Thank you, Christmas...

There is just no better time than Christmas! Its goodness comes from a combination of things that I've touched on in previous posts: time with family, delicious food, exchanging gifts, lights, etc. However, I failed to mention the real source of Christmas spirit.

The true magic of the season comes from a united focus on the birth and life of our Savior, Jesus Christ. His teachings bring hope and joy, giving life worth and meaning. His sacrifice makes it possible for me to overcome all things, repent, and become the person I want to be. Because of His gospel, I know I lived before coming to earth and that there is life after death. I know there is a purpose for all we endure in this life and we can always turn to Him for strength and assistance. I know that our God is a just God, and He provides a way for all of us to be saved, and return home to live with Him again. I am so grateful to my Savior, Jesus Christ for choosing to follow the will of our Heavenly Father by coming to earth and teaching us (by example) how we can find true happiness in this life and the next. I am truly humbled by such a thought.

Thank you, Christmas, for being a constant reminder of the love I have for my Savior.


In conclusion--thank you, Christmas, for providing the moments when:
1) My brother opened a pot I had thrown, fired, and glazed for him, and liked it better than any other gift I had purchased. It sure made my heart swell.
2) We just sat around the dinner table talking and relaxing--waiting for the delicious food we had just eaten to settle.
3) Tears were brought to my parents' eyes when they opened a sentimental gift from my sister. I love that my parents get more presents now than the "kids" do, since all of us no longer have to ask my parents for money to buy them gifts. It is so much fun to watch them open things.
4) A favorite quote was put into practice through trips to the gym, hiking in the snow, and group yoga. ("The family that sweats together, sticks together."- Kent Mecham) This quote could also be applied to the time when all seven of us piled into my brother's extended cab and took an intense drive in the snow-covered mountains. It took an hour and a half, and it was warm in that cab, let me tell you.
5) My Mom said: "Every time I see that iPad it just calls to me and--ooooh!!--I just want to touch it!" Needless to say, she is having a lot of fun exploring the functions of her new high-tech gift, and the rest of us are also sharing in the joy. :)

Thank you, Christmas.

Is there a Santa Claus?

I so appreciate the words of newsman Francis Pharcellus Church in response to one of the most-asked questions of childhood. I never really inquired about the reality of Santa Claus, because I've always known the truth in my heart.

Aaaaand let's just roll it back, for a little sentimental brilliance: 

"The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see... Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders that are unseen and unseeable in the world... there is a veil covering the unseen world which not even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond."

I believe it.

Waiting for Christmas

The Christmas season is well under-way, and I could not be happier about it. Christmas is hands-down my favorite holiday, as I'm sure it is for most. I adore the lights, music, smells, decorations, and the thick feeling of anticipation--almost tangible enough to hold. But the thing about Christmas that really frosts my cookie, is the giving of presents. I LOVE giving presents. I keep an eye out all year for items that I feel my friends and family may enjoy. In my case, gift-giving is the true cause for any feelings of excitement during the holiday season. (Well, that's if we're not talking about food, which we're not.) Someone shared the following ad with me, and I just had to post it. It totally exemplifies my feelings year after year, and it does it with incredible style and thought.



I can't wait.