Faith, Family, and Friends

BlogPorch

My roots were planted in a home that consistently focused on faith, family, and friends. My father was a pastor and modeled how to shepherd people well. My mother loved teaching children and serving in the church. My sister and I began serving in the church, alongside our parents, as soon as we were old enough to collect the juice cups from the pew racks following each communion service. Following God and loving people, through His love, was the norm in our home. So, it was a very natural decision for me to trust God with my life at age seven. He became Lord of my life at that time. I know I am His child with a place in His eternal Kingdom.

My surroundings, conversations, and early examples of God’s love guided me to find purpose for my life. Those roots set the course for my call into a ministry during my college days. Because of the deep love God has given me for children, I knew my life purpose was to serve young children. I am drawn to and driven by the way preschoolers live life. No one on the plant lives a more abundant life than a two-, three-, or four-year-old! They can wear yellow rain boots and a handmade paper crown, while skipping, singing, and giggling, all at the same time! But be ready, they will stop on a dime to follow the ant trail or pick the wildflower that you never saw! Preschoolers live life abundantly, with freedom, and tons of fun! I love getting to be a part of this kind of simple living.

Because of God’s call, I live abundantly by leading, teaching, and caring for young children. When I slow down and follow the abundant lifestyle of a preschooler, I learn: – having less brings creativity; – playing is a better use of time; – living life in the present is most rewarding; – the detours along the route are usually more intriguing; – and speaking the truth is being wise.

God’s desire for us all to live abundantly is expressed through children. No wonder Jesus said, “What I’m about to tell you is true. You need to change and become like little children….  Anyone who welcomes a little child like this one in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:3 & 5 (NIrV)

Nanette Johnson

Nanette Johnson

Nanette Johnson is our Preschool Minister. She and her husband have lived in Arlington for 17 years. She loves preschoolers and the simple ways they live life. Her favorite thing is hearing her grandchildren say, "Hi Nan!"

Recent Posts

Should I Bring My Child To Church?

By Kasey Fagan | March 20, 2024

Many parents struggle with this question today: “Should I bring my child to church?” The simple answer is absolutely. But did you expect any different answer from a…

What Kind Of Tree Are You?

By Curt Grice | March 15, 2024

Trees are awesome!   Forests in the mountains. Palms along the beach. Mangroves in the islands. Branches you can reach. Orchards filled with goodness. Redwoods thick and tall.…

Courage of Silence

By Brad Echols | March 13, 2024

Is The Volume Up? Do you feel like you live in a world where the volume has been turned up and life is filled with more noise than…

Bible Passages about the Resurrection

By Luke Stehr | March 5, 2024
A person reading the word of God - the Bible. The handy work of Jesus

Bible Passages about the Resurrection  For people who follow Jesus, Easter is more than just a fun time to gather with family and friends. For Christians, Easter is…