Nothing New

I really hate the winter blues. They seem especially bad here in Utah! I am ready for blues skies and sunshine and pretty flowers and green grass. Until then, I will do my best to survive these long days with gray skies and no color in anything around me.

Not too much has happened since my last post. On Monday the 11th we went to the 9:50pm showing of Avatar - in 3D! It was a really late night for us but it was worth it. That movie has the most amazing effects. The creativity and talent it took to make that movie is astonishing. I am impressed with the movie regardless of the so-called hidden messages. I think it was entertaining, just as a movie should be.

Last weekend, in the middle of our house-search, we took some time to attend the Auto Expo. I loved it! It was fun to see some of the classic cars (1965 Sting Ray) as well as the newer models and other classic cars. I think it's safe to say the Viper was one of my favorite cars, along with the Audi A6. I know they don't even compare in any way (besides the fact they both have 4 tires), but I love those two cars. I think we'll make it a tradition to attend the show in the future.

Wednesday night we attended an endowment session at the Jordan River temple. I think temple night is my favorite date with Eric. There is something so tender and sweet about being there with him. All of the cares and frustrations in our life seemed diminished as we spent a few hours in such a quiet, loving place. I feel so blessed to be so close to so many temples, and even more grateful to have a husband who can and wants to go there with me.

Our daily routine is so basic and almost boring right now. We both work long days and spend most evenings looking for a new place to live. We're exhausted from looking, so we took this weekend off and will start the search again tomorrow. We are blessed to have another month to find a place and we're confident we'll be lead to the place we need to live.

Weekly Recap

What a long week! This was our first full 5-day work week in a long time! I think I woke up tired every day and by Saturday, I was exhausted. Eric & I both slept till 10 Saturday morning - that's a record for me! I didn't even stir until just before 10. No dreams, no disturbances. It was the best sleep I've gotten in ages!

Work and the gym kept us busy through the week. Our evenings were spent looking online for a new place to live, and on Saturday we visited the places we were most interested in. We found one place we really like. It's about twice the size of our place now, and it's really nice. The one downside is that all of the windows are on the north side, AND it's another basement apartment. The living room doesn't receive any natural light, so it's pretty much like a dungeon. Both Eric & I LOVE natural light, so this is a pretty big deterrent. Another place we looked at made us feel like someone was going to kill us and hide us in the walls of the complex. The pictures online definitely were NOT the same as the building we went to. Eric and I were afraid for our lives and sanitized our hands as soon as we got out of the building. I felt like taking a shower too. It was gross! We looked at a few other places but nothing really felt like "home".

Last night we hung out with Eric's sister Laura and her husband Jared. The three of them played drums and guitars and rocked out for a while. I played with Logan (their 2 year old) in a little play house. I felt right at home with her! She's a cute girl - and I think she likes me.

Oh yeah, Eric's sister Saralee had her baby on Thursday morning. James Anthony finally entered this world after Saralee went into labor on Monday night!

So, that's about all for this last week! We are ready for some snow or rain, something to clear out the horrible inversion that is sitting in our valley right now. I normally wouldn't welcome snow, but I long to see our beautiful mountains and blue skies again. Sometimes I feel like we're back in Southern California with how dreary and brown the skies are right now. I'm sure by the time it snows, I'll be posting about how much I hate snow!

Love Letters of Joseph & Emma

On Thursday night we had our first "Relief Society Meeting" (aka Enrichment). The guest speaker was Angela Eschler, author of the book "Love Letters of Joseph and Emma". Angela shared some of the letters between Joseph and Emma, but she mainly focused on building eternal relationships. Her presentation was tender and passionate. She has a strong testimony of eternal relationships, and emphasized that we can all learn from Joseph & Emma's relationship. Two points that really stood out to me was (1) they didn't have a perfect marriage, and (2), they were best friends. Angela was able to show this mainly by stories shared by other people who knew them, and also from the letters between them. I really enjoyed the time we had to listen to her. The book is short but powerful and I highly recommend it! See AngelaEschler.com for more information about the book and her works.

