A Special Christmas Announcement!

Merry Christmas Everyone!  This is my most favorite part of the year for many reasons.  We have all the wonderful Christmas festivities with lights, music, presents, parties, and the hustle-bustle of the season.  It's also a time we gather around loved ones, give to others, and hopefully a time for self-reflection and remembering the real reason we celebrate Christmas.

Last night we had an opportunity to serve that was unexpected.  Jeff, Jaxon, and I were walking through dowtown Tampa and we came across a homeless person lying on the sidewalk covered with a blanket.  You could see his things next to him and then only his feet sticking out from the blanket.  You could see his body shivering under the blanket.  Yes, it was actually cold in Tampa!!!  As we walked passed him, Jeff and I just looked at each other and then Jeff asked me if he could give him his sweatshirt.  Jeff realized he didn't have a shirt on underneath though so we walked back to the car then drove back around to him.  As I got out and laid the sweatshirt over him, I felt my heart just explode.  Whatever I had been upset or worried about that day just completely disappeared.  All I felt was joy, love and peace.  I was thankful for my husband who was willing to give the shirt off his back and to provide us with that opportunity to serve. 

I continued to think about our experience and the feelings I had.  I realized I needed to have more service in my life.  I needed to do more selfless acts even if it wasn't apart of my plan for the day.  I made a personal goal last night to include more service in my life year round and not just around Christmas.  In the wake that has all occurred in the world around us this year, I think there are many hearts that are aching.  Service can help to heal those aching hearts and perhaps your own heart.  Simple acts such as smiling at someone, opening the door, or paying someone a simple compliment have a bigger impact than we know.  It can change the course of someone's day.  We just don't know or realize the impact we can have on someone.  This I do know, I want to feel everyday like I did last night.  A new year is upon us and an opportunity for change and improvement.  I believe this is a beautiful world we live in and it is my hope that as a people we can show more of the good in this world.

I am thankful for our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ.  I am thankful for his example and his sacrifice for us.  I am thankful for how the Lord has blessed our family and continues to bless our family.  All that we have, we owe to Him.  I hope this holiday season and New Year brings you much joy and happiness!  I know I am excited for what 2013 has in store for us!  Which brings me to our special message.  Click the link below! 

  Johnson Christmas Video 2012