OK, OK, I know that many people use their children as illustrations, but since our son, Daniel is grown and not at home, please indulge me in having our Near World’s Most Perfect Kitten act as another illustration. You see, Miss Mittens likes to play. She imagines that she is a lioness on the Serengeti Plain attacking prey at will. Reality is that she is a growing kitten in the hamlet of Galgorm in the civilized country of Northern Ireland. This limitation does not stop her from trying to rid our home of vicious threats – such as balls of paper, my wrists and of course, those ultra dangerous teddy bears.
Although we’re amused by our Punkin’s antics, I realize that far too often I am no different from her. I will attack teddy bears in my life, desiring death to all teddy bears. The teddy bear is, as we all know, harmless. It can’t possibly hurt me; in fact, the warm and cuddly things bring great comfort and pleasure. The teddy bears I wish to destroy are things I perceive as a danger, but in reality are not.
Teddy bears that I regularly attack include Fear and Discontentment. Fear itself is nothing, yet I attack it with a vengeance. It is a reaction to the unknown and is often only a perception and not a reality. Yet, I leap onto the back of fear and attempt to plunge a knife into this phantom while the real enemy, my lack of trust in the Lord, is amusedly watching.
Jesus once set a “teddy bear” before His disciples. Mathew 14 tells of a time when He sent them across the Sea of Galilee while He went on a mountain to pray. As the disciples were in the boat, a violent storm sprang up. Suddenly, they saw something on the water and, “they were troubled, saying ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out for fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, ‘Take courage! It is I; do not be afraid’” As they were taking on the teddy bear of their fears, the Answer to fear, Jesus, arrived in a very unique way bringing sense to a difficult circumstance.
So when I get afraid or when I become discontented, instead of taking on those feelings and attacking the teddy bears, I am learning to bypass the perceived and go for the real. My battle cry is changing from “Death to all teddy bears!” to “Victory with the Lamb!”
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Learning to Purrrrr....
Among the things the Lord put on our hearts in preparation for life in Northern Ireland was to get a kitten. He provided it straight away when we arrived, and Miss Mittens has turned out to be a great source of joy and entertainment in our lives. Our wee Irish cat has a fun personality, but she thinks she’s a puppy for she will chase her tail to amuse herself and follow us around from room to room as we move about the house, happy to be wherever we are.
As we see our kitten settle in for a nap near us, it reminds us of a lesson that we’ve been learning lately. Sunday morning teaching has been going through the book of 1st Timothy and in chapter 6 verses 6-8 it says, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out; and having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” Learning the lesson of contentment has been a paramount issue in our lives. In this world we are bombarded with messages telling us that we won’t be happy unless we have the newest, the flashiest, the costliest, the latest gadget or a higher position and greater responsibilities. Contentment is a fleeting image flashed before our eyes and never able to obtain. John D. Rockefeller, one of the world’s richest men ever, was once asked by a reporter of his wealth, “How much is enough?” Rockefeller replied, “Just a little more.” That is the human condition: we are never satisfied with what we have at the moment, but want a little more – or a lot more!
Cindy and I have been battling this tendency toward discontentment. As I mentioned last time, we are purposely starting slow. Although we want more, more, more ministry, God is slowing us down and asking us to learn to be content at the moment. Our natural desires are to be busy at work for the Lord, but He is asking, “Will you be content with what I have for you right now?” I am reminded of Zechariah 4:10 where God says, “For who has despised the day of small things…” Jesus said, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.”
So in this time that seems like least, we are learning to be content and be faithful to what God has called us to be. Then we look at the cat when she settles down at our side, content with food and shelter and glad to be in our presence. She knows this by beginning to purr as we stroke her head. Cindy and I likewise are learning to purr as we settle in with the Lord; content with what He is giving us.
As we see our kitten settle in for a nap near us, it reminds us of a lesson that we’ve been learning lately. Sunday morning teaching has been going through the book of 1st Timothy and in chapter 6 verses 6-8 it says, “Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out; and having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” Learning the lesson of contentment has been a paramount issue in our lives. In this world we are bombarded with messages telling us that we won’t be happy unless we have the newest, the flashiest, the costliest, the latest gadget or a higher position and greater responsibilities. Contentment is a fleeting image flashed before our eyes and never able to obtain. John D. Rockefeller, one of the world’s richest men ever, was once asked by a reporter of his wealth, “How much is enough?” Rockefeller replied, “Just a little more.” That is the human condition: we are never satisfied with what we have at the moment, but want a little more – or a lot more!