Playing House

Although Eric & I are both a little older than the "normal newly-weds", neither of us had a lot furniture to bring to the marriage. Our landlord gave us a Lazy-boy Recliner couch (not the most comfortable, but it works!) and we are so grateful! Then, a coworker of mine sold us a Lazy-boy Rocker/Recliner for $40. It's a chocolate brown and it's in excellent condition. I'm confident he could have sold it for a lot more than that, so I feel very blessed he was so generous. Both the couch and the recliner are the same material, just different colors - they go together well!

Tonight we purchased our dining room table and chairs, and it's a fun story. We registered at JC Penney for our wedding, and we ended up with a lot of gift cards (thanks to everyone who helped with that). We've spent a little of the money, but weren't quite sure how to spend the balance. On another note, we've been looking for a kitchen table set since we're currently using a card table and folding chairs. Our kitchen is too small now to have an actual table, but since we're moving soon we thought we should get a real table. We've looked at IKEA, through the classifieds, Target, and RC Willey. We haven't fallen in love with anything until tonight! We looked on the JCPenney website and found this:

We noticed it was on sale, and there was also a free shipping offer. We decided to order it. We had to go to the store to buy it since we were using 6 gift cards. We didn't know exactly how much we had, and we figured we'd have to pay a small balance. The cashier started processing the gift cards and guess what? We had the EXACT amount - minus a PENNY. ONE PENNY!! We knew it was meant to be! We are excited to set it up in a new place soon.

Although it's taking us time to get our home set up, we're having fun "playing house" and building our home together!

New Year 2010

2010 is here, and we welcomed it in a relaxed and quiet manner. On Wednesday I got the stomach flu the rest of the family had, so we spent Thursday evening resting. We watched a movie and welcomed in the New Year with Ryan Seacrest & Dick Clark's New Year's Eve celebration. On Friday we took down all of our Christmas decorations (so sad) and did some much needed cleaning and organizing. We spent the evening doing some shopping and found ourselves at Johanna's Kitchen for dinner. We fell in love with their scones and homemade raspberry jam. It was delicious!!

On Saturday we looked for a new place to live. What an exhausting feat! We looked at a few places but didn't fall in love with anything. We'll keep looking and hope to find something soon. Saturday night we attended the 4th annual Mocktail party, and the girls didn't let us down! They put on a party to remember, as they have in the past. Eric and I danced for the first time since we met! I am not a good dancer at at all, but we had a good time. I enjoyed seeing friends and being out for the evening.

Sunday we started our new meeting time of 1-4pm. We aren't fans of that time at all, especially on fast Sunday! Dinner was at Eric's parent's house, and we spent the evening talking and enjoying each other's company.

That brings us up to date! Nothing too exciting going on, but we're loving life and loving each other. We're excited for the year ahead of us and all that lies in store for us.

#1: Let Us See the Christ in Christmas

This is a season of rejoicing! A season of celebration! A wonderful time when we acknowledge that our Almighty God sent His Only Begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to redeem the world! To redeem us!

It is a season of charitable acts of kindness and brotherly love. It is a season of being more reflective about our own lives and about the many blessings that are ours. It is a season of forgiving and being forgiven.

But perhaps most of all, let it be a season of seeking the Lamb of God, the King of Glory, the Everlasting Light of the World, the Great Hope of Mankind, the Savior and Redeemer of our souls.

I promise that if we unclutter our lives a little bit and in sincerity and humility seek the pure and gentle Christ with our hearts, we will see Him, we will find Him—on Christmas and throughout the year.

~President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, First Presidency Christmas Devotional December 2009

#2: Family

On Sunday and Monday of Christmas week, Eric and I celebrated Christmas with his family. We enjoyed Sunday dinner and a sibling gift exchange with Laura & Jared. We played games and laughed and got to know each other better. Then on Monday we had a delicious Christmas dinner and opened gifts. They spoiled us - I feel undeserving of their generosity but grateful too. As we spent the evening together, I felt so grateful that we live close to Eric's family. It's a blessing to have them in our lives and to feel love from them and for them.

Then, on Wednesday the 23rd, we embarked on a crazy adventure: driving to Benson to be with my family for Christmas. We left about 2pm and arrived the next morning around 3:30am. Oh my goodness, what a drive! It was long but worth every minute. I loved being with my family for Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Being with family is, in my opinion, one of the simplest sources of joy and strength. I loved the laughter and conversations and creating memories.

