We Rejoice in Christ Part 2

As I read through my family's testimonies, I marvel at their strength and I feel closer to them. I have probably said many times that family is everything to me. My testimony of Christ grows as I read these, and my love for my family grows. Remember Christ lives and we rejoice.

Dad--A few years ago, along with the Luke and Matthew accounts. of the Nativity, we read "The Living Christ" document. I would highly recommend it. As the Brethren remind us, even though the birth of Christ is sacred and beautiful, His ministry and especially His Atonement are MOST important.

Since the 23rd is the Prophet Joseph Smith's birth, and we celebrate the birth of Christ shortly
thereafter, I like D&C 76:22-24  "And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father--That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God."


Mom-- I think of the lyrics of two Christmas carols that are the most joyful and the most happy of all the carols; "Joy to the World" and "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful."  In "Oh, Come All Ye Faithful, the Chorus is "Oh, come let us adore Him."   How can I better adore, or worship Him?  Can I be more reverent in His temples and chapels?  Can I keep the commandments more perfectly?  Can I think of the Savior with more gratitude?  I want to do all of these things. In "Joy to the World" We sing a line in the first verse; "Let every heart prepare Him room." Do I have room enough in my heart for Him? Is my life too much filled with other things?  Does love of my family count toward room for Him? Does love of my fellow man count, too?  I do hope so. My thoughts at Christmas time is a mixture of wonder at the coming of a "Lord at His birth" and a love for a Savior that died and suffered for me.  I came across a quote by C. S. Lewis that has a similar sentiment to the words of "I Stand all Amazed." "When Christ died, He died for you just as much as if you had been the only one."  I truly do "stand all amazed!"

Sister #2--Matthew 11:28-30 "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

This is my favorite scripture because it's true. When I am worn down with life, every time I have prayed, and have worshiped in other ways, I have ALWAYS felt better.

Sister #4-- The song Away in a Manger always finds a way to the soft parts of my heart. I love how the perspective changes from looking into the Christ child's birthplace to me (or us) in the cradle. The last verse brings a sense of pleading with Jesus to be with me as if I were still a babe AND to be with all the children. I believe the author was asking to bless all God's children as we should be-as little children. This brings me to my favorite scripture 3 Nephi 17:11-25. Jesus who is visiting the people of the Americas after the atonement asks to bless their children. What love emanates from those verses. Angels encircle them. The people feel great joy as does Jesus. That is the same joy we sing of when we sing "Joy to the World." It is the same joy the angels sang when Christ was born. Jesus commands his disciples to become as little children in Luke 18:17. I have felt Jesus' tender care. He does watch over my cradle, for there are times when my understanding is simple and my faith is basic. I am grateful for His love.

Mine-- I have so many favorites. I will share two scriptures if I may. Isaiah 9:6 "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasing Father, the Prince of Peace."

And Matthew 11:28-30 (see sister #2).

The birth of Jesus was a miracle all in itself, and is wondrous and glorious, but His life, ministry, and His infinite atonement were the most important, as my daddy said. Because of the Atonement I can lay all of my stresses, hurt feelings, troubles, or what-have-you, at Christ's feet. He suffered not only for my sins, but for my pains as well. I know that when I take advantage of the Atonement, I am much more at peace. My soul is definitely de-stressing when I bring myself closer to Christ, His teachings, and taking his name upon me. Christ is the Prince of Peace. I have felt His loving arms around me at my most desperate times. I've felt his love and joy at the happiest times in my life. All of which has brought me peace. Christ is all of those things written by Isaiah. He is the light of the world. "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" And as my mother said, give him room in your heart.

Remember Christ this season. Find reason to rejoice. He is with you. He loves each and every one of us individually and unconditionally. Find that love and share it with others. Show the true love of Christ, and serve and give of yourselves. So many people lose hope in Christmas because of circumstances. Bring that light and joy back into their lives. Shun the darkness, because where there is light, darkness cannot be. Where Christ is, Satan cannot and will not be. Christ has room for all of us, even little children hold special places in His heart. Will you let Him into yours? He is waiting at the door. Christ was born the Son of God, he lived, died and was resurrected for our own sake. The most selfless act that has ever been.

I pray that you have felt the spirit testify that these things are true. Christ is why we celebrate every year on the 25th of December. "We talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." (2 Nephi 25:26)  I hope you were able to strengthen your own testimony of Christ by reading the words of some of my family in parts 1 and 2. They truly are amazing, and they have awesome testimonies. Merry Christmas everybody!!

