A Little Behind

I'm several days behind in writing. I have jotted down some things from the last few days - just haven't had a chance to write them yet. I will be getting those written up in the next couple of days. It's been good for me to focus on Christ each day...even if it is for just a minute or two.

Closer to Christ

I love the idea of asking how our goals will help us become closer to Christ. It makes me think of how all of our goals should help us get closer to Christ and become more like Him...whether they are spiritual goals or not. Our lives should focus on the Savior.

Next Life

This is what I wrote on my Christ Daily Facebook page tonight.

So today I had some thoughts about loved ones dying and how my husband is longer here. I was thinking about how some people get married again after a spouse dies. They are lonely and want the companionship again. I get that. At this point I don't feel like it's right for me. I realized that the reasons I think and feel what I do about the topic is because of Christ. I know I will see my husband again. I know he didn't just suddenly cease to exist. I know that is true and will happen because I know our Savior's role in the plan of salvation. I know He lives. As a result, I know my husband continues to live as well. We will see each other again. I like that thought.

I am truly grateful for my Savior. I know He must have an infinite love for all of us. He has done so much.

My Redeemer

I have had this song in my head today. I know that Jesus Christ is my Redeemer. I know He makes up for everything I'm not able to handle on my own. And, sometimes that seems like a lot. I'm grateful for Him and to Him. (FYI: the visual is just the one picture - feel free to close your eyes when you listen.:})

Wolves and Choices

Today I was reading in Alma 5.

 59 For what shepherd is there among you having many sheep doth not watch over them, that the wolves enter not and devour his flock? And behold, if a wolf enter his flockdoth he not drive him out? Yea, and at the last, if he can, he will destroy him.

 60 And now I say unto you that the good shepherd doth call after you; and if you will hearken unto his voice he will bring you into his fold, and ye are his sheep; and he commandeth you that ye suffer no ravenous wolf to enter among you, that ye may not be destroyed.

I read this and had some thoughts about Christ and His role in the Plan of Salvation. At first I was confused. It sounded like Christ was okay with the wolves coming to get us and He wasn't going to do anything about it. I think when I read about Him being a shepherd - I think about how he cares for us. He protects and nurtures us. He loves us and wants to take care of us. I was a little taken aback when I read that he'll just let the wolves come and get us. I did some thinking about that and realized that agency plays a role in what is being said. We are commanded to not let the wolf enter. We are the ones that make the choice. We are being told that if we choose to let the wolf come in we will be destroyed. We are told about wolves and what they do in the previous verse. It's the simple reasoning of 'if and then'. Our choices have consequences. If there is evil that we need to keep out of our lives and we invite it in. The consequences have to come. I know if we ask him for help, he will give it to us. But, I also know that the plan of salvation has to work on us making choices. If it didn't rely on that - there wouldn't be a need for an atonement. I think this verse threw me off for a minute because I'm used to thinking of our Heavenly Parents as those who have expectations and have let us know that there will be consequences. I think of Christ more as someone who is willing to help and will do what he can whenever we need him. His atonement made it so we could repent and be better and he's willing to help us with that process. But first, he has to let us choose what part of the process we're going to be a part of in our own lives. He can't decide for us.

Glorious

I listened to this tonight. I might have cried a little bit. I thought about how I want to figure out what I need to do in this life. I want to be able to make a difference. I'm not sure how to do that. I do know that Jesus Christ will help me. I know that He knows. I know He wants me to succeed. I know He's made it possible for this life to have meaning before we pass to the next one. I just hope I'll be able to 'play my part'.

Nearer, My God to Thee

I have been listening to some music today. Some of it has been fun and upbeat. Some has reminded me of Layne. And, others inspire. Here's one from a few years ago that I've always loved. It's also one of Layne's favorites.

Another Testament of Jesus Christ

I love this. I found this video in the curriculum for the youth this year. I'm glad the church keeps producing materials for us to study, learn from, and share. I know the Book of Mormon is scripture and that it is another testament of Jesus Christ.

Teaching in the Lord's Way

I love the resources that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints publishes. They are inspired and helpful. I like to have an idea of what the curriculum is each year. We use it occasionally in our homeschool adventures. I decided that January would be a great month to check out what's new for 2016. Each group has something new each year. Last week I looked at what the Primary children will be learning about and this week the youth curriculum is my focus. I looked at the monthly themes and tried to make a connection to Christ with each heading. I then saw a section on Teaching in the Lord's Way. I clicked on it and and article titled 'Welcome' came up. It was about how those who are working with the youth (and others) can teach in the Lord's way.
I know it's important for us to do this. Christ is our example in so many things. Teaching is just one of them. He knows His students/audience, He loves them, He knows what they need and how they will best receive it. He is a great example of living what He teaches.
I need to make sure I'm doing this more with my own kids, with the kids I teach in Primary, and with what we're doing at home in matters that are not specific to gospel doctrine. I need to teach the same way in all aspects of life. I want our whole family to be lifelong learners. The words that struck a chord with me in this article are: "...as you encourage, mentor, and support youth in every opportunity." It is feel like it is my responsibility as a parent to do just that with my own kids so they will be able to learn all they can and be who they need to be.

