The Archive
If you'd like to read previous editions of Thoughtz... you can find them here! God bless you. I hope there is something you will read here that will make a beautiful difference in your life!
2011
December 2011
This December is different from any other because this year, I am more aware of who I am and who I'm not than I've ever been. Routinely, in December, I take stock of my life and ask myself three questions:
1. Where have you been?
2. Where are you now?
3. Where do you want to go?
I usually focus on the first two questions and gloss over the third. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Purpose. Vision. Direction. I get it, can we go now? This year, I am stuck on the third question. I mean I have truly taken some time to consider it.
That's different.
In years past, I vowed to lose weight, both physically and mentally. I never mantained either goal, but I got started. To me, that was the most important thing -- getting started. This year it has become more important for me to finish. Starting is fine, but I am the Queen of Starts. Correction, I was the Queen, but I've decided to turn my Queendom over to someone else.
I have a new set of questions:
1. Where do you want to go?
2. How long will it take to get there?
3. What are you willing to do to complete the journey?
On my mark...get set...
Fly!
November 2011
I am learning what it truly means to be thankful. Join me! I don't have many words of my own this month, I want to share a scripture:
Psalm 107:1 - O give thanks unto the LORD, for He is good: for His mercy endureth forever.
As you celebrate this holiday season and spend time with loved ones, remember the blessings of God upon your life. If you say, "I don't have loved ones, I am all alone," remember this: You are never alone. When everyone forsakes you, Jesus will stick by you, bear you up and keep you, but most of all, He loves you!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Fly!
October 2011
Thank you Lord for seeing us through another month! Wow, September was jam packed with events - both good and bad, but God. Period.
I was blessed to make my debut at the Annual Baltimore Book Festival! That's right, folks and I enjoyed the curious looks on people's faces as they tried to figure out what a Christian Fictionista is. I enjoyed telling them, you know I did! I met some great people and other authors, but my favorite part was the family and friends that came to support me. It really showed me how much they are rooting for me and it touched my heart. My Michael (my blessing from God) was by my side every moment he could be and that made my heart sing!
I also met wonderful ladies at the first Bringing Sexy Back women's conference organized by the Zamar Worship Center, Rev. Faith Churn-Smith, pastor. Now that was an awesome experience, ladies. It really challenged my view of what sexy really is. It has nothing to do with your body, but you should always take care of your temple. It has more to do with your mindset and actions as you strive to be who God called you to be. Powerful!
This month, please think about how you are spending your time. I know when Mr. Steve Jobs died, I thought about what I do each day and how I can make my days better by focusing on what's most important. He was a great innovator, but more than that he was loved and cherished by family and friends. I want to leave a legacy behind, and I am trusting Christ to show me the way.
Well, I'm off to another event...living my dreams...live yours!
Fly!
September 2011
I truly cannot believe how much time has passed. I feel like a guilty bystander.
I am looking at the remainder of 2011 and wondering why it has taken me so long to see myself. Even though my image is clearer than it's ever been, I only catch glimpses, still.
Do you ever feel like you can see the life you are meant to live right in front of you, but when you reach out for it, it scoots away a little farther - just beyond your grasp?
That's where I am right now.
I am very frank in my writing. Every day is not sunshine and flowers, but I know the sun still shines and flowers still grow. When I write, I don't write as one without hope. I write to let people know the truth of who I am on any given day in hopes that if they have crossed the same river or scaled the same mountain, they will know they are not alone.
What I realize is that life can change in a split second. One moment I was proofreading a document at work and in the next moment, the building was shaking.
I've got work to do, but I've also got a life to live. I may not be exactly where I want to be, but I am closer than I've ever been before. It's less about where I am physically, and more about where I am spiritually and mentally.
I see myself. I'm a child of the King and I'm right on schedule to inherit His riches. I see that time is a function of humanity, but God's timetable is eternal. Do you see yourself? Do you like what you see? When God looks at you, He sees infinite possibilities.
