Jackie's Journey "Dimmed Vision"

As women, we face daily the threat of being derailed from our calling and designed purpose. As moms, we face the same fate of a dimmed vision and a protracted destiny.  We fight to maintain our goal and the priorities it takes to reach our intentional target and we carry the responsibility of those “little feet” energetically following us.

“You may never abuse your children,  or turn them out on the street or fail to feed and clothe them, but the viewpoint of the current generation may have left its mark on your mothering with loss of vision, absence of conviction, compromise, self-centeredness, lack of commitment,  self-pity, laziness, frequent parental absence or pre-occupation with your own interests, activities and concerns…”

 Here are five non-exhaustive questions that will keep the vision for our heritage alive:

 1.     Will my child look back at life and say, “my mother was a godly woman who walked in the light”, obedient to and living by scriptural truth?” II Pet. 1:3

2.      Did she read and study me “like a book” and purpose to build godly character in me? “We are known and read by all men”.  II Cor. 2: 2

3.     Did she enable me to see my purpose in life by learning to hear the voice of God and encouraging me to walk in it?

4.     Did she teach me to redeem the time and use it wisely…because time is short?

5.     Did she train me to walk with biblical conviction, accepting rejection from peers and the world as standard?

 These five basic questions will reveal your current effectiveness as a mom. Your dedication to the preparation of your heritage and the equipping of them to enter a tumultuous world is key.  I watched my two daughters grow and marry and give me grandchildren.  I am currently watching those seven grandchildren graduate from college, get married and fly away!  I am held responsible until the third or fourth generation…

 Are we keeping the vision connected to our calling

(as a Mom, Grand-mom , Aunt…) or has our vision dimmed?

~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 "The Silent Cry"

     “…and I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power to grasp

           how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love

           surpasses knowledge…”  Ephesians 3: 18

 

If you are struggling this morning in some way

that you do not understand…this blog is for you…

 Recently, a stranger placed in my hand a small book written by Amy Carmichael (a missionary to India 1867-1951).  Immediately, upon hearing her name, a vivid memory came knocking at the door of my heart.    

 While we were in Boot Camp in Fredonia (make that "Freeze-don't ya"), Wisconsin!), preparing for missionary service I became so sick that I wasn't sure we would be able to finish the course.  Yet, my husband and I knew God had brought us this far.  There was a tribe, deep in the rain forest of Panama that had never heard the name of Jesus Christ and they were waiting for someone to come and bring His Name to them.

 We had been seeking local medical help for over two months.  I was in my first trimester with our first child.  My physical symptoms were severe, I had lost six weeks of missionary training and I was lost in my understanding of it all when diagnosed with an unyielding case of pneumonia!  The infection was suffocating my compromised lung and I would have to take a drug that could adversely affect my unborn child!  The choice was my recovering or possibly both of us not going full term!  I was confused and consumed by fear.  

 Have you ever been there?

Faced with impossible decisions and lost in your imaginations?

 At this juncture of my journey, someone gave me a quote of Amy Carmichael that stopped me in my tracks and I realized I had the concept of my Father's love and means of communication to me all wrong!   

 “If I cannot catch the sound of the rain long before the rain falls, and going to some hilltop of the spirit, as near to my God as I can, have not faith to wait there with my face between my knees, though six times or sixty times I am told there is nothing till at last ‘there arises a little cloud out of the sea’ then I know nothing of Calvary love!"

   I Kings 18: 41 says, “And Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go, eat and drink, for there

Is the sound of heavy rain’.  So, Ahab went off to eat and drink, but Elijah

climbed to the top of Carmel, bent down to the ground and put his face

between his knees.  “Go and look toward the sea”, he told his servant.

