Jackie's Journey "As a Woman Thinks in her Heart..."

This little woman-in-the-making is Olivia…her thoughts are being formed!

“As a woman thinks in her heart so is she” encompasses the whole of our being and touches every condition and circumstance of our life.  We are literally what we think!  In the armory of thought we forge the weapons by which we make or break ourselves.  We women are looking for a way to control…well, here is a good one…take control of your thoughts!  Become the master of your thought life.

Good thoughts never produce bad consequences; bad thoughts never produce good results.  “…a prudent woman gives thought to her steps.” Pro. 14:15 

The mind is like a spring garden.  When cultivated and cared for or allowed to run wild with little thought or attention; either way… it will produce fruit.  Fruit that reproduces after like kind.  Olivia has a mommy (my niece) whose thoughts produce good fruit and she is watching her mommy.

What are the thoughts of your heart?

Selfishness, envy, jealousy, competitive spirit

or service, love, joy, peace?

What fruit are you reproducing in the lives

of your prince and princesses?

Until our thoughts are linked with purpose there is no intelligent accomplishment. Absence of purpose leaves the door wide open to fall prey to fear, worry, and self-pity, all of which lead to failure, unhappiness and loss.  Maintaining “thought-control” frees us “to think with purpose and hence, to enter the ranks of those who only recognize failure as one of the path-ways to attainment; who make all conditions serve them, and who think strongly, attempt fearlessly, and accomplish masterfully.” James Allen

“…the Lord knows the thoughts of man.  For the Word of God… judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.  Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight”. Psa. 94: 11; Heb. 4:12

He knows our thoughts!

He judges our thoughts!

Are you hiding or making an attempt to?

 I don’t know about you, but my earnest prayer this morning is…

“Search me, O God, and know my heart;

test me and know my anxious thoughts.

See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.” Ps. 139: 23

                      Oops, the book dropped!  Can you guess her princess thoughts now?

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Arachnids...Scared But Not Defeated!"

Washday in the jungle was an event, not just a necessity!  It required a trip to the river with two little ones in tow, a washtub (like great-grandma used) full of clothes, diapers, sheets, etc., soap and a washboard.  Finding a rock that wasn’t already being used was the next challenge after descending the 12’ bank!  The swirling river was the agitator and the most difficult part of the whole exercise was wringing the clothes tight enough so they would dry after being hung.

The Kuna women would laugh at me, while their little ones entertained mine by chasing, splashing and diving around us..  Those were the “good ‘ole days”.  One blessing, and their were many, was that my girls learned to swim like little fish very early, against the current!

If it was dry season, the wash would dry in 2 hours.  During rainy season we might hang the clothes two times or more in one day.  Most garments were mildewed and never really dried completely until dry season returned!

One spring day my clothes carried an unwanted visitor inside the house. We had open wooden shelves and as I lifted the last clean sheet, I caught something moving in my peripheral vision.  Now…let me be clearly understood…I will take a snake, any size, over a spider any day! 

 This particular spider was a creature of undeniable presence!  I screamed so loud that half the village came streaming through my front door.  One look at the intruder and my husband and Arturo, our closest neighbor, told us all to get out!  Apparently, this venomous arachnid was dangerous!  I could not understand their hesitation in just eliminating it.  I wanted that spider dead…I did not want him alive for an encore another day…

 Earlier that month our cat had found a huge, and I mean huge, scorpion under our bed.  I picked up my husbands size 14 army boot and squashed its 12” body dead, in one fell swoop, as our 8 month old daughter came crawling into the room!

Now, “hear me roar”…I’m not kidding…I REALLY wanted that spider dead!

Fear is our friend…it is an emotion induced by a threat, which causes a change in brain and organ function and ultimately a change in behavior.  “Courage is being scared to death…and walking through the door of fear to victory”.  (R. J., my husband)  In the book “Hind’s Feet in High Places” I would clearly be little “Much Afraid”. 

