Heaven is Just a Prayer Away - Ethan's Story by Christy Skousen

Life is most certainly full of curve balls. One second you’re headed smoothly down your intended path, and the next minute you are soaring into an abyss of unplanned and uncharted territory. December 6, 2016 was a day just like this. Well, let me back up a bit. A month prior to this date, we had travelled down to the valley to support the Redskins’ varsity football team for their first playoff game. In Mesa, on Sunday, November 6, 2016, 30 minutes before we planned to head home, my daughter, Faith, broke her arm while attempting to beat her brother, Ethan, in a wrestling match. She tried to best him at his game. She lost. Three days in the hospital and an emergency surgery to reset her elbow with pins later, we were headed back up the mountain. After returning home, we were able to iron out the wrinkles of the weekend well enough, and we were back to our normal (crazy) life. 

Now, back to Tuesday, December 6, 2016. Faith was scheduled to have her pins removed at Cardon Children’s Hospital in Mesa. Scott and I had planned an insanely crazy day. I don’t typically accompany him on these types of trips, but today was an exception. You know, when you live in St. Johns, you have to make the most out of a trip to the Valley. We were to leave at 6 am. At 10 am we were to pick up some Christmas presents we had purchased, at 10:30 Scott dropped me off at my hair appointment, ran to Sam’s Club for a few things, and then took Faith to have her cast and pins removed. At 12:30, Scott dropped Faith off at my mother’s house and headed to meet his brothers in Maricopa to give his father, who had been ill, a blessing. Faith, my mom, and my sister met me at the hairdressers and we headed to lunch for my mother’s birthday.  Everything was working out as planned! So far, the day had gone off without a hitch.

On the home front things seemed to be going well, too! We had left Conner in charge, and he had it under control. He had a list of the “to and froms” that were necessary for everyone else to accomplish their tasks for the day and a list of emergency contacts “just in case.” Around 2 pm I received a phone call asking for permission for Ethan to accompany a friend to the rock quarry. My immediate response was, “Yes, of course!” You see, Ethan is our wild card. In a matter of speaking, he constantly mixes up the fruit basket at our house. You just never know how things are going to turn out when he’s around. I knew that being cooped up all day with his little sisters could be potentially disastrous. Remember, it was because of his helpfulness that we were headed to the Valley in the first place (Sister…wrestling…broken arm).  

After lunch, Faith and I headed back to my mom’s house to wait for Scott. Our appointed departure time was 3 pm. We had to get on the road to be back in St. Johns by 6:30 pm for Hope’s dance performance, and even that was pushing it. As we were making preparations to leave, I received a phone call. Ethan had fallen… he hit his head… the ambulance was on its way… MY HEART STOPPED. In situations like this I tend to downplay the seriousness of what has happened. For some reason this time, I couldn’t shake the uneasiness I felt inside.  Maybe it was because I was almost 4 hours away, and I was relying on others to care for my son until I returned, maybe it was the quiet whisper in my head that told me something was really wrong, maybe it was both. There is something terribly unnerving that happens to a parent when they feel like they cannot do anything to help their child. As I stood in my mother’s kitchen, I mentally grasped for things I knew to be true. Truth #1- God loves each of us. He loves Ethan, and He loves me. Truth #2- God has a plan for each of us. No matter what happens, God will give us the strength to be endure this trial if we accept His will. Truth #3- I can access God’s help through prayer. After taking a very long and deep breath, I issued a silent prayer. I asked God to send angels to bless and help Ethan and those who were assisting him. I prayed for peace and comfort; I prayed that I might be able to hold it together until I was able to get to him. Scott returned to my mom’s house a few minutes later, I explained the situation to him, and we were off. 

As we approached Fountain Hills, Scott asked me to call and find out if there was any more information available because soon the cell phone reception would be spotty at best. Luckily, we were able to make contact and found out that Ethan was going to be flown to Phoenix Children’s Hospital. We were also told that he had received a Priesthood blessing before being loaded into the helicopter. The helicopter medic explained that Ethan had fallen approximately 35-40 feet, had a laceration on his head that had bled profusely, that he had lost consciousness, and that when he came to, he had remained in a semi-conscious state. We also knew, that as a precautionary measure, the emergency response team sedated and then intubated him.  We immediately turned around and headed back to my parents’ house. 

