New Year, New Start

So the New Year is coming up on all of us fast, in fact it will be here in 2 days. Everyone tends to talk about New Year's resolutions about this time. They reminisce about last year's resolution, how  they may or most likely may not have accomplished it, and they discuss what they can do for this coming New Year's resolution. I have never been one for resolutions myself. I have always felt that the New Year is a new beginning in every way, not just one. 

Just as Christ ushered in a new and everlasting Covenant, or Testament, the scriptures teach us that, " 47 Old things are done away, and all things have become new." - (3 Nephi 12:47) The Savior and His prophets spoke numerous times on the importance of being "born again". Starting over in life is a blessing that is offered through the fullness of the everlasting Gospel because of the ordinance of Baptism. When we are baptized by someone holding the Priesthood Authority of God, we put away our old lives, and all things become new for us. 

I had the privilege of witnessing 3 baptisms in the last month of some friends that are dear to my heart. The Parker family took the opportunity to begin their New Year with new lives. I am grateful the Priesthood power of God, granted to men here on Earth for the work of the Salvation of mankind. 

My invitation to all reading this blog is to start this New Year with a resolution of a new life. Let us all do as the people in this short video discuss, and "look not behind," but move forward with a new determination to come unto Christ.

What are you Thankful for?

November and December, the 2 months of the year it seems that people decide to show more gratitude, or to even remember the things that they are grateful for. During this Holiday Season, whether for you it is Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or just about an old elf in red with presents, it seems to me as though people become nicer to one another. I'm not at all complaining about the gratitude, kindness, or the thankfulness that is expressed of course.

During the past month or so Elder Walker,  the missionary that I'm currently serving with, and I have gone around to some of those that we know sharing a short uplifting thought about the reasons for being grateful. As a part of this thought we chose to use the some excerpts of scripture from the Book of Mormon. There was an underlining message and thought that we were hoping those we spoke to would catch on to. Lets see if you can.
" 37 And now, my beloved brethren, I desire that ye should remember these things, and that ye should work out your salvation with fear before God, and that ye should no more deny the coming of Christ;
38 That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." - Alma 34:37-38

Do you see it? I'll give you a hint, it has to do with how I started this blog. If you did,or didn't here it is. The point that we wanted to bring to peoples attention was "that [we] live in thanksgiving daily".

What am I thankful for daily? I'm thankful for many things in my life.

I'm thankful for my family!

I'm thankful for the opportunity to serve the Lord as a missionary!

I'm thankful for close friends that I love, and that love me!

And most of all, I'm grateful  for My Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Here is a short video of everyday people giving examples of how we can live in thanksgiving daily. 

Now the Kicker! What are you thankful for today? Leave a comment and let others know what it is that helps you to live in thanksgiving daily.

  

The Christmas Spirit

Tuesday of this week Elder Walker and I where in our apartment preparing our dinner for the evening when we had an unexpected knock at the door. Elder Walker opened the door to see the smiling face of our next door neighbor holding a small brown box with no label. She asked him if we planned on putting up a Christmas tree, to which he responded that we weren't. She then looked at him and said, " Well then, this is for you two." She handed him the box and inside was a small pre-lit Christmas Tree. We smiled back, thanked her for her hospitality, and wished her a Merry Christmas as she turned towards her door and went into her apartment. 

Immediately after we closed the door, Elder Walker grabbed a knife from the kitchen drawer and opened the box. He was overwhelmed with glee as he pulled the small tree from the box, put the batteries in the bottom of the tree for the lights, and turned it on. Not more then 5 min. after putting the small Christmas tree on our couch side table, there was another knock at the door. Our same generous and cheerful neighbor stood at the door with another box in her hands. She said," Now you can both have one, and when you go home and start your own families, these will be your first Christmas trees." We were grateful and speechless. She handed us the other box and went back into her apartment with a smile on her face. We opened the second box, added the batteries and put it up on the dresser in the bedroom. 

I  tell you this story in hopes that your heart was touched and softened as much as mine was from the generous and selfless gift to two missionaries away from home. I hope that it brings into your mind the true meaning of Christmas. Love is what is really important in the Christmas season. Giving something to another out of charity, or the "Pure LOVE of CHRIST" is what really keeps us the spirit of the season.  I want to think back in your mind to the origin of Christmas, the first Christmas. Do you know the story?

"1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Cæsar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judæa, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;...

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men." - Luke 2:1-14

This is the true Spirit of Christmas. The birth of our Savior is the greatest gift that the world has ever seen. It was the first "Christmas gift" if you will. He came from our Father in Heaven's presence. A gift given as an example of the perfect love of a perfect Father. It is my prayer that we can all remember the true meaning of Christmas. I hope that we can all give gifts in the real Spirit that our Father in Heaven and our Savior intend. I hope that we can remember Charity and Love this Christmas, in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.