Not Neccessarily Christmas....

This is my new favorite Bible Video that the LDS Church has made:

A Gift for Christ

WHAT IS YOUR GIFT TO CHRIST?

A Heart to Fill

Ellen Dibble Cox, Ensign Dec. 2001

It was turning out to be another rushed and harried holiday season.

When I was younger, I had envisioned peaceful Christmases filled with twinkling lights and glistening snow, with me seated before a fireplace and surrounded by my dream family.

To my disappointment, however, as a young adult I still had not seen the fulfillment of that dream. Instead, my time and energy during Christmas were being spent on my work as a schoolteacher and on various holiday-related activities. As my involvement in these activities increased and my to-do list grew longer, I felt more and more overwhelmed.

In the middle of the chaos came a request from a friend for our young single adult group to sing at a local nursing home. It was to be a family home evening presentation for the elderly patients there. I must admit that I didn’t really want to go, but I halfheartedly consented anyway.

Monday evening came, and when I got to the nursing home I was relieved that the hour had arrived—the service project would soon be erased from my to-do list.

A group of patients in wheelchairs had been gathered together in a cold, sterile room. A woman with silver hair and a tremulous voice opened our family home evening with prayer. She petitioned our Heavenly Father and sincerely and humbly said, “We thank Thee for all of our many blessings.” Blessings? I was puzzled by the thought. How could she see her world of wheelchairs, bedpans, hospital food, lonely days and nights, dependency, crippled limbs, and faded youth as blessings? The woman finished the prayer, and my thoughts were filled with wonder at her expression of gratitude.

Our group stood and began to sing.

Slippered feet tapped on foot rests, gnarled fingers kept time, and smiles appeared at the sound of the familiar melodies. Their expressions mirrored ours as we sang of Christmas delights and heavenly gifts. Something warm and magical gradually seemed to fill the room.

I gazed into the ageless eyes of the onlookers and found myself floating in their warmth and wisdom. They too had been teachers or carolers in a choir—married, single, parents, or childless.

The final notes of the closing song drifted softly around the room: “Sleep in heavenly peace.” A benediction was offered. My spirit was subdued and quieted.

My view of Christmas and of life began to change that night. For one moment I could see that I didn’t need to worry so much about what I felt was lacking in my own life. I sensed that within the withered physical bodies of those to whom we had sung were spirits filled with happiness, gratitude, and God’s love. No matter the person’s age or station in life, a portion of that love and happiness was there, if only I had eyes to see, ears to hear, and a heart to fill—with gratitude.

My Christmas Plans

Hello blog readers, relatives, and friends!!
This Christmas season, I'm going to try and post one Christmas story/thought a day!!! (try, try, try...)
jsyk! :)
Tova

ps, My previous post is the start of all this :)

The Real Meaning behind the 12 Days of Christmas

(I got this story from a LDS Christmas Calendar and really liked it) 

Catholics in England were prohibited by law from practicing their faith, both in private and in public

from 1558 to 1829. Being a Catholic was treated as a crime. There was no restored gospel at the time, however there were good Christians who knew without doubt the true church was not one that was

mainly created merely for the convenience of King Henry the Eighth) who wanted to sin and have a

church justify his actions. So in secret they continued to teach their children their Christian religion.

"The Twelve Days of Christmas" was written in England during this time frame. It was written to help

children learn about their religion. The entire song is writing in symbolism and hidden meanings be-

cause it was illegal to have anything in writing that would indicate adherence to the Catholic faith. To

be caught could mean imprisonment, hanging, or drawn and quartered.

 "The Twelve Days of Christmas" referred to a twelve day period that began Christmas day. While the world may have celebrated Christmas for about twelve hours, these Christians celebrated it for twelve days as a reminder that the gifts of God are with us for twelve months of the year. It also represented the idea that we should be thankful for the gifts of God and follow His teachings for all twelve months of the year and not just one day a year. The song begins, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..." The "true love" represents God, as our greatest love should be for Him. The word worship means that which we love the most. The "me" who receives these presents is the Christian man or woman.

1.The "partridge in a pear tree" was Jesus Christ who died on a structure made from the wood of a

tree. In ancient times a partridge was often used as mythological symbol of a divine, sacred king.

2.The "two turtle doves" were the Old and New Testaments another gift from God. Doves symbolize peace and the Gospel contained in these scriptures, when practiced, brings peace.

3.The "three French hens" were faith, hope and love- the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (I Corinthians 13). The French hens can also represent God the Father, His Son Jesus Christ and the

Holy Ghost.

4.The "four calling birds" were the four Gospels which sing the song of salvation through Jesus

Christ.

5.The "five golden rings" were the first five books of the Bible also called the "Books of Moses."

6.The "six geese a-laying" were the six days of creation.

