Those famous lines from it’s a wonderful life! We have all watched the movie at least once a year for years.

In that scene, George is every woman’s dream.  He is promising a wonderful life.

Isn’t that what we all want?  To have a perfectly, wonderful life? Everything just right for for us and our families?

Perfect Marriage

Perfect Childern

Perfect House

Perfect Neighborhood

Perfect Neighbors

Perfect Schools

Perfect Jobs

Perfect Co-Workers

What makes things perfect?

Mat 5:48  That is why you must be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect.

Eph 1:4  Before the creation of the world, he chose us through Christ to be holy and perfect in his presence.

Christ makes things perfect!

If we want perfect lives, we must be in Christ.

If we want perfect relationships, we must introduce those around us to Jesus!

Need the perfect husband?

Need the perfect friends?

Introduce them to Jesus!

The creator of the moon can give so much more than you can imagine!

Chasing His Heart,

Glenda Johnson

Jesus

My Husband

My Children

My Grandchildren

Bible Bowl (http:/www.biblebowl.net )

AND MMAD WEEK      (for the drama of course!!)

Now some of you might ask,”What is MMAD Week”?

Well….

It is a week of camp at Delmarva Christian Service Camp in Laurel, DE ( http:/www.delmarvacsc.org). The purpose of this week is to help teens with talents in the areas of Music,Multimedia,Arts and Drama, (MMAD) learn how to use those gifts for the kingdom of God.

I have been blessed to be able to direct the performance over the last several years. I love drama!! The script, the music, the stage, the costumes,the dance, everything about it drives me wild!!!

We have one week to do a performance that includes a live orchastra pit, live vocals, custom made scene back drops, costumes and all the sound , lighting and video. It is total MMADness!!!!

Rehearsals. Getting things just right. Working out the problem spots.

Then performance night comes.

The lights dim.

The music begins.

It is all worth it!!! Not only the Fabulous performance by extremely talented youth, but the message they portray to all who watch.

And I got to thinking. Isn’t marriage like this?

Some days there is beautiful music.

Some days we have to tweek things because something is not right.

Some days, we have to do something over and over again, like in a rehersal, until we finally get it right.

You see, marriage is just the preparation for what is to come. We are practicing for the day when we give our final performance.

Our life is on display for all to see. How we interact with our husband tells people what we are rehersing for.

Just think,

One day,

LIVE, FOR ALL ETERNITY…..THE BRIDE OF CHRIST!

Rev 19:7  Let us rejoice, be happy, and give him glory because it’s time for the marriage of the lamb. His bride has made herself ready.

Rehearse well. You have an audience. It matters.

The true MADness comes when someone misses that one, final show.

Chasing His Heart,

Glenda Johnson

PS: 2009 MMAD WEEK Performance   “WHY?” at 7m on August 8th, 2009

Fluted stoneware pan from Pampered Chef

1 Chocolate Cake Mix- Prepared according to the pkg directions

1 Container of Chocolate Frosting

Directions:

Pour cake batter into stoneware pan. Take the Chocolate frosting and drop by spoonfuls on the top of the batter.

Cook in microwave for 15 min. Let cool for 30 min. Invert onto cake plate and there you have it! A cake that is frosted and moist and sooo easy!  Try it!

Why am I sharing this with you? What is the point? As I prepared this for a fellowship meal recently and it made me think of this illustration.

Think of a marriage as the cake batter. Man and woman are the ingredients. As they are brought together they become one, just as eggs, water, flour ,ect are mixed together to become one, the cake.

Eph 5:31  That’s why a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will be one.

A cake can be a cake with nothing else but cake. However, the frosting is what makes that cake Fabulous!

Jesus is the frosting that is dropped onto the cake before I microwave it. If I put Jesus into my marriage, He will frost it with His goodness that tastes better than any other addition I could make to my marriage.

Just like with the recipe above,  when Jesus added as the marriage is started He is able to cook all the way through and show up right in the beginning.

However, even if you have already baked your cake, Jesus is just waiting for you to open the can of frosting and put it on your marriage now.

Hmmm, even chocolate cake can help us Chase after our Husband’s hearts and Jesus’ heart!

Have fun frosting your marriage!

Chasing His Heart,

Glenda Johnson

Let me give you an example, or a few examples….
1. He forgot to make the phone call he said he would make, now something is overdue
2. He did not stop at the store and pick up those items I asked him to
3. The person he was supposed to speak to, he hasn’t yet and now there is a problem at church
4. He let the kids go out into public without having them dressed the way I would like them to be.

I could go on and on and on.

We own a business as well as my husband being a preacher, so we have very full schedules. I really need him to be on top of things or MY life can spin out of control!

Then this happened:

I was driving to see a client the other day and I was going through my to -do-list in my head. Then it hit me. My husband had asked me to make a very important phone call to handle something. Uh-OH…

I had gotten busy and forgotten.

