Day 23, January 23

During the first weeks of January, bitterly cold temperatures swept through much of the country.  Schools were caneled, flights were delayed, and many of us headed to the stores to stock up on supplies before the next storm hit.

It occurred to me that though I didn't need physical supplies--we were well stocked--I did need supplies of another kind, though.  I needed faith.  I needed forgiveness.  I needed compassion.  Unfortunately, I couldn't go buy those at the closest store; nor could I order them over the internet.

I had to find them in myself.  And my "store" was empty, at least temporarily.  I didn't have enough faith, forgiveness, or compassion within me for me.  Consequently I didn't have enough to share with others.

So I dug down deep, put on the cloak of humility, and asked the Savior if I could use some of His.  Of course, He said yes.  Isn't that wonderful?  It reminds me of a hymn, "I Stand All Amazed." 

Joy for today:  standing amazed at the love Jesus offers me.

Day 15, January 15

Today is my dear friend Janet's birthday.  Janet and I have been friends for 37 years.  We have seen each other through babies, our children's ups and downs, the deaths of parents, and other events.  I have two other sweet friends with birthdays this month as well, Jeannie and Laurie.  Our total years of friendship between the four of us is well over 80.

Isn't that wonderful?  Really, it's quite amazing that these women have put up with me for that many years.  I have made some bloopers in friendship, saying insensitive things, doing equally insensitive things.  Yet they still love me and forgive me.  (I hope.)

I repeat:  Isn't that wonderful?

And that brings me to another Friend.  He has put up with me, has loved me, has forgiven me for many more years.  Of course, He is the Savior.

Joy for the day:  friendship and friends who put up with, who love, who forgive.

Day 3, January 3

When I ponder the true meaning of joy, I turn to the Savior, for He is the Source of all joy.  His atonement makes joy possible.  We cannot possibly comprehend the vastness of the Atonement; nearly equally impossible to comprehend is the indvidual-ness of that same Atonement.

The Atonement is for everyone.  Wonderful.  But what does it mean to you, just you?  Does it mean that you will never have a problem or know sadness or shed a tear?  No.

What it does mean is that that the Savior is aware of every problem, every sadness, every tear you have shed and that His succor is there for you.  You are known to Him, just as your children are known to you.

Joy for the day:  the Atonement of Christ.

Day 316, December 25, Christmas Day

The poem below is from the same booklet I wrote of yesterday.

THE FIRST CHRISTMAS

The first Christmas
Must have been a glorious night
With angels heralding the birth
Of Christ and the gospel light.

Mary wrapped her baby
To keep Him safe and warm.
Joseph stood quietly by
To protect Him from all harm.

If I had been there,
I would have fallen to my knees
To worship my Lord and Savior,
Who said, "Come unto me."

For today, and for always, I am grateful for the Savior.

Day 315, December 24

When we tell the Christmas story, it sometimes seems that Joseph didn't play much of a role.  I wrote the following poem for my grandchildren several years ago:


                                              I WONDER WHAT JOSEPH FELT


I wonder what Joseph felt
When in the stable mary gave birth
To the child Jesus Christ,
The Savior of all the earth.

I wonder what Joseph felt
When he looked at that Holy Child
Did he feel the glorious presence
In one so meek and mild?

I wonder what Joseph felt
When the shepherds came.
Did he, too, kneel in awe
Of the babe who bore Christ's name?

So, for today, I am grateful for Joseph.