The Fourth Wise Man

On Friday night, our ward at church had a Christmas dinner for the adults. As you can see from the second photo, they transformed the gymnasium into a winter wonderland with white lights strung from the ceiling and paper snowflakes galore...each table had beautiful Christmas china that people brought from their homes...and the center pieces were unique Nativities. It was a lovely affair (that sadly Adam and I weren't able to be to because I waited to long to find a babysitter...) but I did go for part of it because I was in a play performed after everyone enjoyed their dessert, theater in the round! :)

It was a play written and adapted from The Fourth Wise Man, a sweet children's book. It tells of a fourth wise man who is on a journey to meet the Christ child and give him 3 precious jewels...but on his way, he is confronted with opportunities to serve his fellow men. He ends up using his jewels to serve and save lives, including my character's baby. And after using his last jewel to pay for the freedom of an enslaved woman, he finds out his Savior had just been crucified...he had been on his journey for 33 years...and never met Christ. But the whole way, he was serving those around him, and therefore serving his Savior.

It was incredible to be apart of the play. The story touched my heart, and inspires me to think of those around me and what I can do for them...that is the best gift I can give to my Savior this Christmas.

Remembering why we celebrate...

{ My sweet Mom took this photo of my family's nativity at home sweet home in Washington...makes my heart happy }

Tonight, Adam and I snuggled together and watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional that our church puts on every year. We heard incredible Christmas music, and listened to the beautiful words of our Prophet and his counselors. Deiter F. Uchtdorf's message touched me deeply...reminding me to not focus on the minor, monetary things of Christmas (although they are wonderful:) but to remember and truly devote my heart to celebrating the birth of Christ. His words are inspiring:

"We have in our minds a picture of how everything should be. The perfect tree, the perfect lights, the perfect gifts, and the perfect family events. We might even want to recreate some magical moment we remember from Christmases past and nothing short of perfection will do. Sooner or later something unpleasant occurs. The wooden blocks tumble, the drapes catch fire, the turkey burns, the sweater is the wrong size, the toys are missing batteries, the children quarrel, the pressure rises, and the picture-perfect Christmas we imagined, the magic we had intended to create, shatters around us. As a result the Christmas season is often a time of stress, anxiety, frustration, and perhaps even disappointment. But then, if we are only willing to open our hearts and minds to the Spirit of Christmas, we will recognize wonderful things happening around us that will direct, or redirect, our attention to the sublime. It is usually something small. We read a verse of scripture, we hear a sacred carol, and really perhaps listen to its words for the first time. Or we witness a sincere expression of love. In one way or another the Spirit touches our hearts and we see that Christmas in it's essence is much more sturdy and enduring that the many minor things in life we too often use to adorn it with. In these precious moments we realize what we feel and know in our heart that Christmas is really about the Christ. It is Christmas and some of the cherished traditions of the season that remind us that we, like the wise men of old, should seek the Christ and lay before him the most precious of gifts: a broken heart and contrite Spirit. We should offer him our love. We should give him our willingness to take upon ourselves His name and walk in the path of discipleship. We should promise to remember him always, to emulate his example, and to go about doing good."

Thank goodness for DVR, I was able to rewind (and rewind some more;) in order to type all of that as I heard it...it's such a beautiful message I couldn't resist recording it!

Corrie came for Conference

This past weekend was pretty lovely.

My sister Corrie came into town...being with her make any weekend extra fantastic!

Saturday we started the day off enjoying omelets filled with tomatoes, green peppers, and gouda cheese...got dressed from our PJ's later that afternoon only because Corrie and I went and got pedicures (the memory of which will always make me smile...my feet are incredibly ticklish, but the guy working on my feet basically got me to lose control and had me laughing so hard I cried. and laughed more. and cried more. We made quite the scene)...we stuffed ourselves with leftover lasagna throughout the day...and later that night headed over to the Kjars for a delicious spaghetti dinner...followed by staying up late talking (oh how I love late night talks with my sisters). Sunday we slept in...cooked and ate the most amazingly delicious breakfast stratta that Corrie and I prepped the night before...we lounged around in our PJs some more...then headed over to the Kjars for the afternoon, Brooks loved playing in their backyard...and we came back to the house that night to enjoy cinnamon rolls (courtesy of Pillsbury;) while we video chatted with my family before saying goodbye to Corrie as she left back up to Rexburg. Oh the weekend wan't long enough!!