It seems Christmas is a time to build relationships, and I believe it happens because we are united in our beliefs and feelings of the season. The gifts and food are only a small part of the memories we build. Coming together to strengthen our love for one another and strengthening our faith in our Savior and his birth and life are the most memorable aspects of the time we have together.

#3: The Prophet Joseph

"Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it. In the short space of twenty years, he has brought forth the Book of Mormon, which he translated by the gift and power of God, and has been the means of publishing it on two continents; has sent the fulness of the everlasting gospel, which it contained, to the four quarters of the earth; has brought forth the revelations and commandments which compose this book of Doctrine and Covenants, and many other wise documents and instructions for the benefit of the children of men; gathered many thousands of the Latter-day Saints, founded a great city, and left a fame and name that cannot be slain. He lived great, and he died great in the eyes of God and his people; and like most of the Lord’s anointed in ancient times, has sealed his mission and his works with his own blood; and so has his brother Hyrum. In life they were not divided, and in death they were not separated!"
~Doctrine and Covenants 135:3

Today is the Prophet Joseph's birthday. I feel it's important to recognize his birthday and his life, as we do owe so much to him. We have the restored gospel, a knowledge of the plan of salvation, and the fullness of the truth of our Savior - his birth, life, mission, and atonement.

#4: Humility

I've learned a few valuable lessons this Christmas. My heart has been softened as I've found myself learning moderation, patience and gratitude. These lessons haven't been learned by profound experiences, but by the quiet moments when the Spirit teaches me and I listen.

I wanted this Christmas to be special for Eric. I wanted to show him I can decorate and create a cozy, holiday atmosphere in our home. I wanted him to be impressed with me. I wanted the season to be about me and my talents and abilities so he would always remember our first Christmas together. But as the weeks have passed, I've had several opportunities to be humbled. Our home is very small, so there isn't a lot of room for decorations. The day after Thanksgiving I got out all of the decorations I already have and thought, "I need more and NEW decorations". So I put up a few of the things I had and as we were out and about over the next few days I looked for more decorations. I wanted everything I saw! I restrained from buying anything but my heart was set on getting new things. After all, my parent's house has tons of decorations! When we got our tree, we agreed on decorations and lights - and it's simple. I still wanted MORE. His parent's house has lots of decorations too. So why not ours?

Yesterday I was in Joann's getting some fabric. I walked around the Christmas section and almost passed out: everything was 70% off! I couldn't believe it! I wanted everything I saw, even if it wasn't my favorite, just because it was so cheap. And then it hit me: I don't have to have everything NOW. How did my mom and Eric's mom acquire all they have? Definitely not by buying everything all at once. I'm sure their decor was even simpler than what I have now (since I've acquired a few things over the years of being single...) I just need to be patient and be happy with what we have. Our home is warm and decorated enough that the Christmas spirit can be here. Even if we didn't have anything, I hope our testimonies would be enough to remind us of the season.

I'm hoping I'll remember this lesson not only for future holiday seasons, but in all aspects of my life. Moderation in all things!

#5: Book of Mormon Prophecy

5 years before the birth of Christ, Samuel the Lamanite prophesied of the signs of His coming:

1 And now it came to pass that Samuel, the Lamanite, did prophesy a great many more things which cannot be written.

2 And behold, he said unto them: Behold, I give unto you a sign; for five years more cometh, and behold, then cometh the Son of God to redeem all those who shall believe on his name.

3 And behold, this will I give unto you for a sign at the time of his coming; for behold, there shall be great lights in heaven, insomuch that in the night before he cometh there shall be no darkness, insomuch that it shall appear unto man as if it was day.

4 Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night; and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.

5 And behold, there shall a new star arise, such an one as ye never have beheld; and this also shall be a sign unto you.

6 And behold this is not all, there shall be many signs and wonders in heaven.

7 And it shall come to pass that ye shall all be amazed, and wonder, insomuch that ye shall fall to the earth.

Helaman 14:1-7

#6: Christmas is Giving

A member of our bishopric spoke on Sunday during our Christmas Sacrament meeting. He was the last speaker after two other speakers and several musical numbers. He spoke with passion and conviction and humility. He shared a story that President Monson shared in the December 1998 Ensign. I felt it encompassed the true spirit of the season.

