He's consistent. Unmoved by circumstances. Anchored in the Lord. Handsome. Strong. Sensitive. Humble. Passionate in his calling. Trustworthy. Full of integrity. Super Encouraging. Loyal. Stubborn. Wild. A real rabble rouser (with the kids ;).
Many of you know him already. But if you don't, you should. His name is David Johnson, and I have the privilege of calling him my husband (or babe, or honey, or "David Johnson!" depending on the day).
We've been married for 10 years, and through those years I've known the desires of my husband's heart. You see, he went to college to be a pastor. It's his calling to be in ministry, and his desire for that never wavered even when he worked in ministry as a volunteer. He volunteered his time for years. His dream was to work at our church, and even more than that, to serve under the man who discipled him as a teenager, our youth pastor at the time. But then our youth pastor became the executive pastor and eventually the senior pastor and a new pastor took the youth pastor role, and Dave served the new pastor with the same faithfulness that he had before. Through leadership changes, he remained consistent, waiting patiently on the Lord. Even when he had days where he was discouraged about God's timing, felt like it was never going to happen or when someone was hired instead of him to work positions I thought for sure he was more than qualified for, he still remained solid in his vision. Even when I, as an emotional woman, would get upset about the "unfairness" or the times we both wondered if God was calling us elsewhere, no matter what, he would say, "We don't move until God moves us." And then he'd brush off the dust of discouragement and doubt and continue faithfully, all the while working jobs that weren't his calling so he could provide for his family.
But God's timing is literally spot on.
One day about 5 years ago, we both decided that maybe we were supposed to find ministry work elsewhere. Not because we were disgruntled, but just willing to do whatever God wanted us to do to fulfill the vision God had given Dave, one that I fully supported. It was kind of exciting actually. But as soon as we began sending out applications to other churches, God opened the door for Dave to be hired at our church! Isn't that hilarious?! So, Dave was hired part time at first, and then before long he was a full time staff member, eventually filling the Helps pastor role, serving the very man he had longed to serve so many years before, the pastor of our church. I watched my husband pass test after test after test, never giving up. And to top it off, just this week, God answered the biggest part of Dave's dream; one that he has been believing for for over 10 years: he was promoted and is now officially the Associate Helps Pastor! I'm so incredibly proud of my man. What an honor and joy it is to serve at our church together. And the funny thing is, this surprise from the Lord was one of our fasting rewards and He gave the reward even before the end of this year's fast, totally catching me off guard! God is so amazing! He always amazes me, and usually catches me off guard with His sheer amazingness :)
I'm continually amazed by the man I get to spend my life with. I get to be a part of his dreams as well as my own dreams! He has taught me so much about perseverance, faithfulness and selflessness. He truly is a shining example of Jesus. And he's my best friend.
During this fasting season, or whatever season you're in, I want to encourage you that God has great plans to accelerate the vision in your life this very year. He wants to promote you into something greater than where you're at right now. Stand strong and remain faithful. God WILL fulfill your wildest dreams! He will give you your hearts desires! Never, ever, ever give up!
Love, Kristin :)
"God can do anything, you know—far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but by working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us." [Ephesians 3:20]
P.S. I have another fabulous Daniel Fast-friendly dinner recipe to share with you below. OOOh, I'm so excited about this one!!! It is addicting! I modified it from this recipe, making it completely Daniel fast friendly.
.:The original recipe calls for 1 egg, which I would normally use, but since there aren't eggs on the Daniel fast, I replaced an egg with 2 Tbsp ground flax seed mixed with 6 Tbsp water and let it set for a few minutes. It gets slimy and perfect for binding the recipe together like an egg. Worked great:.
Sweet Potato Corn Cakes with Garlic Dipping Sauce
2 Sweet Potatoes
1 Cup frozen corn
2 Green onions, chopped
1/4 cup chopped, fresh cilantro
1 tsp cumin
2 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp cayenne
1 1/3 cup ground cornmeal
Coconut oil for frying
Garlic sauce for dipping from your nearest Mediterranean restaurant (here in Lansing, that's Woody's Oasis or Zaytoon). Or make your own using this recipe here.
Poke the sweet potatoes with a sharp knife and bake them in the oven at 400 degrees for an hour. When they're done, scoop out the flesh into a large bowl. Add the corn, onions, cilantro, spices, cornmeal and flax-egg replacement. Mix it all together completely and allow to set in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Heat a skillet on medium/high heat and add the coconut oil. I prefer coconut oil because it's a good high heat oil. When you see the oil get wavy (not smoky), it's ready. Shape the mixture into small patties and place in the hot oil, allowing to cook, flipping once, until both sides are golden brown on each side. Place on a paper towel to drain the oil. Serve with garlic sauce on the side.
Oh my holy smokes these are AMAZING!
Kid and Ninja Turtle approved ;)
