Christmas Lessons

When I reflect on Christmas time in my life my mind overflows with smiles, laughter, memories, music, and warm things. When I was young, Christmas began with the delight of Santa coming down the chimney and leaving gifts galore under our Christmas tree. It meant arranging all of my stuffed animals perfectly so I could sleep well, only to find that I couldn't sleep at all due to the possibility of hearing Santa's sleigh land on my roof. Those years were filled with American girl dolls and playing barbies in Grandma's back room for hours on end with my cousin. The little cares in life didn't seem to matter as much. 

As I progressed throughout the years braces came, hair frizzed, pimples popped, and harsh realities hit. Grandparents and friends passed away amidst babies being born into the family. The reality of Santa Claus hit while I fought valiantly to keep the spirit of Christmas alive in my heart. 

There were a few years where the string of thoughts of "Christmas feels different this year", or "something is missing" came to my mind. I couldn't understand why the "magic" was suddenly gone. 

As I reflect now I realize that some of my most memorable Christmases have been the ones that were oriented around serving others. Isn't that what Christ's life emulated? And isn't Christmas celebrating the birth of Christ? 

That is my Christmas lesson: giving. Christmas is about giving to others. It is about loving others in the spirit of giving. It means to be filled with music of selflessness and kindness. I have since realized that I had forgotten the reason why we give. We give because Christ gave everything to us. We give because Christ gave His life for us. We give because Christ is the ultimate gift, and during this celebratory time of year we give to one another in His name. Because He is the ultimate example of giving, and He was the ultimate gift. Remember, on this day, and during this time, and throughout the years; the true meaning of Christmas is in the name. Christ. 


If you need a good talk to read on this, Elder Holland reminds us of the story of the birth of Christ in the following talk:

http://www.lds.org/liahona/1995/12/christmas-doesnt-come-from-a-store?lang=eng&query=*+(name%3a%22Jeffrey+R.+Holland%22)

Artist: Liz Lemon Swindle 

New Beginnings

On December 14, 2012 this little girl grew up and graduated college. 

How this possibly happened so quickly? Beats me. I felt like I had blinked and 21 and a half years had passed, I was putting on a graduation cap with a tassel that read "2012" and was walking across a stage to receive a diploma for my Bachelors Degree in Early Childhood Education/Early Childhood Special Education. 

I was overwhelmed with the love and support from family members and friends on this joyous day. I received many phone calls and text messages of encouragement, tears, and congratulations. 

My best friend came to support me, which meant the world and more.

My wonderful parents were there the entire time amidst the rush and snow. This journey would not have been nearly as possible without them.

I said a lot of goodbyes and a lot of thank you's. It wasn't really hitting me until I realized I would be saying goodbye to the place I have called "home" for the past four years. A place where you hold a neon flag to cross the street. A place where you overhear everyone's business in the grocery store. A place where you run into more people that are somehow related to you or a friend than you imagined possible. A place where I met my best friends and sisters. A place where the spirit is almost a constant part of your every day. A place where Main Street is lit up by Christmas lights each year. A place where children in Elementary School shout out "Jesus can find you anywhere, but not under a bush" and all of their classmates agree. A place where the phrase "Let's get ice cream tonight" entails listing off over ten different places to get ice cream in one town. A place where a street is defined by the biggest building on it, i.e. "Walmart Street". A place where the cold literally makes your nose hairs freeze. A place where people genuinely say hello and hold doors open for you even when you are more than 20 feet away. I could go on and on. 

This place I called home for four years is Rexburg, Idaho. Not somewhere where I would ideally like to settle down, but a place that I will always hold dear to my heart. Every time I drove back into Rexburg my heart would swell as I saw the Rexburg Temple shining on top of the hill. 

As I now look back and then quickly turn forward to see the new adventures coming my way I realize that this is a time for change, for growth, and for a step up in pace. I see joy coming for me, and I see the bright eyes of children eagerly awaiting my arrival. 

I look forward to moving to Utah, to starting a new journey with one of my best friends, Miss Josie, who constantly inspires me to be my best self. 

So here is to new beginnings. Here is to newfound hope. Here is to fresh starts and second chances. Here is to a new chapter in my life. 

I am going to miss my time at BYU-Idaho, but am looking forward to a new life. I am definitely going to miss these goobers: My best friends, my sisters, my roommates. The ones who stood by my side no matter how horrible, tearful, or crazy I chose to be that day. I will be forever grateful for the lessons they taught me, I wouldn't be who I am today without them. Thank goodness for roommates that become your sisters. We promised to remember what we had and will always have, right girls? Love you all.

Here is to the new beat of my heart. As McKenna and I would always say, "It's all going to be wonderful." And it will.