Christmas is giving. Ralph Waldo Emerson, the poet, wrote: “Rings and jewels are not gifts, but apologies for gifts. The only [true] gift is a portion of thyself.” 1

President David O. McKay said: “True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service.

“It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring ‘peace on earth,’ because it means—good will toward all men.” 2

A few years ago I received an anonymous letter from a kindhearted dentist who demonstrated brotherly love and goodwill. I’d like to share it with you:

“Dear President Monson:

“I feel remiss in that I should have sent you a thank-you note sooner. Last December I listened to your talk given during the Christmas devotional. You spoke of an older woman who could not afford to pay for the registration for an automobile she had recently purchased. Others came to her aid. All involved were touched.

“I am a dentist by profession. Not long after the devotional, my receptionist informed me that an acquaintance of hers was coming into my office. She had problems with two of her teeth. She knew this woman and told me of her circumstances. The woman carried many burdens. The family business, which she ran, was doing poorly and the family was three months behind in paying rent. They had five children, many grown into adulthood, but all had moved back home because of difficult personal circumstances. By sheer force of will, she had kept her family together for some time. Now two teeth were broken.

“The woman arrived for her appointment and explained about her dental problem. She asked if I would allow her to pay her bill over time. She explained to me that her family had experienced several financial reversals and were just recently starting to pay some overdue bills.

“I assured her that her credit was good with me. She asked if I could repair just one of the two broken teeth at that time. I assured her that I could, and we began.

“Since I had the time, I repaired both teeth, for which she was grateful. When the work was completed, thinking of your talk, I told her that if she would not be offended, I should like to make a Christmas present of the dental work, for which there would be no bill. She was astonished. I could sense the depth of the stress and strain she had carried, as uncontrollable tears of gratitude gushed forth due to a small, simple act of kindness. It must have been years since someone showed her some little favor. Not able to speak, she made her way out.

“Both my assistant and receptionist were so moved by her reaction that they also sprouted tears and could hardly speak. I, on the other hand, was doubly glad. One part, in seeing such a simple act have such a happy effect on another. And the second part, for once in my life having a patient in my office crying for joy, and not for pain!

“To you, my very best wishes.

“Sincerely,

“A brother in the gospel”

Ensign, December 1998, First Presidency Message

#7: Christmas Memories

This Christmas is our first together, and we're excited to start our own traditions and create memories. As we've been getting to know each other, we've shared a lot of the traditions our families have, and we've recalled memories from Christmases past. We have many different traditions, but one tradition we share is the way we line up for Christmas morning to get presents. As tradition goes, we line up in the hallway, and then dad leads us to the living room. Stockings are always first! Then we open gifts, sometimes one at a time, sometimes all at once.

Another tradition is reading the Christmas story from the scriptures. What better way can we welcome the Christmas spirit than to read the story from the direct source?!

We love that we have a few similar traditions and look forward to creating our own. We've really enjoyed sharing traditions and memories from the past, and I know there will be many more to come!

#8: Lights

Tonight Eric and I drove down to Thanksgiving Point to see the Christmas light display. The lights were spectacular! They were set up in shapes and configurations to represent the holiday season - gingerbread houses, snowmen, candy canes, reindeer, Santa & elves, and snowflakes. Christmas music played as we drove around. As we left, a huge display of Santa and the phrase, "And to all, a good night" sent us on our way. I thought the display was done, but was pleasantly surprised as we continued driving and saw some signs and pictures ahead of us. The pictures were of the Nativity, and the words were from the song "The Nativity Song" in the Primary Children's Songbook. The phrase, "This is the new star, shining so bright, lighting the world on that first Christmas night" really struck me. The lights represent that star. It was only one star, but it served a very special and specific purpose. It was the sign so many faithful saints were looking for, and it caused fear in those who were wicked. The star is light, and Christ himself said, "I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." The lights represent so much more than Santa and gingerbread houses. They represent the Christ - his arrival and his life.

#9: A More Worshipful Christmas

The website I mentioned in Post #15 has a tab called "How to Have a More Worshipful Christmas". Here are the ideas:

Here's some practical advice to help you find your ideal Christmas. Simplify the season and you may find that for every minute you spend here, you'll get 10 minutes back to enjoy this holiday more fully.