And he went up and looked.  “There is nothing there’, he said.  Seven times

Elijah said, ‘Go back!’  The seventh time the servant reported, ‘A cloud as

  small as a man’s hand is rising from the sea’…The sky grew black with

clouds, the wind rose, a heavy rain came…’”

 I felt a little like Elijah may have felt when he was in danger for his life. Why didn’t I understand?  I should, shouldn’t I?  I was a missionary candidate (soon to be deployed!), I had spent a year at the University of Arizona, 4 years of Bible School, 2 yrs. of Boot Camp and Language School...I was completely committed to God with everything I knew, in all the light I had …But God always has much to teach me about Himself. I waited for Him at the front door of my heart and He silently entered through the back door and shattered my concept of Him and His promises!  He came with new light, new peace and new understanding of His divine nature. I re-focused, solely, on the author and finisher of my faith…

 “There are times when something comes into our lives which is charged with love in such a way that it seems to open the Eternal to us for a moment...it may be a small and intimate touch, as the touch of the dawn wind or it may be the pain experienced in the storm of life along the way... But we know it is our Lord.  And then perhaps the room where we are, with its books and furniture and flowers, seem less ‘present’ than His presence, and the heart is drawn into His sweetness Can we ever cease to wonder at the love of our companion?  And then suddenly we recognize our Lord holding us in a new way?  Dimness seems to be more wholesome for us here...not understood by us.  After all, how little we see!    Confounded and abased, we continue to hold fast to the Rock and hide in the dust, before the glory of the Majesty of love--the love whose symbol is the Cross.  

And the piercing question then:  What do I know of Calvary love?”

 I am praying for you, this morning, for your sensing the whisper of His Presence in that "cloud out of the sea" in a new way and for the power of His healing.

 Have a great week!

~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 "Character Markers!"

A Biblical worldview should influence all areas of life.  Articulating that worldview within our sphere of influence is what the Princess Parables are all about!  While surface problems (hate, prejudice, murder, anger, addiction) attract media attention, they merely reflect and are symptomatic of the deeper need we have as people...the need for character!  Character determines our actions.  Character determines our responses, regardless of the circumstances presented to us in life.   It defines us and tells others who we really are!  Character is written on the heart of every person.  It is universal and transcends culture, race, age, social status, religion, gender and nationality.  

 Character marks the life of a true princess!! For many years Princesses Joy, Grace, Hope, Faith and Charity have been a large part of my life and I have grown to love each of them, as distinct and separate personalities, with unique engiftments and an adventurous story to tell.  They form a cohesive body of work that speaks to the need for early development of godly character in our little princesses in a pragmatic way they can relate to with Biblical terms attached.

  I recently read, “A dear old Quaker lady, distinguished for her youthful look, was asked what she used to preserve her appearance.  She replied sweetly, “I use for the lips, truth; for the voice, prayer; for the eyes, pity; for the hand, charity; for the figure, uprightness; and for the heart, love” (Jerry Fleishman).  The Princesses are designed to inspire godly thoughts and actions.  The key of this wise “Quaker lady’s” answer and the challenge to us is to maneuver victoriously through this new day and its many opportunities... each revealing our TRUE character through our moment-by-moment responses!  

 Who am I really?

My daily response to life situations brings to light the REAL 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 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 "Put that Rubber Back on the Road"

“Perseverance is a lowly virtue whereby mediocrity

achieves an inglorious success!” Ambrose Bierce

 While attending Bible School, I met my husband and we were married a year later.  We had never heard of tribal people who had never had an opportunity to even hear the name of Jesus Christ!  Can you imagine?  God challenged us to take His Name to them!  My husband responded immediately to the need before him.  Yes, he would go!  He stood up quickly, as the seasoned visiting missionary, challenged the crowd for tribal missions; however, I stood frozen with my mouth wide open, in shock!  I could not believe his independent, instant response.   God had work to do in my stubborn heart.  My self-consumed willfulness held me captive!  

