Happy New Year!

As we depart 2008 I ask, where did it go??? It was and eventful year with loads of great memories. I often think that the way we look at things is all in our perception. Is the glass half full or half empty? I hope you will take this time to look at 2008 as a year that was a half full year. Lots of good and positive memories.

As we look to 2009. The Johnson family would like to wish you and yours a year full of love, friendships, and fun. May you and your family enjoy each other for who God created each of you to be.

I hope you have a blessed 2009! Happy New Year.

The True Meaning of Christmas

About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his own ancestral hometown to be accounted for. So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's town, for the census. As a descendant of David, he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancée, who was pregnant.
While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger, because there was no room in the hostel.
There were sheepherders camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody, worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."
At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: Glory to God in the heavenly heights. Peace to all men and women on earth who please him.
Luke 2:1-13 Msg

Amazing Grace Christmas

10 Great Years

I can hardly believe it, Jared turns 10 Friday. He was a wonderful gift to Angie and I ten years ago. I remember the day like yesterday. Angie was teaching at Gregory Middle School in Naperville at the time. She got home from work that Friday evening, end of the semester, exhausted and glad to be done for Christmas break. I unloaded the tons of Christmas and baby gifts from her car and she proceeded to unwrap them for the next hour. Upon completion, she laid down on the couch completely wiped out. Well, God had a different plan for the rest of our Christmas break. Angie's water broke and we were soon off to the hospital. I remember Angie saying, "No not yet." You see, she had not yet even packed her bags for the hospital stay.

Thus it begun, our adventure as parents. It has been the most wonderful, rewarding, and at times stressful journey. I wouldn't change it for the world.

Jared is a wonderful son. He has a tender, kind, and loving heart. He's a hard worker and loves school, sports, and his brother and sister. Most importantly, he has a tender heart for God and His people. I am so proud to say I am his father.

It is only by the grace of God that Jared is turning out to be the little man he is. I pray that God would lead us over the 10 years to come. I pray that Jared will grow up to be a great man of God who loves God, loves people, and loves life.

Holiday Lights

Last night we went out to dinner as a family. The kids really like Red Robin and it was close, quick, and easy. Dinner was good and the kids had a blast.

As we left the restaurant, i thought it would be nice to drive around in search of some holiday lights. Consequently, we headed a different way than normal. The 3Js immediately hit full panic mode. "Where are we going Dad," was asked by all three. I couldn't help to revert back to what my Dad used to always say. "We're going crazy!" As it did me as a kid, it drove them nuts. They couldn't stand not knowing where we were going.

To make a long story short, we had a great night. Saw many lights, Santa, and even made a St. Bux stop. What a great night. I am so blessed to have the family that I do.

May you and your family take a little time to enjoy the Holiday Lights together.

Be A People Person

John Maxwell shares the following in his book "Be a People Person:"

C = Concern - The ability to show you care.
H = Help - The ability to reach out.
A = Action - The ability to make things happen.
R = Results - The ability to produce.
I = Influence - The ability to lead.
S = Sensitivity - The ability to feel and respond.
M = Motivation - The ability to give HOPE.
A = Affirmation - The ability to build up.

What a great time of year to work extra hard to be this type of person.

HC Teams

I want to take this opportunity to thank the many teams that serve at Harvest Chapel. The coaches, captains, and teammates are doing a fantastic job. Your welcoming smiles, warm friendly faces, and true desire to serve the Harvest community is really special. You make Harvest Chapel a special place to be.

To all those that helped decorate this week, a huge thank you. The building looks absolutely amazing!!!

It is so exciting to serve with so many wonderful people who make not only the Christmas season special, but make every day special at HC.

Challenges of Leadership Before Us

I happened to talk with a good friend on the phone this morning regarding some leadership challenges that are before us. I am very excited about the challenges and the direction we are headed. What a great conversation. It was encouraging to hear that God is doing the same things in our hearts.

Have you ever been challenged to lead other leaders? This takes a whole new level of leadership insight. Leading leaders brings unique challenges of their own. One such challenge is getting leaders to do an honest assessment of their own leadership. You see, we often over criticize ourselves or ignore those areas that need improvement.

The key for a leader of leaders is to lead them to an honest evaluation of their abilities, gifts, and use thereof. This is the challenge.

Are You A Risk Taker?

"Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand. Isaiah 41:10

God instructs his people to lead courageously. This can be seen in many areas throughout scripture. Courage is a key characteristic that all leaders should posses. Courage though does not mean only being brave when the decisions are easy. I believe it means being a risk taker at times. You know, taking the occasional "flyer."

Why is it that so many leaders today are afraid to take a risk? It seems like they need the current poll to dictate which stand to take and those not to take. Many modern day leaders appear to be in "self preservation" mode and don't take risks. They are satisfied with the status quo.

I love David, a man after God's own heart. He took the ultimate "flyer." Even in spite of the current running poll, he went up against a giant. He took a big risk and it paid off.

I love this quote from Andy Stanley's, "Next Generation Leader."
"Leaders understand the unique roles of confidence and caution. Courage requires both. David's caution did not keep him from the battle, but neither did he allow his confidence to blind him to the need to select his stones with care."

Are you a risk taker? Don't let "self preservation" keep you from taking the occasional flyer. Be cautious, yet confident, and choose your stones with care.

A New Adventure

Well, this should be fun. I have decided to start a new venture and blog. It is my desire that the muses here encourage all and let you into the life and times of my family and I. We'll give it a try for a bit and see how it goes.