Someone to Lean On

This week's blog post will be short and sweet.

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay

Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.

Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,

And fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

One of the best parts about the Christmas season for me is definitely the Christmas songs that are so familiar to all of us. Usually, they just remind me of fond memories of past Christmas seasons but the verse to "Away in a Manger" was particularly touching to me the other day. It hit me when we were singing it at a fireside. Sitting beside me was a rather large man we have been teaching for about a month now. As he sung the verse with his low, grumbling voice I could nearly feel the the ground shake beneath my feet. What's more than that was that I could feel his spirit. The words touched me "I ask thee to stay close by me forever, love me, I pray."

We all need help, no matter how much we think we can take everything on head on. Let's face it, this world we live in is full of pain and heartache. I really have come to find out, that is why God gave us families and friends. We need that support sometimes to get through the rough patches. What's more is that God gave his Son for us. When life gets hard we can lean on Him. 

The lesson I learned from our friend at the fireside is that we all got struggles that, to us, are extremely hard. To others on the outside it may not seem like they are that big of deal but they are big. We simply cannot do it alone. 

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

Wow! Can you believe it is already December? In North Carolina, December is a little warmer than back home in Idaho so it seems to have crept up on me quick! The Christmas lights are beginning to line the main streets of the small towns I serve near. Christmas trees are popping up in the windows of nearly every home. What's best is that everyone seems a little happier, smiles seem a little brighter, and faces a little friendlier. Those are a few reasons why this is one of my favorite times of the year. 

To some people, the thought of setting aside all things (college, friends, family, home, comfort) for 2 years to be living somewhere far away is completely foreign. Especially at the Holiday season, I thought I would be missing my family or friends. And though at times I may question why I am here, I know there is nowhere I would rather be than on a mission right now.

This past week we had a great opportunity to go caroling with a family, leaving others with a plate of goodies and a message on Christ. Even though we have never met these families before, more often than not, the would let us come into their home only a few lines into our Christmas carol. More permanent than the plate of pumpkin rolls or the message shared is the feeling of friendship we all were able to have. Hearts are really opened this time of the year! Only thing that I could hope for, is that this feeling could linger in everyone's hearts a little longer than a month or so :) Below is a little poem from prophet and President Thomas S. Monson and a picture of what this season is really all about. Merry Christmas everyone. 

What do you love about this Christmas season?

For future reference, Tuesday will be my posting day on most weeks. So keep your eye out on Tuesdays I guess!

There’s Christmas in the home and church,

There’s Christmas in the mart;

But you’ll not know what Christmas is

Unless it’s in your heart.

-Thomas S. Monson