 I was not equipped to live in the jungle…I hate spiders!  It took three days travel to get to this Indian village.  One and half days journey by banana boat (that’s right we slept on wooden benches) following the coastline, arriving in a remote small town to make a connection for the last ten hour day trek upriver in an open dugout canoe!  Let’s see, I have two babies less than three years of age fighting the rapids during rainy season!  Surely, there was someone in that crowd of churchgoers more mature than I am that is willing and ready to go…not me!  I, fearfully, contemplated another 24 hours before I silently knelt with my husband and acknowledged God’s beckoning whisper to submit to His will and His very clear call to GO

 As a young student, untested missionary, wife and new mother I stepped out in blind obedience.  The unknown was my constant companion, as was my all-knowing God with His directing will and promises.  “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, so shall your offspring be.  Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead…since he was about a hundred years old…and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.  YET he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promises of God being fully persuaded that GOD HAD POWER TO DO WHAT HE PROMISED.”(Romans 4:18-21)

 For over 50 years now, God’s pursuing love has driven us to proclaim the name of Christ.  First, to those living in the remote jungles of Panama, “in the farthest corners of the earth” (Psalm 65:8), and today, to those living in the asphalt jungles of the United States.

 We have counted it a privilege to walk day-by-day wrapped in His strength, following where He leads us.  Joyfully persevering has become a fulfilling way of life… His receiving the glory is our reward…

 What are you facing today that seems unbelievably overwhelming and impossible?

~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 "Jungle School"

Christina’s Early Schooling Interior

“...Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”  Deut.4: 3

 Good-morning, Mom’s!  I have two princesses who have lived to tell the story of their educational process as tribal missionary daughters.  From Home Schooling to graduating from college, they have been in every type of school and curriculum available at one time or another! Furloughs from the field and sickness made academic flexibility an imperative and a household word for us.

 Both girls have their Bachelors and our youngest daughter her Master’s.  I say this to encourage you, young homeschooling mothers that God is faithful beyond our circumstances and He has trusted us and is faithful to do what He calls us to do.

 I was told that a good teacher causes learning and to accomplish this there are two pre-requisites:

 1)    A teacher must know the child’s need …spiritual first and then academic…for the child to learn.

 2)    The girls would need to be under my authority to receive from me. 

 I did not always feel like a “good teacher”. 

My sense of failure was forever present.  

Would it be enough…is it going to allow them the opportunity

to find their way in life?  Would they be prepared?

 I was teaching school in the jungle before the term “home-school” became popular!”  I was given the choice of sending my little ones three days journey to live at our Mission boarding school for the school year or being a home school pioneer.  It was not a hard decision, but it was a tremendous step of faith and a huge commitment.

 We lived in very primitive conditions where my job description included many already time-consuming activities.  There was no running water or electricity.  Cooking was an experience in itself, as many of the animals I was preparing were unknown to me!   There were no computers, Google, Youtube, phones, radios or T.V.  There was no written alphabet in the Kuna language so linguistics occupied hours each day (oh, for an I pad).

 In time, literacy became a necessity.  Sue, my partner, and I ran a medical clinic in the mornings for treating malaria, T.B., parasites, bat bites, open wounds, even setting broken bones, delivering babies, colds and flu… etc.   We joined the women weekly to sweep the village with palm leaf brooms (yes… imagine!).  There were remarkable teaching times, prayer meetings and lots of needs and visitors all day long… every day.  My girls were small; one was still nursing when we moved into Pucuro, our village on the Colombian border.  Time was a precious commodity…days were short… darkness came early.

 Teaching the girls was a blessing I loved.  These two girls, my heritage…are the only thing that will go on into eternity and carry on—our beliefs, our character, our philosophies, etc. into the next generation.  They are a commanding responsibility and the most important investment I wiould ever make.  You, mom’s, face the same imperative today in this asphalt jungle, as I once did as a tribal missionary mom tucked away in the tropical jungles of Panama.

 As a parent we have an unequaled opportunity with each child.  We want our child to be wise, truthful, grateful, honest, mighty in spirit… etc.  It is important that our heritage has the godly character necessary to produce success in life.

 My question this morning is threefold:

      1) Are you satisfied that you know how to take advantage of that

 opportunity for the benefit of your child?

