tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27875811237214356652023-11-15T09:33:27.905-08:00ἡ ὁδός ...The Road, The JourneyThe above word, (hay ha-dos) is greek for the road or journey. This is appropriate, for this is what life is. This is the story of Andy and Kristyn Johnson, and the daily excerpts of our journey.Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-89786351279741664152012-09-05T14:03:00.002-07:002012-09-05T14:03:27.945-07:00The final year....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So we have begun the final year at DTS!! This week Andy has officially begun serving at church by helping with Morning Prayer; and this week I will be the Lector at Church. We are so excited to dive into ministry at church, and it has been wonderful! We look forward to what God has in store. Also, we were able to end the summer by spending a week at the beach in Destin with some friends that had moved to TN. It was a great time of relaxing, catching up and fun with friends. It was a great way to get ready for the beginning of the school year. <br />
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Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-66063725416849593052012-08-23T09:48:00.002-07:002012-08-23T09:48:52.405-07:00Time Flys.......<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Hello All,<br />
<br />
Let me reintroduce myself...LOL! Ok. So it has been awhile since I last posted. I have been compelled lately to begin writing again...but about what?? I do not really know. As the title of this blog is the journey...this is just that; a journey. The thoughts that have been going through my head this week are about closure and new beginnings. Andy and I are currently at a place where we are doing both things simultaneously. At the end of last year, we said goodbye to some very dear people, who have graduated and moved on to other things. Andy is also beginning his last year at DTS, and although greatful, this also comes with a flood of emotions. Then there is the new excitement of the next steps that God is guiding us towards. We have loved getting involved at our church, and for the first time in awhile, diving into real ministry. We have come to have a heart for the church...and God is continuing to show us how to serve Him in this. It is really an awesome thing to let him guide (which I do not do enough). So, as we end and begin at the same time, it is good to know that our Heavenly Father has us in his hands. This world tries to take our focus off of that, but that is the simple truth. God has all our steps. Lord, help us to rest in this truth. Keep seeking him on your journey!</div>
Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-39212160248948162472011-05-24T15:05:00.001-07:002011-05-24T15:06:56.304-07:00Meet the Team...This is a picture of our team headed for Ethiopia!! It is coming up so quick, and we are all so excited! We would continue to seek your prayers for this summer and all that the Lord wants to do from it!Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-42229640002827049442011-05-11T19:03:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:24:32.327-07:00Ethiopia....the plans come together.So, the end of the semester has come, and things are finally settling down, just in time to rev back up again! We are thankful for a little rest and time together, and so excited about this upcoming summer. As many of you know, Andy and I will be heading to Ethiopia this summer, and we will be using this blog for updates!! We look forward to sharing the journey with you!Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-73271707081559915742011-03-03T10:30:00.000-08:002011-03-03T10:38:03.234-08:00Jumping off the edge.....So I have a trenmendous pull to be a little fearful...and extremely conservative in my decisions/choices. God is continuing to stretch me in this mode of operation by introducing things into my life to stretch me, and encourage my faith in him. This could be anywhere from the little things in life to the big things...and everywhere in between. He is challenging my thoughts and how I live out my Christian faith.<br /> <br /> We have had our first Ethiopia meeting for this summer, and are very excited to see how God will use this summer. This summer, as I have stated before, is a step of faith on many levels. We would continue to appreciate your prayers as God prepares us to serve.Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-21547660437423673942011-02-18T14:07:00.000-08:002011-02-18T14:14:53.872-08:00Trust....As a Christian...one of the things that seems difficult, or at least to me, is trusting Christ. This should be one of the easiest things in the world, right? All the "messages" out there, everywhere you go, is the idea that your can't trust God, you can't trust anything. It is hard not to be effected by this prevelant thought. That is why, God is increasingly showing me how important it is to spend time with him. To read His Word, and to live what I believe. A great thing one of my professors said last semester was this..."you have to trust something". Simple yet profound. I am loving this journey and continue to look forward to the process God is taking Andy and I through. Jesus set us free...it is time for us as Christians to live that way.Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-70493329868474087722011-02-08T12:43:00.000-08:002011-02-08T13:02:16.753-08:00Give me Liberty...or give me death!