• Replace some holiday decorations in your home with reminders of Christ.
• Politely decline requests that will take you away from family.
• Play more Christmas music.
• Donate gently used items to a thrift store.
• Go Christmas caroling.
• Avoid &lquo;mad rush&rquo; shopping times.
• Say thank you as often as possible.
• Schedule a night to help another person or family.
• Call someone you normally wouldn't to wish him or her a Merry Christmas.

• Delegate some holiday preparations to children or other family members.
• Trim the gift list.
• Simplify a traditional activity.
• Find quiet time to pray.
• Write down great memories as they happen.
• Set and stick to a holiday budget.
• Forgive a grudge.

#10: Christmas Books

I love Christmas stories, so I thought I'd share the books I have:

One Incredible Moment --Max Lucado
The Angel of Eleventh Avenue --Roy Bates
You Are Special --Max Lucado
How The Grinch Stole Christmas --Dr. Seuss
A Cardboard Christmas --Michele Ashman Bell
The Christmas Guests --Andy Griffith
The Life of Our Lord --Charles Dickens
The Christmas Box; Timepiece; The Letter --Richard Paul Evans
The Christmas Shoes; The Christmas Blessing; The Christmas Hope --Donna VanLiere

I love stories that warm my heart and make me smile. And a few of these even make me cry.

#11: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

While shepherds watch'd their flocks by night, All seated on the ground,
The angel of the Lord came down, And glory shone around.
"Fear not," said he, for mighty dread Had seized their troubled mind;
"Glad tidings of great joy I bring To you and all mankind."

"To you, in David's town this day, Is born of David's line
The Savior who is Christ Lord, And this shall be the sign:
The heav'nly Babe you there shall find To human view displayed,
All meanly wrapped in swathing bands, And in a manger laid."

Thus spake the seraph, and forthwith Appeared a shining throng
Of angels praising God who thus Addressed their joyful song:
"All glory be to God on high And on the earth be peace.
Goodwill henceforth from heav'n to men Begin and never cease."

Text: Nahum Tate, 1652-1715; based on Luke 2:8-14

#12: The Meek Were Kneeling

The Meek Were Kneeling

"Blessed are the meek", Jesus explained. Blessed are the available. Blessed are the conduits, the tunnels, the tools....

That's why the announcement went first to the shepherds. They didn't ask God if he was sure he knew what he was doing. Had the angel gone to the theologians, they would have first consulted their commentaries. Had he gone to the elite, they would have looked around to see if anyone was watching. Had he gone to the successful, they would have first looked at their calendars.

So he went to the shepherds. Men who didn't have a reputation to protect or an ax to grind or a ladder to climb. Men who didn't know enough to tell God that angels don't sing to sheep and that messiahs aren't found wrapped in rags and sleeping in a feed trough....

A small cathedral outside Bethlehem marks the supposed birthplace of Jesus. Behind a high altar in the church is a cave, a little cavern lit by silver lamps.

You can enter the main edifice and admire the ancient church. You can also enter the quiet cave where a star embedded in the floor recognizes the birth of the King. There is one stipulation, however. You have to stoop. The door is so low you can't go in standing up.

The same is true of the Christ. You can see the world standing tall, but to witness the Savior, you have to get down on your knees.

So...

while the theologians were sleeping
and the elite were dreaming
and the successful were snoring,
the meek were kneeling.

They were kneeling before the One only the meek will see. They were kneeling in front of Jesus.

The Applause of Heaven


Taken from the book, "One Incredible Moment" by Max Lucado

#13: Ensign, December 1979

Christmas, Second Time Around

By Steve D. Hanson

Steve D. Hanson, “Christmas, Second Time Around,” Ensign, Dec. 1979, 13–14

As we planned our ward’s youth calendar for the year 1978–79, we wanted to emphasize service. So in that spirit it was decided that this year our Young Men—Young Women Christmas party would be replaced by a service project—that of providing Christmas for some needy family. A youth committee was organized and an LDS family outside of our ward selected.