After dropping Faith off with my mom, Scott, my Dad, and I climbed back into the car to head to the hospital, where we met my brother. After registering Ethan, the four of us were ushered into a little waiting room. I remember feeling grateful that I was surrounded by the most important men in my life. They are my rocks. A nurse entered the room and explained that Ethan had arrived and asked Scott and I to follow her. We exited the waiting room as Ethan was being wheeled passed us on the stretcher. He was pale. The emergency room nurse was squeezing the respirator that was sending oxygen into his lungs. He was wrapped in a foil blanket to keep warm. We entered the emergency trauma unit together. Approximately 30 doctors and resident doctors were in the room. 10 of them surrounded Ethan. The head ER doctor started shouting out orders and diagnoses that I didn’t understand.  I heard level one trauma… right side not responding… chest x-ray stat! These people worked together like a well-oiled machine.  I stood back in amazement. 10 minutes later we were following them into the room where he was to receive a CAT scan. The results would tell us if he needed emergency brain surgery.

By this time a whole new army of angels had stepped up to help our family, the good people in our little town of St. Johns, AZ! A multitude of prayers were being offered in our behalf. People were organizing and taking action. The girls had been picked up and fed. Hope’s hair was done, she was dressed like a princess, and taken to her performance. Dinner was brought in, our floors were mopped, the dishes were cleaned, and the pantry was stocked. We received calls and texts from numerous well-wishers. The outpouring was overwhelming and humbling. 

Ethan’s scan showed a skull fracture and a brain bleed also known as a hematoma. The epidural hematoma was on the borderline. If much more blood pooled inside his head, it would require brain surgery to drain it. Another scan was ordered to be completed 3 hours later. They stapled his laceration closed and sent us up to the intensive care unit. Ethan was still heavily sedated, and we still had no idea what the extent of his injuries were, but he had been responsive, (not verbally because he was still intubated) he had blinked his eyes and squeezed our hands to answer questions.  

The second scan showed a little more bleeding but not enough to require emergency surgery. The neurologists ordered another follow up scan for the following evening. The intensive care nurse was given orders to extubate Ethan which we were really excited about. Being able to breathe on his own meant that that hospital staff could start to wean him off all of the drugs they were administering. With less drugs in his system, the possibility that he would be more awake and aware was higher.  We were hoping that he would be able to tell us what happened. Unfortunately, (or fortunately depending how you look at it) he couldn’t recall anything that had happened just prior to his fall or anything that had happened to that point. The good news is that he could remember all other facts and miscellaneous information about his past. His brain was functioning properly! Prayers were being answered. 

The next day he awoke severely nauseous; every time he was moved, even the slightest bit, he vomited.  He was extremely sleepy and preferred to just be left alone. (Not that I blame him, he had been poked and prodded all night out of necessity). He hadn’t needed any pain medication since 10 pm and remained at about a 2 out of 10 on the pain scale, although he did complain of a headache when asked. The hospital staff continued to monitor him in the ICU for the duration of the day. 

As Ethan rested, I had the opportunity to process all that had taken place. Ethan’s fall wasn’t fatal. He was administered to at the sight of the accident by two worthy Priesthood holders that on all accounts should not have even been at the scene. They both work desk jobs for the Sheriff’s Department.  Angels on both sides of the veil were busily working for the benefit and betterment of my family. The six children that were alone in St. Johns, weren’t really alone. Earthly angels were attending to their needs. They were having a great time. In fact, they were being so well taken care of in our absence that when I called to visit with them they were so excited to tell me about all of the fun things they were doing that I hardly got a word in edgewise. According to the neurologists, Ethan’s head injury was in the perfect location. Had it been even an inch lower, they would have had to operate immediately, and the outcome of brain surgery is sketchy at best. The doctors emphasized that you just never know what the long term side effects will be when you are working with the brain. From all angles, it truly was a miracle that Ethan hadn’t been hurt worse.  Truth #4- Jesus is a God of Miracles! Ethan is proof that God honors the prayers of His people. I know that our journey had been blessed because of the cumulative prayers that had been uttered on his behalf. Our family and the good people of St. Johns provided the vehicle that accessed God’s power. To say that I was humbled by this outpouring in our behalf is a severe understatement.  Feeling completely in awe and overwhelmed by love, I wept. Truth #5- We were never expected to go through the trials of life alone. The collected faith of others will strengthen and lift you in your time of need. Words of comfort came flooding into my mind, “Those that are with you are more than those that are against you.”

