Book Review

The luxury of having the time to read a fictional novel is rare. I absolutely love to read so I have been saving up some novels for this summer. One of the books on my list was "Her Mothers Hope"; by Francine Rivers. Having read several of Rivers books before. I knew it would be well-researched concerning historical information. I also knew it would inter-weave themes of faith amidst struggle and family. One thing I was not prepared for was the picture of marriage it would display through it's characters.

From reading the title and the inner flap of the book, I was under the impression it would mostly be a story of a mother and daughter. The struggles they faced to see "eye-to-eye", and learning to embrace those differences. While yes much of the story does deal with these issues. The picture of marriage was what affected me the most. The relationship between the main character Marta and her spouse Niclas Waltert plays out in the beginning of the 20th century and all that was taking place in the world at that time. They are sharecroppers in California, with four children. Rivers gives the reader many "peaks" into life at that time, and the difficulty that many faced during that time in history. It was very convicting to see how another couple relates to one another, in good times and bad. I would become so frustrated with the wife, Marta. Thinking to myself "how could she be so selfish?" or 'how could she speak to her husband that way." Then the Lord would remind me in his ever gentle and merciful way that I too have acted those exact same ways before! It was wonderful to be able to see myself in Marta's character and to repent over behaviors that I had let slip by. When seeing my sin in someone else, it allowed me the opportunity to be prodded by the Holy Spirit and move into repentance.

I also enjoyed the picture of redemption in marriage that was shown throughout the book. When the main characters Marta and Niclas would argue, they were always quick to reconcile. How often do we allow unresolved issues to be swept under the proverbial rug, only coming back to them; when we need ammunition to cause a new hurt? I came to admire the Waltert's consistancy to never let the sun go down on their anger. It is natural in marriage that you will disagree with your spouse, but what do we do when this happens? I was definitely challenged to be quicker in my resolve to complete a conflict and reconcile with my mate. While I was challenged and convicted many times throughout the book, I was able to see how hurtful words can be. Words of a wife to a husband are very important and it is vital to season our speech with love. I have always been a quick responder, meaning I always snap back quickly in conflict. I blame it on being a younger sister, but in truth I am...a sinner. Seeing the pain in Niclas character when his wife Marta would demean him or undermine his authority in the home, was eye opening. It further showed the depth a wife's words can affect her husbands feelings towards his place in her heart, and the home. I was challenged to always be mindful of how I treat my beloved.

Nothing I learned from this book was necessarily new, but it was a great reminder and encouragement. If you get the time, I definitely recommend it!!!

Isaiah Stephen Johnston

I had gotten up early to run errands in Greenville with my bright eyed and beautiful baby girl Olivia. I turned into our drive way after a full morning of running around. I was finally getting the swing of being a mom of a three month old baby, having now recovered (mostly) from my c-section. When I got home, I put Liv down for a nap and I started thinking "when will I get my "womanly time of the month back?" (I didn't know the best way to phrase it for a blog post) = ) I was thinking I am not breast-feeding so it should be any time right? I was always very regular so it mildly concerned me that at three months postpartum I hadn't received another "period" after my initial one coming home from the hospital. I mentioned to Kirk that night at dinner that I still hadn't received my period (like it's a gift, ha!) and I was concerned. He reassured me that it wasn't a big deal most likely and that in a week or so I probably would.

The next morning I felt a very uneasy feeling about the situation and felt compelled to see if maybe...just maybe I was pregnant again. I drove to the local Bi-lo and purchased the least expensive test I could find. I drove home and took it. I played with Olivia on the floor while I waited, becoming more and more convinced that there was surely no way I was pregnant with my second baby only three months after the delivery of my first! I walked back into the bathroom and there staring back at me were two bright pink lines.

I was so excited, but completely taken off guard. I thanked the Lord for this precious baby and I called Kirk. He was at work, but I felt I needed to tell him immediately. I knew he'd be thrilled...but totally shocked! I called several times, and on the third time he answered. He had walked out of class to answer the phone. So I knew I had to be quick. I said "Guess What?"..I gave him no time to answer. I said "I'm pregnant!". He was totally surprised and super excited! Olivia and I were supposed to go over to a friends house for a play date that morning in Powdersville and I knew I was going to be late. I called my friend and explained a little of the situation. She was super excited for me, and said for me to come when I could. It was great to be able to share my exciting news with a friend!