A needier family could not have been chosen. The mother, who was divorced, was a recent convert to the Church and lived with her three children and her own aged mother in a small, one-bedroom house that was scarcely bigger than most people’s living room. There was no furniture to speak of, and the family’s sole source of entertainment and relaxation came from a small black-and-white television set. The woman worked nights to provide a meager sustenance for her family, with no surplus to purchase either a Christmas tree or presents for her children and their grandmother.

Our youth committee set to work planning this very special Christmas activity. They wanted to go all out—a Christmas tree, Christmas dinner, and presents for each member of the family. Each Young Men and Young Women class was assigned a specific area: the Explorers would purchase the Christmas tree and buy presents for the young boy; the Laurels would provide the food, including a turkey for Christmas dinner; the Venturers would buy presents for the mother; and on it went until each class had an assignment. A super Christmas for a deserving family was assured.

To make this an even more meaningful experience for our young people, we asked them to earn the money they would be contributing. Mother and dad’s money would not be acceptable on this project. It was gratifying to see how positively the majority of the youth responded to the challenge.

The gifts, beautifully wrapped, the tree, and the food were all taken by the youth committee to this special family several days before Christmas. The young people were touched by the sincere, emotional appreciation expressed by this mother on behalf of her family. And we adult leaders felt a real lesson had been learned. But this experience was to have a greater impact on the youth than we knew.

Christmas morning, as I was ushering my family into the car to go over to my brother’s for our traditional Christmas dinner, our Young Men president pulled up in front of the house.

“Did you hear what happened to the family we provided the Christmas for?” he asked.

Before I could reply, he went on: “While the mother was working Christmas Eve, someone broke into the house and stole all their Christmas presents—even took their old TV set.”

It seemed impossible! After all that work, how could this happen? My heart ached for that family as I thought how disappointing this must have been for them. Then I noticed that his car was filled with presents. Smiling, he continued:

“That’s the second batch of presents going over to the family this morning. When we found out about the robbery, we called a few kids in the ward, and before we knew it, they had contacted others—and all these kids and their families donated their own Christmas presents to our ‘Christmas family.’ ”

Sitting on top of the pile of presents was a small TV set. He saw me looking at it, and as he began to get into his car, he said, “One of our fourteen-year-old men donated his own TV set.”

He drove off, and I got into our car with my family.

“What was that all about, dad?” one of my children asked.

After a pause, and feeling very grateful for my association with these young people, I replied, “I’ve just learned a lesson in charity. Let me tell you a story about the true spirit of Christmas.”

#14: Today

Today

What can I give him,

Poor as I am?

If I were a shepherd,

I would bring a lamb,

If I were a Wise man,

I would do my part -

Yet what I can, I give Him,

Give my heart.

CHRISTINA ROSSETTI

#15: Christmas Website

I love finding ways to invite the Christmas spirit. I came across a link on lds.org that really helps remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Christ: The Real Gift of Christmas

#16: Music and the Spoken Word

Thursday night I had the privilege of attending the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Orchestra at Temple Square Christmas Concert. Natalie Cole was the guest singer and David McCullough was the storyteller. The entire conference center was full - 23,000 people gathered to hear Christmas music and stories of Christmas. The spirit of Christmas was so strong as the singers, dancers, and speakers shared their testimony of the Savior and Christmas. I was fascinated by everyone who performed and can't wait till the DVD & CD come out next year so I can watch and listen again! Music speaks to my soul, and Christmas music is no exception.

#17: Mary

I believe in Christ; oh, blessed name!

As Mary's Son he came to reign

'Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,

To save them from the woes of sin.

(Bruce R. McConkie)

And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God...and his mother shall be called Mary.

(Mosiah 3:8)

And behold, he shall be born of Mary, at Jerusalem which is the land of our forefathers, she being a virgin, a precious and chosen vessel, who shall be overshadowed and conceive by the power of the Holy Ghost, and bring forth a son, yea, even the Son of God.

(Alma 7:10)

And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh.

(1 Nephi 11:18)

#18: Friendship

I love the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life". It's a Fenn family favorite not only at Christmas, but all year round. My favorite line is at the very end of the movie when George opens a book and reads a note from his dear friend Clarence Oddbody. It reads, "No man is a failure who has friends."