Shortly after being challenged to carry the name of Christ to unreached tribal people, I read in Luke 10:19 where Jesus sent out the seventy-two with the promise, “I have given you authority to trample snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you”!! 

That verse immediately came pounding into my consciousness and I claimed that promise, given to those who take the gospel into uncharted territories.  As jungle living became my daily experience, I would often return to those precious words that brought peace that day.  Over and over again during those years of the unexpected until today, I continue to claim its truth when I am tempted to yield to panic.

Whatever you are facing today…

let’s hear you roar…

take courage!

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Bad Things Happen to Good People?"

Why do bad things happen to good people????

My compassionate mother is 99 years old and she has asked this question on more than one occasion.  I always answer her the same way…

It only happened once and He volunteered!

“There is none good…no, not one.” Rom 3: 23

“The real problem is not why some pious, humble,

believing people suffer, but why some do not”!    C.S. Lewis

“We are not at our best perched at the summit; we are climbers at our best when the way is steep”.  John W. Gardner   Stretching, growing, struggling, striving, writhing, to become mature and to be equipped to be a benefit to others is at the core of trials and suffering.  After all, it is only as we develop others that we permanently succeed.  John Calvin said, “We must submit to supreme suffering in order to discover the completion of joy”.

“He who fears to suffer cannot be His who suffered.”  Tertullian  Wanting to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his suffering… Phil. 3:10 and entering into the insulated growth cocoon in good times…and bad (the difficult “saint perfecting” times) is the key to walking in His strength and the fullness of understanding true gratefulness.  Victory over whatever this life brings and seeing through His life-changing perspective makes suffering bearable and profitable, not depressing, disarming and debilitating.

Before this last Thanksgiving I fell coming out of the market and tore a ligament in my knee.  I was relieved to learn that it would not require surgery.  I used a walker and wore a brace for weeks; graduating to a cane and then after three months I was able to take off the brace.  Every step was painful and I began to think maybe the limp was permanent.  God saw fit to touch that knee.   I certainly do not consider myself a good person, however; most of my youth, the entire time spent in the humid jungles of Panama and the many years up to this date in 2018, I have had severe migraine headaches. 

Early in my Christian life, while in Bible School, I was exposed to the truth of welcoming trials and pain as a friend.  James 1: 2   It is God’s fastest road to patience, perseverance, joy, hope, gratefulness, faith and love… MATURITY!  Given with divine purpose suffering is a valuable tool for my personal growth and the success of others. 

“I do not believe that just sheer suffering teaches.  If suffering alone taught, then the entire world would be wise, since everyone suffers.  To suffering must be added mourning, gratefulness, understanding, patience, love, openness and willingness to remain vulnerable.”  Anne Morrow Lindbergh  

“In spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with joy given by the Holy Spirit.  And so you became a model to all the believers…”  Here we have the formula for growth and it includes trials and suffering.

Trials + acceptance with joy = Growth

What to others are disappointments are to believers intimations of the way and will of God.  Nothing demonstrates what we are more accurately than the way we meet trials and difficulties.

Are you struggling today?

“Afflictions are but the shadow of God’s wings”…George MacDonald

“When God wants to bring more power into your life,

 He brings more pressure.”

A. B. Simpson

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.

Jackie's Journey "Bunnies, Baskets, and New Beginnings!"

Ah…Spring!  Don’t you just love it!  Martin Luther wrote, “Our Lord has written the promise of the resurrection, not in books alone, but in every leaf in springtime.”

In Panama we had only two seasons…Dry Season and Rainy Season.   I used to miss spring in the jungles.  With the introduction of spring comes Easter, refreshing the garden and the promise of new life everywhere! 

As Moms, we try to make every holiday one that will commemorate the occasion and create a family tradition.  We decorate and plan special family gatherings with a menu that is reminiscent of the day being celebrated… Christmas Dinner, Fourth of July B-B-Q’s, and Easter Brunch with Easter baskets filled with colored eggs!  Our homes become “show pieces” for enhancing the lesson of the season. Easter affords us one of the most amazing opportunities to rehearse again the enormous sacrifice of our Savior and His Resurrection that is our living hope after death!