We Rejoice in Christ Part 1

I mentioned several times that I love Christmas. I love Christmas mostly because each year it brings me closer to Christ. There was a Christmas several years ago, where my family and I sat around the kitchen table and shared with each other our favorite scriptures or stories of Christ and why. It was a most spiritual and tender moment for me as our testimonies of Christ brought us closer together as a family. I wish that I had had the insight to write some of those down. So this year, I decided to do just that. I got all the family I could, my side and Hubs' side to share their testimonies of Christ. I am bringing you the Spirit of Christ to you. Merry Christmas!

Father in-law-- 3 Nephi 11:10-11 "Behold, I am Jesus Christ, whom the prophets testified shall come into the world. And behold, I am the light and the life of the world; and I have drunk out of that bitter cup which the Father hath given me, and have glorified the Father in taking upon me the sins of the world, in the which I have suffered the will of the Father in all things from the beginning."

Every time I read this I feel the spirit testify that this really did happen, and it is true. That is how I, myself, feel, and I know that He lives and is the savior of the world. That he suffered and atoned for all mankind and especially for me. I love Him and pray everyday that I will be worthy to be in His presence when that time comes. I am sending this to all so you can know that I have a true testimony of Him, Jesus Christ, and of His gospel. I love you all, Merry Christmas.

Mother in-law-- My favorite scripture in 3 Nephi 17:21 "And when he had said these words, he wept, and the multitude bare record of it, and he took their little children, one by one, and blessed them, and prayed unto the Father for them."

I can imagine how the children felt and also their parents to be able to experience that. I think that we probably had a close relationship with our Heavenly parents and Jesus in our pre-mortal life, we just can't remember it, and I am sure we will have this experience of being taken in His arms when we pass through the veil. I can't wait for the day.

Sister in-law #3-- I do like the one that says those that haven't sinned cast the first stone (John 8:7 "So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her."). Means nobody is perfect, and everybody makes mistakes. I'm the odd one out in the family. I strayed from the church, and I make mistakes. But I know I am not the only one who has made mistakes. *My side note, the story to which she is referring is in John 8:1-11. *

Hubs--Alma 34:8-16  Because it is about Christ. Why we are here. The plan of salvation. That’s all that needs to be said. I guess I like it because it tells of the role of Christ, and gets straight to the point.  

Mine-- I love Isaiah Chapter 40. Specifically verses 11, 28-29,and 31. (11) "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young." (28-29) "Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary?[...] He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength." (31) " But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."

I love these verses not because they are used in Handel's Messiah or in the movie "Chariots of Fire", but because the message is of the strength that Christ will give everyone. The atonement is personal. Christ suffered so we can rely on his strength as we struggle through our lives. Then we will be made strong again because of his sacrifice. Mine and your strength will be renewed. I think of times of trials, at the end of them I had renewed strength, understanding, and love for Christ and for others. Trials can be invigorating, after the weight of it is lifted by the power of the atonement. I love the line "he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom." How wonderful it is to have someone all the time, any time of day or night, to comfort and to love us unconditionally. I long for the day when Christ will put his arms around me and say, "Welcome home!"

This Christmas season may you all find your strength in Christ's arms. As you read through my family's testimonies, there are commonalities, but they have different perspectives. Each person has something special to share. Live your lives with Christ at the center, and you will find strength, peace and happiness.

Mary the Mother of Jesus

Every December the world is in a frenzy of Christmas. As I have mentioned several times, I love Christmas. I love Christ. But because Christ is the major player in the story, we sometimes forget the other characters, for instance, Mary his mother. Not much is shared about her after Jesus' birth. I believe that this is because she is precious, sacred, and a chosen daughter of God. I have great respect for Joseph too, but he is a little bit harder to make sense of because he is only mentioned as Mary's fiancee, and after the birth of Christ, he very much disappears but for a brief mention of him when Jesus was twelve. So while I hold these two people in great esteem, I am going to focus on Mary. I very much would love to meet Mary, because I am always curious to her character and personality. Since her diary is not available. I can only comment on what is shared about her in scripture and in my own and others imagination.

Alma 7:10 says "And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God."

1 Nephi 11:13-21 "[...] and in the city of Nazareth I beheld a virgin, and she was exceedingly fair and white. And it came to pass that I saw the heavens open; and an angel came down and stood before me; and he said unto me: Nephi, what beholdest thou? And I said unto him: A virgin, most beautiful and fair above all other virgins. [...] And he said unto me: Behold the virgin who thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh. [...] And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms." I love that image, of Jesus cradled in his mothers arms.

