The Easter Cross is Empty

The cross is now empty. God requires of us a sacrifice of service so that we may cover a multitude of sin. God requires us to pray in the name of Christ to Him for our support and that we perform nothing unto Him save we do it with prayer that He would prosper our work.

We are Christians.

We represent a mixture of teachings that go further than the mere claiming His name because of tradition or nationality. Ours is a way of life. We will ever be a giving and serving people.

Though some may claim to be one with us, our very demeanor will betray us to all around us. Though at times we will fall into sin, we are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ's atonement as we go before God the Father in faithful prayer and offer up our sins to him until we are purged of them never to return to us.

This is our calling as the children of Israel and adopted of Christ come together in recognition of our gratitude to our Savior and King who will come. We prepare the world one person at a time, starting with ourselves to receive Jesus Christ as the King of our lives and salvation.

Not only is there a vast number of Christians upon the planet that slowly take Christ's teaching around the world to prepare for his coming, Christ has established once again the full gospel message in its entirety and beauty through priesthood authority as in the days of Moses and the mortal ministry of Christ.

Those who are willing to bear the service of priesthood authority are welcomed to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as humble servants to the Lord. Christians with authority to act in the name of Christ, not only by his name alone, but in power by his very hand and authority will join with the world in peace until God can reveal all the truths of his glorious plan with all Christians living and dead--all people of all faiths living and dead--who seek righteousness.

Source: www.youngandmormon.com

Source: swiftbrook

Source: Tim

Love One Another

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

• John 13:34
  He loves us so much that He gave us His most sacred eternal truths—His commandments—eternal standards to live by. To help us understand their importance, He revealed and surrounded them in sacred and holy settings.
• Love One Another - general-conference

Those who are willing to bear the service of priesthood authority are welcomed to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as humble servants to the Lord. Christians with authority to act in the name of Christ, not only by his name alone, but in power by his very hand and authority will join with the world in peace until God can reveal all the truths of his glorious plan with all Christians living and dead--all people of all faiths living and dead--who seek righteousness.

• Moroni 7 
  An invitation is given to enter into the rest of the Lord—Pray with real intent—The Spirit of Christ enables men to know good from evil—Satan persuades men to deny Christ and do evil—The prophets manifest the coming of Christ—By faith, miracles are w

Truth is Knowable

The cross is empty. Jesus lives and has appeared to many. He still lives and still appears to many.

Though most of us will stand for Him by faith through His Holy Spirit, Jesus rewards Christians with visitations as He sees fit to help with our faith of His triumphant return to rule the world in an era of peace and prosperity not known since the days of Enoch.

Until then. let us be humble and faithful. Let us listen to the voice of his prophets and preachers who teach

His word by the Spirit so that we may discern where He wants each individual Christian in order to properly prepare the World.

We will not all serve in one church or one faith, but we will be led by God through His Holy Spirit to which places to go and in which ears to speak to help all of God's children.

Christ only comes as a thief in the night to those who do not know Him. His servants, those Christians who watch for the signs and live by the principles, will know when He comes and not fear when we are caught up to met Him.

It is the privilege of every true Christian to know Christ and have an assurance of his or her salvation in a mansion in the Kingdoms of heaven. It is the blessing of every Christian to know how to help and love his or her family and neighbors as we learn to help and love ourselves. It is the joy of every Christian and good man and woman on the earth to know that Christ is the Savior because of all the witnesses He provides in records and people.

The Cross is empty and the God of the Earth lives.

Jesus Is Resurrected video provided by the courtesy of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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This Is Christmas

Happy Holidays

Source: www.mommyinthecloset.com

Christmas has come to mean something different in today's society than it did in the past. It is great that Christmas is observed. The real meaning of the holiday may be masked behind Santa and reindeer, however, the Spirit of Christmas has an overwhelming and undeniable affect on all who celebrate it no matter what the traditions associated with it.

Christmas

Source: Crazy Kendra

The cries to remember the REASON for the SEASON do not go unheard. Each time someone says "Happy Holidays" the first thought that comes to mind is Christmas and all the wonderful things associated with that holiday or Hanukkah--the festival of lights. Not many people think of other things during the holidays. Whether people believe in the original story of Christmas or not, the feelings during this season all around the world of brotherhood is heightened.

