Merry Christmas to all our dear family and friends!!!

"Even before God created the world, He prepared a plan that allows us to learn and grow during this life. Jesus Christ is the center of this plan. Christ’s mission was not only to teach us about God the Father and how we should live, but also to make a way for us to be forgiven after we sin. . . The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the "good news" of Christ's sacrifice for us, giving us a path back to the Father. "Wherefore, how great the importance to make these things known unto the inhabitants of the earth, that they may know that there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits and mercy, grace of the Holy Messiah" Quoted from mormon.org

I would like to add my testimony that Jesus Christ is literally the Son of God and that it is only through Him that we can return to our Heavenly Father. God is a God of love and order. He has provided a way for all who have ever lived, now live, and ever will live to return to him through His true Son and through his church, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. May we remember the only true source of peace and joy this Christmas Season, our Redeemer Jesus Christ.

December Updates

Saki and I are trying to become better time users-always so much to do and so little time! REALLY enjoyed our date friday at a mexican restaurant I've been eyeing since we moved out here! It's so pretty and the food was excellent!

Mere-working on memorizing the 1st Article of Faith "We believe in God the Eternal Father and in His Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost." She is getting a little better at being reverent in church-when she's had a nap, but can get pretty loud and goofy when she's around other kids or doesn't want to sit still. She's very busy and sweet. Into pretend play and this week when my visiting teaching people came by she passed out the cheese croissants (one by one, until everyone had 3 or 4), then gave plates, then asked if they wanted water-it was very cute! All I did was tell her she could give the croissants now! She can be very sweet with Glenn, but gets frustrated to cause he tries to play with her but really ruins what she's trying to build or make. She has an excellent memory and puts things that together very quickly. She loves to jump and "fall." She occasionally gets upset with Glenn for looking out of "her" car window." I love seeing her grow up-I hope to be more patient with her and let grow at her own pace instead of mine. Some books we've been enjoying "Mr. Putter and Tabby" series, Angelina Ballerina, Little Bear, Dr Suess ABC's and non fiction books about animals. Luckily mere doesn't stick to one book over and over-though I know that is good for kids-we get lots of library books-I like variety, so I hope she doesn't get too used to novelty.

Glenn-I think he's a momma's boy. He can get rather clingy, but he's really grown a lot and now enjoys playing with others more-best when he doesn't see me. If he sees me he want to be held or give a hug. I love his habit of coming over hugging and then going back to play!!! He has been in nursery (church class/play for little ones) for some time now and is doing well there. He is a bit louder than he used to be, but it's still for simple things like too tired, hungry, or thirsty (he drinks like a camel). Now he's less content to sit still and squeals when in his carseat or having to sit still too long. He likes exploring and hitting things. He can say more things now-copies phrases and words, but it's mostly the intonation, not well annunciated, kind of odd to me. Like he's making the sounds but no clear consonants maybe: "Its right there" is like "iiss righ ere" He can say "more" clearly and I think he follow's things going on better than he used to. When I say "lets go" he knows to get his shoes and will sometimes get mine and then fuss at the door cause going out is sure exciting until you're buckled in the car... Glenn's the kind of kid who you think of their baby and childhood days very endearingly-he's just soo sweet. I am hoping and thinking he will always stay so loving. He likes books a lot more now. He will grab a book and then come to you and want to sit in your lap and read.

We are enjoying where we live, it has been good to be near Saki's parents and get to know them a bit better. Saki's work is going well-and while we won't be in caregiving forever, we are so grateful for a steady job so we can save up some money, pay off some bills, and just do some things that need to be done. Life can be busy and frustrating at times, but some things just take time. Saki is so patient, and I am really learning patience pays off. The most important thing is seeking and doing the Lord's will. I am so grateful to my little eternal family and for my extended family too! I have been missing my family a lot...and want to send love to them as well as Tima and Jay-we love you! Think of all of you often-though I'm not so good at calling.

would love to hear some thoughts...

http://blogs.reuters.com/faithworld/2010/11/04/almost-christian-teens-challenge-american-parents-churches/

“moral therapeutic deism.” Coined by NYSR chief investigator Christian Smith, a Notre Dame professor, the term symbolizes the view that “religion is about being nice, feeling good about themselves, and that otherwise God pretty much stays out of the way — unless you need to call upon God to serve your needs,” says Dean.

Interesting-thanks dad-I really agree that a lot of people don't treat religion as it deserves to be treated. I really feel if someone believes in their religion (ie the church they attend or the set of religious beliefs they adhere to) it needs to be encompassing of the whole life. Like anything that is truly of value, it is not a one sided, selfish, "I use it because I benefit from it." We do benefit greatly from many religious practices, but if we are practicing and living our religion solely for social or emotional or any reason, besides true faith that what we are practicing is what God would want us to do, then how is religion different than any other philosophy or way of life?

And if we really believe we are doing what God wants us to do, why would we not teach our children to do the same? How can we claim we want our children to be free to do what they feel is right when they are not taught what is right and what is wrong? Why is it that mainstream society seems to think that almost any behavior if legal or widespread is acceptable even if it is morally wrong? What is so bad about calling some behaviors or actions morally wrong? It seems we are so afraid of making someone feel bad about themselves or making someone feel like they're not accepted that we are afraid to stand up for what is right. I know we don't want to offend others and we are sometimes afraid to say what we believe to be true-but this is just a plea that we will be stronger in our defense of truth and living God's standards rather than conforming to the worlds. When you truly love someone you correct and guide them rather than letting them do anything that pleases them which will cause unhappiness in the future.

The Sabbath day

The older I get the more I appreciate the Sabbath day as a day of worship and rest! It is a break from everyday life. It can be a time of gratitude and personal reflection if we take the time. I enjoyed the Christmas Devotional too! What a wonderful season this is! I love the time to focus on the Savior's birth, life, and mission! So neat to be able to teach to our children!