 2.     What is the cost to your children and to yourself if you fail to properly complete the task? 

 3.     Is there a system that we can know for sure is going to work and we can utilize to obtain the right results? 

Scary, I know!!

 If there was ever a time in history when today’s youth must become God’s men and women for the world tomorrow…. THIS IS THE TIME!

 Isn’t it true, Moms, that our success comes from making our children successful?!

 I believe Scripture gives us a system we can use with confidence.  It focuses on building Godly character and uses very simple tools to accomplish that purpose.  Many parents spend hours teaching the “do’s and don’ts” that instruct the soul…but building character trains the spirit of the child.  Our involvement in actively and aggressively developing character meets a desperate need in our child and our society.

 Character is developing right attitudes that produce right actions habitually!

 Do you know how to do this?

~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. 

Posted on July 11, 2022 and filed under motherhood, character and virtue.

Jackie's Journey "The Price of Freedom!"


 

“We hold these truths to be self-evident: 

That all men created equal,

that they are endowed by their Creator

with certain unalienable rights,

that among these are life, liberty

and the pursuit of happiness.”

 We are all familiar with these words but, not so well-known, the concluding words of the Declaration of Independence reads, “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our lives, our fortunes and our sacred Honor.”  Fifty-six signatures of great patriots follow these profound words. These were the American heroes to the core!

 And what did they get for pledging their lives, fortunes and honor for our country? 

·      Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died.

·      Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned.

·      Nine of the 56 fought and died from wounds or hardships of the Revolutionary War.

·      Carter Braxton of Virginia, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy.  He sold his home and property to pay his debts and died in rags.

·      Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family almost constantly.  He served in Congress without pay and his family was kept in hiding.  His possessions were taken from him and poverty was his reward.

·      Vandals or soldiers looted the properties of Dillery, Hall, Clymer, Walton, Gwinett, Heyward, Ruttledge, and Middleton.

·      At the battle of Yorktown, Thomas Nelson, Jr. noted that the British General Cornwalls had taken over his home for his headquarters. He quietly urged General George Washington to open fire.  The home was destroyed and Nelson died bankrupt.

·      Francis Lewis had his home and properties destroyed.  The enemy jailed his wife and she died within a few months.

·      John Hart was driven from his wife’s bedside as she was dying.  Their 13 children fled for their lives.  His fields and his gristmill were laid to waste.  For more than a year he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.  A few weeks later he died from exhaustion and a broken heart.  Norris and Livingston suffered similar fates.

 Such were the stories and sacrifice of the great Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution.  These great men were not wild-eyed, rebellious ruffians.  They were soft-spoken men of means and education. They had security…but they valued liberty more!

 So… this July 4th, as we celebrate our freedoms

with family and friends,

take a few minutes to silently thank these founding fathers

who paid such a great price for America’s freedom?

 Freedom is never free!

~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 "Would the REAL Mom Please Stand Up!"

Etching by Michelle Akerman

 Where have all the real Mothers gone?  Dr. Brenda Hunter wrote, “It’s difficult to be a mother today.  At every turn, we are told how to exercise, diet, dress-for-success, find fulfillment in a career, be politically and philosophically correct and share tasks equally with our husbands.  Additionally, we are encouraged to rear good children on minimal time!  The ideal mother by todays standards, is one ‘who can do it all’”.  As family demands and responsibilities are changing, mothers are required to work harder at keeping proper balance between what is priority and what is not.

 Are we convinced that “she who rocks the cradle, rules the world?”

 Mothers are “the first book read and the last book put aside in every child’s library.”   There is no more influential role on earth than a mother’s role.  As significant as political, military, educational or religious figures may be, none can compare to the impact made by mothers on their children.  Their words are never fully forgotten, their touch leaves an indelible impression and the memory of their presence lasts a lifetime.  Who else is anywhere near that influential??

