About

If you are reading this, chances are we already know each other. But, if not, my name is Carl Johnson.

I have always loved a good story, especially those with a redeeming purpose and those where the underdog wins. I guess I am a bit of a dreamer and a romantic at heart. I believe laughter is good medicine and there is no way to overdose. I love a good adventure and don’t always have the sense to recognize my limitations. Sometimes that looks like bravery and determination. Other times that looks like a hospital visit.

I met my wife on a blind date in high school and have been married nearly 25 years. We have a daughter in college and a son in high school. They both take after me, just ask their mother.

I served in various ministry capacities for nearly 20 years before experiencing burnout, anxiety and depression in 2015. Since then, I have worked as a firefighter, handyman and project manager. I currently work for a water and wastewater infrastructure rehabilitation company and travel internationally for projects.

I love getting to serve other people. I have served with North Carolina Baptist On Mission Disaster Relief since tornadoes came through my home town in 1992. I have been a volunteer firefighter since July of 2001. I stop to help stranded motorists even on busy highways.

Recently, I shared my heart in a long post on Facebook. Several friends and family thanked me for sharing so transparently and many encouraged me to keep writing. One long post became two, then three and now several. While I have always loved communication, I have really never written. So, this is all very Forrest Gump: “Then one day, for no reason at all, I just felt like running.” Except it is writing. So, what started out as a long post on Facebook has morphed into this. Who knows where it will go from here.

Why “Snapshots For The Soul”? I asked several friends if I wrote a blog, what I should call it. Most of the answers were humorous and my favorite was “Short Talks With Carl”. I mean, it fits my stature and all but I’ve never been accused of being short winded.

Snapshots are the perfect description in my mind because what I have written are quick glimpses into what is happening inside of me at a particular moment in time. In some cases, they are like pictures on social media, they only tell part of the story and often are taken at the most favorable angles. Don’t misunderstand me, I have been transparent and raw and don’t mind poking fun at myself. At the same time, don’t give me too much credit either.

I want you to enjoy this site. Laugh. Cry. Learn. Be encouraged. Be challenged. Grow. Be inspired. Take a chance. Chase your dream. Have your soul fed.

On this journey called life with you,

Carl