-Patrick HenryIn a moving speech it is stated "...give me liberty, or give me death!". This quotation by Patrick Henry is a stirring and moving reminder of the importance of liberty, of freedom. It is so easy to give away our freedoms in return for comfort, the promise of better, however, it never really is. Christ came to set us free, and anything less is...well...less. Peace is nice, but not at the sake of our liberty. If our forefathers felt peace was more important, we never would have had the country that we do have.<br />There will always be those who will try and take away our liberty, and that is why it is essential to stay aware of the choices that lead to the relenquishing of our freedom. Whether spiritual or political, liberty is imperative. Let us not be lulled into the pit of apathy, where we shall surely loose our very selves.Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-56535636238622973952011-02-02T15:53:00.000-08:002011-02-02T15:56:15.715-08:00CURE...and EthiopiaSo, I heard from the CURE hospital in Ethiopia, and it seems like it is a go!! Wahoooo! So looking forward to being a nurse and engaing a new culture and people! Looking forward to seeing how God will use this summer, and how He is working everything together. It is AMAZING to watch! Please keep praying for us as we travel this journey.Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-84250410530594133162011-01-30T20:35:00.000-08:002011-01-30T20:39:24.495-08:00Wot was that?So today Andy and I were introduced to the awesomeness of Ethiopian cuisine. Wot was part of the stew platter we had. It was completely a feast, and I am in love. It was so good, and to top it off....the coffee was OUTSTANDING!! We had lunch with Dr. Strauss, Dr. Anderson and his family, people going to Ethiopia, and people who have been to Ethiopia. It was such a great time, and Andy and I came away encouraged and excited about this upcoming experience. Please continue to pray for us as all the pieces begin to come together. We covet your prayers, and again request that you join us on this journey!Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-45155130092570568102011-01-26T19:53:00.000-08:002011-01-26T20:01:59.579-08:00As the World Turns...to Ethiopia and beyond.So today I found out that my time off has been approved for this summer!! Wahoo!! That means that it looks like I am Ethiopia bound! I am looking forward to hearing from CURE and excited to see what is in store! Please be in prayer, because this is a big undertaking...one that Andy and I are not able to do on our own, but only through Christ. Please be praying for the preparation of our hearts, safety in travel, provision, and most importantly, that God would make us usable for Him! Lord willing as part of our trip, we are hoping to end our time in Isreal. This summer has many pieces yet to fall in place, but they are begining. We are excited for you to take this journey with us via blogging.Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-16723387696450961812011-01-24T06:26:00.000-08:002011-01-24T06:41:18.509-08:00Grief Shared...You know...loss, pain, and struggles are difficult; no one will challenge this. Culturally, I believe we as Americans struggle to accept loss. We don't know how to deal with it, we do not know how to grieve well.<br />This has carried over to our Christian community at times as well, however, and we have lost the art of grieving. In ancient times, they gave time, respect and care for those who grieved. Andy and I have personally been challenged with this at the present with precious friends who lost their twins before they had the chance to even be born. What is our role?<br />A while ago, I was moved by the Jewish custom of just sitting with someone, no saying anything in their grief. Being present. This moved me, because sometimes, there just are no words to say. There is nothing we can personally do, but pray and be there.<br />As I have seen friends gathering around, to love on those who have suffered loss, I can not help but be moved by the importance of community. By the love we can share with each other at such a time. God created us to not go through this life alone. When we neglect the importance of community, we reject the beauty and healing God provides. We are not made to live this life alone.Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-77705439717660460472011-01-23T12:37:00.000-08:002011-01-23T12:42:17.092-08:00Changing of the Heart......So here I am (Kristyn), and I have been a Christian for a long time. But God continues to reveal to me, parts of my heart that still need to be surrendered to Him. I can be soo resitant, so hardened to change. For any of you who know me, know this to be true. Continue to pray for Andy and I that He would continue to work in our hearts, especially in preparation for this summer, that we would let Him guide.Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-82260365389849782282011-01-19T15:43:00.000-08:002011-01-19T15:58:03.264-08:00Ethiopia Bound....So my friends, there is some exciting news that Andy and I would love to share with you. As you know, Andy and I have been in Dallas, TX for the last 2.5 years living life and going to school. It has been an incredible journey so far, and we continue to be excited about where God is taking us. As you know, we do not see the whole road, just the part of the path that we are on. This part of the path appears to be leading us towards Ethiopia this summer. Andy wants to eventually teach, and has an opportunity to possibly teach there for an extended ammount of time. I also am excited about the opportunity to join Andy for part of the time, and possibly work in a CURE international pediatric hospital. I have always wanted to do this, and we are both thrilled with the opportunity laid before us. We are hoping to blog through this experience, and would ask that you keep us in your prayers.Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-22155217322826756482010-02-24T15:00:00.000-08:002010-02-24T15:06:37.484-08:00Life changes...So today I am thinking about my dad. He is a wonderful man, and has always worked so hard for his family!! I love him dearly!! This week, he has had some health issues. I am so proud of him for how he has handled it! Thankfully, we were able to get some news today, and hopefully will help dad feel better soon!! I am thankful that we have a God who is strong, and mighty, and has everything under control! Thank you for your ever presence, in every moment.Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-16401545804742182772010-02-14T10:35:00.001-08:002010-02-14T10:43:25.156-08:00Snow and Winter Olympics...So this week we have had two wonderful things happen...and that is not even including Valentine's Day. This week Dallas ended up having 12.4 inches of SNOW!!! In DALLAS!! Yep, that was really cool this past Thursday. So beautiful...I really enjoyed it. But I realized one thing...I really do prefer living in Texas to lets say...Chicago. I won't say I will never live up North, however, I realized that I LOVE a few days of it, and then I am ready for it to be gone. When I told Andy of this, I asked that he sit down, so as to not fall over! Hahahahah! Anyway, also this week, we have had the beginning of the Olympic Games! This I love people!! I really do love watching all the different sports, and the people interacting from around the world! So very cool!! You look at all these nations, and the cultures from where they come, and realize, wow, how really cool that is. Stepping away from all the politics, and frustrations, to come together. I like it. It reminds me of how it will be in heaven, with people from every nation, tribe and tongue. Definitely something to think about!!Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-86957601601477333862010-02-09T12:41:00.000-08:002010-02-09T12:49:09.931-08:00Starting the Journey....Well the DTS on anyway..as a student...So as many of you know, I have been accepted as a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. I am very excited about this, and can't wait!! I have begun my reading for this new endeavor, and easing my way back into reading. I have never been a good reader, but am excited about what I will be learning. There will be a lot of information, and a lot to discover, but I am continually excited about getting into it!! Right now, I am reading a couple of books, but "Living by the Book" by Howard Hendricks is one of them. This is a great book about how to read the bible well. I, again, am excited about this, because am always looking at ways to encourage my reading of the Word. One quote that got me today was, "That kind of personal ownership of spiritual truth cuts you free from the leash of popular opinion."-Howard Hendricks. Wow!! Cool! I am looking forward to this encouragement, and "stretching" as I grow!!Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-23630729548885696732010-02-05T05:38:00.000-08:002010-02-05T05:41:48.784-08:00Cuppa Coffee.....This morning...I am really needing this. Sometimes when I feel overwhelmed, I need to just stop, have a cuppa coffee, and spend some time with God. Sometimes when the wheels get spinning, I get caught up in how fast they are going, but don't realize I am not going anywhere. This morning...I shall have a cuppa coffee...Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-42633337065107381592010-02-03T19:26:00.000-08:002010-02-03T19:43:40.867-08:00My thoughts on Lost....So last night was amazing! I honestly was not expecting what happened, but it definitely gave me food for thought. You may not agree with me, but I welcome your input, cause it is truly cool!! So last night, I do think the bomb went off, and made a time "split". On one hand you have the group that was back on the Oceanic that never encountered the crash...they "skipped" though it. The other group is dying off slowly. In my mind the thought..."to die is gain". You see, I think they are each going to have to die, and the only ones who are left, are the ones that never experienced the crash. Now this does break down with the "resurrection" of Said. But here you see the picture of reconciliation, and restoration. He had wanted to be exonerated from all the bad things that he had done. That only happen through the shedding of blood. That was the only thing that would bring him life. And don't get me started on Locke. Isn't that just like the "Satan" character to want to take a life, and manipulate someone else into doing his dirty work.... Wow!! So much to think about. I wonder what next week will bring.....Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-85789527855738310692010-02-02T16:18:00.000-08:002010-02-02T16:24:21.700-08:00Lost.....Andy and I are brimming with anticipation at the season premier of LOST tonight!!! Season six, and ready to uncover more of the truth! We are so looking forward to this last season of perhaps one of the best shows of all times. I can seriously say that it has been a great adventure following this show! I am hoping that they will continue to bring the loose ends together, as they have previously, and make it a satisfying ending for us all. I know that they have been planning for this season from the very beginning, and look forward to see what creative outcomes, and explanations await us this final season. The roller coaster is sure to be exciting! I know previously I have come away, jumping up and down and shouting "No Way!". If you don't believe me, then you can ask my husband, who has been present for these outbursts. Will it happen again tonight? Will I be happy with this last season of LOST? These questions will be answered very soon my friends...I wonder what the verdict will be??????Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-53325731986173810412010-02-01T10:05:00.000-08:002010-02-01T10:36:39.824-08:00Ahhh....Life!So, I am extremely excited!! This past Thanksgiving, I was accepted as a student at Dallas Theological Seminary. I am currently enrolled to begin a Master's in Biblical Studies this summer. I am so excited about this new endeavor, but a little intimidated at the same time. It has been a few years since I have been in school, and I am a little nervous. I am really looking forward to this, and excited about all of the wonderful things that I am about to learn. Eventually, I would love to pursue a degree in biblical counseling, but am going to start with this at the present time. Also, I am possibly looking at becoming a certified pediatric nurse. I am trying to be very careful about not over indulging by time. I realize how easy it is to be pulled in so many directions. So here is to carefully praying about what to pursue at this time.Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-66247735150933411182010-01-31T10:37:00.000-08:002010-01-31T10:47:13.477-08:00Ministry FairToday at church was really cool. Over the last few weeks, we have been celebrating what God has been doing over the past ten years at our church. Today they held a ministry fair, which brought in many of the organizations that our church works with. It was really exciting for Andy and I, because we have been trying to find where to use the talents that God has given us. Andy and I were both able to find ministries that we would be excited to join. We will be praying about this, and see where God wants us to be. There is more opportunity than time, and we are really just praying for direction as to what to pursue. There are so many incredible opportunities. We see the Lord continuing to put the pieces of the puzzle together, and it continues to be exciting to see what that all might entail. We would always cherish your prayers as we continue on the journey that has been set before us.Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-54011733588821755002010-01-30T08:05:00.001-08:002010-01-30T08:15:02.871-08:00It's my birthday...and hers too!!!Today is my birthday, but what you may or may not know, is that it is my sisters birthday as well. You see, I am a twin. Yes, I have a twin sister named Tanya. She has four children, and guess what!! She has a set of twin girls too! You know, growing up as a twin is an interesting thing. You have issues that no one else really ever has to deal with, but the flip side is, you have blessings that other people don't get either. For instance, I rarely had to do things alone. For me, if you know me, you always know that I rarely like to be alone, so this worked really well. I loved having a twin sister!! It always made our birthday special! Happy Birthday Tanya!!Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-59079612402128888832010-01-29T20:51:00.000-08:002010-01-29T21:00:15.989-08:00Date night...Ok, so Andy and I had so much fun at Chili's tonight for dinner!! Sometimes we tend to rush through dinner and off to the next thing...but not tonight. We ended up sitting in the bar area, because we saw the Winter X Games were on. If you have not seen them, then you are truly missing out. The snowmobile jumps were so cool, with, I might add, some pretty decent wipe outs. The ski jump areas were amazing as well!! Totally incredible. It is making me really excited to watch the Winter Olympics. If you do not know me well, then know this...I LOVE the Olympics! It could be summer or winter, I don't really care!! I just think it is great, and always interesting. Sorry for that side bar. Anyway, so Andy and I sat on the same side of our booth and just enjoyed watching the X games while enjoying, might I say, quite a bit of food. It was truly just a wonderful evening! I am so thankful for times like this to enjoy with my husband. Anyway, just my thoughts on tonight!! What a way to bring in the 32nd year of my life!! I am so grateful!Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2787581123721435665.post-10748453075146926932010-01-29T15:13:00.000-08:002010-01-29T15:17:30.560-08:00Watch out world....Here I come!!!Ok, so I never have pretended to be a blogger. I have tried before and miserably failed. But there is no reason to see why I can't get better at blogging. I have many friends and family that have great blogs, and they are always such a blessing to see and read. Oh well, here is to trying. We shall see what 2010 holds....won't you join me?Kristynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06531086351038649120noreply@blogger.com0