New Year's Eve Dance

 Emily is 14 and old enough to attend the New Year's Eve Dance,  She went with Kenzie and hopefully had a great time.  The dance was held at the Interstake Center and a friend of mine was the photographer.  She shared the photos on Facebook which made me very happy.  I love to see pics of my kids and see how they are doing.  What a fun way to end 2018 and welcome in 2019.

Our stake was in charge of the dance this year and the photo backdrop was amazing, it makes me wonder how the rest of the dance was.  

Light the World 2018

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints did their "Light the World" campaign again this year.  This is the third year that they have done it.  It really adds to the Christmas spirit.  This year, they divided into weeks . 

Week 1 - Light the World

Week 2 - Light Your Community

Week 3 - Light Your Family

Week 4 - Light Your Faith 

We did activities for everyday until the 26th of December.  With my dad in the hospital, I realized that I had being service most of the month of December.  Sometimes unplanned service can more impact that service that fits an agenda.  December turned into a month of service, especially service for my father.  I wanted to continue to keep up the daily "Light the World" service activities and enjoyed it very much.  I served my father in the hospital for 18 days and came home to spend time with my family, Danni, and Manny.  The month of December was super crazy and full of service.  

Names of Christ

For Christmas this year, we studied each of the Names of Christ.  It was really neat to study this as a family.  I really enjoyed doing this and may do it again next year.

1- Our Hope - "Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope ..."

2- Light -  "Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

3- Faithful - "And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,"

4- Son of Man- "But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house."

5- High Priest of Good Tidings - "But Christ being come an high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us."

6- Lamb of God- "The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world."

7- Bread of Life-" And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."

8- Redeemer- "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel; for he hath visited and redeemed his people,"

9- Deliverer- "And so all Israel shall be saved: as it is written, There shall come out of Sion the Deliverer, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob:"

10- Advocate- "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:"

11- The Anointed One- "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."

12- Lord of All- "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

13- Prince of Peace- "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

14- Good Shepherd- "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep."

15- King of Kings - "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."

16- Living Water- "And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely."

17- Savior- "And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world."

18- The Way- "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."

19- Holy One- "And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God."

20- The Word-" In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."

21- Gift- "Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift."

22- Finisher- "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne"of God."

23- Healer- "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."

24- Emmanuel- "Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."

25- Christ the Lord- "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."

Memorable MondayChrist -Centered Christmas Activities

This Christmas season, I really wanted to do some activities that were more Christ-centered.  The activities were fun to do and my kids were very cooperative  The first few days were easy to plan and execute.  That was before my dad went to the hospital.   I was determined to make this Christmas season a great one.  I really felt the Christmas spirit this year.  I've never been busier serving my family that I have this month. That was what made if a Christ-centered Christmas. 

1- Christmas Tree - The evergreen Christmas tree represents everlasting life and the hope that Christ gives us for eternal life.   Titus 1:2

We learned the Christmas symbols from the ward party

2- Wisemen - The three wisemen visited Jesus after His birth bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  Matthew 2: 1-12

Read the story of the 4th Wisemen and
wrote our gift to Jesus

3- Carols - We sing carols at Christmas as a way to celebrate Jesus's birth and spread joy to others.  Music is powerful.  Psalms 47:6 

We sang Christmas Carols

4- Shepherds- The angel appeared to the humble shepherd when Christ was born.  The shepherds quickly went to visit the baby Jesus.  Christa was called the "Good Shepherd".  Luke 2:8-11 and John 10:11 

We played the Shepherd's Game

5- Santa Claus - Or St. Nicholas, was generous to the poor, he anonymously gave gifts to those in need.  He was know for leaving gifts for children late at night because he wanted his identity to be a secret - Deuteronomy 16:17 and Matthew 6:3-4 

We read the story of Santa Claus

6- Red & Green - In the winter, red and green plants (like holly) thrive.  Red is a reminder of the Savior's life, blood, and sacrifice.  While green represents the new life we receive through Christ. - John 11:2-5 and Titus 1:2

