Faith, Family, and Friends

BlogPorch

My roots were planted in a home that consistently focused on faith, family, and friends. My father was a pastor and modeled how to shepherd people well. My mother loved teaching children and serving in the church. My sister and I began serving in the church, alongside our parents, as soon as we were old enough to collect the juice cups from the pew racks following each communion service. Following God and loving people, through His love, was the norm in our home. So, it was a very natural decision for me to trust God with my life at age seven. He became Lord of my life at that time. I know I am His child with a place in His eternal Kingdom.

My surroundings, conversations, and early examples of God’s love guided me to find purpose for my life. Those roots set the course for my call into a ministry during my college days. Because of the deep love God has given me for children, I knew my life purpose was to serve young children. I am drawn to and driven by the way preschoolers live life. No one on the plant lives a more abundant life than a two-, three-, or four-year-old! They can wear yellow rain boots and a handmade paper crown, while skipping, singing, and giggling, all at the same time! But be ready, they will stop on a dime to follow the ant trail or pick the wildflower that you never saw! Preschoolers live life abundantly, with freedom, and tons of fun! I love getting to be a part of this kind of simple living.

Because of God’s call, I live abundantly by leading, teaching, and caring for young children. When I slow down and follow the abundant lifestyle of a preschooler, I learn: – having less brings creativity; – playing is a better use of time; – living life in the present is most rewarding; – the detours along the route are usually more intriguing; – and speaking the truth is being wise.

God’s desire for us all to live abundantly is expressed through children. No wonder Jesus said, “What I’m about to tell you is true. You need to change and become like little children….  Anyone who welcomes a little child like this one in my name welcomes me.” Matthew 18:3 & 5 (NIrV)

Nanette Johnson

Nanette Johnson

Nanette Johnson is our Preschool Minister. She and her husband have lived in Arlington for 17 years. She loves preschoolers and the simple ways they live life. Her favorite thing is hearing her grandchildren say, "Hi Nan!"

Recent Posts

Colossians 3:1-17

By Dennis Wiles | May 18, 2025

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on…

Colossians 2:16-23

By Dennis Wiles | May 11, 2025

16 Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.…

Answering “Why”

By Curt Grice | May 8, 2025

At FBCA, we began our 3-year “Flourishing Together” journey back in January at the Launch Weekend. We learned about the Global Flourishing Study. We were introduced to the…

What is a Neighborhood Chaplain?

By Luke Stehr | May 8, 2025

In the days between Easter and Pentecost, I’ve been trying to sit a little bit longer in parts of the Bible like Luke 24 and Acts 1 that…