Simple Christ-Centered Christmas Traditions

The First Presidency Christmas Devotional last night was wonderful.  The music was beautiful and the messages were great reminders.  If you and your family didn't get a chance to watch it you can do so HERE.  It would make for a great FHE tonight.  Also, a neat announcement was made and a new page born on lds.org with Bible videos to be added monthly.    They are free to download and are a gift to the world.  You can watch the video that was shown last night below: 



The Christmas Devotional is such a simple way to remember Christ during the Christmas Season.  A tradition that takes little planning, no running to and fro, and no gifts to be purchased.

I also thought I'd share two Christmas Traditions that our little family started this year.  So I guess they are not techniquely traditions yet but I hope to continue them each year and turn them into traditions.

First, we put up this little tree next to our bigger tree. It was my husband and I's very first Christmas tree.  Now it is our Service and Kindness tree.  When I catch my children serving or being kind I let them pick out an ornament to add to the tree.  Sometimes I send my 4 year old to preschool with service in mind and he'll come back and tell me something nice he did.  It was been good.  It's also nice to have a tree that is free for them to touch and move ornaments around on. :)

Then Secondly, we tweaked this idea from the Friend.  We have this nativity picture hanging on the wall in our living room and each morning we are adding a star to the wall.  We write something about Jesus on the star and tape it to the wall.  By Christmas we should have one starry night.  My son is already excited about putting the biggest star above the picture on Christmas Eve.

Our 4 year old (soon to be 5) has come up with things like:
Jesus helped people to see.
Jesus was crucified for us.
Jesus was born in a stable.
Jesus helped raise people from the dead.

And our 2 year old has said things like this (with a little help sometimes :):
Jesus hugs me.
Jesus loves me.
Jesus made animals.
Jesus holds me.

It has been a great way to keep us thinking about Christ every day this December.  What are some Christ-Centered traditions that your family has?

Are You (Really) Easter Ready?

So I think I am done with all of my candy buying and I have a few free Easter Egg Hunts on my calendar but am I REALLY ready for Easter?  I have some work do.  One of the things that I love about having this blog is that I can refer back to things that I have done in the past and prepare myself once again. I thought I would post links to some of my past Easter posts for all of you just in case you are in need of some ideas to make Christ the center of Easter, where He should be.  I wish I would've prepared for true Easter first and Easter bunny second.  It is time to think of Christ.

• 7 day scripture reading or spiritual easter egg hunt
• A video of Elder Holland's Easter thoughts.
• More excited for the Easter Bunny - with a link to some wonderful Easter ideas.
• A Christ-Centered Easter Treat

And finally here are a few great things that were not posted on this site but that would be great to read or do this Easter season:

•  This first one is an article from April's Friend magazine.  It is called "Easter Week" and has scripture readings for 8 days (sorry this is a little late to start on time but you coud always start out with a few the first day :)  Or you could put them in Easter Eggs and do a hunt on Sunday and put them in order, or even do both.  Text Version   -   PDF Version
• Read President Monson's First Presidency Message - He is Not Here, but is Risen
• Read The Living Christ as a family.

 And to finish off I wanted to share the First Presidency Easter Message for 2011 and this wonderful Easter Mormon Message video (both would be great to read or watch individually or with your family):

"Among the most cherished thoughts and writings in this world is the divine statement of truth: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
This precious Son, our Lord and Savior, atoned for the sins of all mankind. That memorable night in Gethsemane His suffering was so great, His anguish so consuming that He pleaded, "Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt." Later, on the cruel cross, He died that we might live, and live everlastingly. Resurrection morning was preceded by pain, by suffering in accordance with the divine plan of God. Before Easter, there had to be a cross. The world has witnessed no greater gift, nor has it known more lasting love.
The message of Easter is that the Savior lives! And because He lives all shall indeed live again. This knowledge provides the peace for loved ones of those who have passed on, "Oh, sweet the joy this sentence gives: 'I know that my Redeemer lives!'"



I hope we all have a spirit-filled Easter!

Counsel from the Saturday Morning Session - April 2011

Saturday Morning Session

Thomas S. Monson

·    ”May I suggest that if you are able, you might consider making a contribution to the General Missionary Fund of the Church.”

L. Tom Perry

·    “We must commit ourselves to study [the New Testament] and treasure it!”

·    “As we consider the pattern of the Sabbath and the sacrament in our own lives, there appear to be three things the Lord requires of us: first, to keep ourselves unspotted from the world; second, to go to the house of prayer and offer up our sacraments; and third, to rest from our labors.”

