Priorities in Life!

This time of year always makes me reflect on the past year and how the Lord has blessed me. I also reflect on the things I didn't do that I should have and the things I can do to be better. Since this is the time we celebrate the birth of Christ, what a better way to do that then to think about our own lives and try to make our lives more like his. One of the most important things in doing that is to evaluate and see what things you have as your priorities. In the Oct. general confrence President Uchtdorf gave a talk title " Of Things That Matter Most." It was such a good talk and it really hit me to take a step back and see what I hold as priorities in my own life. He says that, "If life and its rushed pace and many stresses have made it difficult for you to feel like rejoicing, then perhaps now is a good time to refocus on what matters most." Then he goes on to say that it is a good idea to slow down, steady our course, and focus on the essentials. I think that is so interesting how just by focusing on the basic's and essentials, that will make all the difference. For me personally the essentials are family and friends, food, clothes, water, shelter, and the gospel. As long as I have those things, I am just fine. I am so grateful for this time of year, in which I have to reflect on the things that matter most. My prayer is that all of us will take this time to truly think about the things that matter most to us, and then everything else will fall into place. In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, " Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Let us all strive to live more simply in this complex and crazy world.

The Sacrament!!!

Why is it so important for us to partake of the Sacrament each week? That is a question that many people ask, and the scriptures have the answer for us. In 3rd Nephi chapter 18 and Matthew 26 it tells us that the bread and water represent the body and blood of Christ. What a wonderful thing Christ did for us, by bleeding from every pore in Gethsemane for our sins, dying on the cross for us, and then his ressurection three days later. The Sacrament is important, because it is a constant reminder for us to always remember what Christ did for us and so that we can strive to be like him. When we are baptized we make a promise with Heavenly Father to always remember Christ, keep the commandments, and that we are willing to take Christ's name upon us. That means that we bare eachothers burdens, comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and being good examples for others. We are not perfect and we all make mistakes, and that is why it is so important for us to repent when we make the mistake, but also every Sunday when we partake of the Sacrament we can have that same feeling of renewal just like we had when we were baptized. I know that partaking of the sacrament is so important, and I know that my weeks were crazy when I didn't take it. I feel so much better after I have taken the sacrament. I am so grateful for the Savior, Jesus Christ, and for all he did for me. I am grateful that he has given me the wonderful oppertunity to take the sacrament each week and get that renewal.

Christmas!!!!

We all know the true meaning of Christmas. Tis better to give then to recieve, but I wonder how many of us really have that in our hearts. I know that at times I don't. I think of the presents I will get, the people that will give me presents, and wither or not I will like them. I have to constantly remind myself that the reason we celebrate Christmas is Christ's birth. If the savior Jesus Christ is who we are supposed to be like, then how Christ like am I if I am thinking about me and not others? It is interesting how being away from your family can make you think twice about what matters most at Christmas. It is truly about giving to others, and not focusing on ourselves. I have come to a greater apreciation for the things most of us take for granted. Like being able to call your family, hanging out with friends, and just being able to sit a home and relaxing. I am so grateful for this time of year and how it helps me to relfect on the year and the reason for the season. That reflection helps me to truly live the way the savior would, not only during this season of giving, but all year round. May we all reflect on the our the past year, and the real reason we celebrate this Christmas season. May that reflection help all of us to live that way everyday of the year.