Isaiah entered the world via c-section on July 13th 2009 at exactly noon. He was 7 lbs 12 oz's and all I remember right when they showed him to me was how he was so wiggly! He seemed very active from the beginning and we were beyond thrilled to have a baby boy. He has brought so much activity to our home. He is our fearless child. Rolling over at 2 weeks, and crawling at 5 months. He has been on the move as soon as he could figure out how. He is constantly in motion, even in his sleep! He reminds of Kirk, always busy and so joyful! Isaiah is such an explorer and oh so curious! We have enjoyed having his bright personality in our family, he is a blessed addition!! Happy Birthday baby

Olivia Marie

I had been married ten months when I found out I was expecting a baby. It was an ordinary day minus a small stomach bug I thought I might have, so I headed over to our universities nurses office to receive something that might make me feel a little better, so I could make it through my day of classes. Everyone on campus loved nurse Paul, and I knew he'd help me figure out what was making me feel so icky. Once I explained my symptoms. He said well maybe you have a UTI or possibly your pregnant?? I immediately declared "that could never be possible, I need to graduate college first and get a job, and a house..." He just made me stop and go take the test, and when I came back, a few minutes later ran back into the room and declared "YOUR PREGNANT!!" I think I about fainted, and then I cried and then I called Kirk, who said "your what?" I repeated myself" and then he screamed "YAY!!" I'll be right there" He ran in the rain and wind about a mile to the nurses station. He was SO thrilled, neither of us had any idea how our lives were about to change...for the better!!!




Olivia Marie Johnston entered our lives at 6:09pm on June 21st 2008 (3 weeks early) after an intense 24 hours of labor and eventually a c-section due to complications. She was born 4 lbs 10oz's, larger than they thought she would be. She was the most gorgeous thing I had ever seen and I loved her immediately. All the nausea, continual bathroom breaks, weight-gain, tiredness, pre-ecamplsia, restricted interuterine growth, anxiety, and fear went from my mind when I saw her face. Olivia was a huge blessing to Kirk and I's lives and marriage and we thank the Lord each day for her precious life. She has brought so much joy, laughter, and light to our family! She has had somewhat of a hard road these past two years with intense developmental therapy (OT, PT, Speech and EI's) but God has proven Himself faithful each step of the way, opening her mind to learn new things and catch up She is talking up a storm, walking, running, jumping, counting, and exploring her world with all her senses! The Lord has used Olivia's life to teach Kirk and I that His timing is always perfect, and although we map our "plans" for life, he guides our steps. We have been learning how to trust God in all things, we had no idea how to be parents to this beautiful gift He gave us but he has surrounded us with those who have guided us along the way. Giving advice, a listening ear, and gentle encouragement to run the race, and to raise her to honor the Lord. I am excited for our journey with Liv, she surely has made things a lot more exciting around the Johnston house!

Things are a changin'

We have some big events coming up in our family: one being that my mother is selling the house that she and my dad built together and is downsizing to a smaller home that is closer to Kirk and me. We are absolutely thrilled to have mom closer and to enjoy her company more often (if only we could see Kirk's parents more often, we miss them!!!) This move has proven to be very difficult in many ways for mom, she has had to pack up 25 + years of memories in only a few weeks and say good-bye to the home where she and my dad had dreamed of the future together. My dad passed away 5 years ago due to a sudden heart attack at the age of 50 and he is a dearly missed father and husband. While this move is sad in many ways it is also a time to get excited about what God may have for the future as she moves to Greenville from Powdersville. You could be in prayer for us as a family as we help mom move and readjust to her new home.

Another big event or should I say events coming up, are the birthdays of our two beautiful children!! Olivia will be turning 2 (June 21) and Isaiah turning 1 (July 13). They are both such a joy and wonderful additions to our family. They have taught us so much about our continuing need for the Lord and his grace and mercy. No two children have made us laugh as much as these two! We look forward to what all we will experience together as a family...

We are also gearing up for Kirk to start his masters program in the fall while teaching full time. This will be a new experience that we are a little hesitant and nervous about. We know that this is God's timing for him to pursue this degree, but we know it will take a lot of extra time outside of work. Kirk will be pursuing a degree in Apologetics. He absolutely loves this area of theology and he hopes to one day teach at the college level. So, we are excited to support him in this next step we believe God is leading us in.

