Christmas Readings

Shawn wrote: We had a book of Christmas readings that we used to go through during the month of December. It had a story and a song for each night of December, leading up to Christmas. It is currently in storage. We just finished reading the Book of Mormon and I wanted to do something like that with my family again this year, so yesterday I spent a few hours going through December Ensigns (or Liahonas) and New Era magazines, and found about 20 stories I thought my family might like to hear or might benefit from hearing about Christmas. We will probably read one a night during December, and then read the actual stories of Christ from the scriptures. These stories that I have attached are, of course copywrited and are often taken out of context, so I have included the full citation at the front of each story in case you want to go there, but all the more reason to disregard this or not forward it to others. Each story/quote (except one) is one-to-two pages long. Because I planned to actually read from the scriptures, these do not include any cases where the story of Christ’s birth, or prophesies of his birth, are recited. As a result, I don’t want you to replace your regular family scripture study with this, and it may actually be too long for many of you who have smaller children. So, altogether, maybe it is a bad idea that I am even sending it or suggesting that it has in value for any family besides my own. Also, it is not short, by any means, and would take quite a bit of paper if you printed it. But since I had the thought to send it, I will move ahead with that decision and, with all the disclaimers I have given, allow you to make your own determination. It is a PDF document, if you want to see it in some other format, let me know.

But aside from all of this, I hope you each realize how much I love you and how reminiscent I become of the times we have spent together, whether in need or in plenty, from shooting grasshoppers, to braiding hair, to playing games in the yard, to just enjoying meals or camping trips together. Unfortunately, I have often gone without saying that each of you and each of my children and wife are my dearest friends. I sure hope you each had a good Thanksgiving, and that you may be blessed during the coming Christmas season.

Myrna wrote: I also become nostalgic at this time of year. 

Thanks for the readings. Dad and I can actually read them on the computer but I will probably print them off at any rate. That way I can have them. I guess I could burn them to a CD and then I would still have them but I like paper better. Who am I kidding? I am nostalgic all of the time. I think the fact that I am turning 70 this birthday and, not soon after, Dad will be 76, has really sunk home. I am now only a few years away from the age of Grandmother Smith, Grandma Edna and Aunt Renee when they died. I know, I know, I sound like Grandma T but, one thing I have learned is that it is true that my time will be short in comparison with what I have already lived. Even if I live to be 90, I will not have as long to live left as I have already lived. It is just a fact of life. Having said that, I want you all to know how much I love each of you. That love has expanded to include not only my children but my children's spouses and each and every one of my grandchildren. I LOVE YOU!

I hope you all know that the silly little cards and the dumb little $1 (which Mary tells me won't buy ANYTHING) are just one of the ways I have chosen to stay connected so that you will all know you are loved.

Melanie wrote: Actually, the dollar buys me much joy. I can get a package of gum, or a bottle of water, or a package of gummy bears or spice drops...all candy and not very good for me, but it still gives me great pleasure.  Mel

Mom wrote: A bottle of water is so good for you. Sugarless gum is also good for you. As for the others, they always remind me of childhood (yours) and are comfort foods. 

Thanks to all of you!

Kirsten wrote: I save it up for babysitting!  :)

Myrna wrote: That takes awhile!

Amy G wrote: Thank you for the cards and treat $.  We got them today.  THanks! Amy

Weeks and Weeks

Mom, you are so right: the time just flies by! I cannot believe that I, 1. have completed 6 months, 2. that your birthday was 2 weeks ago and I never said anything, 3. that Mikaela turned 13! Oh my...forgive me for my stupidity! Mom and Miki

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

It seems as if the family has been rather busy this week. With all of the things that are going on it's sometimes hard to remember to stop and just take a breath, so that's why it's always nice to go to the temple and take a breather. Every now and then it feels like we're running a marathon here in this life. At times we get injured, we get cramped up, or we just hit the wall. However, we have the amazing capacity to endure. We can fight, keep pushing forward, keeping running. We are not alone wither: there is a huge crowd of people (those we know and love with those we do not know) who cheer us on and want us to succeed. As long as we remember that we can keep going we will endure until we reach the finish line. No one will win, no one will lose; we are all going to run together and make it to the finish line. I love the temple because it's like one of the water stations, it's a chance for us to get a little re-energized, refocused and recharged to run the next leg until the next little pit stop. Mom, I imagine that it was nice for you to go to the temple with dad, and be able to see one of your old young women take some serious steps in her life: to further her commitments to serve the Lord.

This week has been full of surprises and learning experiences. We had an emergency multi-zone conference which was focused on keeping the spirit with us, using the spirit to teach and guide us to the people that we need to contact and teach. I learned so much and came out of the conference edified and energized to work in my area again. I have also had the opportunity to get closer to my Heavenly Father, my Saviour and the Holy Ghost. I have felt a difference in my teaching, my relationships with the people here and a difference in my attitude since leaving the Multi-Zone conference.

I find it very bizarre that Elder Branch is leaving. I remember when he came to Franklin, it feels like yesterday. He has been an amazing missionary and a great friend to the people out there in MA. I want to become like him. I work with some of the youth here and sometimes I wonder if they look up to me like I looked up to him way back when.

It makes me so excited to hear from everyone at home and to know that things are going well, at least in a general sense. Your words always fill me with such joy and conviction to work with families so that people here can enjoy blessing that I have enjoyed in my life thanks to my gospel-centered family. 

Just remember the Lord's advice to us in D&C 121:7 and we will always follow that council that Brigham Young gave.

Love you all, and i'll actually make a list of cool things to tell you about my area and about Christmas-time here in Nicaragua.

Love,

Elder B