Baby No. 3

It's still hard to imagine life with three kids! Whenever we are doing our normal routines like shopping, going out to eat or getting ready for our day, I randomly shout out, "And now add a baby!" We laugh, just imagining a baby in the equation. We are very excited for Baby Boy Johnson, and wait with open arms for the adventure that is just on the other side of his delivery. This past weekend, we celebrated Baby Boy Johnson! It was a great morning spent with our friends here in South Florida. He is so loved already!!! As I was opening up the cutest little things, I got so excited- as being a mommy to a little boy became more of a reality. 

Two vs One. 

This pregnancy is a lot different than my first pregnancy with the girls- for obvious reasons. I remember being a whole lot bigger this time of my pregnancy! I remember so many people telling me that I was 'glowing'. As I look back at pictures, I wasn't really glowing-it was more like sweating! Being that it was my first pregnancy, the anticipation of becoming a mommy for the first time consumed my every thought! I didn't feel the girls move around a whole lot, as I am sure they didn't have too much room in there. This time around, I feel him move all day long- he is already a mover and a shaker!

Pregnancy Round Two.

Even though there are a lot of differences in my pregnancies, there are a lot of things that are the same. As I was sitting in my bed this morning and watched my belly move in all sorts of directions, I had a BLOG moment. 

I am not too sure how anyone can experience pregnancy, or know someone who has, and not believe that there is a God-a creator! The whole process is nothing short of a miracle. So many things have to go right in order for a life to be born! It's so incredible to think that just a few weeks ago, this little guy was the size of a grain of rice. At that size, he already had a heart beat, a destiny, and a future! According to Baby Center, he is the size of a pineapple this week. How incredible. 

Miracle. 

There is nothing that I can DO to create this miracle. This whole process is really out of my control. I don't craft his body, keep his heart beating, or make him grow- it is miracle from God. As we gear up to launch our first weekend Sunday service in February of 2014, I am reminded that just as giving birth to a natural baby is far beyond my control, so is 'birthing this church.' 

Maybe you are not carrying a physical child in your belly today, but you are carrying a promise. It is important to remember that there is nothing that you and I can do that will void the need for God's miraculous power working in our lives. God is not looking for people who can make it happen, but instead, He is looking for willing vessels.

Carrying this baby full term, I am required to do these 3 things. 

1. Put the right things inside my body. Every night I take a prenatal vitamin that gives my body the proper nutrients it needs for my healthy, growing boy. I try and eat the right kinds of 'power' foods that give my baby the best of the best.

When carrying a promise of God, we too need to be sure we are putting the right things in our body, not only physically, but spiritually. 

2. Stay Rested. This is so important and sometimes can be easily overlooked, especially when being a mommy of 2 toddlers, a wife, a full time employee and a church planter! 

When we are walking in our destiny, it is important that we get rest! Doing more doesn't equate to better results!

3. Stay hydrated. I drink water all day long. 

When we are pursuing the promises of God, we must find moments of refreshment. We need to get away for a few days and get fresh perspective!

4. Not to stress! Stress is toxic for a woman carrying a child. Pregnant woman need to avoid stress!

When you and I are believing God for the impossible, we must not worry, but instead TRUST that God is faithful and will come through on His promises.

Bringing It Home. 

God is looking for willing people who will trust Him with their whole heart. When we do what we can do, God does what only He can do- and that is a miracle. 

Whatever promise you are carrying, remember that what God has entrusted IN you is nothing short of a miracle. He is not desiring you to create the miracle, simply house it!





Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.

TRUTH: 

"I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; 

Wonderful are Your works,

And my soul knows it very well." Psalm 139:14

DARE: Be willing!

Prayer.

Most of you have heard about people taking time to pray and fast as they believe God for certain things. Fasting has always been a part of our life and we have seen God do great things when we do. With the Holidays approaching and the new year just around the corner, we felt that God was asking us to pray and feast! Yes, you read that right-feast.



