Things have been unbelievably AMAZING in my life lately. The family is doing great and our new addition, Judah seems to be fitting right in. Here is a recent shot of him sleep on the ottoman in our family room. But...WOW....I have just been on such an incredible high with God and I feel as if He is really doing some great things through us, our youth ministry, and our church as a whole. There just seems to be exponential growth taking place, not only in our church growth but also in the spiritual lives of the people that are attending. Once again our Identity Youth service was packed full of teens that are excited about God and excited about coming to youth. Each week, the newcomers from the previous week are back and they are bring their friends too. I just talked with some new teens after this weeks service (Nelson and Alisin) and they said, "
We love this place. We are going to make it a point to bring one new friend every week from here on out." Needless to say, I am so excited about that.
This past weekend was a HUGE weekend for our student ministry. Not only did we have an AWESOME opportunity to lead praise and worship at a local youth rally here in Orlando but we had a pretty outstanding Super Bowl fundraiser on Sunday night that helped us raise a ton of money for our youth budget. Maybe we can finally break even from some of this past summers big events. But what was so cool about this weekend was I got to see our youth get outside of the four walls of our church and truly
minister to our local community. After we were through leading praise and worship at the Orlando youth rally many other groups were excited to possibly invite us to lead worship at their future events. God just seems to keep opening doors for us to do the extraordinary. I was so proud of our kids this week. It's so cool to see them grow into such outstanding men and women of God.
But God isn't just doing great things in our youth ministry. He is also moving so pure in our Sunday morning services. Just recently we have been moving in a direction of multiple worship leaders leading simultaneously. After about a year and a half of leading worship on Sundays and Wednesdays it has been nice to have some of load lifted. But I have been co-leading on Sunda
ys with a guy named Lester and the worship has just seemed to be heading in such a great direction. God is showing up so evident in our services and the layering of multiple leading voices has been unexpectedly great. God is good and I can't believe that He chooses to have a relationship with me. I love Him so much and I am honored to work for His kingdom.
This past weekend Jules and I traveled to Tampa on short notice to see Judah's great-grandparents. My Papa Johnson has been in the hospital and isn't really doing too good. Please keep him in your prayers. We took Judah to see him for the very first time. What a proud moment for me. My Papa is someone that I have always looked up to and have respected all my life. He, in my eyes, has been such a great role model; as an example of great character, a faithful Christian, and an 
amazing do-it-all kind of guy. Ya know, a seize the day kind of guy. We have done so many great things in our life, from going fishing on the house boat all night long, to hunting for deer in the freezing cold, to celebrating the Johnson family Christmas in the old country barn. Visiting him this weekend was a proud moment for me because 4 generations of Johnson men sat in the same room; Me, Dad, Papa, and Judah. I was so happy to show Judah off to Papa and Nana Pat and to see him filled with joy while looking at my new son just made me so happy. I hope that I can live up to the standard my Papa set for being a great father and role model.
Not only did Judah get to meet his great grandfather but he made a trip to his spunky great-grandmother, Nana Faulkner. He just fit right at home in her arms. This woman has been such an amazing person in my life. She has been the best cook, the most welcoming and hospitable woman I know, and she has also given me the pleasure of living with her for a couple years. If you don't know her or if you have never met her....I can guarantee that she will make you laugh. She is everyone's grandma; if you know what I mean. That's just how she makes you feel. Even this past weekend....as we were leaving she tried to give me and Julie money for some food on the road. She is always trying to take care of you (like a Nana should) and she is always trying to fill your stomach with some food...lol...Papa and Nana, I just want you both to know how much I love, respect, and appreciate every minute I have with you. I'll love you always. - Justin
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