My New Year's Resolutions

 "The study of the doctrines of the gospel will improve behavior quicker than talking about behavior."
--President Boyd K. Packer, Ensign, May 1997, 9

Christmas is gone and past, but we can still keep the Spirit of Christ burning within us. A new year is coming up along with the usual new year's resolutions. I thought, "What a great time to make some goals!" To me there's no better way to getting what you want than making a goal and a plan and working to you achieve the goal.

Everyone has their own set of goals and things they hope to accomplish, but I thought I would share some of my own. Maybe to share ideas, maybe to hold myself accountable by posting them on a blog, but mostly to help me be the kind of person I want to be.

I'm going to write my dad a letter every week on my P-Day (Preparation Day)

I'm going to take time and have my own personal vocal prayer to my Heavenly Father. At least once a week. Praying for specific friends and loved ones and their needs. (Should be interesting seeing that I'm a missionary and private time doesn't happen too often.)

I'm going to seize opportunities to do something good for someone instead of second guessing myself and not doing anything at all.

I'm going to remember the example of Jesus Christ, because no matter what happens in life be it good or bad there is always something He did or some way He reacted to life that we can follow and be blessed for it.

Some of these ideas are easy to tell if you accomplished or not, and others are a little bit more difficult being more focused on the quality of your character. Either way, these are my resolutions and I'm hoping to see them accomplished!

Now its your turn to make your own resolutions and have a great New Year's Celebration!!!

BYOF (Bring Your Own Fireworks) Its gonna be a big party!

Mr Grinch You're a Grouch...but You Do Have a Point!

Just recently I was able to have an exclusive interview with one of Christmas's most notorious Christmas hater, The Grinch. We had a good long conversation and I asked him what his thoughts were on Christmas and what it was all about and this was his reply:

The Grinch: That's what it's all about, isn't it? That's what it's always been *about*. Gifts, gifts... gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts, gifts. You wanna know what happens to your gifts? They all come to me. In your garbage. You see what I'm saying? In your *garbage*. I could hang myself with all the bad Christmas neckties I found at the dump. And the avarice...
[shouts]
The Grinch: The avarice never ends! "I want golf clubs. I want diamonds. I want a pony so I can ride it twice, get bored and sell it to make glue." Look, I don't wanna make waves, but this *whole* Christmas season is
[shouts]
The Grinch: stupid, stupid, stupid!

Hmm...Mr. Grinch...you furry green Who...you've got a point. Ever since I was young I remembered that quote around Christmas time and it would always make me feel a little...Grinchy.

It's so hard around Christmas time not to prove the Grinch's point. We can so easily get distracted by all the gifts, the food, the decorations, the parties, and of course the ugly neckties.

However, there's a simple solution to our greatest Christmas distractions. Slow down, take a step back, get a view at the bigger picture, and remember the Christmas Story. Once that happens you'll have no problem feeling the spirit, but being the only one that gets it can be lonely. So, share it with everyone, and if you don't know how to...be a little Grinchy.

I know that seems like a crazy idea. I mean after all he was the one that tried to ruin Christmas! Isn't that a spirit we shouldn't have. Well, I'll admit his intentions may have been a little off, but through ruining Christmas he really saved it.

Here is a comment by one member of the town of Whoville:

Lou Lou Who: I'm glad he took our presents. You can't hurt Christmas, Mr. Mayor, beacuse it isn't about the... the gifts or the contest or the fancy lights. That's what Cindy's been trying to tell everyone... and me. I don't need anything more for Christmas than this right here: my family.

Here we have the words of one man that says the Grinch's actions helped him better feel the Christmas spirit and better appreciate the gift of his family.

I ask you to reflect on those words and if needed get a little Grinchy and do what it takes to bring the Christmas spirit into your life and the lives of those around you. the "mas" part of Christmas is great, but if you keep that number two on your priorities I promise you'll a much more meaningful and special Christmas.

Celebrating This...







 

...more than that.