Christmas Lights

For Family Home Evening tonight we went to look at Christmas Lights. This is one of our family's traditions at Christmas time. What's funny is that we always go to the same places. Candy Cane Lane and The Christmas House. Candy Cane Lane is located off 79th Street between Lamar and Nall. The Christmas House is located off 75th Street and Falmouth in Prairie Village. The pics below are from Candy Cane Lane and the ones above are from The Christmas House. The thing that's nice about Candy Cane Lane is that you can stay in your car where it's warm and drive through. On a night when it feels like 10 degrees, that is a plus. The Christmas House is worth getting out for even in the cold. Every year there is something different at this place so even though we go every year we look to see what is different. This year we ran into the Staggs. It was fun to see that there are other adventuresome souls out there.

The Box

I have a dear sweet friend who is trying to help me deal with depression. Her suggestion was to imagine the depression as a box and to get out of it by thinking outside the box. It hasn't really helped, but I appreciate the fact that she tries to suggest different ways to try and help me. I even made a picture of a box with the word "think" outside of it. I have it sitting by my computer so I am reminded each day to "think outside of the box". Most days the box is humongous and I don't get anywhere close to the edge. I'm stay stuck in the middle. Some days I'm close to the edge, but still inside. Yesterday I made it outside of the box for a little while. Thank you Christal for that. So there's my post about the box.

Once There Was a Snowman...

Tuesday evening after the snow came, Daryn decided to build a snowman. Well the snow in the backyard wasn't packing very well so he decided to try the snow on the car. It was a little wetter and packed better. He thought it would be fun to keep it on the car. Joe and I decided to do a little shopping that night (yes we were out driving in that stuff). The snowman stayed on top of the car the whole evening. We even drove on the freeway. It was still there. Even after coming out of the store, it was still there. It didn't disappear until the next morning. Leave it to Daryn to put a smile on my face.

Celeste's Blessing Day

 

I know this happened a month ago, but I finally got to playing around with Picasa to make a collage of the pictures. It was so easy. Which is good since that's about all I can do these days. Thanks for the idea Tara.

All I Want for Christmas

Would any ward Christmas party be complete without a visit with Santa Claus? Here's Celeste in her debut with the jolly elf (aka John Naylor). She told Santa she wants a mobile for her bed, Nana time, and some good books.

Celeste's shirt says "Silent Night, Yeah Right!"

The Christmas Bells

I heard this story on a local radio station and thought it would make a good post.

"Christmas Bells" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Though written well over a hundred years ago, "Christmas Bells" has particular meaning. It is an expression of reborn faith during a period of doubt and dismay.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - America's first, great poet - was a dedicated anti-slavery abolitionist and a devoted family man. Early in 1861, Longfellow's wife, Fanny, burned to death when she dropped a lighted match on her long dress. She was melting sealing wax onto envelopes for relatives.The envelopes contained locks of "golden" hair from their youngest child -- five-year-old Edith. Longfellow rushed to the aid of his screaming wife and tried to smother the flames by throwing his arms around her. It was no use. Fanny died three hours later. Henry was badly burned and could not attend her funeral the next day. His face was so scarred after the ordeal he could not shave and so grew a beard. While still grieving his wife's death, the Civil War started.
Seventeen-year-old Charles Longfellow – oldest son of the famous poet - slipped away from home to join the Union Army. Charles proved to be a capable soldier and soon was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the First Massachusetts Cavalry. On Nov. 27, 1863. He was severely injured with a bullet wound in his shoulders, near his spine, and was evacuated to a hospital near Washington, D.C. When father Longfellow was informed of this, he went to the hospital and was given permission to take Charles home to recuperate.
Faith Tested
During the long days and nights that his son hovered between life and death, Longfellow's faith in God wavered. It seemed that his family was wasted, the war useless and God was dead. As Longfellow sat nursing his son through a long Christmas Eve, he reflected upon the meaning of life. At daybreak he was roused from his inner search by the sound of church bells announcing Christmas Day.
It was a symbolic call to Longfellow. He responded with the following poem in which you, too, may find inspiration for carrying on another Year…

CHRISTMAS BELLS
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

And thought how, as day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men.