Hey, here's one more thing God blessed me with - a spot at the 2011 Baltimore Book Festival! Stop by my booth and chat. I'll be looking for you. You can tell me about your dreams and I will encourage you to...Fly!
August 2011
...when I get all steamed up and start to shout, tip me over and pour me out...
Overload with no release equals explosion.
I was a little teapot yesterday.
Listen, it doesn't have to be all bad things, but life is overwhelming at times. I found myself fussing at someone I love dearly. Misplaced frustration at its best is the worst.
It made me realize that there was a part of the morning sermon that I thought I heard, but didn't hear until later that night. The message? Life is short. Treat people well and don't get caught up in the trivial things of life. Enjoy each other. Be kind to one another.
Apologize quickly.
I did apologize and it set me free. Who do you need to apologize to? Don't let another minute pass. Call them or visit them right now and get it straight.
Tomorrow is not promised.
Live in the joy and peace of forgiveness.
Fly!
July 2011
Talk about a whirlwind! One of my great friends told me that one day my life would resemble a whirlwind.
A prophet, she is.
I am but a few days from August and this is the first time I've had to sit down and write to you from my heart. I am living in a whirlwind.
There are all sorts of things spinning around in my life, and although all of them aren't great, I am thankful.
I'm sure you can relate. As one song goes, life ain't always great, but God is always good. He's better than good, really. He's awesome!
This month I celebrated my "Dependence Day" on Independence Day. As the fireworks bursted in the air before my eyes and I thanked God for my nation's freedom, I was moved by my thoughts of my dependence on God.
Without Him, I can do nothing. With Him - everything is possible.
What are you trying to do without Him? Stop. Include Him. Then, look at your target, get on your mark, get set, spread your wings and...
Fly!
June 2011
Where did the year go? It's almost half over and I am stuck in March. My life changed so much in March, that I am still there trying to get the license plate of the bus that hit me!
But seriously folks, all is well and I am just in awe of what God has done and what He continues to do in my life.
This month, I want to lift one thought: What inspires you? If you can answer that question quickly, I'd say you're in touch with what makes you tick. If you have to think about it, then maybe it's time to go on a archaeological dig to explore the mystery of YOU.
The sooner you find out, the more effective you can be. Get that energy flowing in the right direction and stop trying to swim upstream!
Once I understood my inspiration, things just started falling in line so quickly, I couldn't keep up. I'm still running behind, but I'm running. No more sitting idle at home while every one else is down the street.
No more.
Fly!
May 2011
In a few days it'll be six months since I went natural. It has been quite a life-changing experience. I run my fingers through my thick curly tresses every day and thank God for forming each strand on my head because this is the hair He gave me.
I never thought I would gain so much insight into who I am by cutting off all of my permed hair. It was like seeing myself for the first time. Seeing the "Eve" version of myself.
I felt like a beautiful stranger.
I actually remember asking myself, "Who are you?" At first, no one answered, but slowly a voice began to emerge from within. It's been the same way in my relationship with God. I started asking, "Who are you?" A voice responded to me from within. "I am."
God knows how many hairs are on your head. He knows how many tears you've cried. He knows that information and much more about every single person in this world and He desires that you would know Him as intimately as He knows you.
Sometimes you have to cut through the noise to live in peace.
Go get the scissors...it's time to cut away at everything that is blocking your view of God. He calls us all to come closer. The Kingdom of the Lord is at hand.
It's time for a fresh look at what's always been waiting for you.
Fly!
April 2011
Anyone who knows me knows how much I don't like to talk on the phone. I don't know what it is, but I feel trapped whenever I get on the phone. I would much rather see someone and talk to them, than speak into a few holes and wait for a reply.
That's just me.
So why was I answering phones for my favorite radio station, 95.1 SHINE-FM (
www.951SHINEFM.com) last night? Love.
