"Love people, not things. Use things, not people."
President Spencer W. Kimball

"With an ounce of obedience comes a bushel of blessings."
Elder Neal A. Maxwell

"It is easier to keep up than to catch up, but it is better to catch up than to give up." JJO

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

I have to be careful at Christmas to not get so caught up in the preparations that I forget to enjoy myself and slow down and remember the reason for the celebration. I love everything associated with Christmas - family times, parties, treats, concerts, music, decorations, lights, tv shows, baking gingerbread cookies, shopping for just the right gifts and gift wrapping, cards & letters, etc. I am grateful for this time to remember & celebrate the birth, life and mission of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

I like this quote by Edgar A. Guest,

"A man is at his finest towards the finish of the year;
He is almost what he should be when the Christmas season's here;
Then he's thinking more of others than he's thought the months before,
And the laughter of his children is a joy worth toiling for.

He is less a selfish creature than at any other time.
When the Christmas spirit rules him he comes close to the sublime.
Man is ever in a struggle and he's oft misunderstood.
There are days the worst that's in him, is the master of the good.

But at Christmas, kindness rules him and he puts himself aside,
and his petty hates are vanquished and his heart is opened wide.
Oh, I don't know how to say it, but somehow it seems to me
That at Christmas man is almost what God sent him here to be."

Let's all enjoy our Christmas celebrations and preparations and remember the reason for the season. I hope we all feel our Savior's love, peace, joy and hope now and always!