Ethan awoke with a nasty headache the following morning. The MRI taken the night before showed extreme bruising of the brain but that the bleeding had stopped. He was diagnosed with a severe concussion which was causing his massive headache. We were also told that brain injuries often peak two days after the incident. So far though, with the exception of an angry headache, he performed well on all of his cognitive tests. Both sides of his body were responding normally. They decided that they could move him to a normal hospital room and continue to monitor him there. After getting settled in his new hospital room, we ordered him lunch which he ate and kept down. It was the first meal he had eaten in 48 hours. Because of all of the nausea, he had had no desire to eat.  His doctors assured us that if he could eat and drink, keep the food down that he consumed, and show that he could walk around without becoming too weary or dizzy, they would release him the following day. 

Ethan passed his physical therapy test. He was able to do everything that the doctor needed to see. He completed balance exercises, walked halls, and climbed stairs. It wore him out, though, and he slept for three hours afterwards. The next day the occupational therapist came in to make sure that Ethan could perform daily tasks normally. He had to show that he could dress and feed himself and use the bathroom on his own.  Thankfully, he didn’t struggle with any of these things. The final assessment he had to complete was to be given by the speech therapist. He had to read and answer questions both written and orally. They needed to assess his ability to process information. The speech pathologist explained that often after brain trauma thinking can become cumbersome. Thankfully, Ethan didn’t show any reason for concern. (Other than instead of naming pets and farm animals, he named all of the creatures in the sea).  After she left, Ethan took another long nap. He was still unable to do any activity for long lengths of time, but that was to be expected. At his release from the hospital the neurologist explained to him that his head was broken and, just like having a broken leg, he has to let it heal.  6-8 weeks of very limited activity were the doctor’s orders. We are so grateful, though, that it looks like he will have no residual side effects from his tumble. 

I know that the prayers that have been rendered in his behalf have made all of the difference. I have never in my life felt so strongly the presence and power of unseen hands healing, lifting, and blessing anyone. If the veil had been lifted for even a second, I know that I would have seen Ethan surrounded by angels. I love the song by Hillary Weeks that says, “I did what I could, I said a prayer.” I could never appropriately express my gratitude to all those that helped bring to pass this miracle. Thank you!! Thank you for helping me remember that 1. God loves each of us. 2. God has a plan for each of us. 3. I can access Gods help through prayer. 4. Jesus is a God of miracles! And 5. We are never expected to go through the trials of life alone. The collected faith of others will strengthen and lift you in your time of need.

Some people live in places where those around them are indifferent. They neither know nor care for their neighbors. We have been blessed to live in a tight knit community. One that has shown love for and rendered help to those in need. I am grateful to call this little town of “Friendly Neighbors” my home.

In the Midst of the Mom Rut by Jenn Frieden

I don’t know if anyone has told you this but life is hard. Being a parent is HARD! There are days that I think I have got this whole mom thing under control and it’s the best job in the whole wide world. Other days I feel like I am willing to take any OTHER job in the whole wide world just to get away from the responsibilities of motherhood and keeping our home running. How can it be possible to have so much joy and misery doing the exact same thing? 

