Make Him Real
Happy Day!
It has been a wonderful week of sharing, celebrating, and seeing loved ones. I hope you have all been blessed this week.
Let's jump right into the pondering: Alma 34:6-8
"And ye also beheld that my brother has proved unto you, in many instances, that the word is in Christ unto salvation."
"My brother has called upon the words of Zenos, that redemption cometh through the Son of God, and also upon the words of Zenock; and also he has appealed unto Moses, to prove that these things are true."
"And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgression of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it."
What a fitting set of scriptures to read and ponder during this Christmas season. I love the power and witness that comes from hearing the testimony of Amulek. I add my witness that I do know that Christ has come among us and will return again in glory and majesty. I invite you to take the time to sit and ponder, meditate, visualize, and become part of that holy moment when Jesus Christ was born in a lowly manger of Bethlehem. Don't just read the story, but make it real in your lives. Make Him real in your lives. I invite you to reflect and record the feelings and impressions that come to you as you do.
I have had the opportunity to reflect a great deal this week. Our youth group decided that it would be fun to create scenes from "The Nativity" story found in Luke 1-2. I knew we were going to be doing the activity and spent a great deal of time thinking about each scene, how I would re-create it with frosting, graham crackers, candy, and more. I tried to bring the images to life in my mind. I have been moved.
On the flip side of that, even though we talked about it the week previously with some of the youth, reminded some of the youth again on Sunday what we were doing, there were several who came to the gathering completely un-prepared. There were some that even asked what "The Nativity" was so they could try and create it. They had not reflected. They had not given it a second thought after it was mentioned in our previous gatherings.
I walked away from our activity wondering how many of us will come prepared to stand before our Savior. He is repeatedly talked about in our world. We celebrate his birth and death every year around the world. His return has been prophesied of over and over again, yet I wonder if we will be prepared. Will we recognize him when he comes? Will we have done all that is required of us to stand before him or even beside him? Are we making him a part of our lives?
During our youth activity, I realize that I was a little shocked when asked, "What is 'The Nativity'?" It was obvious that the look of shock appeared on my face. I could not hide it. These youth have been celebrating Christmas for almost 15 years, they attend church on a regular basis, yet they have not taken the time to internalize the significance of the glorious event. I began to question my own internalization of the event.
I realized that I could apply more efforts of these things in my life. I invite you to ask the same questions. I would encourage you to make him a priority everyday in some way or fashion. If you are, then I invite to improve upon that priority.
Our week -
The week did not start our being too crazy, but turned into a great deal of craziness. The Queen added a couple extra shifts at the temple to her life. The rest of the time was spent preparing, prepping, and wrapping Christmas, even while on those long holds at work.
The Professor was busy, busy, but she found time to volunteer and help out a family member.
We were able to catch up with Tall Man, Ehl-Bo, and Lego for a bit before going to a family celebration. Life is super busy there as well. Finals are in full swing this week. Now, today we celebrate Ehl-Bo and look forward to the joint celebration of my two favorite daughters-in-law.
Puddin is still waiting for a background check, but we were excited to celebrate his efforts to succeed in the challenges he faces. It has been a sober year. Congrats. I was super excited to be able to spend two evenings with Lady Hawkins this week. It was fun volunteering with her.
SnackPack has been on high stress mode, but is figuring out how to deal with it. Every day has been another adventure. Today he is attempting something he has never done before. We look forward to hearing his report.
It has been a wonderful week of sharing, celebrating, and seeing loved ones. I hope you have all been blessed this week.
Let's jump right into the pondering: Alma 34:6-8
"And ye also beheld that my brother has proved unto you, in many instances, that the word is in Christ unto salvation."
"My brother has called upon the words of Zenos, that redemption cometh through the Son of God, and also upon the words of Zenock; and also he has appealed unto Moses, to prove that these things are true."
"And now, behold, I will testify unto you of myself that these things are true. Behold, I say unto you, that I do know that Christ shall come among the children of men, to take upon him the transgression of his people, and that he shall atone for the sins of the world; for the Lord God hath spoken it."
What a fitting set of scriptures to read and ponder during this Christmas season. I love the power and witness that comes from hearing the testimony of Amulek. I add my witness that I do know that Christ has come among us and will return again in glory and majesty. I invite you to take the time to sit and ponder, meditate, visualize, and become part of that holy moment when Jesus Christ was born in a lowly manger of Bethlehem. Don't just read the story, but make it real in your lives. Make Him real in your lives. I invite you to reflect and record the feelings and impressions that come to you as you do.
I have had the opportunity to reflect a great deal this week. Our youth group decided that it would be fun to create scenes from "The Nativity" story found in Luke 1-2. I knew we were going to be doing the activity and spent a great deal of time thinking about each scene, how I would re-create it with frosting, graham crackers, candy, and more. I tried to bring the images to life in my mind. I have been moved.
On the flip side of that, even though we talked about it the week previously with some of the youth, reminded some of the youth again on Sunday what we were doing, there were several who came to the gathering completely un-prepared. There were some that even asked what "The Nativity" was so they could try and create it. They had not reflected. They had not given it a second thought after it was mentioned in our previous gatherings.
I walked away from our activity wondering how many of us will come prepared to stand before our Savior. He is repeatedly talked about in our world. We celebrate his birth and death every year around the world. His return has been prophesied of over and over again, yet I wonder if we will be prepared. Will we recognize him when he comes? Will we have done all that is required of us to stand before him or even beside him? Are we making him a part of our lives?
During our youth activity, I realize that I was a little shocked when asked, "What is 'The Nativity'?" It was obvious that the look of shock appeared on my face. I could not hide it. These youth have been celebrating Christmas for almost 15 years, they attend church on a regular basis, yet they have not taken the time to internalize the significance of the glorious event. I began to question my own internalization of the event.
I realized that I could apply more efforts of these things in my life. I invite you to ask the same questions. I would encourage you to make him a priority everyday in some way or fashion. If you are, then I invite to improve upon that priority.
Our week -
The week did not start our being too crazy, but turned into a great deal of craziness. The Queen added a couple extra shifts at the temple to her life. The rest of the time was spent preparing, prepping, and wrapping Christmas, even while on those long holds at work.
The Professor was busy, busy, but she found time to volunteer and help out a family member.
We were able to catch up with Tall Man, Ehl-Bo, and Lego for a bit before going to a family celebration. Life is super busy there as well. Finals are in full swing this week. Now, today we celebrate Ehl-Bo and look forward to the joint celebration of my two favorite daughters-in-law.
Puddin is still waiting for a background check, but we were excited to celebrate his efforts to succeed in the challenges he faces. It has been a sober year. Congrats. I was super excited to be able to spend two evenings with Lady Hawkins this week. It was fun volunteering with her.
SnackPack has been on high stress mode, but is figuring out how to deal with it. Every day has been another adventure. Today he is attempting something he has never done before. We look forward to hearing his report.
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