Walking in the Footsteps of Christ - Day 3

Day 3

Footsteps: All that we have, the air we breathe, the light by which we see are gifts from a loving Father and Son. In this season of giving, let us give the only gift we can, the only gift they have asked us to give....a grateful and contrite heart.

 "As Jesus entered into a certain village, there met him ten men that were lepers...And he said unto them, go shew yourselves unto the priests. And it came to pass, that as they went they were cleansed....And one of them turned back and with a loud voice glorified God. And Jesus said, were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine?" (Luke 17: 12, 14, 15, 17)

Walking: Express your gratitude to 5 people today

Songs: Gratitude by Nichole Nordeman

Gratitude
Send some rain, would You send some rain?

'Cause the earth is dry and needs to drink again
And the sun is high and we are sinking in the shade
Would You send a cloud, thunder long and loud?
Let the sky grow black and send some mercy down
Surely You can see that we are thirsty and afraid
But maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case . . .

We'll give thanks to You with gratitude
For lessons learned in how to thirst for You
How to bless the very sun that warms our face
If You never send us rain

Daily bread, give us daily bread
Bless our bodies, keep our children fed
Fill our cups, then fill them up again tonight
Wrap us up and warm us through
Tucked away beneath our sturdy roofs
Let us slumber safe from danger's view this time
Or maybe not, not today
Maybe You'll provide in other ways
And if that's the case . . .

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
A lesson learned to hunger after You
That a starry sky offers a better view if no roof is overhead
And if we never taste that bread

Oh, the differences that often are between
What we want and what we really need

So grant us peace, Jesus, grant us peace
Move our hearts to hear a single beat
Between alibis and enemies tonight
Or maybe not, not today
Peace might be another world away
And if that's the case . . .

(Chorus)

We'll give thanks to You
With gratitude
For lessons learned in how to trust in You
That we are blessed beyond what we could ever dream
In abundance or in need
And if You never grant us peace

But Jesus, would You please . .

Walking in the Footsteps of Christ - Day 2

Day 2 

Footsteps: At Christmas we celebrate much more than the birth of a baby, we celebrate who that child already was and who He was to become. Christmastime is a time of looking to the past, with its glimpses of pre-mortal glory and to the future, with its promise of eternity.

" For behold, the time...is not far distant, that with power, the Lord God Omnipotent who reigneth, who was, and who is from all eternity to all eternity, shall come down from heaven among the children of men, and shall dwell in a tabernacle of clay, and shall go forth amongst men, working mighty miracles... And he shall be called Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of Heaven and Earth, the Creator of all things from beginning, and His mother shall be called Mary.....And lo, He cometh unto His own, that salvation might come unto the children of men even through His name, and even after all this they shall consider Him a man, and say that He hath a devil, and shall scourge Him and shall crucify Him." (Mosiah 3:5, 8-10)

Walking: Today help a member of your family without being asked

Song:  Angels’ Carol  written by John Rutter - performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir

Angels' Carol by John Rutter

Have you heard the sound of the angel voices

ringing out so sweetly, ringing out so clear? 

Have you seen the star shining out so brightly 

as a sign from God that Christ the Lord is here? 

Have you heard the news that they bring from heaven 

to the humble shepherds who have waited long? 

Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! 

Hear the angels sing their joyful song.

He is come in peace in the winter's stillness, 

like a gentle snowfall in the gentle night. 

He is come in joy, like the sun at morning, 

filling all the world with radiance and with light. 

He is come in love as the child of Mary. 

In a simple stable we have seen his birth.

Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! 

Hear the angels singing 'Peace on earth'.

He will bring new light to a world in darkness, 

like a bright star shining in the skies above. 

He will bring new hope to the waiting nations, 

when he comes to reign in purity and love. 

Let the earth rejoice at the Savior’s coming. 

Let the heavens answer with a joyful morn: 

Gloria in excelsis Deo! Gloria in excelsis Deo! 

Hear the angels singing, 'Christ is born'.

