Called

Today has given me much opportunity to reflect on what it means to be Called of God. Called to Serve. We had a missionary farewell in church today, the oldest son of a friend and fellow blogger will be entering the Missionary Training Center this Wednesday. We also had a special fast in our ward, for a very recently returned missionary. He has just been diagnosed with bone cancer. The Bishop had forgotten to return his missionary plaque earlier, and so did it today. Two missionaries, two callings. One is just getting ready to go, another has served faithfully for 2 years, and now faces the biggest trial in his life. I know Heavenly Father has a purpose for both of them, and will continue watching over this young man in his great trial, he is not forgotten. In addition to the missionary calls, I am reflecting on the call I've been given. I am the visiting teacher to the mother of the young man with cancer. How can I serve her?? What can I do?? It isn't often that a special need in the ward falls under my personal responsibility. But in this case it does. I've been asked to be one of the people that she can call on, that will step in and help her when needed. This isn't a random assignment, it comes from Heavenly Father. I have been a bit intimidated by being called to serve her already, she has much more experience than I do. Now, it is really time for me to step up, get out of my comfort zone, and stretch my abilities. I know that I will have help from the Spirit when I do. Meanwhile, I'll be praying, and listening. If you have a moment, will you please pray for both of these young men and their mothers??

Christmas Spirit

Well last month was fun, counting blessings. This month I'd really like to get more in the Spirit of Christmas. This means I will not have time to blog daily. But I'll try and post weekly at least. So far for the month of December we have 2 advent calendars, and 2 nightly stories to be read. One calendar is a wooden Christmas tree the kids helped me decorate with buttons. It currently says "22 days 'til Christmas" The numbers are interchangeable. I got it at a Super Saturday with my mom, but I think mine is the only one decorated on 2 sides. The other advent calendar is from the Friend magazine. Our stories are a Christmas story book put together by my mother in law for us, with some of the standard stories, and a gift from the primary to Abby which guides us to read stories of Jesus from the scriptures every night, also an advent calendar of sorts. We are going to be decorating this weekend, so my primary goals right now are to get cleaned up so we can. I'm looking forward to reading stories from the Ensign and Friend. Christmas stories are one of my favorite things about the season. Along with the movies and music. I'm soaking it all in, and doing my best not to stress about what I haven't done yet. What are you doing to welcome Christmas in your home??