Love takes you out of your comfort zone and demands action. I love the temple God gave me. So, I stopped polluting it with junk. I love my mother and that is why I listen to everything about her day, even when I am dead tired and can barely keep my eyes open.
Jesus loves us. So much that He left the comforts of Heaven to endure a cruel punishment meant for us. He took the torture for us.
Who do you love? What do you love? Pay attention to how you spend your time and you will be able to answer that question.
It's time to love, for real. Let Jesus lead the way. You may just find yourself in places you never dreamed.
Fly!
March 2011
When I started my website seven months ago, I had no idea that I’d be a published author. I wanted to be. I prayed that I would, but I couldn’t see how it would happen as fast as it did. God never ceases to amaze me. He does things for me because He is good, not because I am. He does things for me for His good pleasure and because He loves me. I am thankful. I cannot express how much. I’ve tried and I suspect I’ll keep trying for eternity. I never get tired of thanking Him.
Today I thank Him for making a dream come true – a dream I’ve had for twelve years. It was 1999 when I started wanting to be an author. I’d just graduated from college and got a job at a community newspaper as a features writer. A few weeks in, I knew that I didn’t want to spend my life writing other people’s stories. I wanted to write my own.
So, now I can say that I had the opportunity to write a brief chapter from my life for the world to read, but this dream is far from over. To me, it is just the beginning. Before I take my last breath, I hope to write 70 books.
What is your dream? Think about it positively. See yourself living in it!
Last month, I challenged myself to be positive every day. It was the best month I've ever had. You know why? Even though I had some moments that weren't good, I was determined to be positive and stand on my solid rock - Christ. It almost felt like training for the Olympics. I learned how to keep getting up from every fall off of the balance beam. The Lord was right there beside me to help me get back on it. Like a gymnast, I will compete in the event of life, and I will win. After all, Jesus is my Master Coach and He has promised to usher me into the winner's circle.
Do you know the Master Coach? If not, it's time to sign up for some personal training classes. He does one-on-one classes at any time and you never have to get on His schedule. He is always ready when you are.
Again, I ask: What is your dream? Time grows short. It's time to go after it with passion.
Fly!
February 2011
Yesterday at work I was telling my friend that I am determined to live as positively as I can. These days, I try to live as if I already have the desires of my heart.
I am new to this way of thinking so my "el negativo" switch gets flipped a lot, but not as much as it used to (can somebody holler, growth?). Any new way of thinking or living does require some practice and when I find myself slipping back into my old thought patterns, I stop and do a course correction.
So far, so great!
Things that used to ruin my entire day, now cause minor distractions within the hour they occur. Stuff that used to make my blood pressure rise is now sent to the Positive Department, where it receives a stamp: Hold for Positive Processing. Then and only then, can I deal with it.
I've learned many lessons in the past year and a half, but I'd like to share my top five:
5. I'm not always cute, but I am always beautiful.
4. Life is too short to be tied up in bitterness.
3. I can catch the dreams I am chasing.
2. Settling is not an option. After all, I'm not pancake mix!
1. If I keep God first, He will supply my every need and throw in a few of my wants along the way just to make me smile!
In February, I wonder how many will take the Positive Challenge with me. Starting February 1st, I dare you to be as positive as you can. Even though it might seem silly at first, just try it and see what happens.
God's Word says that life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21). How 'bout it? You ready to live?
On March 1, I'll post my results. I'd positively love to hear yours as well!
Until then,
Fly!
January 2011 - Happy New Year!
As I write this edition of Thoughtz, I keep pausing to look at the crows sitting on a tree just beyond my window. The branches bend back and forth in the wind and the birds look like fat black olives stuck to tiny fingers. Their song is more like a lament than a melody. It rises and retreats with broken meter and an awful, abrupt melody. One by one, they fly away, and to my surprise, in silence. Some days I long to fly away as well. It comes along with being born of the sky. I've always wanted to fly.