Till, ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent.
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men!

And in despair I bowed my head;
"There is no peace on earth," I said;
"For hate is strong,
"And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, goodwill to men."

Then pealed the bells loud and deep:
"God is not dead; nor doeth He sleep!
"The Wrong shall fail,
"The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, goodwill to men!"

Winter Concert

Tuesday I was able to attend Rebekah's choir concert since the Relief Society HFPE activity was cancelled. Rebekah did fine, but I think the concert was a bit long. I do like watching my girl though. She is just beautiful. I didn't get very good shots because I was sitting towards the back, but here they are anyway.

Walk With Christ Day 16

Day 16
The Living Christ

Prayer: Offer a prayer of gratitude, ask for nothing.

Hymns : “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” Hymns Pg. 136,
“I Feel My Saviors Love” Childrens’ Songbook Pg. 74

Scripture(s): D&C 76:22

And now, after the many testimonies that have been given of Him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of Him: That HE LIVES!

Thought:
The Living Christ
As we commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ two millennia ago, we offer our testimony of the reality of His matchless life and the infinite virtue of His great atoning sacrifice. None other has had so profound an influence upon all who have lived and will yet live upon the earth.
He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. “All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made” (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He “went about doing good” (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.
He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary’s cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.
We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.
He rose from the grave to “become the firstfruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His “other sheep” (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised “dispensation of the fulness of times” (Ephesians 1:10).
Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: “His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters, even the voice of Jehovah, saying:
“I am the first and the last; I am he who liveth, I am he who was slain; I am your advocate with the Father” (D&C 110:3–4).
Of Him the Prophet also declared: “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is 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” (D&C 76:22–24).
We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—“built upon the foundation of … apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
We testify that He will someday return to earth. “And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together” (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.
We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.



© 2000 by Intellectual Reserve, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
English approval: 12/99. 36299


Action: Please spend several minutes today writing your thoughts and feelings about our Savior Jesus Christ. A treasure to share with your family and friends -

Today is the last day of the "Walk with Christ". It has been a wonderful journey for me. I have gained a deeper appreciation of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The sacrifice that He made for each of us is beyond my comprehension. I am glad He he loves each of us so much that he was willing to do this.

A Night with the Men Between the Pages

I am in a book group that meets monthly and we call ourselves
"The Pageturners". We are all members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Those that belong to this group are Darci E., Leslie F., Maria M., Mary Ellen N., Stephanie B., and myself.
We keep our group small
because we
occasionally
take field trips and we like to fit all in one vehicle. We've been together as a group for almost 15 years. This is a wonderful group of women
and we have been there to support each other over the years through good times and bad. Last night we had our annual Christmas party. Usually in December we don't read a book, but we still like to get together and celebrate with each other. This is the one time of the year that our spouses join us for the evening. We have such a good time together. Good food, great conversation, and wonderful friends make a terrific evening.
Sorry this picture is a little blurry. We are all wearing the aprons that Leslie gave us this year. Her sister made them for us. We all look like we should be cooking up a storm. Thanks Leslie!

Walk With Christ Day 15

Day 15
Resurrection
Hymn- # 82 When He Comes Again Children’s Songbook
Prayer – Pray to feel the love of your Savior and his presence in your life.
Scriptures-
3 Nephi 11:7 “Behold my Beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, in whom I have glorified my name”
D&C 76:22 “And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
Matthew 28:1-7
Thought:
No event of human history carries a more compelling witness than does the reality of the Resurrection. His followers on two continents testified of it. Uncounted millions of men and women through the ages have suffered, even unto death, for the witness in their hearts that He lives,the Savior and Redeemer of all mankind, whose “Atonement came as an act of grace for the entire world. How long and how great is the concourse of brave and humble people who have kept alive the name of Jesus and a testimony of His Redemption!
Now He has come again, in the latter days, to bless us and warm our hearts, to quicken our faith and bring us sure and certain knowledge of His living reality. We, of all people, can sing:
Joy to the world, the Lord is come;
Let earth receive her King!
Let ev’ry heart prepare him room,
And Saints and angels sing.
(“Joy to the World,” Hymns, no. 201)
We honor Him, we worship Him, we love Him as our Redeemer, the great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New Testament. The entire thrust of the testimony of the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants declares our living Lord before whom we kneel in humility and faith.” Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Testimony of the Son of God,” Ensign, Dec 2002, 2–5
Questions to Ponder:
What can I do in my life to feel closer to the Savior and have a better understanding of the Resurrection?
How does the Resurrection impact my life on a day-to-day basis?
What is one thing that I can do to strengthen my home and family during this holiday season?
Action:
Share your testimony of the Resurrection with a friend or neighbor.
Give service to someone today that may normally be overlooked.
Other Resources:
Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Testimony of the Son of God,” Ensign, Dec 2002, 2–5
Spencer W. Kimball, “A Gift of Gratitude,” Tambuli, Dec 1977,