Easter reminds us of the Life the invisible Creator has given us. Rom. 1: 20   The barren ground exploding with magnificent splendor, as far as the eye can see.  The magic of new life bursting from the earth bringing forth flowers of every imaginable color and size…tulips, lilies, lilacs, daffodils… Tiny bunnies, fluffy chicks popping out of eggs, foals, fuzzy lambs and every other living being confirm the wonder of revival of life after a long winter. 

Revival can also be personal and immediate.  It is the power of the Holy Spirit transforming God’s Word into our soul.   There has never been a need, as great as today for revived lives, revived families, fellowships, communities and nation. The desperate need is there but the realization of our personal need is not!  And revival starts with us!   

“For revival is not a green valley getting greener, but a valley full of dry bones being made to live again and stand up an exceeding great army. (Ezekiel 37)  It is not good Christians becoming better Christians—as God sees us there are not any good Christians—but rather Christians honestly confessing that their Christian life is a valley of dry bones, thus qualifying them for the grace that makes all things new”! (Roy Hession)  For the Christian, death is a promotion!  New Life springs from our continual choosing to die to our pride and selfishness.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy,

to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God,

which is your reasonable service.” Rom. 12:1

Some give Him a place; some give Him prominence; but what Christ wants in our lives is pre-eminence.  The fruit of His being pre-eminent in our life is a spiritual renewal that restrains the anger of God, restores our God-consciousness and reveals His continual activity in us.

For those who have humbled themselves under the mighty hand of God at that place where sin is washed away, it has meant revival of their Christian lives in the truest and simplest sense of the word.

As we continue to celebrate our risen Savior, let’s use this time to revisit our need for personal and continual revival.  His death and resurrection came with plan and purpose.  It was to give us life from death.  New life does not begin with someone else.  It begins in each of us!

Let’s exchange dry bones for New Life!

 “If you are risen with Christ, seek those things which are above,

where Christ sits on the right hand of God.”  Col. 3:1

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "How Observant are You?

I have always loved the promise of Proverbs 14: 33.

“Wisdom reposes (rests) in the heart of the discerning woman”…

The word that stands out to me in this verse is “discerning”.   I want to be a wise, godly woman…a worthy disciple of the cross, don’t you?

Recently I had the opportunity to open my home to a young lady from out of state for a week or so.  Wanting her to be comfortable and open to talk to me I engaged her in multiple conversations regarding her spiritual condition and the condition of her marriage.  When the time came for her to leave I had grown to love her and I was encouraged.

My encouragement was short lived; however, when a few weeks later I received news that she had left her husband and had returned to her life in the world.  Had I missed her bottom line need or was she just bent on her own way and had no ears to hear?  “The doorstep to the temple of wisdom is the knowledge of our own ignorance”!  Charles Spurgeon

 I can hear you busy moms out there saying, “This is the problem.  Discernment is a word that is ethereal in my understanding and wrapped in what looks like a lot of time and work.  Don’t get me wrong.  I want the wisdom that comes from it.  I need the wisdom…I’m a MOM!“ 

 What is a discerning woman, anyway?

 As a mom and a Pastor’s wife I have had the opportunity of listening to a multitude of problems and needs.  Being objective is easier when it is not an unresolved issue in my own home.  Hearing the words spoken to me and knowing from whence the complaint is originating is often a conundrum that leaves me stammered at times.  Discerning between what has been superficially stated and recognizing the root cause to find a solution is the challenge!  Discernment is a God-given ability to understand why things happen.  I Samuel 16:7

“God never gives us discernment in order to criticize,

but that we would intercede.”  Oswald Chambers

“Discernment incorporates four important factors:

1)   Learning to operate within my aptitudes (abilities, skills, talents, gifts…) to look beneath the surface of a problem.  It takes time to find the underlying problem, as opposed to making a judgment on surface words and manifestations.

2)    Learning to detect the true wishes and feelings of others (and be brave enough to speak truth when rejection is on the other side of the door!).