Everywhere Jesus went, there was food and when there wasn't, he turned loaves and fished into the greatest dinner party! I am not sure if this is super spiritual or if my pregnancy has taken over, but I am really excited about spending the next 21 days praying and feasting! We are hosting 3 dinner parties in the month of November- a time when our friends come together and share a meal. There is something special about sharing a meal together. I think that the dinner table experience is lacking in our busy, on the go culture, so we see this as a great opportunity! One of our values as a church is family. We believe that when the family is strong, our communities, regions and nation is strong!



Great conversation happens around a dinner table that no text message or face time can replace! I love technology and I love to text, but nothing compares to being with the people.



Each of you are so important to me, and although I may not be able to share a meal with you, I would like to spend the next 21 days praying for you! Please comment below or e mail me directly with your prayer requests. There is nothing that is impossible for God! I believe He is waiting for us to seek Him and believe that He is able!



If you are in the South Florida area, I invite you to join us for a Dinner Party! Visit our church's website for more information www.influenceculture.org



Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.



TRUTH:

"Don't be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with THANKSGIVING, present your requests to God." Philippians 4:6



DARE:

Be intentional, sit down together with your family and friends and share a meal together this week!

School of Hard Knocks.

It's a new and exciting season here in the Johnson household. BJ took on a full time position for a lighting company this past month. We felt it was what we were supposed to do in this season of church planting. For the past year, he has been able to stay at home with the girls, pick up some side jobs and put his efforts into church planting. The girls are growing up so fast and they are demanding more and more of our time. With a busy schedule and keeping up with the girls, we saw an opportunity for BJ to bring in more for us financially and for a chance for the girls to be in an environment where they can learn and grow! 'Daddy Day Care' has been awesome and I love seeing all that their daddy has taught them over the past year. His desire to be a present father and to focus on teaching them things was not enabling him to do the other things he has been called to do in this season. So, he took this position and after much prayer, we found the girls a wonderful pre-school to attend a few days out of the week.



Praying For My Miracle.



Enrolling the girls into a pre-school has been on our prayer list for some time now. It has been something we have circled over and over again in prayer- for God to not only lead us to the right school, but also for scholarship opportunities. This past month, our prayers were answered and we found the perfect place for our girls to attend and were given a partial scholarship because we are in ministry! How awesome right? (We are still praying and believing for FULL scholarships from either the school or from others who want to sow into their school, so if you would-remember us in prayer!) Pre School for TWO can cost you a pretty penny!



School of Hard Knocks.



This past week, I received a call from the girls' school. They called to inform me that a little boy bit Kennedi on the shoulder while out on the playground. She let me know that it was a pretty bad bite and that it broke skin. By the time she was calling me (just minutes after) she was already bruising. Her teacher let me know that Kennedi was ok and already playing again and to also remind me of their procedure when a child is bitten, etc.



My heart broke in sadness, feeling so bad for my little K. A bite hurts! I also got very upset (to put it nicely) and wanted to know if this little boy was hurt in anyway (secretly hoping her sister Brooklyn took care of the situation before the teachers came to his rescue). Maybe I'm the only mom who has ever imagined "gently spanking" another child because he or she hurt one of her babies. If I am, so be it! I was hurt and I was mad.



This Wouldn't Happen IF.



I was already frustrated that week because both of my girls, who hardly EVER get sick, had now had this constant runny nose and slight cough for the third week straight. So on top of viewing this awesome academy as a germ infested place, I had a little boy snacking on my kid for lunch! I started going down the list of things we wouldn't have to deal with if the girls weren't in school. The list went on and on until all of a sudden I had a BLOG moment.



I realized in that moment that what I was going through, was something I had prayed for!



I had spent months praying for an opportunity for the girls to go to a pre-school where they would learn and grow and here I am, standing in my miracle complaining. Sure, I wouldn't have to deal with certain things that come with having your kids in school, but not having any of these issues, would mean I would not have my miracle.



