I'm Back

Photo Credit: Kiah Johnson

Hello, long lost blog friends! Where did I last leave off? Oh that's right, I was getting ready to fly to South Korea for two weeks, told you to check back on my blog for updates on my trip, and then..... I never wrote a single thing. That was June, friends. June! Four months ago! I used to be such a consistent blogger, especially when I was living in China. I'm not sure exactly what happened other than, when I don't take pictures of adorable children every day, life seem's less exciting to share. Life has become "normal." I go to work Monday - Friday, I hang out with friends, I read, I watch Netflix, and attend two Bible studies each week. Once in a while, something exciting may be thrown in there to switch up my routine a little, like a trip to Asia or back to my beloved New York to visit with friends and family. But other than that, life has been pretty routine. It's not the worst thing, just harder to find things to write about when you aren't gallivanting around on the other side of the world. But, one thing that Lord has been laying on my heart a lot lately is that "I still have a voice and a story to share." No, it may not be quite as adventurous as it used to be 3 years ago (side note, friends: I moved back to the United States over 2 years ago!! How did that happen?!), but it's still a story worth sharing. I love when my time hop previous blog posts pop up. It's so fun to re-live those memories and see all the ways the Lord has worked in my life. I miss that. He is totally working now, I just don't document it. And so, this is my attempt of "getting back in the game." I know, I know I've said that before and I'm not making any promises. I won't be posting nearly as often as I used to, but I would like to have several posts a month. Once a week would  be a victory for me.

So here go, back on this blogging adventure. The Lord has been teaching me so much lately and I can't wait to share it with all of you!

Happy Sunday, sweet friends!

{Friday Favorites} 4.1.16

Happy almost weekend and Happy April!! Yes, I realize that the only blog posts I am actually writing are my "Friday Favorites." What can I say, they are easy and don't take me much time at all. I do have a couple other post ideas bouncing around in my head, one of these days I will actually get them written. 

First of all, today is my Grandma's birthday! Happy Birthday to this young lady. If you know her, you would know that is very appropriate for her to have her birthday on April Fool's Day. :) I am so thankful to have this incredible woman in my life. I want to be her when I grow. 

Now onto some of my favorites from the last few weeks since I missed last week!

ONE >>> Two weeks ago, my friends and I attended the Extraordinary Women's Conference that came to Tulsa. It was SO GOOD! We just recently finished up the Seamless Bible study by Angie Smith and she was one of the speakers! We even got to meet her and have her sign our books. She is as sweet in person as I thought she would be. I think we could be real life best friends. :) It was an awesome weekend filled with great speakers. Already looking forward to next year!

TWO >>> My brother, Asa, moved to Indiana! I am not happy that he moved and is in a new place because I know how hard that is, but I am thankful to not be the only Johnson kid living out of state now. Also, I think I've talked to him more in the past week than I have in the last year so that's a huge plus!

THREE >>> Easter is one of my favorite holidays. The older I get, the more it hits me what Christ really did for us on the cross. 

FOUR >>> Spring is in the air! So thankful for the buds that have come out and all the beautiful spring flowers. They make me so happy. :) 

FIVE >>> Tuesday night was a belated birthday celebration for me with one evening at Pinot's Pallet! I've been wanting to do a painting but have been so nervous since I am not artistic at all. I'm glad I "lived life on the edge" and decided to give it a try. It was so much fun! I decided for my 30th I had to do something a little different. 

I have a pretty low key weekend which I am excited about! Hoping to get caught up on some projects around the apartment. Happy weekending, friends!

{Friday Favorites} 3.18.16

Once again, it's Friday! It's been such a good week and the fun still isn't over! Tonight and tomorrow I am attending the Extraordinary Women's Conference. I went last year and it was excellent! Can't wait to hear some great speakers such as Angie Smith and Kacey Van Norman and a concert from one of my favorite Christian artists, Natalie Grant! Her music has really spoken to my heart over the years but I have never seen her in concert. I can't wait! Some favorites from the week:

ONE >>> The week started out with going to Winter Jam on Sunday night! As usually Sidewalk Prophets, Matthew West, Lauren Dangle, and For King and Country, were all awesome. Already can't wait until next year!