Walk With Christ Day 14

Day 14
Atonement
Prayer Pray to gain a greater understanding of the Atonement and its importance in your life. Pray to see all the ways the atonement affects our life, not just for sin, but in healing as well.

Song: “In Humility, Our Savior” Hymns #172
Scripture: Isaiah 53:3-12
3 He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.
4 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.
5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.
6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.
7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.
8 He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: for the transgression of my people was he stricken.
9 And he made his grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death; because he had done no violence, neither was any deceit in his mouth.
10 Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.
11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
12 Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he hath poured out his soul unto death: and he was numbered with the transgressors; and he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.
Thought: “…the Atonement of Jesus Christ covers all the trials and hardships that any of us will ever encounter in this life.” Elder Quentin L. Cook, General Conference, Oct. 2008
(The following is not my own experience but that of the wonderful sister who made the contribution for this day of our Relief Society's "Walk with Christ")
Personal Application: In regard to the inevitable trials and hardships that must be faced in mortality, how wonderful to know that the Atonement offers full and complete relief when I apply it. Naturally, there will be leftover “battle scars”, but the healing is inevitable and miraculous. A few weeks ago, I encountered an experience that was very serious in nature. The gravity of the situation left me reeling. One night, I dreamed about the situation, and what I felt was the strain of sorrow that was a deeper degree of pain I had never before experienced. It was too much for me to endure. In an effort to shake the dream, I awoke, and decided to write a letter to an involved person to let them know of my sorrow for them. But, what I found myself writing were the words of my testimony of forgiveness, the Atonement, and healing results. “With His stripes are we healed…” came to my mind. The pain I had felt in my dream was agony. And life is full of it. But I believe and KNOW that it was only a taste of the agony and anguish that my Savior took for me. I appreciate that this incredible Being knows and understands every level of my mortality, and that His sacrifice covers it all: from pain to joy! He desires for me to allow Him to take the pain that I might live joyfully. Everything around me became brighter that day. How blessed I am to see how central Jesus Christ is to the Eternal Plan of (MY) Happiness. He lightens my load and illuminates my future. It is truly a marvelous gift that He offers to all.

Action: ~By realizing that Christ has already “taken the hit” for me, I will strive to keep the joy He desires for me to be in the forefront of my thoughts.
~Love and pray for those who are hurting…esp. those involved in my personal experience. I hope that some day they will experience and know of the true joy and peace, happiness as I have enjoyed.
~Act on Pres. Thomas S. Monson’s request to “Find someone who is having a hard time…and do something for them.”

Excellent Resource: “Hope Ya Know, We Had a Hard Time”, Elder Quentin L. Cook Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, (Ensign, November, 2008).

Reflections on Day 13

From the article found in theJuly 2004 Ensign, “First Presidency Message Miracles of Faith By President Thomas S. Monson is written a poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox.

It is easy enough to be pleasant,
When life flows by like a song,
But the man worth while is one who will smile,
When everything goes dead wrong.

For the test of the heart is trouble,
And it always comes with the years,
And the smile that is worth the praises of earth
Is the smile that shines through tears.
“Worth While,” in The Best Loved Poems of the American People, sel. Hazel Felleman (1936), 144.