My Miracle. My Mess.



I have a growing baby boy in my belly who I am so eager to meet! I am believing for a healthy boy-that's my miracle. This little miracle is going to require a lot of my time and sleep- I would be crazy to assume any different. When you experience a miracle and are walking in your fulfilled prayers, know that there will be problems you've never had, inconveniences you've never experienced and times where you too will want to complain or fantasize about what life was like before. Remember, YOUR PRAYERS GOT YOU INTO THIS MESS!!!



Be encouraged! You have a mess because you have a miracle. You have poopy diapers because you have a healthy child. You have car issues because you have a car. The messes in life and the things we walk through are indications that we are growing, moving forward and living!



I would give anything for my girls never to experience what Kennedi experienced, that goes without saying- but I have to know that these new seasons will come with new sets of challenges.



Bringing It Home.



Are you living in a new season and feeling overwhelmed by the new mess you created in your prayer closet? If so, you are in good company. Keep moving forward- your mess is a sign of progress and just as God gave you the strength to endure the last season of your life, He will give you the strength to endure whatever new challenges that come with your miracle.





Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.



TRUTH: Your prayers got you into this mess!!!



DARE: Fully embrace this new season and count your blessings, you are standing in your miracle.

Terrible Twos.

Our girls will be 3 this December. I still can not believe they're that big already. Time sure is flying! Although it makes this mama a bit sad knowing they are not little babies we swaddle each night, it brings me so much joy seeing them develop, learn and grown each and everyday. Whenever people see this baby bump of mine-which is very large by the way, and I mention that I have two year old twins, they look at me with a such sympathy. I usually laugh. We have all heard of terrible twos- we like to refer to them as terrific twos, even though not every day is, terrific!

Terrible Twos.

Parenting two girls who are two going on thirteen can have its fair share of challenges. My girls know what they want, how they want it, when they want it and they are not afraid to let us know when something isn't going their way. They are very passionate, out spoken, determined little girls. I still wonder who they get that from? (wink, wink)

Terrific Twos.

I like to think that terrible twos are a result of little humans, we call toddlers, trying to grow into their big personalities. What's happening inside of them is way bigger than their little bodies can handle. They want to do things on their own-like take a bath, brush their teeth and even drive our car (true story). But their little bodies and lack of experience prevent them from being independent. Whether they think so or not, they still need mommy and daddy!

Frustrated.

I think I am going through my own version of terrible twos, or ' terrific twos', as I like to call it. There are so many dreams, and desires inside of me, that are way bigger than my little mind can handle. I so desperately want to not only see those things happen, but make those things happen, that I can become quite frustrated when I realize that I am not as independent as I'd like to be.

The dreams that I have for my life are way bigger than me, dreams that can only come from the assistance and help from God. I have learned over the years that in His hands things just work better. But, it doesn't make times when He closes a door, waits to act or even doesn't respond in the way I would like him to any easier.

Grown Up Tantrum.

This week in particular, I threw a tantrum! It seemed like so many things I thought were in my reach were not as close as I would like. Things that I was hoping would happen, weren't looking like they were going to happen- and I was frustrated. In the middle of my tantrum, I had a BLOG moment.

I was frustrated because rather than believing IN the right person, I was focused on believing FOR the right thing. Instead of putting my confidence IN God, I was putting my confidence IN my situation.

My girls do this all the time! Instead of trusting IN mommy to do the right thing for them, they are hoping/wanting FOR a specific thing. They are too young to understand that I will always do what is best for them, even if it means not allowing something to happen.

Don't Lose Your Confidence.

My confidence was depleted and I felt so overwhelmed until I realized that as long as my hope and confidence is IN Jesus, I always win. When I put my trust and hope in WHAT I am believing Him for, I will sometimes come up disappointed.

Bringing It Home.

