The Last Project From JoAnn's

 

So a few days ago I finished my first sewing/quilting project for the year, or actually for several years, a couple of little doll quilts. I started the quilts about a year and a half ago?    They each measure about 18" X 26" and had previously been machine quilted, so all that was left was the binding.   I had to refresh my memory about doing mitered corners, so watched a short youtube video on my phone before I sat down to sew.  I didn't turn off the youtube, so started listening to the next video that came up, and realized that it was quite a long video tribute/history of the JoAnn Fabric company.  It was very interesting, almost 2 hours long, and by the time it was finished, I was finished with my binding task.  (Yes,  I did the binding on the machine, but am out of practice and  needed to do all of the measuring and pressing and sewing etc, and please don't look too closely at the corners.  They are far from perfect.)  

It wasn't too far into the video/sewing project that I came to realize that this fabric and batting and probably the thread too, were probably the last project supplies I had purchased from JoAnn's.  Yes, I'm sure that I picked up some paint and other dodads during Joann's clearance weeks, but the fabrics for this project was purchased before most of us were aware of the store's immenent demise.  

At any rate, if you have a couple of hours to watch/listen to a youtube video, perhaps while working on a sewing project, I would recommend this informative and  touching video, posted below. 

Were you a regular customer of JoAnn's?  What are some of your final projects/purchases from  the store?

The House of the Lord

It's the day after Christmas, boxing day.  How are you doing?  Were you able to relax and enjoy time with family and friends?  Do you feel a bit let down after all of the hustle and bustle or getting ready?  Or has it been a trying time for you this year; perhaps most years?  Or are you still in the middle of all the hustle and bustle of the holiday?  To tell the truth, I'm a bit tired, and I always feel a bit of a let down after all of the busyness of preparing for Christmas, trying to go about doing good, remembering to do all the things and reach out to all of the people.  This year has been harder than most as I know of several people who are going through difficult things that I can't do much to help or resolve.    The plan for this week after Christmas is usually to relax a bit, maybe read a good book, clean up a bit, and set a few goals, and do some service if I can.  Last night I was able to reserve a time slot to visit The House of the Lord this morning, and also last night I found this Instagram post where Elder David A Bednar encourages parents, and I would say all of us, to refer to our temples as The House of the Lord. 

We refer to the temple as the House of the Lord

"Now I have a recommendation for everyone who may be listening, that as often as may be feasible, we refer to the temple as The House of the Lord.  President Nelson, early in his service as president taught us the importance of using the correct name of the church and it feels different when you refer to the Church of Jesus  Christ of Latter Day Saints.  Now there's nothing wrong with the word temple, but it's different when you say The House of the Lord. So that very thing, imagine you're rearing a child and temple is the word they hear, but The House of the Lord is the phrase that they hear the most that will have an impact on them as they grown up."

David A Bednar

Here is another quote by Elder Bednar:

More than ever, we are in need of the power and strength that comes through our covenant connection to the Lord Jesus Christ.   We do not come to the temple to hide from or escape the evils of the world.  Rather, we come to the temple to receive the power of godliness through priesthood ordinances that enables us to confront and conquer the world of evil."

Elder David A Bednar, Facebook, May 23. 2022, facebook.com/davida.bednar

So has this morning's trip to the temple solved all of my worries, dissolved my post-Christmas blues, and removed the challenges from the lives of my family and friends?  No, it hasn't.  But it did feel good to visit The House of the Lord, and to feel welcomed there.  I love the Lord and enjoy every visit I make to his house. Though my service wasn't perfect, and my concentration and thoughts wandered at times, I was able to serve a distant relative who had never had the opportunity to enter The House of the Lord during her lifetime.   Hopefully that small bit of service has added some small bit of light to this troubled world.  This has been a good year for me with 39 opportunities to visit The House of the Lord.  I believe this has been a record year with more visits than other year since my first visit to the Salt Lake Temple 44 years ago.  I'm grateful for this blessing in my life.  

And now I will attempt to tackle some of my plans for the week, and attempt to go about doing some good.  Wishing you all a happy and peaceful boxing day.         

Marcy

The Christ Child: A Nativity

 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

May you and your family be blessed with peace and love and the light of Christ.

