The Joy We Find Through Christ

Last night I came to the realization that the only reason I was excited for Christmas was because Santa was coming and I was excited to see what he brought. Then it hit me that I wasn't even focused on Christ that evening. It hit me that I had the holiday all wrong. Christmas is not about the gifts, or Santa Claus, or the stockings hung with care. It's not about the stories, or movies, or the snow. The holiday is about the celebration of the birth of the Savior Jesus Christ, about the Savior himself.

Through Christ, we can find joy.

Right now I am watching the movie "The Nativity Story". A clip of which was put to the song "Mary's Lullaby" and posted yesterday. I decided I needed to start and end the day with Christ. This morning, we read Luke 2. This evening, watched this movie.

I just finished reading a talk by Marion D. Hanks. He said, "Faith in God and Christ make for righteousness in the world and for happiness. One who knows has said: “God exists in the world. He exists wherever men let him in. Perhaps it is only humble men, men in search of him, men with a great need for him, who really let him in. And God comes to such men not only because of their great need for him, but also because of his great need for them as his allies in the divine task of creating a better world, a better human society, a real kingdom of God.” (P. A. Christensen.) ("Joy through Christ", Ensign, July 1972, 104)." I would advise you to read this talk if you have the time. It points out six observations that Marion D. Hanks had, and how to find joy through Christ, and turning to Him in our times of need.

Then in his talk "Joy and Mercy" by Dallin H. Oaks, he exclaimed, "But despite all we can do, we cannot have a fulness of joy in this world or through our own efforts. (See D&C 101:36.) Only in Christ can our joy be full. This is why the angel proclaimed: “I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. “For unto you is born this day … a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10–11.)"

 
Only through Christ, can we have true joy.

I testify that Christ is truly the son of God, and that his birth was not only miraculous but a moment of overwhelming gladness. I know that Christ lives, and that through him, we can be saved. I know that God not only exists, but that he created us and provided a way for us to return to him again. I know that we can truly find joy if we turn to Christ.

- J

Merry Christmas Eve

Today I Am Happy About...

Good Luck

Okay, I am not exaggerating when I say that I have THE best luck. Okay, not usually... But today, I do! I was sent on an errand to get an 11 inch digital picture frame from Staples. It was 50 $ off and my mom was really excited about it. So, I get to the store with Talia and as she waits for her family's laptop, I asked around to find this so-called picture frame. I found the picture frames and to my great dismay, the 11 inch digital picture frames were sold out. SAD DAY. I was more than bummed, and when I called my mother to tell her of this sadness, she was even more bummed out than I was. I got frustrated, hung up the phone, and was just plain miffed. I walked around, found a sweet deal on a bluetooth headset and purchased it. While waiting for Talia to get her laptop, I saw a man walk in. He said he wanted to return something, so of COURSE, I eavesdropped. Guess what he was returning?! An 11 inch digital picture frame!! So, I ran over to the man and quite loudly proclaimed "are you really returning this?!" and after he said "yes" and explained that both his sister and his brother and he had bought these picture frames, so he was returning his. I asked him if I could buy it after he returned it. Both he, and the cashier said sure. So after he returned it, guess what I did? Yeah, no difficulty guessing there. I bought myself (aka my mother) the picture frame, and pranced out of there with a GIANT grin on my face.

Guess what? (Yes, I am asking you to do a lot of guessing today...) I am suuuuper happy now. Yay for me and good luck!!

So good luck... Thank you for visiting me.

I am happy that you chose me!

You're the best.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

Christmas Caroling

Tonight my family went caroling. At first I was thinking it would be incredibly lame... But I gave it a chance. I slid on my newly purchased Adidas shoes, I put hand warmers in my gloves and put them on, wrapped a scarf around my neck, zipped up my jacket, and walked out the door. We drove to the first home and started singing. I was amazed. We had a 3-part harmony going as we sang Silent Night. Then we joyfully sang We Wish You a Merry Christmas. We hopped back into the family van and drove to the second house where we repeated the gesture but added Away in a Manger.