TWO >>> On Monday, I celebrated my 30 (!) birthday. I can't say that I've really been looking forward to it, but turns out it wasn't so bad. I took the day off of work, slept in, went out for coffee with a good friend, opened many cards that were waiting for me in my mailbox, and had dinner with some amazing friends! 

THREE >>> My parents bought me a NutriBullet for my birthday! So far I absolutely love it! I am continually amazed at how quickly it blends.

FOUR >>> Spring is in the air! The buds and flowers are coming out and it has been gorgeous weather in the 70's all week. If only it could always stay this beautiful all year round.

Happy Friday, friends. I hope you all have an awesome weekend! 

{Friday Favorites} 3.11.16

I don't even know all that happened this week, all I know is that I'm so excited for the weekend! This next week there is a whole lot of fun going on. On Sunday, Winter Jam will be in Tulsa! Crowder, Sidewalk Prophets, Matthew West, and so many more great Christian artists! Then on Monday, I celebrate the big 3-0. How in the world am I about to turn 30?! Then next weekend, I am going to the Extraordinary Women's Conference with some friends. I went last year and it was so powerful. Can't wait to hear some more great speakers this year! Now onto some favorites from the week:

ONE >>> On Monday, it was my Mom and older brother, Seth's, birthdays! 

TWO >>> One of the things I really miss with living so far away from my family, is watching my brother's baseball games. Thankfully, once in a while they live stream them! I was about to watch my brother, Tage, play. Between watching and texting my Dad, who was at the game, I felt like I was there!

THREE >>> Last Monday was 1/2 Frappuccino's at Starbucks! Always an excuse to go grab one. Also, Starbucks is so much closer to our new office which may just be a little too convenient.

FOUR >>> Even though it was cloudy, rainy, and overcast all week, we really needed the rain. I am thankful for a rainy week every once in a while. Of course, I'd rather be at home, curled up on the couch with a book rather than at work.

FIVE >>> Things are settling in at the office after the big move. Thankful to be moved and know where most things are!

Happy Friday!

{Friday Favorites} 2.26.16

Oh my goodness, I don't know if I have every been so happy for it to be Friday. This has been the longest week ever and it's still not quite over. We are moving offices and do you have any idea how many files there are from an agency who have been doing adoptions for over 40 years?! It's a lot of files. I've been packing tote after tote full of files. Yesterday was the big moving day. Today is hopefully the "getting organized day."Enough about that since it's a little stressful and on to some favorites from the week:

ONE >>> On Tuesday, my sweet sister celebrated her 15th birthday! How in the world is she 15?! Seems like yesterday I met her for the very first time. Read more about thoughts on her birthday here. 

TWO >>> I've been following these twin boys who were conjoined in China. They are from my sister's home province of Guizhou. They were successfully separated this week! Praise God!

THREE >>> Even though the move has been stressful, it's going to be so nice once everything is in and organized. 

Honestly, that's all I can think of regarding favorites for the week. What can say, it's been a long week.

Happy Friday!

{Recipe} Lo Mein

Happy Monday! I promised that I would post the recipe for the Lo Mein noodles I made for Chinese New Year and here it is! I have actually made this recipe once more since then because it's so good and that easy.

What you Need:

• 1 (8 oz) package spaghetti noodles
• 3 Tbsp. soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce
• 2 Tbsp. honey
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger
• 2 Tbsp. Vegetable oil (I used Grapeseed Oil)
• 3 stalks celery, sliced
• 2 large carrots, cut into large matchsticks
• 1/2 Tbsp. sweet onion, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced

Directions:

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, about 12 minutes; drain. Rinse spaghetti with cold water to cool; drain.
2. Whisk soy sauce, teriyaki sauce, honey, and ground ginger together in bowl. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over high heat. Cook and stir celery, carrots, sweet onion, and green onion in the hot oil until slightly tender, 5 to 7 minutes; add spaghetti and sauce mixture. Continue to cook, tossing to mix, until the noodles and sauce are hot, about 5 minutes.

