Happy Christmas

I love this picture. It is from Carl Bloch.

Christ healing the sick at the pool of Bethesda. My good friend Cali opened my eyes to this painting and it has been one of my favorites ever since. I think it is such a perfect representation of how Christ lived his life...how I would like to always live mine.

I borrowed the quote found below from my friend Lindsay's blog.

(thanks friend)

"Christmas is a time for remembering the Son of God and renewing our determination to take upon us His name. It is a time to reassess our lives and examine our thoughts, feelings, and actions. Let this be a time of remembrance, of gratitude, and a time of forgiveness. Let it be a time to ponder the Atonement of Jesus Christ and its meaning for each of us personally. Let it especially be a time of renewal and recommitment to live by the word of God and to obey His commandments. By doing this, we honor Him far more than we ever could with lights, gifts, or parties."

-Dieter F. Uchtdorf (he really is the rock star of apostles)

Why I love the Christmas season

1. the weather...even if it is raining.  however...I do really miss the sun...a lot, a lot.

2. Christmas Lights

3. people tend to be a bit kinder

4. I'm reminded of how much I love to color. 

(there is nothing like putting in a good movie and coloring...seriously)

5. Shopping for Christmas gifts.  There is almost no better high than finding the perfect gift for someone. (although I'm of the belief that if you find the perfect gift...Christmas or not...you just buy it)

6. The United States Post Office.  I love how crowded it is...it makes for great people watching. 

7. this is a new one for this year, but I've really enjoyed coming home everyday to Christmas music playing...even if no one is home.  

8. the old school light up snowman by our front door.

9. having Christmas Eve, Eve (aka Christmas Adam...to be know from here on out as our family winter solstice celebration)

10. winter clothes.

You may notice that I haven't mentioned anything about the birth of the Savior...well he wasn't born in December...ha ha ha.  But seriously folks.  I am grateful for the birth of Jesus Christ and his life.  The life he lived is the example that I strive to live up to and I am grateful for his atonement for those moments that I don't quite live up to that.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

one of my favorite drugs...

No matter my mood...when I hear this song...I am instantly in a good mood.

(the video is nothing great...just do yourself a favor and download it...from iTunes...legally of course).

Faith in our Friends

♫ Regarding faith in those around us: 

 

"You give it to the people you love...but the people who really deserve it are the ones who come through even when you don't love them enough." 

~Veronica Mars

Christmas letter to Santa