I’ve always wanted a big family. In my adolescent mind I thought the crazier, louder, bigger family the better.  Now all I can think is “What was I thinking?” and “My poor mother!” I think we all have this ideal picture in our head of how our family and our life will be. Our expectations are that we will meet the man (woman) of our dreams, get married, have the perfect amount of beautiful brilliant children and all live in a beautifully clean home happily ever after. And then life happens and that picture is shattered into a thousand pieces of reality. Somedays I am that mother I saw in my mind doing crafts and taking my kids to the park. Somedays I am the mother I never knew existed doing the 17^th load of laundry and forgetting, again, that dinner happens every day. I find myself getting into the motherhood rut of doing the same things over and over again, existing in my life instead of living it. Then comes the added bonus of motherhood guilt for everything. I should be doing this. I could have done that better. Even on those good days where I did everything I was “supposed” to and my kids are all clean and sleeping in their own beds at the right time; no one knows about it. Where is my A+? Where is my gold star? I want a little acknowledgment and validation that I’m doing what I’m supposed to, and that I am doing a dang good job at it as well! I want to shout from my rooftop that today, I did my job right! But guess what?  I have to do it again tomorrow, and the result is most likely going to change. It’s an ongoing cycle of crazy and some days I just want to get out. 

It also doesn’t help that there are so many ways that I get to see other mothers doing a WAY better job than me at everything! I get to see kids with perfect outfits and hair expertly done, homes decorated to look like the magazines and dinners that belong in a resort style restaurant. Man, I suck at my job. 

How can we get out of the Mom Rut? How can I change my attitude so that I am living my life and not just existing?  I believe that in our darkest times the Lord sends us little rays of sunshine to point out what we are missing. Rosemary Wixom stated “Our divine nature has nothing to do with our personal accomplishments, the status we achieve, the number of marathons we run, or our popularity and self-esteem. Our divine nature comes from God.” This quote is one of these golden rays! What I do during every day is not changing my worth or value to the Lord. I am important to Him, not because I was that “perfect mother” I expected to be today, but because I was me. I might have been blinded by the 18^th load of laundry and dinner but my value in the Lords eyes has not changed. What better validation can I receive than from the creator of the universe? 

Can we stop with the unrealistic expectations of life? Can we stop comparing our weaknesses to someone else’s strengths? Can we stop putting so much pressure on ourselves that we can’t find any joy in our life? Can we all help each other, lift each other, and tell one another the positive instead of focusing on the negative? I, for one, don’t like feeling so overwhelmed that life just feels like a giant to do list. That’s not what God wants for us. I’ve had countless moms from this amazing community tell me they are going through the same things, and that is ok. That is more than ok. It makes me feel like my crazy is normal. 

In the “Family: A Proclamation to the World” released by the Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, it says “Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live.”  No pressure there! (Sarcasm) He has a plan and a purpose for each one of us. I, as a mom, am not more important than my children because I was born first in this world. “Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ.”  The Savior is the central role in this purpose and life and He should be the center of our marriages and families. Easier said than done, I’m afraid. But Elder Jeffrey Holland gives me another ray of hope when he said “Don’t give up… don’t you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead… It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come.”

Tenderfully Merciful by Stacy Waite

When the Jaredites FINALLY landed in the promised land, they immediately “bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.”  I’ve always loved the phrase ‘tender mercies’ because it so perfectly captures what I imagine my Heavenly Father to be. Tenderfully Merciful.

I’m not a writer, but I’ll share with you two of the greatest Tender Mercies that Heavenly Father ever granted to me.  He truly lives and loves His children and wants only what is best for us and what will get us back to Him.

My dad passed away 25 years ago this past December at the young age of 52.  I used to call him old all the time, but he really wasn’t.  He used to joke and say that it wasn’t the years, but the miles that aged you.  If that’s true, my dad had a lot of miles.