This evening I had an opportunity to make some new friends. Eric and I are still trying to fit into our ward. It's not easy, especially because we know we're moving soon. But tonight I realized that even for the short time we are here, I can make friends. I had the opportunity to take dinner to a couple who just had their first baby. The spirit seemed so strong in their home, and as I talked with them, I felt friendship. After that visit, I met up with my new visiting teaching companion Angela. We had two appointments and after we were done, we chatted a little before parting. As I drove home, the quote from "It's A Wonderful Life" came to mind. Followed by that was the scripture in John 15:13, "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends". I had an overwhelming feeling that I had been blessed with several new friends tonight. I loved visiting with everyone I met tonight! I truly have a testimony that friendship is part of the plan of happiness. Our Savior lived for us and laid down his life for us, His friends. No matter how many friends we think we do or don't have, the Savior will always be our friend. We will never be a failure because Christ will always be our friend.

#19: God Bless Us, Everyone

Last night Eric and I went to see the play "A Christmas Carol" at the Hale Center theater. At the beginning of the play, Tiny Tim made the statement, "God bless us, everyone". I don't remember that phrase being at the beginning of the story, so it really stood out to me as I watched the play. All throughout the play I thought of the blessings we are so freely given, and yet we so easily set them aside as everyday occurrences. We are blessed to have homes, to have families, clothes, food, transportation, and love. Most importantly, we have the knowledge of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. We know of His birth, his life, his atonement and resurrection. What greater blessing can we be given?

As the play concluded, after Scrooge was humbled and enlightened and had a change of heart, Tiny Tim again says, "God bless us, everyone". I was a little choked up! God really does bless us, and at this holiday season, it seems a little easier to recognize all we're blessed with.

#20: Oh, Come, All Ye Faithful

"Oh, come, all ye faithful, Joyful and triumphant!

oh, come ye, oh come ye to Bethlehem. Come and behold him,

Born the King of angels; Oh, come, let us adore him;

Oh, come, let us adore him; Oh, come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord."

I love the words to this hymn because of the invitation extended, "Come and behold him". As I listened to the First Presidency Christmas Devotional tonight, I felt I was being invited to come unto Christ. I felt the prophet and his counselors were inviting me to remember the true meaning of Christmas, to look around me and find Christ in my daily activities. I felt I was invited to put aside the cares of the world and "adore him, Christ the Lord".

Decorating our first tree

Yesterday Eric & I bought our Christmas tree! We got a live one, which smells SO GOOD. But the needles are already a pain and I don't look forward to the mess we'll have when we take the tree down. On the Friday after Thanksgiving I put out all of my Christmas decorations and now it's complete with the tree. It's simple, but we love it. It's our first Christmas together!

Eric putting on the first ornament

We chose a bow for the topper this year, but we both want something else for next year

Our ornaments

With all of the decorating done, Eric fell asleep in front of the tree. We both love laying in front of the tree with no other lights on and just watching the lights.

Making use of the small space we have - but it's pretty

The finished tree (we're still looking for a skirt to hide that stand)

And this is for mom, so she knows I put it up! I love it!

#21: For Unto Us...

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The might God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

"Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of david, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this."

~Isaiah 9:6-7

#22: Following the Star

"Suppose you could give a gift to Christ, what would it be? How could you possibly select a gift for the One who not only has everything, but who made everything?

"The Wise men did. They can be an example to us. In addition to the gold, frankincense, and myrrh, they gave the Savior some gifts we can give him today: their hope, their time, and their worship."

Hope: "When everyone else saw a night sky, this small band of men saw the light. The sight of the star sparked a desire in their hearts that sent them packing. They went, seeking Jesus."

Time: "Before they [the Wise Men] gave God their presents, they gave their presence. It's likely that these men traveled as long as two years before locating the prince of heaven."

Worship: "Men of wealth, influence, and intellect: what did they do when they saw Jesus? They fell down and worshipped him (Matt 2:11)."

"The gifts of hope, time and worship. Three gifts the wise still give."

(Max Lucado, One Incredible Moment)

#23: Time

I love clocks - wall clocks, mantel clocks, shelf clocks, big clocks, little clocks - any kind of clock! I inherited this passion for clocks from my mom. When I see a clock I love, I think she'll love it too. Last night, at the Festival of Trees, there was a tree that had clocks all over it. I was so excited to take a picture just so I could show my mom.