Luke 1:28 "And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou are highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women."

I often wonder how Mary must have felt. I wonder if she really understood all that was in store for her son when the angel Gabriel first came to her. Her own response to all of this is amazing. I would be freaking out, and maybe she was to an extent but her faith in God made all the difference. Plus, she probably had a little time to ponder on her journey to cousin Elizabeth. Her response is also found in Luke 1:46-55. "My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour." I think she did understand, but I don't think that made it any easier for her. From all that I witness of the many mothers that surround me, I have come to understand you don't come between mama bear and her cubs. Mary, I am sure, wanted to save and protect Jesus, but she knew that he was her savior. It would take great courage to raise the man who would save the world. Two of my favorite Christmas songs were written in the perspective of Mary. Both are called the same thing, Mary's Lullaby, but they are by different people. The first one is from our church's children songbook, check it out here. Read the words. They are beautiful. I love the line "Thy tender hands so tiny now, have blessings great to bring." She must have known. In the other Mary's Lullaby by Wanda West Palmer words by Bertha A. Kleinman, she says to her baby, "For you are a king, but tonight you are mine." She goes through Jesus' life and fate, and like any mother is protective, but for this one night of heralding angels, Jesus is hers. This is my absolute favorite song, but I would love for you to listen to the words as I sing it for you. (I am a bit out of practice so forgive the clumsy playing and choking).

I think this is why I admire Mary. She was a mother. A caring, loving mother. She had worries. She had doubts I am sure(see Luke 1:34. She even questions the angel because she is not with any man yet, and that is when Gabriel said "With God nothing shall be impossible"). Mary, when Christ was on the cross suffering, she probably felt such anguish. I would imagine she was questioning why they were doing this to the person she raised, taught, clothed, fed. Still, I am sure Mary knew what was in store for her son, her baby, because she knew of the prophecies. Because she knew Jesus must die sometime, she wanted to remember all that she could. Luke 2:19 &51 (when the shepherds came) "But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." (and when Jesus was 12 and found in the temple teaching) "And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them; but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart."

Mary and Joseph were chosen people. Mary most of all. Here was probably a young teenager, told, not asked, that she was to be the mother of God. That is truly amazing. I love how God uses kids to fulfill His plan (think Joseph Smith for example). What strength of character and spirituality she must have had. For these things I admire her, and I do call her "blessed" (Luke 1:48)

Christmas Everything!

It is times like these that I wish that the month of December leading up to Christmas day was just a little bit longer. That way I could write about everything Christmas that makes me happy. But since it is not, and next week I have a special blog planned, this week I am going to try and share a bunch of everythings (Yes, I am aware that that is not a word) in this week's blog.

First-- Christmas movies, TV shows, Christmas books. Movies and TV shows of Christmas can be corny and cheesy. I know this, but even still all of them are feel goods. My favorite book and favorite movie is A Christmas Carol with George C. Scott as Scrooge. I love movies about Christmas. A Christmas Story is a classic that must be watched every year. Same with It's a Wonderful Life, Miracle on 34th Street, A Charlie Brown Christmas, and so many countless others. I love these stories so much. I find it impossible to walk away from these movies without a smile and fuzzies in my stomach. I loved watching these movies with my family, and now I love watching them with Hubs. I love them because they share messages of hope, love, joy, friendship, and share the true meaning of Christmas. Miracle of 34th Street is about believing in Santa Clause, but more than that it is about believing in something that maybe is impossible. Is it impossible to believe in Jesus? For some it is. If you need some faith boosting, there is an awesome Christmas campaign run by my church called "A Savior is Born." Check it out. At the bottom of the page, they have 12 days of social media Christmas. In reality it is 13 because they wanted to put together a special conglomeration of the YouTubers they featured.

Second-- Christmas music/carols. I am one of those people who starts listening and singing Christmas music at Halloween, I love it so much. Music is one of those mediums that can bring in the spirit so fast. It can teach, strengthen, and comfort. Songs about Christ are especially "chicken soup for the soul." At a work party, they arranged a local high school choir to perform for us, and everyone in that room was enthralled. It was magical. They sangs songs that were fun, and songs about Jesus. They really brought a special feeling to the party. (It also made me miss singing in my high school choir). A couple of weeks ago, some young girls from my church ward came to our house to sing carols. It was so special. It was the first time we ever had carolers. I loved it. What is amazing to me is that Christmas is so special, some of most beloved carols were written by Jews. These songs however, are not about Jesus, but about the season itself. Still there is no denying the feeling of the time. Whether for the money or because there is something special about the season, Jews writing Christmas songs is a bit ironic. Anyway, recently I found on YouTube a new favorite rendition of "Silent Night" (not written by a Jew), by Kelly Clarkson, Reba McEntire, and Trisha Yearwood. Check it out.