Cindy and I have been battling this tendency toward discontentment. As I mentioned last time, we are purposely starting slow. Although we want more, more, more ministry, God is slowing us down and asking us to learn to be content at the moment. Our natural desires are to be busy at work for the Lord, but He is asking, “Will you be content with what I have for you right now?” I am reminded of Zechariah 4:10 where God says, “For who has despised the day of small things…” Jesus said, “He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much.”
So in this time that seems like least, we are learning to be content and be faithful to what God has called us to be. Then we look at the cat when she settles down at our side, content with food and shelter and glad to be in our presence. She knows this by beginning to purr as we stroke her head. Cindy and I likewise are learning to purr as we settle in with the Lord; content with what He is giving us.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Wednesday Evening Bible Study
Wednesday evenings at 8 p.m. a Home Bible Study, called "Interact" is currently held in our home. It is a great time to review the previous Sunday's sermon given by Pastor William. Reflecting back on what was taught allows us all to revisit and discuss the lesson. We have great fellowship, building wonderful friendships and of course some goodies to share in together at the end of the evening.
Pastor William leads the Bible Study
Pastor William leads the Bible Study
Stef, Jo (hiding from the camera :-) and Rick
Jan M, Claire, Mary Helen, Philip and Jan K
And of course the goodies....yummy...
Monday Morning Women's Prayer Group
Each Monday morning at 10:45 a.m. the women of Harvest that are able to come together to share prayer requests. This group of women have truly made me (Cindy) feel welcome and so loved...Thank you Jesus for providing this wonderful support group.
The ladies are Sara, Jan, Rebekah, Claire and Maggie
Group hug with Cindy....
and of course there are always scones, butter, jam and coffee with milk...
Thursday, July 23, 2009
We're on line...yahoo!!
We've gotten internet at home...this is our latest attempt at updating some pics to our blogspot...hopefully it will work...be patient with us...
As most of you know already we've moved into to our new home here in Ballymena, Northern Ireland and are settling in. We've heard from the shipping company, our things are on their way - yeah - nothing quite like your own bed :-)
We've been really busy with ministring in spiritual, but mostly in practical ways. Since we arrived, Pastor William and his wife, Rebekah, have moved from their home to a temp place pending the remolding of their new home, Rick and the men some of the men at Harvest have gone over a few times to help out Tommy, who is redoing his back yard. We've visited the homes of just about ever member of Harvest, including going to Belfast and as far as Derry.
We were blessed to attend the Pastors and Leaders Conference in York, England...what an experiance..traveling to England for the first time using public transportation...this was a real learning experiance. We survived despite being way out of our comfort zone...
The conference was a real encouragement, especially talking with others from the States, who are new arrivals like us, as well as those who have been serving for many years. We all go through the same thing....you mean I'm not the only one.....
Things we've learned...ziploc bags are awesome!!! Thank the Lord we have some in our container....what no chocolate chips!!! The people of Harvest are so warm and welcoming, we are truly blessed to be here.
We will be sending out our newsletter soon, we love you and miss you all very much...you are in our prayers...please let us know how we can pray for YOU!!!
God Bless YOU,
Rick and Cindy Johnston
As most of you know already we've moved into to our new home here in Ballymena, Northern Ireland and are settling in. We've heard from the shipping company, our things are on their way - yeah - nothing quite like your own bed :-)
We've been really busy with ministring in spiritual, but mostly in practical ways. Since we arrived, Pastor William and his wife, Rebekah, have moved from their home to a temp place pending the remolding of their new home, Rick and the men some of the men at Harvest have gone over a few times to help out Tommy, who is redoing his back yard. We've visited the homes of just about ever member of Harvest, including going to Belfast and as far as Derry.
We were blessed to attend the Pastors and Leaders Conference in York, England...what an experiance..traveling to England for the first time using public transportation...this was a real learning experiance. We survived despite being way out of our comfort zone...
The conference was a real encouragement, especially talking with others from the States, who are new arrivals like us, as well as those who have been serving for many years. We all go through the same thing....you mean I'm not the only one.....
Things we've learned...ziploc bags are awesome!!! Thank the Lord we have some in our container....what no chocolate chips!!! The people of Harvest are so warm and welcoming, we are truly blessed to be here.
We will be sending out our newsletter soon, we love you and miss you all very much...you are in our prayers...please let us know how we can pray for YOU!!!
God Bless YOU,
Rick and Cindy Johnston
Friday, May 29, 2009
Those who wait...
Yea....
