This weekend, my stake had a mini mission. Ben and I participated as host families, and let me just tell you, it was A.W.E.S.O.M.E.
Um, did you know that the youth today are amazing? I knew it because I teach them every Sunday and because my sisters are amazing. But truly, they are amazing. When I was in young women's, would I have jumped at the chance to dress up all weekend and teach lessons as mini-missionaries to less active members or non members? I honestly don't know. The wanna-be-awesome part of me says heck to the yes. The realistic part of me says I probably would have done it, but it might have been grudgingly, and very scaredily (yes, I just made up that word).
The youth (14 and up) were assigned companions and assigned a host family. My family was out of town this weekend, so Ben and I signed up because we wanted to, not because my parents wanted to host the mini missionaries. We made them dinner Friday night, took them to an appointment, talked to them about teaching and the gospel and stuff, went to bed, woke up and made them breakfast (Ben exercised and made sure the girls exercised because that was part of the mini mission, but I didn't feel well, so I stayed in bed until they were done exercising), had gospel study, went to another lesson, went to a baptism, and then that was the end of our part. The youth then went to lunch and classes in the afternoon.
I can't even describe how incredible this weekend was. We felt the spirit so strongly, and it was great to be doing this service. For both appointments, the girls followed the spirit as to what message they shared with the people, and both lessons were very spiritual, and I could tell that both the lessons were exactly what the people needed to hear. Like I said, I can't even describe it. I was very impressed with their level of gospel knowledge, and I was impressed with their ability to just go teach a lesson to people they didn't even know very well. Actually, I was more impressed with their ability to teach a lesson to two kids who they know from school who the ward mission leader set an appointment with for them. That would be even more scary to teach someone their own age who goes to their school.
Being with the youth and sharing the message of the gospel was exactly what I needed this weekend.
And so was fast Sunday and testimony meeting.
I hope everyone is having a great Sabbath!
Ben and Kilee
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Friday, April 5, 2013
Being a Teacher
Wow. Who knew that teaching could be both the hardest and most rewarding thing in life?
Well, I figured so, that's why I chose this profession. But I didn't know quite how hard it would be.
This is how hard it is: sometimes, I imagine myself getting in a car crash on my way to school. So I don't have to go to school.. Is that weird?
This is how rewarding it is: the feeling you get when you find out that you are someone's favorite teacher. Or the feeling you get when a student finally makes sense of what you are trying to teach him/her. Or the feeling you get when the students make something so awesome that they are dying to take one (muffin/cookie/etc) to another teacher because they are so proud. Or when the students beg me to ask if I can chaperone at prom. Or when the students get all mad and insist that I should fake sick for my brother's wedding so I can come to their graduation. Or the student who I asked how her day was going, and she almost started crying and spilled everything out. Or the student who has lots of family struggles and comes to talk to me all the time because I care. Yes, teaching is very rewarding.
I have one student who apparently only talks to me. I am the only teacher he likes. I feel like that is quite the victory. One day, he drew me a picture (granted, it was on the paper he was taking notes on, and his notes consisted of the few words he wrote every time I walked by. but he left the drawing on his desk with a note that said "here you go, Luthi." attitude, yes. but does he do anything for anyone else? no). As time goes on, he talks to me more and more. Even though he is kind of a punk, he totally secretly likes me, as other teachers have confirmed.
Starting out was rough. I can't even imagine what it must feel like to have one of your favorite teachers ripped away from you, only to have her replaced by a teacher who doesn't look much older than you and is a "sub." I didn't get a lot of respect at first because I am young (and word got out that I just graduated college and this is my first teaching job). Another reason I didn't get much respect is because I wasn't their teacher from the start. I also had students dislike me because I am tougher than their previous teacher.