 I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of seven grown prince and princesses. I had the privilege of teaching each of them to read and basic math. My first child, Christina, was born during Missionary Training Boot Camp where a world of unknowns was facing me with the unbelievable responsibility of a new beautiful child…who, by the way, was pure magic!

 “For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required”. Luke 12:48

 A child is the most undeniably, magical gift given to us…and to us to whom it is given…much will be required.  No pressure…just a little harmless verse tucked away in Scripture that not only challenges us, but…calls us to action!

 That little girl brought such joy into my life I was sure my heart would burst!  She, also, brought a fear of failure because I knew me…the real me, inside, and I knew I could not do this job right.  When we talk about motherhood, we are talking about a celebration of our heritage…acknowledging that the only part of us that goes on and carries us into the future…our beliefs, our character, our philosophies, our ideologies is our children.

 Motherhood is the most significant investment we will make in our lifetime!

 “Without a vision, the people perish”.  The Bible is clear.

What is your vision for your child?

Do you believe that God has laid out a plan,

taking into consideration your child’s talents, abilities, and engiftments?

Do you believe God knows best?

 

Then the question is: How do we get in harmony with His vision

and plan and stop pushing our own?

~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 "My Dad!"

 

Proverbs 17: 6 says “the glory of children is their father.”

My Father was a Missouri farm boy, transplanted in California after the 1929 Great Depression, when there was no work and people were in soup lines for lack of food.  He stood tall and was strong. He was a man of few words (a wise man).  He married my mother and while pregnant with me was in a horrific car accident that instantly killed his best friend and threw him through the windshield 40 feet down an embankment on the Missouri river.

 Severely injured and broken, the doctors rebuilt his face, arms, legs, and repaired his internal injuries. He spent a year in the hospital and barely survived.  He nursed, in pain, an almost completely severed leg the rest of his life. Going against all odds, my Dad lived to preserve for his heritage an exceptional example of courage, discipline, integrity and excellence of character.  His allegiance to God, country and family; his instant obedience to what he knew was right; his endurance through years of pain without medication; his sense of order and efficiency; his generosity; his deep love for my mother and the four of us girls made him a man that was “respected at the gates” and securely treasured in our hearts.

 His personal victory over crushing obstacles throughout the years has been an inspiration to all who know him, especially his family, who basked in the shadow of his fierce loyalty and determination.

 I recently found this inside his Bible. It was written by my Dad.  It is his statement of faith and a firm testimony of who he was and what he believed…

 “Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  He is the breath of Life within us; the fountain that refreshes us; the Grace that frees us; the truth that renews our minds; the love that fills our hearts; the fullness that gives us joy.

 Jesus Christ is the light of the world for all people.  God so loves this world that He gave His only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins.  Yes, yours and mine…we are all sinners.

 Learn to be wise by making wise decisions.  Good decisions come from experience.  Experience comes from working at it.  Bad decisions come from carelessness.  Do you want to spend your life or invest your life?  My continual prayer is ‘what can you do with my life, Lord?’

 Yield yourself to Him completely.  He will continue to unfold more for you to invest.

I will do-go anywhere…what do you want me to do?

Lord, here I am…do with me what you desire.”

 

I’m thinking Daddy left this for us, knowing we would all want his Bible after he was taken to his heavenly home.  It certainly reveals his character and evangelistic heart.  I never heard my Dad complain and his exemplary life has called me to a higher standard.  I am so blessed to have had him in my life for 76 years! He is not only a “hard act to follow”, but an honored man that won this daughter’s heart and earned my deepest love, respect and gratitude.

 There will never be another like

 my Dad…. and I miss him…

Married 72 years…

~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. 

Posted on June 20, 2022 and filed under womanhood, character and virtue.

Jackie's Journey "Warrior...or not?"

I’ve been listening to the news regarding the new possible “lock-down” in our state and the re-introduction of mandates because of the threat of yet another virus… “monkeypox”.  I don’t know about you, but I have not had the opportunity to relish the newfound freedoms, recently given, long enough to entertain the next round of implemented directives!

