Christmas

Before I talk about Christmas, I wanted to say that if we continually put an effort into each and every relationship, then things will work out. It does take time and extreme patience.   Often times we must take a step into the darkness, not knowing what will happen. The few times I have done this, good things have happened but it takes faith BEFORE you step to take that step. If you are struggling with something, I want you to know that if you make a decision, and follow it all the way through, then things will work out the way they are suppose to.
During those times in life where you feel that the Lord isn't answering your prayers, maybe the Lord is waiting to see what decision you will make. If the Lord made every decision for us, then we wouldn't be "free to choose" (2 Nephi 2:27). I was talking to a wonderful friend of mine during one of my trials when I needed to make a decision and I was struggling to choose one of several good things. This friend told me that because the Lord is letting me choose, what path I wanted to take, He was fully trusting me to make the right decision. I am grateful for that experience because it allowed me to put my trust in my Savior and come to know that he would protect me and guide me no matter what I choose to do. There is times where we need to stop waiting for things to happen and go out and do something to make them happen.
This Christmas, let us try and be more forgiving, tolerant, charitable, respectful, a better example to those around us, and give our hearts fully to those we trust. Christmas is much much more then presents and family. It is a time to stop and remember what Jesus Christ has given us. If we have the right spirit within our hearts and homes, then we have come to better understand the true meaning of Christmas.

Twas' 11 Days before Christmas

twas' 11 days before Christmas, around 9:38

when 20 beautiful children stormed through heaven's gate.

their smiles were contagious, their laughter filled the air.

they could hardly believe all the beauty they saw there.

they were filled with such joy, they didn't know what to say.

they remembered nothing of what had happened earlier that day.

"where are we?" asked a little girl, as quiet as a mouse.

"this is heaven." declared a small boy. "we're spending Christmas at God's house."

when what to their wondering eyes did appear,

but Jesus, their savior, the children gathered near.

He looked at them and smiled, and they smiled just the same.

then He opened His arms and He called them by name.

and in that moment was joy, that only heaven can bring

those children all flew into the arms of their King

and as they lingered in the warmth of His embrace,

one small girl turned and looked at Jesus' face.

and as if He could read all the questions she had

He gently whispered to her, "I'll take care of mom and dad."

then He looked down on earth, the world far below

He saw all of the hurt, the sorrow, and woe

then He closed His eyes and He outstretched His hand,

"Let My power and presence re-enter this land!"

"may this country be delivered from the hands of fools"

"I'm taking back my nation. I'm taking back my schools!"

then He and the children stood up without a sound.

"come now my children, let me show you around."

excitement filled the space, some skipped and some ran.

all displaying enthusiasm that only a small child can.

and i heard Him proclaim as He walked out of sight,

"in the midst of this darkness, I AM STILL THE LIGHT."

Written by Cameo Smith, Mt. Wolf, PA

Comfort

I am greatly saddened by this tragic shooting in Connecticut today. I wanted to post a few short thoughts by a few different general authorities in the hope that it may bring some comfort and peace to someone who is suffering right now. 
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"The Lord gives us a spirit of hope and a feeling of comfort and confidence that we can overcome the obstacles we face. He has shown the way to gain strength during our struggles. With His assistance, we have the ability to succeed. Listen to His words of counsel and comfort: "Fear not, little children, for you are mine, and I have overcome the world and none of them that my Father hath given me shall be lost."
--L. Lionel Kendrick, "Strength During Struggles", Ensign, Oct 2001, 24 (boldness added) 

"The knowledge that Heavenly Father loves us and that we are His children gives us strength, comfort, and hope to live this mortal life. Allowing the Savior to atone for our sins is the greatest expression of our Heavenly Father's love for each of us. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
--Dean R. Burgess, "Do You Know Who You Are?", Ensign, May 2008, 53–55

"No matter how difficult the trail, and regardless of how heavy our load, we can take comfort in knowing that others before us have borne life's most grievous trials and tragedies by looking to heaven for peace, comfort, and hopeful assurance. We can know as they knew that God is our Father, that He cares about us individually and collectively, and that as long as we continue to exercise our faith and trust in Him there is nothing to fear in the journey." 
--M. Russell Ballard, "You Have Nothing to Fear from the Journey", Ensign, May 1997, 59

Life

I really love this first picture because its just a small reminder that live wouldn't be worth living unless we had challenges and trails to make life beautiful. 

 We need to teach children what is truly important in life such as integrity, honesty, and virture. There has been a few times in my life where a friend says something to me and it makes me realize that I am extremely grateful for their friendship in my life.

I am also very grateful for the gifts and talents I have been given by our Heavenly Father to help me through life. I would be ungrateful if i didn't say so. I hope that we all receive gifts this year with a grateful heart. It shows a lot about you, if you don't accept a gift with a grateful heart.

I know the Book of Mormon is true. There is no doubt in my mind. I have learned so much from consistent daily scripture study. It may be hard at times to do this, but I am blessed to be able to read and learn for myself.  

I want to show up in heaven, when that time comes to stand before our Maker, and say that I have helped those around me. I dont say this to get attention but just to let those who read this that I have committed myself to serving those around me. Sometimes I do it grudgingly but it is really uplifting to go and serve someone around me and help them. I am far from perfect but I am doing MY best to show my love for those around me, whether I know them or not. 

I know that when we pray to Heavenly Father in Jesus Christs name, He hears each and every pray by every person on earth. There are times when I wonder if He hears me, but I get a confirmation that He does and my faith is getting a little stronger day by day. I know that when we have a decision to make that we need to get on our knees and pray to know His will and then search the scriptures to hear His will for us. With searching the scriptures sometimes we expect the answer to be clearly outlined but often we must just open the scriptures and start reading, looking at footnotes and following them. Sometimes the answer to our question is right there as soon as you open the scriptures up, but sometimes it may take days, weeks, months, or even years. Do NOT give up. Sometimes the Lord lets us struggle to show us how strong we are.

Happiness