If you or loved ones are struggling, remember that lighter, brighter days are ahead.  

Scriptures of the Day December 22, 2025

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them:  and they were sore afraid.  And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.  And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddnely there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 

Luke 2: 8-14

 Therefore, there shall be one day and a night and a day, as if it were one day and there were no night, and this shall be unto you for a sign; for ye shall know of the rising of the sun and also of its setting; therefore they shall know of a surety that there shall be two days and a night; nevertheless the night shall not be darkened; and it shall be the night before he is born.  

Helaman 14:4

Trust in God and Seek Divine Help
One of the most significant of God's helps for His faithful children is the gift of the Holy Ghost.
President Dallin H. Oaks 

April 2025 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Christmas Church Services -- More Wonderful Music Today

 In many Christian Churches, it is traditional to attend services on Christmas Eve or on Christmas Day.  In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, we only have a worship service on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day if either day happens to fall on a Sunday, and then the services are limited to our Sacrament Meeting, with no Sunday School, Primary (for children) Relief Society (the women's auxiliary) Young Women (for the youth) or Priesthood (for the men) meetings being held.    We do have other Christmas related activities or concerts or dinners or other events during the Christmas season, depending on what is planned in  each individual area. 

In our ward congregation this morning we had a special Sacrament Meeting that featured several different congregational hymns and other special musical numbers.   We don't currently have an official choir, but I really did enjoy today's meeting, listening to the wonderful musical numbers performed by friends and neighbors.  Here are the songs that were included in today's program (links are not to our program but to videos of the songs we enjoyed, performed by others.)  

Oh Come All Ye Faithful 

I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day

O Come, O Come Emmanuel

When Joseph Went to Bethlehem

Picture a Christmas

Hark, The Herald Angels Sing

Mary, Did You KNow

It Came Upon a Midnight Clear

What Child is This

Joy to the World

Silent Night

DD1 and DD2 and I had the blessing of being able to attend the Christmas Concert of The Tabernacle Choir on Temple Square earlier this month featuring guest artists Stephanie Block and Sebastian Arcelus.  It was beautiful as usual, and helped to put us into the Christmas Spirit.  Last weekend our coungregation had our annual Christmas dinner and the local high school madigral group came and performed.  Even the wiggly young children were enthralled by their performacne.   As per tradition, we also plan to spend some time as a family singing some of our favorite Christmas Carols as part of our Christmas Eve celebration here at home.  It doesn't really matter the venue, nor the performer.  Christmas music is always magical to me.  

What Christmas Music  traditions do you have?  What are your favorite Christmas songs?

The Christmas Study Plan

photo source

I'm a bit late posting this, since this Christmas Study Plan shared by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints actually starts with suggested reading for the days of December 19th through December 25th.   In this previous post from November 30th I shared inforamtion about the Light The World  program that shares so many ways that you and I and others can bring the light of the Christmas Season to others.  There are many ideas of fun ways to bring joy to others and to yoursefl throughout the month of December.   Here are links to the different study plans if you'd like to follow along:

Prophets Foretold the Birth of Jesus -- December 19th

An Angel Appeared to Mary and Joseph -- December 20th

Elisabeth Bore John, and Zacharias Testified -- December 21st

Angels Announced Jesus's Birth to the Shepherds -- December 22nd

The Lord Provides a Night Without Darkness in the Americas -- December 23rd

Jesus Christ Was Born and Presented in the Temple -- Decedmber 24th

The Wise Men Worshiped Jesus and Gave Gifts -- December 25th

Our family is finding this study plan as a great way to bring the true spirit of Christmas into this busy pre-Christmas week as we take the time each evening to read the words and stories from scriptures surrounding the miracle of Jesus's birth.   And of course, on Christmas Eve we also plan to spend some extra time singing some of our favorite Christmas Carols before hanging our stockings and heading to bed.    How do you bring the true spirit of Christmas into your life and home?

Scripture and Music of the Day December 18, 2025

 Pray in your families unto the Father, always in my name, that your wives and your children may be blessed. 

3 Nephi 18:21

And as surely as the Lord liveth, will he gather in from the four quarters of the earth all the remnant of the seed of Jacob, who are scattered abroad upon all the face of the earth.

