Jackie's Journey "A Bright Star!"

There is a story of a little princess who anxiously waited for the day of the Christmas pageant.  She was so excited about her part that her parents thought she must be one of the main characters, though she had not told them what part she would play.  

 The day finally arrived and her parents enthusiastically entered the auditorium and watched as each of the children was called to take their place.  The shepherds nervously waited in the corner of the stage holding two sheep.  Mary and Joseph were placed near the manger.  In the back were the three Wise Men eagerly waiting with a small camel.  Each and every child was placed in position…except for the little princess.  She contentedly sat quietly.

 The music started and the director began the narrative.  “A long time ago, Joseph and Mary went up from Galilee to be taxed. It was there that Mary and Joseph had a baby and they named Him Jesus,” the narrator began.   “And when Jesus was born a bright star appeared over the stable.  That was her cue!  She quickly jumped up from her chair, picked up a large, sparkling star and walked behind the manger, holding the star up high for everyone to see.  It flickered in the lights and all eyes were drawn to baby Jesus in the manger.

 The story continues and finds the shepherds in the field with their sheep.  That was her cue…the little princess moved into position on stage, wiggling the shiny star to show the shepherds where to arrive at the manger.  When the director mentioned the Wise Men…the little princess quickly moved to meet them and lead the way to the Christ child.  Her face was beaming as bright as the star she was carrying!

 The play ended with a round of applause and a standing ovation.  In the car on the way home, the little princess was happily chattering, “I had the main part, did you see?”   “You did?” her mother questioned.  “Yes” she said enthusiastically,

 “I showed everybody how to find Jesus!”

 This could not have been truer!  Showing others how to find Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world and to be the light that would draw them to Him has got to be the finest role we can play in life!

 May the Light of the Christ Child be your focus

this Christmas Season and throughout the New Year…

~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 mentoring 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 "Forgotten Father's!"

Meet my wonderful Father…Never to be Forgotten!

“It was Grandfather’s birthday.  He was 79.  He got up early, showered, combed his hair and put on his Sunday best so he would look nice when they came.

 He skipped his daily walk to the town café where he had coffee with his cronies.  He wanted to be home when they came.

 He put his porch chair on the sidewalk so he could get a better view of the street when they drove up to help celebrate his birthday.

 At noon he got tired but decided to forgo his nap so he could be there when they came.  Most of the rest of the afternoon he spent near the telephone so he could answer it when they called.

 His has five married children, 13 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.  One son and daughter live within 10 miles of his place.  They hadn’t visited him for a long time.  But today was his birthday and they were sure to come.

 At suppertime he left the cake untouched so they could cut it and have dessert with him.

 After supper he sat on the porch waiting.

 At 8:30 he went to his room to prepare for bed.  Before retiring he left a note on the door, which read, “Be sure to wake me up when you come.”

 It was Grandfather’s birthday.  He was 79.”

 This fell out of my Dad’s bible when I picked it up to read while visiting my Mom.  My Mother had read it in Ann Lander’s daily advice column many years ago.  It so touched my heart for lonely and forgotten father’s and grandfather’s that I decided to share it with you.

 Yesterday was Father’s Day…did you remember to celebrate your father and grandfather?

~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 mentoring 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 "Family Vacation!"

It is not often that our entire family can pull away for a few days.  I’m sure you know what I am talking about. With schedules that require coordinating and lots of activities and work schedules, it is a nearly miraculous feat when a good plan finally comes together!  

 Listening to the chatter, daughters and cousins laughing and planning together, watching the wonder and living in the excitement of just being together is totally worth the undertaking.  Just stepping outside our regular pursuits and taking time to heed the familiar voices more carefully and more often is an instant stress releaser and sets the tone for a time of new appreciation, reminiscing and creating new memories.

It is silent, except for the roar of the boats.  The lake is crystal clear and smooth as glass.  It’s a glorious sunny morning!  .  I see the kids and grandkids fly by in the speedboat.   My mind is flooded with gratefulness.  Everything in me wants to shout out loud… How great is our God!  And this is only the first half of the first day!  Happy hearts are healing and invigorating.  Spontaneous hugs and unprompted conversations are the reward of “stopping the truck” for a second to regroup and realign our priorities to harmonize with His.  Each evening we stop to open the Word and open our hearts to each other and His reality in our lives. 

