The Fascinating Story of “O Holy Night”

When asked what my favorite Christmas song is, a dozen tunes flicker through my mind—a bubbly, upbeat version of “White Christmas”, “Be Born in Me”, “Winter Wonderland” or my guilty pleasure, “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”—all top the list. But the one that never grows old and gives me sweet chills every time I hear it is “O Holy Night”.  The …

Contest and Giveaway!

I’m so excited to have a special giveaway for you just in time for Christmas! If you sign up to follow my blog (www.TaraJohnsonauthor.wordpress.com), follow me on Twitter (https://twitter.com/TaraMinistry) or share my blog on Facebook, you’ll be entered for a chance to win the Word of Promise Audio New Testament!!! This is one of my favorite ways to soak in …

Wonder

Past stars and galaxies, the glittering lights of mysteries beyond I flew. I was not alone. No, an entire heavenly congregation soared with me. We danced past shimmering hosts and luminescent wonders, winging and dancing, spiraling and speeding past the diamonds of the Holy One’s masterpiece until we pushed past the transparent glass of the blue marbled planet’s firmament. I breathed in …

The Obscure Thanksgiving List: Banana Pudding, Spanx and Tweezers…Oh my!

This is my girls’ attitude of gratitude board. Every month we have a new theme and each day they put a new sticky note on the board. November’s theme is, you guessed it, thankfulness. Their first sticky notes were broad things, like their gratitude for God, family and friends. Lately though, they are starting to get a little more specific…hair, …

Some final thoughts from the lovely Linda Tracy Miller!

Please welcome back my friend Linda Tracy Miller for the third part of her guest spots on this blog. Her thoughts are always beautiful spun and a refreshing touch of grace for the day.  As long as we are alive, we are never too old to experience growing pains. Life is all about constant adjustments, coping with unexpected situations, gain …

Welcome back my guest Linda Tracy Miller!

When life suddenly changes and nothing seems to make sense, you are suddenly feel you are adrift in a fog shrouded ocean. Many years ago, after the death of my Dad, I read a story by Pearl Buck that made a strong impression on me. My Mom, like I would be later, was widowed in her 50’s. I wish I …

Stop It!

by Tara Johnson Have you seen the “Stop It” sketch starring Bob Newhart? A friend recently showed it to me on Youtube and I confess, it left me in stitches. Let me give you the quick run-down: Bob Newhart is playing a therapist and a woman enters his office as a first time patient. He tells her he only charges …

How to Help Your Preacher’s Kid Part 3: Feed Those Guppies

by Tara Johnson We’ve looked at the ups and downs of PK life, as well as the lasting scars inflicted by cruel people in many churches. But don’t throw out your fish food yet. Some guppies have tried to swim through turbulent waters and floundered. Others have thrived, even in a tiny fish bowl with hundreds of eyes on them, …