 With all the conceding and disorder in our world…our nation…our communities…our homes…and our families, we need a plan of attack! There has to be something we can do. 

We can’t solve all the evils, but we can focus on a God who is Sovereign and is in total control, and devote ourselves to effectively use the tool He has given us when entering battle and pray for our leaders.  “Prayer is not conquering God’s reluctance, but taking hold of God’s willingness.”  The promise is that God will answer all prayers that are prayed in His will.

 Here are some key elements that are in His perfect will

should you choose to take up this challenge:

 1.     Know your own need.  Check your relationship with Him. Romans 10:9

2.     Confess your sin.  Psa.66:18; I John 1:9

3.     Forsake your sin.  Rom. 13:  14; Proverbs 28:13

4.     Know your God

        He has all power and authority Romans 13: 1

        He establishes governments   Romans 13: 2-6; I Peter 2: 13-19

        He knows how to humble the proud rulers Daniel 4:37

        He uses wicked rulers to chasten Jer. 5: 19-22

        He requires us to give an account to Him Hebrews 13: 17

        He commands respect to authorities. I Peter 2: 17

 

5.     Get the facts right. Proverbs 18:  13

6.     Resist the Enemy.  James. 4: 17

                      Recognize him

                      Ask God to rebuke him

                          Satan can be recognized by wrong thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and impulses which he plants in our mind that are contrary to biblical truth.

7.     Examine our motives by cleansing and purifying our secret longings, goals, desires, ambitions…

8.     Ask God to bind Satan in any attempt he would make to deceive those who are in authority over us.  Mark 3: 27

9.     Ask God to build a hedge of protection around our authority from those who would bring godless influences to us and our family.

10.  Express our thanks. Phil. 4: 6

 Will you join me in praying for our leaders

Satan laughs at our tolling, but he trembles when we pray!  Prayer based on God’s Word is the powerful weapon we can use today to touch the invisible foe.  It has been said that the people who are not praying…are straying.  No man stumbles if he is on his knees! 

 The world we leave for our children and grandchildren is dependent on our winning this battle.  We are soldiers of the cross, yoked together with the command to “watch and pray that we do not enter into temptation, “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” Matthew 26:41 “Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer, except that which lies outside the will of God.” Anonymous

 Let’s step up to the plate and be the committed

Prayer Warriors that He has called us to 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 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 "An Extraordinary Life!"

“Where is the Life we have lost in living?” T.S. Elliot

 My daughter Kim walked into my bedroom with a list of 15 components for a satisfied life! Now…who wouldn’t want that inventory?   I was really interested in knowing what was on her mind and what was on that list!  She was so enthusiastic and I was REALLY curious…

I knew it was NOT going to be money, a big house with a pool, a Lamborghini or fame, beauty, maybe being 10 years younger or 20-pounds lighter!  No…this daughter doesn’t roll that way.  Sooo…what could those 15 “pieces of life” be?

Let’s take a look:

1.     A Divine life

2.     A Life with Purpose

3.     A Life of Faith

4.     A Life of Continuing Surrender

5.     A Life of Joyful Obedience

6.     A Life of Prayer and Praise

7.     A Life filled with the Holy Spirit

8.     A Life of Total Dependence

9.     A Disciplined Life

10.  A Challenging Life

11.  An Unshakeable Life anchored in God’s Truth; Resting in God’s Promises; Focused on God’s principles; Strengthened by examples in God’s Word

12.  A Fruitful Life Invested in other’s

13.  A Rich Life Saturated in God’s Word

14.  A Life of Love

15.  A Rewarding Life

 “Life is so short that the wood of the cradle rubs up tight

 against the marble of the tomb!”  G.S.

 

Let’s take a look at our life this week and take caution to focus on

the 15 qualities of this eternal, “extraordinary life”…

 

These notes Kim shared with me came from a Charles Stanley sermon. 

I’m so glad she shared with 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 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.