Walking in the Footsteps of Christ - Day 1

Day 1

Footsteps: In every season the love of our Savior is manifest. He is always present; we just need to look with our eternal sight to see Him. We need to keep our eye focused on the bigger picture. Christmas is a time when our vision becomes clearer, the veil a little bit thinner, and the world is blanketed in a sweet peace united by a single message of love.

“… I will show miracles, signs, and wonders, unto all those who believe on my name…
and they shall be looking forth for the time of my coming, for it is nigh at hand— (D&C 35: 8, 15)

“Wherefore, be faithful, praying always, having your lamps trimmed and burning, and oil with you, that you may be ready at the coming of the Bridegroom— For behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that I come quickly.” (D&C 33:17-18)

Walking: Today refuse to say anything bad about anybody the entire day

Song: Every Season by Nichole Nordeman

Every Season

By Nichole Nordeman

Every evening sky, an invitation

To trace the patterned stars

And early in July, a celebration

For freedom that is ours

And I notice You

In children's games

In those who watch them from the shade

Every drop of sun is full of fun and wonder

You are Summer

And even when the trees have just surrendered

To the harvest time

Forfeiting their leaves in late September

And sending us inside

Still I notice You when change begins

And I am braced for colder winds

I will offer thanks for what has been and was to come

You are Autumn

And everything in time and under heaven

Finally falls asleep

Wrapped in blankets white, all creation

Shivers underneath

And still I notice you

When branches crack

And in my breath on frosted glass

Even now in death, You open doors for life to enter

You are Winter

And everything that’s new has bravely surfaced

Teaching us to breathe

What was frozen through is newly purposed

Turning all things green

So it is with You

And how You make me new

With every season's change

And so it will be

As You are re-creating me

Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring 

Walking in the Footsteps of Christ - Introduction

I Love Christmas! The music, lights, and giving spirit...and most of all the renewed focus on the Savior of the World!

A couple of years ago, I received a special advent-like calendar. I put artwork and music to it for every day so I thought I'd share the journey with anyone who will join me. It will include thoughts, scriptures and, of course, music! I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I have a strong conviction to the Savior, Jesus Christ. His spotless life is my shining example in a seemingly dark world. I so deeply wish to follow His example to the best of my ability. I know I fall terribly short...but He is always there to lift me up.

This is like an advent calendar but we are the only moving parts. We will review the Savior's mission from pre-mortal councils to His future return as Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Each day we will read about the Savior and then walk in His footsteps. It is my prayer that as we follow in His path this Christmas Season, our love for Him will grow and our testimonies will burn brightly within our hearts.

Happy December! May you enjoy much love and peace this season!

"The Son of God became a man to enable men to become the sons of God." - C.S. Lewis

Never Alone

Grief, sorrow, pain, loss, disappointment, fear, anxiety...no one escapes these feelings. Sometimes we can become so consumed by them and we feel alone.  At one point in my life I felt so heavy and burdened, I couldn't sleep, I felt like I couldn't breathe, I could hardly function... I was listening to inspirational music to try and find comfort and healing one sleepless night. This song came on and oh how the tears flowed! It spoke to my soul and so deeply captured the feelings of my heart. I played it over and over for days. It was the beginning of my healing. It brought me out of my despair and helped me to recognize that I truly am never alone...

Never Alone by Hilary Weeks

Why did this happen

Do you know what's happened to me

And Heaven were you watching

Were you watching over me

Cause the way that I've been feeling

Well I'm feeling so alone

So if you hear this prayer 

And if I'm not alone

I need to know

I need to know you're there

I need something to hold on to

I need someone who will care

Carry me on

And Carry me through somehow

Make sense of this pain 

And show me the way

Cause when the darkness comes 

I'm a prisoner to my fears

Although I'm listening the doubt is all I hear

Then I reach for your hand 

and feel you reaching back

And the light returns

And I begin, I begin to understand

My soul can feel the mercy 

And the love in your plan

And when I let go

And turn all the hurt and sorrow over to you

The burden is light

And trusting I find

Though the storms roll in 

And the winds of change may blow

I know you'll let them come 

So that I can learn and grow

And when I reach for your hand 

I feel you reaching back

And that's how I know

I am never alone

Who Am I?

