To Everyone:

 

"...a poor young carpenter, a beautiful virgin mother, and silent stabled animals who had not the power to utter the sacredness that they had seen. Shephers would soon arrive and later, wise men from the East. Later yet the memory of that night would bring Santa Claus and Frosty and Rudolph - and all would be welcome. But first and forever there was just a little family, without toys or trees or tinsel. With a baby - that's how Christmas began." -Elder Jeffery R. Holland.

I love having the opportunity to be here on a mission, teaching about that little baby, our Savior. This is such a special opportunity to be here during this season. It makes me reflect on what REALLY matters in life.

This is a typical question we ask when we are out, the conversation 99% of the time goes like this...

we see a little kid walking, I ask, "Who is Christmas all about? Santa or Jesus?"

They respond ALWAYS with "SANTA!" ...or add in their own alternative answer and say, "PRESENTS!!" and I just yell back, "NO!" Then explain it is about the birth of the Savior, not about the commercialized ways of Christmas which of course add plenty of Christmas cheer, and fun memories, but we can do better.

- President Kimball stated, "let us give our time, ourselves, & our talents to the things that really matter NOW, the things which will STILL matter a thousand years from now."

I love that.

With today being what would have been Jacob's 15th birthday, I reflect on how grateful I am for an Eternal Family, for the sealing power of the Temple, and how untied and close our family is. I am grateful for the examples of so many in my life, whether older or younger, I am truly grateful to be able to grow alongside each and every family member for life, and through the eternities. And, as it goes for every year, I take this day to reflect on how I can better my own life, my own choices to align them with what my Father in Heaven would have me do.

President Kimball goes on to say,

"Even though circumstances in the world at times become discouraging, our task, not alone in the Christmas season but ALWAYS, is to be of good cheer. The Lord so often counsels us to have cheerfulness in our lives.

"And now, verily I say unto you, and what I say unto one I say unto all, be of good cheer little Children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you." (D&C 61:36)

"Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the Living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come." (D&C 68:6)

The Lord will be in our midst, he will be with us and stand by us and lead us."

There is cheer in every aspect of life if we look for it!! THAT, I know without a doubt.

It is strange to not be there for Christmas, but I know I am where the Lord needs me to be.

This week has been great!

We had a mission wide conference on Friday, the 16 where Bro. Turley, the Church Historian come and talk to us about the Life of Joseph Smith.

I am extending to you what President Miller asked us to do, read Joseph Smith History. Learn from this man. Become his friend. Pray to learn more than you have before of this man and what he did for us and the impact it has in our life.

Then read D&C 135:1-3.

Anyway, as for other things, the Kuay's are slowly all coming to Church and have set dates to be baptized :)

I LOVE that family!!!

We are teaching a new family, but this week will be crazy so who knows when we will get a chance to meet with them until next week.

We have another mission activity on the 24, then Christmas they haven't told us anything...we may be allowed to go anywhere in the mission, we may not. If we are, Sonia (from Sandy) is having our old district over. We will have to wait & see. They are doing mail pick up on Christmas Eve, so at least we will get it before Christmas!

We went & saw the lights at Temple Square on Wednesday!! It was so much fun!

Other than that, yes there is more and more snow every day...yeayyy

my health is still kinda rocky, they aren't sure what is going on. I've been having fevers lately which is a big problem...so they moved up my appointment from Friday to Wednesday & most likely have to get a catscan.

Just lots of prayers and faith that it will pan out how the Lord would have it.

As for Britane, we as missionaries are to extend baptism by the second lesson..but always as the Spirit directs. I promise you she has been prepared from even before you had met her, it's just now up to her agency & God's time that it will all happen. Keep being her friend. I know she loves you and is SO grateful she has you along the way. Maybe read about Joseph Smith with her, ask the Elders if they have the new restoration dvd to show...if not I will send you a copy (it's the one they show at Temple Square)

It's kinda cool that Elder is from here...make sure you take care of him & help them to have a member present at EACH lesson :)

I think that's all for now, talk to you on Sunday.

Ps-I will probably call around dinner time (5pm your time) want to make sure everyone is there.

Our mission doesn't allow skype, bummer. But I'm excited to hear your voices!

Love ya!

Have a Merry Christmas!!

Sister Givens