And as he hath covenanted with all the house of Jacob, even so shall the covenant wherewith he hath covenanted with the house of Jacob be fulfilled in his own due time, unto the restoring all the house of Jacob unto the knowledge of the covenant that he hath covenanted with them.

And then shall they know their Redeemer, who is Jesus Christ, the Son of God; and then shall they be gathered in from the four quarters of the earth unto their own lands, from whence they have been dispersed; yea as the Lord liveth so shall it be.  Amen. 

3 Nephi 5: 24-26

Ultimately, how we live may be the best, most genuine form of worship. 

Worship
Elder D Todd Christofferson
April 2025 General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Oh Come All Ye Faithful -- The Crosby Family

Dance of the Suger Plum Fairy -- Brooklyn Duo Family Edition

Scriptures of the Day December 17, 2025 -- Love, Charity and Virtue

 Behold, their husbands love their wives, and their wives love their husbands; and their husbands and their wives love their children; and their unbelief and their hatred towards you is because of the iniquity of their fathers; wherefore, how much better are you than they in the eyes of God? 

Jacob 3:7

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, pray unto the Father with all the energy of heart, that ye may be filled with this love, which he hath bestowed upon all who are true followers of his Son, Jesus Christ; that ye may become the sons of God; that when he shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is; that we may have this hope, that we may be purified even as he is pure, Amen. 

Moroni 7:48

 As we diligently seek to have charity and virtue fill our lives, our confidence in approaching God will increase . . . Then, as we go to our Heavenly Father with increasing confidence, we will be filled with more joy, and your faith in Jesus Christ will increase.  We will begin to experience spiritual power that exceeds our greatest hopes. 

President Russell M Nelson
Confidence in the Presence of God
April 2025 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

Scriptures For Today December 16, 2025 (I missed posting a few days this week)

 And all thy children shall be taught of the Lord; and great shall be the peace of thy children

Isaiah 54:13

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Deuteronomy 6:7

And they did fortify themselves against their enemies; and they did dwell in one land, and in one body, and they did fear the words which had been spoken by Lachoneus, insomuch that they did repent of all their sins; and they did  put up their prayers unto the Lord their God, that he would deliver them in the time that their enemies should come down against them to battle. 

3 Nephi 3:25

And last but definitely not least, probably my very favorite article of faith:

We believe in being honest, true, chaste, benevolent, virtuous, and in doing good to all men; indeed, we may say that we follow the admonition of Paul--We believe all things, we hope all things, we have endured many things, and hope to be able to endure all things.  If there is anything virtuous, lovely or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.

Articles of Faith 1:13

Conference Talk for the Day --- Draw Near Unto Me

 

You may remember the Lord's promise to Joseph Smith and Sidney Rigdon when they were away form their families on His errands:  "My friends Sidney and Joseph, your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power."

As you bind up the wounds of those in need, the Lord's power will sustain you.  His arms will be outstretched with yours to succor and bless the dhildren of our Heavenly Father.

Every covenant servant of Jesus Christ will receive His direction from the Spirit as they bless and serve others for HIm.  Then they will feel the Savior's love and find joy in being drawn closer to Him.

Draw Near Unto Me April 2025 General Conference
Henry B. Eyring 
General Conference of the C hurch of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

What Christmas Music Am I listening to tonight?

 I'm listening to Enya Christmas 2026 for the most relaxing Christmas Music:

If you're in the mood for something a bit more lively,  listen to the Pentatonix Christmas Album 2026

And to top it off, listen to one of my favorites,  Claire Crosby's Silent Night duet with President Russell M Nelson five years ago:

Scriptures of the Day -- December 10, 2025

We believe that a man must be called of God, by prophecy, and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority, to preach the Gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof. 

Articles of Faith 1:5

In that same spirit of testimony, I bear witness that in his youth, Joseph Smith saw what he said he saw and conversed with those with whom he said he spoke . . . Coming from a lifetime of reading, I bear witness that the Book of Mormon is the most rewarding book I have ever read and the keystone of my little dwelling in a kingdom of many mansions.  I bear witness that priesthood and prayer are restoring my life -- Christ's priesthood and your prayers. I know all this to be true and bear witness of it in the name of the most loyal and humble of all God's son -- Alpha and Omega, the Great I Am, the crucified, the faithful witness -- even the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.