That's all there is to it! Serve hot and enjoy! If you really want an Asian flair, eat with chopsticks. :) 

{Friday Favorites} 2.12.16

Happy Friday!!! Obviously I am just a tad bit excited for the weekend to be here. And the best thing happened the other day! My company agency to give us Monday off for Presidents Day! Woop woop 3 days weekend, here I come! Tonight I get to spend a fun evening out with my girls for a "Galantine's" get together. Cheesecake Factory and a movie. Can't wait!

It was a tough week but such a good week. Now onto some of my favorites from the week:

ONE >>> Last Saturday night I went to the Rock and Worship Roadshow with some friends. There were so many great bands including Jeremy Camp, Newsboys, Mandissa, and many more. It was a much needed night of worship!

TWO >>> Sunday was Super Bowl Sunday! Of course it's always a fun night spent eating way too much junk food and watching the game.

THREE >>>  Xīnnián kuàilè! Monday was Chinese New Year, my favorite holiday in China. It's definitely not the same here but it's a holiday I want to continue celebrating.

FOUR >>> My Monday night girls life group started a new study, Seemless by Angie Smith! Angie is the wife of Todd Smith who is one of the members of the Christian band, Selah. I saw Angie speak last March and I loved her. I am only one week in but already her study is so good. I am excited to see her speak again this March.

I hope you all had a fabulous week and a great weekend! We will see you back here on Monday!

{Friday Favorites} 2.5.16

Happy Friday! It was a good week but I am more than ready for the weekend. There are some fun things in store this weekend! Tomorrow night I am going to the Rock and Worship Roadshow which will be here in Tulsa! Newsboys, Jeremy Camp, Mandissa, Phil Whickham, Family Force 5, Audio Adrenaline, Danny Gokey, Citizen Way, and Shaun Groves are all going to be there. I. CANNOT. WAIT. The best part? It's only $10 at the door to get in! That being said, it will fill up quickly so I am planning on getting there early to stand in line. Thankful it's supposed to be a high of 55 degrees here in Tulsa tomorrow so the wait shouldn't be too bad! Then Sunday is Super Bowl Sunday. Not only is it a fun tradition of watching the game but it's one of my favorite weeks at Church called "30 Second Theology," where Pastor Craig Groeschel takes his sermon from commercials. You can watch online if you are intrigued!

Now, onto some favorites from the week:

ONE  >>> I am still going strong with my New Year resolution of working out 4 days a week. I successfully completed week #5 this morning! By the time I get home from work in the evenings, I either have something going on or just want to plop down on the couch and relax so I am trying to work out before work. It has been tough waking up in the mornings but I feel so good when I'm done!  I also get to see God show off with His gorgeous sunrises at that time of day.

TWO >>> On Wednesday, my baby brother, Tage, turned 20! Talk about making me feel old. Check out the blog post here.

THREE >>> I received my monthly update and picture of the little girl I sponsor at New Day South Foster Home! Have you thought about sponsoring a child? For just $35/month, you can make a difference in the life of a child. Email me with any questions you may have!

FOUR >>> I have been loving this Revelation Study I have been doing through BSF (Bible Study Fellowship). It is a long commitment, started mid September and will finish up early May, but I have learned so much! I encourage you to check BSF out if there is one in your area.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! 

Birthday Boy

Friends, this is absolutely crazy. My baby brother is 20 today. 20! How in the world is that even possible?! Seems like yesterday he was born and became brother #5 for me. 

So proud of this guy and the man that he has become. He is well into his second year of college and  baseball. He is doing awesome!

We are still working on his picture taking skills. He likes to give me this look quite a lot. :) 

Never a dull moment with this one. Miss having his goofy self around all the time to make me laugh.

Happy 20th, Tage! I hope it's a great one and that you know how loved you are.