World Peace

I pray and sing with the girls each night. This is one of the songs I sang tonight. (I'm sure it sounded just the same.) "Peace on earth, good will to men..." World peace sure sounds great. For me, true peace is only attainable through Christ and His atonement. ‪#‎ChristDaily2016‬
I know that we're able to do more through our Savior when we let the atonement work in our lives, when we follow His teachings, and pattern our lives after His example.

The Prayer

Because it still gives me chills every time...

The Prayer - David Archuleta & Nathan Pacheco

I'm so appreciative of those who share their talents with the rest of us. This is a beautiful rendition of a moving message. Let this be our prayer... Guide us with your grace...

Pressing Forward

This is what I just posted on my Christ Daily Facebook page.

I didn't write anything yesterday. It felt like a long day. I'm going to say that yesterday's challenge was to just keep on keeping on. I was pleased that I kept a commit to the girls when all I really wanted to do was go take a nap. As I was thinking about the fact that I hadn't done my Christ Daily item yet last night - I realized that Christ is a great example of moving forward even though you might not want to...sticking with a task even though it's hard...following through on a commitment. These are all things we know and love about the character of Jesus Christ. He kept going...He still keeps going. The two examples that pop into my head first are obviously His atonement...and then I'm always amazed that right after that He went to the Spirit world (taught/organized) and then went and visited the Americas. Talk about a busy 'week-end' after the worst week of your life - only to 'hit the ground running' on your next undertaking. No biggie...just getting the job done. I need to be more like that. #ChristDaily2016

The afternoon came yesterday and I had already committed that I would take the girls to an event at the library. I knew it would be time to get dinner going and then move forward with Family Home Evening once we got home. I was already tired. I had laid down for a few minutes before we left. My eyes just needed to close for a bit. I woke up just at the right time to get us there. (Well, it would have been perfect if the girls were ready like I thought they were. It all worked out fine.) I was glad I took the girls over. They had talked about circuits and had done some hands on learning. Everything was just fine in the end. I was glad I followed through on a commitment for them...and for myself. It felt like I had accomplished a hard thing.

His Image in Your Countenance

I read this versus and have been pondering them and other questions today. This is just a sampling of a few of the questions that are asked in this passage. This is a great chapter of scripture for self evaluation.

Alma 5

14 And now behold, I ask of you, my brethren of the church, have ye spiritually been born of God? Have ye received his image in your countenances? Have ye experienced this mighty change in your hearts?

 15 Do ye exercise faith in the redemption of him who created you? Do you look forward with an eye of faith, and view this mortal body raised in immortality, and this corruption raised in incorruption, to stand before God to be judged according to the deeds which have been done in the mortal body?

 16 I say unto you, can you imagine to yourselves that ye hear the voice of the Lord, saying unto you, in that day: Come unto me ye blessed, for behold, your works have been the works of righteousness upon the face of the earth?

As a result of having these versus on my mind, I thought of a song that I have been familiar with for years. I played it on the piano today (along with some others about Christ). I might have the tune in my head for a few more days.:}

The song is titled 'His Image in Your Countenance' and is written by Janice Kapp Perry. It's in a piano/vocal book I have called The Light Within.

I was deciding which version to post. I came across this one (below) and I was touched that there were actual people in the frames instead of professional art with Christ as the subject. I love pictures of Christ. But, somehow the message of this song was brought into view in a more poignant way for me when I saw the smiling faces of the real people that are in this one. So, I wanted to share this one as well.

Other Blog

I started giving my accounts for what I was doing on this blog. It's called Random Ramblings. If you want to see what I did to focus on Christ during the first week of the year, you can head over there.

His Grace Is Sufficient

"...and speak about changing weaknesses into strengths and about how the grace of Jesus Christ is sufficient (see Ether 12:27, D&C 17:8, 2 Corinthians 12:9)—sufficient to cover us, sufficient to transform us, and sufficient to help us as long as that transformation process takes." - Brad Wilcox
This is a quote from one of my all time favorite talks. I've always loved to hear Brad Wilcox speak. I also think he does a great job with this topic. Grace. We all need grace.

O Holy Night

I had to share this one too. I love the message of this song. Some of the lyrics really speak to me. It's about Christ's birth - but, it's also so much more. We also like Peter Hollens around here too.

Choose the Right

I have the opportunity to teach Primary every other week. I read this week's lesson today. (I know...it's Friday. I love that they're at an age where I get to read the lesson, gather some materials for activities, and just enjoy interacting with them.) The lesson is titled, I Can Choose the Right. It talks about how Jesus Christ wants us to choose the right and that we can do what Jesus Christ wants us to do. There's a section about asking, "What would Jesus want me to do?". I love the idea of making Christ part of the decision making process in our lives. And obviously, when we ask ourselves how Christ would act in a certain scenario...we can always come up what is right.

Tell Your Heart To Beat Again

The line, 'Step into the light of grace', struck me as I heard this song for the first time today. I has a great story at the beginning. But, I mostly loved the point about our putting forth the effort to have Christ's atonement work for us...and to accept that our Heavenly Parents have given us everything we need to succeed in this life. We can live with whole hearts...no matter what we've done or what life has thrown our way. This is Danny Gokey - Tell Your Heart To Beat Again (Live).

New Blog

I am doing something each day of this year to focus on Christ. I have a page on Facebook where I'm sharing things. I have also been sharing some blog posts on my Random Ramblings blog. I realized that in order to use that blog for its original purpose...I needed to have this be a separate thing. So, here it is...yet another blog.