At times this is a very difficult thing to do. When facing adversity can we smile? I think it just may be one of the small miracles that Heavenly Father grants when we can do that. I have seen this in my own life as I have struggled with depression and healing/surviving from childhood sexual abuse. There have been so many days when inside I felt like giving up. I still have those days, but I know I make it through the day with the Lord's help and that is a miracle.

Walk With Christ Day 13

Day 13
Miracles
Scriptures: Psalms 9:1 “I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvelous works.” Bible Dictionary p. 732-733 Miracles, Mormon 9:10-20

Hymn: “I Believe in Christ” Hymns #134

Quotations: “As a result of the many miracles in our lives, we should be more humble and more grateful, more kind and more believing. When we are personal witnesses to these wonders, which God performs, it should increase our respect and love for him; it should improve the way we behave. We will live better and love more if we will remember that.” President Howard W. Hunter, The Teachings of Howard W. Hunter, 1997, p. 115

“How do we assess the quiet miracle that the Lord works as He transforms us, His children, into worthy heirs of the kingdom of God? I believe it is made possible because, ‘God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life’ (John 3:16). I believe it comes as we yield to the enticings of the Spirit, put off the natural man, and are filled with the love of God. (see Mosiah 3:19). Sydney S. Reynolds, Ensign, May 2001, 12.

Prayer, Thoughts, Actions: Today in your prayers ask Heavenly Father to help you to see the quiet miracle of transformation in your own life as you yield your life to His will. Ask Heavenly Father to help you see the miracle of Transformation in others. Consider, How can I continue to become more like my Savior? Ask, What is something I can do today to become more like my Savior? Take a minute to consider these questions and the miracles that have come into your life because of your faith in Jesus Christ. Ponder how you can express your gratitude, humility and love for Him as you remember Him throughout the Day. In the hustle and bustle of the season set a goal to pay more attention the promptings of the spirit in your daily life and to act upon them. OR Write a Thank you note to someone who has been an example of a disciple of Christ in your life and mail it to him/her.

Other resources: July 2004 Ensign, “First Presidency Message Miracles of Faith By President Thomas S. Monson

Reflections of the Day

The past week my email box has been mostly empty. I would get maybe 4 emails in one day at the most. Most days I'll get about 10 which still doesn't seem like a lot to me but it's better than nothing. Today it was so full it was wonderful. I love email. It helps me feel connected to the world. One of the emails I got gave me cause for some inner reflection. My dear sweet friend writes "I would love for you to have the eyes and heart to feel of the great love that others feel for you--Our Heavenly Father and Jesus are perfectly capable to meet all our needs, but they often do it through imperfect people and as you have learned no one person can meet all our needs that is why we are in a community of saints, in families etc--we all need each other." That is something I have hoped for. Quite often I wish to be able to see myself as others see me. This might seem a bit strange, but I wish I could have happen the same thing that happened to George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life. I know it won't happen, but I would like to be able to see what would be if I hadn't been born. Do I matter? Would it affect anyone if I weren't around? Would it make a difference to anyone if I weren't here? Am I really needed? Would I be missed? I have been asking myself those questions and others like them so many times these past few weeks. I'm not having a pity party I really wonder about these things.

