If you have ever felt like you are only ONE. and...what difference can you make....
this is a wonderful reminder of the truth. I think what I like best about this mini-movie is that LOVE and KINDNESS is what Makes the difference. It is not negativity or shame that changes people...it is believing in someone, sharing what is in the heart, one person at a time that makes a difference.
Make A Difference Movie
Friday, January 6, 2012
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Merry Christmas!
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
May all that is BRIGHT bring HOPE and LIGHT into your life today,
especially the Spirit of CHRIST.
Share your LIGHT with someone that needs it.
Be the ONE to make a difference in the life of someone else TODAY.
Challenge yourself to reach beyond what is comfortable and ACHIEVE something that has been in your heart. Do not GIVE UP, REACH for something HIGHER.
Love those around you with more SINCERITY and
FORGIVE with a heart that is PURE.
Monday, December 12, 2011
Countdown to Christmas- Make it count
So, I've been a little preoccupied with other things and have not been posting...sorry. The lesson in Relief Society yesterday has had me thinking about changes in my life and things I would do differently if I knew that the Savior was coming in two weeks. The things I should be doing NOW. Technically, we will be celebrating his COMING in two weeks. I would like to spend the next two weeks really making each day count, doing the things that I would like to do in preparation for the special day of Christmas. I decided I better get the rest of countdown up for those that are interested. This is the Alternative year list:
The entire countdown can be found HERE.
My hope is that you can create your own special way to countdown to Christmas and spend time each day on those things that matter most. Make Each Day Count.
Jen
December 12“He whose birth the Christian world celebrates is indeed the Son of God, the Redeemer, the Promised Messiah. No message is more significant than the one He brought. No event is of greater importance than His atoning sacrifice and subsequent resurrection. And no mortal tongue can express sufficient thanks for all that Jesus has done for us” (Ezra Taft Benson, Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 10).
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:4–5).
Do you have a specific problem you’d like to overcome? List solutions to your problem in your journal and then pray to Heavenly Father for help in implementing them.
“I Stand All Amazed,” Hymns, no. 193.
December 13“As we remember the Savior, we remember an empty tomb, a symbol that the Lord has risen and a promise to all of the Resurrection and life after death. Because of our Savior’s Atonement, in death’s darkness there is no sting, in death’s depression there is no victory” (Robert D. Hales, Ensign, Nov. 1997, 26).
“[Then] came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it [and said] He is not here: for he is risen, as he said” (Matt. 28:1–2, 6).
Read the accounts of the Resurrection in the New Testament and in 3 Nephi. Record your feelings in your journal.
“I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” Hymns, no. 136.
December 14
“That we might love one another, and through that love contribute to the establishment of peace. That was the great message heralded by the heavenly hosts at the birth of the Savior, when they declared, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men’ (Luke 2:14). To proclaim that message to an indifferent world is the divine responsibility of the Church. What greater message could there be?” (David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Oct. 1952, 7).
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you. … By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34–35).
Remember Christmastime is a special time to wish for peace on earth, so foster that peace by not quarreling with your siblings. Try to treat your family as well as you treat your friends.
“Love One Another,” Hymns, no. 308.
December 15
“I testify that the Savior will come again, and that at his second coming some will say, ‘What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet?’ He will show the wounds in His hands, wrists, and feet, and they will ask when and where he received these wounds. He will answer: ‘I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God’ (D&C 45:51–52)” (James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov. 1983, 11).
“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats” (Matt. 25:31–32).
Write to full-time missionaries in your ward encouraging them as they testify of the Savior to ‘all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people’ (D&C 112:1).
“When He Comes Again,” Children’s Songbook, 82.
December 16
“While the prophets in the old land were receiving revelations from God, the people of Lehi on this, the American continent, were not left without guidance. … He revealed to them also, 600 years before Christ’s coming, that he would come, that he was the Savior of the world, that he would be persecuted and crucified, and that he would be resurrected. … They were told of the signs which would be shown on this, the American continent, at the time of Christ’s birth and crucifixion. Every word which had been revealed to them regarding these events was fulfilled” (N. Eldon Tanner, in Conference Report, Apr. 1964, 61–62).
“For behold, the time cometh [that] the Lord Omnipotent … shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles” (Mosiah 3:5).
Use the Book of Mormon Index to find references to the first or second coming of the Savior.
“Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains,” Hymns, no. 212.
December 17
“At this Christmas season, I hope that we may cultivate grateful hearts so that we may cherish the multitude of blessings that God has so graciously bestowed. May we openly express such gratitude to our Father in Heaven and our fellowmen” (James E. Faust, Ensign, Dec. 1996, 7).
“And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more” (D&C 78:19).