{Friday Favorites} 1.29.16

Thank goodness it's Friday! I hope that you all had a wonderful week. It has been a good week but I am more than ready for the weekend to get started. I ended up having something every night this week which was all fun, but made for a super busy week. Tonight I am having a movie night with some friends and cannot wait! Movie, pizza, and comfy clothes. Yes please!

Here are some of my thoughts and favorites from the week:

ONE >>> As I sit here, sipping on my coffee, working up the motivation to get to work, I am excited for the gorgeous weather we are supposed to have here in Oklahoma this weekend! Today's high is 72. 72 in January! Definitely need to plan some outdoor activities this weekend. By Tuesday, we are supposed to have snow showers. Welcome to Oklahoma, the weather is very bi-polar. 

TWO >>> My friend and I checked out a new life group this week and it was so much fun! I am excited to get to know some new people.

THREE >>> I am very happy with how my scarf knitting project from last weekend turned out. I had been thinking about making a beige colored chunky infinity scarf to go with anything and I finally sat down last weekend to start it. And I finished it in just two days! I think I may need to make some more. However with the warm weather today, no chunky scarves needed.

FOUR >>> A couple months ago, I switched departments at work and took on a whole new list of responsibilities. It has been a steep learning curve but finally this week I fee as though I am slowly starting to get it and become more confident in my new role. Baby step progress!

FIVE >>> I made a delicious Balsamic chicken with asparagus and carrots last night. "Yum" is all I have to say. I'll share the recipe soon!

Happy Friday to all! Praying you have a wonderful, restful weekend. I'll see you back on Monday! 

Would love to connect with you on Instagram! You can find me @annelifjohnson

{Friday Favorites} 1.22.16

Happy, happy Friday!! Is anyone else excited for the weekend? My weekend has actually already begun as my company has this lovely little 9/80 plan. Rather than working 80 hours in 10 days, we work 80 hours in 9 days and have every other Friday off. Our team is split into two groups so half of us are always there on Friday's to "hold down the fort." 

It. Is. AMAZING.

I feel like I don't have to take days off just to have a day off since I have a built in one every other week. I can also plan my trips to NY around that day off so I don't have to use another PTO day. All that to say, the weekend is here. Now onto some of my favorites from the week!

{ONE} Monday was a day off from work for Martin Luther King Day and Starbucks is a perfect way to spend a day off. I have three words: White. Chocolate. Mocha. That paired with hanging out with friends watching Netflix, was a relaxing way to spend a day off.

{TWO} This past week I received my 2016 calendar from New Day Foster Home! Have you ever thought about sponsoring a child? For just $35/month, you can make a difference in the life of a child. And as a perk, you receive a monthly update and picture and will even get one of these sweet (literally) calendars. Find out more here or shoot me an email with any questions you may have.

{THREE} A year ago this week I met these lovely  ladies. I wrote about it on my Friendversary blog post. I am so thankful for amazing friends in this new city of mine!

I hope you have an amazing weekend! I have big plans to stay warm, relax, and knit. Happy Friday!

A New Year

2016, a brand new year! There is something so refreshing to me about starting a new year. I look back on all that happened in 2015 and can't help but feel the excitement for all that 2016 will hold. I just feel that it's going to be a good year!

2015 was a year of settling into my new life here in Oklahoma, and I feel that 2016 is going to be a year of moving forward. What that actually means, I am not sure, that is just what I have felt on my heart as this year began.

You may have noticed that my blog has received a facelift. I haven't decided what I want the focus of this blog to be. It has had many different themes over the years. It start out documenting my sister's adoption story. Then it turned into a blog documenting my life of living overseas. It was then a blog about waiting on God's timing and finally a blog about transitioning to life halfway across the country.

But now that life has somewhat settled down here, what is the focus to be? Adoption? Life in Oklahoma? Home decor and DIY projects (something that I have come to love as I've made my apartment a home)? Honestly, I haven't decided and so for the moment it's going to continue to be a mixture of all the above.