Every summer there is a Youth Program called EFY (Especially For Youth). It is an amazing, inspiring program. A special album is created for each year. I just got this year's album and this song hit me like a ton of bricks!! Life is so much about relationships...It's so much about loving others and forgiving each other's imperfections. We need to look into each other's hearts and see all the good and bring it out. This goes for family, friends, neighbors, etc. The lyrics say so much to my heart. I am so grateful to know that my Savior, Jesus Christ, is there for me and everyone around me.  I need Him just as much as anyone else. Without Him I am nothing. This song brings into perspective for me that I can only change my heart and leave the rest up to Heavenly Father and the Savior. It's my job to love, not to judge...

Who Am I? by Nik Day
It’s easy to forget

That everyone makes their own mistakes

And everyone is trying

As much as they can

It’s easy to ignore

Everything that I need to change

Because I’m looking at everyone else instead

If I don’t forgive and forget it

Then I’m sure I’ll regret it in time

So I’ll try

Who am I to judge

Who am I to think I know their hearts

Who am I to think I’m right

And think that I’m better than they are

Who am I to turn the other way

Because of the mistakes that someone’s made

When I’ve got mine

Who am I, who am I?

It’s easy to forget

That everyone’s hurting just as much

We’ve all got our problems

We’ve got our own imperfect pains

It’s better to remember

That we’re all in this together

And our Heavenly Father loves us all the same

So if I don’t forgive and forget it

I’m sure I’ll regret it in time

So I’ll try

Chorus

Nobody’s perfect

And it’s all in the past

And everyone deserves a second chance

Chorus

Broken

Sometimes I feel broken. I have all these expectations of myself and feel that most of the  time I fall short. I am learning that as I turn to My Father in Heaven and my Savior, my brokenness brings me closer to Them. I am learning that the less I rely on myself, the better!

I love the scripture Ether 12:27
And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.


This song by Kenneth Cope is one of my favorites. I love his comments about it on his website . He writes, "I’m a crooked stick. But, (paraphrasing Martin Luther) God can take a crooked stick and draw a straight line. It’s not the pencil or the brush that determines the beauty of the design. It’s the artist. And God is a great artist!

Now, we are fallen and flawed. We are all somewhat crooked and broken. That doesn’t mean that God wants to throw us away. Nor does it mean that we should rejoice in being broken or be pleased about our weakness. But we should rejoice in God who loves broken things—God who wants to take the weak things of this world and make them strong as He uses them to work His wonders. God wants to put His hand on you and me and take beauty to someone else’s soul."

Here are the lyrics and a link to the song on YouTube. I hope you will feel the love that God has for you as you listen. I hope you will feel the strength to mend and move forward knowing He is there.

BROKEN
by Kenneth Cope

Broken clouds give rain
Broken soil grows grain
Broken bread feeds man for one more day
Broken storms yield light
The break of day heals night
Broken pride turns blindness into sight

Broken souls that need His mending
Broken hearts for offering
Could it be that God loves broken things

Broken chains set free
Broken swords bring peace
Broken walls make friends of you and me
To break the ranks of sin
To break the news of Him
To put on Christ till His name feels broken in

Broken souls that need His mending
Broken hearts for offering
I believe that God loves broken things

And yet our broken faith
Our broken promises
Sent love to the cross
And still that broken flesh
And broken heart of His
Offers us such grace and mercy
Covers us with love undeserving

This broken soul that cries for mending
This broken heart for offering
I’m convinced that God loves broken Me
Praise His name my God loves broken things

This topic was inspired by one of Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's wonderful talks. I know you will find comfort and healing in his words. You can read or listen to it here: 

http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2006/04/broken-things-to-mend?lang=eng

"If you are lonely, please know you can find comfort. If you are discouraged, please know you can find hope. If you are poor in spirit, please know you can be strengthened. If you feel you are broken, please know you can be mended." - Jeffrey R. Holland