7. The "seven swans a swimming" were "seven gifts of the Holy Spirit." (I Corinthians 12:8-11, Romans 12, Ephesians 4, 1 Peter 4:10-11) "For to one is given by the Spirit the word of

wisdom; to another the word o knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spir-

it; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to an-

other prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to other divers kinds of tongues; to another the

interpretation of tongues; But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to eve-

ry man severally as he will." (I Corinthians 12:8-11)

8.The "eight maids a milking" were the eight beatitudes.

9.The "nine ladies dancing" were nine fruits of the Holy Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness,

temperance: against such there is no law." (Galatians 5:22)

10.The "ten lords a leaping" were the Ten Commandments.

11.The "eleven pipers piping" were the eleven faithful disciples.

12.The "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed

Screwtape Letter and the Devil

Again, for my class, we read the Screwtape Letters (an AMAZING book; it makes you look at temptation, and all the little things that come with it). After discussing it, we were challenged to write our own letters. We could do it from any perspective, and send it to any of the characters. I chose to write as the human that Screwtape and Wormwood were trying to tempt:

Dear Screwtape and Wormwood, 

Looking down from heaven, and reviewing my life, I'd like to thank you for the role you played in my temptation. It is accurate to say that "there is opposition in all things." 

Because of the constant need to fight you, I grew stronger, and became closer to, as you call Him, the Enemy. And as a result of my closeness to Him, I was able to become even stronger in resisting you, (truly, as they say, He has "one eternal round"). 

I do lament your deplorable profession, but realize it's value. 

Please realize, that you have no power. The Enemy could destroy you, your colleagues, your leader, and your kingdom; the reason he does not is the same reason I thank you: opposition.  

Just as businesses need opposition to thrive, so people need it to realize their genuine opinions and beliefs. But some businesses crumple under the opposition. Thankfully, we humans have been promised that we will never "be tempted above that which (we) are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that (we) may be able to bear it." 

So, dear Screwtape, you will lose. The victory will come to the righteous and their King.  

Sincerely yours, 

Christian

The Church defines the Devil as "the enemy of righteousness and of those who seek to do the will of God. ... Since the time the devil was cast out of heaven, he has sought constantly to deceive all men and women and lead them away from the work of God in order to make all mankind as miserable as he is."

 

Elder Holland (one of my favorite speakers in General Conference!) said "We speak boldly because Satan is a real being set on destroying you, and you face his influence at a younger and younger age."
There are two videos that he speaks in that refer to Satan's subtle power, and how we need to constantly be alert to him:
Watch Your Step  
Stay Within the Lines 

I know that Satan is a real being, and that he is miserable. He fights the light of Christ in each of us, and tries to persuade us to follow him to everlasting sorrow. 
But we don't have to listen. "God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be ^btempted above that ye are able; but will with the ^ctemptation also make a way to ^descape, that ye may be able to ^ebear it" (1 Corinthinas 10:13)

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

For thanksgiving, feel free to post what you're thankful for!

I'm reading "Anne Frank: the Diary of a Young Girl" right now. Anne Frank was hiding with her family from the Germans for more than two years. This is part of one of her entries: "And in the evening, when I lie in bed and end my prayers with the words, 'I thank you, God, for all that is good and dear and beautiful,' I am filled with joy. ...My advice is:... Think of all the beauty that is left in the world, and be happy!"
How inspiring! to hear that from a girl that can't go outside, wears worn out clothes, and eats nasty food. 

Here are some things I'm thankful for:
The gospel
Jesus Christ
The Atonement
The Book of Mormon
The Spirit
Books :)- Heidi, Joan of Arc, Uncle Tom's Cabin, Les Mis, Anne Frank (yep, I'm a big reader :))
Movies- Amazing Grace, the Hobbit/Lord of the Rings, the Ultimate Gift
Heavenly Father
Life
Agency
Technology- emails, skype
Letters
Writing
Paper
Pens
Money
Jobs.....

Challenge: Go for half on hour naming things you're grateful for. Also, whenever you're upset, or sad, make a "Gratitude List." I have a notebook that's full of them, and it's pretty cool.

Here is a Mormon Message about people listing things they're grateful for:

HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!

THE MOUNTAIN-- a journey to salvation

(btw, I'm taking a writing class, which is why many of my recent posts are stories :))

I had grown, and now there was a mountain. My days of innocence had gone, and now I needed to go Home-- the top of the Mountain. 

I wasn't completely certain why this  mountain was mine; after all, there were countless others to choose from. As I scanned the range, I noticed that thought the mountains were different, they all ended in the clouds. 

Behind the clouds was light. 

I looked to my side, to my friend who was to climb this mountain with me. Her mouth hang open as she stared up at it. 