Walk With Christ Day 12

Day 12
The Ministry of Jesus Christ
Prayer:
Pray for the ability and spirit to love others as Christ does, to see the good in each person and focus on that which is positive.
Hymns: “Have I Done Any Good” Hymns #223
Scriptures: Luke 4:14-17, Luke 4: 18-21
18 The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised,
19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord.
20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down. And the eyes of all them that were in the synagogue were fastened on him.
21 And he began to say unto them, This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears.
Thought:
“The Lord’s mission in mortality was to accomplish the Atonement, which is a gift of immortality to every individual who has ever lived. That is an incredible gift. Part of that mission was to make eternal life a possibility for anyone who would qualify for it. That is a gift conditioned upon obedience to the laws and temple ordinances and covenants. What was His ministry? His ministry was everything else that He did—His miracles, His teachings, His love, His focus on ordinances, His teaching us how to pray. His mission—the Atonement—was uniquely His. Only one was required to do that. He did it once for all. On the other hand, His ministry was to be an example for us. There is no limit to the number of people who can learn to love as He loved, to serve, obey, pray, and endure to the end as He did. We can all emulate that example. We need to make a clear distinction between the things we can do that the Lord did and the things we need not worry about that the Lord did once for all. If we can understand that, then we can really emulate the Lord in our own lives and follow the example He set for us.” Russell M. Nelson, “The Mission and Ministry of the Savior: A Discussion with Elder Russell M. Nelson,” Ensign, Jun 2005, 16–19
Questions and Thoughts to Ponder and Apply:
· What am I doing to serve others in my own home? Do I lovingly think of my everyday tasks as acts of love and service? How can I focus more on that way of thinking?
· What are some examples of healing the broken hearted?
Actions: Show love to others today, that they may feel loved
· Send a card to someone who may have outlived their friends and loved ones, or call them to let them know you are thinking of them.
· Stop by and visit someone who doesn’t (or does) get out much.
· When conversing with family members in our home, think of how the Savior would respond to them, and do likewise.
Other Resources:
The Bible Dictionary: Ministry New Testament books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, and 3rd Nephi in the Book of Mormon.

The Big Blue Monster

I have tried and tried to be positive the last few weeks, but I can't do it any more. The blue monster has taken control once again. I feel like I am fighting a losing battle. The meds aren't helping any. I actually think they might be making it worse. I've been on this dose for over seven weeks and should have noticed a difference. I don't notice any difference though. I don't want to sound like a woe is me person right now because I know there are others out there that have more difficult things to struggle with. I will paint on the smile and go on even though I don't feel like I can. How do others live with this illness?

Walk With Christ Day 11

Day 11
The Childhood of Jesus Christ
Prayer: Pray for the Spirit to guide me to know specifically how I can be a righteous influence to protect and train the children I love.
“Home Can be a Heaven on Earth” Hymns #298
“I Am a Child of God” Hymns #301
Scriptures:
Matt. 2:12-23 Joseph was warned in a dream to take Jesus and Mary and “flee into Egypt. . . for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.”
Luke 2:52 “And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.”
Proclamation on the Family:
“Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs,
to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God, and to be law-abiding citizens.”
“Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”
Thought: Pres. Thomas S. Monson: “Let us earnestly follow His direction: ‘Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.’ (Mark 10:14) A popular song includes the words, ‘There are angels among us.’ These angels are quite frequently the precious little ones God, our Father, has entrusted to our earthly care. To them may we teach prayer, inspire faith, live truth, and honor God. Then we shall have heavenly homes and forever families. For what higher gift could we wish? For what greater blessing could we pray? None!”
Questions and thoughts to ponder and apply: How can I be in tune with the Spirit to hear the spiritual promptings I need to protect my family? Where can I go to flee from the evil facing the children I love? What can I do to protect them from things that would harm them?
How can I strengthen my home to achieve the balance necessary for children (and all of us) to thrive mentally, physically, spiritually, and socially?
Am I achieving happiness in our family life? Am I establishing my home on the foundation of the teachings of Christ? Am I teaching and inspiring the precious little ones entrusted to my earthly care?

Actions:
To receive the Spirit I need to guide my family and me, I will worthily partake of the Sacrament each week (take upon me the name of Christ, always remember Him, and keep His commandments) so that I may receive the promise that I “may always have His Spirit to be with” me.
Prayerfully study the Proclamation on the Family. Choose one principle to focus on and make a plan to improve it in your home.

Other resources: Luke 2:40-52, The 12-year old Christ teaches in the Temple
Oct. 2004 Ensign pp. 2-7, Pres. Thomas S. Monson,: “Teach the Children”

My reflection on today's walk:
I think of the "angels" in my life. The biggest angel in my life right now is very tiny; my granddaughter (that word still sounds funny to me) Celeste. On days when the Blue Monster is attacking she helps me fight it. She is so precious and dear to me. I truly feel she is a gift from heaven. I enjoy those few moments I get to hold her and snuggle. She is my angel. Another angel in my life is my dear sweet husband. He has been a great support to me as I have struggled this past year. He has been so understanding and compassionate. I wouldn't have gotten this far without him.