However, I have earned that respect. I have had students tell me that while I am tougher, they have learned more from me than her. I still have students who get onto me for not being able to take a joke (I can take a joke, but some "jokes" I don't appreciate). And I still have students who do everything they can to push my buttons, but overall, things are going really well. I have teacher-friends. The principals like me (they keep telling me I am doing great, and I was congratulated for sending a girl to the office for dress code whom the other teachers rarely send because they don't want to deal with her). I am figuring things out. I am having a much easier time balancing the lesson planning, grading, fccla, and whatever else I have been doing.
The job officially opened up for applications this week! So, needless to say, I will be applying. The principal really wants me (or so I have heard), so that is a good sign..
Well, I figured so, that's why I chose this profession. But I didn't know quite how hard it would be.
This is how hard it is: sometimes, I imagine myself getting in a car crash on my way to school. So I don't have to go to school.. Is that weird?
This is how rewarding it is: the feeling you get when you find out that you are someone's favorite teacher. Or the feeling you get when a student finally makes sense of what you are trying to teach him/her. Or the feeling you get when the students make something so awesome that they are dying to take one (muffin/cookie/etc) to another teacher because they are so proud. Or when the students beg me to ask if I can chaperone at prom. Or when the students get all mad and insist that I should fake sick for my brother's wedding so I can come to their graduation. Or the student who I asked how her day was going, and she almost started crying and spilled everything out. Or the student who has lots of family struggles and comes to talk to me all the time because I care. Yes, teaching is very rewarding.
I have one student who apparently only talks to me. I am the only teacher he likes. I feel like that is quite the victory. One day, he drew me a picture (granted, it was on the paper he was taking notes on, and his notes consisted of the few words he wrote every time I walked by. but he left the drawing on his desk with a note that said "here you go, Luthi." attitude, yes. but does he do anything for anyone else? no). As time goes on, he talks to me more and more. Even though he is kind of a punk, he totally secretly likes me, as other teachers have confirmed.
Starting out was rough. I can't even imagine what it must feel like to have one of your favorite teachers ripped away from you, only to have her replaced by a teacher who doesn't look much older than you and is a "sub." I didn't get a lot of respect at first because I am young (and word got out that I just graduated college and this is my first teaching job). Another reason I didn't get much respect is because I wasn't their teacher from the start. I also had students dislike me because I am tougher than their previous teacher.
However, I have earned that respect. I have had students tell me that while I am tougher, they have learned more from me than her. I still have students who get onto me for not being able to take a joke (I can take a joke, but some "jokes" I don't appreciate). And I still have students who do everything they can to push my buttons, but overall, things are going really well. I have teacher-friends. The principals like me (they keep telling me I am doing great, and I was congratulated for sending a girl to the office for dress code whom the other teachers rarely send because they don't want to deal with her). I am figuring things out. I am having a much easier time balancing the lesson planning, grading, fccla, and whatever else I have been doing.
The job officially opened up for applications this week! So, needless to say, I will be applying. The principal really wants me (or so I have heard), so that is a good sign..
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Teaching Update
I had no idea how hard teaching would be. I mean, I knew it would be hard. I thought I was prepared to dedicate basically all my time to my students, but I was in no way emotionally prepared for the load I took on three weeks ago. It's okay though. I'm growing.
This is my life: wake up (between 5:00 and 5:30 usually), get ready for school, go to school (usually arrive between 7:00 and 7:20), teach, prepare lesson plans/grade/other school related stuff, back therapy, come home, dinner, read scriptures, more school stuff, go to sleep. Oh the joys.
Really, though, the joys. Since I have started teaching, I have felt joy in ways that I cannot accurately describe. There is joy in seeing students "get" the information. There is joy in the interactions with students, especially those you know you are making a difference for. There is joy in seeing students' lives change. There is joy in hearing through the grapevine that you are so-and-so's favorite teacher. There is joy in a student telling me that the principal has told the girls that I am a good role model and they should look up to me. There is so. much. joy. in teaching. I love it. It's a lot of work, but I love it.
