Stronger Through Him

  A big cold blast and winter storm is on its way and in checking in with a friend, we realized that we both own generators that have never been used but neither of us is even sure if we have the correct fuel or connectors that would be needed. So I went to the expense and trouble of buying the generator but didn't bother to pick up the fuel. And now the storm is approaching. This would make for a great parable, right? Oh, wait....that one was already taken....some lamp oil comes to mind..... What excuse would we possibly be able to give when it was needed for our safety and survival? I didn't get around to it? I thought step one was good enough? Life is full of excruciating difficulties that will only be spiritually survivable with the aid of Jesus Christ and His atonement. I have seen many of these in the lives of those around me this week. Death, illness, effects of the evil actions of others, job loss, and storms - real and spiritual. But Sister Amy Wright testified abou...

 What other families does your family know well? What other fathers and mothers do they see in action?  Do your children ever sit at the table or in family home evening, or kneel in prayer with another family? Elder Marion D Hanks asked those questions. He then followed up, “With children, as all of us know, life is often a matter of following the leader, and wise parents will want their children to enjoy the influence of other families whose convictions and example will offer them strong incentives to build happy relationships in their own homes.” Every time my adult children come home we hear over and over again about the many good people who have helped shape them. And I am grateful.   And hope we’ve been able to provide, and continue to provide that for others as well.   What a blessing it is to be in  this world together!  Who can you reach out to this week?

  Today I was at a toboggan run with my family. I made one run with them, but spent much of my time watching and taking pictures. I watched as families and groups picked up the heavy sleds and with coordinated efforts carried them up the hills and then up the staircase to the tower.   Then they would awkwardly pile onto the toboggans in the specified manner and squeal with delight as they raced down the hill at 50+ mph.   The ride down the refrigerated track lasted less than 30 seconds.  It occurred to me that life is a lot like that.   Most of the good things in life require work.   And far too many voices in our society are saying that somehow there is something wrong with hard work. That needing to do hard things isn’t fair, or isn’t right or isn’t dignified.   So what does scripture teach us? Galatians 6:7 “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap.” Do not be deceived!  Paul knew that messages woul...

 Most of the United States would not be surprised to learn that in most of the nation, we are in the midst of a cold snap. I just saw on the news that in Ft Myers, Florida the lizards are falling from the trees. It’s literally raining lizards (much more likely than cats and dogs since they are cold-blooded)! However, do not be dismayed.  They aren’t dead, they have been cold shocked. There is no longer enough heat for them to maintain their holds on their perches. When they are once again warmed and their metabolism restarts, they will be able to return to their normal activity.   As we prepare to watch the funeral of Elder Jeffery R Holland this afternoon, his message about it never being too late or too far from the reach of Christ reminds me of these lizards. Sometimes, when through our own choices or the physical trials of mortal bodies, the warmth and light of the Holy Spirit dims, it can lead us to be spiritually “cold shocked” and we let go of the Iron Rod and fall...

  My daughter taught me something about the Christmas Story I didn’t know. Turns out Jesus wasn’t turned away from a Holiday Inn (I did know that!).  The “inn” was likely a family guest room based on the Greek root word. It was the front room where family and friends could sleep. And the JST clarifies that it was multiple inns.  Which means the Savior of the world was born in a stable after Mary and Joseph were not only rejected by strangers but family.  More than once. Let that sit with you for a second. No space. No comfort. No soft landing. No women helping a young Mary through her first childbirth.  Just a feeding trough where the animals stayed. So if you’ve ever felt like there wasn’t room for you at the table… If family felt full but your heart felt empty… If you were pushed to the margins while others got the guest room… You’re in very holy company. Jesus didn’t enter the world through warmth and applause. He arrived through inconvenience, rejection, and...

  He Came To Save Me The unkind word, the darker thoughts The times I failed to show. The parts that I want covered He says will be like snow. But I’ve been mean or cruel Or I have leaned toward doubt I didn’t always keep my word And He’ll just stamp it out? I got too tired and weary I forgot to trust in the light  I held onto grudges and anger And He can make that right? I’ve lost those I loved and leaned on, I’ve questioned my Father’s love I’ve over-relied on the world Instead of just looking above. Our culture says I should be cancelled But Christ says He’ll cancel my sin He just want my heart to be toward him And to let His Atonement in.  That is the message of Christmas The gift of the nativity  The truth is that He is my Savior And His gift was to come and save me.  Natalie Potter