"Of all times, it is Christmas when we must surely realize that there can be no true worship of Him who is the Christ without giving of ourselves. At this season let us, each one, reach out a little more generously in the spirit of the Christ. It is not enough to give toys and baubles. It is not enough to give alms to those in need. That is important, yes. But it is also important that we give of ourselves with our alms. May the real meaning of Christmas distill into our hearts, that we may realize that our lives, given us by God our Father, are really not our own, but are to be used in the service of others."
--Gordon B. Hinckley, "The Gift of Self", Tambuli, Dec 1986, 2

"Follow me,” the Savior said. And we realize that to follow him is not impossible. The miles which he traveled, each of us can travel, for he took them one step at a time, one journey at a time. You could walk from Jerusalem to Nazareth. You could walk to the Sea of Galilee from Nazareth. You could follow Joseph and Mary and Jesus to Egypt. You could walk to the Mount of Transfiguration and back and forth from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, the Dead Sea, Bethany, the River Jordan. All these, you could do. But this is not the kind of following that he expected. He meant for us to follow his teachings and his example. Anyone with normal health can walk those miles and climb those hills and ford those streams. But it is quite another thing to be “even as I am,” (3 Ne. 27:27) as he said to the Nephites."

--Spencer W. Kimball, "A Gift of Gratitude", Tambuli, Dec 1977, 1

Happy Birthday Jaxon!

JAXON ROY HINDS, our handsome little man turns SIX YEARS OLD today.  He such a blessing to all of us.  He is so smart, happy, funny and a joy to be around.  Jaxon, we love you so very much!!

H A P P Y   B I R T H D A Y   J A X O N

A visit for Thanksgiving from Oregon

Kathlene (our oldest) and her family made the long drive to have Thanksgiving with us. Becky's family, Michele's family, Jennifer's family  and her father in-law came. We had a wonderful time together.  We were able to go to Temple Square to see the lights and walk around the Temple grounds.  This was the perfect time to go, the weather was nice, no snow and we weren't freezing our toes off.  I took some pictures and will add them soon.  We love our beautiful family and the times we have together.  Sorry we missed some of our other family that could not make it here.