God is Good to the Johnsons

Hey, Family & Friends. I hope this post finds you happy & well. Though, to be honest, it's entirely likely that you're not happy and well. Henry B. Eyring said that "when you meet someone, treat them as if they were in serious trouble, and you will be right more than half the time". Younger me would have disagreed with Elder Eyring. Thirty–year–old me knows his statement to be truth.  Whether you're in serious trouble or not at the moment, the fact is, you either have been in serious trouble before, or you will be again soon. Today, I want to share a book with you. It has been a balm to my soul during my serious troubles, and I think it will be a balm to you in yours, too. Here's four reasons why.  Reason #4: The Book of Mormon is the ultimate self-help book.  Every time my schedule is messy and I'm in desperate need of a life hack, the Book of Mormon provides. Just had a disagreement with my husband? 2 Nephi 5 comes in clutch with the story of ...

Hey, Fam.  For those who don't know, I hit the big three–oh about two weeks back.  Every adult that's older than me, except for two people, have been telling me that thirty is nothing to worry about. "Wait 'til forty," said my neighbor. "Wait 'til fifty. That's when you realize you might not live to be double your age," said my grandma. "Sixty is when you'll start to feel it, when the gray hairs go crazy" said the lady at Mrs. Cavanaugh's. "Eighty is when you're really, really old," said my grandpa. "You'll feel it."  Interestingly, "seventy" was left out of the conversation. I wonder what that means.  Now, I don't want to discount the experiences of all those people. Surely those forty fifty sixty eighty birthdays were pretty tough on them. But I honestly  have worried about turning thirty. When I was a kid, I dreamed about all the things I'd do when I was twenty–something. But I ne...

Where in the world is Carmen SanDiego? Ahem, I mean Mikayla Johnson? (a wink to any of you 90s kids that remember that show. To be honest, I don't remember more than the show's jingle, but, still . . . good times) So, where can you find my writing?  Some of you beloved readers have found my writing through this blog; you're die–hards that have been around as long as six years. Bless you. You probably noticed that I did a dive-bomb off the blogosphere from 2019 til 2022. Now, contrary to popular belief, I did not stop writing. Rather, I went back to writing novels.  That's where more of you beloved readers found me. Gratefully, I have a wealth of good people who volunteered to beta read my novels and have been coaching and cheerleading me along in that journey. Bless you, too.  Still, more of you have found my writing through social media platforms, a second website ( mikjohnsonwrites.com ), my ENGL 420 class, and beyond. And, of course, I could never forget the handfu...

Hey, friends. Some of you might remember the "I'm a Mormon" videos of yesteryear. If you need a refresher, here's one of my favorites . Recently, my husband and I have been volunteering as "Digital Media Missionaries" in our church congregation (in my church, congregation = "ward"). Basically, my job is to talk about Jesus and connect people with my church via social media. Our higher–up church leaders (called "stake" leaders) encouraged us missionaries to make our own videos, similar to the "I'm a Mormon" videos, about our belief in Jesus Christ. While I wrote my script last month, every time I think about getting in front of a camera, I start feeling queasy. So while I work my way up to video status, I wanted to share my written version of my belief in Jesus Christ here. Enjoy. THE SCRIPT: Hey, I'm Mikayla. I am OBSESSED with stories. From the time I learned my letters, I never stopped reading. And from the time I coul...

A neighbor in her mid-thirties. A woman in her seventies. Their single commonality? They both asked me: Where's number three? I have a son, his name Charlie And then McKay, he's not quite three In my heart, both fit perfectly Yet others ask: Where's number three? Perhaps it's that I miscarried, My spouse's infidelity, The ache of infertility, A battle raging mentally, Illness on a crippling spree, Our family is complete, maybe. The reason's one or more of these, Yet you dare ask: Where's number three? In this question, running free Are judgements, jeering icily "You're not enough, Mik, can't you see? Buck up and give us number three!" I used to flounder, squirm, agree Or curl up small, cry, and plead. With time, I've seen things differently. I won't explain for number three. The questions of maternity Are just between my spouse and me And Parents, guiding Heavenly So please don't ask: Where's number three? Artwork Credit: Be...