·    “To keep ourselves unspotted from the world, He expects us to avoid such worldly distractions of businesses and recreational facilities on the Sabbath day.”

·    “I believe He also desires us to dress appropriately. Our youth may think the old saying ‘Sunday best’ is outdated. Still, we know that when Sunday dress deteriorates to everyday attire, attitudes and actions follow. Of course, it may not be necessary for our children to wear formal Sunday attire until the sun goes down. However, by the clothing we encourage them to wear and the activities we plan, we help them prepare for the sacrament and enjoy its blessings throughout the day.”

·    “Sometimes we think of resting from our labors as merely letting the hay baler stand idle in the field or putting a Closed sign on the business door. Yet in today’s world, labor includes the everyday work of our lives. This could mean business activities we may accomplish from home, athletic competitions, and other pursuits that take us away from Sabbath day worship and the opportunity to minister to others.”

·    “Parents, now is the time to teach our children to be examples of the believers by attending sacrament meeting. When Sunday morning arrives, help them to be well rested, properly dressed, and spiritually prepared to partake of the emblems of the sacrament”

·    “Let your family be filled with love as you honor the Sabbath all day long and experience its spiritual blessings throughout the week.”

·    “Let us remember the blessings and opportunities that are ours as we attend sacrament meeting each week in our wards and branches.”

Jean A. Stevens

·    ” If we have a heart to learn and a willingness to follow the example of children, their divine attributes can hold a key to unlocking our own spiritual growth…May each of us have a heart to…become as a little child, and thereby return to our heavenly home.”

Walter F. Gonzalez

·    “As Latter-day Saints, ours is the duty to invite millions such as these to come and see what our church can add to the good things that they already have.”

·    “To those members who are not active in the gospel, please come back.”

Kent F. Richards

·    “Our great personal challenge in mortality is to become ‘a saint through the atonement of Christ.’ The pain you and I experience may be where this process is most measured. In extremity, we can become as children in our hearts, humble ourselves, and ‘pray and work and wait patiently for the healing of our bodies and our souls…if we will but come unto Him with humble hearts.”

Quentin L. Cook

·    “Women are confronted with many options and need to prayerfully consider the choices they make and how those choices affect the family.”

·    “There are two principles that we should always keep in mind. First, no woman should ever feel the need to apologize or feel that her contribution is less significant because she is devoting her primary efforts to raising and nurturing children. Nothing could be more significant in our Father in Heaven’s plan. Second, we should all be careful not to be judgmental or assume that sisters are less valiant if the decision is made to work outside the home. We rarely understand or fully appreciate people’s circumstances. Husbands and wives should prayerfully counsel together, understanding they are accountable to God for their decisions.”

Henry B. Eyring

·    “To commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Church welfare program, members worldwide will be invited to participate in a day of service. Leaders and members will seek revelation as they design whatever the projects will be. I will make three suggestions as you plan your service project. First, prepare yourself and those you lead spiritually…My second suggestion is to choose as recipients of your service people within the kingdom or in the community whose needs will touch the hearts of those who will give the service…My last suggestion is to plan to draw on the power of the bonds of families, of quorums, of auxiliary organizations, and of people you know in your communities.

First Presidency Puzzle

I came across this puzzle of the First Presidency (created by Regan Ashford) on Sugardoodle.net and thought it looked simple and fun. Enjoy!

President Henry B. Eyring

Quite some time ago I posted about President Monson and mentioned that I planned to post on each member of the Presidency and Quorum of the Twelve. So I am finally back with President Eyring.

President Henry B. Eyring's Biography

President Henry B. Eyring was named as First Counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints since February 3, 2008. Previously, he had served as Second Counselor in the First Presidency to President Gordon B. Hinckley since October 6, 2007. He was named to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on 1 April, 1995, having previously served as a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy since 3 October, 1992. (To read the remainder of his biography click on the link above.)

President Henry B. Eyring
By Elder Robert D. Hales

Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

The opening story of this article so perfectly depicts President Eyring's willingness and dedication in serving the Lord.


A few years after Henry Bennion Eyring became president of Ricks College (now Brigham Young University–Idaho), he was offered a high-paying, prestige-filled job in southern California.

“It sounds like a great opportunity,” President Spencer W. Kimball told him as Henry described the offer and its benefits. “If we ever needed you, we would know where you were.”

Henry had expected President Kimball, his uncle, to ask him to stay on at Ricks. Instead, it became obvious that Henry and his wife, Kathleen, were to pray and fast about their decision, which they did. Within a week, the Spirit whispered to Henry that he would have the privilege of staying at Ricks College “a little longer.”

