I am behind on my days of love so I will have a lot of catching up to do before Christmas. I wish I had not gotten behind because life has been really hard lately and these posts have helped me remember all the love in my life.
Tonight I am going to write about my mom. This is kind of hard to write right now because I am at home and didn't listen to my mom when she warned me about something and ended up hurting her which hurt me. It is amazing how things never change. Your mom always knows best and you always think you know better!
Even though right now I feel really foolish in front of my mom, I do love her.
Shelley Johnson is a very loyal and disciplined lady. She cares fiercely for her family and pretty much turns into a mama-bear if anyone tries to harm her cubs. She stands firm in her beliefs and is not embarrassed to let people know.
She is very thoughtful and good at expressing her love and gratitude for those around her. She is constantly picking up little treats or looking for ways she can serve those around her. She can offer criticism when it is needed, but is much better at offering compliments, support and love. I have never felt like I wasn't smart, pretty or good enough in the eyes of my mother. She won't give a listening ear to self degradation, but will really listen when I just need someone to talk to.
She is an incredibly talented musician and organizer. She has been playing the cello since she was 4 and has developed a life of hard work and discipline around this instrument. The music she plays is beautiful and often done in service of our Church and community. She is also able to organize incredible music productions. She just finished her 6th year of Sing Noel, which is a free Christmas production for the community which consists of 3 different choirs. She picks the music, writes the program, makes sure people show up and feel appreciated and prepared, and much, much more. Sing Noel always turns out incredible. I know it brings many people closer to Christ. What an excellent way to serve.
My mom is also just a very cute lady. She always looks nice and has a welcoming, friendly personality. She can get along with just about anyone and is able to love and care about people who often get pushed to the sidelines and are forgotten about.
I also love that my mom is pretty much up for anything. You can say lets go jump in a cold reservoir or lets go to Italy and she will come along for the ride. She enjoys life and although she has a thousand things going on each day, makes time for lasting memories and fun adventures.
My mom has always been a good example and support to me. She loves me and I hope that I can reciprocate my love to her in a way that she understands and feels the depth my love and appreciation run.
Monday, December 21, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Day of Love #15
For the last 10 days till Christmas, I would like to write about my family. As I think about what I love most on this Earth, it is definitely those people that have always been there for me.
Starting from the top, my dad.
This Earth was blessed the day Alan Charles Johnson was brought into it. Not just because he is my dad, and probably the best dad I could ever ask for, but because he is a really good man to all he interacts with. I love my dad because he is a great example in so many aspects of life.
He is honest and hard working. He takes pride in his work and, lucky for all those whose teeth he works on, is a total perfectionist! He doesn't do ANYTHING, forgive my french, half-assed. He puts his whole heart into the things he chooses to do. He is incredibly smart and confident that he can do things that an average person would think impossible. For example, he has been building a sail boat in our garages for the past 6 years (it's a huge, technical boat). He carefully measures everything out and thinks like a true mathematician/physicists/sailor to create an incredibly beautiful, dependable and efficient boat. And the crazy thing is, he isn't too worried about finishing. He does it because he enjoys the journey. I wish I could think more about the journey or the hear and now, instead of always worrying about the final product/future.
I also love my dad because he has always known how to cheer me up. Usually it comes in the form of taking me out for ice cream. The ice cream is always good, but it doesn't fix the problems. I have always interpreted this gesture as a clear act of love. A love and support that has always made me feel safe and confident to face the hardest challenges of life. My dad just knows me. He can just tell when I need a hug and is always there ready to give me one for as long as I will let him hold me, which is sometimes a very, very long time also rubs my feet. He isn't afraid if they are dirty or smelly...that's love!!
My dad is also great because he sees the good in mankind and never wants to harm or cheat anyone.
My dad is not afraid to recognize when he needs to change and work hard to make those changes in himself. He constantly improving himself.
I also love the way my dad treats my mom. Sometimes he is stressed or tired and doesn't always follow suit, but most the time he is "chasing" my mom around the house to get some of her hard earned affection. ;) Just teasing mom. But he is openly affectionate. He likes to hold my moms hand, and go on walks with her and give her a kiss when he gets home from work. They have been married for over 30 years!!
There are many more things that I could say about my dad, he is a renaissance man, good at so many things. He is a great example to me on simply how to be a good person. I hope as I continue to age and have to take on the "real" challenges of adulthood that I can be like my dad. That I can stand tall, remain hard working and optimistic even on darker days, that I can keep up my love for learning and self-improvement and openly give love to those who will accept it.