Maybe you are like me, and you have been believing FOR something very specific, whether in your family, your finances, your kids or your home. Turn your attention to the ONE who will always do things for your best. When we realize that our hope is in the hands of the one who created the heavens and the earth, we can rest easy, knowing that all things work out for our good!

Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.



Here is this week's TRUTH or DARE.


TRUTH: 
“I don’t think the way you think.
The way you work isn’t the way I work.”
God’s Decree.
“For as the sky soars high above earth,
so the way I work surpasses the way you work,
and the way I think is beyond the way you think.
Just as rain and snow descend from the skies
and don’t go back until they’ve watered the earth,
Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,
producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,
So will the words that come out of my mouth
not come back empty-handed.
They’ll do the work I sent them to do,
they’ll complete the assignment I gave them."
- Isaiah 55:8-9


DARE: 
Put your hope IN Jesus, not your situation.

Moving Day. Smoving Day.

If you have been around the Johnson's for a long time, you know that we like to move! Or at least that's what it may seem. This past weekend we moved to a new place. It is located in a great place and a lot more convenient for everything we do! Moving is never fun, especially when you are pregnant. I am not the kind of person who can sit around and let people do the work-I always have to be doing something. I know, I know, I should be milking every ounce of this pregnancy and should have been relaxing while the rest moved our family of four to our new place. But, that is just not me. I took it easier than I would, but none the less, I worked hard getting everything out of one place and in to the next!

Moving Day. 

This move was probably one of the harder moves- we have two toddler girls who require a lot of attention, we both work full time jobs, we pastor a church launch and have other responsibilities that we have to continue to do whilst moving. While packing, feeding my kids dinner, doing laundry, cleaning up dog pee (something he never does, but I'm guessing not feeding him for two days had something to do with it), packing the girls lunch for the next day, prepping for our upcoming events for church, I had a meltdown- a BLOG moment.

My Thoughts.

In that moment, I felt so alone and felt like BJ and I were doing this thing all alone. I felt like we were carrying the weight of the world on our backs and no one was around to help! How could this be? We are surrounded by amazing people, who at the drop of a hat, serve our family and church so well and so willingly!

In a matter of 10 minutes, my mind went on a crazy adventure. I came to the conclusion that no one wanted to help us! I questioned if we had friends, if we had people who are in our corner. The list goes on and on!

Ask. Seek. Knock.

In the midst of these crazy, conclusions, the scripture, "You have not because you ask not" came to me! It was like a broken record, as I heard this scripture over and over and over until it dawned on me- I had not even asked a single person for help! Not one! Of course we were doing this alone, we had created that reality. Of course no one was around to help. How could they? I had not even asked for their help. If I almost forgot it was moving weekend, I am almost certain that they did too.

How could I expect or desire people to do something that I had not even given them an opportunity to do? Wow! How many times have I done this? Surely it was not my first rodeo at doing things without asking for help. Sigh!

Opportunity. 

How many of us have done this? We assume that people are going to do certain things or act a certain way towards us and yet we have not given them a fair chance! We put unfair expectations on them, resulting in disappointment and frustration. Sometimes I catch myself expecting others to act in way based on how I would act. How unfair is that? BJ and I have always been people who seek opportunities to lighten someones load. I think it is a gift that God has given us. We often see holes and areas where we can bring solution.

But not everyone is wired that way. Especially when you have people like us, who have a hard time asking people for help. We don't pretend to know how to do it all or that we have it all together, but just like we find great joy helping lighten someone else's load, we never want to be the ' load givers.' 

Help!

I immediately called on a handful of people and simply asked for help. You would not believe it, they all said yes without a single hesitation. In moments, I had the help I had so desperately wished would magically appear. They made the move so much easier! 

You and I are not meant to do things alone, nor are we are commissioned to save the world in a single day by our own efforts. Instead, God has strategically placed people in our lives to help us accomplish all that He has called us to- even when doing something as annoying as moving.