Write a letter to your parents thanking them for the things they have done for you. Being grateful is a wonderful gift.
“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks,” Hymns, no. 211.
December 18
“Each of us is a partaker of the experience called death. None escapes. Were we to remain unrescued, lost would be paradise sought. Lost would be family loved. Lost would be friends remembered. Realizing this truth, we begin to appreciate the supreme joy which accompanied the birth of the Savior of the world. How glorious the pronouncement of the angel: Behold, a virgin ‘shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins’ (Matt. 1:21)” (Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, June 1971, 96).
“Behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved” (2 Ne. 25:20).
In a prayer today, thank Heavenly Father for all he has given you, without asking for anything.
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” Hymns, no. 214.
December 19
“In mortality, the babe of Bethlehem’s birth and life, concluding with the atoning sacrifice, was prophesied by ancient prophets in all dispensations. Only he could make the atoning sacrifice—having received the power over death from his Father. He overcame death, the grave’s power was nullified, and he became our Savior, Mediator, and Master of the Resurrection—a means of salvation and immortality to all of us” (Robert D. Hales, Ensign, Nov. 1983, 67).
“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! … That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22, 24).
Read the accounts of the Crucifixion in the New Testament. Write your feelings in your journal.
“I Believe in Christ,” Hymns, no. 134.
December 20
“Christ suffered for the sins and sorrows and pains of all the rest of the human family, providing remission for all of our sins as well, upon conditions of obedience. … As the Apostle Paul wrote, we were ‘bought with a price’ (1 Cor. 6:20). What an expensive price and what a merciful purchase! … “Perhaps we do not always attach that kind of meaning to our weekly sacramental service. … Do we see it as our passover, remembrance of our safety and deliverance and redemption?” (Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, Nov. 1995, 67–68).
“And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to … partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus. And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them” (Moro. 6:5–7).
Focus your thoughts on the Savior during sacrament meeting and while taking the sacrament.
“Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” Children’s Songbook, 57.
December 21
“The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do. It bears witness of His reality with power and clarity. … Much of the Christian world today rejects the divinity of the Savior. They question His miraculous birth, His perfect life, and the reality of His glorious resurrection. The Book of Mormon teaches in plain and unmistakable terms about the truth of all of those” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6).
“Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. … Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved” (2 Ne. 2:6, 9).
Write your testimony of the Savior in a Book of Mormon and give it to someone not of our faith.
“Angels We Have Heard on High,” Hymns, no. 203.
December 22
“The Son of God, he who was the great Jehovah and condescended to be born in Bethlehem’s manger; he who went about doing good, blessing and healing the people; he who gave his life on Calvary’s cross in the great atoning sacrifice; he who rose from the dead the third day. He lives, and sits on the right hand of his father. He is our Lord, our Redeemer, our guide, our helper, and our friend, through whose atonement there has been opened the gate of immortality and eternal life. This is a beautiful and a blessed season. Let us rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ and in his most basic of teachings—to do good always” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Dec. 1994, 5).
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).
One way you can do good is to pay a generous fast offering next month.
“The Nativity Song,” Children’s Songbook, 52.
December 23
“Joseph Smith lived as an instrument in the hands of the Lord for the establishment of His restored work in this, the dispensation of the fullness of times. He died in testimony of the Savior of mankind” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1994, 75).
“Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it” (D&C 135:3).
Read John Taylor’s account of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum in Doctrine and Covenants 135.
“Praise to the Man,” Hymns, no. 27.
December 24
“Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people and things. To catch the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas, we need only to drop the last syllable and it becomes the Spirit of Christ” (Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Dec. 1995, 2).
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Read the accounts of the birth of the Savior in the New Testament with your family.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Hymns, no. 209.
December 25 Merry Christmas
“True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service. “It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring ‘peace on earth,’ because it means—good will toward all men” (David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, 1953, 551).
“And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!” (1 Ne. 11:20–21).
Give the gift of yourself to your family and loved ones. Spend the day doing kind things for your parents and siblings. You could cook breakfast for your parents, clean up wrapping paper, or help to prepare dinner.
“Joy to the World,” Hymns, no. 201.
The entire countdown can be found HERE.
My hope is that you can create your own special way to countdown to Christmas and spend time each day on those things that matter most. Make Each Day Count.
Jen
December 12“He whose birth the Christian world celebrates is indeed the Son of God, the Redeemer, the Promised Messiah. No message is more significant than the one He brought. No event is of greater importance than His atoning sacrifice and subsequent resurrection. And no mortal tongue can express sufficient thanks for all that Jesus has done for us” (Ezra Taft Benson, Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 10).
“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isa. 53:4–5).
