eight, seven, six...

today church was just lovely.
everything about it.
we had our music program, and i know sometimes when the words "ward choir" are said people sort of cringe, but this was beautiful.  they had stories read in between their songs...i wish i could share each of those stories, but i don't even know where to begin to look for them.  they were stories of love, of caring, of giving.  just the things we need to hear during this season. 
now relief society. i am so inspired by the women in this world, especially the ones who live so close to me. 
we discussed PEACE.
the Prince of Peace.
how we can find peace among so much strife.

"These things i have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  in the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; i have overcome the world." 

-John 18:33

be of good cheer. 

we were also reminded of the talk given by our prophet, Thomas S. Monson at the Christmas Devotional.  His talk called "The Spirit of the Season" (found here) had a story about a busy airport with many people who couldn't get home due to weather and delays and cancellations.  A young man in the army who had a standby ticket went to talk to the flight attendants to see the chances he had to get on the flight.  He said how this could possibly be his last Christmas because he was off to war.  But, because there were so many tickets sold, the lady said it was unlikely he would get on this flight.  When it came time to board a business man who had heard all this told the flight attendant that he wanted to give up his seat so this man could get home. 

This is the gift of giving. 

We were challenged to listen to the promptings of the Holy Ghost to find someone we can truly give to.  Give of our time and our selves.  That the Prophet might know that we are following him and our Savior by serving those around us. 

"Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

-Matthew 25:40

find someone around you to help.  listen to those promptings.