The fourth and fifth homes we walked to and instead of the .. interesting .. Away in a Manger, we sung Joy to the World (which I had a KILLER harmony for). We were met with giant smiles and grins at the fourth home, good friends of ours and our neighbors and they seemed very happy we visited them. The last home were other neighbors whom I was friends with when I was younger. We sang Silent Night, Joy to the World, and We Wish You a Merry Christmas, and they were so happy. They told us how they were at mass the week before and they had talked about how no one celebrated the true meaning of Christmas anymore. They told us that they were discussing how no one caroled anymore, and how they remembered when we were younger, how we would carol to their house, and how they missed the days we would sing of Christ and His birth. Then the two days later, there we were. Singing of the glorious birth of Christ. Joy to the World! Christ had come :)

I walked in the house with a huge smile on my face knowing that I made someone's Christmas, and that they, without knowing, had made mine. Not that I had forgotten about Christ, but they had reminded me that it isn't the presents or the visit from Santa Claus that make the holiday. It is Jesus the Christ who's joyous, wonderful birth we celebrate, that makes the holiday. It is HE that we should rejoice in. It is HE that we find faith in, and whom we renew our faith in.

I testify Jesus is the Christ, and that he was born in a stable to the virgin Mary. That he grew up and testified to the world of his divinity and of God, our Father. I know that we are truly loved by both our Savior and God the Father. I know that if we trust in them, and if we remember the TRUE meaning of Christmas, we can be happy and we can remember continually the blessing our Savior is in our life.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

"Firework"

by Katy Perry

Pay attention to the lyrics... Especially these:

Do you know that there's still a chance for you?
'Cause there's a spark in you!
You just gotta ignite, the light, and let it shine-
Just own the night like the 4th of July.
'Cause baby you're a firework,
Come on, show 'em what you're worth.

You don't have to feel like a waste of space
You're original, cannot be replaced

Even brighter than the moon 

It's always been inside of you

And now it's time to let it through

I never really 'got' the song, to be honest. Until I watched the music video last night, and I finally understood what the song is saying. And what it means... everything she is saying.... It makes me happy. I love this song because it proves something- Life is hard, and it WILL knock you down, but if you find the light, and the strength within, you can make it.

There is always going to be a chance for you. If you feel worn down, and knocked over, don't give up! You can do this... Show the world what YOU are worth. You can shine.

So, Katy Perry, touche... 

You made a song that actually meant something.

Thank you for the message shared. It actually moved me.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

"You Make My Dreams Come True"

by Hall & Oates

I heard this song as a "guilty pleasure" song on NBC's "The Sing-Off", and I've been singing it ever since. It is TOTALLY a guilty pleasure of mine. I dance to it, and I sing the lyrics at the top of my lungs. Sometimes I just dance and lip sync at the same time and act like its NBD. Yes, I just said NBD to mean 'no big deal', which means I'm pretty much a big deal. Kidding. But seriously, this song is just one of those songs that makes you happy! You can't help but tap your foot at least! And for me, it's much more than that. This song is the ultimate "HAPPY song". So, if you need a cheerer upper, listen to this. Actually, watch the video above, and trust me, you'll be smiling in no time.

So, Hall & Oates, you're brilliant.

Thank you for giving me something cheesy-

So that I can dance like I'm 10 again.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

Christmas Goodies

Tonight I went over to the Denton home. It was decorated beautifully! I loved all the Christmas colors, candles, plates and decorations. It was awesome, seriously. I was blown away with the amount of detail she put into her home.

Anyways, so there were a dozen or so people gathered in her home and everyone brought a plate of treats. I made delicious brownie bites. I made brownie batter and then found a mini muffin tin and poured the batter halfway in each of the little holes.  I then melted peanut butter and poured a little bit of it in the center. Then I poured more batter on top. After they were cooked it was pretty much like a brownie bite with peanut butter on the inside. DELICIOUS.

I went around the table and took a few goodies from each plate. I got two plates of goodies. And guess what?! They are so delicious and I brought them home and shared them with my family!

So, Christmas goodies, I love you.

Thank you for being yummy in my tummy.

And for being there for me when I needed something to smile about.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

Chester See

Check out his facebook fan page. 