Nothing New.

One of the enemy's tactics is to convince us of realities that are not true. He often does this by the way of assumption- we all know what they say when we assume! When we assume certain things or draw up our own conclusions, it will ultimately result in offense. When we carry offense, we live a life not reflecting our true reality. 

Think about Eve- the serpent posed a question she had not yet heard/thought about before. He made her question God's intentions towards her. She assumed that God had not given her his best, when in reality He had given her all that she needed! Rather than seeing what she possessed, she focused on what she 'lacked.' This 'offense' led to sin, and the rest is now history! 

You are not alone. You are not broke. You are not hopeless. You are not lacking. 

Bringing It Home. 

When you are tempted to believe the lies of the enemy, rather than sulk in them, do something about it. If you're doing life alone, be friendly and make friends! If you are feeling like you are hopeless, seek out people who are hopeful! If you are feeling like you are moving your entire family without help, ask for help! 

TRUTH:

 “Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened- 

Matthew 7:7,8.

DARE: Don't assume the worst, but instead, assume the best!

One Year.

Exactly one year ago, we arrived in South Florida to begin our new journey! We arrived with so much excitement, uncertainties, hesitation and expectation! Florida is known as the "Sunshine State" and let's just say- it gave us a very different welcome. It poured down rain for 2 weeks straight upon our arrival! Moving boxes in and out of a moving truck was extra difficult, as our items were soaked, some even damaged in the process.

Blind Move.

We had made a 'blind' move if you will to our new home in Florida. We had some friends come check out our new apartment community and surrounding neighborhood prior to us moving; based on their comments, we felt it was a great place to land. Well, we were wrong! Our apartment community was a nice area to be in, during the times the sun was out! Once the sun went down, it was a whole different story. So, we packed up back up and headed to a different city in South Florida.

In a matter of 6 days we had already lived in two cities! Anything and everything that could have gone wrong during these first few weeks here went wrong! When I say everything, I mean it, everything!

Everything Is Different.

Just a few weeks prior to moving to South Florida, one of our biggest investors had to rescind their offer to us, creating a need for us to find full time jobs upon our arrival. So, in the midst of finding a place to live, we were also on the job hunt! Good times!!!


I don't know if you have ever moved to a different city or state, but if you have, you understand how everything about your new city seems SO much different than what you are used to. All of a sudden you catch yourself comparing every Starbucks experience, grocery store trip and even the way people drive to what you are used to. For some reason, you predict that what you are used to is "the way it should be." This feeling only makes you frustrated and vulnerable.

Going Back.

It was tough, and there were plenty of moments where I considered going back! I remember being on the phone with BJ one night- He was loading up our U-Haul truck for the second time while I was sitting at a restaurant with the girls. I told him that I wanted to go back, that I didn't want to be here any longer and that somehow we must have "missed it!" How can so many things go so wrong if you believe what you are doing is so right? Surely we had missed it!

He listened, took a minute to respond, and then asked a simple question that changed everything. "What will we do when we go back?" I fished for words, but couldn't find any. I didn't have a strategy plan or even a clue. Going back wasn't an option, not now, not ever.

Victories In Hardships.

In the midst of great challenges there were victories that served as grace to our crazy, new life here in Florida. Our team, including us, found full time jobs in a matter of days, we found the perfect apartment community, city and place to land and call home.

After unpacking our things and deciding that we weren't going back, we began getting to know our new city! We like to say, we began romancing the city-exploring new places to eat, meeting new people and most of all discovering the needs of South Florida.

Romance The City.

We've never wanted to come here with a cookie cutter, already thought out strategic plan to win South Florida for Jesus, but instead we knew that as we made this place home, God would show us how we can bring resolve to so many of this regions problems.