I further survey the remnants of the winter storm that crept by us. The icicles are gone now, but rough patches of snow remain. The snow is outlined in dirt and white in the center. In it, I see a portrait of my soul – white and clean because of Jesus’ blood, but dark around the outside because I still deal with the outside forces of evil. I still deal with sin.
Like the snowflakes that bind together to create a patch of snow, no two of us are alike. Our attributes, features and experiences are unique, yet we share the bond of humanity and its inherited connection to sin. Sin, our dark, jagged, common thread curls around each heart and spans every inch of the world we live in. We sit dumbfounded wondering why things are so bad and some of us are quick to point the finger at God. Even those who don’t believe in Him have no problem putting the blame on Him. When there’s a fault, suddenly He exists.
Things are bad because sin (anything contrary to God’s Word) exists. One day, sin will be no more. It will be thrown into eternity’s trash can by the Lord himself. But until that day, every one of us has to deal with it and its ill effects.
In 2011, I want you to ponder something. Things are just as they should be. All evil has already been forecasted in the Bible. There is nothing new under the sun, even though the sun’s rays feel hotter than ever. You can fight the power or be indifferent, but whatever you do the sun and moon will still be at their respective addresses in the universe.
What am I saying? I am saying to you what I just said to myself: Stop worrying about everything that’s going on or isn’t going on. Stop talking about people. Stop hating. Stop pointing fingers. Stop trying to figure it all out. Stop trying to be someone you are not. Stop trying so hard. Stop putting God in a box…
Start living. Start noticing flowers. Start your own business. Start spending time with those you truly love. Start being kind to those you don’t. Start laughing. Start forgiving. Start encouraging others. Start speaking the life you want to have instead of the life you see in front of you right now…
The power of life and death are in the tongue (Proverbs 18:21).
I pray that everyone who reads this will choose life, by choosing Christ. I pray that you will choose success by seeking His will for your life. If you choose Christ and His will, send a message to: birthwrite@robynfjohnson.com. I want to hear your victory story in 2011.
Fly!
2010
December 2010
God is the creator and sustainer of this universe. Even if you don’t believe it, it’s still true. We can choose what we will and won’t believe, but not believing in water doesn’t make it any less wet. It is what it is. God created everything and called it good. It gave Him great joy to do so. Sometimes, I close my eyes and imagine Him smiling while flinging planets into space and aligning the smallest river bank. It’s no wonder that we, who were created in His image and likeness, find great joy in making things. We are natural born creators.
Just a few days ago, I caught a glimpse of the profound in two simple scenes from my life.
In one scene, I was making cupcakes with my godchildren. The cupcakes were supposed to resemble their favorite cartoon character, but by the end of the project, I saw something much more remarkable. None of them really looked like exactly like the character, but every last one of them was different. I marveled at their attention to detail and basked in the beauty of their facial expressions. This was serious business to them. The frosting for the complexion was skillfully mixed, every eye, nose and mouth was carefully fashioned and each crown of hair was hand-crafted by their tiny, steady hands. When they were done, twelve little faces were born.
In another scene, I’d gone to Sears to buy a home for the Christmas village I am planning this year. I got the idea from a dear lady who is like a mother to me. It is my first time creating a village and every piece I’ve purchased has brought me great joy – especially when it was on sale! I knew exactly what home I wanted. There are so many to choose from, but I decided on Ralphie’s house from the holiday classic movie, A Christmas Story. I literally bounced to the checkout to pay for it. Every part of the village has been carefully selected by me. I chose the snow flakes, trees and people and I will choose where each element will go. When I’m done, a tiny world will exist, crafted by my hands.
These scenes made me think of God, the Creator. He formed each star, planted each tree and knows how many hairs are on my head and yours. He’s not far away, He’s right here. Thousands of years ago, He decided to step into His own creation and made His grand entrance into a lowly, smelly stable to let His creation know He is available to everyone. No one is too low or too high for Him to impact.
As you celebrate Christmas with friends and family this month, please take the time to honor Jesus by marveling at His creation and remembering the price He paid for each one of us. Have a Merry Christmas!