Check out his youtube page.

Thanks to the amazing Lorin Thompson, I have found this boy, and his remarkable music. It makes me happy. I listen to it and it soothes my soul, and makes me feel like everything in my life is okay.

Like, I know there's a million artists that sing beautiful songs that touch those that hear it. But Chester See is amazing, and he sings with such love and emotion.

Here are clips of lyrics from his songs... see for yourself:

You're everything that my life's been missing
And now I can't believe that this is happening to me
Through the good, and bad, the happy, and the sad

You won't be away from home
You'll never be alone

'Cause I day without you just isn't fair
See the days I can hear your voice
I'm left without a choice-
Plus I get weak in the knees
Fall head over heels baby
And every other cheesy cliche
Yes I'm swept off my feet
Oh my heart skips a beat 

I love you more with every single day
And you should know, That I wont go, I'm here forever
As long as time allows us, We'll always be together
Because you're the one and only love I've ever known 

Honestly, this won't do
How is she doing?
I tell myself that I'm feeling swell
But I know I'm such a fool
I can take it as a new beginning
But you know I don't feel that way
Who will take all this pain away?

Anyone else think this guy has got his head on straight?? Everything he says just melts my heart. I am pretty sure if he said "you're my heaven" to me, I'd be at the altar this afternoon. But seriously, I just love his music and he makes me happy.

So, Chester See, thank you for speaking to my soul;

Helping me lose all control.

You've helped me feel again.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

The gift of Forgiveness

Today there is one thing that brings me more joy than words can explain, and that is the gift of forgiveness. Whether it is I, that needs to be forgiven, or if it is I that is doing the forgiving... The gift of forgiveness is a glorious gift!

Jesus Christ while on the cross said, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do." And he didn't just say these words, he meant them, and that was evident through his life and ministry. The Son of man had power to forgive, and he did so, willingly. He had such mercy and he forgave those who had trespassed against their brethren, and to those who were simply unclean. If people were repentant and obedient, and willing to humble themselves, they were cleansed from all iniquity.

Forgiveness is all about humility, and empathy. Not only humbling ourselves, but opening ourselves up to truly feeling empathy for those around us. Feeling godly sorrow for feeling angry or upset towards others. Truly having empathy is a gift I didn't think was possible until I asked God for help, and he showed me it was something I could work towards.

Time and time again throughout The Bible, it says something along the lines of "Forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors" and that if we expect to be forgiven, we must forgive others.  The other day it hit me... Duh! Forgive and be forgiven. It doesn't mean that you have to have sinned some great sin, but no matter the size of your transgression, whether it be as small as a white lie, or as great as a sexual sin, you can be forgiven. After you go through the process of repentance, there is one tiny step we often overlook. It comes down to the fact that if we want to be forgiven, and we are obedient and keeping all God's commandments, and if we are willing, we must also be willing to forgive those who have wronged us. If we can do that, we can be forgiven.

It is all about faith. It is all about mercy. That is what the gift of forgiveness is about. Willingness to submit to the Lord in humility, and in His mercy, he will forgive. He has the ability to blotteth out transgressions and if we repent, He will forgive.

What a glorious, wonderful, priceless gift!

It was a struggle for me to forgive those who had hurt me, and I didn't want to. I felt I was somehow better than they because of the things they had said or done. But after earnestly asking for God's help, I realized that it was such a burden I had been carrying around. And I have forgiven everyone. For every unkind word, or broken heart, or lie. Every bad thought I once had, I no longer have. I feel as if a HUGE weight has been lifted off of my chest. I am walking around, and I am happy. I am content. I feel at peace. And, to all those who feel you may have hurt me... You're forgiven.

So, forgiveness I am so grateful for you.

You're the anchor in my aching soul.

You've given me a second chance at life.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

I woke up frustrated, and I was angry. I admit I felt in a way I had been gypped in the way my life had turned out. But I got dressed and ready, and I went to church like kids like me do. And after stepping inside the doors of the church, I immediately had a change of heart.

