Overcoming the Nevers Giveaway with Teri Johnson
Jane from SC: Are you doing the happy dance? You won the Much Ado About You planner! Whoo-hoo! Email [email protected] with your home address. THE REST OF YOU CAN STILL GET 10% OFF by entering the code Karen10 at check out until Monday. To check out the site, click here.
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You are in for a treat! I met my new friend Teri Johnson when she was a client of mine over at our Proverbs 31 Next Step Speaker Services where I coach women with various aspects of their speaking ministry or help them start one.
Teri and I hit it off right away and, when she wrote a book, I wanted to feature it here on my site. (Pssst…she is giving away two signed copies of the book, each with a $10 Starbucks gift card!)
Now, meet Teri and hear how we can overcome the “nevers” in our lives.
Teri Johnson is an inspirational speaker, a sought-after personal growth expert, and the author of the newly released book, Overcoming the Nevers. Her unique strategies have helped transform the lives of her clients, enlightening, guiding and motivating them to achieve even their most deeply desired goals.
Teri is the President and Founder of Keeping It Personal (www.keepingitpersonal.com) a company that specializes in self-development training and discovering your life purpose and The Refine Conference for Women (www.therefineconference.com)
Great conversations while sipping coffee and soaking up as many sunsets as she can, make her tick — along with running and taking pictures. She’s passionate about helping others; an encourager and a cheerleader to many. Teri lives a joy-filled life deeply devoted to her husband, her two boys, and her relationship with God. (www.terijohnson.com)
Teri is social. You can find her on Facebook: http//fb.com/keepingitpersonal and http://fb.com/terijohnson.writes Twitter: http://twitter.com/keepitpersonal Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/keepitpersonal LinkedIN: http://linkedin.com/in/terilynnjohnson
Why did you write this book?
Honestly, God placed a message on my heart that I knew I had to share to help others who might not have the tools to move forward, or who are stuck — circling the same mountain like I had done for many years.
I responded in obedience even though I felt unequipped. I had not been a writer, so I was not confident in my ability to write a book. But, God gave me every word for every chapter.
My primary goal for the book was to impact just one person’s life. I thought, if that can happen, then writing the book was worth it, it was a success in my eyes. I’m amazed by how many lives have been touched and blessed by the book in just a few short months. God’s plan was and is bigger than mine.
What are some of your own “nevers” you have had to overcome?
Let me preface this question. The interesting thing about “The Nevers” is this; they are personal and unique. What might be a very big deal in my life, may not be in another’s life.
The nevers can be experiences or feelings. They could just be — life on life’s terms — but opposite of what we anticipated our life to look like. If something is significant in your life that you never thought you would experience or feel — it’s a “never”.
So, for me — in no specific order, let me just share the external “negative-experiences” that I never thought I would have to go through: rape, divorce, alcoholism. But, there is more.
I have experienced being treated in ways I never thought I would be treated. I’ve had emotions and feelings and fears I never thought I would have.
Everyday life presents us with new challenges, new gifts, and circumstances. Some of these things are “negative-nevers” the key is, being equipped to face them.
As I’ve implemented and lived the tools shared in the book, I’ve experienced healing and restoration.
I’ve overcome.
As I continue to move forward picking up the tools daily, I experience joy in living.
What do you hope women gain from reading this book?
My hope for every person who chooses to walk with me is that their heart would be touched in a powerful way by God. That they would be willing to not only learn new tools, but actually apply them into their lives.
Okay–to be entered to win a signed book and a $10 Starbucks card, tell us a “never” that has happened in your life.
I have a few light-hearted ones—swore I’d never be a June bride and I’d never have three kids (was worried about the oldest, middle, baby syndrome) and I did them both!
And, a more serious, every time I get down to the goal weight the doctor sets for me, I swear I’ll never gain back an ounce. Sometimes I gain it all back, other times it is just that annoying 15-20 pounds.
Now, how about you? What is a “never” you have experienced.
Winners announced Monday.
I never thought my son would die before me , at age 7.