As a Little Child
President Jeffrey R Holland
April 2025 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Home Alone -- Insights into Christian Themes of a Favorite Christmas Movie

 I came across this interesting short on Youtube today (@LakepointeChurch) that was discussing the subtle Christian elements incorporated into the popular Christmas Movie, Home Alone.  It's been quite a few years since I've watched the movie, so I don't clearly remember how much I noticed the things mentioned in this short, or in the article that I believe the video references, but I do remember most of the things that were mentioned.  It did make me feel good to realize that in 1990 when the movie was first released,  John Hughes was able to incorporate so much of  Christian symbolism into a popular film.  I believe there is much faith and goodness in this world today.  We just need to be watching and looking for it and sharing it with others!   Now I need to find a time to rewatch Home Alone sometime this Christmas Season.

Catholic Elements of Home Alone by Paul Kengor

Scriptures of the Day December 9, 2025 -- They knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born . . .

 We believe that the first principles and ordinances of the Gospel are:  first, Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; second Repentance, third, Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins; fourth, Laying on of hands for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

Articles of Faith 1:4

Lift up your head and be of good cheer; for behold, the time is at hand, and on this night shall the sign be given, and on the morrow come I into the world, to show unto the world that I will fulfil all that which I have caused to be spoken by the mouth of my holy prophets. 

Behold, I come unto my own, to fulfil all things which I have made known unto the children of men from the foundation of the world, and to do the will, both of the Father and of the Son -- of the Father because of me, and of the Son because of my flesh.  And behold, the time is at hand, and this night shall the sign be given. 

And it came to pass that the words which came unto Nephi were fulfilled, according as they had been spoken; for behold, at the going down of the sun there was no darkness; and the people began to be astonished because there was no darkness when the night came . . . 

And they began to know that the Son of God must shortly appear; yea, in fine, all the people upon the face of the whole earth from the west to the east, both in the land north and in the land south, were so exceedingly astonished that they fell to the earth.

For they knew that the prophets had testified of these things for many years, and that the sign which had been given was already at hand; and they began to fear because of the iniquity and their unbelief. 

And it cam to pass that there was no darkness in all that night, but it was as light as though it was mid-day.  And it came to pass that the sun did rise in the morning again, according to its proper order; and they knew that it was the day that the Lord should be born, because of the sign which had been given. 

3 Nephi 1: 13-19

Now, let us speak of virtue.  The Lord tells us to garnish our thoughts unceasinly with virtue. Imagine the boost you will receive to any positive thought when you enhance it with virtue.  Virtue makes everything better and happier!   On the other hand, imagine what will heppen when you add virtue to an impure thought, a cruel thought, or a depressing thought.  Virtue will drive away those thoughts.  Virtue will free you from anxious, troublesome thoughts.

Confidence in the Presence of God
President Russell M Nelson
April 2025 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

(This one could be listened to on repeat every single day!)

Scriptures of the Day December 8, 2025 -- Receive His Gift

We believe that through the Atonement of Chirst, all mankind may be saved, by obedience to the laws and ordinances of the Gospel. 

Articles of Faith 1:3

I invite you to receive, either for the first time or to a greater extent than ever before, the magnificent realisation that you truly are God's beloved child.  You must undo the bow, tear off the wrapping paper, open the bos, and actively receive with grateful humility a true, pure understanding of this foundational truth.  The Holy Spirit can bear witness to your heart that you are indeed a child of the Most High. The Holy Spirit can bear witness to your heart that you are indeed a child of the Most High.  

Recieve His Gift
By Elder Patrick Kearon
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles

You are a beloved daughter of God, you are a cherished son of God, and He has gifted you His perfect, holy Son.  

Nativities

Most of my favorite Christmas Decorations are Nativities.   This is the first nativity set that I ever purchased back when our family was small.   It is small and simple and felt like a bit of a splurge at the time, but is a treasure to me.   In the beginning there was much more moss on the stable.  It has become even more humble over the years, and the donkey has lost a chip off of his ear.  

The table runner above and the Nativity wall hanging below are two of the few projects that I have ever fully completed from a homemaking night with our church's Relief Society women's groups.  I had earlier started a similar fabric nativity of my own design, but I never finished that one.  