Do you have a specific problem you’d like to overcome? List solutions to your problem in your journal and then pray to Heavenly Father for help in implementing them.
“I Stand All Amazed,” Hymns, no. 193.
December 13“As we remember the Savior, we remember an empty tomb, a symbol that the Lord has risen and a promise to all of the Resurrection and life after death. Because of our Savior’s Atonement, in death’s darkness there is no sting, in death’s depression there is no victory” (Robert D. Hales, Ensign, Nov. 1997, 26).
“[Then] came Mary Magdalene and the other Mary to see the sepulchre. And, behold, there was a great earthquake: for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat upon it [and said] He is not here: for he is risen, as he said” (Matt. 28:1–2, 6).
Read the accounts of the Resurrection in the New Testament and in 3 Nephi. Record your feelings in your journal.
“I Know That My Redeemer Lives,” Hymns, no. 136.
December 14
“That we might love one another, and through that love contribute to the establishment of peace. That was the great message heralded by the heavenly hosts at the birth of the Savior, when they declared, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men’ (Luke 2:14). To proclaim that message to an indifferent world is the divine responsibility of the Church. What greater message could there be?” (David O. McKay, in Conference Report, Oct. 1952, 7).
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you. … By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:34–35).
Remember Christmastime is a special time to wish for peace on earth, so foster that peace by not quarreling with your siblings. Try to treat your family as well as you treat your friends.
“Love One Another,” Hymns, no. 308.
December 15
“I testify that the Savior will come again, and that at his second coming some will say, ‘What are these wounds in thine hands and in thy feet?’ He will show the wounds in His hands, wrists, and feet, and they will ask when and where he received these wounds. He will answer: ‘I am Jesus that was crucified. I am the Son of God’ (D&C 45:51–52)” (James E. Faust, Ensign, Nov. 1983, 11).
“When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats” (Matt. 25:31–32).
Write to full-time missionaries in your ward encouraging them as they testify of the Savior to ‘all nations, kindreds, tongues, and people’ (D&C 112:1).
“When He Comes Again,” Children’s Songbook, 82.
December 16
“While the prophets in the old land were receiving revelations from God, the people of Lehi on this, the American continent, were not left without guidance. … He revealed to them also, 600 years before Christ’s coming, that he would come, that he was the Savior of the world, that he would be persecuted and crucified, and that he would be resurrected. … They were told of the signs which would be shown on this, the American continent, at the time of Christ’s birth and crucifixion. Every word which had been revealed to them regarding these events was fulfilled” (N. Eldon Tanner, in Conference Report, Apr. 1964, 61–62).
“For behold, the time cometh [that] the Lord Omnipotent … shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles” (Mosiah 3:5).
Use the Book of Mormon Index to find references to the first or second coming of the Savior.
“Far, Far Away on Judea’s Plains,” Hymns, no. 212.
December 17
“At this Christmas season, I hope that we may cultivate grateful hearts so that we may cherish the multitude of blessings that God has so graciously bestowed. May we openly express such gratitude to our Father in Heaven and our fellowmen” (James E. Faust, Ensign, Dec. 1996, 7).
“And he who receiveth all things with thankfulness shall be made glorious; and the things of this earth shall be added unto him, even an hundred fold, yea, more” (D&C 78:19).
Write a letter to your parents thanking them for the things they have done for you. Being grateful is a wonderful gift.
“While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks,” Hymns, no. 211.
December 18
“Each of us is a partaker of the experience called death. None escapes. Were we to remain unrescued, lost would be paradise sought. Lost would be family loved. Lost would be friends remembered. Realizing this truth, we begin to appreciate the supreme joy which accompanied the birth of the Savior of the world. How glorious the pronouncement of the angel: Behold, a virgin ‘shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins’ (Matt. 1:21)” (Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, June 1971, 96).
“Behold I say unto you, that as these things are true, and as the Lord God liveth, there is none other name given under heaven save it be this Jesus Christ, of which I have spoken, whereby man can be saved” (2 Ne. 25:20).
In a prayer today, thank Heavenly Father for all he has given you, without asking for anything.
“I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” Hymns, no. 214.
December 19
“In mortality, the babe of Bethlehem’s birth and life, concluding with the atoning sacrifice, was prophesied by ancient prophets in all dispensations. Only he could make the atoning sacrifice—having received the power over death from his Father. He overcame death, the grave’s power was nullified, and he became our Savior, Mediator, and Master of the Resurrection—a means of salvation and immortality to all of us” (Robert D. Hales, Ensign, Nov. 1983, 67).
“And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives! … That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God” (D&C 76:22, 24).