Now, go be creative.
Fly!
November 2010
Look ma, I'm gonna be published! Actors get excited about their first film, artists are thrilled about their first exhibition and writers get all shook up over their first book. Let me tell you, I am all shook up. Ah-unh-huh.
Interestingly enough, my debut into the literary realm will be a non-fiction account of my faith walk, and it's not a solo project. I, along with various Christian authors, will be featured in an anthology edited by award-winning Christian fiction author, Vanessa Miller titled, Keeping the Faith. It is slated for release in February 2011. My soul says, Amen.
This news is in line with my subject for this month: Faith.
How many times have I told someone to keep the faith or hold on? Too many times for me to remember, I reckon. And I know I've told it to myself as well. I am a firm believer in self encouragement. Yet, if I'd never been in a situation where faith served as my buoy, I could not truly pass on that sort of encouragement. It takes adversity to mold faith. It takes a few storms and rain. That's just how it is.
I don't walk around asking for storms, but I know that they are the best things for me because after the clouds clear up, I love better, I listen better, I think better... I am better.
I had faith that God would open a door for me to be published. He opened it quicker than I expected and in a way that I hadn't thought of. But then, that's God. My father always said, "Just when you think God is coming on the right, He breaks out on your left."
Stop looking for how He will do it, just know He will and stand in expectation. It's not for you to be concerned with all of the details. I am super excited about being published and so is my Heavenly Father. He loves it when His children ask for things that are "BIG" because He gets a chance to show how much BIGGER He is!
What about you, what are you keeping the faith for? Believe it will happen and step out...we've seen nothing yet. Only time will reveal just what He will do in each of our lives if we are willing.
Fly!
October 2010
I am somewhat breathless as I write this month’s edition of Thoughtz. I am constantly in awe of how God has already given us everything we need to enjoy life, endure pain and overcome adversity. Most of all, I reflect on what He did not give us – a spirit of fear. Fear comes straight from the enemy and God cannot operate in it.
What has fear stopped you from doing? It stopped me from being serious about my writing for seven years. In 2003, I had enough gumption to go to the Sandy Cove Christian Writer’s Conference, but I was still fearful of actually writing a book. I figured it would be enough for me just to hang around other authors and writers. This year, with God’s help and direction, I put my fears aside and my hands to my keyboard. I learned that we don't have to know all of the details.
We just have to be willing.
One of the first things I had to do was think about what I really wanted out of this life. Be clear on what you want. Sending mixed messages will give you mixed results. Sending non-specific messages will give you non-specific results. Is that clear?
True indeed, God knows your heart and your mind. The groans of the Spirit can be interpreted, but what I am speaking of is not at a deep level. This isn’t the earth shaking supernatural language that takes place between us and the almighty – this the audible, every day hopes wishes and dreams that we have – or think we have.
Before I go on, I must also say that God does not play games or deal with semantics. If you ask for bread, He won’t give you a stone that looks like bread. He is the giver of perfect gifts. You must be specific, though. Not so specific that you aren’t leaving room for God to knock your socks off, but not so vague that He’s bored with your request. He enjoys being asked for what we think is impossible or too big, that’s when He truly gets to show His power.
If you seek a job, you will get a job. If you seek a career that involves helping people improve their situations, then you will end up there. You should also realize that God can see farther than you, so if you ask for something that will ultimately not be in your best interest, He won't give it to you. If you don't have this kind of intimacy with God and aren't in tune with His plans for your life, learn about Him today. He won't keep it a secret if you are seeking His answer. The answer will show up in multiple ways.
Seems like a lot to think about before you go asking for things, doesn’t it? Good. You need to take your time and think about what you want, anyway. What’s the rush? Great things come to those who wait. I’ve seen it time and time again. Not that waiting is easy, but it can be done and it can be done with grace and style. Don’t spend your time keeping tissue manufacturers rich. Cry your tears, but keep it moving. God put those tear ducts there to be engaged for specific moments, not a lifetime.
