So tired of being sick

Hey kids. I'm sick again. This time the culprit is a nasty cough, which I am hoping does not turn into bronchitis- my mom got me freaked out about that possibility. Isaac and I leave on Friday to begin our month of non-stop travel. First to Sikeston, then to Florida (with a few pit stops on the way and back), back to Columbia, and then to see JEN!!!!!! So, you can see that it is vitally important that I get well pronto.

Since I'm behind (yet again) on everything, I'm just now posting the next Christmas song for Advent. I know I was supposed to post on Sunday, but you can ask my husband- there was no way anything but sleep and coughing was going to happen then. This song is one which Isaac introduced to me a few months ago; the lyrics are so powerful. Next week, I'll be posting my all-time favorite Christmas song, so get excited! Before then, here is a beautiful song by MercyMe.

Joseph's Lullaby

Go to sleep, my Son-
this manger for your bed.
You have a long road before You,
rest Your little head.

Can You feel the weight of Your glory?
Do you understand the price?
Or does the Father guard Your heart for now
so You can sleep tonight?

Go to sleep, my Son-
go and chase Your dreams.
This world can wait for one more moment;
go and sleep in peace.

I believe the Glory of heaven
is lying in my arms tonight.
Lord, I ask that He for just this moment
simply be my child.

Go to sleep, my Son-
Baby, close your eyes.
Soon enough, You'll save the day,
but for now dear Child of mine-
my Jesus, sleep tight.

Joy, Joy, Joy!

As usual, it's great to be a Florida Gator!!!! SEC against Big 12 for the national championship...what ever happened to Ohio State?


Okay, enough of bragging (and being cocky, might I add) and back to the continuation of Advent and another one of my favorite Christmas songs. This one was written by a fellow Union alum, Chris Rice. I'm pretty sure I get teary eyed every time I hear it.

Welcome to Our World

Tears are falling, hearts are breaking-
how we need to hear from God.
You've been promised, we've been waiting;
welcome, Holy Child.
Welcome, Holy Child.

Hope that you don't mind our manger.
How I wish we would have known,
but long-awaited Holy Stranger,
make Yourself at home.
Please make Yourself at home.

Bring Your peace into our violence,
bid our hungry souls be filled.
Word now breaking heaven's silence,
welcome to our world.
Welcome to our world.

Fragile finger sent to heal us,
tender brow prepare for thorn.
Tiny heart whose blood will save us
unto us is born.
Unto us is born.

So wrap our injured flesh around You,
breathe our air and walk our sod.
Rob our sin, and make us holy,
perfect Son of God.
Perfect Son of God,
welcome to our world.

For Erin and India...and Advent

Two of my favorite bloggers, Erin and India, posted pictures of their Christmas trees a few weeks ago. We all put them up the same weekend, but I'm a little behind on posting a picture of the Johnson tree. So, without further ado, here it is in all its magnificence. Any guesses as to the number of lights are on the 6.5 ft. tree?


Because today is the beginning of Advent, I'm going to begin something new. I've picked my four all-time favorite Christmas songs, and I'm going to post the words to one each week. Some of the songs are classics, and others are a little bit more modern. Nothing fancy, just an effort to focus on the Advent of Christ. What are your favorite Christmas songs?

What Child is This?

What Child is this who laid to rest
in Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet
while shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard
and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
the Babe, the Son of Mary.

Why lies He in such mean estate
where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian, fear for sinners here
the silent Word is pleading.

This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard
and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
the Babe, the Son of Mary.

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh.
Come peasant, king to own Him;
the King of kings salvation brings;
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

This, this is Christ the King,
whom shepherds guard
and angels sing.
Haste, haste to bring Him laud
the Babe, the Son of Mary.

Novels, Elections, and the 5k

I just finished reading this novel yesterday. My coworker Dan lent it to me, and I must say, it was...interesting. Marquez writes very well; he tells the story of one particular family, weaving the reality and fantasy through the pages. The book is entertaining, and at several points I did laugh out loud. Overall, I recommend the book, even if there are some parts where I was left scratching my head.

In other news, tomorrow is Election Day. I am excited for two reasons:
1. I am totally pumped about voting.
2. I am thrilled that this will mean the end of political ads for a while.

In light of the election, Jen posted a great article. I encourage everyone to read it and consider the content. Thanks for posting it, Mrs. B.

Saturday, in addition to being my husband's birthday, was the 5k for Refugee and Immigration Services. The turn out was remarkable, especially for a first attempt. Props go out to Laura (who basically did everything) and my two current interns Annie and Katie. Awesome job ladies! Below are some pictures for your enjoyment. We hope to see everyone there next year!!!

Big News!

We just bought tickets to see this awesome girl:



WHOOT WHOOT!!!!! I can't wait for January!!!!!

One of my goals...

...is to read the 100 greatest novels of all time. I believe I casually thought about this idea sometime in high school, but it's only now that I'm seriously pursuing this goal. Though reading students' papers every weekend definitely takes a chunk out of my available classic literature reading time, I am still determined. I haven't set a specific time-limit for this goal; rather, I want to enjoy reading these works- I most definitely do not want to be rushed and feeling as though it's an assignment for school I must complete.

As you can imagine, there are many different lists of the greatest novels compiled by various individuals, organizations, and publications. I came across this one a while back, and I'm currently using it as my guide. I was actually fairly surprised to see how few on this list I've completed; I say this only because we read about 30 books in my AP English class my senior year in high school and thought that more of those would have made the cut. On the brighter side, that just means there's more classic literature I get to enjoy! If any of you know me very well, you know about my love/borderline obsession with classic literature. I'm a nerd in the truest sense.

I'll let you know how the reading goes...

Because my sister-in-law reads this...

My sister-in-law Shawdi mentioned to me today that she's checked my blog before...I feel a little more pressure to keep up with this thing now. So, here you go, Shawdi. A post indirectly inspired by you...

This weekend, Isaac and I travelled down to Sikeston for two reasons: our friend Michelle was getting married, and the entire Johnson family would be in town as well. Emily, Ronnie, and Ashton came up from Gulfport to go to a different wedding, so we were able to take the opportunity for an impromtu family reunion. Today after church, we crammed eighteen humans, two dogs, and one soon-to-be child (of Emily's) into Mom and Dad's house, then proceeded to eat massive amounts of food (some more than others), poke fun at each other, and share stories with one another. A enjoyable time was had by all, especially since Mark cut off the end pieces of the ridiculously good bread for me and Grandma.

Yesterday afternoon, Isaac and I ventured to this tiny country church where Michelle and Matt would be married:



We had a good time at the wedding and reception and had the opportunity to catch up with some friends we hadn't seen in a while as well.

Speaking of weddings, it seems several of our friends have gotten engaged lately! First, Nelson-O-Tron proposed to one of my dearest friends Laina. Then Corey proposed to India a few weeks ago, then Rob proposed to Becca last weekend, then everyone's favorite DJ Ryan proposed to Melissa, and tonight I found out that Kelly has a gorgeous ring on her finger too! Our sincerest congratulations to all of you; we pray that the Lord would be glorified through your marriage.