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." —Matthew 5:9 A few weeks back, my dear friend Kylie and I met up for lunch, our young kids in tow. When I arrived, Kylie was already at the counter placing an order. A few paces back in line, I held Bean* and Peanut's* hands in either of mine while I studied the menu, scanning through Nutella-stuffed crepes and cheddar-potato chowders.  The Tuscan sandwich is the one that caught my eye; an ensemble of grilled chicken breast, melty cheese, and fresh roma tomatoes all cradled between two sourdough slices. Yes, please. After placing my order, the kids and I scooted over to the table Kylie had reserved, settled into our seats, and placed our order number at the edge of the table. The kids babbled while Kylie and I started catching up. A minute or two later, a server brought out two plates of chicken fingers—for Kylie's kids—as well as my Tuscan sandwich. To my delight, a side of rosemary fries fi...

“And blessed are all they who do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled with the Holy Ghost.” –3 Nephi 12:6 Hey, Friends. You’ve probably noticed I’ve been gone a while. Some of you have probably wondered if I was ever coming back. I’ll explain all that in a minute. But first, a story. Last Sunday, I became acquainted with a lovely young woman who is a senior in high school. As we chatted together, the two of us exchanged social media information. When I told her that my blog and instagram are called @godisgoodtothejohnsons, she exclaimed, “No way! That’s my phrase, ‘God is good.’ I say it all the time.” I grinned at her. “I say it all the time too! That’s a neat thing we have in common.” Her smile wavered a bit when next, she added, “I used to have a bumper sticker on my car that said ‘God is Good’ on it. But some kids at school ripped it off. “I’m so sorry,” I said. “Yeah,” she said. “I got a lot of crap about it. But that’s okay. I’m gonna buy another one.” ...

Do you have friends with whom you share dozens— maybe even hundreds— of happy memories? Bryant and Cierra Nelson are those friends for my husband, Kevin, and I. Staying up ‘til 1 am playing round after round of Pokemon Monopoly. Splitting a pack of Skittles. Having an Italian sandwich picnic on Thanksgiving Point Gardens while talking about TV shows and house hunting. Racing each other down the slides at Splash Summit. Catching up on life while chasing our kids across the park. Talking about Jesus and how we came to know he really is our Savior. The harsh reality of life, however, is that mingled with good times are seasons of tragedy and loss. On Tuesday, February 22nd 2022, Bryant and Cierra welcomed their second child, Elias Christian Nelson, into the world. The following evening, he passed away.  Perhaps you share happy memories of your own with Bryant and Cierra. Maybe you know them only a little, and maybe you’ve never met them at all. Regardless of your connection to my frie...

Yesterday was Mother's Day. I found myself at 9:55am curling my hair as I listened to sermons and worship music. Gleeful cheers of laughter and play sounded down the hallway as my husband played with our boys, making blanket forts together amidst getting ready for our in-home Sunday services. This moment was a welcome reprieve from the LONG week of mothering leading up to it. A sampling of the mishaps and meltdowns of the week include: thrice spilled milk, waking up at 2am to Charlie screaming "I WANT WAFFLES!," my face getting kicked repeatedly during diaper changes, clothing decorated in ketchup and barbecue sauce, burned grilled cheese sandwiches, pen drawings on kitchen walls, and a grand finale: of a lost pair of prescription glasses somewhere along orchard roads (they remain to be found). It was a less than ideal week of shortcomings on my part and tantrums on their part. Amidst the sermons and hairspray and squeals of sons, I thought over the hard week behind m...

My second child was born only 5 months ago. It was thrilling and intriguing to go through the birth process as a sequel. The smooth, speedy delivery of my blonde-haired little man was a precious and brilliant experience that is locked in my heart as one of my top 3 best days ever. While the births of my two sons were vastly different, the love that flooded my heart as I gazed for the first time into each of their individual, glowing selves... that love for each baby boy was equally supreme, divine, consuming, exhilarating, unparalleled, and perfect. However, after my first son's birth, I thought I had moved past the flood of birthing opinions, put-downs and particularity that clouded my conversations preceding and succeeding his arrival. So many women pestered me with their opinions about medications, midwives, and MDs. I was wrong. The mama-drama over birth plans is still at large. Less than two weeks after my second birth, a well-meaning woman in a social circle of mine ...