Starting out this year, God has done the impossible. He has done something that I had not even asked Him for and I am still processing that He has done this! It brings me to tears just thinking about it and I hope that I'll be able to share that story sometime soon. But in the meantime, please know how very true this verse is:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts,

neither are your ways my ways,"

declares the Lord.

"As the heavens are higher than the earth,

so are my ways higher than your ways

and my thoughts than your thoughts."

Isaiah 55:8-9

Happy New Year, sweet friends! I pray that this a year that the Lord reveals Himself to you like never before.

In Person

Those of you who are "bloggers" are part of the "blogging community." 

Which means if you are anything like me, you "meet" people through their blog from all over the world. 

It's pretty neat how a common interest can bring you together.

And then, if you have a connection with adoption and/or the foster home, you have yet another connection.

I have wonderful friends from all over the US whom I have never met in person.

Many of those connections are connected to China adoption (surprise, I know) in some way, shape, or form.

The really wonderful thing about being located where I am in China, is that the US Consulate is about an hour and a half away in Guangzhou.

ALL the families from the US who are adopting, HAVE to make a stop there to obtain their child's visa before they head home.

Where I am is the perfect location to meet some of my adoption friends and have been blessed to meet several of them on this side of the world.

As much as I love being friends over the internet, there is something about meeting them in person that makes it so special.

Yesterday I got to meet a dear friend of mine whom I have emailed with for years.

What a blessing it was to meet her, her husband, and newly adopted son!
And to think we all come together over this passion of adoption.
I love it.

Thank you, THANK YOU!

Thank you so much for the INCREDIBLE response to my request for children's CD's and DVD's!

You all are amazing!

Since I am not sure how much room I will actually have in my luggage, I am all set on DVD's and CD's now.

Those of you who have already contacted me, I would still love those but no more new requests.

Thanks! I am already thinking of things that I will need in the preschool once I get back and will ask again if anyone wants to send anything over.

Congrats to.....

It's the moment you all have been waiting for....
And the winner of the scarf give-a-way is.........

(drum roll please)

JOANNA at Asking With Faith!!!!!!!! 

Joanna, I love your blog name by the way. :-) 

Please send me an email at annelifjohnson@gmail.com with your mailing address and I'll send the scarf your way as soon as possible!

Thank you all for playing along! This was fun... I'm thinking I'll do it again someday!

Sunday Snapshot: Give-a-Way!

5 years ago today I wrote my first post here.
Definitely not the most exciting post I've ever written! 

I really didn't get any good (or consistent at least, still not sure if I'm good at it or not!) at blogging until I traveled to China for the first time in 2010. 

That's when I REALLY began blogging. 

And blogging A lot.

Since then I have tried to stay consistent.

 In honor of my "5 year blogging anniversary," I decided to do something fun and different for me.

I have followed other blogs who have done a "give-a-way" and it sounds like so much fun!

For those of you who know me, know that I have this obsession with scarves. 

Really... it's bad. 

If there was a support group for being addicted to scarves.... let's jest say that I would be an active member.

Therefore it only felt appropriate to give away a scarf for my give-a-way.
I am giving away this scarf from China.

Now let's get the facts straight here.
It's not just "made in China" but also "BOUGHT in China!"
There is a difference!

I bartered hard for it!

Now here's the deal. All you have to do is "follow" What Faith Can Do and leave a comment letting me know you want to be entered..
If you leave a comment, you get one entry.
If you follow (or are already a follower) AND leave a comment you get two entries.

Now for those of you lurkers, this is your chance to let me know you are here!
I'd love to hear from you all and if I don't know you, tell me a bit about yourself and how you learned about What Faith Can Do.
If you don't want to post is "publicly," send me an email at annelifjohnson@gmail.com.

Give-a-way will end Sunday, March 24th @ midnight (EST).
Now if no one enters I will just have to keep the scarf and I really DON'T want to do that (and I'd feel rather silly).

Hope you'll play along!

www.nihaoyall.com

Due to cost of shipping, winners need to have a US mailing address.