3)    Knowing what to look for in assessing the needs of people, problems and things. The addict on the corner that thinks his need is money for a fix is blind to his real need.

4)    Knowing if God wants me to reach out and then, harmonizing with His timing to meet the need.  It is nearly impossible these days to engage in any conversation without sensing someone’s need.  It is important to listen for His leading.” (Institute of Basic Youth Conflicts with added emphasis)

We are known and read by almost everyone we talk to. (II Cor. 3:3)  We are reading facial expressions, attitudes and actions of others continually.  We are aware of the way people respond to us.  We are exceptionally self-sensitive.  We, women, are the observers in life…on the playground, in the park, in the grocery store, post office, Bank, Church, Bible Study, Child Care facility, school…. everywhere we go… we can’t help ourselves…

We moms are forever being called upon to discriminate between right and wrong, settling family issues with our husband or with fussing children.  We are particular with whom we trust our children when we are not present.  We know the safe places to walk our little ones and we are alert to dangers inside and out of every environment.  Need I go on…?

Discernment is not new to us.  What is new is taking what is God-given intentionally purposing to use it for the benefit of another person and the glory of God!  He says, “If we lack wisdom to ask of Him…

Will you pray this prayer with me?

Lord, I want to pray this promise of your Word into my life.  To be wise I must be discerning and your spirit must teach me how to use all my God-given abilities to become that woman of discernment for the benefit of others and for your glory.  Teach my heart, Lord…Phil. 1: 9-10

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Be Careful What You Wish For"?

Another school shooting!  Numerous fatalities!  Can you believe that we live in a day when the world and our tumultuous culture are totally backward and upside down?  What was once considered foolish behavior is now considered acceptable conduct?  That acceptable behavior has produced overt rebellion, which has become the preferred response to life’s situations, over humility.  Bombings, bullies, road rage, militant marches, legalized drugs… need I go on…?

If you could make a difference and have whatever you wanted, which one of these would you choose?

Peace                                           Wealth                                        Knowledge

Friends                                       Long Life                                     Power

Honor                                          Fame                                           Happiness

Prestige                                      Popularity                                  Health

Security                                      Influence                                    Wisdom

Love                                            Achievement

Be careful what you wish for when you’re 20…you’ll have its fruit when you are 40!

One day God told a young man that he could have whatever he wanted. (I Kings 3: 5-15)  This young man “loved the Lord”.  He answered, “Give me, your servant, an understanding heart…that I may discern between good and bad.”  God was pleased with his request and not only gave him wisdom and understanding, but also, riches and honor!

While living in the jungles of Panama, we taught our two little girls to sing a great definition of wisdom.  It went like this: “Wisdom is seeing life’s situations from God’s point of view and learning to act in harmony with Him.  So be wise my son, heed my instructions, leave that road that leads to destruction, hollow my name, don’t walk in shame….” (IBYC)  Our good friends and fellow missionaries, John and Ruth Jenkins, put the words to music.   

Our two little songsters in typical Kuna Mola dresses!

We are such opinionated women…we must think we are wise!!  In a world that gives no credence to being wise, why is it important?  How do we know if we are wise women? Mothers?  Grandmothers?  I certainly don’t feel wise!

“Wisdom is the ability to see life from God’s perspective.  This means that we are able to take surface problems that we experience in life to their root cause and take the necessary steps to correct them.  Those lacking wisdom don’t see any connection between cause and effect of their problems and therefore don’t understand what they are stumbling over, or if they avoid problems…why they avoid them.

It takes wisdom to collect facts and knowledge to come to correct conclusions.  Never before have there been so many conflicting philosophies on how to live! Wisdom is seeing how God’s truths are universal and non-optional.  Every civilization and every individual will succeed or fail in direct relationship to how they follow those principles. 

Wisdom understands human nature and how it is opposed to God’s nature.  It is the ability to see how our natural inclinations are the direct opposite to the principles of life taught in His Word.

