A word on gifts

In this season of giving, I have been blessed with the opportunity to ponder what it means to receive. My own pride and egocentric nature has always made receiving a very hard thing. It took me a while to let Jaren even pay for me on dates when we were dating.

I recently received a very unexpected and overwhelming gift. The kind that you say - "Ummm... no......... I don't think so...."

To which God responded with a "humbling session." Apparently He wanted me to understand something even more important. To gratefully accept a gift in humility is an act of love. Think of the times when you work really hard for something or someone, and then that act is received with "Ummm.. no... I don't think so...." Let's just say that doesn't make the giver feel appreciated, or even allow them to feel their blessings of service.

Which got me thinking about the gifts I've been given in my life. First and foremost, the gift of the Atonement. What good is this gift, if my own pride will not let me receive it? And that is exactly what my pride does... it convinces me that I can do things on my own - or if I just tried harder - or if I could only be better - then I could do it! Ha! What a great and terrible lie! The fact is, that I will never be good enough on my own... and that if I don't allow myself to receive the gift(s) that I've been given - I will ultimately be miserable.

There are still miracles in this world. There are still angels that do the Lords work, and give gifts that cannot ever be repaid. There is still good in this world. This is the lesson I needed most this Christmas.

Jaren has a new blog

So Jaren has a new blog.... and he wants you to read it. It's all about his metamorphosis into an Army Helicopter Pilot. It can be found at : http://thedream-jaren.blogspot.com/

Christmas Carol

There is something you should know. I love Charles Dicken's book The Christmas Carol. I love the play even more! It was a family Christmas tradition to go see Hale Center Theatre's version for multiple years, and then sadly - it suddenly faded away.

When I married my husband, I got a wealth of blessings in his friendships. One of whom is Eric. Eric has known Jaren for his entire life - you should ask Jaren about the story - it's quite Halmark movie-ish. Anyhow, Eric is a Thespian (love that word) - and has been an Actor at Hale Center Theatre for... well... forever. For the past two years Eric has played the role of Jacob Marley (you remember- Scrooge's dead as a door nail business partner). Last year, Jaren and I got sick the night of our tickets - and we didn't get to see it. This year - Joy of Joys - we weren't sick and got to go!

Eric was amazing. Clarissa - his wife, was also in the play and was amazing as well.

I won't get into all of their parts they had to play - but suffice it to say - it's incredible that they can remember so many lines, songs, directions, etc.

The play last night really got me thinking - why do I love this so much? I've seen it well over a dozen times in my life, and still - I can not wait to see it each year.

Last night as the chorus group was singing Silent Night, I was moved by the Spirit. The proclamation of Christ as our Savior accompanied by a story of repentance, humility, and re-birth... this is Christmas for me! It's a beautiful and touching reminder of what the Savior is, and has done for me.

Jaren has been saying a lot lately that he wants to make this Christmas what it was like when he was a kid. He wanted that Christmas feeling that was inescapable as a child. As I watched Scrooge jump around after he realized that all was not lost - and that there was still time to change... I was taken back to my living room as a child - listening to my Dad and Mom read me Luke 2. The Christmas Spirit wet my eyes, and my heart was full.

I also want to say that for those that know Clarissa and her family's story - the play was even more touching. To see her play the role of a sister that loses tiny Tim - and to watch the role once played by her father of Mr. Cratchet... I was humbled. She continues to find hope in this world, and it was ... well I'm not sure what the word is that I'm looking for here. Hmmm... I think I'm still going with "humbling." My heart again mourned for her family and their loss, and prayed for continued peace for them.

In the end - I am so grateful for friends that share their talents with us, and for the blessing it was to feel so close to my Savior.