Family.. Isnt it about Time?

As missionaries we visit and talk to families everyday. This weekend we visited with an investigator and her grandson, he is about 2 years old. We were talking to her, having a great conversation about our Heavenly Father. She turned to her grandson and said.."Who do you love?"
No he didn't say grandma, mom or dad. But he said,"Jesus!" She then said, "Yes that's right, we love Jesus don't we? These girls here love Jesus too." 

When she said that I couldn't help but to feel the spirit. I just read in the Bible John 15:26 which says,"....the comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me [Jesus Christ]."

Later that week, we went to dinner with a family in our ward. They are a beautiful family. As we sat and ate dinner, I just sat and watch how the family acted. Let me paint a picture for you..
A mom, a dad.. A daughter, and 2 sons. The daughter and the son just sat and laughed at each other the whole time during dinner. 

As I watched I couldn't help but to feel that families are forever and that that is Gods plan for us all.

I know that families are forever, and I am very grateful for that. Ive seen alot of families here on the mission. Ive seen how the gospel truly does bless the families and we can and will be together forever.
Remember who you are and what you stand for

Remember... CHRISTmas in Napa

Well Merry Christmas everyone! Its a rainy Christmas morning here in Napa. Its been a great Christmas.. Full of so many miracles.

Yesterday, Christmas Eve, was a great day. In the morning we went to as many people as we could to wish them a Merry Christmas. Some we ran into on the street and had a great conversation about Jesus Christ. For He is the reason we celebrate Christmas.

Later that night we had dinner at a members house. It was so great to see them, and see their Christmas traditions.
It was a beautiful night so after dinner we, all the missionaries in Napa, Sonoma, and St. Helena, went caroling in downtown Napa. I've never been caroling before so it was a great experience for me.  Seeing the people on the street smiling and clapping for us was so amazing. I know that they were touched just as I was. So many smiling faces, and we all were just full of the Christmas spirit.
So this morning we went to have breakfast. It was great to see the family all open presents, smiling and laughing. We played games then ate a wonderful breakfast. We all sat around the table just sharing experiences and talking about Christmas and why we celebrate it.

When this Christmas season started, I'm not going to lie I started missing my hometown and my family. I thought of all of our many traditions as family. But these past 2-3 days... I've never been so happy and never wanted to be anywhere else. I've enjoyed going to visit people on Christmas eve and have enjoyed spending time with my new family and friends and loved ones out here. Its been awesome sharing with people the real reason why we celebrate Christmas and what is important to me.

I'm so grateful I'm here this time of the year serving the Lord. Everyone said that there was no Christmas like being on a mission. I didn't believe them at first but its so true. There is nothing better.. I love my Heavenly Father, I love this gospel. I'm grateful for the Book of Mormon and I love my Savior Jesus Christ. I'm grateful for my family back home, for their love and support. I'm grateful for the family and friends that i have met out here, and I'm happy that they are in my life and i am able to spend my Christmas with them out here.

Merry Christmas! Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Remember.... The true meaning of Christmas.

My mom has this book at home.. I LOVE reading it every year for Christmas, it helps me to remember the true meaning of Christmas.
The book is by Diane G. Adamson and the illustrations is by M. Chad Randall.

Imagine Santa...... What is He like?

Now imagine Jesus...... What is He like?

Santa Clause is a symbol of Christmas. The symbols of Christmas can remind us of the true meaning of Christmas.

Remember, Jesus Christ! Our Savior and Redeemer of the world! Thank you Heavenly Father, for sending Him to us. I love my Savior and am forever grateful for His sacrifice for us.

Merry Christmas

Remember who you are and what you stand for!

Rememeber.. to thank the Lord thy God..

What are you thankful for?
I love watching this video.. It makes me smile everytime. I love some of the responces to this question. One of the things I love that Elder Oaks says is "to thank God for our adversities". "God offers us oppertunities for blessings....He blesses us through our own adversities." I never thought of that before.. We should be thankful for our hard times and our struggles. They make us grow, stretch and become stronger. I know that with the help from our Father in Heaven we can get through ANYTHING!!!
I love you all.. Remember to thank the Lord for EVERYTHING!!