Symbols of Christ in the Christmas Tree

May all of you have a Merry of Christmas

#LightTheWorld
In efforts to make a more Christ centered Christmas we talked about the symbols of Christ used with the Christmas tree. Moses 6:63 "all things bear record of me."


The Lights-He is the light of the world. St. John 8:12

The Evergreen-His eternal life and sacrifice. St John 4:14

The Tree with it's ornaments-He gave his life and hung on a tree. Acts 5:30

The Candy-cane- The Shepherd's Staff. He is the Good Shepherd and the Shepherd that were told by and angel of Jesus' Birth. St John 10:11

The Color Red- The Blood that he spilt for us. Luke 2:8-12

The Color White-The purity of his life and love for all of us.Bible Dictionary Christ is "sinless".

Gold-He is the refiner of Gold. When heat is added to gold the dross or impurity rise to the surface and the refiner pulls them out. He continues to add heat and pull out the impurities until it reaches the desired state of purity. Malachi 3:3

Silver-He is the refiner of Silver. When silver is finished with it's refining process the refiner can see his reflection in it. Malachi 3:3

Presents- Heavenly Father gave us the gift of His Only Begotten Son. As well as the gifts the wisemen presented to the baby Jesus . St John 3:16

Pearl of Great Price-(We hang a string of pearl garland) We must give are all to know Him and He gave his all to save us. Matthew 13:46

Star on top of the tree-The New Star that appeared in the heaven as a sign of his birth. Heleman 14:5
Angels on top of the tree or ornaments-Angels that came to the Shepherds. Luke 2:9-14

Dear Disney (an open letter in regards to the controversy of the first Gay character in the Disney movie Beauty and the Beast)

Dear Disney,

First of all I would like to thank you for the years of happiness that you have provided to me as a child and which continues now to my young family. You helped me believe more in myself. You helped me believe that I could accomplish great things even though I was a girl. Your heroines helped me find the hero inside me, and I have tried to live true to that. I have sung your songs and lived with Disney “fanatics” and enjoyed every minute of it. I think one roommate watched Enchanted, in the theaters, about eight times.

I understand that there is quite a lot of controversy with the upcoming Beauty and the Beast live action film and I want you to know that I have felt the pain of that controversy in a deep and personal way. I have dear friends and family who are part of the LGTB community. I love them and I have wept over the loss of those who committed suicide rather than allowing their beauty to continue bless this world. Is it possible that those who struggle with being gay could find hope in this character? I would certainly hope so! Everyone deserves to be treated well and be loved.

Then there is the other side of the debate. I also have friends and family who I would say are deeply religious and committed to God. They are a strength and backbone to their communities. I know those in both groups that selflessly seek to help the next generation to have those principles inside to bless the world. One problem…everyone feels strongly about their beliefs and no one agrees. So what do you do? Quite frankly I feel like if Disney cares enough to get involved in political issues then perhaps they might be interested in a peace offering for those who are rejecting the movie.  I still believe you who have something good to offer, but I am not sure that without my proposal I will feel good about having Disney continue as part of the upbringing of the rising generation.

There is no question that this film will be successful with or without those that refuse to buy tickets because they have felt discomfort in the introduction of a Gay character. Yet it could be the greatest movie of all time!!! It could be the movie that changes everything about movies!!! Quite frankly your Actors and company deserve this opportunity. Your Actors have greatness in them as well as everyone behind the scenes that make movie magic possible. 

Often I see movies that are theatrical versions, extended versions and previous to all the lawsuits, successfully won by your company, there were edited versions. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that there is a market for family friendly versions of your movies. Family friendly movies, for this letter's purpose, would avoid cursing, drugs, violence is very limited (appropriate controversy involving the protection of self and others who seek to uphold fair laws etc.) heterosexual relationships that are not chaste in their conduct, and no LGTB behavior. Why not offer both the director’s cut and a family friendly version?

Quite simply by adjusting a few scenes you release two movies instead of one. It also doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that the potential for having this be one of the biggest movies ever released, instead of its sacrificial lamb position.  Both parties could be happy if they are willing to accept the fact that people view movies and the world differently. Religious people who are offended by the addition of an adult political stance in a children’s movie like to watch and buy movies just as much as the rest of the world. Shouldn't they be considered as part of the market too? Just because they don't want to constantly be watching things that are against their core principles doesn't mean they won't do the right thing when working with those in any area for which they disagree.

