So I must apologize that I have been lax on publishing any posts. I've been writing, but everything that I've written has been flat and passionless. I've been in self-evaluation mode, and it put me in kind of a funk. While I'm still trying to figure things out, many blessings have come as a result of doing the right things, speaking up at the most opportune moments, and seizing opportunities when they are offered.
"If you were waiting for the opportune moment, that was it." Jack Sparrow, Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl
On Groundhog Day when I went into work I was not expecting anything special to happen. There would be 6 more weeks of winter regardless what the groundhog did or did not see. So it was not a special day. The Friday before I was asked if I was interested in more hours because there might be a position available. I, of course, expressed interest. I have been vocal about wanting more hours at work. I was told that they would have to shift some things around and chat with other people before anything could happen. I wasn't promised anything. So this groundhog day I was not expecting my supervisor's boss to walk and talk with me as I was trying to fix a button that had come undone in a most inconvenient place. I was not expecting him to tell me to chat with him after my shift. I was not expecting the offer of a promotion to happen so soon nor so quickly after being hired. I accepted with vigor and a tiny giggle (I didn't think it very refined or professional to jump up and down in celebration). If I was waiting for the opportune moment, that was it, and unlike the character in "Pirates of the Caribbean", I took the chance. I couldn't be more excited at this new opportunity, considering where I started in my "working career".
When I was old enough to start working, I promised myself that every time I went from one job to another it would always be a step up (in my mind) than where I was. I started with a summer job as a cleaner for the public schools. Then I became a sweeper (janitor), to a tutor, then a data collector (phone surveyor), to sales associate in retail, to assistant manager in retail, to phone sales person (for 2 weeks and then I was fired. haha), to receptionist, to administrative assistant. It has been quite the journey. Each job that I had/have I learned so much. People say that jobs build character, good and bad. This is true. For instance I learned a certain amount and different ranges of patience in all of my jobs. I've learned respect. I learned kindness. I learned a lot about myself and of what I am capable. I learned what I enjoy doing at the work place. Currently I am learning a certain confidence. I am used to a certain environment that could really fry your sense of self if you let circumstances get to you.
Now I am in a work environment that I absolutely love, and it is an amazing feeling. I believed that I would be in retail back in Wyoming for the long haul. The thought always made me cringe. I loved the people I worked with, and I was grateful for the work. But the thought of working in a store for a career filled me with dread. If my family didn't rely on that paycheck, I don't know how much longer I would have lasted. I always felt like I should be doing something else with my life. I am a person that thrives on positive reinforcement. I am a person who wishes to be of some use to others. If I am to be paid, I would rather I be worth my employers' money. Working as a receptionist and administrative assistant (and yes in this instance they are different), I feel I have value and am entrusted with responsibilities that give a wondrous sense of accomplishment when they are fulfilled. It is such an awesome feeling when someone who doesn't see you very often (Such as the president of the establishment) recognizes your work, thanks, and praises you for it. How many of you can say that the head honcho knows who you are?
This is the perfect opportunity for me to mention again that Heavenly Father watches out for us. When we continue to do what is right, He will bless us in so many ways. I have never been one to really be great about consistently reading my scriptures, so it has been a goal of mine to change that behavior. So when I received this promotion, it popped into my head that me reading my scriptures everyday helped me achieve this promotion. Now I really need to make sure I am reading them consistently everyday. (see my previous post about scripture study)
Just one last word of wisdom from former LDS President David O. McKay, "Let us realize that: the privilege to work is a gift, the power to work is a blessing, the love of work is a success."
I must apologize for my lack of posts lately. I just have not been inspired. Everything that I would start to write would not come out properly in words. So I have been editing posts and re-editing, but nothing lately has excited me. If I am bored by my posts, then I know for sure you will be. So for this week's post, I thought I would share a modified version of a talk I gave today in church. I spent a lot of time on this talk, so I might as well get more than one use out of it.
For those of you not familiar with how an LDS church meeting is run, I will explain. Basically a few people from the congregation are chosen from a member of the bishopric to give the "sermon." It's not a sermon, but generally we will get up and talk about a topic given to us about a week prior. Hubs and I were asked to talk about the scriptures and why it is important to study them. Just for a little bit of exaggerated truth, the beginning of a talk might sound something like this. No I did not introduce myself this way. I only mentioned that I was nervous because it had been over a year since my last talk.