Remember “Weeping Wanda” from Good Times? How about Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh? Every time you saw them, they were down. The events of life can cause you to get down, but life itself is too short for you to stay down. Just yesterday I heard the news that a co-worker died. I didn’t know her, but we always smiled and spoke to each other in the halls. One day we passed each other in the kitchen and the next day, she passed. Do you realize that our time here is short? Don’t let fear keep you from living. People and places exist that need what only you can give. God has created you for a unique service. There may be other people doing what He has called you to, but they can’t do it like you.
Fear keeps you down. Refuse to be kept down any longer. Make your requests known to the Lord and spread your wings. Here comes the wind to carry you to your next destination. Are you ready?
Fly!
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
September 2010
Do you know how hard it is to hold on to nothing? It requires a lot of effort on your part. "Nothing" would seem to be light and airy, but in fact it is the largest burden you will ever encounter. When you pick something up with your hands and hold it, your palm makes a place for it and your fingers instinctively wrap around it to hold the possession. It is a calm, gentle grasp with just enough pressure to keep the treasure still and secure. When there is nothing there, all you can do is ball up your fist and squeeze. You cannot hold nothing. Like air, it will always escape. It cannot be confined.
You can apply this simple truth to anything in life that you are trying to hold on to because if you have to try – it’s not yours. I’m not saying that you don’t have to put work into maintaining it. Everything that belongs to you must be cultivated and cared for in order for it to grow. If worry and exhaustion enter into the equation, you may have to stop and ask yourself if it really belongs to you.
Does your home belong to you? Does your mate belong to you? Were you called into the ministry in which you serve? Are you in the right job? These are just some of the questions you may ask yourself at some point in life.
When we give our hearts to Jesus, He holds us. He will not grab on to nothing. It takes something to find yourself in His grasp. It takes a humble confession of faith. In John 17:10-12, Jesus is having a conversation with Father God about His children. He says that we are His and no one can change that. Even as He prepared to return to Heaven, He was making sure that His treasure (us) was provided for. He cares for us because we who have accepted Him, by faith, belong to Him.
What truly belongs to you? Perhaps it's time to open your hands to find out. What's in there? Nothing or something?
Open your hands. Let God fill them.
Fly!
August 2010
I'm typing this message with painted nails. Purple, even. Anyone who knows me well knows that I don't paint my nails. I keep staring at them like they don't belong to me. They're just one more thing that is changing about me. I feel like a spectator to all of it. I am watching my body change. I can feel it as well as see it.
My waist is getting smaller. The ta-tas on my back are going away, slowly. Any woman who has them knows what I mean. My natural hair is overtaking my chemically-altered hair. I can't wear anti-perspirant anymore. Yikes! My rings are sliding off of my fingers. The crease above my left eye is more pronounced and I've seen my smashed dimple more than I ever have. It only appears when I am perfectly tickled about something. Seems my sense of humor about life is improving. All of these things are external and easy to see.
What is less noticeable is the spiritual transformation. It has fueled the launch of this site. I've been struggling with my calling for so long. I was born to write and I intend, from this point forward, to use what God gave me in the hopes that it will change at least one life for the better. In hopes that people will be uplifted, inspired and transformed.
This year I will complete my first novel. I do not know God's plans for it, but I must do my part.
Now, I turn to you. Are you doing your part? What does God want to use you to do for Him? Do you keep pushing Him away? If you are anything like me, you fear change and it is what has kept you in limbo for so long. Even misery can get comfortable. Moses didn't want to go either, but only the Moses in you will able to witness the Red Sea open and walk across on dry land.
If you are waiting for someone to tell you it's time, I am happy to do it. It's time! It's time for you to step into who you were always meant to be. One step at a time. Just keep inching along and before you know it, you'll have a mile behind you.
No turning back. It's time. Open your heart and your life.
Fly!
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