Oh Tracy, I’m SO sorry! Thank you for sharing…I cannot image how you feel or what it would be like to lose a precious nugget. Blessings to you…
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
It never occurred to me that we would ever loose our home – yep, lost to foreclosure. Oh, but God brought us out and into a “new place”. I never thought we would have anyone living with us, but He brought us Kim who we are able to mentor as her faith grows in the Lord. And, I never thought I would have an interest in ‘missions’, but, oh yes I do…I have learned my mission field is right where I’m at – wherever that is during the day. I have this passion & desire to testify boldly & confidently of Christ & see others saved – I never had that passion before…oh, but God!
Amen Jodi — we have opportunities everyday to be Christ’s hands and feet! I can relate to you, God planted this desire in me to boldy serve…I never thought I would be me…BUT GOD! Thank YOU for sharing — keep SHINING and sowing seeds into the Kingdom! =)
keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
I swore I’d never be a homebirthing mom, but when my 2nd daughter arrived only 30 minutes after my water broke, she was born at home, in my bathroom. That’s what I get for praying to not have to be induced!
Wow! Oh my goodness…I’m sure tat was exciting and scary at the SAME time! What a miracle! Thank you Julie for sharing…
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
sounds like a great encouraging read! if I don’t win, I’ll definately look for it! thanks
Thanks Michelle — you can find it through my website, at any online bookstore, it’s available on kindle, nook, and iBook too! Also, your local bookstore can get it for you. Would love to hear your thoughts as you journey through the pages…
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
There are so many “nevers” I could pick. I never thought I would marry an abuser & then never thought I would get a divorce because God could work a miracle (He can but He also gave us freewill). I was definitely never going to live with my parents ever again. Ended up living with them 2x in connection with my marriage. Never was going to be dependent on others. Well my ex left me with a lot of debt, I got laid off, & now am living with my Daddy, pretty much home bound. However, God is good, no matter how much pain & frustration I am experiencing there are others so much worse off than I am. I never believed I would have a good relationship with my mother. My Granddad & then my Dad (not Daddy) died this year. The last couple times I have talked to my mother have been good conversations & she actually called me yesterday!
So many good things happening, despite of the nevers…God IS Good! =)
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
Wow – the “nevers” – where do I start? :) I NEVER thought ……our family would overcome addiction, break the “no church” habit, and draw closer to each other as we drew closer to Him. And I certainly never, EVER thought that a lost girl who wandered the wilderness for 40 years would end up in Ministry. Yup, that’s how Awesome our God is. ? Thanks for the chance to win this book!
Thank YOU Tera for sharing!! =) I know right? …where do I start? I feel the same way. I can relate to, how did I end up in ministry…really God? You want Me? I’m speechless! Keep shining your light!!
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
I never thought I’d be divorced. When my twins who are now going on 12 were just a rear old I was just that. We have grown up together with God as our teacher. If God ever finds a man for me my heart is open to the possibilities, but it’s not “needed” at this point. When my children are out of the house and I can hear a pin drop that might be another story… Lol.
I’m sure you have your hands full with twins — hearing a pin drop would be lovely, wouldnt it? I often crave time in my house ALONE just to enjoy sitting on the couch in quiet. Lol. Thank you for sharing Susan. =)
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
NEVER turning into my mother
NEVER letting alcohol defeat me again
NEVER choosing an abortion
Beth, thank you for sharing your Nevers….
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
Teri sounds like a great gal and I would LOVE to read her book I believe everyone has a “never” !! I never thought I would move away from Huntington Beach California thought I would spend my life there…….So when God called me to move to Las Vegas at the age of 17 now 21 years later still living in “Sin City” with 7 kids a great husband and church family but I have to admit my heart is always to be back near the beach full time we visit not often enough but when we do hard to come home!!
Thank YOU Cindy for the encouraging words and for sharing your never… I enjoy going to “Sin City” and visiting the spas!! =)
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
I never thought that my children would be anything by healthy. But my oldest daughter, just 7, had heart problems, and needed open heart surgery when she was four and a half, and may need another one (praying for healing). My youngest was in children’s hospital for meningitis before she was 2 months old, and was almost immediately after diagnosed with hip dysplasia that she required treatment for and is finally outgrowing now that she is almost 4.