We heard from Pastor William, the Tier 5 Sponsorship License has been issued, a hard copy with the infamous license number we need to apply for our visas, should arrive to him tomorrow via mail, he'll notify us with the number so we can begin the visa application process. A couple of items to keep in prayer please... -Pray for the UK website, the visa application site is down, pray that is comes back up (it was due to be down 26th-28th, but is still down today, the 29th!) - We can get our visas as quickly as next day, this is what we plan on doing, pray all the documents are all in order and there are no hold ups on this end. - Our flights are for June 9, leaving LAX at 11:00 p.m. and arriving in Belfast, NI on June 11 at 9:00 a.m. - please pray that we get plenty of rest between now and then so we are not too tired upon arrival.
Wow, I guess we are really going....:-) Thanks you guys...we love you all,
God bless YOU!!!!Rick and Cindy
"But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew [their] strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope." Psalm 130:5
We heard from Pastor William, the Tier 5 Sponsorship License has been issued, a hard copy with the infamous license number we need to apply for our visas, should arrive to him tomorrow via mail, he'll notify us with the number so we can begin the visa application process. A couple of items to keep in prayer please... -Pray for the UK website, the visa application site is down, pray that is comes back up (it was due to be down 26th-28th, but is still down today, the 29th!) - We can get our visas as quickly as next day, this is what we plan on doing, pray all the documents are all in order and there are no hold ups on this end. - Our flights are for June 9, leaving LAX at 11:00 p.m. and arriving in Belfast, NI on June 11 at 9:00 a.m. - please pray that we get plenty of rest between now and then so we are not too tired upon arrival.
Wow, I guess we are really going....:-) Thanks you guys...we love you all,
God bless YOU!!!!Rick and Cindy
"But those who wait on the LORD Shall renew [their] strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31
"I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, And in His word I do hope." Psalm 130:5
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Blessed are the Flexible....
Blessed are the flexible, for they will not break! Boy oh boy, are we Blessed!
As of yesterday afternoon we had not heard back regarding the Tier 5 Sponsorship license. Time is truly running out to be able to make our May 19th flights, after much prayer and discussions with Pastor William in Northern Ireland, we decided it would be wise to change our travel departure date to June 9th. This should be ample time for everything to be processed.
Our new flights will leave LAX at 11:00 p.m. on June 9th, and arrive in Belfast on Jun 11th around 9:00 a.m. We have contacted the furnished apartment, and rescheduled this as well, we are very grateful for their accommodating our change in plans.
Once the Tier 5 license is issued, we plan on still using the visa expedite services to ensure we get our visas on time.
So, what will we do during this time?
Rick is still able to work, we are so grateful for his companies flexibility as well. What a total blessing they have been, in fact, they informed Rick that whenever we come back for a bit of time to the States, that he needs to let them know and they will line up jobs for him...is God good or what!!!
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support...God Bless YOU!
Cindy Johnston
As of yesterday afternoon we had not heard back regarding the Tier 5 Sponsorship license. Time is truly running out to be able to make our May 19th flights, after much prayer and discussions with Pastor William in Northern Ireland, we decided it would be wise to change our travel departure date to June 9th. This should be ample time for everything to be processed.
Our new flights will leave LAX at 11:00 p.m. on June 9th, and arrive in Belfast on Jun 11th around 9:00 a.m. We have contacted the furnished apartment, and rescheduled this as well, we are very grateful for their accommodating our change in plans.
Once the Tier 5 license is issued, we plan on still using the visa expedite services to ensure we get our visas on time.
So, what will we do during this time?
Rick is still able to work, we are so grateful for his companies flexibility as well. What a total blessing they have been, in fact, they informed Rick that whenever we come back for a bit of time to the States, that he needs to let them know and they will line up jobs for him...is God good or what!!!
As you know, I am no longer working, so my plans are to see and do what ever the Lord has for me. I will enjoy this additional time with my parents, my dad returns home from being my aunt and her family in Vancouver, WA this Saturday. So with everyone healing up, my aunt from open heart surgery and brother-in-law in Colorado from his complications from surgery, we pray for some not so hectic time with my parents will be had.
If this delay in timing was to have us here during these unforeseen (by us, but not by the Lord) events with family illnesses, then this delay is so worth it! It has been awesome to be here with my mom during this time.
In addition, one of our nieces, Christina and her husband Matt and their two little ones, Madie and Aiden from North Carolina...had a previously planned vaction here, so we were blessed to get to spend time with them as well. What a cute family.
Pray requests...
-For the Tier 5 license to be processed as soon as possible
-Once obtained, our visas to be processed smoothly and all be completed in time for our June 9th departure
-Patience during this delay, peace and for us to have fun and enjoy this unexpected time
-The sell of our car
-Peace and patience for us here in the States as well as those in Northern Ireland.
Thank you so much for your continued prayers and support...God Bless YOU!
Cindy Johnston
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