Christmas

I love this time of year. It's my favorite. I love the feeling of Christmas. Yes, consumerism has taken it's toll on this sacred holiday, and yet people still find time to love and serve and spread the Christmas cheer. How could that make any sense, unless there was a deeper meaning behind the holiday.

I had the privilege today to not only attend Church, but also to listen to our beloved Prophet, President Monson, speak to the world at the annual Christmas devotional. Can I just say how much I love this gospel? I really don't know where my life would be without Christ and His Church leading me and guiding me. Everyday I am reminded of how much God loves me. That was the lesson at Church today. That seems to always be the lesson at Church. I love it. What a great feeling, knowing there is someone up there who has a plan for me, who knows me personally, who has forgiven me, and who constantly encourages me to become the great person He has prepared me to be. 

(Pres. Monson addressing us)

I have always loved this quote by Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin: 

"Oh, it is wonderful to know that our Heavenly Father loves us-even with all our flaws! His love is such that even should we give up on ourselves, He never will. We see ourselves in terms of yesterday and today. Our Heavenly Father sees us in terms of forever. Although we might settle for less, Heavenly Father won't, for He sees us as the glorious beings we are capable of becoming." 

I am constantly messing up in my life, making stupid decisions, and going down paths that don't make any sense in the long run. However, as many times as I have done that, God still loves me. He still forgives me every time I turn and repent. What a wonderful blessing. I cannot imagine life without this knowledge.


Another favorite quote I have is by President Uchtdorf:

“He is your beloved Heavenly Father, who seeks your good, your happiness. He desires with all the love of a perfect and pure Father that you reach your supernal destination. . . . All you have to do is trust your Heavenly Father. Trust Him enough to follow His plan."

I know that Christ lives. He lives and loves us each individually. I know that the Book of Mormon is true. I know that families can be together forever. I love that. I love that I get to spend eternity with my family. I love them so much. This is the first Christmas of my life not being with them and it sucks. A lot. I miss all our crazy traditions, from our secret meeting where we plan out where to sit on Christmas morning, down to the tamales we make and give away to all our dear friends. I miss my little brother always wanting to watch the same Christmas movie over and over and over again. I miss all the nativity sets my mom sets up all over the house, and the stockings she made for us each with love. I miss the cookies we always have around the house, and my daddy reading the Christmas story.

I once was told by a professor in college that we need to get along with out families here on earth, because if not, eternity is not going to be that fun. I am so grateful to know that I get to be with all of my family forever. I love them. I can't imagine my life without them. They all inspire me to be a better person. My older sister married the greatest guy in the temple. My older brother served a mission and my younger brother is currently serving one. My sisters are such strong examples in this topsy-turvy world, and I can always look to them to act in noble ways. Hyrum is the best little brother ever, and continues to bless my family with his love for all. And my parents are the greatest. I don't know how I got so lucky to have them as my parents. I am so grateful for all they have done for me and my family.