HAHA! This is probably only funny to Mormons, but it is more or less true. So I am sorry to my few non-LDS readers who don't get it. It's okay. Alright now for my talk. As mentioned this is slightly modified for this medium, but it is pretty much what I said. (I apologize for the length.)
Vaughn J. Featherstone (a past general authority) said “I believe that the scriptures have every dimension of life that we can cleave unto and find a pattern for living, if we will just go back to the scriptures and study them and learn from them.”
When you think of why studying the scriptures is important to life what comes to mind? You might think several of the following things.
The scriptures teach about Christ and His atonement.
They are a source for personal revelation.
They instruct and give guidance.
They teach how to discern what is right and wrong.
They remind us to have faith and pray.
They allow the Holy Ghost to be a constant companion, and in conjunction with that the scriptures can be your most precious friend.
I am a bookworm. I love books. Many of my books in my library have become my friends, and I relate and share thoughts and feelings with the characters on the pages. Each one of my books has a memory attached to them, and much to [Hubs] chagrin means that I cannot get rid of them if we ever move again. Reading is a most intimate past time for me. Emily Dickenson said, “The dearest ones of time, the strongest friends of the soul—books.” The scriptures can be our "strongest friend of the soul" if we allow them to be. This part of my talk is inspired and has a lot of quotes from Richard G Scott’s talk entitled “The Power of Scripture."
Richard G. Scott said this about scriptures, “They can become stalwart friends that are not limited by geography or calendar. They are always available when needed.”
So how do we allow the scriptures to be our friends, our constant companions? By reading, studying, pondering, and memorizing, or the recently popular term “ponderizing” coined by Elder Devin G. Durrant in this last conference. If you don’t remember, or don't know what that is, "ponderizing" is 80% pondering, 20% memorizing. I will touch on this later. Elder Scott referring to memorizing scripture said that it is “to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change.”
We go to our friends, whoever they may be, when we are down and we need a confidant. Or even when we are celebrating. We seek comfort and guidance, and our truest and most loyal friends will provide and not disappoint. Elder Scott says, “Learning, pondering, searching, and memorizing scriptures is like filling a filing cabinet with friends, values, and truths that can be called upon anytime, anywhere in the world.” So in a way, scriptures are better than our people friends because they are not bound to their daily lives that take them away from us. You can read your scriptures at 3 AM and they won't hate you for it. Scriptures will be your most loyal companions. We can carry the scriptures in our phones now. They are literally always at our fingertips, or back pocket, ready and waiting to be read.
While Scriptures are a source of comfort and friendship, reading is a source of knowledge, and the scriptures are too. In around 7th or 8th grade, I struggled in math when they decided to put letters in the equations. My grades dropped dramatically. My dad counseled me to read the scriptures, specifically the Book of Mormon, more diligently and it would help me succeed in math. Well I tried it, and lo and behold, I received a much better grade on my next math test. It never happened to be again on a math test, but I did pass the classes from then on out. Reading the scriptures can help you in whatever is important to you when it is righteous desire, like stellar grades. Elder Richard G Scott said, “Scriptures can communicate different meanings at different times in our life, according to our needs (my math class). A scripture that we may have read many times can take on nuances of meaning that are refreshing and insightful when we face a new challenge in life.”
He also said, “Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high.” So whether for school, or personal gain, scriptures can be a source of light, and truth, and knowledge. We all know the cliche, "Knowledge is power."
We have all heard say that the scriptures are a source of power. in reference to the aforementioned "ponderize" Devin G. Durrant says, “The Primary goal of ponderize is to provide an uplifting place for your thoughts to go—a place that keeps you close to the spirit of the Lord…. You will experience a feeling of perpetual purpose, protection, and power.” I am not a powerful person. In fact I am quite the weakling. There is not much muscle in these arms, but I can find power in my mouth through the words I use. Sheri Dew, in her book "God Wants a Powerful People" she says, "There is power in the word, for the Word is God. And the Word is taught persuasively in the Book of Mormon, which a latter-day prophet has promised will bring power into our lives." The scripture that goes along with that is John 1:1. “In the beginning was the word of God, and the word with God, and the word was God.” So if God is the word, or if God is in the word and we know of the word. Don’t you think that the words, and you with knowledge of the word, will be endowed with power?
