Penny J. Johnson's Blog, page 140
November 15, 2012
I am thankful for…
…my mom. She is the epitome of organization, efficiency, and calm. She knows when to speak and when to listen. Her hostess skills make all feel at home. Her patience puts Job to shame. My favorite times with her are when we visit about books while knitting and drinking coffee. When my kids tell me they have the best mom in the whole world, I tell them, “No, I do.” She is who I want to be when I grow up.
I love you, Mom!
November 13, 2012
I am thankful for…
…God generously sharing this passage with me today. May His Words encourage you as much as they did me!
2 Corinthians 9:6-15
New International Version (NIV)
Generosity Encouraged
6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:
“They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.”[a]
10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
November 12, 2012
I am thankful for…
…the carpets getting cleaned. It means my twelve-year-old, dog-stained, kid-trampled carpet will look…better than it did this morning. Moving the free-standing furniture and superfluous piles to the basement may result in a cleaner house overall. The furniture may adorn different corners, which could revitalize our antique, eclectic collection. Preferably, most of the piles will be jammed in the garbage bin! Reality will resume in less than two weeks when once again dog prints decorate the stairs and paper trails line furniture tops. The kids may compete to see who can cram the most in their desks and still get the drawers closed. But, by my maternal authority, the house must remain pristine until we host Thanksgiving dinner. After all, I need to prove to my parents I know how to keep my rooms clean (and prevent them from looking in my sock drawer).
Q&A with Penny J. Johnson on Goodreads
I am moderating a Q&A for my book While Bethlehem Sleeps until December 31. We also discuss topics about poetry in general. Please consider joining if you are a follower of my blog. A link to the group is located under Author and Book Links. Hope to see you there!
November 11, 2012
I am thankful for…
…my maternal grandfather, who served in World War II and the Korean War, as well as all veterans past and present. May we forever commend you for your sacrificial dedication through persevering in battle, preserving our freedom, and protecting our nation.
November 10, 2012
I am thankful for…
…for Saturdays and…
sleeping until 8:30
a comfy-sweatshirt-no makeup-ponytail day
a husband who thinks I am cute in a comfy sweatshirt, no makeup, and a ponytail
on-hold library books for school
Northern Light Dark Chocolate Mocha from Caribou Coffee
a new cotton blanket to reduce nightly hot flashes
payday
groceries
kids old enough to help unpack groceries
a husband who likes going to kids’ bowling league
getting home in time for kids’ karate class
Facebook posts from friends I miss seeing face-to-face
clean sheets
rainy mornings
sunny afternoons
nothing on our schedule for the rest of the day
November 9, 2012
I am thankful for…
…a sunny November day like this one eleven years ago when the word “autism” entered our daily vocabulary. That word closes some doors, but opens others. It exposes our weaknesses, then reveals our hidden strengths. Even as the suffering of one affects the whole, we are wholly joyful in every triumph. Many define “autism” based on a set of limitations. Yet, behind any cloudy forecast, the sun stills shines.
November 7, 2012
Post Election Post
From Him to me to you
1 Corinthians 13:1-8
New International Version (NIV)
13 If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing.
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
8 Love never fails.
I am thankful for…
…what remains the same.
Daniel 2:21-22 (NIV)
21 He changes times and seasons;
he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
he knows what lies in darkness,
and light dwells with him.
Morning Glory
As I cast my ballot yesterday, the black ink fading to murky gray on the stark white page, I prayed over the ovals shaped like seeds. Although I only see rocks, thorns, and weeds, I hope just one grows for His glory, even if that one is me.