I love you Dad!
I am definitely too big to be sitting in my dads lap, but after reading this blog I think you get the point :)
Starting from the top, my dad.
This Earth was blessed the day Alan Charles Johnson was brought into it. Not just because he is my dad, and probably the best dad I could ever ask for, but because he is a really good man to all he interacts with. I love my dad because he is a great example in so many aspects of life.
He is honest and hard working. He takes pride in his work and, lucky for all those whose teeth he works on, is a total perfectionist! He doesn't do ANYTHING, forgive my french, half-assed. He puts his whole heart into the things he chooses to do. He is incredibly smart and confident that he can do things that an average person would think impossible. For example, he has been building a sail boat in our garages for the past 6 years (it's a huge, technical boat). He carefully measures everything out and thinks like a true mathematician/physicists/sailor to create an incredibly beautiful, dependable and efficient boat. And the crazy thing is, he isn't too worried about finishing. He does it because he enjoys the journey. I wish I could think more about the journey or the hear and now, instead of always worrying about the final product/future.
I also love my dad because he has always known how to cheer me up. Usually it comes in the form of taking me out for ice cream. The ice cream is always good, but it doesn't fix the problems. I have always interpreted this gesture as a clear act of love. A love and support that has always made me feel safe and confident to face the hardest challenges of life. My dad just knows me. He can just tell when I need a hug and is always there ready to give me one for as long as I will let him hold me, which is sometimes a very, very long time also rubs my feet. He isn't afraid if they are dirty or smelly...that's love!!
My dad is also great because he sees the good in mankind and never wants to harm or cheat anyone.
My dad is not afraid to recognize when he needs to change and work hard to make those changes in himself. He constantly improving himself.
I also love the way my dad treats my mom. Sometimes he is stressed or tired and doesn't always follow suit, but most the time he is "chasing" my mom around the house to get some of her hard earned affection. ;) Just teasing mom. But he is openly affectionate. He likes to hold my moms hand, and go on walks with her and give her a kiss when he gets home from work. They have been married for over 30 years!!
There are many more things that I could say about my dad, he is a renaissance man, good at so many things. He is a great example to me on simply how to be a good person. I hope as I continue to age and have to take on the "real" challenges of adulthood that I can be like my dad. That I can stand tall, remain hard working and optimistic even on darker days, that I can keep up my love for learning and self-improvement and openly give love to those who will accept it.
I love you Dad!
I am definitely too big to be sitting in my dads lap, but after reading this blog I think you get the point :)
Day of Love #14
My all time favorite show is 30 Rock. It definitely beats the office because it is truly witty and full of satire but it is not at the expense of an oh so sad Michael Scott. I am in no way qualified to write an educated and accurate television review, I will leave that to the people who choose the Emmy awards, but it for its clever humor, and excellent characters it is the show I love the most!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Day of Love #13
When Tyler and I moved into a ward which seemed to consists of over 50% children under the age of ten, we were pretty sure we would end up rendering our service in the primary. We were soon called to teach the the six year old class. This class is a handful and often times overwhelming, but when you are not feeling overwhelmed by the noise, comments, rocking chairs, tears, hitting and teasing, each one of these children are delightful. They are so sweet because they are always anxious to tell me all about their days and toys and any other random news. They notice when we miss a week of church and ask for us. Often times in sacrament meeting they will catch my eye a shyly wave at "their teacher". I have had to teach this kids without the help of Tyler the last few weeks and have come home utterly exhausted, although I must say as the year comes to an end I am going to miss this group of kids. I love their purity and desire to do good. When we talked about tithing, they couldn't understand why you would give the Lord only 10%. They want to give everything. They know who their Heavenly Father is, they know how to pray and how to make things right when they have done something wrong. They are excited to serve and love their families and one another. At times in the past I felt primary was a little like brain washing kids from a young age. Although, now that I am involved I do not feel that there is much brain washing taking place. You are teaching these children how to be good people and reminding them of lessons and principles that they innately know. I am so grateful that the odds of me EVER having 11 six years olds at one time are high, but I do love my little primary class and hope they grow up to believe and remember all the lessons we have learned together this year.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Day of Love #12
What?? The Jazz beat the Lakers? I can't believe I am saying this, but I am SO SAD I missed that game!! Not to take away from love, but I can't stand the Lakers! I know, I know. How could a say such a thing and betray my hometown team? Well I actually never even watched a professional basketball game until I moved to Utah and so naturally, my short basketball love has been rooted and nourished by the good spirited sportsmanship of the Jazz. One good thing that my relationship with Tyler Ellis has brought me is an appreciate and enjoyment for professional sports...I take that back, just professional basketball (I don't like the baseball or football because they are boring and Ultimate Fighting makes me sad for the guy who is getting beat up!). Anyway, I do love watching a good basketball game with friends and family. I also really love going to a NBA game. It is amazing! The guys who play this sport are giants and can do incredible things.