And while all of those wonderful memories put the biggest smile on my face still...the sweetest part of the weekend was soaking up the messages of General Conference. We listened to our inspired prophet, Thomas S. Monson, and many other church leaders who touched our hearts with their words. I loved taking notes of the feelings and promptings I received while listening to their messages...my testimony was strengthened of God and my Savior, and I was reminded of what I need to do to return back to them with my family. Overall, I feel that my feelings can be summed up in the last verse of the incredible hymn that was sung Sunday morning by the Tabernacle Choir...

"I Believe in Christ" by Bruce R. McConkie and John Longhurst

Fourth Verse:

I believe in Christ; He stand supreme!

From Him I'll gain my fondest dream;

And while I strive through grief and pain,

His voice is heard: "Ye shall obtain."

I believe in Christ; so come what may,

With Him I'll stand in that great day

When on this Earth He comes again

To rule among the sons of men.

You can read, watch, and/or listen to any of the sessions or individual talks here. I'm so grateful for technology so that I can review it all over and over again :)

Sublime thoughts from a Forget Me Not

Last night was the General Relief Society Broadcast of our church (for women 18 and older)...and I missed it :( But thank goodness for technology and the internet!! I watched it all this morning before church :) And it was most definitely the perfect way to start my Sunday.

A talk that really moved me, was President Uchtdorf's as he spoke about the lovely, delicate Forget Me Not flower...and how sometimes we may feel like that flower, which seems small and insignificant compared to other larger, more colorful flowers. But in God's eyes we are all beautiful and unique...and we should never forget that He divinely created each of us with love. There are five petals on the tiny flower, and President Uchtdorf shared five things that we should never forget...below are the notes I took of what really struck me.

{ via }

{ To put a face to his words... via }

First, forget not to be patient with yourself. God knows that I am not perfect...along with the people that I think have perfect lives. I need to not compare myself or my family to others. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses...and God wants to eventually help me turn all of my weaknesses to strengths. I need to be patient and compassionate with myself, just as Heavenly Father and Christ is with me.

Second, forget not the difference between a good sacrifice and a foolish sacrifice. Am I committing my time and energies into those things that matter most?? Remember to have an eternal perspective.

Third, forget not to be happy now. I have goals and hopes and dreams...but I can't have all of them now. So I need to strive to look for the joys and beauties in simple everyday moments that make up a full, truly happy life.

Fourth, forget not the "why" of the Gospel. His words say it best:

"When we understand why our Heavenly Father has given us this pattern for living, when we remember why we committed to making it a foundational part of our lives, the Gospel ceases to become a burden and, instead, becomes a joy and a delight. It becomes precious and sweet. ...

seek out the majesty, the beauty, and the exhilarating joy of the 'why' of the gospel of Jesus Christ. ... The 'why' of obedience sanctifies our actions, transforming the mundane into majestic. It magnifies our small acts of obedience into holy acts of consecration."

Fifth, forget not that the Lord loves you. With such tender power, he declared, as an apostle of our Master Jesus Christ, we are not forgotten. On those days that seem dark, when I seem alone and insignificant and oh-so imperfect, I need to remember that I am a daughter of a loving Heavenly Father. He loves me and I need to allow that infinite love into my heart, into my home, and into my life.

Such a beautiful message that I think all women, men, and children should hear. Anyone reading this (on the internet, not in the book that I'll eventually print:) click here to watch the meeting in full. Happy Sunday!!

The Fullness

My sweet sister Corrie introduced me to this fabulous band...Lovelite. They write and sing Christian music, and this song of there's is a favorite of mine. Along with a stellar tune, it touches on something that I'm constantly working on: taking advantage of the full, beautiful life God and Christ have to offer me, and giving my whole heart to them. I know that when I have given my thoughts and my heart to them...they help me see outside of myself and I find that I love deeper and I serve those around me with more compassion. I get through the hard times in life, which I know are so few compared to so many others, because of the Hope and Light I find in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

"THE FULNESS"

by Lovelite

Here I am safe at last
In Your arms and in Your hands
My body’s weak but You are stronger
And You will carry me

Because You offer a life that is whole
You brighten my darkened soul
A mystery that I long to know
I am Yours

Here I am full of hope
Not weighed down anymore
Knowing You changes me
Never let me leave

Because You offer a life that is whole
You brighten my darkened soul
A mystery that I long to know
I am Yours

I am Yours
Because You offer a life that is whole
You brighten my darkened soul
A mystery that I long to know
I am Yours

peace

I'm a hippy at heart. I long for peace :)

But beyond the peace around the world that I pray for, where there is no war or anger or violence...the peace that I am most grateful for in my life is the kind that comes to my mind and my heart after I've sought and received forgiveness from my Heavenly Father...and after I've forgiven myself when I've done wrong.