Along with Olivia's birthday, comes the fact that she will be 2....AGH! Olivia is a very social, happy, and strong willed child. We have been seeking a lot of advice from those who we respect on how to best shepherd Olivia, to guide her in a way that honors the Lord. We are currently reading Shepherding A Child's Heart and Toddlerwise. We have gained so much knowledge from these two great books, and are continually trying to stay consistent with Olivia-pointing her towards the gospel, even if she has no clue what we are saying. This week we have decided to start "breaking her away" from the thumb sucking. This involves using a very nasty tasting (all-natural) liquid that we put on her thumbs to keep her from sucking them. She has been very unhappy about the fact that her thumbs taste so bad, BUT she has not once since the initial taste tried to suck her thumbs again! So day 1 is going pretty good...other than some minor frustration.

Next up: POTTY TRAINING!


The house my parents built together.

Vacation to Tennesse

This past week we packed the car up and headed to Tennessee to Kirk's parent's, more affectionately known as "Nana and Pop Pop". We decided to leave around the kids bedtime so that the kids might fall asleep and the ride be more peaceful for us. Our plan worked and we made it to Tennessee last Thursday evening. The week was filled with many happy memories including swimming, playing with the dogs, playing with Nana's tuberware, visiting their great-grand pa, going to McDonalds for Olivia's FIRST ever fudge sundae, running around the Johnston's 14 acre paradise (that's what I call it) and of course enjoying Nana's awesome cooking! It was a fabulous and relaxing week and we feel blessed to have had such a great start to summer after such a long school year for Kirk. We can't wait to go back for Olivia's 2nd birthday in a few weeks, my how time flies!

Please enjoy the pictures:

Modesty Among Believers

I have wanted to write a post on modesty, a huge issue in the church. Especially one for us as women seeking to honor the Lord and our spouses through our dress. I found this article by Dr. John Piper that I feel so eloquently addresses the topic. I enjoyed the read and greatly benefitted from his wisdom and truth from scripture. I hope you take the time to read it, it's well worth every Christian ladies time.


By John Piper November 19, 2007

Is modesty an issue in the church today?

Yes. And it's not just a problem for males. Women have issues with it as well. But it is true that males are more visually spring-loaded to lust or to think unhelpful thoughts when they see a certain picture or person, so that's where I'll focus here.

My concern today is that it seems like a lot of Christian women are oblivious to the fact that they have some measure of responsibility here. I say it carefully though, because I know that some women would turn the issue back on men as if it is their own problem.

But I know that a sincere Christian woman would not have that attitude. A Christian woman would respond, "Really? I didn't know. Please, tell me what the issue is here." She wants to serve her brothers, and her brothers want to serve her. The brothers don't want to put her under any artificial constraints and she wants to serve them. So there ought to be dialogue about this.

Necklines are an issue these days. Everywhere I turn—at the airport and at church—the necklines are plunging! Some fashion designers in the world are communicating to women today that the thing to do is have your neckline split extend too low.

Women should dress in such a way that they draw men's attention towards their eyes, their face, and not towards the other parts of their bodies.

A woman can test herself in this arena by how she dresses her little girl. What kind of bathing suit do you put on your little two-year-old? Is it a cute little bikini? Or do you begin from the very start to teach this little girl that there is an appropriate way to dress? Are you preparing her so that by the time she is seven, eleven, or fifteen her whole mindset is, I dress appropriately, modestly, and not to entice or flaunt?

One of the first words that my daughter Talitha learned was "appropriate." She didn't even know what the word meant at the time, but now it is built into her DNA as an eleven-year-old that she should dress in a way that is appropriate.

So I plead with the Christian women of the world that they take into consideration the things they are saying by what they're wearing. Dress to please the Lord.

And you can still dress beautifully. You don't have to look stupid or out of style to be modest. I know this is the case because there are hundreds of very attractive women at our church who dress modestly and don't cause men to stumble, and they don't look out of style.

Why do you encourage women to draw a man's gaze to their eyes?

There is something about the face that makes it the most full and complete expression of a person (see Numbers 6:24-26). My hands only communicate a little bit about me, my shoulders don't say much at all, and my belly tells you hardly nothing! But my face says a lot about me—my eyes, my countenance, and my mouth. Having someone just stare at another part of my body would make me very uncomfortable. I'd say, "Look at my face! I'm a person!"

But women are selling themselves because Madison Avenue has said, "Show your belly-button, your knees, your cleavage, etc." And women, evidently, are wired to want men to notice their bodies. And that is what must be channeled in an appropriate way.

Women should handle the desire to be noticed by preserving it for one man, whether he is present yet or not. They should also protect themselves (and other men) by not saying things that they don't want to say. We are always saying things by what we wear.

© Desiring God

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By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: desiringGod.org

Top Three Thursday

Top Photos of the week.

Taken at my moms retirement gathering given to her by the teachers at her school and Greenville County 4K.