That is one of my very favorite quote’s from Ava. It all started about a year ago when out of the blue, Ava brought me my Bible and asked me “What’s God up to?”. Of course I promptly opened it up and read to her. We loved that phrase so much that we’ve all adopted it.
So…what’s God up to?
Psalm 121
“I look up to the mountains-does my help come from there?
My help comes from the Lord, who made the heavens and the earth!
He will not let you stumble and fall; the one who watches over you will not sleep.
Indeed, He who watches over Israel never tires and never sleeps.
The Lord Himself watches over you! The Lord stands beside you as your protective shade.
The sun will not hurt you by day, nor the moon at night.
The Lord keeps you from all evil and preserves your life.
The Lord keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.”
This is one of my favorite Psalms. I LOVE the promises of God. When I read this Psalm again yesterday, that last verse really latched on to me. I love that God’s care and love doesn’t change, doesn’t laps, doesn’t move. He is the same God to us here as He will be in eternity. Josiah and I have had many conversations about heaven in the past months. Many of them are spurred on by a book we are reading:
Beautiful Things 
This is truly comforting and a joy to read. I have just finished preparing a devotion for a women’s bible study, and I am SO glad I took toight to do it. It is amazing how God works in us on days we need it most-sometimes when we don’t even realize it. What a blessing for your family to have faith-centered conversations and lives. You and Josiah (and now Ava) truly do “shine Jesus.” Peace to you this day. One day at a time, right? God’s blessings also.
Johnson family,
That books looks awesome. I can’t wait to read it & I love the what’s God up to quote from Ava. What a sweet way to look at reading the Bible & growing closer to God. It’s a true testament to the faith that you as parents have given to your children. Thanks for your constant positive attitude & your honesty when you don’t feel so positive. Our Bible study group has been praying for you guys & ironically, another member has a college roommate in almost the same situation as you. Really made me realize how prevalant cancer is even in such young adults! I know that you are not alone in your journey b/c God is with you but unfortunately you’re not alone in your journey as there are others walking your same path. I pray that you will be able to continue to cherish & enjoy this time together & that you have continued peace….praying for you..
In HIS Grip,
emily for her boys
So many times I have been tempted to leave a note on here–I know that just because I feel like I’ve come to know you doesn’t mean you feel like you know me–that’s a funny thing about blogging. I hope I don’t seem like a stalker when I leave these notes. But, your family’s journey on earth has pulled me in and your transparent words have been a blessing to me many times. This time I can’t resist a bit of a comment. Yes, Ava is old beyond her years. That’s a great phrase and incredible that it came out of her mouth. That’s what we always need to ask, you’re right–“What’s God up to today?” I’ll remember that one. And that Psalm reminds us so vividly that God is always up to something and He wants our eyes to be focusing up on our help that is always available from Him. Sometimes part of it all is waiting and questioning, but I believe He always rescues and rewards those who diligently seek Him.
I have been trying for months to get through Randy Alcorn’s book, “Heaven.” It isn’t that I don’t like it–it’s just that it’s like a very rich dessert and you have to kind of savor the bites and let them linger in your mind before putting another morsel in. I agree, he challenges us to look more closely at some of our preconceived notions. I love those kinds of books that make us really think and examine Scripture more deeply. I have to say that so far I always have a warm, joyful feeling after reading each chapter. It really is going to be great. I’ve been thinking about heaven so much lately. I’m so glad that you and Josiah have been able to read this Randy Alcorn book together. How precious.
My son and I pray for you almost every morning and often we mention you as we pray as a family at night. And, that’s also why I feel like I know you–that kind of happens when we invest prayer time in people. Thank you so much for your updates. I’m asking God for continual awareness of His grace every step of the way and Spirit filled peace every moment of your day, like the Psalmist said “both now and forever.”
Your Sister in Christ,
Kim Watkins Saunders (friend of your mom)
Dear Johnson Family!
Out of the mouths of babes! Ps. 121 is my favorite scripture. So many times I’ve been comforted by these reassuring words of scripture. I’ve also had the experience of singing this text “He Watching Over Israel,” put to music in ELIZAH. Though we suffer pain in this world, God is up to good.
I look forward to reading “In Light of Eternity.” Even though I know Jesus has assured us that “In my Father’s house are many rooms…I go to prepare a place for you,” it’s difficult to envision Heaven. What a blessing that you have this book to read together as Josiah prepares to meet the Lord! I know that will be a glorious day! God bless and keep you all in his tender, loving care.
Nancy Stoner
Thanks Jess for sharing this Psalm. It, too, is one of my favorites. I love singing it. In fact one of the advantages of living in the country is standing on the deck and singing various psalms that bring peace and comfort to my heart as loud as I want and no one has to put up with my waling. Ps. 121 is one I pick particularly often to belt out at the top of my lungs to the Lord. I feel such peace after singing it through 2 or 3 times. This probably paints a pretty funny picture in your head of me doing this so you & Josiah can go ahead and laugh if you want. Love you guys and praise God that He is giving you precious moments to be together. Thanks for sharing the book title as I want to get a copy to read after hearing Josiah share from it over Christmas.
Hugs & love to all of you!
Aunt Karan
“What is God up to?” That is a wonderful phrase. I need that in my life. It will keep my focus on my Lord and not on circumstances. And leave it up to Ava to “come up with it”! That little girl is one thinker!! I said “thinker” not the other rhyming word!!! She is so precious!!!
Ken and I just finished reading another book by Randy Alcorn. We enjoy his writing. The title is interesting as that phrase has permeated our home since the children were little, except in a bit different context. One of my mottos was “in light of eternity, what really matters?” So remembering that title will not be hard. I found it in my Kindle, so I think I will download it for us to read. We really enjoy reading books together. I am glad you guys are doing that too.
Psalm 121 is a favorite too. Thanks for sharing. We are continuing to pray…
Hey there Johnsons
Thanks for the post, Jess. It’s been a hard couple of months around here and today I was just angry. Nothing like what you’re going through in this season, but exactly what you went through two Christmases ago. Thanks for the Psalm. Thanks for the post about Grace awhile back. Thanks for being who He made you to be because He’s using you. And now for the good news…da-da-da-da!….our countdown is on. We leave on Friday morning to come and bring Comet and Snickers to their new home. Our Daddy is putting the finishing touches on their new pad. The kids are through the roof ecstatic. They want Miss Ava to know she is welcome to visit them any time and can bring little Lincoln. They were very excited to get a picture in the mail of the entire Johnson clan last week. It’s about worn out with all of the “looking”! Others have said they feel like they know you without ever having met you and I must say it seems to be true for my kiddos and yours. Hopefully they can meet up for a good visit with the horses some day. And there will certainly be a big reunion in heaven when we get there. Just think of all the folks that have been connected to your family…..you better keep the coffee pot on cause you’re going to have a lot of visitors. I can’t wait. Praying everyone sleeps peacefully at your place tonight. Heading off to do the same.
Love to all
Margie for the Campbells
Jessica, how precious Ava is! My daughter, Spenser, 20, was so much like that when she was little…very wise at such a young age! I remember one time when our dishwasher almost caught fire; I had called the fire department and in panic, ran outside with her in my arms awaiting their arrival…I will never forget her comfort and words of wisdom, she said, “Shh, it’s okay Mamma…it’s okay…” I am so glad that you have Ava in your life…a daughter is such a comfort, there are no words to express it…Spenser is my dearest friend.
I am praying for your family…I am sorry about your suffering…praying for Josiah’s comfort too.
Donna Hardin
Fellow Homeschooler