There is a book by Dennis Rasmussen called “The Lord’s Question." In it Rasmussen talks about the testimonies and words of the prophets. “Though man travels throughout his days, he need not wander. The way is marked by the testimonies of those who have gone before. In scripture the words of prophets whose lives belong to the past guide man's step as he enters the future.[...] Those who follow the prophets take upon themselves the task of building the words of scripture into structures of life and then sharing the words with all others.” There is power in the words of the prophets. But the words mean nothing if we only carry them in our minds. We must carry them in our hearts, which is where “ponderizing” comes in handy. Rasmussen says, “Those in former times did not hurry when they read the word of God. They did not use only their eyes. They placed the word in their mouths and in their hearts.” You need that foundation of the spirit testifying to you of the truth of the Word. You cannot build a building from the top down. Rasmussen suggests that you “build your souls with words” by taking and learning them by heart. I don’t mean by memorizing, but meaning as well.
Words don’t have meaning without the spirit behind them. Dennis Rasmussen defines what "word" is. “What is word? A vocalized breath? A set of symbols on paper? Both of these and yet more. Word is one of the titles of God himself, the very Son of God who was with the Father at the creation. A word is the sign of intelligence, and intelligence is the glory of God. Man can use words because he is the child of God. [...] To man was given the power to gather into words his wisdom and to hand it on to his children. [...] The words of Christ and his prophets are lifegiving. They alone can give all other words real meaning.” It is these words that give hope and faith to the testimonies written in the scriptures. Elder Scott said, “Throughout the ages Father in Heaven has inspired select men and women to find, through the guidance of the Holy Ghost, solutions to life’s most perplexing problems. He has inspired those authorized servants to record those solutions as a type of handbook.” With these words, this “handbook,” we can withstand the storms of life, and the war against evil. Words that are truly written in our hearts will heal, comfort, guide and protect us against the guile of Satan. Rasmussen also says there is no excuse not to study and read the scriptures. “I can easily convince myself that I have no time to study scripture. But truth remains: I do what I choose to do; I neglect what I choose to neglect. How often is there no time for reading scriptures when there is ample time for sitting before the glassy face of the electronic idol? [...] I belong to the people of a book. we are named after a book. Shall I not then study our holy books?” (referring to the Book of Mormon). In other words if we have time for our phones, tv, Netflix then we have time to read the scriptures. This is to be understood if we are to have power in our words.
Think of it this way with an object lesson that you may have seen. I mentioned I have weak arms. If I take this weight,
and I start moving my arm up and down, my arm will eventually become stronger. They will have more definition, and you might see a bump emerge etc. The weight will do nothing if it just sits on the floor and you don't pick it up. Your arms will not become stronger by osmosis or by positive thinking. You actually have to pick up the weight. The scriptures are the same way. They are useless to you if they just sit on your night stand. If you study and read the scriptures your “power” with the word, your faith, your knowledge will increase and be more defining, and people will know the difference. Pres Monson and all prophets before him, and all the general authorities. How much “power” and “presence” do they command? Tons. You can recognize it and feel it as they are speaking at the pulpit. They get this power from reading the scriptures and studying. Thomas S Monson said, “I reiterate what we have been told repeatedly—that in order to gain and to keep the faith we need, it is essential that we read and study and ponder the scriptures.”
I know that if you read and study the scriptures, you will find hope, faith, comfort, and strength that you need. I also know that if you allow the words and the prophets speak to you, you will find the most loyal and cherished friends in the scriptures.
My lesson in Relief Society today was about finding joy and happiness in this life, and I thought, "Oh good, some material for my blog." Sadly I don't remember much of what was said during the lesson except for a quote from the movie, The Music Man. "You pile up enough tomorrows, and you'll find yourself with a lot of empty yesterdays." Not what I want to talk about. After 30 minutes of writing blubber, I know what I want to write. Sorry I erased all the blubber. Hope it makes sense.
Over Christmas at my in-laws, we watched "Inside Out."(watch trailer here) I love Pixar. I really do, and this movie was so fun. Brief premise, it goes inside the mind of a girl named Riley and the "lives" of her emotions. They concentrate on the prominent emotions, joy, fear, disgust, sadness, and anger. It's a difficult movie to explain, so I won't attempt it except to say that "joy" is the most dominant of the emotions, but she has to learn how to live with other emotions especially "sadness." "Joy" realizes that there cannot be "joy" without the "Sadness." That bit to me was the most profound part of the movie. I have always understood the principle of opposites, and no not Newton's third law "for every action there is an opposite and equal reaction (although it fits perfectly to what I am talking about, and it goes hand in hand with gospel principle). I am talking about, "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things." (2 Nephi 2:11, 13), and this movie made me think of it.