Here atop a balance beam wobbling here from side to side Hoping to find peace between Justice's wave and mercy's tide I know that I am not to judge unrighteously, but how to know the place between a gentle heart or to deliver a firm word's blow I'm tired of the ceaseless mobs of those denying Jesus' truths And people leaving from his fold They couldn't wait to see the fruits. I'm told to love, and told to peace Told to stand firm, to give relief And I'll defend, midst pain and grief All of my tender heart's beliefs But sometimes I haven't clues to see Whether to draw quietly in the dirt Or overthrow the seller's wares Or simply, situations skirt... For there are those whom I call friends Whose course and mine no longer bend in the same strait from north to south... But friendship can't see journey's end So you and I, our minds once one Apart now in ideals and faith Maintaining our relationship But spli...

I remember holding you, the first morn after wedded And thinking then, as our eyes met midst smiles How could I ever love you more? But here we are dear, riding hand in hand Teasing and laughing as the Jeep takes us south And I love you now more than all the days past. And I can't imagine loving you more tomorrow, but now, after 1,528 days of waking up next to your eyes and smiles, I know that I will. ~~~ I remember holding you, that morn when you were born And thinking then, amidst tears and cries and your soft newness-- How could I ever love you more? But here we are munch, playing duplos and singing You grab my cheek to plant a kiss, you place in my hands just one more book-- And I love you now more than all the days past. And I can't imagine loving you more tomorrow, but now, after 608 days of teaching you and reading to you and watching you grow, I know that I will. ~~~ I remember looking at the positive sign, a glow in...

It's been a hot minute. I haven't posted anything, because quite frankly, I've been afraid to write. My writer self looks gaunt in the face and weepy for neglect. She has so many beautiful ideas and at least thrice weekly she has a brilliant subject for a blog post or journal entry. But, admittedly, she's been held captive by my insecurity demons, those brutes who whisper bitter nothings... Sometimes they attack my artistic side: " you can't post a recipe. You don't even have a picture, and if you did take a picture, you just have a smart phone camera. That photo would look pathetic. What a newbie  you'll look like next to your favorite gorgeous food blogs like 'cooking classy' and 'six sisters stuff'  ... or ... " you think you're a poet? Bah. Half your poems don't even have matching syllables from line to line. Your imagery is weak and your ideas are all over the place. What are you even trying to convey? They'll ...

SEVEN THINGS YOU MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT ME I often take the long way home, just so I can drive by the farm that houses two darling Arabian foals in their frontmost pasture. I most certainly squealed the first time I spotted them. Making friends with people my own age does not come naturally to me. While I've worked at it over my lifetime and I'm fairly competent at having a conversation with someone born in the same decade as me, I feel most comfortable talking with people my grandparents' age. Brushing my teeth is at least a four-times-a-day occurrence for me. My husband laughs when I brush my teeth right before dinner. A delicious meal is always more enjoyable when partaken with a truly clean palate.  I'm a cheddar cheese snob. After sampling a smattering of cheddar cheeses from Harmon's, Walmart, Macey's, and more, I can confidently tell you that Smith's Kroger-Brand-Sharp-Cheddar-Cheese-Block is supremely superior. Secretly, I'm an old person ...

Dear Friends, Family, Acquaintances, and you lovely random passerby of the Blogosphere-- A year and 10 days ago I set out on a journey to write a blog post a day, for two months straight. I did that successfully, and then decided to extend my challenge to a one-year challenge. My report? I wrote 317 blog posts in a 365-day period. And I think that's pretty rad. A few reflections on this experience: Firstly, I started this blog not just because I love writing, but because I needed help. I was suffering from some intense postpartum anxiety, but I didn't know that's what it was at the time. Every moment of every day I felt like I was under severe stress and pressure, even when there were no evident triggers for such. The feeling in my gut on an almost constant basis felt like the queasy stomach, racing heartbeat, and unsettled mind that greeted me before every math test and job interview I've had growing up. I knew something was wrong, but I didn't know how...