 “Thanks Grandma for the “sick” vacation!”   WHAT?!

Who calls a great vacation SICK?  

This generation does…it’s a great compliment!

Definitely…worth it all!

Check out the fishing! My grandson, Payton with his catch of the 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 mentoring 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 "A Bright Star"

There is a story of a little princess who anxiously waited for the day of the Christmas pageant.  She was so excited about her part that her parents thought she must be one of the main characters, though she had not told them what part she would play.  

 The day finally arrived and her parents enthusiastically entered the auditorium and watched as each of the children was called to take their place.  The shepherds nervously waited in the corner of the stage holding two sheep.  Mary and Joseph were placed near the manger.  In the back were the three Wise Men eagerly waiting with a small camel. Each and every child was placed in position…except for the little princess.  She contentedly sat quietly.

 The music started and the director began the narrative.  “A long time ago, Joseph and Mary went up from Galilee to be taxed. It was there that Mary and Joseph had a baby and they named Him Jesus,” the narrator began.   “And when Jesus was born a bright star appeared over the stable.  That was her cue!  She quickly jumped up from her chair, picked up a large, sparkling star and walked behind the manger, holding the star up high for everyone to see.  It flickered in the lights and all eyes were drawn to baby Jesus in the manger.

 The story continues and finds the shepherds in the field with their sheep.  That was her cue…the little princess moved into position on stage, wiggling the shiny star to show the shepherds where to arrive at the manger.  When the director mentioned the Wise Men…the little princess quickly moved to meet them and lead the way to the Christ child.  Her face was beaming as bright as the star she was carrying!

 The play ended with a round of applause and a standing ovation.  In the car on the way home, the little princess was happily chattering, “I had the main part, did you see?”   “You did?” her mother questioned.  “Yes” she said enthusiastically,

“I showed everybody how to find Jesus!”

 This could not have been truer!  Showing others how to find Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world and to be the light that would draw them to Him has got to be the finest role we can play in life!

 May the Light of the Christ Child be your focus

this Christmas Season and throughout the coming New Year…

~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 mentoring 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 "I WIN...What's the Prize??"

The 2018 Super Bowl is history. Only one team could win.  The prize is enormous.  Monday nights are game nights on T.V in many homes across America. We put our children in team sports almost before they can walk, let alone kick a soccer ball!  We hear the competitive nature of the game as parents stand and shout encouragement at players and periodically yell at the officials.   We say, “Do your best and win!”  The philosophy of how a game should be played is wrapped in “the most important thing is winning”.

Sacrificing whatever it takes… integrity, tripping the kid in front of you…breaking the rules…winning is the objective.  Reaching the goal…first!  Teaching our children true fulfillment is by-passed on the altar of “me first” winners!  Losing is not an option.

Don’t misunderstand me.  Team sports are a part of our American heritage.  Just don’t miss the real goal…   “…Straining toward what is ahead.  I press toward the goal to win the prize…” (Phil.3: 13)  And how we get there is the key.

What’s the prize?

Do you want to be a winner in life?

Do you want your children to be real winners?

“A man’s steps are directed by the Lord.  How then can anyone understand his own way?  (Pro. 20:24)   God has a plan for our success.  How can we think apart from His purpose??

God has called us “heavenward in Christ Jesus.  All of us who are mature should take such a view of things.  And if, on some point you think differently, that too, God will make clear to you.”  (Phil. 3:14)   Competitive sports show us the importance of focusing and reaching for a goal!  Binding ourselves to His eternal goal and plan and continually pushing forward toward Christ for His equipping as parents, mothers, grandparents, teachers and examples makes us winners.  His empowerment is the prize.  We are not programmed to get the job done apart from Him.

God doesn’t want our best. Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless I live; yet, not I, but Christ lives in me”.  I repeat…God doesn’t want our best…He wants us!   Us…yielded to Him, so He can do HIS best in us and through us.

What is God’s goal?

What does He require of us?

“To act justly

To love mercy

To walk humbly with your God”.

Micah 6: 8

Humility necessitates complete yieldedness to Him, His plan and His Will.

“…Not I, anymore, but Christ who lives in me…”

~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 Do Your Kids See You?"

                                                         "How Do Your Kids See You?"