"How will we ever make it?" she asked me. I pointed to the trail, "We just need for follow The Way." 

Before we knew it, we were climbing. The Way was steep and heard. Rocks moved and turned under our feet, creating bruises. Occasionally, we found water and food left for us. There were also signs and notes of encouragement left on the trees; and always counsel never to leave The Way. 

In time, we came to an overlook: a place in the shade with a seat, where we could see how far we'd come, and look up to our goal.  

Then we started moving again. For a while, my friend and I were both optimistic. We both felt energized after the overlook. But when we came to the next deposit of refreshments, my friend refused to join me. 

"I can wait," she said, "I'm still pumped from the overlook." 

"Okay," I said. Worried for her, I ate thoughtfully. 

As we continued, the trail grew harder. My friend insisted on only taking sporadic meals, and soon her strength started to diminish. 

I helped her through the tough spots, and she said she'd eat and drink more, but every time we came to some, she'd just nibble and sip. 

She began to be despondent, and frustrated. 

"Why is the path so hard?" she'd ask me, "Why must we only go 'The Way'?" 

"The Way takes us home," I'd answer, surprised at her questions. "It's the only  Way." 

"Well, what about that  path, over there?" with the arm I wasn't supporting, she pointed off into the trees, where the ground seemed more level, and where a crooked path wound it's way. 

Just then, we came to another overlook. 

"C'mon," I tugged her over to the bench, "Let's rest, and get our bearings." 

Once again, we sat on a bench, and I enjoyed the view. But my friend was jittery, and anxious to explore the crooked path. When we stood again, she went straight into the trees, and onto the path. She gasped, "You've got  to come see this!" 

I hesitated as I reached the edge of The Way. 

"What about food?" I asked. "We'll starve." 

"There's food here, too!" my friend yelled, "And this path take the easy way up he mountain." 

I couldn't let her go off by herself. Maybe I could go convince her to come back, and climb The Way with me. 

Just then, a breeze blew a letter up to my feet. 

No matter how hard it gets, no matter how long it takes, follow The Way. I have gone off onto crooked paths, but they only lead to danger. There is  a Way back to The Way, but it is hard. Trust me, The Way is the only Way. 

(heart) Jen. 

I didn't know Jen, but I knew my friend was in trouble. I had to save her. 

"Wait up!" I called. Already, she'd gone far away. Following, I left The Way. 

As I ran through the trees, I tripped on unseen roots and stones. Soon, I came to a fork in the middle of the road. Which way had my friend gone? 

I shouted her name, but she didn't answer. Fatigued, I looked around for the food she'd mentioned. Finding some, I ate it-- it disappeared in my mouth like a breath. What had I done? 

Then I saw the Way to The Way. By the entrance was another note. 

You've made a mistake, ______. But I've prepared this path for you. You've made it harder than it could've been, but you can still get back home. This Way will lead you home. 

(heart), Your Brother. 

I went. This Way was  hard, but there was real food and water here, and hope! Looking at the thick foliage around me, I knew that this Way had been forged with a  great sacrifice. 

At last, I reached The Way again-- right where I'd left it. I still had scars from my time off the path, but they had healed. I went over to the overlook where I'd last seen my friend. I looked up the Mountain to where Home was, and felt a renewed vigor and dedication to get there. 

I started climbing once more. Although it was still difficult, I had faith that I was heading Home. 

Occasionally, I could see the crooked path; but I also saw pits, cliffs, ledges, and dead ends. I hoped and prayed that my friend would make it back. 

As I was resting at another overlook, I heard someone running up behind me. I turned, and cried for joy! There was my friend! Out of breath and scarred, but happy and strong. I asked her what had happened. 

"After I left The Way, I followed the crooked path to a river. I ate a lot of the food, but it was never enough. The crooked path led through a river, and there was no other way for me to go. I decided I could swim it. I never even got half-way.

"The river pulled me farther and farther down; I struggled for breath! …" my friend shook her head as she stared at the ground. I put my arms around her, and listened. 

"I knew I would be taken down the Mountain, all the way. I didn't want that. I wanted to go Home again. I'd forgotten my goal, and my purpose. But once I remembered and desired it again, the oddest thing happened. Someone gave me strength. I used it, and swam as swiftly as I could for the bank.  

"When I finally got out, I was stained a muddy brown. I found another path, but it seemed different from the crooked paths. Following it, I came to a pond, with a sign that said "Malada," and some hard soap. I knew what to do. I took the soap, and washed up!" 

I looked into my friends eyes: sparkling, looking up at the Mountain. 

"It felt so good to be clean again," she breathed softly. 

"How did you catch up with me so quickly?" I asked her. 

"I ran. I ran all The Way. I ate the food, drank the water, and stopped at every overlook I could," she stood, "And now I'm ready to begin again. Shall we go?" 