He called Jeffrey R. Holland, then Commissioner of the Church Educational System, and told him that he had turned down the job offer. That evening Henry received a phone call from President Kimball.

“I understand you’ve decided to stay,” said President Kimball.

“Yes,” replied Henry.

“Do you think you’ve made a sacrifice?” asked President Kimball.

“No,” said Henry.

“That’s right!” President Kimball assured him. With that, President Kimball ended the conversation.

For those who know Henry B. Eyring, his willingness to follow spiritual promptings—even if doing so means giving up what the world considers important—comes as no surprise. He has learned for himself that faith and humility, coupled with obedience, qualify God’s children for blessings richer than worldly wealth.

Recent General Conference Addresses and Ensign Articles by President Eyring

October 2008

O Ye that Embark

Our Hearts Knit as One

April 2008

The True and Living Church

Faith and the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood

Walk in the Light

January 2009 First Presidency Message

Let Us Raise Our Voice of Warning

Here is a video and text of one of my favorite talks of President Eyring - O Remember, Remember:

You may also enjoy reading this article: President Henry B. Eyring: A Legacy of Learning and Testimony

I hope that this will help us all to get to know the prophets and apostles a little better.

Let Us Raise Our Voice of Warning

My heart has been filled lately. It has been filled with a greater desire to be missionary minded. My hope is that my missionary mindedness will not just be missionary thoughts but will be transfered into missionary actions.

I have had some great opportunities lately that have come in very simple ways. As simple as fullfilling my role as a visiting teacher or knocking on a strangers door to deliver a birthday card.

About a week ago I read the First Presidency message given by President Eyring in the January Ensign and felt a fire lit underneath me to get up and work. As I read it, it hit me in an extremely powerful way and I felt the great urgency and the great obligation that I have to follow through.

I now want to share some of the powerful words from this vital message.

If You Know You Should Warn
"Here is the charge given to each of the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: “Behold, I sent you out to testify and warn the people, and it becometh every man who hath been warned to warn his neighbor” (D&C 88:81)."

There is Danger in Not Warning
"The Lord would not use the word warn if there was no danger. Yet not many people we know sense it. They have learned to ignore the increasing evidence that society is unraveling and that their lives and family lack the peace they once thought was possible. That willingness to ignore the signs of danger can make it easy for you to think: “Why should I speak to anyone about the gospel who seems content? What danger is there to them or to me if I do or say nothing?”

Well, the danger may be hard to see, but it is real, both for them and for us. For instance, at some moment in the world to come, everyone you met in this life will know what you know now. They will know that the only way to live forever in association with our families and in the presence of our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, is to choose to enter into the gate by baptism at the hands of those with authority from God. They will know that the only way families can be together forever is to accept and keep sacred covenants offered in the temples of God on this earth. They will know that you knew. And they will remember whether you offered them what someone had offered you. It’s easy to say, “The time isn’t right.” But there is danger in procrastination."

The Keys to Missionary Work
"I can still remember my mother speaking softly to me one Saturday afternoon when, as a little boy, I asked her for permission to do something I thought was perfectly reasonable and which she knew was dangerous. I still am amazed at the power she was granted, I believe from the Lord, to turn me around with so few words. As I remember them, they were: “Oh, I suppose you could do that. But the choice is yours.” The only warning was in the emphasis she put on the words could and choice. Yet that was enough for me.

Her power to warn with so few words sprang from three things I knew about her. First, I knew she loved me. Second, I knew she had faced similar situations and had been blessed by making the right choice. And third, she had conveyed to me her sure testimony that the choice I had to make was so important that the Lord would tell me what to do if I asked Him. Love, example, and testimony: those were keys that day, and they have been whenever I have been blessed to hear and then heed the warning of a servant of the Lord.

I testify that only accepting and living the restored gospel of Jesus Christ brings the peace the Lord promised in this life and the hope of eternal life in the world to come. I testify that we have been given the privilege and the obligation to offer the truth and the choices which lead to those blessings to our Heavenly Father’s children, who are our brothers and our sisters. Jesus is the Christ, He lives, and this is His work."

These are only a few selections of this powerful talk and I urge you to read it in it's entirety.

We can and we must show a greater love to our neighbors, our colleagues, and our families and friends. We can and we must be good examples. We can and we must share our testimonies of the truth. We know what other's do not know. We have been warned. We have the truth. We have testimonies.

I urge us all today to find the courage within ourselves to share what we know with someone who has not yet been warned or who has forgotten the warning they had once received. I challege us all to pray for opportunites to share the gospel, to have the courage to bear our testimonies, and to stop procrastinating the sharing of this urgent message.