We think the way to greatness is by becoming a leader.  But God’s teaching is that, ‘He that will be greatest among you shall be your servant.’  Matt. 23: 11

We think that the way to gain independence and “be free” is to rebel and get out from under authority.  But God knows that true independence and honor come by getting under the protection of our authority.  ‘…Before honor is humility,’ Pro. 15:33

We think to get ahead it is wise to hide and cover our mistakes.  But God knows that ‘He that covers his sins will not prosper; but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy.’  Pro. 28: 13

We think that by dedicating our life to God we will lose it, when in reality we are losing our life if we try to keep it for ourselves.” (IBYC...emphasis added)     “For whosoever will save his life will lose it (in others!).  Matt. 16: 25

Would you consider yourself to be a wise woman?

What would your husband say?

Would your children call you a “wise” mom?

 Maybe you’re asking what Old Testament Job did.  “Where can wisdom be found? Where does it come from?  Where does understanding dwell?  Man does not comprehend its worth”!  Job 28:12    God said,  “He looked at wisdom and appraised it; He confirmed it and tested it” and then He gave to man in verse 28… the definition of wisdom! 

The fear of the Lord (the fear of the consequence of sin)…that is wisdom…

and shunning of evil is understanding (discerning between good and bad and making consistent right choices!)”  Job 28: 28

The world could use a little wisdom.

Just saying…

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Wise in Your Own Eyes?"

As moms we have the ultimate privilege of having little innocent ones look up to us, think us wise, copy our every move and watch our pattern of responses to life’s situations. 

Our youngest, Kim and I in the Darien jungle in Panama

We nurture them and delight in the fact that we are so needed and well thought of at our young age.  To our little ones everything is new and learning about the world outside is an adventure we readily take with them, carefully exposing tiny hands to the beauty of flower petals, cautiously moving furry caterpillars and catching the wind blowing leaves.  We experience the joy of living through the eyes of these that see only the splendor…then reality hits!

We don’t live in that world anymore.  We are fraught with the truth of our own reflection in their innocent eyes.  We are in the adult theater of war with the manifestations of our self-importance!  The enemy has blinded us with a pursuit of self-recognition and self-exaltation and a desire to control.  We have become complainers; mothers who pass judgment on God (by judging others!); women of bad attitudes and angry looks; contentious; perfectionists; chatterboxes about ourselves; women consumed with what others think; unteachable; sarcastic; devastated by criticism; defensive; disrespectful to our husbands; self-sufficient; irritable; jealous; envious; full of self-pity…you know you best…you fill in the blank! 

All of these and more are marks of arrogance in the life!  Being wise in your own eyes!  Don’t give approval to your child with a lower standard than God gave us in His Word regarding pride.

Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord;

assuredly, he will not be unpunished.”  Proverbs 16: 5

 "There is one character quality that will enable us (to be the moms we are called to be) and all Christ wants us to be.  We cannot come to God without it.  We cannot love God supremely without it.  We cannot be an effective witness for Christ without it.  We cannot love our children or husband and serve others without it.  We cannot (be that model or) lead in a godly way without it.  We cannot resolve conflict without it.  We cannot deal with the sin of others without it.” 

"HUMILITY IS NOTHING ELSE BUT A RIGHT JUDGMENT OF OURSELVES."

William Law

In short, we must embrace and live out humility in order to truly live and be who God means for us to be.” (Stuart Scott…emphasis added) It is for this reason that God exhorts us through Paul:

Therefore, I the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner

worthy of the calling with which you have been called,

with all HUMILITY and gentleness…Eph. 4:1-2

 “We can have no power from Christ unless we live in the persuasion that we have none of our own.” John Owen We cannot be humble without realization of our areas of sinful pride; calling it by name, repenting in brokenness and reflecting glory back to God. As difficult as the battle between pride and humility seems, the provision to live triumphantly is possible only by His promise and delivery of grace made available to the humble.  “Humility creates the vacuum that divine grace fills.” (John McArthur)  Moment by moment decisively walking a life absent of self opens the door to all the grace needed for humility to grow.