We've established community here through what we call City Groups and have served a local, low income neighborhood through Adopt A Block every Saturday morning. We have adopted a family for Christmas, partnered with local charities and organizations who have served South Florida, as well as met some incredible pastors and churches here who have given their lives to serving this place we call home.

Daring Adventure.

It has been an incredible journey! By incredible, I mean it has been the most rewarding, most challenging thing I have ever done in my life. There have been times when we have felt like everything is stacked up against us, times we have felt so alone and times we have felt so uncertain about our days ahead, but, in all those moments, God has proven himself faithful.

I have learned that the will of God for our lives is the most uncertain, daring, crazy adventure you will ever be on. I have learned that God is not concerned with making us comfortable, but instead, making us dangerous. So many people give up too soon, retreat and choose the safe route instead of the road less traveled.

Dangerous.

I don't pretend to know everything, but what I do know, is that God is searching for people who are willing to stick it out, willing to look at adversity and challenges square in the eye and face them! He is looking to do miracles through us! We can't be a part of the miracle if we are not positioned for one!

Before we moved 3,000 miles across the country God spoke to me so clearly. He gave me some foresight of my season to come.


"It is not going to be anything like the way you see it, but I promise, it will be everything you ever hoped it would be."


This one statement has been grace to me in this season and for every season that is to come. It has not looked like anything I have ever imagined it would be, but it has been everything I have ever hoped it would be. I'm thankful that we didn't give up, throw in the towel or go back!



Cheers to another year of adventure!





TRUTH:      "You held me down, but I got up

                      Already brushing off the dust

                      You hear my voice, you hear that sound

                      Like thunder gonna shake the ground

                      You held me down, but I got up

                      Get ready cause I’ve had enough"



DARE: Don't give up, give in or turn back. Be dangerous!

Fun Facts.

This past week has been so much fun! We kicked off the week celebrating Mother's Day- BJ and the girls spoiled me rotten with lots of hugs, kisses & wished me 'Happy Mother's Day' over and over. At the end of the day, my heart was full. This week was also my company's picnic, so we spent the day at the park playing activities and enjoying the beautiful day (all while being paid for it, so I say it was a pretty good day). The focus of that day was promoting health and fitness, so the food was a bit underwhelming, considering. 

Laughing Is Good For You.

Before heading out to the park for our outdoor activities, they offered different sessions and workshops taught by professionals in the field of health and fitness. My friend and I thought "Laughing Your Way To Better Health" sounded fun. After all, we've all heard that laughing burns calories, right? 

We Laughed, A Lot.

The session was awesome! The lady who lead the class was so great and so informative. We laughed and laughed and laughed all while learning the reason why you and I should do it more often! I thought it would be fun to share the interesting things I learned about laughter. Here goes.

Did you know....

- Children laugh an average of 300x per day.

- Adults laugh an average of 15x per day.

- When you laugh, it is the ONLY time your logical part of the brain takes a REST.

- When you laugh, it is the ONLY time your brain is truly in the present. (it is not thinking about tomorrow, about anything else going on, except for that moment)

- It is important to laugh for no reason! 

- Children laugh all day long, celebrating all kinds of moments. 

-When people celebrate, they often throw their hands up while doing it-the raising of the hands signals to our brain "wellness" and "victory." 

- (Most) Adults have have good reason to laugh or celebrate. 

Let's Learn From Children.

I know that life can be stressful and that there are things in our world that require us to be serious and focused, but let us learn to laugh more! This life we have been given is supposed to be an extravagant life- with many celebrations along the way. Join me this weekend and laugh for no reason, and to celebrate the little things in life. Let us be more like little children and laugh our way to better days & better, healthier lives.


Every week I highlight a TRUTH about you, your life, or about a situation you may be facing and then I DARE you to believe it.



Here is this week's TRUTH or DARE.


TRUTH:  "A cheerful heart is good medicine" Proverbs 17:22


DARE: Laugh for the next 10 seconds for no reason! (Do this periodically through the weekend)