I fell in love with this little Nativity a few years ago, and purchased it for myself and one for my Mother-In-Law.  After she passed a few years ago, I inherited hers.  One sits on my desk at work and the other near my desk here at home.  It's about nine inches long and 2 inches tall and fits perfectly in small spaces.

I cherish the ones that my daughters and others have purchased for me.  

The last one was handmade from olive wood in  the Holy Land.

My Mother in Law had a Fisher Price Natativity set much like this one when our children were small.  Now that I am a Grandmother myself, I had to purchase one too.   This one is out on the cedar chest in our living room (or our  toy room as DGD2 calls the living room since when the grandkids come to visit I generally bring up an assortment of toys from the downstairs family room and storage room to keep the younger ones occupied while we are visiting upstairs.)   The other nativities are kept high enough so little hands aren't tempted to play with those ones.  

The wise men are still making their way to the stable through the "jungle" on the other side of the room.  (Or is it a desert oaisis?

    

There are other nativities, mostly smaller, scattered here and there throughout the house this Christmas.  The most recent is the grandest that we have, a gift from my DH, and has the place of honor on the livingroom Mantle.   I know that other people may have larger and grander collections than I do, which is all perfectly fine.   I am happy for them and I am happy for me.   Hopefully all who believe have some sort of remembrance of our Savior during the Christmas season, even if it is only a simple card or illustration of the sacred holy night.  

Every Christmas Eve we have the tradition of reading the Nativity Story from Luke and then singing carols together as a family.  When our children were young we would act out the parts in costume.   I loved coming across this excerpt from President Henry B Eyring's talk in the 2016 First Presidency Christmas Devotional on Youtube where he shares his family's Nativity experiences over the years.

Do any of you collect navtivity sets?   Do you have the family tradition of acting out the Christmas Story with your family?

One more wonderful message with another perspective on the Nativity by Elder Holland:

Scriptures of the Day December 7, 2025

 The dead who repent will be redeemed, through obedience to the ordinances of the house of God.  

Doctrine and Covenants 138:58

Reverence for the sacred fosters genuine gratitude, expands true happiness, leads our minds to revelation, and brings greater joy to our lives.

Elder Ulisses Soares
April 2025 General Conference 
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Scriptures of the Day December 6, 2025

I beheld that the faithful elders of this dispensation, when they depart from mortal life, continue their labors in the preaching of the gospel of repentance and redemption, through the sacrifice of the Only Begotten Son of  God, among those who are in darkness and under the bondage of sin in the grate world of the spirits of the dead.  

Doctrine and Covenants 138:57

For behold, Nephi was baptizing, and prophesyng, and preaching, crying repentance unto the people, showing signs and wonders, working miracles among the people, that they might know that the Christ must shortly come ---

Telling them of things which must shortly come, that they might know and remember at the time of their coming that they had been made known unto them beforehand, to the intent that they might believe; therefore as many as believed on the words of Samuel went forth unto him to be baptized, for they came repenting and confessing their sins.

Helaman 16:4, 5

Under God's plan, His highest blessings are given to those who promise in advance to keep certain commandments and who keep those promises. 

Divine Helps for Mortality
President Dallin H Oaks
April 2025 General Conference

Scriptures and Thoughts of the Day December 4, 2025 -- The Gospel of Jesus Christ is for Everyone

 Thus was it made known that our Redeemer spent his time during his sojurn in the world of spirits, instruction and preparing the faithful spirits of the prophets who had testified of him in the flesh;

Doctrine and Covenants 138:36

The Saving of most of mankind:

Your worth isn't tied to obedience.  Your worth is constant; it never changes.  It was given to you by God. and there's nothing you or anyone else can do to change it.  Obedience brings blessings; that is true.   But worth isn't one of them.  Your worth is always "great in the sight of God, no matter where your decisions have taken you.  

Address by Sister Tamara W. Runia
First Counselor in the General Young Women's Presidency
April 2025 General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Remember that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. 

Doctrine and Covenants 18:10 

And if ye believe on his name ye will repent of all your sins, that thereby ye may have a remission of them through his merits . . . 

For behold, he surely must die that salvation may come; yea, it behooveth him and becometh expedient that he dieth, to bring to pass the resurrection of the dead, that thereby men may be brought into the presence of the Lord.