When I started my happiness journal, and then when I started this blog, I have come to understand more and more, that happiness is more of a journey. We don't just reach one moment of happiness, and boom we are done. We are happy. (That won't happen until after judgement and we live with God again) Most likely that happiness will fade, and we must find some more happiness. Don't misunderstand, there are people who seem to be always happy and chipper, and I love those people. I envy those people. They have a very unique perspective and personality. I, on the other hand, sometimes have to really search for my silver linings. A few of those extra happy people, one would be amazed to find out, that they have had the toughest lives full of heartache and sorrow. I always think of Job in The Bible. He really had it rough. He lost his wealth, his children, and was sick with boils and sores. Still, he remained "optimistic" that God would be good to him. Because of that "optimism" Job got everything back tenfold. I am sure the years to follow his ordeals were some of his happiest. Job had to go through hell to find his happiness again.
I wonder how many churches believe that Adam and Eve played a part in our understanding of happiness. Here is what I believe. Before the forbidden fruit, Adam and Eve lived in a state of just being. They knew not good nor evil and in retrospect, happy nor sad. I cannot imagine a life without emotion. But when Adam and Eve chose to eat the forbidden fruit, they came to understand happiness and sorrow. Without opposition what would be our purpose? What would God's purpose be? In verse 13 of 2 Nephi 2 (see link above) it says that if there weren't opposites then God would not be, because Satan would not be. In verse 25 of that same chapter it says "Adam fell that man might be; and men are, that they might have joy." God wants us to be happy, but first Adam and Eve must eat a fruit (or whatever metaphor you believe). What a wonderful gift they could give the world.
I would say I am a generally happy person. I am content and happy in my small world. I have had my ups and downs. I feel I definitely haven't had some of the more tragic downs as some other people. I also believe that God gives us our own set of challenges designed just for us. My challenges are mine, and they are not easy for me. Yours are yours, and they are not easy for you. Still those challenges can put many things into perspective. For those temporary trials, after they are done they are exhilarating. You can still find the joy rather easily. Now those life-long "chronic trials", they are a bit more challenging to stay positive. There is always a constant reminder of something bad. Those things that just can't be let go and forgotten. I know a lady who is blind. She has not always been blind, and I don't recall what made her go blind. I know she has struggled, and I am sure she gets frustrated. But she is one of the sweetest, kindest people I know, and one can't help but love her. I am sure she finds her silver linings and finds her happiness in other ways.
Many people say that happiness is a choice. Yes it is, and no it isn't. Yes because you choose how you react to situations. And no it isn't because it is impossible to be "happy" 24/7. There are things that will make you sad, or angry, or whatever. Quite frankly, happiness can be exhausting. Good exhausting, but exhausting. Remember opposition? Sometimes you need to shout out that anger to feel right with the world again. I write in a journal my bottled frustrations. It helps me, in the long run, be happier. But, for the sake of argument. Happiness is a choice. Here are 2 quotes to prove this point, and I will end it there and let you find your own happiness journey. I can only help so far with this blog in reminding you of things that might make you happy. The rest is up to you.
1. (I don't know where I got this, or who said it) "The key to happiness is letting each situation be what it is instead of what you think it should be."
2. From the LDS study book, "True to the Faith". Your success and happiness, both now and in the eternities, depend largely on your responses to the difficulties of life."
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!!
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.
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)
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
When I was old enough to start working, I promised myself that every time I went from one job to another it would always be a step up (in my mind) than where I was. I started with a summer job as a cleaner for the public schools. Then I became a sweeper (janitor), to a tutor, then a data collector (phone surveyor), to sales associate in retail, to assistant manager in retail, to phone sales person (for 2 weeks and then I was fired. haha), to receptionist, to administrative assistant. It has been quite the journey. Each job that I had/have I learned so much. People say that jobs build character, good and bad. This is true. For instance I learned a certain amount and different ranges of patience in all of my jobs. I've learned respect. I learned kindness. I learned a lot about myself and of what I am capable. I learned what I enjoy doing at the work place. Currently I am learning a certain confidence. I am used to a certain environment that could really fry your sense of self if you let circumstances get to you.