The topic was hope. There were two speakers from the congregation. One was my high school friend Kevin Goehring, who just returned from serving a mission in Germany, but struggles speaking English. I found myself lost in his words. He spoke of hope. Real hope. He explained how too often we get lost in the world's view of hope. How we hope for a good grade on our test, or we hope that we get a certain gift for Christmas. But, this is not real hope. Real hope is setting a goal and working hard toward that goal. We can hope for something, but we put forth all of our efforts into making that goal a possibility.

So, why does this bring me joy? Well, I find joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ. I find joy in the ability I have to pray to a loving God, and ask him for things I need. I find joy in the ability I have to pray and plead with Him for comfort, or strength. The strength I receive from God in times of great struggling and difficulty is more than just a pat on the back and a push back into the world. It is the sharing of a heavy burden. It is the feeling of peace that comes from my Savior Jesus Christ. My Savior and my Father in Heaven are two people that understand what I am going through. Every struggle, every pain, every sadness, every loss. Jesus Christ has felt every thing I feel. And, through Him, I find peace in knowing that I don't have to struggle alone.

So, today, I am grateful for the church in which I belong. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. I am grateful that I have a loving Savior who is always there for me. I am grateful for the support that the church is for me, that it is a place where I know I can always feel joy.

So, thank you to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

For being the rock in my life.

- J

Today I Am Happy About...

j.wride j.wride j.wride j.wride

j.wride j.wride j.wride j.wride

j.wride j.wride j.wride j.wride

Today I sat around and thought of something that made me happy. You know what made me incandescently happy?? The thought of j.wride. I know, I'm obsessed.. But, hear me out.

j.wride is more than my favorite band.

j.wride are more than my best friends.

j.wride means so much to me. they are my support group.

I used to claim myself on being their number one fan. But now, well, I've missed a show, and I'll miss their CD release, and it's sad because I fear my number one spot will be lost to other crazed fans who know all the words to every song, and take pictures at every show. Well, someday, I will take back my place as supreme fan. Then you shall all see that I would do anything for these boys. 

You name it, I'd do it. Well, besides the fact that I'm flat broke and can't be there for their concert. But still, I would give up all the time in the world for these boys. I will do whatever it takes to get them on top. Why? Not just because these are talented guys, but because these boys deserve it. They have worked harder than any other artist I've seen. In addition to full time school/work, this is what they do full time. Every day. They work their butts off for their music. It is everything to them. And their music is everything to me. So why would I not do everything in my power for them??? It's as clear as day to me. They make me happy. Each person. Each instrument. Each note. Each song. So, why would I not do whatever it takes to help them rise to the top? Why would I not support them every single step of the way? I promise to do whatever it takes.

Well, j.wride.

Thanks for being there for me always.

For being my lifeboat.

- J

Who I Am Grateful For:: Adam Stokes

Amazing 

Dapper 

American 

Musical

Stellar

Talented

Outstanding

Kind

Entertaining

Super!

Yes, I could write more, and be more descriptive, but the drugs are still in my system, and I am not thinking as clearly as I should.

There are a few things I want you to know-

1) You set SUCH an example to me.

2) You dedicated two years of your life to the Lord, and I look up to you so much.

3) You are one of my heroes... I don't know if saying "thank you" could ever be enough.

But Adam, you are amazing. I don't think I could name a person who has been a more loyal and constant friend and example to me. You're always there for me, even though you're across the world. I don't care if you're in the house next door, or in the Philippines, you are someone I don't want to ever forget about. You are one of those people I feel privileged to know; Lucky to be friends with. I don't know how it all happened exactly, but all I know is one day I woke up and realized even if it were just as friends, I wanted you in my life forever. You're the kind of person that I can't just let slip out of my fingers, you're someone I need in my life. You make me happy, you make me smile. When I have a bad day, or even when something really great happens, the first person I want to tell.... is you. 


So, thank you for always being patient with me and listening to my ramblings. Thank you for reading all my letters and not thinking I'm a crazy person when I send you packages on your birthday, and Christmas, and every other 'event'. Thank you for understanding me. Thank you for praying for me. Thank you most of all, for just being YOU. 

- J