Firsts, New Adventures, Changes . . .

I had a good friend introduce me to a health and wellness program that fits perfectly in my lifestyle, ideals, and values. I feel that it encourages me to live easier in union with the Word of Wisdom. As per the LDS website, the Word of Wisdom is defined as:

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The Word of Wisdom is a law of health revealed by the Lord for the physical and spiritual benefit of His children. On February 27, 1833, as recorded in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants, the Lord revealed which foods are good for us to eat and which substances are not good for the human body. He also promised health, protection, knowledge, and wisdom to those who obey the Word of Wisdom.

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I had always thought that I did fairly alright in the fruits and veggie category, but when I actually kept track realized I was lacking. It has been nice to be creative in my veggies so as to not have to eat salads all day everyday.

Along with the health and wellness of the program, spiritual wellness is strongly encouraged; twice daily prayer, family prayer, family home evening, reading of scriptures and also recreational reading. It has been quite the experience to work of both my health and spirituality at the same time. Keeping the Lord always in ones heart, helps to remind me of my responsibility of keeping my body, a gift from God, it excellent, working order.

President Brigham Young taught:

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“Then let us seek to extend the present life to the uttermost, by observing every law of health, and by properly balancing labor, study, rest, and recreation, and thus prepare for a better life. Let us teach these principles to our children” (Discourses of Brigham Young, sel. John A. Widtsoe [1954], 186).

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"Let us teach these principles to our children." I haven't done a great job of this. I need to make changes there and by me eating more fruits and vegetables, my children have latched on, except for my 11 year old. She has never been a big fruit and vegetable fan. This is going to be a goal.

I've also been making some changes around our home in regards to chores and maintaining our home. While remembering our everyday goals, responsibilities, and tasks, I have been letting our household chores come naturally and it is going great! Letting go has been a key to letting things move smoothly and cohesively.

The Loss of Christ in Christmas . . .

It is true, that over the last 15 or so years, I have noticed bits and pieces of the true meaning of Christmas being forgotten or tossed to the side for the glossy, fun, "commercial" side. Yesterday, however, I was given a big realization of that fact. Sadly, after thinking about it all night, my heart aches for the loss that the people of the world have.

My hubby's grandpa just recently moved closer to us. He is living in an assisted living home, so when he moved in, he downsized A LOT. He took with him only the basic clothing and furniture he needed. This lovely man also happened to have a birthday yesterday, that we were lucky to celebrate with him. But, always the question, what do you get a man that is turning 79 that doesn't NEED anything. Well, since it is the season when we celebrate Christ's birth, I thought along those lines. What can we get for this wonderful man who loves God. I decided to get him a Nativity set for his room; the search began.

I didn't think that it would actually be the search that it turned out to be. I went to SEVEN different stores. After the first three stores, where not a single nativity was hiding amongst the throngs of Santas and snowmen, I went to a store that I KNEW would have sets, and they did. This is a religious book store and they had many, MANY sets to choose from.

I found a great one that I thought reflected Grandpa, but being the bargain shopper that am ( or try to be), I proceeded to look some more and after three more stores of not finding a single nativity set, I became quite sad. I know these stores use to carry them, because I have purchased them there before.

Aisles and aisles of Christmas finery and decoration. I even looked through all the ornaments, in hopes that a nativity ornament would be hidden amongst the glitter and shine, but no; nothing. It's so sad. While I am doing everything I can to help my children remember the true reason we celebrate Christmas, the world is forgetting the reason, or at the very least, choosing not to recognize it.

With five of the other six stores, Christ was no where to be found in any of the Christmas celebration items. Not even a simple "He is the Reason for the Season" sign; nothing.

So, I ask this of myself, am I doing everything, absolutely everything that I can to make sure that my children know that Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas? I know I could do more, and I will. All the "big ( and small) box" stores may have decided to forget why we are celebrating, but my family will not.

So, I send out this plea; remember Him. Remember the gift that God gave to each of us and the sacrifices that were made on our behalf. Teach your children and shout it to the world . . . I believe in Christ and it is that reason that we celebrate CHRISTmas!

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7 And she brought forth her ^afirstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the ^binn.

. . .

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 ^aGlory to God in the highest, and on earth ^bpeace, good will toward men.

(Luke 2 : 7, 13-14)