I have had a very inspiring Christmas. Very thought provoking and very blessed. On Monday the 22nd, we learned that our neighbor's (across the street) son was killed in a horrible car accident in Provo Canyon. He was 18, a senior in school. He and his friends were headed up the canyon to go snowboarding. The driver also passed away.
Kirk and I headed over on Monday evening with a couple of loaves of warm bread (why is it that we think food can fix things?) and to see what we could do to help. Four of their beautiful daughters were quick with hugs and to take the bread to the kitchen. Katrina and Dave, the parents, were absolutely inspirational. We held each other for a time. Whispered love and sympathy in their ears and then listened as they described the accident, going to the hospital, learning of Neal not surviving and then spoke so reverently of the blessing they had of holding him in their arms and saying their goodbyes.
Each day, through this week, I have continually thought of this family. As I filled stockings and wrapped presents, I wondered how they were holding up. Kirk inspired deeper reflection, "How do you fill Christmas stockings and plan a funeral?" As I planned food for festivities I wondered about the change this will make for them, for their family and the holiday.
When I was 10 my great-grandmother, Elizabeth Westoby Fry, passed away on Christmas Eve. I remember thinking, Christmas will never be the same again. I was wrong. I think about her every Christmas Eve. I think about sleepovers in her apartment in Provo. I think about going to the mall with her on the bus. What a sweet lady and what wonderful memories for such a short amount of time in my life that I got to spend with her.
Neals' funeral was yesterday. I have never seen a Stake Center so incredibly full, all the way to the stage in the cultural hall behind the chapel. Camille, the second oldest daughter talked about fun family memories of Neal. Dave, his dad, spoke of him as a son, brother and child of God. Our Bishop gave the most amazing eternal perspective talk that I think I have ever heard. But the thing that really resonated in my heart was a song that was sung by the three younger sisters with a children's choir. The song is called, Bend The Knee. I have searched for quite some time this morning trying to find the lyrics, without success. If anyone knows them, please pass them on to me.
This family is amazing and inspiring. As mourners came to mourn with them, they lifted us up. They taught of grace and hope and faith. I know that all will be well with them. They are the type of family that makes the best of every situation. Please keep them in your prayers.

A Letter From Our Savior

Dear loved ones,

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is
a celebration in my honor, and I think that this year the celebration will
be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts,
there are many radio announcements and TV commercials, and in every part of
the world everyone is saying that my birthday is getting
closer and closer.
It is really very nice to know that at least once a year some people think
of Me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At
first people seemed to understand and be thankful for all that I did for
them, but in these times no one seems to know the reason for the
celebration.
Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they
don't know the meaning of the celebration. I remember that last year there
was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods,
pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were
exquisite, and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts.
But, I wasn't invited.
I was the guest of honor, and they didn't remember
to sendMe an invitation. The party was for Me, but when that great day came, I was
left outside--they closed the door in my face. And....I wanted to be with
them and share their table.

Truthfully, that didn't surprise Me because in the last few years all have
closed their doors to Me. Since I wasn't invited, I decided to enter the
party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. They were
all drinking, and there were some who were drunk and telling jokes and
laughing at everything, having a grand ol' time. To top it all, this big fat
man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling,
"Ho, ho, ho!" He seemed drunk as he sat on the sofa, and all the children
ran to him screaming, "Santa Claus, Santa Claus", as if the party were in
his honor.
At midnight all the people began to hug each other. I extended my arms
waiting for someone to hug Me, but no one did! Then they all began to
share gifts. They opened them one by one with great
expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if maybe there was one for
Me. After all, how would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared
gifts and you didn't get a one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and
quietly left.

Every year it gets worse. People only remember the eating, the drinking, the
gifts, the parties, and nobody remembers Me. I would like it if this
Christmas you would allow Me to enter into your life. I would like it if you
would recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this
world to give my life for you, on the cross, to save you.
Today, my only desire is that you believe this with all your heart.
I want to share something further with you. As many didn't invite Me to
their party, I will have my own celebration, a grandiose party that no one
has ever imagined. I'm still making the final arrangements. Today I am
sending out many invitations, and there is one for you. I want to know if
you wish to attend, and I will make a reservation for you and write your
name with golden letters in my great guest book. Only those on my guest list
will be invited to the party; those who don't respond to the invitation will
be left outside. Be prepared so that when all is ready you can be part of
my great party.

See you soon!
I love you,
JESUS


P.S. Please share this message with your loved ones before *CHRIST*mas!

A GMC Christmas!

I was so excited about this Christmas card that I put together that I just had to share!! Check out Kirk's truck! He has worked so hard on restoring it and I think it is beautiful. I forced the kids into letting me take their pictures for this but I am so glad they obliged.

We went on our traditional Dinner/Christmas Shopping date with them last night. We had an amazing dinner at Tucano's and then went to the University Mall. We started this tradition several years ago and I love it. We get to spend some great time with the kids and they get to pick out exactly what outfit they would like to wear on Christmas Day. The great part is that they get what they want and it actually fits!!
Thanks for a great night!

What Is Your Perfect Christmas?

December is one of the most magical times of the year! I always look forward to it but, when it gets here I start to have a little anxiety. There is so much to do and cook and buy and wrap. Lists to make and cross off. Cards to send. Before you know it, Christmas is nowhere in sight.

I found myself wrapping presents the other day and because of the items the kids have asked for, there were not a lot of presents there. I spoke to Kirk about it and we decided that we have actually “trained” ourselves that there should be this crazy amount of gifts under the tree for Christmas morning. After that little revelation I realized that it was a problem that I created and I was the one who could change it.

The first thing I had to change was my perception of Christmas. I can’t tell you how many times in the last 22 years I have tried to bring my family to understand the TRUE meaning of Christmas while still participating in the worldly frenzy of Christmas. Some things worked. Others didn’t. But I will not give up trying! After all, if I forget to send someone a card or a gift, they will still know that I care, right? If I don’t make 4,000 cookies and deliver them, in the month of December, from here to Texas, will my friends and loved ones disown me?

My perfect Christmas?

1. Let me read through Luke a time or two and really ponder the words and lessons there. I love the beautiful way that Luke portrays the events of the life of our Savior.

2. Let me do all that I can to help those in need. I am so blessed and feel even more blessed when I can help others.

3. Let me gather my family in and tell them how much I love them.

4. Let me be so grateful for the blessing that I receive not only during this sacred season, but all year through.

This is my hope and prayer for me and for you and your family. Don’t get lost in the wrapping paper, the best gifts don’t need to be wrapped.