show me how to draw out her gifts, God. Do not let me impose my will on her, just Yours. Father, I thank You that Jesus' blood allows to fellowship with you and I charge angels to gather about her all of her days. Thank You. Thank You. Amen!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Jesse, the Leprechaun;)

While we stayed at Nana and Poppi's, St. Patti's Day rolled by. As I revealed a story of how Stephy tricked me into believing she had a leprechaun named Jesse living in her closet when we were little, you all listened with enchantment! I got busy and forgot to explain that it wasn't true! I walked into the living room and on the floor you had set up this structurally magnificent creation, a leprechaun trap:

It consisted of a shoe box, a pencil for support, and a bar of gold (paper weight) to lure him in! Pure genius, I tell you;)

That night, the two of you and Avree made a pallet in the floor in hopes of hearing Jesse. You asked me to sleep on the couch because you were just a tad nervous about that tricky little guy;)

Obviously, not too nervous!

I could not sleep because I was missing Daddy terribly. He had been gone for 2 weeks and we would not be seeing him for 2 more... it was just a hard realization for me. I tossed and turned and text Daddy a picture of your trap. I believe his exact words were, "Those sweet babies, you have got to do something for them, go catch Kirbea (NanaNette's cat), spray her green, and put her in that box." My response was, "I will not touch that demon who is in the shape of a cat's body!" But, Daddy would not let it go...he wanted you to have a little treat in the box at least. So I made up this little diddy,

"I am quiet and I'm sneaky,

no one has ever seen me,

on St. Patti's Day I come out,

to take a little peeky.

Where is my pot of gold?

The end of the rainbow, I am told.

Thanks for luring me to this box,

take a lucky shamrock!"

So, the trap fell on this treat, thanks to Daddy's request.

You guys were so pumped to wake up to the fallen trap! I love the innocent light in your eyes as you lifted the box... and how perfectly thrilled you were with Jesse's treat! My sweet girls, you are so much fun.

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Easter, With Family Even Though They Weren't Blood;)

And let the coloring begin!

Food coloring is our favorite dye!

Sister Love and egg dyeing:)

Maybe not the greatest idea!

I love that blue egg and that blue-eyed girl!

This is why we only use food coloring, look at the vibrancy!!

Mika's picture for the Easter Bunny, Mady is leaving him a letter...

Rabbits get carrots, broccoli, and water...no cookies!

Easter treats

The egg hunting gang

Sweet Beary in her Easter attire with her "basket"

Let the games begin...

the hunt is on...

Great job girls, you had a blast!!

Well, although Daddy was gone and we are here in PA, Easter was really special! We spent today with five other TTS oilfield families who are all w/o their blood relatives as well! I must say, I never imagined today being such a fun, laughter filled day! The food was great; the "Kickin Corn" was a hit and the 'cream cheese blueberry cobbler thingy' I made, was great too, as always! Thanks to my momma for getting me the dish that makes it so pretty! The Bass family hosted dinner and a huge egg hunt, like 200 eggs for 12 kiddos and prizes for all of them!

Our morning was spent at home having church and eating Pink Easter pancakes. Our lesson was of course, the Easter story. We discussed the events leading up to Jesus' Resurrection and looked at the 12 Ressurection eggs. I played the song "He's Alive" and we discussed that is was from Peter's point of view, Peter had denied Jesus three times, and that upon Christ's return, He was not mad at him. Wow! We are so loved I explained through my tears. Jesus knows we will fail, heck he can tell us before it ever happens and yet He loves us anyway. We are so unworthy. He knew it and He knew His blood would change that.

We talked about Doubting Thomas and how Momma feels that I have been right where Thomas was. I played the Nichole Nordeman song "To Know You" and some lyrics that hit me every time are:
Thomas needed
Proof that You had really risen
Undefeated....
When he placed his fingers
Where the nails once broke Your skin
Did his faith finally begin?
I've lied if I've denied
The common ground I've shared with him

We discussed the verse after Thomas has to see Jesus' skin he says , "My Lord and My God!" and Jesus replies, "Because you have seen me you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." John 20:28-29 They were excited that they fall into this second category:)

We colored pictures of the Mary Magdelene discovering the empty tomb and talked about her first reaction and what it must have been like and how the Angel would make you feel.... We listened to "Why" and it struck their hearts as usual... because this time they pretended they were the little girl in the song. Jesus did it for them and it really set the stage for good conversation about why the death was important, but how the resurrection is the VICTORY! I had them retell the story and I'm confident they are storing it in their hearts, although I know one lesson does not do this story justice. I must live out my faith in it so they see it unfold in my life.

Pink Pancakes

A final note, the Bass family lost their 20 year old son this last November to a massive seizure. Today, as I spoke with them, Mr. Chris Bass just had to let a few tears fall. He said not a day goes by that he doesn't think and hurt for his boy. He said they had to have us all over today or it would have just been too hard. The hurt on his face has me sitting here letting a tear fall as I type. His hurt, God, I don't want to be oblivious it. I don't want to be someone who goes on like all is well in the world. Show me how I can be used to help them, what can I do, God, use me.

Father, I cry out to you on this man's behalf. I keep seeing his hurt on his face and its not something I can let go of. Father, You say You won't place on us more than we can bare, but this man/family is hurting so bad. Father, you tell me not to be anxious but instead come to you in prayer and thanksgiving, so I will try my best. Thank You for the life you gave to them in their son. Thank You for the moments they held him and watched him grow. Please God, place divine peace, divine understanding, divine strength, and a passion for You within this hurting family. By literal means replace the hurt with hope of our real home which is yet to come. God lift the burden of heart and allow them rest. By Jesus Blood I seek this.

This moment I thank You for my daughters. Oh God, you are all-knowing and I see it everyday that you give me to love them. I praise You. You are so worthy of my love and obedience, draw me to You. Thank You for this great plan you made in Your Son. What a day of celebration it will be, when we all see Jesus we'll sing and shout the Victory. Amen.

Friday, April 6, 2012

Daddy's leavin' on a jet plane....to Africa?!

On our ride up to PA the weekend of February 10th, Daddy called to inform us that the Mr. Stan (v-pres of TTS) needed him to travel to Angola to teach some shop-hands how to properly re-dress the tools and set up inventory in a Sclumberger shop. This was not easy to hear seeing as to how we would not have even lived in PA for one month when Daddy would have to go.

March 7th was the hardest "see ya soon" to date. With both my daughters sobbing, I decided that we would not spend a single night in our PA home w/o Daddy. We were literally 1200 miles from anyone who loved us and it just didn't feel right...After we left the airport, we went home and packed once Aunt Stephy helped me clear my head...she knows my brain and its ability to create problems that aren't really there. Well, this Momma is proud to say I am not afraid to drive cross country with my children!! It was a smooth trip and our only hold up was when we got stock on the Mississippi River bridge about 20 yds in front of the AR sign. FOR 2 HOURS with out moving. Mady had a panic attack from being in the car so long and here is what this looked liked:

What a tease, look at the AR sign, so close yet so far away... 2 hours away!

we left Williamsport at 4:55 pm and w/Daddy being in tranist over the Atlantic I was running on adenaline. I did not stop to sleep til Cave City, KY at 4:00 am. Go ME, Madyson was so proud when she woke in KY and bragged on me the whole next day!