LIGHT THE WORLD

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints started an initiative to "LIGHT THE WORLD" in December for the last two years.  Each day in December, leading up to Christmas, there was an attribute of the Savior for us to try to emulate to become more like Him.  The hope is that as we try to become more like Him we will spread His light throughout the world and make it a brighter place for everyone.  We had great plans to do each action or service each day, but we didn't always get it done.  But throughout the month we did each #lighttheworld, just not on the exact day.  Here is how we decided to LIGHT THE WORLD this December...

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"I feel sorry for this brother to the amount of five dollars; how much do you all feel sorry?" - Joseph Smith

This quote is from a story where Joseph Smith was with a group of saints and it was brought up about another man they all knew who was in dire circumstances.  People kept saying that they felt so bad for him.  Then Joseph said the above - reminding them that actions speak louder than words.  The Savior didn't just feel bad for others, but he went out and freely gave.  So for today we went to the store and bought some canned food to donate and dropped it in the Eagle Food Bank box at the library.

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"The only joy that is comparable with the joy of the one receiving the help is the glow that seems to emanate from the one who has given so unselfishly of his time and strength to quietly help someone in need." - Elder Robert L. Simpson

Day 2 we bought two cases of bottled water while at the grocery store and put it in the collection bin by the exit doors also for the Eagle Food Bank.

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"One of the greatest accomplisments in this world would be that of lifting human hearts.  Blessed are they who are kind and considerate of the feelings of other people." - Richard L. Evans

Day 3 was a Sunday and Kasen and Kinsley went and sang some Christmas songs at a nearby resthome for the residents.  They had been practising for a few weeks from friends from the ward.  Kasen wanted to look his best so he made himself a little lapel pin with Christmas ribbon.  

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"We are touched when we see the suffering and great needs of those halfway around the world, but we may fail to see there is a person who needs our friendship sitting right next to us in class." - Bonnie L. Oscarson

Jed helped me think of a small, fun neighbor gift to take to those that live around us and others in the ward that have reached out in friendship since we've moved in.  We got packs of sugar cookie mix and Kinsley helped me attach a note that said "Thankful for SWEET neighbors like you - Merry Christmas".  We delivered them on Christmas Eve and the kids all took turns going to the door with us as we dropped them off to wish our neighbors Merry Christmas.

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"If we truly honor our parents, we will seek to emulate their best characteristics and to fulfill their highest aspirations for us.  No gift purchased from a store can begin to match in value to parents some simple, sincere words of appreciation." - Pres. Spencer W. Kimball

This is a pretty awkward photo, but all on their own the kids woke us up on Day 5 with hot cocoa and toast and hugs and kisses.  It was the best surprise.  Jed also sent messages to his parents and I mailed my parents a card to express gratitude for them.

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"Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our fellow travelers in this journey through life." - Pres. Thomas S. Monson

Everyone decided to work on this in their individual day wherever they were.  This picture is from my work - some of the babies in the infant room.  It is easy to judge other people's situations or decisions.  When I first started working I would think certain things about other employees or parents that brought their kids in.  A lot of the time it was very judgmental.  The harder thing to do is to not judge someone, but instead show them Christlike love.  Because we really can't know where they are coming from entirely.  As a family we decided that the world's way is to belittle, make fun of, laugh at, and judge other people.  To be like Christ we really have to work on this one everyday.

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"When we realize just how precious children are, we will not find it difficult to follow the pattern of the Master in our association with them." - Pres. Thomas S. Monson

We spent the night playing games together instead of turning on the tv!

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"Think what this admonition alone would do in your neighborhood and mine, in the communities in which you and your children live, in the nations which make up our great global family." - Pres. Howard W. Hunter

This is a hard one - like not judging people.  It is easier to hold a grudge when someone does you wrong, I think.  We each thought of someone we could forgive.  For Ava it was someone in her class that had said something mean about her art.  For me it was letting go of bad feelings towards a friend from Chicago.  This friend had really done something that hurt my feelings and has affected the way I interact with people ever since. It has caused me to build walls and not really let very many "friends" get to know me.  I thought I had let it go, but out of the blue one morning my phone notified me that I had a private message on facebook.  When I got on I was shocked to see a msg from this girl apologizing to me.  My first response was to ignore her and never respond.  Which I did for about a month - not entirely on purpose.  But one day I thought about it again and had another thought to reply and tell her how much she had hurt me and that she had indeed offended me really bad!  And that she was really a horrible person.  But then the Spirit just told me that the only person that understood how I had really felt already knew and He would forgive so I should forgive.  So I did.  And I literally pictured myself taking those negative feelings and crumpling them up like a paper and throwing them into a fire.  And then I pictured the ashes floating up and away on the wind far away from me.  It was very cathartic.