It was then the Holy Spirit prompted a thought.

If it had been your husband, you would be blowing a gasket right now…Maybe you need a change of heart, Glenda…take a look at the size of that log in your own eye and remove it, then maybe you can see your husband in a different light….

Mat 7:1 “Judge not, that you be not judged.
Mat 7:2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.
Mat 7:3 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s (Husband’s) eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
Mat 7:4 Or how can you say to your brother (husband)
, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?
Mat 7:5 You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s (husband’s) eye.
(parentheses mine)

Ok, so I needed a log removal procedure done! It is much easier to be patient, understand, and much less demanding when the log of imperfection has been identified!

So here’s to a day, week, month, till death do us part,

of keeping a closer eye on the log the is forming in it.

Chasing His Heart,
Glenda Johnson

Decisions, Decisions.

Sometimes, I just get tired of deciding!

I can get very overwhelmed in my Christian walk, being a wife, and being a momma.

I came across something this morning in God’s word this morning that gives me hope!

1 Corinthians 1:4-9
1Co 1:4 I always thank my God for you because of the grace of God given you in Christ Jesus.
1Co 1:5 For in him you have been enriched in every way-in speech and knowledge of every kind.
1Co 1:6 In this way, our testimony about Christ has been confirmed among you.
1Co 1:7 Therefore, you don’t lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed.
1Co 1:8 He will keep you strong until the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1Co 1:9 Faithful is the God by whom you were called into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

Three things jump out at me as I read this.

1. In vs 5, I have been enriched in EVERY way!! In my speech and in my knowledge. This means, because I belong to Christ, and I abide in His word, I will have everything I need, I am enriched, to make the decisions I need to make!

2. In vs 7, I find that I lack no spiritual gift needed for my day to day life. I am eagerly awaiting the return of Christ and while I am doing what He has called me to do in the mean time, He is making sure I am equipped to do it all!

3. In vs 8 I am told that He will keep me strong. Not just right now, but to the end. When I feel weak, I just need to remember that He is waiting for me to allow Him to step in with His strength and make me strong!

So, as I look at my

DAY,

WEEK,

MONTH,

YEAR,

THE REST OF MY LIFE that is ahead of me,

I can rest assured I WILL be able to make the correct decisions, and be the woman, wife, and momma He has called me to be!

Chasing His Heart,
Glenda Johnson

As I watched there was another bird trying to do the same thing! Two birds, two windows, same church.

I continued to watch with amazement as these two birds continued for hours trying to get into the church.  As I observed this thought came into my mind.

Why do we not have people desiring to get into the church with as much urgency as these birds?  I sat and pondered this for awhile.

Those birds obviously knew there was something in here that they NEEDED.

People are not birds. People are not going to know there is something in the church that they NEED unless we tell them.Or more importantly, that we SHOW them with our lives!

Could it be that people are not desiring to be in church or perceiving a need because of what they SEE in the church?

I have no idea what those birds saw, but whatever it was was so desirable they were willing to do ANYTHING to get in.

Are we, as the Church, showing  them:

The need for Salvation.

How wonderful Grace is, or do they even see Grace in us?

A  Peace in our lives that is so appealing that they MUST have it.

Families where Husbands and wives are committed to each other and their children, no matter what.

Do they see people who really care in a world that says each one for themselves?

As the church, we need to make sure that Jesus looks so appealing that people want to literally beat the windows in to get to it. To make them want to Chase His Heart!

How are we doing church?

The little birdies showed me….and by the way 3 hours later, those birdies are still at it, I think I’ll go investigate further…….

Chasing His Heart,

Glenda Johnson

Not necessarily as a color scheme, but in situations.

I like right to be obviously right and wrong to be obviously wrong.

Hence; black or white!

I hate gray.

Gray areas tend to frustrate me because I need to be able to clearly delineate the correct choice.

Such as:

Black: It is always wrong to commit adultery.

White: It is always right to pay your bills on time.

Gray: How many children to have, where to live, type of music in the assembly.

All gray.

People are always telling me I need to see a little more gray (although, I do see more than I would like in my hair these days).

Then I read this passage in Matthew 12:30  where Jesus says:

” Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”

Well that is Black and White.

I am either WITH  Jesus or AGAINST  Him.

I am either GATHERING in His Kingdom or SCATTERING!

WOW! Score one for Black and White.

Then, heart check time……

Am I really with Jesus, all the time or just when it suits me?

If I am not, I am against Jesus in those times.

Not a good place to be, EVER!

Am I gathering in the Kingdom? Sometimes, occasionally, when it is comfortable to do so?

When I am not gathering, I am scattering.

The Blood was shed for this Kingdom, I am so slapping Jesus in the face to scatter what He died for!

Black and White.

And if that is not enough, how does this apply to my family?