Go Jazz!!
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Day of Love #11
Today's blog is superficial. I love important things, but I also love less important things like a new pair of shoes!
I recently added two new pairs of shoes to my shoe collection. It is amazing the happiness and excitement shoes have brought me at 6:30am as I determine my outfit based on the proper footwear for the weather and activities of the day.
I love shoes because they look cute on everyone. You can be feeling fat, covered in hives or have a weird skin disease that screws with the pigmentation of your skin (all recent occurrences for yours truly) but if you have good shoes on, you just need to look down and remember, hey I still look cute!
So here's to shoes!
I recently added two new pairs of shoes to my shoe collection. It is amazing the happiness and excitement shoes have brought me at 6:30am as I determine my outfit based on the proper footwear for the weather and activities of the day.
I love shoes because they look cute on everyone. You can be feeling fat, covered in hives or have a weird skin disease that screws with the pigmentation of your skin (all recent occurrences for yours truly) but if you have good shoes on, you just need to look down and remember, hey I still look cute!
So here's to shoes!
Day of Love #10
Today I want to express my love for my Heavenly Father's love for me.
Sometimes life gets tough and even though there are good and loving people all around, it is just not enough. I am so grateful that I know I can ask for love, comfort and direction from the only person who can give me exactly what I need.
Sometimes, in the midst of self pity, that love seems far away or impossible to reach, and I have wondered, If you love me so much than why are you allowing me to suffer? I know He has the power to intervene, and make the person or situation that is hurting me so much change, but then He would cease to be God and incapable of carrying out His fair and flawless plan. Heavenly Father has never taken my challenges away, but He has always given me the strength to face them and the comfort I need to get through them.
This season is about Jesus' birth. The ultimate act of love. If I had a child that I cherished, I would do anything to keep them away from this sometimes hateful and sin-filled world. I would selfishly want to keep the agony I know I would face, at seeing that loved on suffer. Yet God loved us all enough to selflessly send his Son to suffer every pain known to mankind so that when we went through our own earthly experience, we would have some where to turn and an assurance that our mistakes and pain could be fixed. I am filled with amazement and gratitude that I have the knowledge of this perfect being. I know He is not far away and even though I am so far from worthy of His love, He will freely give it if I righteously seek it.
Anyone who reads this, take a second and stand amazed that there is someone who loves you with a perfect love. Seek Him in times of need and He will help you through the challenges life brings.
*There is no picture suitable for this kind of love :)
Sometimes life gets tough and even though there are good and loving people all around, it is just not enough. I am so grateful that I know I can ask for love, comfort and direction from the only person who can give me exactly what I need.
Sometimes, in the midst of self pity, that love seems far away or impossible to reach, and I have wondered, If you love me so much than why are you allowing me to suffer? I know He has the power to intervene, and make the person or situation that is hurting me so much change, but then He would cease to be God and incapable of carrying out His fair and flawless plan. Heavenly Father has never taken my challenges away, but He has always given me the strength to face them and the comfort I need to get through them.
This season is about Jesus' birth. The ultimate act of love. If I had a child that I cherished, I would do anything to keep them away from this sometimes hateful and sin-filled world. I would selfishly want to keep the agony I know I would face, at seeing that loved on suffer. Yet God loved us all enough to selflessly send his Son to suffer every pain known to mankind so that when we went through our own earthly experience, we would have some where to turn and an assurance that our mistakes and pain could be fixed. I am filled with amazement and gratitude that I have the knowledge of this perfect being. I know He is not far away and even though I am so far from worthy of His love, He will freely give it if I righteously seek it.
Anyone who reads this, take a second and stand amazed that there is someone who loves you with a perfect love. Seek Him in times of need and He will help you through the challenges life brings.
*There is no picture suitable for this kind of love :)
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