Our children, whatever their age, have an image of us.  We think we are projecting a certain picture of who we are; yet, their perception of us may be, and usually is, totally different!   “At 4 years of age…mommy can do anything!  At 8 years…Mom knows a whole lot!  At 12…mother doesn’t really know quite everything and at 14…Naturally, Mother doesn’t know she doesn’t know everything.  At 16…Mother? She’s hopelessly old-fashioned.  At 18…That old woman?  She’s way out of date!  At 25…Well, she might know a little bit.  At 35…Hey, before we decide, let’s get Mom’s opinion.  At 45…wonder what Mom would have thought about it.  At 65…Wish I could talk it over with Mom.’ 

If I were to ask you…

“What are the five most important needs of your child…

Would you know??

What an obligation we moms have to keep the line of communication open without needlessly hindering our ability to do so!  When I think back to the many positive influences in my life, I recognize that one of the greatest gifts I received was the way my mother worked to keep that communication line open so that the four of us could receive the discipline and correction we desperately needed to prepare us for adulthood.

There are, of course, common ways that parents use to hinder this process and cause children to withdraw their spirit.  

 Do any of these apply to you?

What if:

1)   The model is anger in the responses to life’s situations? Proverbs 22:24,25

2)   We are inconsistent in discipline or discipline in anger?  Ecclesiastes 8: 11; Psalm 6: 1; 38

3)   We have double - standards? Matthew 23: 1-4; Philippians 4:9

4)   We are not living in marital harmony. Gen. 2: 24

5)   We do not admit when we are wrong.  Mathew 5:23-26; Job 32:2; Jas.5:16

6)   We constantly find fault.  Job 32: 2,3

7)   We reverse our God-given roles.  Ephesians 5:22-24; Genesis 3:16

8)   We compare our child to others.  II Corinthians 10: 12

9)   We are not affirming our child. II Corinthians 2: 6-8; Revelation 2,3

10)  We are calling our child names. Ephesians 4:29

11)   We fail to keep our promises.  Matthew 5:37; Colossians 3: 9; Psalm 15:4

12)   We scold our child in front of others.  Matthew 18: 15; John 21:15-17

13)   We fail to take time to daily read the spirit of our child.  Ephesians 5: 18

14)   We’re being to strict.  James 3:17

15)   We’re giving too much freedom.  Proverbs 29:15; Galatians 4:1,2

16)   We are thoughtlessly making fun of our child.  Job 17: 1,2

17)  We’re not listening to our child’s opinion or his/her side of the story.  Proverbs 18: 13,17

18)  We are abusive physically, emotionally, verbally? I Tim. 3:3; Titus 1:7; Numbers 22

19)  We are having unrealistic expectations of our child.  I Corinthians 13:11

All of these (and more) cause our child to withdraw his spirit and to be reluctant to communicate with us.   Discipling (mentoring, teaching, nurturing, training, etc.) our children means more than just leading moral lives.  It means spending time with them so they see how we live out the reality of our Christian life.

Are we:

 -Offering Hope by our Godly Walk and Sacrifice

-Instilling Respect for Authority

-Teaching Personal responsibility (no victim mentality!)

-Correcting Fairly

-Modeling Forgiveness and Respect for others

-Being the Example (or being an excuse for bad behavior!)

-Spending Time cultivating Connections and Communication?

 What image of us does our child see?

 “…get wisdom, discipline and understanding.  The father of a righteous child (man) has great joy; he who has a wise child (son) delights in him.   May your father and mother be glad; may she who gave you birth rejoice…” Proverbs 23:23b-25

Do your children bring you joy?

~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 "Purposely Thankful!"

When we attend an English speaking church, we have the privilege of sitting under a man who challenges our hearts and understands how to walk with God.  We are grateful for his faithfulness and teaching of the Word of God.  This summer, I pulled this from his Weekly Words in the church bulletin.

“The Bible tells us that ‘every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father’ (James 1:17).  God is certainly benevolent and generous to us.  He gives a variety of good things, from the gift of life in a newborn baby, to the satisfying experience of a good meal after a long day’s work.  No matter how profound or how seemingly mundane, the good we experience comes from the mind and intentionality of a gracious good God.  One of the reasons the connection between good gifts and the generous giver is so critically important to keep in mind is because, like spoiled and presumptuous children, we can easily become ingrates!  Thanksgiving is not an extracurricular activity reserved for the deeply pious or the overly thoughtful.  Being purposely thankful is at the heart of true Christianity.  To celebrate the redemption of Christ, or to be grateful for a good night’s sleep is a reflection of our awareness that God is God, and that we are utterly dependent on His kindness.  So today, be cognizant of the blessings that God is dispensing in your life, and take the time to express your sincere gratitude to the Giver of all good things.”  Pastor Mike Fabarez

 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!

