THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR!

WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS!!!

Yesterday was Fast sunday and it was wonderful. During testimony meeting, our bishop talked about the true meaning of Christmas. He challenged us as a ward to give a very special gift this year, a gift to Jesus Christ. Something we can do to show Jesus we love him and want give back to him...

I have been thinking a lot about this. I have been thinking about how I can show Christ I love him.

I think I have figured out what I want to give Christ. I want to be all around more Christ-like. More loving, more accepting, and kinder to those around me. Lately, I have been thinking so much about the people in my life. I am so blessed to have so many wonderful friends and to have such a wonderful family. I can really say that I have the best group of friends some one could ask for. I am so thankful my friends are understanding, compassionate, supportive, encouraging, and FUN! I am also so thankful for my wonderful family. Both my extended and immediate family is amazing. I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. I want to be more Christ-like and show the people around me that I love them.

Yesterday, I was reading President Monson's christmas devotional from last year. I love what he said about the spirit of Christmas. Here is a small part of his talk:

"My Brothers and sisters, finding the real joy of the season comes not in the hurrying or the scurrying to get more done, or in the purchasing of obligatory gifts. Really, joy comes as we show the love and compassion inspired by the Savior of the World who said, "In as much as ye have done it the unto one the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me." (Mathew 25: 40) As we contemplate how we are going to spend our money to buy gifts this holiday season, let us plan also for how we will spend our time to help bring the true spirit of Christmas to the lives of others. The Savior gave freely to us all. His gifts were beyond value or measure. Throughout his ministry, he blessed the sick, restored sight to the blind, and made the deaf hear. He gave cleanliness to the unclean. He restored breath to the lifeless....

He gave us his love, his service, and his life. What is the spirit we feel at Christmas time? It is his spirit- the Spirit of Christ."

I am so grateful for this time of year and I am so grateful for Jesus Christ! Christmas is coming to soon and can't wait to see my wonderful family!!!! Only 19 more days!!!!