Read the accounts of the Crucifixion in the New Testament. Write your feelings in your journal.
“I Believe in Christ,” Hymns, no. 134.
December 20
“Christ suffered for the sins and sorrows and pains of all the rest of the human family, providing remission for all of our sins as well, upon conditions of obedience. … As the Apostle Paul wrote, we were ‘bought with a price’ (1 Cor. 6:20). What an expensive price and what a merciful purchase! … “Perhaps we do not always attach that kind of meaning to our weekly sacramental service. … Do we see it as our passover, remembrance of our safety and deliverance and redemption?” (Jeffrey R. Holland, Ensign, Nov. 1995, 67–68).
“And the church did meet together oft, to fast and to pray, and to … partake of bread and wine, in remembrance of the Lord Jesus. And they were strict to observe that there should be no iniquity among them” (Moro. 6:5–7).
Focus your thoughts on the Savior during sacrament meeting and while taking the sacrament.
“Tell Me the Stories of Jesus,” Children’s Songbook, 57.
December 21
“The Book of Mormon is the keystone in our witness of Jesus Christ, who is Himself the cornerstone of everything we do. It bears witness of His reality with power and clarity. … Much of the Christian world today rejects the divinity of the Savior. They question His miraculous birth, His perfect life, and the reality of His glorious resurrection. The Book of Mormon teaches in plain and unmistakable terms about the truth of all of those” (Ezra Taft Benson, Ensign, Nov. 1986, 6).
“Wherefore, redemption cometh in and through the Holy Messiah; for he is full of grace and truth. … Wherefore, he is the firstfruits unto God, inasmuch as he shall make intercession for all the children of men; and they that believe in him shall be saved” (2 Ne. 2:6, 9).
Write your testimony of the Savior in a Book of Mormon and give it to someone not of our faith.
“Angels We Have Heard on High,” Hymns, no. 203.
December 22
“The Son of God, he who was the great Jehovah and condescended to be born in Bethlehem’s manger; he who went about doing good, blessing and healing the people; he who gave his life on Calvary’s cross in the great atoning sacrifice; he who rose from the dead the third day. He lives, and sits on the right hand of his father. He is our Lord, our Redeemer, our guide, our helper, and our friend, through whose atonement there has been opened the gate of immortality and eternal life. This is a beautiful and a blessed season. Let us rejoice in the Lord Jesus Christ and in his most basic of teachings—to do good always” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, Dec. 1994, 5).
“As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith” (Gal. 6:10).
One way you can do good is to pay a generous fast offering next month.
“The Nativity Song,” Children’s Songbook, 52.
December 23
“Joseph Smith lived as an instrument in the hands of the Lord for the establishment of His restored work in this, the dispensation of the fullness of times. He died in testimony of the Savior of mankind” (Gordon B. Hinckley, Ensign, May 1994, 75).
“Joseph Smith, the Prophet and Seer of the Lord, has done more, save Jesus only, for the salvation of men in this world, than any other man that ever lived in it” (D&C 135:3).
Read John Taylor’s account of the martyrdom of the Prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum in Doctrine and Covenants 135.
“Praise to the Man,” Hymns, no. 27.
December 24
“Giving, not getting, brings to full bloom the Christmas spirit. Enemies are forgiven, friends remembered, and God obeyed. The spirit of Christmas illuminates the picture window of the soul, and we look out upon the world’s busy life and become more interested in people and things. To catch the real meaning of the spirit of Christmas, we need only to drop the last syllable and it becomes the Spirit of Christ” (Thomas S. Monson, Ensign, Dec. 1995, 2).
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
Read the accounts of the birth of the Savior in the New Testament with your family.
“Hark! The Herald Angels Sing,” Hymns, no. 209.
December 25 Merry Christmas
“True happiness comes only by making others happy—the practical application of the Savior’s doctrine of losing one’s life to gain it. In short, the Christmas spirit is the Christ spirit, that makes our hearts glow in brotherly love and friendship and prompts us to kind deeds of service. “It is the spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ, obedience to which will bring ‘peace on earth,’ because it means—good will toward all men” (David O. McKay, Gospel Ideals, 1953, 551).
“And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father!” (1 Ne. 11:20–21).
Give the gift of yourself to your family and loved ones. Spend the day doing kind things for your parents and siblings. You could cook breakfast for your parents, clean up wrapping paper, or help to prepare dinner.
“Joy to the World,” Hymns, no. 201.
Friday, December 9, 2011
View Humanity through a different lens
December 9th- Countdown to Christmas
Goal: View humanity through a different lens. Look at the Civility experiment and make a change in how you view others
Goal: View humanity through a different lens. Look at the Civility experiment and make a change in how you view others
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