The True Meaning of Christmas

For as long as I can remember, I have loved Christmas and the feeling that the Christmas spirit brings.  I love the shopping, the hustling, the music and all the wonder and awe that children have as they look at the lights and decorated trees.  I love going to the temple to see all the lights and enjoy that peace that surrounds the temple especially this time of year.

I remember when I was about 12 years old, my Grammy gave all of her children a kneeling Santa.  It was more than a decoration - it was a beautiful reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.  I have since tried to find that beautiful statue but to no avail - there are replicas but that original is so beautiful that everything else just doesn't compare.  About 5 years ago, keeping in the tradition of giving a special Christmas book each year, my mom gave the boys the book called "Santa and the Christ Child."  I have used this book so many times in stories, Christmas cards and talks that I have been asked to give at Christmas time.  My favorite line in the story is when Santa asks the boy "Why, why did you come to me?..." "The Child answered, 'To remind you, dear Santa, to remind you, and all the world that Christmas is my birthday...the birthday of the Lord."  I just love the message in those 2 sentences.  It helps to serve as a reminder to me the true meaning of Christmas. 

 

Breath of Heaven

Maybe it is the time of year or the fact that Hunter is getting ready to leave on his mission but I have been very emotional lately about Mary, mother of our Lord.  Knowing of what was going to be coming in His life and the burden He would be asked to carry must have been very daunting and overwhelming.  I am sure as time went on that those feeling grew but she knew it was the right thing even though the right thing must have hurt so badly.  I love this picture.  I see a mother and her baby and the sweet joy that brings.  Her love was unconditional and unwavering and in this moment, He was just her baby boy.

I can not even comprehend what that might have been like.  I heard a song this morning on the radio that I think is so beautiful and it talks about the struggles and then the comfort the Spirit can bring even if you are scared or overwhelmed.  The song is Breath of Heaven and there are many artists but the one that I heard sing it is Amy Grant.  I looked at the words and oh my goodness, just beautiful and simple but truly encapsulates all those thoughts and feelings. 

Breath of Heaven:

I have traveled many moonless nights

Cold and weary with a babe inside

And I wonder what I've done Holy Father,

You have come And chosen me now

to carry Your Son

I am waiting in a silent prayer

I am frightened by the load I bear

In a world as cold as stone

Must I walk this path alone? Be with me now, be with me now

 
Breath of Heaven, hold me together

Be forever near me, breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness

Pour over me Your holiness for

You are holy

Do you wonder as you watch my face

If a wiser one should have had my place?

But I offer all I am

For the mercy of Your plan

Help me be strong, help me be, help me

Breath of Heaven, hold me together

Be forever near me, breath of Heaven

Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness

Pour over me Your holiness for

You are holy 

Bryson's 15th Birthday

The surprise to Disneyland note for Bryson's birthday

Bryson is 15!!  How is it possible that Brian and I have had the pleasure of having this gift in our lives for 15 years. To celebrate, we surprised Bryson with a weekend trip to Disneyland- his favorite place on Earth!

Happy Birthday Bryson!

Bryson completes our family perfectly and is such an important part of our family.  He loves his big brothers and from a very early age, he has tried to be just like them.  Bryson is so funny and makes us laugh with his jokes, impressions and silly antics all the time.  Bryson has an amazing testimony even though it is very tender and he has a hard time expressing it.  He shows such diligence in keeping the commandments and many times I am taught by this young man.  He also has a tremendous love for those that are in need.  He demonstrates that love through his actions to friends, family and sometimes even people he doesn’t know very well.  He is very compassionate and an example to me of the pure love of Christ.  

Bryson - I hope you always know how much dad and I love you and how special you are to us.  From the moment you were born, you have held both our hearts and we would make any sacrifice or give anything for you.  We hope you have a great birthday!  Love Mom and Dad

Hunter Has Offically Been Called

After the countless times he has sung "I Hope They Call Me On A Mission", Hunter Brian has officially been called to the Utica, New York mission.  He reports to the MTC on January 23, 2013 and is so excited.  We love him and hope he knows how proud we are of the decision he has made to serve the Lord for the next 24-months.