I personally know several that would be elated by introducing a family friendly version to all of your movies, both previously released as well as future collaborations. There are also many who would disagree on what family friendly means but by providing an alternative edited version you now give Americans and lets face most humans what they love...THE FREEDOM TO CHOOSE!  It's important to allow them to choose for themselves. Are you brave enough to give them the opportunity? As things stands this will take place anyway.  You will just loose that portion of the market who has had it with compromising what they believe in to be able to enjoy a movie. My suggestion is to make movies more pleasant for everyone. 

Wait it is the day of  the release?!!!! I also understand how much work and effort goes into making a movie, my brother is part of the crews that take months to edit movies to get them to the screen, but if you could just say that there will be a future release to appease the family audience you win again.  Look if Mel Gibson can release two versions of Passion of the Christ to appease those who felt it against their principles to attend “R” rated movies then you can release a different cut too. This is a win-win situation!

So there is my advice that quite frankly I could charge you millions for, but it’s free because I love you and I want you and everyone you work with to feel the appreciation for a lot of hard work and a job well done instead of conflict.

Love,

Andrea a mom who sincerely hopes you will take me up on this.
P.S. If anyone know Ellen Degeneres she might be even better to send this to than Disney! 

It’s time to pray for a miracle and walk away from the pull of popularity!

Growing up I learned quickly that there are those that are popular and there are those that are not. I was not! I was always a little envious of those who were just liked without what seemed to be any effort on their part. One day I was sent by a school publication committee to interview a polished young man with all the privileges of society that could be offered in high school life. He was well dressed and well liked but what surprised me was that he was very nervous and worried about what people would think of him. I found myself reassuring him that what he had to say mattered. All of a sudden I experienced something I had never recognized I had power over popularity and it felt great. It felt great to support an upperclassman in his hour of anxiety. I walked away with a feeling that that young man was important and not at all unlike me. We both were nervous about things and had vulnerabilities and we needed each other to make a difference in our school.

You may wonder what the point to this little story is, I will just tell you. I am confident that if we are so worried about popularity in this presidential race in the United States we have missed the point completely. The best president isn’t the one that can argue the best, or that has the most financial support. The best president isn’t good just because they are a man or a woman. The best president isn’t the one that is a gifted orator with slick promises that are quite frankly out of their control.  The best president is not the one that has the best chance in the polls for beating out the competitor. If we haven’t figured out by now that the media is not an accurate source for information regarding who is best to run our country then I invite you to consider the fact that they could be more interested in what’s popular and exciting verses what is moral and right.  The best president is a president that is willing to stand for the principles upon which this nation was founded; end of story! You may think that is too simple, but let me reassure you that it is by small and simple things that great things are brought to pass.

It seems to me as I have listened to people’s reasons for choosing one politician over another that we as Americans have forgotten that loyalty and fidelity matter. That honesty and integrity are the basis of trust. Trust is the very essence of what a candidate must have in order to pull off being a good president. I am tired of presidents that care so much about their own self-interests that they ignore the counsel of the wise people in this nation. I am exhausted with all the lies and the threats that if I don’t vote for one "popular" candidate that I am throwing away my vote. I am not throwing away my vote if I select someone I can pledge my support too. I am electing to use my constitutional rite that was made possible by small and simply good people who wanted to ensure I could. I am not a threat to any candidate that is selected for president because I believe in upholding that individual with my prayers and support for their efforts made for the overall good of the people. I am not afraid of being unpopular in my decisions; I only seek to be ethical and honest and to support those of that same character.  I believe in the Abraham Lincolns of the world. Oh where would we be without the traits of nobility that rise up in time of struggle and great need? That is why I am voting for Evan McMullin and Mindy Finn. See https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=GRQdUHI-tFA

Check out this video for an opportunity to get to know him and where he stands on the issues.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FebNU_o4yI8&sns=em

I remember as a grade-schooler saying the pledge of allegiance and my heart soaring with national pride. I believed that America was something greater than just a government, because we were a nation under God. Now it seems that if God is mentioned he has become some kind of insult. What have we allowed to happen to our nation? We do not need to apologize for believing the heritage of our nation. There is no way we would have ever survived as a country without the miracles that made this nation possible. I am not offended if you don’t believe in God, but I would ask that you respect the fact that the founding fathers did believe.