Helaman 14:13, 15

Be near me, Lord Jesus; I ask thee to stay
Close by me forever, and love me, I pray.
Bless all the dear children in thy tender care,
And fit us for heaven to live with thee there.

Away in a Manger, Text Anon, ca 1883
Philadelphia

Wikipedia

Christmas Music -- Oh Holy Night and More

 One of my greatest joys at Christmas is listening to Christmas Music.  I love attending concerts, listening to songs on the radio as I drive about town, singing at church and with our family in our traditional Christmas Eve caroling after reading the story from Luke and before we hang our stockings and say our prayers and head to our beds with visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads.   I usually refrain from playing Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but I truly love the music of the whole month of December. 

This morning I came across this Youtube video of one of my favorite Christmas Songs, Oh Holy Night, one of the first Christmas songs ever sung on the radio:

And here's a version done by The King's Singers and The Tabernacle Choir:

And one more, just because.  

Angels from the Realms of Glory

The Piano Guys, Peter Holloms, and David Archuleta, December 2014

Scriptures for the Day December 3, 2023 -- Little Children and Christ's Restored Church

 And I also beheld that all children who die before they arrive at the years of accountability are saved in the celestial kingdom of heaven.

Doctrine and Covenants 137:10

Listen to the words of Christ, your Redeemer, your Lord and your God.  Behold, I came into the world not to call the righteous but sinners to repentance; the whole need to physician, but they that are sick; wherefore, little children are whole, for they are not capable of committing sin; wherefore the curse of Adam is taken from them in me, that it hath no power over them; and the law of circumcision is done away in me.  

But little children are alive in Christ, even from the foundation of the world; if not so, God is a partial God, and also a changeable God, and a respecter to persons; for how many little children have died without baptism!

Moroni 8: 8, 12

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is Christ's New Testament Church  restored.

Address by Elder David A Bednar
Of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
April 6, 2025

Scriptures of the Day December 2, 2025

For I, the Lord, will judge all men according to their works, according to the desire of their hearts.  

Doctrine and Covenants 137:9

Those who reject God as the source of truth, or disavow any accountability to Him, in effect substitute themselves as their God. 

Worship
D. Todd Christopherson
April 2025 General Conference

Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard.

Nevertheless, notwithstanding the great goodness of the Lord, in showing me his great and marvelous works, my heart exclaimeth:  O wretched man that I am!  Yea, my heart sorroweth becaus of my flesh; my soul grieveth because of mine iniquities.  

I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.  

And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.  

My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.

2 Nephi 4:16-20

Today I also came across this interesting video of John Hilton discussing with Steven Jones of "Let's Get Real", the study of Stylometry, or the study of linguistic style, which shows that The Book of Mormon was not written by one person, but many different writers.  Part of the discussion centers around the portion of the 4th chapter of 2 Nephi commonly called "the Psalm of Nephi."  

Epidemic of Lonliness and Needing Love

This Morning I found this 2023 Interview between Scripture Central's Stephen Jones and LDS Young Men's leader Brad Wilcox.  This Youtube video is about why Brother Wilcox believes God's grace is the key to overcoming the current epidemic of loneliness, needing love, and not knowing where to find it.  He shares memories of his childhood in Ethopia and thoughts on love.   I found it well worth the time to listen:

Scriptures of the Day December 1, 2025

 Thus came the voice of the Lord unto me, saying:  All who have died without a knowledge of this gospel, who would have received it if thye had been permitted to tarry, shall be heirs of the celestial kingdom of God.

 Doctrine and Covenants  137:7

And these are those who have part in the first resurrection; and these are they that have died before Christ came, in their ignorance, not having salvation declared unto them.  And thus the Lord bringeth about the restoration of these ; and they have a part in the first resurrection, or have eternal life, being redeemed by the Lord. 

Mosiah 15:24

Lifelong discipleship of Jesus Christ begins in our homes -- and in Primary as early as 18 months of age.  We want our children to believe in Jesus Christ, belong to Jesus Christ and His Church through covenant, and strive to become like Jesus Christ.  

Thou Art The Christ 

By Sister Amy Wright
First Counselor in the Primar General Presidency