In this journey of sharing Christ on social media there was times that I felt so lonely. I knew going into it the burden would be heavy, I was even ready for the challenges but I was not prepared for the heart ache and separation I felt inside. In those times of deep sorrow I felt as though no one cared. I think that was where satan was really trying to get me. He focuses on our weaknesses! I crave close relationships. I love even strangers so deeply. This is how my soul was made. Satan knew this was a weakness of mine. If he made me feel as though no one cared or even hated me 😢 then I would in return feel like I had no purpose. You can imagine what that could lead to..  Me choosing to give up on sharing the goodness of our Lord and standing firm on going out into the world and sharing Christ and God’s truth with all of creation. Exactly what satan wants to do! Throw us ALL off course!!!! But Don’t let him!

Why do I share this today? Today, because of God I am at peace but I know life is all about heading into a storm, being in a storm and coming out of a storm. As I look back I rarely asked God, “Why Me?” But in the very few cases that I did, I am now feeling closer to knowing why....  I was taken through those times of loneliness and feeling as though no one cares (which was not true) because I see this occurring in our world this very hour! People are feeling hopeless! Since, I’ve felt those feelings, I now understand a little more about hopelessness and it helps me to maybe shed some hope for others! This is how God turns our pain into actually being a source of light.

And we know that In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28

I found out today that one of the cooks that volunteer for the organization I volunteer at took his life this week. This made me feel sad. It makes me sad that this man felt as though people don’t care, when I know for a fact he was surrounded by many that did and do care for him. Many who have devoted their lives making sure that people feel loved, supported and cared for. He was loved but maybe he didn’t allow himself to believe it?

Pondering what more I could do lead me to this. Every person we come across is an opportunity to make them feel cared for! It can be as simple as a wave hello or even saying, “Hey, let’s meet for lunch!” There are many hurting people, please please please take time to notice the people God brings across your path!

You are loved!
Romans 5:8

💜

Lea Michelle

God, 

Here I am naked trying to communicate with you so please listen and hear my prayers! I miss writing, I miss praying, I miss being ever so close to you! Here is the issue, the world is demanding and demands so many things until the world says I’m ready but...  

you say, “sweet child,” 

“You are ready and prepared!” I have given you the tools in the last three and a half years to start to move mountains. You are so close!”

Lord, earthly standards needs me to pass a test. Then I’ll keep up with my education in fitness, ordained pastorship and life coaching! Please help me keep up in my earthly world Certifications! 

My prayer tonight to you is this! I want to have a slower paced life where I’m fully caring about my children and husband but dabbling In helping the world when my energy calls me to it! I’ll need breaks and time to retreat to be with you! Please help me move my life in this direction to serve your people but make my family #1 after you of course and Lord please give me time to retreat where needed! 

In Jesus name I pray! 

Amen! 

 - The Yoga Controversy -

I am so tired of the controversy among Christians  about YOGA! 🙄

Believe me I have studied this topic inside and out. I have prayed and cried over the topic! I was a dancer. I know stretching is important for the body. Science proves the health benefits of stretching! I do not believe in yoga! You are correct that’s a Hindu form of worship that praises false idols but I absolutely do believe in stretching, strengthening and toning our temples with our Lord Jesus Christ. The body can only move in so many planes and finite positions. So me bending over with my personal tail bone lifted up to the ceiling is NOT me worshiping an idol and my God knows this!!! Jesus is my Lord and Savior! I gave my life and body to Him! The reason I gave my life to Him was so Satan cannot have domination over my temple any longer! That’s the point of being a born again!!!! We are protected! Satan cannot have domination over my temple by me simply raising my hands up over my head. So ridiculous!  Again, I am very much against YOGA! But Hindus and other religions have labeled EVERY SINGLE way the body can stretch! Im fighting to take possession back of how the Lord needs my body to stretch and heal! I have many health issues such as IC and IBS, I literally almost went to hospital last night because of the pain, so stretching is a must for my body!!! I am not going to let these scare tactics satan uses against me to keep me from my personal healing with my Lord!

Join us if you want to Stretch, do Barre and/or weights while we strengthen our temples, focus  on scripture, pray together as one and praise our Lord Jesus Christ.

Stretch 'N' Praise

- Lea Michelle Johnson

Black Pepper Cookies 

I have this vivid memory of me sitting in first grade. It was around the holidays and the teacher asked us (her class) to share ingredients that go into making cookies. 