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"We can't do everything for everyone everywhere, but we can do something for someone somewhere." - Elder Richard L. Evans

Our cousins came to town and so Ava went with them to do some baptisms for the dead at the temple.  It may not seem like too big of a deal, but for someone who has been waiting and waiting it means more than anything.

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"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high." - Elder Richard G. Scott

I love this description of scriptures as "packets of light".  That sounds so cool.  In this same talk Elder Scott says reading our scriptures is more important than school, work, eating, sleeping, etc.  It is pretty profound.  Since we moved we have not been fantastic at reading our scriptures regularly.  There are so many promises made to us about reading our scriptures and being blessed.  Why do we make it so hard to receive blessings? 

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"Go and bring in those people now on the plains, and attend strictly to those things which we call temporal,... otherwise your faith will be in vain." - Pres. Brigham Young

Kinsley had made a list of people to invite to her birthday party.  I knew four of the girls from church, but didn't know the rest.  The day of her birthday was the last day of school before winter break and they were having a party in class.  I figured since it was Kinsley's birthday I would go help.  While I was there I met a nice mom who had a daughter in the class named Lily.  I didn't recognize that name as one that Kinsley had made a birthday invitation for.  Before the class party had ended I whispered to Kinsley if she thought it would be a good idea to invite Lily to her birthday party.  She said sure.  So I told the mom that Kinsley was having some friends over (I didn't mention it was a bday party) and we'd love to have Lily come to.  She was so excited about it.  She said because Lily had some learning disabilities she didn't get invited to many playdates.  The next day Lily came to the party.  The girls had a great time and Kinsley was very nice to include Lily in all the games.  When Lily's mom came to pick her up she said thank you about 3x.  She said that when they adopted Lily from China she was the oldest girl in the school because no one wanted a girl that was different.  As a mother I know how much your heart aches when your kids don't get invited or included.  Kinsley has always been the girl that is kind to everyone.  She didn't even hesitate when I asked her if we should invite Lily - she just said Sure!  The quote above is when there was a group of Saints that got caught in a snowstorm on their way to SLC.  Brigham Young sent a rescue party to go bring them to SLC.  They didn't know any of the people they were sent to rescue.  It's pretty easy to reach out to people that are just like us - it's harder to reach out to a stranger or someone that may be different.  Everyone wants to feel special.

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"No matter what we have suffered, He is the source of healing." - Jean B. Bingham

Our cousin Heath had a weird health issue come up where his blood vessels in his legs started leaking.  It is pretty uncommon and my sister sent some pictures and videos.  Kasen was a little shaken by it.  He really likes his cousin Heath.  He made him a card to help him not feel so sad or scared.  Kasen is a very tender-hearted boy.  I think it is a special gift.  Compassion is right up there with charity.

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"Let us be friendly.  Let us be helpful.  Let us live the Golden Rule.  Let us be neighbors of whom it might be said, "He or she was the best neighbor I ever had." - Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

As we were picking out a few things for the kids to give their teachers for Christmas they mentioned they wanted to give the bus driver something.  My first thought was "how many people do I have to get gifts to?!"  But then I thought, "Well the bus driver does take them to and from school almost everyday safely.  I remember how annoying the kids on my bus route were, so he probably really does deserve a thank you!"  We didn't do anything expensive or fancy - just a little tin box from the dollar store with some candy inside.  It reminded me that it doesn't take much effort to express appreciation to others that cross paths with me - even if it is their job.  Christ appreciates every good thing that people do for others.