Commercialism takes advantage of the need to express the joy at feeling the Spirit of Christmas by advertising wondrous items at spectacular prices so that those who can will purchase and give to each other. Also, this same commercialism shares along with the products the feelings of Christmas! Each jingle that a commercial uses with a holiday tint adds to the excitement of the season. As non-important as the toys and gadgets are, the true meaning of Christmas can be found in every toy and gift to every man and women, boy and girl!

The Target and Wal-mart commercials send out the message to "come and buy" but also "be happy it is Christmas!" It is an undeniable truth, and the marketing is crafty and appropriate.

Source: sstree.com

Published on Nov 16, 2012 by Kmart

One series of commercials show people in slow-motion responding to different happy situations with words "The lights the lights the lights that Light!" repeated. Immediately Hanukkah and Christmas pop into the minds depending on the person. Kwanzaa may even enter into the hearts because the feelings associate with these holidays promote the same thing, giving. Thanks to Kmart.

Source: hdwallpaperpc.blogspot.com

Mormon Tabernacle Choir - Carol Of The Bells

Commercialism is here to stay. Take the good that comes from it and ignore the bad.

Doing so will help create the proper Christmas feelings around the home and in the office.

"Happy Holidays" may be the new "Merry Christmas," but the Spirit of Christmas will not change in the love behind the words.

That same Spirit finds a way to warm the hearts of men and women that warmed the hearts of those who stood around a babe long ago in an obscure tribal village of Hebrews to look down where he lay giving gifts.

In Scripture, this babe, then an adult, taught that all men do to each other they do to HIM. The giving of gifts reflect that teaching during the Holiday Season. The truth finds a way to reach each person in a way that he or she will accept. So, let "the lights the lights the lights that light" continue to shine in the hearts of good people this Holiday Season replete with reminders from commercialism of the gift-giving and teachings of Jesus Christ.

Source: Mama of Many - The Williams Family

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Missionary Training Center Christmas

Salt Lake Airport

I step off the airplane for the first time in Salt Lake City. I feel extremely nervous. It’s my first time so far away from home. It’s actually real! I actually am an ordained minister of Christ, a missionary!

"I can hardly believe it!” I say to myself.

The airport is busy and bustling with activity. It’s December 8, 1998, and travelers from all over are leaving and arriving—getting to their families. I spoke with Russell before I left Georgia and I know where he told me to meet him. Russell is the guy who introduced me to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a missionary. I want to be like him, a missionary. Now I am! I walk along looking around and marveling at how homogeneous the people are in Utah.

“There is no way that Russell will miss me in this crowd. I stand out,” I think as I arrive at the specified rendezvous point. Minutes seem like hours as I wait.

“Rodric,” I hear over the crowd. “Rodric, is that you?” I look frantically through the throng. Warmth and relief overcame me as I see Russell Sheridan and his family hailing me. He baptized me only six years earlier and now I stood before him waiting to do the same to some other fortunate soul.

We hurry toward one another and embrace. He holds me tightly and I return the embrace as I puzzle at the former Elder Sheridan. He is shorter now. He has little hair. This is not the picture I was expecting. Nevertheless, it is my missionary! I remember the smile. I remember the voice. I remember him, and tears start to form, but not fall. I'm  spending the rest of the day with Russell and his family. I meet my missionary's parents. They treat me like royalty! It is all too much for my simple brain.

The MTC

Six of my Twelve District members in the MTC

The next day, Russell took me to the MTC, Missionary Training Center, after breakfast with his family. After the speech given by a leader there, we were instructed to exit different sides of the room.

I looked at my missionary and began to cry. I felt so small and insignificant as Russell left me in that large meeting room with tears in his eyes. He seemed so happy that I, his “Golden Contact,” decided to serve the Lord as a missionary.

I did not want him to leave. I really discovered how alone I felt when he left. He was the last bit of family I had before turning completely to the mercy of the MTC. With my mind riddled with rumors of what returned missionaries told me about the MTC experience, I prepared for the worst. I thought the people in the MTC would revile me because of my race—based on other rumors I heard about Utah members of the Church from Georgia Latter-day Saints.

The orange dork dot on my lapel informed every other missionary that I had just arrived. I was very conscious of my race as I looked around and saw no other person who looked like me. A rather tall missionary approached me. He must have seen my bewildered look. I assumed the harassment would begin when he reach out to me. He grabbed my bags and begin to help me get to my boarding (dorm housing).