~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...who? Don't Panic!!!"

“LOST…who?  Don’t Panic!!"

Our friends have a five-year-old Downs Syndrome boy who was having a fabulous time at Sea World.  In an instant his parents realized he had wandered off and in a panic they began to run in every direction, calling his name.  After a few minutes others joined in.  Finally, he was spotted…head to toe, wet and muddy…. running to his dad who scooped him up in relief and hugged him reassuringly!  Upon arriving home they tucked him into his warm bed and opened up his backpack…out popped the cutest little live penguin they had ever seen!! True story shared by Yvonne Foust  

We are sometimes like that little boy.  We see or hear something that captures our total attention.  We get caught up in the exciting moment and throw “caution to the wind”.  The “something” may not be bad, but it keeps us from following the best.  God has given our children a safety in times like these by giving them…us!  Parents carry the responsibility to protect IF our little ones learn to choose to stay close where mom and dad can see and hear them! 

Listening and obeying …especially when we are in new places…keeps us alert to danger!  When little ones disobey by slipping away where they cannot be heard or seen, they not only hurt themselves…they hurt others.  That little boy’s daddy and mommy were afraid because they love him.  That little boy had been in water somewhere and could have been hurt!  That little boy took something that was not his (baby penguin!).  That little boy made a bad decision on his own…without asking permission of his parents.  That little boy made it dangerous for the baby penguin… and himself! 

We need to stay under the “umbrella of protection”.   The umbrella keeps the rain and pain of life from hitting us and gives peace and protection IF we stay under its shelter.  When we choose NOT to listen and go off on our own, we walk out from under the umbrella and the protection is gone.

This, of course, is true for us as adults.

Our little ones can certainly identify with this little happy and excited boy

…I know, I can!

Understanding we have an authority in a sovereign God that promises to protect us, as we listen and obey, is a superior plan and renders our responsibility for our little ones full of hope and promise.  We know that “for those of us who through faith are shielded by God’s power” are in the safest Hands imaginable.  I Peter 1: 5

Jackie's Journey "Who me...Accountable?!"

“Who me…Accountable?!”

When I think of a princess my mind goes to the blessing of a precious new LIFE coming in the form of a tiny little girl.

“Life is a stewardship, not an ownership; a trust, not a gift!

With a gift you can do as you please;

 BUT with a trust you must give an account!”

 “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight!  Everything is uncovered and laid bare before HIS eyes and to HIM we must give an account.” Hebrews 4: 13 Personally, this verse has always been a “call to action”.  It has been a strong motivating force in my life.  Those of you who know me, know that I am the “little much afraid” in the book, Hind’s Feet In High Places.  I am the person who forces herself to walk through the door of fear to find God’s GRACE and freedom on the other side!

The fact that God is holding me accountable has driven me to take the stewardship of my life: as a missionary, a pastor’s wife, a mother and a grandmother very seriously.  This God of love is going to hold me accountable one day!  And there will be no excuses! (“…but you don’t understand, God, there were circumstances beyond my control…etc.)

“…will he not repay each person according to what he has done?” Pro. 24: 12b

Scripture tells us that babies are a gift to us that come with stewardship.  They are entrusted to us for a short time and our responsibilities for that tiny life are enormous.  Our failure to take that trust and do it God’s way (not our own way, which is our natural inclination) will, of course, result in total failure…

I hate failure!  (Apart from HIM I am a failure!)

 We are commissioned by God to guard our every word, thought, action and habit.

“Why?” you ask.  “Why can’t we just “be ourselves”

and say and do what we want?  WE ARE MATURE WOMEN!”

Maybe, because we are bent on evil apart from HIM!  We are not full of grace.  HE is!

We are to:

 Watch our thoughts; they become words.

Watch our words; they become actions.

Watch our actions; they become habits.

Watch our habits; they become character.

Watch our character; for it becomes our DESTINY!

