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| "Adoration of the Shepherds" by Gerard van Honthorst, 1622 |
1. I love the advent season and prefer celebrating it to an over commercialized Christmas. "O Lord, thou art my God; I will exalt thee, I will praise thy name; for thou hast done wonderful things; thy counsels of old are faithfulness and truth." Isaiah 25:1
I Believe In Christ
Bruce R. McConkie
With all my heart to him I’ll sing;
I’ll raise my voice in praise and joy,
In grand amens my tongue employ.
I believe in Christ; he is God’s Son.
On earth to dwell his soul did come.
He healed the sick; the dead he raised.
Good works were his; his name be praised.
I believe in Christ; oh blessed name!
As Mary’s Son he came to reign
’Mid mortal men, his earthly kin,
To save them from the woes of sin.
I believe in Christ, who marked the path,
Who did gain all his Father hath,
Who said to men: “Come, follow me,
That ye, my friends, with God may be.”
I believe in Christ—my Lord, my God!
My feet he plants on gospel sod.
I’ll worship him with all my might;
He is the source of truth and light.
I believe in Christ; he ransoms me.
From Satan’s grasp he sets me free,
And I shall live with joy and love
In his eternal courts above.
I believe in Christ; he stands 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.
2.
"We want our homes to be blessed with sister scriptorians...regardless of your particular circumstances, as you become more and more familiar with the truths of the scriptures, you will be more and more effective in keeping the second great commandment, to love your neighbor as yourself." Spencer W. Kimball, “The Role of Righteous Women,” Ensign, Nov. 1979, 102
I loved this dear, sweet little man, who looked very much like my grandfather in continence and stature. We even named one son after him. He was so gentle but never hedged on doing right.
While I don't consider myself a scriptorian....yet..., reading the scriptures along with keeping a scripture journal has changed my life in amazing ways. The scriptures are my enduring friends. It's amazing how little scriptural phrases pop into my mind and conversation at all times. Because I've spent time with them, they have become part of my life. I study by topic and mark in scripture chains. Give some thought to this practice, which will be a source of peace, truth, and light in your life.
3. I have a love/hate relationship with snow. While I love the pure beauty of new fallen snow, the cold makes my body hurt, the slush is troublesome, and the ice is dangerous. Yesterday, the first day of the Christmas Season or Advent was ushered in by a lovely white storm. Our town is blanketed in purity.
4. While in Gig Harbor a few weeks ago, I found the best mugs at a harbor side restaurant. Inquiring if I might buy a couple from them, the owner laughed and said they were from Target. I bought a set and now enjoy drinking lemon infusion, herbal tea, and miso soup several times a day from their over-sized bowls.
5. Decided on a Christmas gift for my up and out children. One year my in-laws gave us quite a bit of grains and beans for long-term storage. It goes on record as one of my favorite all-time gifts. Because mine are far-flung, this isn't practical for us. However, I recently acquired a new butane stove for our emergency storage, which will be just perfect as a gift to each one. FTF is a fun way to reflect.