Let us go knock on our neighbor's door, mention the gospel to a co-worker, or share our testimonies with our loved ones. As I felt when I read this article I hope we can all feel and act on the urgency and the obligation of this charge.

Let Us Raise Our Voice of Warning!

I'd love to hear your wonderful missionary experiences or thoughts on different ways we can reach out and share the gospel.

Walk in the Light

I thought I would share this talk since most of us probably didn't get to hear it in the YW conference. It is a wonderul message. This will be my last official scheduled post - read the bolded text on the left side of the blog for more details.

Walk in the Light
Young Women Conference April 2008

President Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in the First Presidency

"You are remarkable, even among those who chose right in the contest in the spirit world. You qualified to come into mortality and to make this journey at a time when the gospel of Jesus Christ was on the earth. And among the billions of Heavenly Father's children now living, you were privileged to find the gospel of Jesus Christ and His true Church. "

I think sometimes I lose sight of how blessed I am to be born into mortality in the circumstances that I am in. As members of the Church we truly are so blessed to have the Gospel on the earth at this time and to have it in our lives.

"You make choices every day and almost every hour that keep you walking in the light or moving away toward darkness. Some of the most important choices are about what you set your heart upon.

There are so many things you may consider desirable. For instance, all of us want, to some degree, the approval of other people. All of us feel a need for friends. All of us are searching for some evidence that we are persons of worth. We make choices based on those desires. Some might lead us away from the light God offers us as a guide. Some may brighten that light by which we can find our way."

I have always really liked the phrase in the scriptures about our hearts being set upon something such as riches. Each day our heart might be set on something different. Is it set on riches? Is it set on being better than others? Or if we checked our hearts would we find it set on the foundation of Christ?

What a wonderful message from President Eyring. To read the whole talk click on the title at the top of the post.

O Remember, Remember - President Eyring

O Remember, Remember
President Henry B. Eyring

Second Counselor in the First Presidency

"When our children were very small, I started to write down a few things about what happened every day...I wrote down a few lines every day for years. I never missed a day no matter how tired I was or how early I would have to start the next day. Before I would write, I would ponder this question: “Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?” As I kept at it, something began to happen. As I would cast my mind over the day, I would see evidence of what God had done for one of us that I had not recognized in the busy moments of the day. As that happened, and it happened often, I realized that trying to remember had allowed God to show me what He had done.

More than gratitude began to grow in my heart. Testimony grew. I became ever more certain that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers. I felt more gratitude for the softening and refining that come because of the Atonement of the Savior Jesus Christ. And I grew more confident that the Holy Ghost can bring all things to our remembrance—even things we did not notice or pay attention to when they happened."

I randomly remember this talk now and then and think about how I might learn so much about God's hand in my life if I tried just what President Eyring did. I think we would all grow in our understanding, our gratitude, and our testimonies just as President Eyring did if we tried asking ourselves each day, " Have I seen the hand of God reaching out to touch us or our children or our family today?”

Click on the title of the talk at the top of the post to read the entire talk

or watch a portion of the talk below.

Following the Promptings of the Spirit

"Only when my heart has been still and quiet, in submission like a little child, has the Spirit been clearly audible to my heart and mind." - President Henry B. Eyring

Last night I received a prompting that seemed almost silly to me and I thought it might have been my own worries. I was invited to attend a concert with a few members of my family. I decided I would go. I thought it sounded fun, especially to be with my sister and my Mom. As I was reading my scriptures last night I was feeling quite uneasy. I noticed that I was feeling this way but didn't know why. I continued to read when I felt I should not attend the concert. I thought I was being silly but kept thinking about this while I completed the remaining chapters of my reading. I decided that I needed to pray about this seemingly silly situation. I knelt and asked if I should go to the concert or if I had truly received a prompting. The thought quickly popped into my head about being uneasy earlier and then the Spirit whispered to me, "That is your answer."

I receive promptings on a daily basis, I am sure. I think that most often I do not notice them; that they are so woven into my daily life that they have become harder to pin point and to recognize as promptings instead I see them as my own direction and ideas. I hope to be able to be more like Elder Eyring and notice the hand of the Lord in my life daily.

No matter how simple the situation or the prompting I received last night I am grateful not only for the direction not to go but also for the wonderful experience of feeling this prompting so strongly. I don't know what would happen if I went to the concert tomorrow night but I know that the Holy Ghost gave me a warning and in so doing a great blessing that I am incredibly grateful for. The Holy Ghost truly does guide us as long as we are living worthily and find time to have our heart still, quiet, and submissive like a child.