So we did. We got up, and climbed the Mountain.

Agency.... what is that?

The agency I'm thinking of isn't specifically business, or anything like that.
This agency is the freedom to choose. God gave us our agency before we were born. Next to the gift of life, agency is the second greatest gift we've ever recieved.
Why is that, you may ask? (You should read the Giver. It's not an LDS book, but it's a story that illustrates what life might be like if our agency were taken away.) The purpose of this life is to show that we will CHOOSE to follow Heavenly Father and His plan. How can we do that if we can't choose?

When we were still innocent spirits, living with our Heavenly Father, He told us about His plan: that we'd come to earth, have bodies, and have a chance to prove that we'd CHOOSE His way. He told us that someone would go to earth and pay the price for us, so that we could repent of our mistakes. After He told us this, someone stood up, and announced that they had a different plan.
This is Lucifer. Satan. His plan took away our agency, and forced us to follow his directions. He would take all the glory for himself.
Then, yet another person stood up.
It was Jesus. Our Savior. He told everyone that God's plan was the perfect plan. He offered Himself as the sacrifice so that we could return.
There was then a war in heaven, and we each CHOSE which side we'd fight for. If you are reading this, you chose the right side-- God's side. I know this, because everyone who fought with God was able to come to earth, and have their agency. 

This is a great scripture illustrating the two main choices we have in this life: 27 Wherefore, men are ^afree according to the ^bflesh; and ^call things are ^dgiven them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to ^echoose ^fliberty and eternal ^glife, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be ^hmiserable like unto himself.

 28 And now, my sons, I would that ye should look to the great ^aMediator, and hearken unto his great commandments; and be faithful unto his words, and choose eternal life, according to the will of his Holy Spirit; (2 Nephi 2:27-28, Book of Mormon)

Now, just because there's a choice doesn't mean that there are no consequences. Like the scripture says, your choice determines the consequences: liberty and eternal life, or captivity with the devil. 
"For the Strength of Youth" (a book which outlines the standards of the church specifically for teenagers) says this about agency: You are responsible for the choices you make. God is mindful of you and will help you make good choices...
So you aren't alone in your endeavor for righteousness.
Also, "as (you) obey each of (your) Heavenly Father's commandments, (you) grow in wisdom and strength of character. (Your) faith increases. (You) find it easier to make right choices." (Gospel Principles, pg 19.)

I know that if we use our agency wisely and make the right choices, that we will be able to live with God again. I know that He trusted us enough to give us agency. I know that it is possible for EVERYONE to make it Home.

Our Saviour--Christ

Wow. There is just so much that Christ has done. So many roles He plays. So much to talk about :).

I found this amazing site which lists talks given about Christ, and makes basic things easy to find:
http://jesuschrist.lds.org/SonOfGod/eng/ 
I feel that I should go through these, and learn more about Christ through the words of living prophets. I hope you will too ;).

Here is a direct quotation from another Church resource site:
Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and the Son of God. He is our Redeemer. Each of these titles points to the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way by which we can return to live with our Heavenly Father.  
Jesus suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world, giving each of God’s children the gift of repentance and forgiveness. Only by His mercy and grace can anyone be saved. His subsequent resurrection prepared the way for every person to overcome physical death as well. These events are called the Atonement. In short, Jesus Christ saves us from sin and death. For that, He is very literally our Savior and Redeemer.
In the future Jesus Christ will return to reign on earth in peace for a thousand years. Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and He will be our Lord forever.

Some people say that Mormons aren't Christian. After all, we're called Mormons aren't we? (well, first, I'd point out that there are Lutherans, for example, and others who go by names of influencial people in their religion). But the main point is, that that is just our nickname, which comes from the "Book of Mormon."
This is an apostle talking about it:

The official name of the Church is The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter-Day Saints (we are also known as "LDS", an acronym for "Latter-Day Saints").
But the Church, and many in it, are Christian.
Like it says in our first Article of Faith: "We believe in God... and in His Son, Jesus Christ..." That is the first statement of our belief.
Anyway, back to the actualy man of Christ.

The Church has come out with an ongoing project: videos of the life of Christ

I love watching videos about the Atonement. When you see (a recreation of) what Christ did for us... your heart stirs, and you can't help but realize that you're feeling something.
Here are some of my favorites (yes, they are the last ones :)):

Here are other ones, made on Easter:

This next one is amazing. Put simply, and inadequately: I love it.

(Yes, I do use a lot of videos, but they teach in another dimension, that I can't)

I know that Jesus Christ lived and lives. He paid the price for us to live with Him and Heavenly Father again. Because of the Atonement, it's like the gates of Heaven were opened to us. I know that He loves us, and that He is waiting for us to show that we're committed to Him, and His purpose.