I still believe that miracles happen! I believe in part due to good people who are willing to share positive media where the generosity of strangers comes in and saves another from awful circumstances.  It is in honor of their goodness that I cannot remain silent. I believe that we as American’s have a moral responsibility to uphold men and women of strong moral character to lead this nation. I have been unwilling to choose a candidate until I have seen one that fits these standards. I want to have faith in the American people that they will do what is necessary to vote their conscience.

I strongly desire and pray that citizens, law enforcement, as well as government officials will ensure that the election process is fair and honest. I believe that there are more Americans that are good and honest and want the best for their fellow citizens. I also believe that goodness in people has power over popularity. I know that goodness defeats evil if we are brave enough to stand up for it! I want to believe that we will not just trust our own intellect but we wisdom will pray as the bible says in James 1:5 for the guidance of heaven in assisting us to know if the decisions we have made are in accordance with the will of God, because we are a nation under Him. We owe this nation our allegiance and support, not the nation portrayed through the "popular" media but the true identity of our nation. The nation that is United for the good of the people. I am not naive enough to believe we don’t need a miracle to occur for the sake of our nation. I am also not too proud to ask for your help! Please believe in and pray for miracles!  Join with me and believe that miracles have not ceased! I invite all people and ask that any who read this will assist us with your faith in God to pray for our fellow countrymen, and if this is not your country that you pray for America to be able to see through the mists of lies and vote for people of moral character in this election.

Thank you,

Andrea

The "Ladder Approach" to New Years Resolutions of Fitness

I recognize that I haven’t posted a blog for some time. I have been really busy with other projects. The other day I had the burning desire to get writing again.  I really love being able to talk to adults even though I may not be able to see their faces or hear their reaction. I recognize that some of my followers may be expecting a gospel lesson, and while this blog is different getting healthy is still very important for a healthy spiritual life.

I am quite proud of my progress in tackling my New Years resolutions this year. I really want to keep mine and continue to regain my strength after batting chronic illness for years. I recognize there are many sides to consider for the best approach in fitness. Yet the only sides I am really worried about are the ones that don’t fit as well as I would like them to in my pants. I also want the confidence back that comes from being in shape. I did not want to waste considerable energy having to consider the shape I am in and using my kung Fu skills on anyone that has a derogatory comment. I have worked hard at correcting the problems that don’t get better by loosing a few pounds and now I am ready to do the rest.

My new years resolution consists of a progressive goals concerning fitness. I decided that I wouldn’t overwhelm myself with everything I needed to change I would just do one part of my goal at a time until I felt confident in it and then I would add to that goal the next challenge. I know the level that I need to get to. I have been at the level I am reaching for before, but I was extremely ill and so no matter how skinny I was I felt horrible. Also it was a level that was quite easy to maintain when I was single and not living with those whose diet includes cheese, and cookies as their own food groups.

So what was my first step? CONQUER SUGAR! That means no refined sugar. Of course this ended ice cream, cookies and candy. It also included disappointing my husband who loved to see me get all-hyper after eating something chocolate. Oh yes I said it…Chocolate was also out for more reasons that sugar. I am starting to feel that sense of accomplishment I used to feel in school when I just finished a project that consumed my life for weeks.

Sugar is not my only vice. There are three other foods that send my body into a fat packing revolt. Those are bread, high fat dairy, and red meat. I would include processed meats but I have never really liked those so it is not really a sacrifice to give them up. While I am already limiting these foods, by the first week on February I plan have all of these fat packing foods gone from my daily life.  If I wasn’t taking care of my little boy and a million other things right now I think I would be able to tackle these challenges faster, but right now I am going to rejoice in the fact that I am doing awesome in not eating sugar and chocolate. Besides stress is hard on my health too. I have learned that balance is everything.

