Stronger Through Him

  My why and purpose to my study of the Book of Mormon this year.   “And 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.” What better way to draw closer to him than to read another testament of Jesus Christ and his life and teachings? I have heard the acronym JOY used to teach about being a disciple.  Love Jesus, love others and love yourself. I want to use that acronym to guide my studies this year. What does the passage teach me about Jesus? What does it teach me about others?  What does it teach  me about myself? In the scripture verse quoted above this would mean: Christ is THE source for a remission of our sins.   When it says “our children” that doesn’t just mean my own children, but all who are within my circle of influence.  This includes those who watch me include or exclude others, keep or bre

  I was reading in Revelations 22:1-4 this morning and then my study led me to read Elder Gong’s talk, Good Shepherd Lamb of God.  In his message he poses this inspiring challenge: Dear brothers and sisters, may we desire to be “humble followers of God and the Lamb,” perhaps someday to have our names written in the Lamb’s book of life, to sing the song of the Lamb, to be invited to the supper of the Lamb. Most, if not all of us have had occasion to feel slighted when we didn’t receive an invite to an event.  Whether that simply pricked at our heart a bit or became an obsessive fixation that attacked our personal worth and forward progress (or somewhere in between), it can be a very real human challenge. Yet it occurred to me today to wonder why I am more concerned about earthly invites to an event that will be over next week, instead of ensuring that I am actively accepting the invitation of my Savior.   What a great tool for Satan to use in distracting me from my relationship w

  My kids give me a really hard time about this. Because what I call  “the new carpet” is now 7 or 8 years old. But here is the thing.   We paid for an extra plush pad under it so it could essentially serve as additional seating for the crowds of teens and family and friends we would host. And it’s done exactly that. Because I see it as our new and valuable carpet, I treat it as such and if we have a spill it is immediately cleaned up and taken care of carefully.   While our main floor flooring is pretty trashed, and the upstairs carpet I didn’t care as much about since it was already stained and old, this “new” carpeting requires the removal of shoes.   For two reasons. It does keep the carpet clean but it also allows others to feel and appreciate the plush carpet when they walk on it.  It makes me smile to share that. But it also got me thinking that our carpet would be looking a lot different if I DIDN’T see and protect it as the “new” carpet. If I hadn’t freake

 Yesterday as I sat at our Christmas Eve service I was struck by the beauty of the togetherness.  The man in front of me spoke only Haitian Creole. The family behind me, only Spanish. The Sacrament prayers and scriptures were carefully read some in Spanish, some in English. There were those who come often, and those pausing at the doors with trepidation but then sighing in relief when welcomed by hugs or finding their seats but looking around as if trying to find their place. There were those I knew who were missing loved ones separated by miles, struggles or the veil of mortality. And those with broad smiles as their rows were once again filled by out of town children come home for the holidays.  There were those in heels and shimmering finery and those in jeans and sweatshirts. All come to worship the Babe of Bethlehem. And as the music played on harp and piano, organ, flute, cello, French horn and English horn and in many beautiful voices; the angelic language of music united us all

 Giving gifts is such a part of Christmas I hadn’t really given its origin much thought.  A little internet research suggests that the giving of gifts came from gift giving rituals of earlier pagan celebrations.  The practice was then integrated with Christmas by Christians by alligning it with the giving of gifts to the Christ child by the wise men. Yet the comparison I most often make is to the greatest gift ever given- the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.   I love serving and giving to others, but this week I received one of the best gifts I have ever gotten. I’ve been trying to save for a new camera for several years.  My old one still mostly works but has some damage from when I fell while taking pictures at one of Alex’s cross country meets. So I saved… and then bought shoes for kids. And saved…and covered car repairs. And saved…and bought a water softener.   And saved…and paid for medical bills.  And saved….and then bought insulin for Alex’s dog. All normal p

  Good King Wenceslas It’s a Christmas song that rarely makes it into hymnals.   And doesn’t directly sing of Christ.   But according to multiple sources, it is rooted in the story of a Bohemian Duke, Saint Wenceslaus I. Duke Wenceslaus was a Christian who firmly believed that his faith should be evident in his deeds.  He would leave his castle at night taking only a page, rather than his usual entourage, and go out seeking those to help. In the case told in the lyrics he had gone out on a frosty, frigid night through deep snow and saw a poor man fumbling to find wood for a fire.  It is the Feast of Stephen, or December 26th. Wanting to provide for the cold soul,  he calls for food, drink and pine logs to be brought but as they head out to find him the journey becomes too perilous for the page.  “Sire, the night is darker now And the wind blows stronger Fails my heart, I know not how I can go no longer. Mark my footsteps, good my page Tread thou in them boldly Thou

  Carol of the Bells.   A hauntingly beautiful song from Ukranian roots. Written in 1914 by Leontovych, the song was first called  "Shchedryk" and based on an ancient tune handed down through the years.  It was about nature and springtime and, in particular, watching for the coming. From 1918-1921 a brief period of Ukraine as an independent republic called for a push in sharing their culture.  Consequently, Shchedryk was taken onto the world stage by a traveling choir.  When that choir came to North America and performed at Carnegie Hall it is believed to have led to the introduction of the tune to Peter Wilhousky.   He wrote the lyrics which made the now popular tune, a Christmas hit  that has continued to play a prominent role in our musical celebrations ever since. Ironically, Leontyvich was actually executed by Bolshevik agents for continuing to share his Ukranian culture.  And now 100 years later, similar war exists not only there but around the world making it ever more

 I recently came across each of these pictures on line within a rather short time period. I can’t help but be thankful for the times I recognize the goodness and promise offered by the Savior and gleefully run toward Him with enthusiasm and vigor. But I am equally as grateful for the times in which I stumble, fall or wander and find myself off course, only to find that the Good Shepherd was there the whole time.  That even in what I felt were my most dark and lonely times, perhaps the seasons of waiting, that all along I was in His watchful eye.   Elder Gong testified, “Jesus Christ calls us in His voice and His name. He seeks and gathers us.” That doesn’t change when we are tired, worn down and struggling.   But, oh what joy must fill His heart when we run straight to Him in excitement and enthusiasm to dwell in His peace and abundance!

 Sometimes we learn a lot from shared cultures.   A family in our ward sent this card to my husband this week after he was called as our new Bishop at church.  A bit of humor, but also a wonderful sentiment. D&C 82:3 teaches, “For of him unto whom much is given much is required.”   We have been richly blessed and are happy to serve in return.   I also believe the flip is true.  “Where much is required much is given” - not in material wealth or lack of trials, but in strength and peace and love.  But as it says in the card we have to stay on the road.   The road may seem rough  But keep on the right path,  And you will be blessed  With all the Father hath.  A beautiful truth that applies to each and every one of us. And how sweet to get a card with the simple words “we sustain and support you.”❤️

 Often, it seems that the stories of Christmas are those from long ago; of remembering and looking back.  This year I am feeling the call to be more in tune and more aware of needs around me right here, right now.  To follow the counsel of President Linda K Burton: “First observe, then serve.” Because, as we learned in 1 John this week, God is love.  And when we love others, as we’ve been commanded, then we show our love to Him.   And what better way to show our love for the Savior, whose birth we are celebrating, than to love one another.   After all, we are now creating the stories our children will one day tell.