Hello Friends,

Well, it's been a while since I posted! We're finally back in school!!! Only three days ago, I met my seventh grade students for the year, and already I'm in love! It's the funniest thing to me that I literally feel these kiddos become a part of my family. I have some great kids this year...of course, I usually think that. I have several little brothers and sisters of students from my first year teaching. It's really cool!

Since my last post, I completed my fifth Heartsong Presents!!! YAY! Watch for Finding Home sometime in the next year. I'm very excited about it and can't wait to hear what you think! Also, my most recent book In Pursuit of Peace was reviewed at cataromance.com and received 4 out of 5 stars. Woohoo! That's so cool.

I'll talk to you again soon!

Hi y'all,

As you know, I'm reading through my Bible. Today, I read the Song of Songs. If you're not familiar with the book, it's after Ecclesiastes in the Old Testament...a couple of books after Psalms. Anyway, Song of Songs is written by Solomon. It's the courtship, wedding, and honeymoon (and a year later) between him and the Shulammite woman. And, let me tell you, it is HOT!!! Whew...hunka-hunk-burnin'-love!

The book is written as a back and forth conversatiion between Solomon, his lady-love, and the Daughters of Jerusalem. There is one Scripture that is titled "God to the Couple." Here's the verse, "Eat, O friends, and drink; drink your fill, O lovers." Song of Songs 5:1b. (By the way, they're talking about sex there.)

You know what that says about God...He wants His children to enjoy one other. My husband is to enjoy me. I am to enjoy him. God WANTS that. There is nothing ugly or impure about the physical expression of marital love. Isn't that cool!

Thank you, Lord!

Woohoo!!! Celebrate with me! I'm working on three contemporary Heartsongs set in Delaware. I just finished the first book on Saturday! Yay! God is good!

"Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the Lord's purpose that prevails." Proverbs 19:21

I am a planner. When I teach, I like to have everything all planned to the very last minute. I like to think ahead and reflect about what worked well and what didn't. When I write stories, I plan each chapter for spiritual, emotional, and physical goals of both the hero and the heroine.

I work well with a plan.

One thing I've learned through teaching and writing is that planning is good and necessary; however, I need to be prepared to be flexible. There are times when a topic at school needs more attention, or maybe something happens in the world or in the life of my students that needs to be addressed. Sometimes in my writing, I find a little added element of hurt or joy that I need to allow my characters as well. The key to knowing when and what to allow is in the above verse...I can plan, but God's purpose prevails.

When I am in tune with my Father, through prayer, scripture reading, etc. I know when I need to step back and allow my plans to be overrun by God's purpose. Besides, I can fight to keep my plans as I want them, but note what the scripture says, His purpose will PREVAIL.

And truly, I'm glad He's the one in charge. He knows what's best.

Good morning Friends,

Those who know me, know it is no surprise that I have moments of feeling rather...well, antsy. I'm often shaking my leg or tapping my hand or doing some sort of "busy" thing while I sit. I have a hard time sitting still...maybe that's why I juggle a hubby, kids, and two full-time jobs. Well, I guess writing isn't my "full-time" job, but when I'm in the middle of a story, I am thinking about those characters FULL time.

My constant need for activity is only one of the many reasons I must stay very close to my Jesus. I love to be busy, but I don't want to be so busy that I miss all the many joys and struggles that God allows along the way. After all, the goal of my life is to end well, but you know, to end well, I have to journey well. It's the journey!

One of the ways God spoke to me today was through a Scripture in Proverbs (remember, I started Proverbs today). It's not about sitting still, but it does go along with the notion. God says, "Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23

Maybe the Scripture does have to do with my antsiness after all...if my heart is focused on all the things I want to accomplish and on my go, go, go attitude, then I haven't guarded my heart at all.

Oh, precious Jesus, may my heart be pure and focused on You. It is the wellspring of my life. It is your dwelling place.

I've decided to read my way through the Bible again. I'm not using any special guidelines or formats, just felt led to read through it. This morning I finished the book of Psalm. Only 150 relatively short chapters, but let me tell you, it is hard to stay focused on that book once you've read five or so chapters. It's repetitive, written mainly as songs. I'll be glad to move on to Proverbs tomorrow, but I love how Psalm ends. It's how I hope to end (and begin) each day, each breath.

"Praise the Lord.
Praise God in his sanctuary;
praise him in his mighty heavens.
Praise him for his acts of power;
praise him for his surpassing greatness.
Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet,
praise him with the harp and lyre,
praise him with tamporine and dancing,
praise him with the strings and flute,
praise him with the clash of cymbals,
praise him with resounding cymbals.
Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.
Praise the Lord."

Psalm 150: 1-6

I praise You this morning, oh Lord!

It's 1:08 am. My sweet hubby is about to kill me, but I believe I'm finally all hooked up and ready to go. Web site: jenniferjohnsonbooks.com and now my blog. My web site is rather rough, but I'll figure it out over the next few weeks...or years.

I love you, Jesus!