Thirdly-- Christmas Parties. Parties can be fun if the company you work for allows for it, and the people themselves want to organize one. I have attended some really fun parties in the past and recently. They can be white elephant parties, ugly sweater parties, church parties, gingerbread houses parties, or an elegant party, or just a simple let's get together party. I really enjoy being with people I care about and having fun with them.

Fourthly-- Family, presents, traditions and everything else. Growing up over the years, many of my family's traditions stayed the same, and others changed. Now that all of us kids are out of the house, they all changed. Some of my fondest memories however, are playing scrabble, decorating a charlie brown tree that we picked from a lot, reading the Christmas story, playing the chimes that my daddy made and singing carols, waking up at four in the morning and all eight of us jumping into my parents bed (I still don't know how we fit even with some of us still small), lining up at the top of the stairs (me first) and running to our presents. Christmas sugar cereal also played a big part of our traditions. I love all things Christmas. Since Hubs and I have not been able to really visit our families since married, we have attempted to set some of our own traditions. It is hard when there are no children. Still, we have enjoyed and loved our time together enjoying the reason for the season. And let's face it, all of us enjoy Santa Claus and giving/getting presents.

All of these things put together make for a perfect Christmas. I hope as you read this that you can find your own happiness in the season. For those who may be alone this season, I pray that you find joy in Jesus Christ, and you can find bring love and joy to someone in need.

"There are many things from which I might have derived good, by which I have not profited, I dare say,' returned the nephew. 'Christmas among the rest. But I am sure I have always thought of Christmas time, when it has come round -apart from the veneration due to its sacred name and origin, if anything belonging to it can be apart from that- as a good time; a kind, forgiving, charitable, pleasant time; the only time I know of, in the long calendar of the year, when men and women seem by one consent to open their shut-up hearts freely, and to think of people below them as if they really were fellow-passengers to the grave, and not another race of creatures bound on other journeys. And therefore, uncle, though it has never put a scrap of gold or silver in my pocket, I believe that it has done me good, and will do me good; and I say, God bless it!" Charles Dickens

Christmas Lights!

It's so beautiful! Who needs music and a light show?

One of my favoritist traditions growing up was driving around the streets of my hometown at night as a family to look at Christmas lights. They were all so beautiful. Lights of different colors, lights of the same color, net lights in bushes and or trees, lights in the form of a star or words, icicle lights, lights that blinked, lights that were set to music, etc. I loved, and still love, them all. I also love lights on the trees, and I don't know what kid (and grownup) doesn't enjoy laying underneath the tree to see all the sparkles and lights from underneath.

This past week has been Hubs and mine decorating week. I decked my hall inside, and Hubs decked the house outside. We have only lived here for not quite a year, and so our decorations are few, but it doesn't matter because they are special to us. I think our house turned out quite good.

You can't see my shelf with the nativity very well, but it's there.

Aren't they nice? (see above picture) It's not fancy, but I love it. It is perfect. When I first saw the lights lit up outside, I almost started crying because a prayer of mine was answered. For the first time since we lived here, I felt like I was home. I felt for certain that this was where we are supposed to be. Hubs and I have been truly blessed. I love going to work now. Hubs has been successful at his job and finally feels like he's on the way to where he wants to be. Just in that moment (and I have been on a high since) I felt happy and at peace.
Happiness and peace are what Christmas should be about. Christ is the Prince of Peace, and He does bring joy. Like I mentioned in the last post, the angel and angels proclaimed joy, glad tidings, and peace to all. Lots of warm and fuzzies. I love Christmas. I love Christ, and I don't care if a bunch of the traditions have pagan roots. For the most part all of it was started to celebrate Christ and the miracle of His birth. To top it off for a perfect weekend, Hubs and I enjoyed the LDS First Presidency's Christmas Devotional. Now it truly feels like Christmas, and I feel happy.