I'm kind of going through culture shock. My school has 500-600 students I think. I know about a solid 1/4 of the school. I can call all my students by name! Anyway, the school is small. But I really like it. We had a fundraiser dinner a few weeks ago for someone who has cancer (I think it was cancer. That was my first day, so I didn't get all the details because then it was over anyway). The whole community came together for it and halfway through, they had to go buy more food because so many people came! Also, I teach a lot of students whose families are in poverty. They have so many responsibilities at home, and really, school is the least of their worries. They come, though. They come. They get their work done most of the time. They work hard. Many students work and help provide for their families. It's just a really unique environment for me. Yes, they are teenagers. They text during class and sometimes think that the things I have planned for class are stupid, but it's really a fantastic bunch of teenagers at this school.
Things are going well. My life is crazy. I am so incredibly busy. My stress bottles up and tends to explode on the weekends. But I love every minute of what is happening right now. I don't get paid nearly enough, but it's still worth it to me. It is weird being in such a small environment, but I do love it. I don't know if I would choose to work in a larger district with more pay if I had the choice. I think I would stay where I am. But I don't know. Right now I don't have other options anyway so it doesn't matter.
When I get another chance soon, I'll update again. And for those who are FACS people and have been wondering about the differences here, it's coming :)
This is my life: wake up (between 5:00 and 5:30 usually), get ready for school, go to school (usually arrive between 7:00 and 7:20), teach, prepare lesson plans/grade/other school related stuff, back therapy, come home, dinner, read scriptures, more school stuff, go to sleep. Oh the joys.
Really, though, the joys. Since I have started teaching, I have felt joy in ways that I cannot accurately describe. There is joy in seeing students "get" the information. There is joy in the interactions with students, especially those you know you are making a difference for. There is joy in seeing students' lives change. There is joy in hearing through the grapevine that you are so-and-so's favorite teacher. There is joy in a student telling me that the principal has told the girls that I am a good role model and they should look up to me. There is so. much. joy. in teaching. I love it. It's a lot of work, but I love it.
I'm kind of going through culture shock. My school has 500-600 students I think. I know about a solid 1/4 of the school. I can call all my students by name! Anyway, the school is small. But I really like it. We had a fundraiser dinner a few weeks ago for someone who has cancer (I think it was cancer. That was my first day, so I didn't get all the details because then it was over anyway). The whole community came together for it and halfway through, they had to go buy more food because so many people came! Also, I teach a lot of students whose families are in poverty. They have so many responsibilities at home, and really, school is the least of their worries. They come, though. They come. They get their work done most of the time. They work hard. Many students work and help provide for their families. It's just a really unique environment for me. Yes, they are teenagers. They text during class and sometimes think that the things I have planned for class are stupid, but it's really a fantastic bunch of teenagers at this school.
Things are going well. My life is crazy. I am so incredibly busy. My stress bottles up and tends to explode on the weekends. But I love every minute of what is happening right now. I don't get paid nearly enough, but it's still worth it to me. It is weird being in such a small environment, but I do love it. I don't know if I would choose to work in a larger district with more pay if I had the choice. I think I would stay where I am. But I don't know. Right now I don't have other options anyway so it doesn't matter.
When I get another chance soon, I'll update again. And for those who are FACS people and have been wondering about the differences here, it's coming :)
Thursday, February 21, 2013
God's timing
Alright everyone, here is the scoop.
When we first moved out here, I put in my application to sub in the Bentonville district, but I never heard back. I thought it was really weird, I mean, I'm a certified teacher and I know my application was good. I called the lady a couple times, but I never heard back from her. Maybe I should have gone down to the administration office, but I didn't. Oh well. Ultimately, I was kind of grateful to have not gotten a sub job at that time so I could focus on getting my back better (I don't remember if I ever posted a story about this, but I really messed up my back again during Thanksgiving break). So, I thought it was weird, but I also was like eh, oh well. Now's my time to heal and spend time with my family.
So, I found a chiropractor, and we are doing a therapy program that is supposed to have me as healed as I can be in three months. By the way, I am one month in and making HUGE progress!