I taught a lesson today in Young Womens centered on the importance of forgiving ourselves. While preparing, and while giving the lesson, I was struck by an overwhelming feeling of love I have for my Savior and for the unconditional love He has for me. It hurts my heart to think of times when I've chosen to not follow His example and instead I've chosen to sin...but I also get this indescribable feeling of hope that those things do not define me. The Savior's Atonement covered every pain I have and will go through (whether that's pain from life's trials, or from my own wrong choices)...and He is waiting for me to take advantage of his Gift, to seek repentance, and then to forgive myself and start fresh. I may remember certain things I've done and have regret for, but Heavenly Father and His Son do not want me to get down on myself. They love me (and you) infinitely and want me to move forward with peace of mind, and have a desire in my heart to seek to do better.

The comments and discussion shared by my girls were amazing...the youth of today have SO MUCH FAITH. They inspire me :) I shared with them my testimony of my Savior and what a peace it brings into my life. I know He lives and that He is God's son, and I am one of God's daughters. They both know my heart. My Heavenly Father knows that I am not perfect, and doesn't expect me to be. But I have no doubt that he has high expectations of what I can become if I strive to follow His Son's example...to love those around me and to seek to grow closer to Him.

I had them watch this video at the start of the class. What a beautiful message of a loving Savior who is waiting with open arms to help us up when we fall...with the wonderful gift of the Peace of God.

Come what may and love it

After getting home from church and putting Brooks down for a nap, I watched this wonderful video...Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin (who passed about almost 3 years ago) was a man of God, and he shared some sweet ways to get through hard times in our lives:

First, laugh...

It's contagious and it does the body, heart, and mind good :)

Second, seek for the eternal...

Jesus Christ suffered so that he could succor His people...when I go through heartache I can use it to "increase [my] compassion and understanding for others."

Third, understand the principle of compensation...

"The faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned hundred-fold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude."

Fourth, put our trust in our loving Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ...

"Do your best, then leave the rest to Him."

Through all of our trials, we can always find evidences of our Heavenly Father's love for us.

What a blessing.

{ To read his inspiring talk in full go here. }

Keeping promises

Today at church was one of those days that just fills your spirit to over-flowing!

It was just what I needed :) I was reminded numerous time of my Heavenly Father's individual love for me.

During sacrament meeting a young man in our ward gave his farewell talk before leaving to serve on a mission. He'll be serving the beautiful people of Brazil for 2 years. He shared a story that touched me deeply. It is a fictional story...but an inspiring one at that. It was about a man and his friend...before this life, and they were about ready to come down to Earth. The man received a "call"...with sweet anticipation they both opened and read the letter. It said that he was being called to come down to Earth into a loving family who had the Gospel in their lives. The priesthood would be in his home, and his family would be monetarily stable. The land would be plentiful and the country would have many freedoms. He was called to come down and be born in the United States of America. They both hugged out of happiness for the man. His friend also got a letter, and they read it together as well. It said that he was called to be born into poverty. Hardships and trials would be frequent in their family. His country's government would be corrupt. He was called to come and be born in the country of Costa Rica. The man's heart sunk as he heard his friend's call...and the friend looked up and said, "Please, promise you'll come find me." ... ... Later on in the man's life, when he was just 19 years old, he got his mission call to serve in the lush country of Costa Rica. He was going to fulfill his promise...find his friend...and bring him the hope and light of the gospel.

I just love that story!! It's nothing against anyone from Costa Rica or those not of our faith...but it just shows that we are ALL brothers and sisters...we were all friends before this life...and I have no doubt that many of us made promises to come find each other. What a blessing missionary work is. It is such a labor of love that men and women do to share the hope of the Gospel of Christ. And what an honor it is to know that Adam and I are raising our son Brooks who, I pray, will someday have the opportunity to choose to serve a mission.

Missionary work isn't done just by missionaries who leave their home for 18 months to 2 years. It is done by anyone who is serving those around them and who is sharing the light of Christ. Our Heavenly Father knows each one of us...He knows our hearts...He knows our desires...and He ultimately wants us to be truly Happy.