I was extremely intimidated by my surroundings, but there was no reason for me to fear.  No hazing. As I walked the halls to receive the items for my stay at the MTC, I felt a spirit of goodwill, but still felt apprehensive. With an orange dork dot attached to my lapel, I received considerable positive attention. I was astonished by the help I received just carrying my belongings to my boarding.

Once there, I was introduced to the other orange-dork-dotted lapel wearers who were in my district in the MTC. My district consisted of 12 elders. I was the only non-White and Black person. Being from the South, I felt awkward at the situation and assumed smug attitudes would abound. Wrong! Not only did smug attitudes not exist, but the greatest filial love I could imagine prevailed!

As a district, we became acquainted. I felt particularly happy about my companion Elder Jenson. I thought of all, I had the best one. I was correct. He was the best one for me. Of al, he encouraged me the most and provided the extra support I needed to get over my fear of racism.

Leadership

I needed to overcome several other fears; so, I was placed in a situation that I feared the most, leadership. I was called as the district leader. Bells went off in my head as I reluctantly accepted the assignment. I felt that since I was the only non-White, and especially a  Black person, this assignment would cause some problems. I knew that one of the other elders had his heart set on being the district leader. 

I stammered a bit as the branch president awaited my answer. "Say yes," my branch president told me. I did. Elder Jensen assured me that all would be well, and he would support me. He actually became my hero. The elder that wanted to become the district leader cornered me following the call and told me that I only received that assignment because I lacked proper leadership skills. He sat with a disappointed look on his face. He said that he already had leadership skills so he did not need the calling.

I felt a bit hurt by his remarks, but instead of insulting him, as I would have in the past, the Spirit led me to say, "Maybe you’re right.” He was right. I felt more love for him. I expected, however, a larger negative sentiment to be mutual throughout the district. Incorrect. These brethren of mine loved me as before—even that elder who correctly knew I needed leadership training.

I Told Them To Close Their Eyes

Lights At Temple Square

Source: Salt Lake City Holiday Light Display

Christmas approached, and packages and letters crowded the MTC. Celebrations and firesides filled the schedules. In our district meeting, a special thing occurred as the Spirit moved me. I spoke and words similar to these came out:

“2000 years ago, 12 men sat with the Savior at the last supper and listened to his words. We are 12 elders as they, and we sit here together to also hear His words."

I told them to close their eyes and continued, “Imagine that those 12 are us and that we sit in Christ’s presence hearing His words, and receiving His counsel.”

I went on to say more that I cannot write. Suffice it to say, tears sprang from a few and the spirit edified us. I told them at the end of that meeting "That is what Christmas is really about." I could feel the love that these brethren had for God, for each other, and for me.

As Christmas approached and came, all the elders received gifts and postage from family. I did not. On Christmas day, I felt my spirit decline. I did not get to speak to my parents because as soon as I left for the MTC, they left on Christmas vacation to Miami. It was my first Christmas away from my family.

My companion and I went out and returned later that day from an errand. On my desk were gifts from my brethren. Each one of them gave me of the gifts their families had given them. I again felt the love of God in my heart, and the words “That is what Christmas is really about” returned to me.

We truly are the hands of Christ. Christmas means to give a gift out of love, as did Heavenly Father in giving his only begotten son. I may have asked my brethren to close their eyes to imagine being with Christ, but they helped me open mine to see He is here with us through our good works.

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  .

Decide on December 26th how many gifts to purchase per person and stick to it.

It is hard to think about right after the holidays of course. You just opened a bunch of wonderful gifts and had family from all over the world visiting and eating all of your food! The last thing you want to do is think about how you are going to do it all over again the very next day! There is a benefit in doing this, however.

The holiday glitz is gone! You are not caught up in the moment with trying to wrap anything purchasable and give it away as a present!

Your money is spent! You can budget without having to worry about imminent holiday dates approaching. It was just the day before!

Rational heads prevail when the hype of the holidays is over. Take this opportunity to  plan out a budget for things for the kids and the spouse. Plan ahead of time what items that they need and want leaving enough in the budget to satisfy the impulse-buy need that usually occurs with people when the holiday approaches.

If the spending for this years has already occurred then plan on next year to begin after you use your income tax returns, if you get any, to pay off the this year's debt.

Merry Christmas