Yes, I Really Believe that three: Angels

Christmas is a favorite time of year for many many people, and I believe there is the obvious answer of why. It is because it is the celebration of Christ's birth, and He brings happiness and peace. I love the Christmas story. One of my favorite parts of the story is the angels. They play such a profound part in the story. One told Mary about her being the mother to the son of God, and there were the angels that sing praises and rejoice at Christ's birth as told in Luke 2. There was the angel who told the shepherds that he brings "good tidings of great joy." I always picture Handel's "Messiah" (Listen to Glory to God ) That is how I imagine the heavenly hosts. I just set up my first ever of my own nativity. This one has an angel, and I think it is my favorite piece. It would make sense that there would be an angel, or even several angels, witnessing Jesus' humble beginnings. Also I feel confident that Mary would need some watching over. The idea of angels around me has always been a source of comfort, and many times have lifted me when I am at my lowest. It also makes me happy to know that angels are with us always even if we can't see them or always feel them.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:88 says, "And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." This scripture is popular among the LDS people because it has a profound and comforting message. It recently has become very popular with recent events in our last General Conference concerning our dear Prophet, Thomas S. Monson as he struggled to give his message. He looked as if he was going to collapse but didn't. Children later said that he had angels surrounding him. I also recently watched a movie about events that happened in Cokeville, WY, and how the children and everybody in that elementary school were protected from a bomb by angels of past family members. (It's called The Cokeville Miracle. Excellent movie. Powerful message.) I was told the story many times by people who were actually involved in that incident, and I have been always struck by the miracle that nobody was seriously injured or died because the school should have been blown to smithereens.

There are many instances in the scriptures of angels of all kinds, warriors, messengers, agents of comfort and strength, protectors. Besides the angels in the Christmas story, I love the angel that comes to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. Because Christ was suffering so much an angel came down to be with him (Luke 22:43). I believe that we can receive that too. Why can't we receive strength and help from angels? I like to imagine the angels I have around me at times. I am positive that I have had guardian angels protecting me and Hubs. I always wonder who my guardian angels are. I believe they are family, friends, or anyone who cares for me. There have been times when I should have been in terrible car accidents. Or Hubs when there should have been damage done to our car, or even an accident, when inadvertently running over roadkill of a deer (or something of the like) that wasn't completely pulled off the road. There was evidence that he ran over it, he felt it, but no damage was done. Huge miracles? Perhaps not, but enough to be significant. Hubs and family members have told me other stories of divine intervention. They are fascinating, amazing and compelling. The stories are also testimony builders of God's plan for us and of His love. This doesn't mean that people will always be accident-less, or not harmed, sometimes God does allow bad things to happen. I do know, however, that God doesn't let you suffer those trials alone, your angels are there too. You never know what might have happened if angels weren't there. This is a comforting thought to me. I also cherish the idea that angels are there at the good times too. Perhaps when a baby is born, or you are performing, giving a talk, doing temple work, anything that is important to you. It's sometimes nice to think you have much more of an audience than you can see. I have heard stories from people close to me of this very thing. How special right? Gives me warm fuzzies.

Now the depiction of angels have generally been portrayed the same way, shiny bright beings with wings and halo, and/or the naked chubby cherubim things. Do I believe they have wings and halos, or are necessarily pudgy? Not really, but they make for a pretty picture. I don't know. I write of this because if an angel was going to reveal itself in any way, it might make sense to manifest itself in a way that the beholder would understand. For example, Joan of Arc, if she really received messages from God, then why not be in a form she would understand? She claimed she saw the Archangel Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret. I don't know anything about Catholic saints, so I don't really know their significance, but they must be remarkable for someone to willingly follow their direction. Joan of Arc did some amazing things for how young she was, that it would make sense if she had some help from God. I am pretty sure God is smart enough to know what would bring Joan the most comfort, and get her butt moving to the French battlefront.

No matter what you believe, there are some things that just cannot be explained except by divine intervention. I must quickly make mention that sometimes angels are other living people. Your kids, maybe friends, even a stranger can become your angel. Sometimes the "angels round about you, to bear you up." are people. It could be a stranger. We could be someone's angel. There were only two times in my life when I did not want to live anymore, but because of the kindness of two wonderful women, living was made much more bearable. These two friends do not really know how much they helped me. This carries to my next point. Be willing to be someone else's angel. One never knows who's life may be saved.

Angels are amazing, and with the holiday season they are on the mind. Don't let skepticism cloud your spiritual eye. Embrace the message that these angels have to give. Angels are there for us when we need them. They are divine, so let them be near and so will God be also.

"Make yourself familiar with the angels, and behold them frequently in spirit; for, without being seen, they are present with you." St Francis of Sales (random quote I found on the net.)