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"There is no end to what the world has to offer, so it is critical that we learn to recognize when we have enough.  If we are not careful, we will begin to chase after the temporal more than the spiritual." - Elder Michael John U. Teh

This Light the World challenge came at the perfect time.  Day 14 was the day Jed and I drove home from Las Vegas after the WSTR competition.  When Jed had won I was so excited.  Winning $42,000 is not a small thing.  Jed was also excited, but one of the first things he said to me was, "Well if we would have been 2 seconds faster we would have won $145,000."  I'd be lying if I said I hadn't already thought of that - not in an irritated way towards Jed - but I think it's pretty natural (if you are competitive) to immediately look at things like that.  It made me realize that it can be so easy to become obsessed with money and making money or winning money.  Getting money can quickly control your whole life if you let it.  As Jed and I talked about it we realized that it would be much more enjoyable to be grateful for the incredible experience that had just occurred than getting too caught up in "if only." 

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"A disciple is willing to bear other people's burdens and to comfort those who need comfort.  Often Heavenly Father will meet the needs of others through you." - For The Strength of Youth

Jed's new calling in our ward is to take care of a special needs boy named Keen.  Keen has a combo of Downs Syndrome and autism.  He is very hard to keep contained.  He hits a lot.  He doesn't speak.  It is definitely not a calling that you get excited about.  Jed has expressed his frustrations, but he hasn't complained.  Jed is such a good example to me of compassion and being merciful. 

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"As we do what He would have us do for His Father's children, the Lord considers it kindness to Him, and we will feel closer to Him as we feel His love and His approval.  In time we will become like Him and will think of the Judgment Day with happy anticipation." - Pres. Henry B. Eyring

We loaded up a bag of Dallin and Kinsley's clothes that they have grown out of and took them to DI.  Jed and I both went through our clothes and did the same. 

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"We know from experience that joy comes when we are blessed with unity... In those gatherings, which God has designed for us, lies our great opportunity.  We can pray and work for the unity that will bring us joy and multiply our power to serve." - Pres. Henry B. Eyring

One of our favorite things to do is to attend our Manwaring FHE.  It isn't every month, but it is pretty consistent.  This month we did our annual Christmas Story play.  My aunt and uncle really get into it and make it a fun, exciting thing.  I'm sure they have lots of things they could be doing other than hosting nieces and nephews and their kids over, but they always act like it is such a treat for them.  Like we are the ones doing them a favor.  I really appreciate that.  I'm sure our Manwaring ancestors are smiling when they see us gathering together.

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"May God help us to be a little kinder, showing forth greater forbearance, to be more forgiving, more willing to walk the second mile, to reach down and lift up those who may have sinned but have brought forth the fruits of repentance, to lay aside old grudges and nurture them no more." - Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley

Kinsley sneaked into our room one evening and took a picture of Jed and I in discussion.  We weren't fighting, but we weren't agreeing on a decision that needed to be made.  I think this picture fits with Day 18.  Marriage requires a lot of forgiveness.  Sometimes we show forgiveness by forgiving, but I think we also show forgiveness by being respectful, changing, trying to see things from another person's perspective, choosing to see the good and not the bad in a person, sacrificing our time for another person when we don't want to... I think one of the biggest ways a wife can forgive in a marriage is holding her tongue when her spouse can never seem to put his dirty clothes in the hamper. It is amazing how the clothes can be piled up right next to the hamper, but it is virtually impossible to lift the lid and put them in the hamper.  I mean, I've heard some husbands do that and I can imagine it would get annoying. :) In marriage I've realized there are seasons when being married is easier than other times.  It is not hard to see another person's flaws after many years of living with them.  It is easy to forgive someone once, but it is hard to forgive continually.  I'm thankful for marriage and for a husband that has forgiven and has to continually forgive me of all the things I get wrong or the shortcomings I have. 

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"With God's help, good cheer permits us to rise above the depressing present or difficult circumstances... It is sunshine when clouds block the light." - Elder Marvin J. Ashton

I love when I catch moments like this with my camera.  It reminds me that life is good!  I don't remember what was happening or why they were all cuddled up on one chair or why Kasen has his coat on.  But I know that when I look at this picture of this moment, those three were happy and that makes me so happy.  There is a lot to be sad or mad about in this world.  But I think heaven is so happy when we take the time to be happy.  When we choose to be happy - or exceedingly glad.  It isn't always easy, but I read once it takes more muscles to frown than it does to smile. 