God’s most powerful illustrations have been in the lives of men and women who knew their weakness, but who learned how to draw on God’s strength!

Charles Spurgeon taught, “Every Christian has a choice between

being humble or being humbled”!

Which will it be?

-Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Lost Moments"

For those of you “Uber-moms” who spend hours in the car commuting children to school, church, church events and recreational activities…this blog is for you.  Like many American parents today, we often drive with a sense of guilt (at least we should) because so much time is seemingly “lost” while we are ensuring the safety and future success of our children.

Out of curiosity, what do you do with the time-spent transporting your children?  Do you listen to music…Christian, of course…or is your adrenaline flowing because you are running late and the traffic is the present obstacle in your way?  How do you respond to other drivers who are in the same predicament you are…hastily rushing to one practice, lesson or pursuit after another?  What are your children observing as they read you and your reaction to happenings on the daily journey?

For the last ten days I have had three of my seven grandchildren with their regular daily schedules.  I might add that the “blow by blow” itinerary that I taped to the refrigerator door had been lightened for my benefit.  Yet, in its current state I spent hours in the car commuting.  My hats off to you moms!

We are all longing to make our time count with that “captive audience”, at least we should be.  What about that verse that jumped off the page that you read that morning or last night? Did you share it with them with the reason why it jumped off the page? Or after snapping at them in the house with those encouraging words, like…“hurry up, we’re going to be late” or “you don’t have time to eat that, just grab it and let’s go!”…We wonder why we find them bickering with each other in the back seat!

Legacies are that place where those who have gone before still make a difference.  Where values are passed on from one generation to the next and where connections create consciences.  Our purpose is not all about us; it is about playing our part in God’s kingdom.

When we stop to evaluate our state of mind, we recognize that it goes deeper than shortage of time; it is basically the problem of priorities.  We all know what it is to go full speed for long hours, totally involved in the task at hand.  There never seems to be an end to the pile of unfinished tasks.  But is there a possibility that with all our effort, we have failed to do the important…that, which has eternal value?

If it’s too chaotic in the car to talk, I have a suggestion.  Take that verse we mentioned and begin praying it into the life of those sitting in the car with you.  Maybe you could silently pray that your children might seek godly wisdom (Prov. 2) and develop a craving for God’s Word (Deut. 6)...or that they would understand that sin has consequences (Num. 32:23).  Pray that they would recognize and listen to God’s voice (John 10:27) and not be swayed by temptation (I Cor. 10:13).   Ask God to develop a lasting love for their siblings (Psa. 133) that comes with a grateful attitude for everything (Phil. 2:14).

These have eternal value…

See you on the highway…have a great day!

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "What Would We Do Without HOPE?"

Sometimes we moms and grand-moms have the sense that our life is full of empty endeavors and the monotony of it all seems meaningless…we are tired…we are just missing the point of it all.  Endurance is the inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best. (Gothard)  With all our demanding enterprises, we neglect the time it takes to get in the Word to nourish and energize ourselves and then, to open the Bible with our little prince and princesses.  We find time for activities of every kind imaginable…many of them worthy efforts, yet missing the point of building eternal purpose and destiny into our little ones.

If this speaks to you, this morning let me encourage you with these biblical facts!

“God does amazing things through people who are yielded to Him.  Throughout the Word, we see portrayals of God doing mighty works through ordinary individuals, imperfect people like you and me.  Consider this list from an e-mail message that came to one of our missionaries:

Moses stuttered.

Paul rejected John Mark.

Jacob was a liar.

David had an affair.

Solomon was too rich.

Abraham was too old.

David was too young.

Peter was afraid of death.

Lazarus was dead.

Naomi was a widow.

Jonah ran from God.

Gideon and Thomas doubted.

Elijah was burned out.

Samson had long hair.

Noah got drunk.

Did I mention that Moses had a short fuse?  So did Peter, Paul…well lots of folks did”. 