I first saw the video below last year, and it shares an amazing story of a young man named Brandon who follows his heart and chooses to serve at an orphanage in Honduras. The video is awesome! Brandon is an incredible example of following the Savior's footsteps of service...and of sharing the light of Christ, and the love of God for all His children. Makes me smile to wonder if Brandon had previously made promises to those boy in the orphanage to come and help them...if he did, he sure is keeping those promises :)

Hope everyone is enjoying a beautiful Sunday spent with those you love!

*********************************************

Spiritual Health:

Personal Progress - Individual Worth Value Experience #3

Read Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 and 121:45

Dear Brooks,

Today we went to Grandma and Grandpa Kjar's ward for church. :)

Daddy grew up in that ward so many people know of his amazing voice.

Being that today is Pioneer Day here in Utah (celebrating the trek of Mormon pioneers to the Salt Lake Valley back in the 19th century), Dad was asked to sing a solo in church..."Come, Come Ye Saints." He did a beautiful job! I was so proud to be sitting with you on my lap, and to be listening to my sweet husband (your sweet Daddy) bare his testimony through song. The Spirit was so strong...especially during the last verse...Collene (the amazing pianist) stopped playing and Daddy sang these words a cappella:

"And should we die before our journey's through,

Happy day! All is well!

We then are free from toil and sorrow, too;

With the just we shall dwell!

But if our lives are spared again

To see the saints their rest obtain,

O how we'll make this chorus swell,

All is well! All is well!"

In every footstep, those pioneers showed God that they were ever-faithful, they were dedicated, and they loved Him with all of their hearts. They were willing to sacrifice anything and everything for Him. Brooks, we are so blessed to live in a time and place where we have religious freedoms in our beautiful country, and when the church is growing and spreading throughout the world. Those inspiring pioneers blazed the trail for us.

I love you forever sweet boy!! And I'm so grateful that we can look to those pioneers and be inspired to be better!

Love always,

Mom

good health

I don't know about you, but when I'm around my family (which never seems often enough) I feel inspired to be better. I absolutely LOVE seeing my parents be Grandma & Grandpa to Brooks and his cousins...and I got to see a lot of it at our family reunion we just got back from. They work hard to stay healthy & fit so that they can get down and really play with all of their grandkids...and my parents never miss an opportunity to apply gospel principles when interacting with the kids. They're wonderful examples of what I want to be when Adam and I "grow up" ;)

{ My Mom & Dad, and Grandma Smith, with all the grandkids }

On the drive home yesterday...in between my naps while Adam drove...I thought about how I can improve my health. Both my physical and spiritual health. I love the scriptures and I enjoy a good workout...but I don't think I'm as dedicated to either one of those as I should be. I know that if I start my day with reading the scriptures I'll get the boost I need to be a loving mother for Brooks and a thoughtful wife for Adam. I know that scriptures have power and I know that they are a guiding light in my life. Then, getting a solid workout in will help me keep my energy up to play with my Little B...and hopefully help me keep my hott-smokin'-wife-bod for Adam (kidding!...inside joke from college). So, as a little something to keep me on track and hold me accountable...I've decided that at the end of every post, I'll record what I did that day to strengthen my spiritual health and my physical health.

*Cheers* to good health, self-improvement,

and working hard to be the best at what you love (for me, being a wife and mother)!

**********************************************

Spiritual health:

Personal Progress - Virtue Value #2

John 14:26–27; 15:26; 2 Nephi 32:1–5; and Doctrine and Covenants 45:57–59; 88:3–4; 121:45–46

Physical health:

the 100 workout (twice)

Girls Camp 2011 was...

...just what I needed :)

Being in nature and surrounded by such awesome young women was just what my spirit needed! These girls are so beautiful, inside and out...and I'm so glad that the theme our church decided to emphasize this year was their inner beauty and focused on who they truly are: daughters of a loving Heavenly Father.

Watching random acts of kindess, seeing girls read their scriptures, seeing their smiling faces, and hearing them share their feelings of Christ makes me want to be a better person!

I know that God knows what each of these girls go through every minute of every day...they know that obstacles will come at them, and with faith in their Savior they can overcome anything.

Along with inspiring lessons, testimonies, and devotionals there was also plenty of

hiking,

junk food,

facial masks,

french braiding,

staying up late,

talking about boys,

challenge course activities,

canoeing,

scripture study,

live entertainment by accapella group Vocalocity,

eating s'mores & roasted starbursts,

smelling like campfire,

snipe hunts,

and oh-so much laughing!

...lots of pictures because there were lots of memories! :)

Explanation for photo above: Louisa and I had tooth paste on our faces for snipe hunting ;)

Who of you have gone on a good ol' snipe hunt??