Long Time No Speak

Wow, I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted. The past 6 months have been a whirlwind of changes.
In February I had to say goodbye to my little (33 year old) sister when she died of complications due to her MS medication. That has been painful to say the least. I recently joined a grief support group. I heard an interesting quote there that "Grief is the price you pay for loving someone." I guess the fact that it hurts so bad for your loved one to be gone, proves how much they meant to you.

From February to May, we prepared for our move from Germany back to the US. Talk about a culture shock. We went from 60 degree weather to 95 degree weather all in one day. Amazingly, it takes less time to adjust to life back in the states then it did to adjust to life in Germany. The main thing I miss is the autobahn. I sure did love letting it rip in my Mini.

We finally made it to San Antonio, Texas in early June after a long road trip of seeing friends and family. Texas is definately a whole other world. It has taken a bit to get used to the difference, but we are adjusting. The boys are doing well in school and Alex is surviving Texas football.

Now, for more changes. We found out that the house we are renting has gone into foreclosure. We wondered what to do: try to buy it, look for another rental, buy? We have finally made a decision. "Insert drum roll" We have decided to have a house built. It will be about the same cost as buying a house already made, and this way we can make it right for us. I am kind of excited, because buying a house and settling down always seemed a long way off due to our military lifestyle. It should be exciting to go through the whole process. I want to enjoy every step of the way. (hopefully I can be motivated to blog about it)

So, in a nutshell, we are still in the midst of change, but there is hope on the horizon. I am going to try to focus on moving into our dream house. I am going to be doing some sould searching and seeing what my priorities are and downsizing my stuff to match that. I am tired of being in bondage to stuff. My goal is to love my new house and to like hanging out at home.

Happy Birthday Alex!!!!!

Wow!!! I can't believe you are turning 15. It seems like it wasn't too long ago that you were just a little guy. Now you are in high school, playing football, and able to grow some serious pirate hair on your face. It blows my mind. Your dad and I are very proud of the young man you are becoming and we see glimpses of the adult man that you will become. I thought for your birthday I would list 15 things that your dad and I love and admire about you. Don't go getting a big head over it, just know that we love you very much! Are you ready?

1. You love Jesus
2. You are a team player
3. You dream BIG
4. You are good with little kids
5. You are not too big to hug your mom
6. You are passionate about the things you love
7. You get excited about sports
8. You have a great memory
9. You are very helpful, especially when it comes to lifting things
10. You love your Mt. Dew, football, and video games
11. You are handsome
12. You really appreciate good food
13. You are a hard worker
14. You say funny stuff (especially when you don't mean to)
15. You are a good big brother

I hope you have a great birthday. I am excited for you for this next year. You will be a sophmore, play football again (hopefully varsity) and learn to drive (picture my scared face). We can't wait to go on the journey with you.
We love you Alex!!

Times of Testing

During times of trial and testing, it is normal to feel like life is "out of control". Other emotions race through the mind as you wonder: "Why is this happening to me?" "What is going to happen to me and my family?" "Will I make it through this, and if so, at what cost?" Your emotions might turn to anger or helplessness. Later you might resign yourself to acceptance. I have felt all of these emotions and more during times of trial. One thought that always rings out to me is this "Nothing can happen to me that God hasn't allowed to pass through His hands. And... even though I don't understand what is going on, God does and it is for His purpose and glory." This is easier said than done. It may not be until many years later (if ever) that God reveals a glimpse of His plan. I know that trials strengthen our faith and provides a great witness for others of God's grace and His glory.

Right now, my family is going through a time of trial and testing with my sisters illness. Not only is she dealing with MS, but her medication has caused her to have a brain disease. Talk about stress and uncertainty. She is a Christian so she has the assurance that this is not the end for her.
A while back I did a Beth Moore study on the book of Daniel. One of the sessions talked about when people of God face a fiery trial. She said that we will have one of three scenarios:
"1. We can be delivered from the fire, which will build our faith.
2. We can be delivered through the fire, which will refine our faith.
3. We can be delivered by the fire into His arms, which will perfect our faith."

I know that God has a reason why He has allowed these health issues to afflict my sister. We just don't know what it is. I hold to the fact that He will strengthen our faith through this and we will be stronger in the end. Will it all be roses? No. Will it be hard? Yes, painful at times. I just have to rest in the Lord and He will help me (and my family) through this.

Please be in prayer for my sister, her husband, and her 3 precious daughters.

Celebrate Good Times!!!

Since a new year has started, I thought it would be nice to reflect on the memories that our family has made in 2009. Since Marty and I have been married for 16 years now, I think we will go with the top 16 memories of 2009 for the Johansen Family.

1. Our family was together the whole year!

2. Scott finally found some books he likes to read.

3. Alex played football and his team won the championship.

4. Getting 3 Mini Coopers (2 classic and 1 2010).

5. Finding Waldo in Belgium.

6. Seeing the North Sea from Holland and France.

7. We saw tulips, windmills, wooden shoes, and cheese in Holland.

8. Eating waffles in Belgium.

9. We cut down our own Christmas tree.

10. Eating Thanksgiving lunch in the Eifel Tower.

11. Standing on Omaha Beach (and seeing all the D-Day sights in Normandy).

12. Going to the international car show in Frankfurt.

13. Seeing a jousting festival at a medieval castle.

14. Seeing where Gramps was in Belgium.

15. The guys got to meet some UFC fighters and the "Lovely Edith".

16. Going as a family on a mission trip to Poland.

We can't wait to see what memories God has in store for us for 2010!!!