This is no excuse for us, but a challenge to be the example His provision has called us to be!  Let’s think this through for a moment.  Being God, He does not have to rely on people (He could use a stick!).  If God does not need you or me, why then does He give us opportunities to serve Him?  It is certainly not because we are such model servants.  Nor were any of those heroes of the Bible.   No, He puts ministries before us because He loves us.  These opportunities offer rewards from our Heavenly Father, and challenges to help us grow to be more like Christ.  That is the promise of Romans 8: 28-29. (Note the two qualifiers: those who love Him and walk in His will...requires obedience)

God continues to encourage us to be a part of the great works He is doing.  He takes ordinary people serving in extraordinary circumstances to demonstrate His Almightiness! 

Take heart

We can’t; but God can!

“Let us not become weary in doing good,

for at a proper time we will reap a harvest

 if we do not give up.” Galatians 6: 9

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights. 

Jackie's Journey "Motherhood...what a Glorious Calling!"

“Motherhood…what a Glorious Calling!”

“He makes the clouds his chariot and he rides on the wings of the wind.

He makes his messengers, flames of fire his servants.”

Our plane in Panama was called “Wings on the Wind”.  It was commissioned to take missionaries with the gospel into remote unreached areas in the jungles.  Being His messenger to an isolated tribe was a commitment that brought reality to my front doorstep!

Out here in California this past December we were inundated with consuming FIRES!  I had finished the Old Testament the end of November and had noted the means by which God chose to draw His people back to Himself.   He was looking for a God-consciousness with a repentant heart response that sought Him only with an undivided loyalty.  His people strayed from His ways and His will.  Fire was one of the four means God used to grab their attention!

“The fierce anger of the Lord will not turn back

until He fully accomplishes the purposes of His heart.”

Jeremiah   30:24

This Righteous and Holy God who “has loved us with an everlasting love and has drawn us to Him with loving-kindness” (Jeremiah 31: 3) is the same God who shouts for our attention in these days when our culture has been corrupted and deceived, as it draws us away from Him and His ways.  Uncontrolled anger is common practice in our homes, on the road, in our schools and churches, at concerts, in protesting groups, etc.  It has exposed a generation of people full of socially acceptable sins.  

We have parents who do not fulfill their scriptural responsibility to win and disciple their children (looking to their local church and Christian schools to do the job!); mothers, who are too comfortable with the “It’s all about me and my needs” mind-set; and father’s, who are too busy, distracted or disinterested to meet the spiritual needs of their families.

I don’t deny that it takes daily commitment and it is hard work!  However, “we are called by God to direct and correct young human beings who are born sinners Psa. 51:5, who by nature chafe against the instructions of God (Rom. 8: 9; I Cor. 2: 14), and are obstinately focused on pleasing their own selfish appetites (Eph. 2: 3).  And yet, even from the youngest of years, this work to curtail, limit, shape and redirect young rebellious lives is precisely what God requires us to do.” (Eph. 6:4; Pro. 22: 15)  Mike Fabarez

Take heart, special moms, our consistent, firm (without anger) and loving discipline will reap a harvest of peace (that’s right…our children will bring us rest and delight our soul (Pro. 29:17) and the work will be rewarded (Jer. 31:16).

Locking into God’s will and His ways will set you apart from the culture you presently live in.  Going against the culture means we are mothers of godly conviction (not caught up with every new fad or philosophy…wind and doctrine); mother’s with personal integrity.  We are virtuous with Godly understanding and knowledge from time spent in His word.  We are God-confident (not self-confident and entitled). We are yielded to His way and His will, not our own. We are women of great joy and gratefulness (regardless of our circumstances).  We are transparent before Him and hide no sin.  We are bold in our identifying and bearing witness of His Name.  We walk humbly with one another, not demanding our own way.  These attributes are His character… and His Spirit produces these things, as we get out of His way and submit to His leadership!

What is your commitment to God and your child?

Do your little princes and princesses see a mom and dad

Dedicated to Him… a flame of fire??

The parents of a righteous child have great joy…

Proverbs 23: 23

~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America.  Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California.  My passion is discipling and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.