Building Zion

All things we do for the cause of Zion - will be worth it.  They are the principles of the law of the Celestial Kingdom, including the law of consecration.  We will be blessed more greatly than we can now imagine - as we keep and obey these holy laws.  We would do well to heed this counsel.

"And Zion cannot be built up unless it is by the principles of the law of the celestial kingdom; otherwise I cannot receive her unto myself."  Doctrine and Covenants 105:5
(obedient, taught more perfectly, endowed with power from on high, faithful, humble, prayerful)

"For he who is not able to abide the law of a celestial kingdom cannot abide a celestial glory." D&C 88:22

"If thou lovest me thou shalt serve me and keep all my commandments."  D&C 42:29

"And behold, thou wilt remember the poor, and consecrate of they properties for their support that which thou hast to impart unto them, with a covenant and a deed which cannot be broken."  D&C 42:30

"Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in their faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea even to the purifying and sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God."  Helaman 3:35

Family Reunion Sharing Idea - New Year's Party

This year my son and his 16 yr. old cousin were asked to spearhead the annual family New Year's Party.  We usually hold it at a church where everyone can fit. 

In the past we've started off with an 'ice breaker' game of sorts.  Last year it was 'guess who you are?' and a sticky label with the name of a character from history or books or movies or relatives etc. was placed on our backs.  We had to ask questions to find out who were were - and...only one question per relative was supposed to be asked.

This year, it came down to the last minute, and my son asked for my help.  So, as I pondered on it yesterday I decided that I wanted the event to also be a place to learn from one another and go home with ideas and added strength.

So, I compiled this list for our 30 minutes of wisdom.  Since several families aren't able to attend this year - we're down to 27 people.  And, each with unique gifts and talents and wisdom to share.  We'll take 30 minutes after lunch - to share and gleen from one another.  Maybe this is an idea that would benefit others' - so...I decided to share.

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30 MINUTES OF WISDOM

This year we would like each of you to take ONE MINUTE to share some wisdom with the rest of us; something you wish everyone else in the family knew, a skill, talent, testimony, activity etc.  What could bless everyone else and help along their journey?  Since we each have unique gifts and talents and answers to prayers– we know that we can learn from one another.  PLEASE prepare to share something.  It can be serious or funny – but, we hope, something of value.

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking:

-emergency preparedness tips, hints

-how to turn off gas etc.

-herbs, oils, sprouting, gardening

-sport tips, body strengthening

-dance or theater tips

-basketball skills, drills etc.

-mind strengthening, cleanliness

-music tips, conducting, singing etc.

-wise budgeting, tips, frugality ideas

-favorite quote from Prophet, Scriptures

-favorite hymn and why

-life lesson learned

-love languages

-home organization

-scouting; knots, safety, skills

-photography tips

-child care

-cooking tips

-cake decorating

-any hands-on skills, crafts, activities

-hair cutting tips

-car maintenance or care

-technological advances

-internet safety

-home maintenance

-safety in media

-becoming more childlike/submissive

-effective fasting and prayer

-health and well-being

-science tips, astronomy truths etc.

-educational philosophy

-parenting tips

-chores, work ethic, cleaning products

-modesty in fallen world

-scripture study tips

-how to help those in need, be more sensitive to others’, ETC.

The Spirit of Christmas

The spirit of Christmas is something I hope all of us would have in our hearts and lives—not only at this particular season but also throughout the year.

When we have the spirit of Christmas, we remember Him whose birth we commemorate at this season of the year: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

May we each discover anew the Christmas spirit—even the Spirit of Christ.

Rediscovering the Christmas Spirit, President Thomas S. Monson

Charles Dickens's Christmas Carol - Inspired of God

^{From President Thomas S. Monson}

As we remember that “when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God,"  we will not find ourselves in the unenviable position of Jacob Marley’s ghost, who spoke to Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’s immortal Christmas Carol. Marley spoke sadly of opportunities lost. Said he: “Not to know that any Christian spirit working kindly in its little sphere, whatever it may be, will find its mortal life too short for its vast means of usefulness. Not to know that no space of regret can make amends for one life’s opportunity misused! Yet such was I! Oh! such was I!”

Marley added: “Why did I walk through crowds of fellow-beings with my eyes turned down, and never raise them to that blessed Star which led the Wise Men to a poor abode? Were there no poor homes to which its light would have conducted me!”

Fortunately, as we know, Ebenezer Scrooge changed his life for the better. I love his line, “I am not the man I was.

Why is Dickens’s Christmas Carol so popular? Why is it ever new? I personally feel it is inspired of God. It brings out the best within human nature. It gives hope. It motivates change. We can turn from the paths which would lead us down and, with a song in our hearts, follow a star and walk toward the light. We can quicken our step, bolster our courage, and bask in the sunlight of truth. We can hear more clearly the laughter of little children. We can dry the tear of the weeping. We can comfort the dying by sharing the promise of eternal life. If we lift one weary hand which hangs down, if we bring peace to one struggling soul, if we give as did the Master, we can—by showing the way—become a guiding star for some lost mariner.

May We So Live

Getting Ready for Christmas

Getting Ready for Christmas

by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf

As an old tradition, our family has always celebrated the Advent of Christmas. Starting on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, we would get together on Sunday afternoons, light wax candles on a pine Advent wreath, enjoy delicious homemade cookies, and read passages of scriptures that center on the Christ.

We read accounts of ancient prophets who yearned for the coming of the Messiah. We read scriptures that proclaim the wondrous story of His birth. Each week by singing beautiful Christmas songs and having a fun time together, our family tried to refocus on the true meaning of the season. I must admit that delicious hot chocolate, hot apple cider, and tasty homemade cookies helped a lot to catch the joyful feeling of the Christmas season!

While celebrating the Advent of Christmas is not part of all cultures around the globe, there is something we can learn from this widespread Christian tradition. Perhaps even this year we might carve from our busy schedules some time to study and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas—personally and as families.

When we prepare for Christmas by pondering its real meaning, we prepare to experience the Christ and His message. May I suggest three things we may want to study, ponder, and apply in this season of preparation.

First, rejoice in the birth of our Savior.

Second, ponder His influence in our lives today.

Third, look steadfastly for His coming.

I pray that each and every one of you will have a wonderful and merry Christmas season.

The word Advent means “the coming of Christ.” In Germany, where President Uchtdorf grew up, many families celebrate Advent for four weeks before Christmas.

Room for Christ

Do you have room for him?  This is the title of a new release from LDS woman Shawna Edwards.  Important to think about and ponder on during this season when oftimes it becomes more about worldly gifts and financial strain.  Let us get back to the real meaning of the season.  Blessings to you all.