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"Readjusting our desires to give highest priority to the things of eternity is not easy.  We are all tempted to desire that worldly quartet of property, prominence, pride, and power.  We might desire these, but we should not fix them as our highest priorities." - Elder Dallin H. Oaks

Ava took this picture one night as we were driving past the temple.  It was such an incredible picture and goes so perfect with Day 20.  Focusing on the temple keeps everything else in life in perspective.  I'm so thankful that when I die my family continues to be mine.  The covenants I've made in the temple are the greatest blessings. 

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"We have a responsibility to extend help as well as hope to the hungry, to the homeless, and to the downtrodden both at home and abroad." - Pres. Thomas S. Monson

Tresa and Jeff had the kids over for their annual sugar cookie making and decorating party.  I'm not even kidding when I say these are hands down the best sugar cookies ever.  They make them for Santa and I know Santa is so dang happy every year to eat them. 

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"Each of our Christlike deeds may share only a pinpoint of light, but added together they begin to make a significant difference." - Susann W. Tanner

Ava decided to do a little secret service for two of her friends that had birthdays in December.  She made them cookies and cut out paper hearts.  She thought of all the qualities that she admired about them.  Then she wrote them down on the hearts and decorated them.  We delivered them ninja-style at night in the dark.  The kids even dressed in all black.  They helped Ava tape the hearts to the door and leave the cookies with a Happy Birthday note.  Ava was adamant that it all be anonymous so they wouldn't know it was her.  It was a really sweet gesture and I was proud of her that she was thinking of others.

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"Nothing is so much calculated to lead people to forsake sin as to take them by the hand, and watch over them with tenderness." - Joseph Smith

Kasen and Kinsley sang at another resthome for seniors.  There were more residents at this one.  At the end Kinsley and her friends were running to each person and telling them Merry Christmas.  I told Kasen it would be really nice if he walked around and did the same.  He really didn't want to.  He is so shy and this is totally out of his comfort zone.  I only told him once and I was pretty sure he wouldn't do it.  But then after a few minutes he walked over to a lady and stuck his hand out.  The first few people he was very close to tears, but he got braver and was even wishing them a Merry Christmas by the time he got halfway around the room.  I told him afterward how proud I was of him and how I'm sure that the adults there were so happy.  Even though an adult care facility isn't prison, I'm sure the adults there feel like it is sometimes. 

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"Can you detect that if we do not pray in our families always they may not be blessed - or at least not so fully?  If we truly love our families we will constantly pray for them and with them.  I know of no single activity that has more potential for unifying our families and bringing more love and diving direction into our homes than consistent, fervent family prayer." - Elder John H. Groberg

Dallin has started folding his hands when we say prayers.  It doesn't last the whole time and we have yet to get him to sit still, but it is a start.  I remember teaching adults on my mission how to say a prayer for the first time in their lives.  I love seeing little children pray and acknowledging the most amazing truth that God is there and praying is how we can communicate with Him.

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"Live in such a way that people who know you but don't know Christ will want to know Christ because they know you." - Author Unknown

Christmas lights have always been one of my favorite things about Christmas.  They shine in the darkness and make you feel not quite so cold when you see them.  My goal this next year is to let my light shine more and to teach my children to let their lights shine in this world.  We each have something special inside of us that no one else has.  I love thinking about that.  It is easy to feel small and insignificant in this world, but even if our light brightens just a few people in our lifetime it makes a difference.  We may never know or see it, but Heavenly Father sees it.  I have been told quite a few times in my life that "You just have a light about you."  I have always taken that as one of the highest compliments.  It makes me want to try harder, speak kinder, smile more, complain less, be more faithful, listen to the Holy Ghost more intently, laugh more, be grateful, and repent and try harder to be more like Jesus Christ.  I am not perfect - not even close - and I feel like there are a lot more days when I have more of a storm cloud about me than a light.  So in 2018 I'm going to try a little harder to be more like a Christmas light for myself, and for my family, and for those around me and shine baby shine!