A couple weeks ago, someone in our ward posted on my mom's facebook saying that Pea Ridge (a smaller district, but still pretty close) was hiring subs. Apparently, they have been experiencing a lot of sickness and there haven't been enough subs to cover for the teachers. I only had 4 days to scramble and get everything together. They pretty much hired everyone who came to the training meeting, so we had to come with all of our official documents and stuff for hiring, and I had to go to the county health department to do a TB skin test. I got everything done and put together and made my merry way to training.
Pea Ridge is a fairly small town with only 4 schools, and it's its own district. They still do paper applications (everywhere else I looked, you had to do the online application), and they don't have an electronic sub system. The sub system is on a phone call basis. I was kind of worried about it because I figured the school officials would just call the subs they normally use, and I wouldn't be able to snag jobs based on when and what I want to teach.
The application was due and the training was on a Thursday. No phone call Friday. Monday morning, I received a phone call from the High School principal. "Hi Kilee, my name is Jon Laffoon, and I am the principal at Pea Ridge High School. I have your application on my desk, and I see that you are a certified Family and Consumer Science teacher." "Yes." "Well, how would you like a Family and Consumer Science teaching position right now.?"
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa? Heck to the yes.
The only reason I was hesitant was my back situation. I told him I was honored and excited for the opportunity, but I asked for some time to talk it over with Ben and my doctor.
The school's situation was this: a counselor went on medical leave for the rest of the semester. They moved the FACS teacher to the counseling position for now and were looking for a long-term sub for the FACS classes. The counselor went on medical leave the week (possibly day) that I turned in my application. They were freaking out. Then, my application lands on his desk and voila! He has the answer to his prayers.
It was also what I wanted and an answer to my prayers.
So, I prayed about it and thought about it all that day, and I felt so much happier and confident than in a long time. I just felt like it was the right thing. I also felt like that had pretty much been handed to me and God has some reason for me to be at that school right now. Ben agreed. And my chiropractor said that I should do it and that my back could take it.
I called the principal back and said yes, I had an official interview, and I got started trying to prepare myself for this week. My interview and hiring was last Thursday. I spend a few hours Friday at the school, and I had to teach starting Monday (yes, this Monday, the holiday). This week has been a whirlwind! Wednesday was a half day due to bad weather, and today was cancelled too. So, it's been two and a half days of teaching, but it has felt so good! It's nice to be doing what I went to college and have been living for. I love teaching! It's also nice to feel that confidence and pep in my step and for my back to be getting better.
Maybe in a couple weeks I will be like what have I gotten myself into? But, I think it will be great. I know that as I get to know my students better that things will all be good. And I have the principal, assistant principal, and the teacher I am subbing for there at the school helping me out and watching my back. It's really nice that the teacher is there at the school to help me.
It could turn full-time if that counselor doesn't come back. . . I hope she doesn't come back lol. But, either way, it's a great experience for me!
I titled this post God's timing. That is because I think that God has a plan for me. The plan was not to sub at Bentonville, so I had to get rejected in order to follow this plan. There is a plan for the healing of my back. There is a plan for me getting a job. And for Ben to get a job. I can see things all coming together--us coming here and everything that went into that decision. I feel so blessed to be able to see God's hand in our lives, and I am grateful for that.
When we first moved out here, I put in my application to sub in the Bentonville district, but I never heard back. I thought it was really weird, I mean, I'm a certified teacher and I know my application was good. I called the lady a couple times, but I never heard back from her. Maybe I should have gone down to the administration office, but I didn't. Oh well. Ultimately, I was kind of grateful to have not gotten a sub job at that time so I could focus on getting my back better (I don't remember if I ever posted a story about this, but I really messed up my back again during Thanksgiving break). So, I thought it was weird, but I also was like eh, oh well. Now's my time to heal and spend time with my family.
So, I found a chiropractor, and we are doing a therapy program that is supposed to have me as healed as I can be in three months. By the way, I am one month in and making HUGE progress!
