This video is a beautiful portrayal of the Nativity. You can be sure that it will be a family tradition for us to watch this video every Christmas season. The ComeUntoChrist.org YouTube page describes the video:
This new depiction of the Nativity story recounts in beautiful detail the sacred events found in the Bible about Jesus's birth over 2,000 years ago. Journey with Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Witness the awe of the shepherds in the plains of Judea. Feel the joy of the wise men as they kneel before the Light of the World – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I learned a lot from "The Christ Child: Behind the Scenes" video shown below. It is well worth the time to watch it. The ComeUntoChrist.org YouTube page describes the "Behind the Scenes" video this way:
Go behind the scenes of "The Christ Child." This 17-minute special explores the history, artistry, and scriptural insights that went into producing the stunning 2019 short film about the birth of Jesus Christ.
A week ago today, President Nelson shared a message to the world. This is what the church's Youtube channel said about his message:
“Gratitude provides us with a greater perspective on the very purpose and joy of life.”
In his 96 years of life, President Russell M. Nelson of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has seen almost everything—a Great Depression, a world war, and a global pandemic, to name a few. And he would like to propose one remedy that can help us find joy in hard times: gratitude. #GiveThanks
Practicing gratitude may not prevent us from experiencing sorrow, anger, or pain, but it can help us look forward with hope. We can give thanks for our loved ones, for our bodies and minds, for music and literature, for the beauty of the natural world.
President Nelson suggests three ways you can #GiveThanks in your own life: 1) Turn social media into your own gratitude journal. 2) Say a prayer of gratitude. 3) Build your relationship with Jesus Christ.
By counting our blessings, we can more fully appreciate and enjoy our lives as we work toward greater unity, kindness, honesty, and tolerance.
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By following his counsel this past week, my life was blessed. Here are my social media gratitude journal posts for the past 7 days:
Day 1 of the #GiveThanks challenge:
I am grateful for Scott and his eternal love for me. #GiveThanks #HeTreatsMeLikeAQueen
Day #2 of the #GiveThanks challenge”:
I am thankful for my children. They each hold a special place in my heart.
Day 3 of the #GiveThanks challenge:
On this sabbath day, I am thankful for the message about the Atonement of Jesus Christ in the song, “The Miracle” by Shawna Belt Edwards.
The Miracle
By Shawna Belt Edwards
Jesus walked upon the water
He stilled the storm and calmed the angry sea
With His hands He healed the leper
He made the lame to walk, the blind to see
He fed a thousand people with a loaf or two of bread
And when the ruler's daughter died
He raised her from the dead
Jesus is a God of miracles
Nothing is at all impossible to Him
But I know this
Of all His miracles, the most incredible must be
The miracle that rescues me
Jesus bled and died to save me
A price that I could never pay alone
When He rose again, He gave me
The greatest gift the world has ever known
Yes, I can be forgiven every time that I repent
And someday He will lift me up to live with Him again
Jesus is a God of miracles
Nothing is at all impossible to Him
But I know this:
Of all His miracles the most incredible must be
The miracle that rescues me
The miracle that rescues you and me
Day 4 of the #GiveThanks challenge:
I’m thankful for the opportunity that Scott and I had to serve a mission to Belize. These two photos hang in our home and they are a daily reminder of our choice experiences we had while we were there. You can read about our mission experiences by clicking here or onto: ourmissiontobelize.blogspot.com
Day 5 of the #GiveThanks challenge:
I’m thankful for all the members on my family tree. They have all personally touched my life from my grandparents down to my grandchildren. I have the best family ever!!
Family tree photo credit goes to Shabby Chic
Day 6 of the #GiveThanks challenge:
I would be remiss if I didn’t give thanks to the medical community for all they have done for our family this past year. Heaven only knows all the blessings our family has received from caring doctors, nurses, delivery rooms, surgical rooms, NICUs, medical personnel, clinical trials, and urgent care. I will start with #GivingThanks to my daughter, Rachel, as she works at Huntsman Cancer Center here in Salt City.
Day 7 of the #GiveThanks challenge:
Amos 3:7 “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.” I am thankful that there is a prophet on the earth today. As I follow his counsel, I am blessed beyond measure. I invite you to take a few minutes to listen to his message given a week ago. As you do and heed his advice, you too will be blessed. 💕
In honor of Veteran's Day, I would like to share my favorite photos of the veterans who have served from our family.
Bryce Jeppson: Marines
George Magnusson: Navy
Kiefer Harris: Air Force
David Wood: Army
This is a video produced by Daily Wire with a narration from President Ronald Reagan titled: Today We Honor Our Veterans. The Daily Wire honors all those who have served our nation: "There would be no America without our veterans. To every Marine, Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Coast Guardsman, and Guardian: THANK YOU!"
These are the inspired words of President Ronald Reagan's from the speech starting at 0:35 in the above video:
We celebrate Veterans Day on the anniversary of the Armistice that ended World War I. The Armistice that began on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. The timing of this holiday is quite deliberate in terms of historical fact, but somehow it always seems quite fitting to to me that this day comes deep in autumn when the colors are muted and the days seem to invite contemplation.
It is in a way an odd thing to honor those who died in defense of our country in wars far away. The imagination plays a trick. We see these soldiers in our mind as old and wise, but most of them were boys when they died and they gave up two lives—the one they were living, and the one they would have lived. When they died, they gave up their chance to be husbands, and fathers, and grandfathers. They gave up their chance to be revered old men. They gave up everything for our country—for us. All we can do is remember. I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.
In memory of those who gave the last full measure of devotion, may our efforts to achieve lasting peace gain strength. Let us make a vow to our dead. Let us show them by our actions that we understand what they died for—strengthened by their courage, heartened by their value and born for their memory. Let us continue to stand for the ideals for which they lived and died.