If my husband is the head of our family like Jesus is the head of the church, could not the same truth be applied?

So, am I 100% WITH my husband? In his decisions, authority, and plans for our family?

Or am I against him?

Black or white. No Gray.

Am I gathering what is best for our family alongside of my husband? or am I scattering, making his job a frustrating and difficult one?

I can’t do both.

Black or white. No Gray.

The joy in the gray is that you can use opinions to choose what you will do.

The problem with Black and White, is either you choose to obey or choose to disobey.

I still prefer Black and White, even if I am convicted, and need to change my ways.

I feel safe and loved and protected in those colors.

What colors are you seeing today?

Chasing His Heart,

Glenda Johnson

I would like to honor those mothers that mean so much to me.

Debbie- Mother of 15. And my closest friend. Thank you for being an example of a sold-out-for-Jesus mom! I couldn’t make it though most weeks without your encouragement and brutal honesty. We will continue this walk together until we drag each other across the finish line! Cause there are days when we are too tired to walk!

Mamma Nellie: My east coast adopted mom. I have loved you from the day I met you and you have shown me a mamma’s love when I needed it most. I would not have made it through the last 8 years in the ministry without your love.

Lara: My sister. You have shown strength and endurance as a single mother. I stand in awe of your fortitude. I am humbled as I observe you now “mothering” your in-laws. Your love and gentleness amaze me.

Roseann: The mother of 3 of my grandchildren. The walk you have with a child with life-threatening allergies and the grace with which you walk every day, astounds me. The love and priority you show to your children is a blessing. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your walk.

Tara: My daughter and the mother of one of my granddaughters. My heart swells as I watch you navigate this new role in your life. I ache for you when it is exhausting and challenging. I pray that I have prepared you and given you the tools you will need on this very special journey. Most of all, I hope you know I am proud of you and will always be here for you to come along side of you as you navigate motherhood. I love you!

Barbara: The mother of my husband. Thank you for the most precious gift in my life, except for Jesus. I know that you played a huge part in who my husband is today. I am forever grateful for the mother you were and are. You have my heart.

Sandra: My own mother. I miss you. I pray someday God will show me the way to re-enter your life. Know I have heart-felt gratitude for all you have been in my life. You are an example of grace in it’s purest form. I love you.

Never underestimate the power and effect being a mother can have on the world around you!

Chasing His heart,
Glenda Johnson

I have been learning to hate.

I have been in an all encompassing battle to hate. It has taken all of my concentration and effort over the last month or two.

This battle has kept me from writing, spending time with friends, and sometimes even stolen time from my family.

As I look back, I believe I am really starting to win this battle to hate. Sadly to say, for the first time in my life.

And I believe God is pleased.

You see, I am trying to learn to hate DEBT as much as God does.

Luk 16:10 “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much.
Luk 16:11 If then you have not been faithful in the unrighteous wealth, who will entrust to you the true riches?
Luk 16:12 And if you have not been faithful in that which is another’s, who will give you that which is your own?
Luk 16:13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
Luk 16:14 The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed him.
Luk 16:15 And he said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is exalted among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

This passage really has touch my heart for the very first time in my life.

If I have debt, it means I have not used Godly principles to manage money.
The only reason I would do that is for the love of money and things.

This all puts me in the same group as the Pharisees.

And as an abomination to God.

So, I have wrestled.

I have repented.

I have learned to hate.

Debt.

To serve Him alone.

Is God calling you to return from the other master?

Chasing His Heart,

Glenda Johnson

“People do not like to look at other people”

I still have no idea what the business owner had on his mind.

I really thought a lot about that sign over the next several days. I tried to imagine what could make someone think that way.

Here is a possible list:

People do not want to see the other’s situations

People think other people are ugly

People do not want to see reality

I am sure there are more, those are just a few I came up with.

So as I pondered this, I had to ask myself,  just what it is I see when I look at people.  And am I really looking at people? As I was thinking about this matter, a scripture came to mind.

Genesis 1:27  So God created humans in his image. In the image of God he created them. He created them male and female.

People are “image bearers” of God.

Do I see someone created in the image of God when I look at them?

I should.

God wants us to see Him when we look at people. It might be difficult to look through all the exterior mess, but underneath, is the image of God.

Then something else came to my mind. When I look at my husband what do I see?

Do I see:

My hero?

A good looking guy?

A preacher?

A dad?

All of those things might be true. They are however secondary to him being an image bearer of God. How I treat my husband,(and every other image bearer of God) is dependent on how I see him!

If I see my husband as bearing the image of God, how can I treat him with anything less than respect and honor? He is a precious soul that God created in His own image.

And so is every other person I see.

I need to respond accordingly and see people the way God does. It is a view into His Heart.

What will you see when you look at your husband?

What will you see when you look at other people?

Chasing His Heart,

Glenda Johnson