A couple weeks ago, someone in our ward posted on my mom's facebook saying that Pea Ridge (a smaller district, but still pretty close) was hiring subs. Apparently, they have been experiencing a lot of sickness and there haven't been enough subs to cover for the teachers. I only had 4 days to scramble and get everything together. They pretty much hired everyone who came to the training meeting, so we had to come with all of our official documents and stuff for hiring, and I had to go to the county health department to do a TB skin test. I got everything done and put together and made my merry way to training.
Pea Ridge is a fairly small town with only 4 schools, and it's its own district. They still do paper applications (everywhere else I looked, you had to do the online application), and they don't have an electronic sub system. The sub system is on a phone call basis. I was kind of worried about it because I figured the school officials would just call the subs they normally use, and I wouldn't be able to snag jobs based on when and what I want to teach.
The application was due and the training was on a Thursday. No phone call Friday. Monday morning, I received a phone call from the High School principal. "Hi Kilee, my name is Jon Laffoon, and I am the principal at Pea Ridge High School. I have your application on my desk, and I see that you are a certified Family and Consumer Science teacher." "Yes." "Well, how would you like a Family and Consumer Science teaching position right now.?"
Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa? Heck to the yes.
The only reason I was hesitant was my back situation. I told him I was honored and excited for the opportunity, but I asked for some time to talk it over with Ben and my doctor.
The school's situation was this: a counselor went on medical leave for the rest of the semester. They moved the FACS teacher to the counseling position for now and were looking for a long-term sub for the FACS classes. The counselor went on medical leave the week (possibly day) that I turned in my application. They were freaking out. Then, my application lands on his desk and voila! He has the answer to his prayers.
It was also what I wanted and an answer to my prayers.
So, I prayed about it and thought about it all that day, and I felt so much happier and confident than in a long time. I just felt like it was the right thing. I also felt like that had pretty much been handed to me and God has some reason for me to be at that school right now. Ben agreed. And my chiropractor said that I should do it and that my back could take it.
I called the principal back and said yes, I had an official interview, and I got started trying to prepare myself for this week. My interview and hiring was last Thursday. I spend a few hours Friday at the school, and I had to teach starting Monday (yes, this Monday, the holiday). This week has been a whirlwind! Wednesday was a half day due to bad weather, and today was cancelled too. So, it's been two and a half days of teaching, but it has felt so good! It's nice to be doing what I went to college and have been living for. I love teaching! It's also nice to feel that confidence and pep in my step and for my back to be getting better.
Maybe in a couple weeks I will be like what have I gotten myself into? But, I think it will be great. I know that as I get to know my students better that things will all be good. And I have the principal, assistant principal, and the teacher I am subbing for there at the school helping me out and watching my back. It's really nice that the teacher is there at the school to help me.
It could turn full-time if that counselor doesn't come back. . . I hope she doesn't come back lol. But, either way, it's a great experience for me!
I titled this post God's timing. That is because I think that God has a plan for me. The plan was not to sub at Bentonville, so I had to get rejected in order to follow this plan. There is a plan for the healing of my back. There is a plan for me getting a job. And for Ben to get a job. I can see things all coming together--us coming here and everything that went into that decision. I feel so blessed to be able to see God's hand in our lives, and I am grateful for that.
Who likes long blog posts without a picture? Well, I have done that, but I just love this picture.
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| Look at us, how precious! |
Monday, January 28, 2013
!!!
Well, I got to start swimming again last week! That is progress!
Also, Ben and I got called to be the 14-year-old class Sunday School teachers!
Also, Ben and I got called to be the 14-year-old class Sunday School teachers!
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Welcome to Arkansas
Well, we officially moved to Arkansas.
We did it!
We've experienced a lot of emotions over the past couple of weeks as we spent Christmas with the Luthis, packed up everything we owned, said goodbye to everything we have known together, and welcomed a new life down South. Happy. Sad. Excited. Nervous. Scared. Happy. Excited. Utah-home-sick. Excited.