That tree has been on my mind all day. Why do I have a fascination with clocks? And why do I love this Christmas tree with clocks on it? As I've thought about this today, a few scriptures in 3rd Nephi came to mind (3 Nephi 1:4-14). The word time is used 4 times, and they all relate to the signs of the birth of the Savior. The people knew the time was at hand, but the unbelievers said the time passed. Through prayer, Nephi heard the voice of the Savior, announcing He would come on the morrow. Nephi and the believers were comforted, and that night, the signs were given.

At this Christmas-time, I am reminded that our time is short. We need to be prepared for the coming of the Savior, even though we don't know the exact day and hour. The prophets have taught us to be prepared and to look for the signs. When the Savior does come again, I hope to be among the believers because I am ready and looking forward to the time of His return.

Festival of Trees

Every year since I moved to Utah I've wanted to attend the Festival of Trees. Well, this year I finally did it! Eric and I went to dinner and then headed over to the South Towne Expo Center. I couldn't believe my eyes as we walked in and were faced with hundreds of trees! I was so excited! About half way through, I realized that next time I go, I need to go with girls or by myself! Eric was a good sport. He never complained and encouraged me to take my time - what a sweetheart!

I hope I can attend every year from now on. The spirit of love, giving - of Christmas - was so prevalent in every display. I was reminded that there is still good in the world - good actions and good people.

#24: Eternal Love

Last night I read through the First Presidency message in the December Ensign. The following thought really stood out to me, and it's been on my mind all day. President Eyring's words are sweet and full of love and assurance:

What all of us long for in our hearts, at Christmastime and always, is to feel bound together in love with the sweet assurance that it can last forever. This is the promise of eternal life, which God has called His greatest gift to His children (see D&C 14:7). That is made possible by the gifts to us of His Beloved Son: the Savior’s birth, Atonement, and Resurrection. It is through the Savior’s life and mission that we have the assurance that we can be together in love and live forever in families.

#25: Picture A Christmas

Picture a stable in Judea. Picture a sacred, silent night.

And can you hear The angels near And see the stars so bright?

Picture the kind and gentle Joseph. Picture the mother, Mary, fair.

And can you see So rev'rently The shepherds kneeling there?

Picture the little baby Jesus. Think of his life and words so dear.

Sing praise to him; Remember him, As you picture Christmas this year.

(Words and music: Patricia Kelsey Graham, b. 1940)

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs. I remember learning how to play it on the piano, and as I played, I really tried to picture that sacred, silent night. I love to picture the angels, singing their praises. Maybe I was one of them! I think even now, as I sing the Christmas hymns, I can sing my praises and think of the baby Jesus.

25 Days 'Til Christmas

I love the Christmas season. It's my favorite time of the year - lights, music, family, food, decorations, and most importantly, an added emphasis on our Savior. I love to think of Him as a baby, in a manger with His mother and Joseph nearby. The angels sang praises to welcome Him to earth, and the righteous rejoiced as the recognized the signs. This simple moment in time is magnificent in the eternal perspective.

This Christmas season, my goal is to share a "thought a day" about Christmas. It will be a way for me to share my testimony with others, and it will encourage me to focus on the Savior and leave behind the worldly traditions.

Our Honeymoon

Eric & I went on a cruise to the Bahamas for our honeymoon. That was my first cruise and I can promise it won't be my last! Cruises are a perfect vacation: food 24-hours (and it's GOOD), someone makes your bed, cleans your bathroom, and folds your towels in animal shapes, and the weather was perfect. There were no distractions (cell phones, the internet, etc). We were able to share so much time together and enjoy being in a beautiful part of the world! Here are some pictures from the trip.

Our ship, The Norwegian Sky

Nassau

We did a Segway Tour through a "forest" on Nassau. We both LOVED it!

Port Lucaya on Freeport Island

Eric and me at Port Lucaya

Port Lucaya

We played basketball on the ship several times.

The newlyweds - happy, in love, and enjoying the warm weather!

I can only promise to try...

I'm finally doing it! I've caught the bug and I've decided to create a blog for me & Eric. I think this blog will be easier to keep updated because with Eric, there are exciting things going on! Be patient with me as I get this up and running. More to come soon...