He was called to serve in the Vera Cruz, Mexico Mission.  He had only been serving for a few months when he drew the short straw and was elected to put up an antenna on top of their apartment building so they could listen to general conference on the radio.  He had just finished setting the antenna up and was dropping the cable down the side of the building when the wind caught the cable and it came in contact with a 240 volt power line.  The cable conducted the power directly to my dad who had it in his hands, knocking him unconscious.  He fell over the side of the 2 story building, some 25 feet to the concrete below.  He fortunately landed on his feet and he always said that he came to long enough to see his glasses go skidding across the sidewalk.  The electricity had gone to ground through his right leg and had severed the artery just below his calf muscle.  When he landed on the pavement, most of his weight was on his left leg and it both dislocated his knee and shattered the bone into 17 pieces between the knee and ankle.  The doctors were so worried about his left leg that they failed to notice the lack of circulation in his right foot and consequently they ended up amputating it just below the calf.  They removed 2 inches of bone from his left leg as it was so broken up they couldn’t piece it back together.  Needless to say, he was pretty banged up.  He stayed in the hospital in Mexico City for several months.  When he was well enough to leave the hospital, he still couldn’t travel and convalesced at the home of the ambassador for the US to Mexico, Dean Tyler.  Brother Tyler and his wife were kind enough to allow my dad to stay there several more months, until he was well enough to travel back to St. Johns.  The Tyler’s and my grandparents corresponded frequently and for years after dad came home they continued to send Christmas cards to one another.  Over the decades though, the Tyler’s and my grandparents lost contact with one another.

President Gordon B. Hinckley was the Assistant to the Quorum of the Twelve at that time and was the liaison between the mission and my grandparents and church headquarters.  I didn’t know this until we were living in Idaho 15 years ago. I found some letters between him and my grandparents from the time of the accident.  President Hinckley was the prophet by then and I thought it would be neat to write him a letter to see if he remembered what happened to my dad down there, so I did.  I explained who I was and summarized the accident and then told him that dad had passed away 10 years prior and at the time of his passing he was a full tithe payer, had his home teaching done, and was a worthy temple recommend holder.  To my surprise, he had his personal assistant respond to my letter.  He did remember my dad and the accident and was happy to hear that my dad was faithful till the end.  This is tender mercy #1.

Fast forward a few decades…

My dad died on December 5^th, 1991.  Almost a year later, to the date, I reported to the MTC to prepare to  serve my own mission in the Missouri Independence Mission in Kansas City, Kansas.  When I had been out a few months, I was assigned to the Olathe Branch in a suburb of KC, KS which was a tiny congregation of about 25 people.  It was very intimate, to say the least.  I had been serving there for a couple of months and I had just received the news that I would be leaving and serving in another area.  Fortunately the Sunday before transfers was a fast Sunday and I was able to share my testimony with the branch one last time and let them know I was leaving.  I noticed a new couple in the back of the room we were meeting in.  We didn’t get visitors very often and the Spirit whispered that I needed to talk to them. So I did.  I introduced myself to them:

“Hello, I’m Elder Waite.”

“Hello Elder Waite”, the man replied, “Where are you from?”

I gave my standard answer, “A tiny, little town in Arizona, I doubt you’ve heard of it.”

He said, “Try me”, so I told him…”St. Johns”.  I could tell he recognized it and confirmed it by saying that he knew exactly where St. Johns was.

“Who are your grandparents?” he asked me.  I told him my grandparents were Edward and LaRue Waite.  His eyes started to sparkle a little as he told me that he knew them.  I was at a loss.

“Who are your parents?” he continued.  “Richard and Beverly Waite”, I said proudly.  He really started to cry and said that he knew my dad.  “My name is Dean Tyler”, he said, and I had heard his name before, but never the story behind it.  So he told me all about the accident that my dad had while he was on his mission.  We embraced and the tears flowed freely.  I was able to give him my home address and my grandmother LaRue’s address so they could reconnect after so many decades.

I had many reservations about going on a mission since my dad was gone.  I really felt like I was abandoning my mom in a time that she really needed me.  I know now that serving a mission was the most important thing for me to do at that time.  I never would have met the Tyler’s and experienced one of the most comforting, testimony building, and divine tender mercies ever.

Countdown to Christlike Resolutions by Suzanne Hancock

10! Lepers were healed by Jesus; nine did not thank Him. BE THE ONE WHO IS GRATEFUL.

