46. Special Sunday, quotes, and tomorrow the Prophet Joseph's birthday!

Today was a lovely Sunday, with our Choir doing our Christmas Cantata.  Then we had a family dinner, with our daughter Anita,and her 3 sons -- one, Sam, a returned missionary on October 29th, 2013.  The 2nd son Ben of the 4 boy family is now on a mission in Taichung, Taiwan, where they are 13 hours ahead of us.  We still are not sure when he can call home for Christmas --  He loves his mission, and has had a couple or so of baptisms.

We also have a granddaughter, Skye, who just left last Wednesday, Dec, 18, on a 12 week mission, after which she will receive a formal mission call to somewhere else for the remaining 15 months.

I'm including some quotes below about Christmas, by Pres. Monson, and Pres. Hinckley.  After spending a very inspirational Sunday, and it being just 3 days until Christmas, I have felt such a desire in my heart to try and improve my life, study the scriptures more, be kinder, etc. and think more about Jesus Christ, His life, and teachings.  The Gospel makes my life so peaceful, and fulfilling.

 Tomorrow is the 208th birthday of the Prophet Joseph Smith.  He was born on Dec. 23, 1805.  We had many ancestors who knew him, one who was one of his bodyguards, etc.  I will write a special entry for that.  I absolutely love the Prophet Joseph!  and his wife, Emma also!

 Quotes about Christmas:

Thomas S. Monson: There is no better time than now, this very Christmas season, for all of us to rededicate ourselves to the principles taught by Jesus Christ.

 Gordon B. Hinckley: May I remind us at this Christmas season that if only each of us would reflect occasionally on that Christ-given mandate and make an effort to observe it, this would be a different world. There would be greater happiness in our homes; there would be kinder feelings among our associates; there would be much less of litigation and a greater effort to compose differences. There would be a new measure of love and appreciation and respect.

 There would be more generous hearts, more thoughtful consideration and concern, and a greater desire to spread the gospel of peace and to advance the work of salvation among the children of men.

These are wonderful children of our daughter Tacy, around 10 years ago -- Calli, Jordan, and Abby in front.  Calli is now married, Jordan in college, and Abby a teenager!  Time flies too fast ! !

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