Do You Believe in Santa Claus?

I think I believed in Santa until I was 12.

I just knew he was real.

I mean it just didn't make any sense that he wouldn't be real.

My letters were never returned from the North Pole and the handwriting on the thank you notes left with the empty plate of goodies didn't match either of my parents.

And one year I actually heard the bells of his sleigh.

So logically Santa just had to be real.

I knew it, testified to it and endured the teasing of my friends that had stopped believing years before me.

I believed in Santa until one Christmas morning we were opening our gifts and my sister Tawny got my Donnie, New Kids on the Block doll.

I was devastated.

There is no way Santa would have made such an egregious mistake.

Tearfully I demanded to know the truth from my mom.

She tried to explain that sometimes Santa couldn't get us everything we wanted and parents had to help and sometimes parents makes mistakes. But I could see the truth in her eyes.

That was the worst Christmas ever.

Fast forward a few years.

I'm a mom raising a true believer in Santa.

Celia firmly states when asked,

"I believe in the real Santa, the real Jesus and the real Heavenly Father."

In her eyes they all go together.

The magic that is Santa is the same adoration she has for our Savior and Father.

They are goodness, they are love and believing in them gives her joy.

So this year, I believe in Santa too.

Check out the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional here.

Quote of the Day

"One time I became so interested in the speed of the work [of translating the Book of Mormon] that was accomplished by Oliver Cowdery and Joseph Smith that I asked someone to research some of the other translations of scriptures for me to see how purely remarkable this work was. I found out that in translating the books of Moses from Hebrew to Greek, six men were called from each of the 12 tribes to perform the labor. Their project required 72 days, or 5,184 man days. Jerome was commissioned by the pope to translate the Bible from Hebrew to Latin; he worked on the project for 23 years, or 8,395 days. In the commission given by King James to translate the English version of the Bible from several other translations to what the king hoped would be the perfect English version, he selected 54 men who worked on the project for 4 years, or 78,840 man days."Now contrast that to the translation of the Book of Mormon, which for all intents and purposes started on 7 April 1829 and was completed by 30 June 1829-two men working 85 days, or 170 man days. It was truly a miracle. It could only have been done under the direction of the Lord."This great book is one tangible evidence that we have of the call of the Prophet Joseph Smith to bring about the long-awaited restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ and again establish the Lord's Church on earth. According to prophecy, this time its establishment was to endure (see Isa. 2:2-3; Dan. 2:44). This being true, the Lord would carefully prepare his Church leadership to give continuity to the work."

L. Tom Perry, "By the Hands of His Prophets," Ensign, Aug. 1998

For the complete article click here.

A little inspiration from the weekend.

“I am a rough stone. The sound of the hammer and chisel was never heard on me until the Lord took me in hand."

From a discourse given by Joseph Smith on June 11, 1843, in Nauvoo, Illinois.

Since I was in Boston during General Conference, I've been studying the Conference addition of the Ensign. It always seems like particular talks were written just for me.

This one in particular speaks to me...

More Diligent and Concerned at Home

Blessed Day

Last night Dan and I took out our Endowments.

I will never forget that night. I feel so at peace and so blessed. It's been a long journey to bring me to this opportunity. Many, many years of mistakes and sadness.

Now, I am so fortunate that Dan could be there to share this new and exciting experience with me. I was so nervous as I entered the temple, but that feeling soon left me. I was surrounded by loving attendants and so many family and friends.

I now have a better testimony of temple work and look forward to my next visit. Dan and I have committed to regular visits to the temple. We're even looking forward to doing the work for his grandparents. I can't wait for that day to share the blessings for those that could never do the work for themselves.

Last night I also received the permission letter from Celia's father to allow her to be sealed to Dan and I. Until the letter was physically in my hands I was still nervous that it wouldn't happen.

While we were at the temple, her father took the time to explain to Celia his decision and what to expect when she goes to the temple. He even wrote her a very touching letter for her to keep and read. She calls it her 'ticket'. In a way it is. He urged her to marry in the temple and confirmed his believe that families are forever.

I pray that this is a new start for not only Dan and I, but for our relationship with Celia's father. For Celia's sake, she deserves peace with the people she loves the most. I can do that.

For her, I will do anything.

