I had to restrain the older kids from busting the cover of our 12 days of Christmas givers. From threatening to shoot them, to willfully trying to catch them it was a struggle. We are outdoors after dark every night and come and go at all hours until around 11 pm. Thus surprising us is tricky, to say the least. Eventually we just worked to surprise the younger half and beg quiet and restraint from the older ones.
One night the kids got a variety of balls, another a box of chocolates, and the first night canned pear fruit cups. It was fun to see how they adapted that odd old poem. Andrea had some random sickness but thankfully this December everyone was moderately well. That was a rare blessing.
The school kids had their holiday concert. Not called Christmas anymore because that might offend someone. Ugh! Even better this war of words and modern political correctness is being waged by two people in my ward. It's sad that kids who will never experience the peace of religious Christmas music will also be denied in the school setting as well. After singing all month I have a testimony of the power of the sacred hymns. The mockery of reindeer, snow, and Santa are really appalling and empty when compared with the marvelous peace I feel from singing age-old testimonies of Jesus Christ birth and power to redeem mankind. There is no compare and to be lost in presents and silly stories instead of the calming encouraging music of the Savior of the world is just tragic. I just really learned that this year as I heard both sides of the school music program battle and began to listen to the words of the popular culture music versus what we were singing.
Aliza spent some of not really but maybe a pinch anxious energy on tying and binding a quilt for Harold to use in college.
John helping clean up after the ward Christmas party.
The last family we to caroled to. We love this family so much the wife is a 4-H leader and her fascinating kids are friends. Her husband is an innovative entrepreneur and we just learn and learn when we go to their house. We look forward to this visit because the visit is so rich with discussion and information. They are so patient with our younger kids as their kids are teenagers. Each stop on our list has a different dynamic as each family is so unique. We enjoy our time with each. This year I worked to tell each how much we appreciated them in our life and we love them.
Looking at which boars were used to breed 2024 fair pigs.
And to start the Christmas weekend Aliza was set apart as a missionary after church. Harold, Greg, and Grandpa Saunders joined our stake president in the blessing.
3 years till they will be together again. Wow not gonna think too hard about that.
As we drove around together from house to house and town to town I was struck by the emptiness of the culture of Christmas as it stands today. There are many fun activities but without the Savior, life is just being passed. Obviously sending my kids off to new places with no breaks or returning home is hard. I try not to think about it too much but I also know the time spent learning to live and rely on the Savior is incalculable in worth and confidence. So I've stopped telling Aliza she doesn't need to go, and realizing how much I appreciate God sending His Son for Me and while it doesn't compare in a small way it does. I know Aliza will bless others and her own life will be enhanced as she makes this sacrifice. It is a powerful example to the many who follow her in our family of loving God more than self, and trusting His care.
We sang
Joy to the World the most often this year. I got sick of it. But truly that is the message of the season Joy to the World the Lord has come! Yes, it does bring me Joy! It can bring you, Joy. It is the best most important gift ever. The companionship of the Lord of the world and Redeemer of my Soul is indeed comfort and peace. I'm thankful for that knowledge and experience in my life and family. God is so good and we are blessed.
No comments:
Post a Comment