 Your little princess is watching, listening and learning…she was listening before she was born…she is reading your spirit and her destiny is being formed.  We cannot allow the enemy any entrance into her life.  She deserves the opportunity to become all that HE has predestined her to be for His glory and His purpose. Eph.1: 11, 12; Rom. 8: 29

Often, I look into the face of the most precious mama that ever lived and I see her responsibility for me wasn’t just those first years until I went away to college…she still sets the bar for me at 98!  I still watch her words, actions, habits and listen and learn.  Christina and Kim, my two daughters, are still holding my feet to the fire and looking for an opportunity to use me as an excuse for their wrong choices!  And my seven grandchildren are watching their grandma to see if her God is real!

BUT most importantly, God has HIS eyes on me and is listening and HE IS HOLDING ME ACCOUNTABLE FOR EVERY ATTITUDE, THOUGHT, WORD, ACTION, and HABIT!

GRACE IS NOT:

Ø  God’s passive indulgence - letting us do what we want! (Our present cultural philosophy – everyone is entitled and we are the exception to every rule!)

Ø  God’s removal of consequence when HIS laws are broken!  (We reap what we Sow!  No escape!  If we disobey…we pay!) Col. 3:25

Ø  Freedom to reject God’s commands!  (God’s laws are NOT a “Smorgasbord”…I like this command; it works for me; I’ll keep it!  That one does not work for me; throw it out!)

 GRACE IS:

  The desire and power to do what God wants!  It is Active!

 LIFE is a trust that we will give an account to God one day

 and GRACE is the key to its stewardship…

“Therefore, brethren, BE STRONG IN GRACE

(Be strong in the desire and power to do God’s will)

that is in Christ Jesus.”  2 Tim. 2: 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 "10 Little Reasons Why..."

The New School Prayer

Now I sit me down in school

Where praying is against the rule

For this great nation under God

Finds mention of Him very odd.

If Scripture now the class recites

It violates the Bill of Rights.

And anytime my head I bow

Becomes a Federal matter now.

Our hair can be purple, orange or green,

That’s no offense; it’s a freedom scene.

The law is specific; the law is precise

Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.

For praying in a public hall

Might offend someone with no faith at all.

In silence alone we must meditate

God’s Name is prohibited by the state.

We’re allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,

And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks.

They’ve outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.

To quote the Good Book makes me liable.

We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,

And the “unwed daddy”, our Senior King.

It’s “inappropriate” to teach right from wrong,

We’re taught that such “judgments” do not belong.

We can get condoms and birth controls,

Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles.

But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,

No word of God must reach this crowd.

It’s scary here I must confess,

When chaos reigns the schools a mess.

So, Lord, this silent plea I make:

My soul please take!

Amen.

This was written by a teen in Bagdad, Arizona and it speaks volumes, doesn’t it?

There are 10 little reasons why I choose to:

1.     Offer Hope… “Children desperately need someone to believe in them, to encourage them, and to help them see the future optimistically and positively.” Wm. T. Weathers, M.D.

2.     Be and example and not an excuse by modeling forgiveness and respect for others…”Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another…Forgive, as the Lord forgave you.”  Col.3: 13

3.     “Never sacrifice the permanent on the altar of the immediate.” Dr. Bob Jones, Sr.

4.     “Pray twice as much as I fret and listen twice as much as I speak.” Max Lucado  Little ones need our time, patience and a kind listening ear.

5.     Teach dependence on God’s presence.  Isa. 40:31 Oswald Chambers

6.     Demonstrate the character of God by walking in HIS attributes.

7.     Discipline fairly…”A child who lives with consistent, fair correction learns that you value him or her…well-loved yet justly disciplined children…mature to be more productive, secure adults than those raised in ultra-permissive environments.”  Chuck Swindoll

8.     Teach personal responsibility.

9.     Love deeply with undivided loyalties.

10. Yield my rights in deference to those I am called to serve with a joyful heart.  Patterning humility is more powerful than teaching it.

We are the only Bible our children know for those first few years

and we have a privilege and responsibility “to walk in the light” we have

and serve God faithfully in all He chooses to trust us with.

The “New School Prayer” gives us a glimpse of the world

that our young people face and live in. 

These are the leaders of the next generation. 

Our work is cut out for us and the pace to keep up is daunting.

We are blessed with a greater power in us…

than the power that is in the world!

~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.