I LOVE this time of year, starting with the Fall colors, then Thanksgiving, and finally the beautiful Christmas music, and the celebration of Christ's birth and life, and His mission to save us all. I feel a deep sense of gratitude for Him, and for His love. I feel an urgency to come to Him with all of my imperfections, and to re-dedicate myself to keeping all of the commandments more diligently. I like to think of the covenants that I have made with the Lord in sacred places, and re-evaluate how I am doing, and where I can strengthen myself, and do better.
This past year brought me many opportunities to draw closer to the Lord. I learned at a very young age, that trials, heartaches, pains and suffering, will do that. They bring us to our knees, and ultimately into the arms of the Savior. He never fails to comfort and bless us. Next year is just a few days ahead, and already looks promising for more opportunities for growth and development. It will open new doors where I will need the Savior's love and support. There will be more need for kindness in the world, and for reaching out to those who struggle. There will be more need for forgiving others, and for asking forgiveness.........many more opportunities for strengthening my own faith, and for learning and growth. In other words, 365 more days to practice all of the things that our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, has taught us. If we look at it that way....we can get through anything.
Ralph and I were priveleged to vacation in Kauai, Hawaii for a week. We have been home for three weeks now, and my mind is still filled with all of the beautiful sights that we were able to take in. As we stood on Mountain tops, looking down rocky clifts to the sea below, or flew over waterfalls where no human feet have ever walked to, gazed at sunsets, and stood in awe of the beauty of this world......one thought kept returning to my heart- -God's incredible LOVE for us. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, made this beautiful world for us, and then came here to die for us so we can live with Him and God the Father once again. That is such an amazing thing, and I am so grateful.
HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE PHOTOS FROM THE TRIP
5 comments:
Beautiful thoughts and testimony mom. I've watched you go through so much physical trial this year. You've always had trial, and you will continue to "endure it well" because that's who you are.
I'm so thankful that you were able to have a real vacation. You will treasure those memories (and pictures) forever!
Loves!
Beautiful thoughts and pictures. Hope all is well with you and your family as you celebrate that beautiful event on Christmas Day. Love and miss you.
Thank you for your comments on my blog! I love this photo of Joseph and Mary with the beautiful Christmas tree bokeh in the background, all of your pictures are wonderful really!
Love your Hawaii pictures. Simply beautiful.
beautiful shots! hope all is well!
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