Readables

Kiera shared this blog with me yesterday and I can't stop thinking about it...

http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/

Stephanie is a true inspiration. I was bought to tears several times reading her posts. But, then I was filled with such a beautiful sense of hope and joy. Her faith has boosted mine and I am thankful to be able to peek into her life and share her testimony.

Here's another of my new favorite blogs. Terresa is an extremely gifted writer. Comical, yet spiritual. Sensual and intimate. Check her out at...

http://thechocolatechipwaffle.blogspot.com/

Sharing our testimonies

A few nights ago the missionaries stopped by to visit. They chatted with Bill for a while, and Celia and I popped in here and there to listen while we were making cookies. I never give her credit enough for how much she listens. As one of the elders was bearing his testimony, she leaned in to whisper to me.
"Mom. I can feel my heart beating."
"Oh, good."
"No, Mom. It's the Holy Ghost. I have good feelings!" she exclaimed with a huge smile.
I was so touched. My sweet little three year old knew and could feel the Holy Ghost. I am so grateful for moments like these. They strengthen my testimony and encourage me in my parenting. Later that night we even practiced bearing our testimonies to each other. She would mimic the things I would say. Like, I believe in Jesus. I believe he died so that we can live with him forever. But, when she would say the words, I could feel that in her own small way she does believe. Her faith is pure and simple and still untainted by the cruel world. She is my inspiration in so many ways. My prayer this morning was a prayer of thanks to my Heavenly Father for allowing me to raise my little Celia. Like I tell her, I'm a lucky mom!

A Wonderful Family Night

My mom had an inspired idea to hold a special Family Night on Monday. She asked us all to bring a thought to share. Something that had special meaning to us, or something we've been studying or thinking about.
Mom made her yummy chili and me and Celia, Mom and Bill, Tawny, Connor and Mikayla, Kevin and Randee and Grandma and Grandpa Terry all enjoyed a wonderful meal. Then we shared the things we brought.
I shared the Susan Tanner quote I've posted here on my blog. It holds special meaning for me right now. This last year has been the absolute hardest year of my life. But, I've also discovered the most joy. It's funny how that dichotomy works! I truly believe my trials have helped me appreciate the little moments, like reading with Celia and holding her on my lap. Or just coming home to her beautiful smiling face every day. Or being blessed with the most patient, loving and forgiving family. Or having Daniel in my life. I don't think I ever completely realized what an amazing man he is. He is infinitely patient with me. And he loves the things I love about me. I am so blessed!
Tawny shared her testimony of prayer and a little about how hard it is to attend church without Casey. My heart breaks for her. I wish she could see what an amazing mom she is. She gets her two kids ready for church every Sunday, and they love being there. She's given them such a special gift. The love of the gospel!
Randee and Kevin shared their testimony of scripture study. I admire Randee so much for making that a family goal and sticking to it. She's developed such a love for the scriptures. I hope she doesn't mind that I want to use her idea of reading the Book of Mormon with the Institute Manual as a study guide. There are just so many things I want to learn from the Book of Mormon. She inspires me to devote the time to study.
Bill shared with us the scriptures that had impressed him during his prayers concerning us. It was so touching to read the inspiration that he had been given. He really is the spiritual leader of our home and I have gained so much knowledge from him
Mom shared a portion of an article about becoming like Jesus and then shared her testimony of the kids and how they are learning the sacredness of the sacrament.
Grandpa Terry shared some touching stories about his time in the service. While in the Navy he was assigned to gather the woman and children from the outlying islands after the bombing of Nagasaki and Hiroshima and help them resettle. He doesn't talk much about his service. But, when he does, I love to hear his stories. He is a hero. And I'm so grateful that my daughter has been able to have a relationship with him, just like I did when I was her age.
Grandma Bunny shared her love of our family. She struggles so much in her Alzheimer's, and there are days when I really miss the way she used to be. But, then she greets me with such an enthusiastic smile and hug, and I realize that my Grandma is still here.
Chace and Kaytlen both wrote beautiful messages to share. I with they could have been with us. Grandpa commented that it really is amazing that we have the technology to communicate with our loved ones when they are so fat away. I'm so used to having email, texting, and iming in my life, that I guess I've forgotten what a huge blessing it is. Like talking to Chace. Even though he's in Spain, we still get to talk to him several times a week. So we can stay active in each other's live. I love that!
I love my family! And I love my mom for having this idea. We don't get to share our testimonies with each other often enough. I am so blessed to have my family near to me. I wouldn't have been able to make it through this year without them!