Walk With Christ Day 10

Day 10
Wise Men Seek Him Still…
Prayer: As you go through your day today, pray to recognize the other children of our Heavenly Father seeking to find truth.
Song
“With Wondering Awe” Hymns #210
Scripture:
Matthew 2:1-2 ; also Matthew 2:3-12
1 NOW when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,
2 Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

Thought: From the Bible dictionary under the word “Magi” we read, “Their identification is not made known in the scriptures, but it is certain that they were righteous men sent on an errand to witness the presence of the Son of God on the earth. Their spiritual capacity is evident: They were able to see the star when others could not; they knew its meaning, and brought gifts to the young child; and they were warned of God in a dream to return to their home by a safe route. Their knowledge was precise and accurate. It seems likely that they were representatives of a branch of the Lord’s people somewhere from east of Palestine, who had come, led by the Spirit, to behold the Son of God, and who returned to their people to bear witness that the King Immanuel had indeed been born in the flesh. We are not told how many wise men there were, but tradition usually speaks of three, because of the three gifts of gold, myrrh, and frankincense. If they were serving in the capacity of witnesses, there would of necessity have been two or three.”
Questions to ponder:
What am I doing to seek Christ in my life?
What am I doing to help others seek Christ?
Action:
1. Make sugar cookies in the shape of a star and give to a neighbor or someone you visit teach. Share with them the story of the Wise Men.
2. Make paper stars and place them in different areas of your home or car to help remind you to follow the Star of Bethlehem to seek the Savior.
Other Resources:
Bible Dictionary look under Wise men
“Twelve Witnesses of Christ’s Birth” Liahona December 1992

Walk With Christ Day 9

Day 9
Anna and Simeon
Prayer: Pray for a desire and an opportunity to share your witness of the Savior’s love in your life with someone else. Give thanks for the ways you feel the Savior’s love in your life.
Scripture: Luke 2:22-38
Song “Go Forth With Faith” Hymns #263
Thought: “Joseph and Mary brought the infant Jesus to the temple at Jerusalem after forty days, to present him to the Lord. There, two aged and spiritual temple workers received a witness of his identity and testified of him. Simeon, who had known by revelation from the Holy Ghost that he should not taste of death until he had seen the Messiah, took the infant in his arms and testified to his divine mission. (See Luke 2:25–35.) Anna, whom the scripture called “a prophetess” (Luke 2:36), recognized the Messiah “and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38).
Anna and Simeon were eyewitnesses to the infant, but, just like the Apostles, their knowledge of his divine mission came through the witness of the Holy Ghost. “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10.) Therefore, we can properly say that when each received this witness, Simeon was a prophet and Anna was a prophetess. Each then fulfilled the prophetic duty to testify to those around them. As Peter said, “To [Christ] give all the prophets witness.” (Acts 10:43.) This was what Moses meant when he expressed the wish “that all the Lord’s people were prophets, and that the Lord would put his spirit upon them!” (Num. 11:29.)” Dallin H. Oaks, “Witnesses of Christ,” Ensign, Nov 1990, 29
Questions to ponder: Anna and Simeon were able to testify of a very personal experience they had with the Savior, what personal experiences can you testify of that you have had with the Savior in your life? Does the testimony of the Savior’s love in your life during happy times, sickness, injury, death of a loved one, or maybe just during a difficult day compare to Anna and Simeon’s experience? How does Elder Oaks say we can be prophets in our own lives?
Personal Application: Like Simeon, there are promises in your life that you have seen fulfilled or that you can look forward to being fulfilled in regards to spiritual things. Take time to reflect on these things and to share your testimony of them when moved upon by the Holy Ghost. Like Anna, you can stand in holy places and be spiritually prepared to receive and recognize wonderful blessings.
Action: Take the opportunity that arises as a result of your prayer and faith to testify of our Savior’s Love. Write down a list of the things you are grateful for in your life which come from the Lord’s love.
These are some of the things I am grateful for that come from the Lord's love for His children: The Savior's Atoning Sacrifice, Temple Covenants, obedient children, a loving patient husband, and living in a country where I can worship as I choose.