But God has taken care of us, cared for us, provided, and even healed deep childhood wounds in me as we went through this. He has been faithful..
Thank you Kristy for sharing — I’m amazed by how God works things out in us through the trials others go through. Yes…He remains faithful!
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
I never thought that after 25 years of marriage and 3 wonderful children, my husband would suddenly die of a massive heart attack at age 45, As a parent, you try to keep your children from getting hurt then suddenly you can not work your little “Mom” miracles to help them. I am so thankful that God allowed us to be such a close family that we could help each other through the tough times.
I also NEVER thought I would write a comment on a blog!!!!!!
Carla, I feel honored that you left your FIRST comment sharing with me! =) I’m so sorry to hear about your loss, it sounds like you are blessed with a good support system. I’ve been learning that “miracle-mom” needs be transparent and let others around her know, she doesn’t have all answers and is not equipped to comfort every hurt and every need! My children are learning through my transparency that we need to rely on God fully…I just don’t have all the answers.
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson.
I never thought I would be experience the aches and pains of getting older….at least not this early in my life ( I am in my early 60’s ) Seems like a get over one health issue and another pops up. I am having a difficult time dealing with aging……seems so much of the aches and pains are not something we can control.
Control <– oh. that. word. I've learned I have very little of it in any area of my life. grrrrrrrr!! The ONLY thing I can control is how I respond to what happens. Getting older and those "things" that come with it — life challenges us, doesn't it? Thank you Bobbie for sharing here…
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
Never thought I’d move to the big city! Also never thought I’d end up hosting a visit from my father, which, truthfully, makes me nervous.
Thank YOU Susan for sharing…I hope you ENJOY your time with your father! =)
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
Ooops in 1. I meant to say “praise God for the “never” never becoming a reality. Just re-read it and it sounds strange. Of course I’m eternally grateful that my salvation was a reality :)
What a wonderful ministry you have, Teri. As I read through the responses, I was amazed at how many “nevers” find their way into our lives without us even being aware of them and the negative spiritual impact they have.
For me, there are a few:
1. I never thought I would become a Christian after being raised in a Muslim family for 24 years-praise God for that never becoming a reality.
2. I never thought my Dad, who was my world, and in perfect health, would die in a car accident at 60 and that too, unreconciled to me after disowning me for my conversion-as painful as it was, God did use the situation to reconcile me to my Mom/sisters and allowed me to truly experience Him as my Heavenly Father.
3. I never thought I would get married for the “wrong” reasons and end up going through 4 really tough years of marriage and ending up in a divorce at 27-it taught me what God’s grace really looked like; it finally became heart knowledge after being head knowledge for 3 years.
4. I never thought I would have children due to an ongoing illness and being told I would not be able to conceive-praise God I have two beautiful children; 2 and 7 months.
Now that I think about it; I could go on but the gist of it is that in all my “nevers” God truly showed Himself faithful.
Thank you again for how you minister to so many in their nevers. God bless you.
PS. Love you, Karen :)
Thank YOU Ayla — you are so encouraging! I love that you shared the “gist” — God truly showed Himself faithful. That’s the bottom line, that we never lose sight of Him and that we continue to grab hold of HIM through it all.
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
Wow so many nevers. It’s sad when we look to all the things that we never thought we would face but are. As for me I never thought that my husband would lose his good paying job and we would be struggling every day just to put food on the table. And I never thought that this would cause so much stress in our family situation that we wouldn’t be able to confide in each other somehow work things out as a whole…. But all this is happening and it’s hard to find the strength to know that one day it will get better……
Thank YOU Tammy for sharing your struggle…the nevers that life throws at us can definitely set. us. back. It causes tension in areas that we never that there could be tension. Keep looking UP…our strength comes from HIM!
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
I said I never wanted to fall in love until I finished college. I did just that…..
That’s a beautiful NEVER! =)
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
I never expected my ex to alienate my children from me. That was 16 years ago and I have still not been able to mend our relationship. I never expected to want to end my life because of the heartache. I never expected to want someone dead so badly that I could imagine myself doing something horrible.