The next on the list starting this week, NO HIGH FAT DAIRY and for me that means CHEESE. For some reason my body has a love/hate relationship with cheese. More clearly my taste buds love cheese, but my body almost stops working when I eat it. My metabolism slows to barely alive and I watch the scale numbers increase daily.  There you have it my next goliath the fitness challenge.  Because I know this is the next challenge I am starting to adjust my thinking and cut back to prepare for the inevitable.  As for right now I am headed upstairs to have a broccoli and cheese potato for the last time in probably a year.

After cheese is taken out there is really no reason for bread. At least that is how I plan to console myself. BREAD! With all of the carbohydrate deliciousness, even without sugar bread is still nice. I mean what is eggs and toast without toast? I will tell you…eggs. That’s what I had for breakfast these last few days... just eggs. I am trying to get myself ready for the next task on my new year to do list.  Once I get into the groove of things it is not so bad. All I have to remember is I am extremely blessed to have access to a variety of foods. I recognize not everyone in the world is. I know that if I am in better health physically maybe there is more I can do about that dilemma.

Lastly I will give up the beloved red meat. I vaguely remember life before marrying a cowboy – when I hardly ever saw red meat. Now getting a ½ a beef is as normal as the sun rising and setting. I love chicken and fish and never felt deprived, but now I have others to consider. I am also very used to making all my families favorite dishes – most of which call for beef. I love to see that beefy dinner bring a big smile to my husband’s face and hear comments like these from my son, “I like brown chicken.” It looks like it is two against one right now.  I would have gladly chosen this one as the first food to give up, but starting with the hardest to give up seemed like the way to make sure that I would succeed and just keep me feeling good as I climbed the fitness ladder.  

Why pray if God’s just going to do what He wants anyway?

President Monson once said that there is never anything in our lives so constant as change. (Oct. 2008 GC, Finding Joy in the Journey.) With the changes in the general leadership of the church that have and will occur in the next few months I have been reflecting on how important it is to remember that God is at the helm.

This week I had the opportunity to speak to my sister concerning the plan of our Father in Heaven and how agency’s role is sometimes different than what we understand here. Her big concern was how could we possibly have our agency if the Lord’s will is what is going to happen and what we must accept? She repeated that concern with this question…”Why pray if God’s just going to do what he wants anyway?” The answer to my sister’s question is a vital one in dealing with the trials and changes that occur in this life. One of the doctrines of the gospel that helps is the plan of salvation.

We need to understand that we lived before we came to earth and there we made promises with full understanding and sight. The scriptures say that we even shouted for joy at the prospect of mortal life (Job 38:7) and the opportunity to prove ourselves (Abraham 3:25). When we traveled through the veil at birth we lost that pre-mortal memory. We needed pass through the veil and to forget so that in this life we could act in faith and rely perfectly on the one who is mighty to save (2 Nephi 31:19). Here is the key… with that forgetting we also lost the memory of the promises we made to our Heavenly Father.

We can trust that God’s work and glory is to bring to pass the salvation of souls (Moses 1:39). His greatest desire is for our welfare. All we need to do is trust him and keep hold of the covenants we have made. We need to learn to discern His Spirit (D&C 50) and seek to keep all the commandments he has given so that we are worthy of the companionship of that Spirit. I know that through that Spirit we can again “remember” those promises we made to the Lord and keep this most important 2^nd estate.

When we understand that we have the agency to choose to accept again the promises we already chose to make while we had full sight of God and His plan we can gain the courage it takes to turn our will over to God. We have the agency to choose to accept or reject His plan, but our actions are not powerful enough to alter his will, timing, and eventual promises for all those who worthily seek after Him. The greatest thing we can do in this life is to know God and Jesus Christ (St John 17:3) and that will take giving up all of our sins because they are sinless. I know Christ’s atonement is real and that through him we can be cleansed and brought back to our true selves and to God.

I know that God has prepared worthy apostles to take the place in the Quorum of the Twelve. I know they were prepared both before the world was (Alma 13) and here on earth and that through revelation they can choose to accept the assignment to be a Special Witness for Christ throughout the whole world. Their assignments are not more important than the assignments we accept to serve the Lord. Each member of the body of Christ is important (1 Corinthians 12:27) and as President Packer’s son mentioned at his funeral the spiritual experiences his father had are not just for apostles…they are for everyone that is worthy of those blessing and seek after them. May we use the agency that we fought for in the pre-mortal world to keep our promises…In the name of Jesus Christ Amen.