You know how moving goes.
We had a nice drive down here from Utah. It took about 25 hours (I think), but it could have been worse. Ben's dad was driving the moving truck, so it took him even a few hours longer (thanks for doing that). The reason it took so long is because we left in the middle of a snowstorm and had to take alternate routes to get the least-dangerous roads. And we had to drive slow coming out of Utah and through Colorado.
The first couple weeks of being here have been good. It's been nice to get into a routine of living with the Herlins. Ben is at a job interview right now (woot!), and I am in the process of getting a substitute teaching job (hopefully!!) and transferring my teaching license to Arkansas. Our ward is really nice, which is reassuring. We want to find a house in this ward because it is that awesome.
It's weird to be graduated and getting things ready for "real" life. It's weird to be trying to save for a house and talking about houses and prices. It's weird and exciting!
My back is doing well. I have finally graduated from my brace! Monday was the first day that I didn't wear it at all. Friday or Saturday I went out for my first walk (half a mile). Yesterday, I decided to do two half-mile walks each day. When I am good with that, I will increase my mileage or number or walks. Or both. I am just trying to take it easy though, I promise. I am trusting in the plan for me and taking advantage of opportunities that come, but not getting mad or depressed about what I can't do. I still hope I can do the Grand Teton Relay in August. But I am trying not to think about it :) Just one step at a time, right? I am grateful that I have been able to sew a little and start playing the piano again too!
Our dog, Paisley, is the cutest.
Here is a link to a picture of her on Instagram. I love her!
So, life is good. We've been married almost 2 1/2 years, and we graduated, have a dog (no baby on the way, sorry folks), almost have real jobs, and are looking forward to what life brings us!
I'll try to do a better job at keeping up to date this year. Not my new year's resolution, though. So don't hold me accountable for that :)
We did it!
We've experienced a lot of emotions over the past couple of weeks as we spent Christmas with the Luthis, packed up everything we owned, said goodbye to everything we have known together, and welcomed a new life down South. Happy. Sad. Excited. Nervous. Scared. Happy. Excited. Utah-home-sick. Excited.
You know how moving goes.
We had a nice drive down here from Utah. It took about 25 hours (I think), but it could have been worse. Ben's dad was driving the moving truck, so it took him even a few hours longer (thanks for doing that). The reason it took so long is because we left in the middle of a snowstorm and had to take alternate routes to get the least-dangerous roads. And we had to drive slow coming out of Utah and through Colorado.
 |
| We left this |
 |
| And knew we were truly in the South when we saw this :) |
The first couple weeks of being here have been good. It's been nice to get into a routine of living with the Herlins. Ben is at a job interview right now (woot!), and I am in the process of getting a substitute teaching job (hopefully!!) and transferring my teaching license to Arkansas. Our ward is really nice, which is reassuring. We want to find a house in this ward because it is that awesome.
It's weird to be graduated and getting things ready for "real" life. It's weird to be trying to save for a house and talking about houses and prices. It's weird and exciting!
My back is doing well. I have finally graduated from my brace! Monday was the first day that I didn't wear it at all. Friday or Saturday I went out for my first walk (half a mile). Yesterday, I decided to do two half-mile walks each day. When I am good with that, I will increase my mileage or number or walks. Or both. I am just trying to take it easy though, I promise. I am trusting in the plan for me and taking advantage of opportunities that come, but not getting mad or depressed about what I can't do. I still hope I can do the Grand Teton Relay in August. But I am trying not to think about it :) Just one step at a time, right? I am grateful that I have been able to sew a little and start playing the piano again too!
Our dog, Paisley, is the cutest.
Here is a link to a picture of her on Instagram. I love her!
So, life is good. We've been married almost 2 1/2 years, and we graduated, have a dog (no baby on the way, sorry folks), almost have real jobs, and are looking forward to what life brings us!