We played red light, green light

7- Candy Canes - Hard candy symbolized Christ as our foundation.  White represents purity of Christ while red stripes represent Christ's sacrifice.  It is shaped like a J for Jesus and he staff of the good Shepherd.  Luke 2:8

We read the Legend of the Candy Cane

8- Ornaments - Ornaments are used to decorate.  The first ornaments were apples, candy canes, and pastries in the shapes of stars, hearts, and flowers.  Overtime, the tradition of decorating with ornaments has led to family collections that told significant sentimental value.   Psalms 149:4

Make Ornaments with cinnamon and applesauce

9- Candles - Candles represent the light of Christ and how love can share his light with others.
John 1:5 and John 8:12 

We lit a candle and talked about Christ

10- Christmas Lights - We display lights everywhere to represent the light of Christ - John 1:9

We drove around and saw some Christmas lights

 11 - Lamb - The nativity scene is not complete without the sheep.  Jesus often calls us "sheep".  When he taught, we must follow his example.  Another name for Jesus is the Lamb of God which refers to the atonement and Christ's sacrifice for His children.  John 1:29

We went on a Nativity Scavenger Hunt

12- Snowflakes - Snow is associated with Christmas.  The intricate design of snowflakes remind us of God's one of a kind love for each of his children.  Just as no two snowflakes are alike, all of God's children are unique and special.  1 John 4:10

We made snowflakes

We made Flaming Snowballs

13- Gifts - Just as God sent His Son as a gift to show His love, we give gifts to show our love for others.  Matthew 2:11 and John 3:16-17

We picked a neighbor to do the 12 days of Christmas.

14- Bells - Bells are often used to call the faithful to worship!  When you hear the bells ring, you can feel the joy of Christmas.  John 10:16

We "Jingled" a family in the ward

15- Cookies - Sharing Christmas cookies is a way that we can show generosity and gratitude for others.  All around the world, each culture has a unique take on their traditional Christmas cookie.  Mark 16:15

Made cookies to deliver

16- Wreaths - The wreath has no beginning or end.  It represents an unending circle of God's love.  The evergreen wreath symbolizes growth and everlasting life - Romans 8:39  - We wrote cards with wreath background

We wrote cards to Grandma and Grandpa Wall
with a wreath background

17 - Gingerbread- Just as God created us, we create the gingerbread man.  Gingerbread men remind us to look forward to the day when we can be united with our creater.  Isaiah 43:1

We tried to make gingerbread houses - ate most of it

18- Star - The new star was a sign of Christ's birth.  It guided shepherds and wisemen to Christ.
Matthew 2:1-12

We started to look for stars, but just found a big lit one

19- Jesus -He is the reason for the season.  Christ was born in Bethlehem.  Christmas is the celebration of His birth.  Luke 2:1-20

Read Luke 2

20- Angels - An angel appeared to Mary to announce the birth of Christ, to Joseph, and also to the Shepherds.  Luke 1:26-28, Luke 2:13-14

My Angels have shown random Acts of Kindness
 to me during a difficult time.

21- Bethelem - Mary and Joseph journeyed to Bethelem and baby Jesus was born in a manger.

Luke 2

Went to see Jim's mom - Bethelem was the home of Joseph,
so we went to visit Jim's home

22- Bows- The bow symbolizes unity and being tied together - Colossians 3:13-14

Help decorate for Pace Christmas Party

23- Nativity - The Nativity is a visual symbol of the night and events of the Savior's birth.  Luke 2

We went to see the Nativity at the Gilbert Temple, but the grounds were closed. 
We could see it, but not get to close.

We took pics instead of visiting the Nativity scene.

24- Stockings - The symbol of the stocking comes from St Nicholas filling stockings with goodies for the poor.  Matthew 24:35

Brought a stocking over to give to my
 mom on Christmas Eve.