Thank you Donna for sharing — it’s amazing how we can endure so much emotion pain by how others treat us. The tools in my book will help you if you are willing to do the work and apply them into your life. We can experience peace “in-the-storm” YES we can!!
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
I never thought it would be difficult to return to work after 14 years as a homemaker. It is hard to accept that at 52, my skill set feels limited and I am challenged by the technology that has occurred in the field of medical transcription. I never thought I would consider returning to school to secure credentials but I am moving in that direction.
I can see how that would be challenging — BUT as I was reading this is saw the GOOD! You had the priceless opportunity to stay home with your precious nuggets, AND you are equipped to learn new things, you have a sound mind! You go girl!! You can do this!! =). Thank YOU for sharing…
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
I never thought my husband would be unfaithful, that I would ‘allow’ my kids to be verbally and emotionally abused and that I would exhaust myself trying to put the pieces back together day after day, that our home would be a stressful and fearful place and not a haven, that I would get divorced (even after the infidelity – I never thought he’d do it again), I never thought he would steal everything that had been built over 23 years and that I would be in a crazy race to sell everything I did have left and I struggle to believe that I will ever be free from his cruelty again or have stability. My life is nothing that I hoped for! Without God and my amazing kids, I don’t know where I would be or what I would do – and I never thought I would think like that!!
WOW MJ….that’s a lot to endure thank you for sharing your story. I can see that God has given you the strength to persevere and press-on. With all the Nevers comes a lot of questions, and “filth” — sometime we hang on to the lingering after effects.
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
I can empathize. After 23 years, my husband spent all of our assets, stopped paying the mortgage (leading to foreclosure), bought a motorhome that he hid at a friend’s house and had a girlfriend (the list could go on…). The truth is: God doesn’t waste any pain! HIS plan of restoration trumps any evil. Romans 8:28 doesn’t say some things, it says He works all things. My pea brain must remind itself of these truths. I’m praying for you. Look for God’s goodness and He will reveal it a piece at a time.
I have a December birthday and I swore I would “never” have children in December so they wouldn’t have to experience what I went through. My first child was due Feb. 4 – and was born Dec. 31. My second child was due Jan. 9 – and was born Dec. 23. We have 3 birthdays plus Christmas in 8 days. So, we celebrate 1/2 birthdays and ALWAYS make sure their actual birthdays are celebrated separately from Christmas.
Love it Marci — God’s sense of humor! Thank you for sharing and for putting a smile on my face! =). I’m a December baby too!
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
I admit, I really did not understand “the nevers” until I started reading the responses…the I SO TOTALLY UNDERSTOOD! I was always blessed with a quick mind and never had to study much to get straight A’s in school. Then I had a brain injury. WOW! Talk about changing things! Now I realize that God is in complete control of everything and enjoy the humor of the statement, If you want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans!
RIGHT, I love that statement too! We have NO clue as to what the big picture is, but sometimes {often} we think we’ve got it all figured out! =) thank YOU Valerie for sharing…
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
I NEVER thought I’d be going through a divorce even though we’ve always had a difficult marriage. I had always hoped and prayed that God would intervene and things would change. I also NEVER imagined the ways God has been here for me and the encouragement and support He has brought me from family and friends and people I don’t even know personally.
I can remember that too…one day that hope faded — it happened, divorce. Thank you Karen for sharing…I love how God is always there to catch us when we “fall” — and the people He sends to bless us? What a gift.
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
Never ignore myself-try to please others so much that I become exhausted, depressed.
Oh my goodness, how I can relate with YOU on this one! Deb, people pleasing {though looks really “nice”} is SO SO wounding! Unpacking the why behind this is crucial in order to overcome. The tools in my book will help you with this one — discoving the truth to fall in love with ourselves prevents us from “ignoring” our needs. Some people feel selfish making this change, but it’s just the opposite. Thank you so much for sharing!
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson
I never thought I would be in an abusive marriage. I never thought I would fear for my life. I never thought I would be a single parent. I never thought that God could bless me through all the “nevers”.
Isn’t THAT the amazing truth — through ALL the ugliness, HE still pours out His blessings upon us! Thank you Dee for sharing…
Keeping it Personal,
Teri Johnson