a special Christmas

As the Christmas season approaches I cant help but think of the excitement and the joy of this wonderful Holiday season. The Prophet Thomas S. Monson said "This is a glorious time of the year, simple in origin, deep in meaning, beautiful in tradition and custom, rich in memories, and charitable in spirit. It has an attraction to which our hearts are readily drawn. This joyful season brings to each of us a measure of happiness that corresponds to the degree in which we have turned our mind, feelings, and actions to the spirit of Christmas."

Since I am away from my family and have been for over a year I have been thinking of something special that I could give them. "We all enjoy giving and receiving presents. But there is a difference between presents and gifts. The true gifts may be part of ourselves--giving of the riches of the heart and mind--and therefore more enduring and of far greater worth than presents bought at the store." (James E. Faust) As I have been thinking of this I have really caught on to the true spirit of Christmas. To me it doesn't matter what is under my tree, or in the mail. It matters that it came from someone that I love. The birth of Christ was not wrapped in sparkling paper with a HUGE glittering bow. It was not expensive and didnt take up a ton or room. It was a humble and quiet birth. So too my gifts should be. His birth and life was a testimony that Heavenly Father lives and that He loves us. The Atonement also was a gift of love. This Christmas I am going back to the basics. I am creating lasting gifts that will bring in the Spirit and touch the hearts of those that I love. What a better time to offer your testimony of the Savior Jesus Christ and to share how He blesses your life.

Step back for just a second. Remember the true meaning of Christmas and make this year a year to never forget. Make this season centered on Jesus Christ. After all He is the real reason to celebrate.

Families are Forever!

Me and 2 of my Brothers right before I left to serve
as a missionary.

Isn't it such a blessing to know that if we do all that we can to live with our Father in Heaven again that we will also be with our families? I am so thankful for this. Today I just learned that I have a new niece. She is the closest thing in our family to our Father in Heaven. She just came from Him. I am thankful to know where she came from, where she is going and what she is doing here. Not only her but I know all of these things for myself. I know that I lived with Father in Heaven, that He knew me and that He still knows me. This knowledge comes from knowing about the Plan of Salvation, or the Plan of Happiness. I know that He has a plan for each of us and that He knows each of us. Knowing this makes going through my struggles and challenges so much easier, although they are still hard. I am grateful for an amazing family that I am blessed to be a part of. I am thankful for each of them that help me to be who I am today. That push me to become better and that love me.