I'll try to do a better job at keeping up to date this year. Not my new year's resolution, though. So don't hold me accountable for that :)
Sunday, December 23, 2012
Christmastime
This Christmas season has been packed with craziness: buying/making the perfect gifts within our budget for our loved ones, packing and getting ready to move, spending time with friends and family, and barely having time to breathe. While I have loved every minute of coming up with gifts, getting ready to move, and spending time with loved ones, I feel like the true meaning of Christmas has gotten kind of lost in the jumble of excitement.
I finally sat down last week and really thought about Christmas, and I have tried to keep the right spirit with me as I have gone through the rest of this season. Now, just a couple days before Christmas, I want to share with you what I have learned and my testimony of the Christ.
Christmas is a great time of celebration. It's when we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Christ, our king, was born in humble conditions. He was born in a stable and laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn. The only thing extravagant about the birth of our king was God sending the Spirit to testify into the hearts of men that Christ had come. The Shepherds and the wise men came to visit. The wise men brought the babe gifts, and they had faith in what was to come to pass.
Why is the birth of this child so important? Well, it's one miracle that brought forth the series of miracles that would be Christ's life. And Christ isn't just any ordinary man. He is the master teacher, leader, friend, brother, and king.
Christ was sent here to save us from our sins and death. His life exemplified many attributes and qualities of life that we need to become our best selves.
He taught me how to love.
He taught me about gratitude.
He taught and showed me mercy.
He taught me sacrifice. And service.
He taught the plan of salvation.
He taught me about my divine heritage and role in the kingdom of God.
He taught me faith. And trust.
I could go on and on about what Christ has taught me, what He has taught all of us.
In His Atonement, Christ suffered for my (our)
- pains
- afflications
- temptations
- infirmities
- transgressions
He loosed the bonds of death.
He suffered so He would know how to succor each of us in our time of need.
Christ has give me the ultimate gift: the ability to return to my Father in Heaven. Without Christ, there would be no way.
He has taught me all I need to know about life.
So, at this wonderful time of year, we share our love with each other. We follow Christ's example and celebrate His birth by serving and giving to others. Of course, we should do that anyway, but the Christmas season really is a time of pure love.
The problem is that the Christmas season is tainted by the world's commercialization. We spend so much time focusing on gifts: giving gifts, receiving gifts, and so forth. I know I'm not alone in spending tons of time and energy trying to find the perfect gift, and also deciding what I want so I can tell the people who ask me what I want. The focus on gifts is not bad, obviously. We give gifts out of love. And Christmas is about love.
But what I hope I never forget is what Christ has given me and why I give gifts at this time of year. It's because of love for those around me, giving back what I can, and showing gratitude to those who have served me throughout the year. I give because I want to be as much like Christ as I can.
I'm grateful for the sweet peace offered me through the gospel and the Atonement.
I'm grateful for the gifts I have been given so I can serve and further the work of God.
I'm grateful for a loving family. And I'm grateful for the ability and opportunity to love them back.
I'm grateful for opposition and trials. They teach me my weaknesses and help me become stronger and come unto Christ.
I'm so grateful for Jesus Christ and what He has done for me. I know that without Him I am nothing. None of the good I do or have done is because of me. It's because He is guiding me and has touched my life. It's because His gospel has made me who I am, and I am continuously trying to become more like Him. I'm not perfect, but I don't have to be. I just have to try, and when I fail, I can repent and try again.
I'm so grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the birth of my Savior, my king who has given me everything I have. I'm grateful for the things I have learned this year through His Atonement.
I am so excited for my first Christmas with the Luthis, and I am excited for the many Christmases to come with both the Herlins and Luthis, along with my own little family. But amidst the holiday giving, receiving, and service, I hope I never lose sight of the true meaning of Christmas, the meaning behind all the wrapping.
For more information or good reading about Christmas, I loved this talk by President Monson in this year's devotional: https://www.lds.org/broadcasts/article/christmas-devotional/2012/12/christmas-is-love?lang=eng&query=christmas
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