Children around me raised their hands. They said things like sugar, salt, flour. water, food coloring. As I listened I felt energized to raise my hand and share an ingredient. The teacher called upon me and asked me what ingredient I would like to share and add to the list on the board. I proudly said, “Pepper!” I heard giggles from around the room. The teacher then said, “No, I don’t think pepper goes into making cookies,” and then moved onto the next child raising their hand. 

There was a tall boy in the class and for what seemed like the next two years he would constantly tease me about sharing pepper as an ingredient. I would just shrink back in embarrassment each and every time. 

Tonight, I was watching a holiday cookie baking show and there they were a new delight - Ginger Cookies with (you guessed it) Black Pepper! My soul sang and yes black pepper in cookies is a trending concept. 

Do not get discouraged if others do not see your vision! That vision was gifted to you on purpose and for a good reason! 

Trust the visions God places upon your heart! Those visions are there on purpose!!!!

💜

Lea Michelle

698 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

-Rest-

I will give you rest! Matt. 11:8

Today is a great day! Today is the last day of this series. This year has been challenging but I made it through. I am very ready to move to the next season of my life. I was afraid I would end this defeated but in these last days I have had so much encouragement come my way. 

I have many I lean on for support. I believe it’s always good to get your information and fellowship from multiple sources not just one. One pastor reached out and said he’s praying for me. I asked him if he thought all the spiritual warfare I was fighting this week was because I’m about to hit a breakthrough and maybe Satan’s trying to distract and stop me? He replayed with the most brilliant answer! He said, “Rest!” And that was all I needed to know! After two years It’s time to rest and so I shall. 

The Challenge: 

It’s time to rest. I know this devotional is only 333 Days but for the next missing 32 Days I want you to pick up your bible, read, journal and simply rest alone in him. Blessings 💜

697 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

Live and Learn 

Avoid godless chatter. 2 Timothy 2:16

I was hurting pretty badly and I wrote that I felt abandoned by God. I said I felt like Job. I felt so beaten down this week already but then I happened to scroll on my newsfeed while at work and o saw a girl from my hometown write a post that I know was about me. This week I posted about helping the man in the wheel chair and then I shared a live video about being transparent. 

Her post said something like this: 

“When you have to share about being a good person all the time and being transparent I call #Bullshit. 

God shielded my eyes from all the likes and I couldn’t see anymore but it looked as though many mutual friends were liking and chiming in. I felt they were gossiping about me and I was very disheartened. All this time and they just don’t get it. This walk is hard but I share to lead and hope others go actually go ahead of me and do a far better job. 

I wrote this on my wall as I was in defense mode. I know, I know I need to turn my cheek! I’m working on it. I’ve come a long way and still have a long way to go! Who doesn’t? 

My post back: 

“I think I’ve been “transparent”  with I am not a GOOD  person and that’s why I NEED Jesus. He who is perfect cast the first stone! If you plan to be against me then 

it’s time we part. I’ve heard the gossip! Please unfriend me if you do not understand the work I do! Very hurt heart today but I’ll recover.

The Challenge: 

Why must we always try to prove we are good people when we are in disagreement? Why can’t we just realize some people will love us no matter what, some people won’t have an opinion and there will always be people who don’t like us no matter what we do! 

696 Days Saved - A Walk with Christ 

Final Days 

Listen to Gods voice. Proverbs 3:6

I have written now for 696 Days and I am feeling weary. I’m honestly feeling ready to move on from this 2nd year series and get into my third series which will be a brand new season with a new twist. I’ll be digging deeper then ever before. 

I now life coach people and what I’m finding is that blogging about my personal walk with Christ and life coaching are not blending well  together anymore. 

I work with about 5 to 7 people a day right now  on a 33 Day life coaching program. It’s everything I dreamed of doing and because of this journey here God lead me to it. He knew all along I just needed to find my way. 

The Challenge is this. When I use to feel the spirit want me to share a topic God had me fearlessly share, now I am feeling reserved almost hesitant as I am now leading clients and I don’t want them to feel exposed or like I’m blogging about topics we’ve been through. It’s tricky but that’s why I have decided to wrap this journey here up! I’ll write and share for 2 more Days then I must move on. 

The Challenge: 

I had planned to do a 365 day devotional but why must we fit man made molds? If God says stop he means stop so this journey will now end at my precious number of 333!