Apparently, Charlie's got the bill. Thanks bud. Somos cuatro ahora. I want to make this recipe, but I don't know where to buy figs? Tips? In heaven at Grandma's house. A discovery amongst papers from my high school days. What kept me sane during difficult classes were these margin doodlings. Apparently I organized these wrong. Thanks for helping me sort things out, little man. Amen. Potato Peel Pie (Admittedly, without potato peelings. I know, I don't know that the Guernsey Literary Society would accept me fully). Barber Dad extraordinaire. The best thing to wake up to after he's left for work 💗 Day #317

OK Guys, so I know we're well into 2019 at this point, but I'm feeling this empty hole in my heart from not writing about the best parts of 2018 in a blogpost. So I'mma right this right now. Here's my gratefuls from last calendar year, in no particular order: My 3 year anniversary with the love of my life, Kevin J 😍 My baby boy's 1st birthday Visiting Washington D.C. with my parents and brothers. My appreciation for the freedoms I enjoy, and my respect for all those who have sacrificed so much to offer those freedoms to me, increased tremendously. Plus, late nights playing Codenames in our hotel and enjoying Larry's ice cream in the Reagan Building food court were pretty awesome too. Love my family. The first Christmas in a long time where I gave gifts I really put a lot of time, thought, and sweat into; and received beautiful gifts of the same kind. Finally reaching a weight and status of activity/health that made me feel comfortable and happy in my ...

Sometimes people ask me when it was that I first rightly knew that a Savior stands beside me, and knows me through and through. I can't tell them of a certain time, one sure moment, or firm scene Because God's been so good to me, I see his Son in everything I see Jesus in my Mother's smile as she makes friends at the store I see Jesus in the starfish when I walk along the shore See, my mother follows Jesus when she's kind to strangers and to friends And the creatures on this planet made by him, their breath he lends I see Jesus in my father, his hands work with tools and wood I see Jesus in my students, when a concept they've finally understood You See, Jesus was a carpenter too, and he continues to shape and build And He's the master teacher, and with each thing I learn, He's thrilled I see Jesus in my brothers, when we talk, they lend an ear I see Jesus in his prophet, for He is God's chosen seer Jesus is my brother too, my troubles he...

Have you ever planned a vacation on paper... or Google docs, and not taken it yet? And maybe you won't, for a long, long time? I have, I have and it's not that we won't go it's just that the vacation days and the pennies in the jar haven't added up yet but that ain't stopping me from making my vacation files and getting giddy about the far-offs in the far-future with you because why not? And don't worry, I'm enjoying the now, too But on occasion, I just need some time to dream up a trip 'cross the sky or the water or the road just for fun. And all the foods we'll eat at the pier and all the candies we'll taste in the Europe and all the shows we'll see on that Broadway and all the sun that will kiss us and all the rainwater that will drench us and all the hidden waterfalls we'll become acquainted with. And then I click save, and close. The vacation files, they stay where they be and I open them up sometimes...

In my High School yearbooks, the students of the graduating class each year got to choose a quote to accompany their picture. I'm pretty sure mine was by Dr. Seuss, but to be honest, I can't rightly recall. However, I distinctly remember a quote that my friend, Cami, included beneath her picture, I've thought of it often throughout the years: "I believe the secret to life is someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to." -Elvis Presley I've found a lot of truth in that. I'm a lucky girl, and I've never had a shortage of people to love--and honestly, I can't think of a day when I haven't had plenty of things to do (or should do). But when I find myself in an emotional slump, I sometimes think of this quote. It doesn't always work, because heartaches and letdowns are real, but often my spirits have been cheered when I remember something wonderful coming up in my life. Here's a few I've got cooking in my look...