9! He left the ninety and nine when one sheep was missing. BE THE ONE WHO RESCUES OTHERS.

8! Days after His resurrection, Thomas had to see and feel to believe in the risen Christ. BE THE ONE WHO DOES NOT DOUBT.

7! Times seventy is the number the Lord gave for us to forgive others. BE THE ONE WHO FORGIVES WITHOUT EVEN COUNTING.

6! Days for God to create the world, one to rest. BE THE ONE WHO KEEPS HIS DAY HOLY.

5! Loaves and two fishes fed the multitude. BE THE ONE WHO NOURISHES OTHERS.

4! Quarters of the earth for Israel's gathering. BE THE ONE WHO IS READY FOR HIS COMING.

3! Days that Mary and Joseph looked for twelve-year-old Jesus. BE THE ONE WHO IS ABOUT OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN'S BUSINESS.

2! Great commandments. BE THE ONE WHO LOVES GOD AND LOVES HIS CHILDREN.

1! Every one that asketh receiveth. BE THE ONE WHO PRAYS.

Gaining Light by Eileen Burgoyne

As we celebrate this glorious season of Christmas, we find many “symbols” that remind us of the true meaning of the season.  Candy canes, evergreen trees, stars, wreaths, bells, the holly and berries, and even the gifts we give each other.  All play a part in this magical time of year that is Christmas.  I think my favorite symbol of all, though, are the lights.  Beautiful colored lights are everywhere, casting their radiant glow on our homes, Christmas trees, and towns.  The lights, of course, are in remembrance of our Savior, the “Light of the World,” Jesus Christ.  

When our children were little, we loved bundling them up in their pajamas and blankets and piling into the car to go on a little tour of the St. Johns’ town lights.  Some of the best light displays were in our very own downtown neighborhood.  Dale and Ruth Davis’ house was especially amazing every year, and the “Hansen Mansion” (as my kids called it), with its lollipop decorations, was also a favorite, as well as the court house.  Down the street was Bev and Larry Heap’s house, complete with Santa and his sleigh on the front lawn.  All of the houses on that street were well lit, as well as many across town, and we would continue our tour, driving up and down the streets of our little town.  We would ooh and aah and sing Christmas carols on the way and then come home and warm up with hot cocoa.

When I was a little girl, we would do the same type of Christmas “light tour” in the small town where I grew up, but many of my cherished Christmas memories centered on being in my grandparents’ home.  Cousins would come from far and near at this time of year, and there was always lots of good food and fun and singing around the piano and telling stories.  I loved being in my grandparents’ home, and I loved their Christmas trees, for they were always decorated with those old fashioned “bubble lights” which provided small children endless wonderment.  I still remember those lights fondly and with great feelings of nostalgia. How fun it was to sit in their cozy family room with the lights dimmed and watch the bubble lights on the tree do their thing, while listening to stories of Christmases long ago, and hear the laughter and music and feel the love surrounding me. I knew even at that young age, that the gospel of Jesus Christ was the source of our joy and happiness and that He was indeed the Light of the World.  

In recent years, I have become intrigued with the concept of gaining light and knowledge, and how we must all gain as much light in this world as we can, so that we can share it and bring others to the knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

 A couple of years ago, around this time of year, my sister invited me to a Mesa, AZ Temple fireside where she was accompanying the choir on her flute. I was thrilled to be in town and to be able to attend the fireside.  The music was beautiful, and I thoroughly enjoyed it, but the highlight of the evening for me ended up being the speaker, Elder Larry R. Lawrence and the talk he gave on “Light” and more specifically “Accumulating Light”.  He emphasized the importance of gaining light in our lives and gave 5 specific ways to do so.  I will briefly summarize them, but if interested, you can find the complete talk in the March 2016 Ensign under the title “The Light of the Perfect Day”.  Here are his ideas:

1. Learn to love.  Love God and others. Develop charity; serve more, love more.  It’s why missionaries glow—full time service is rewarded with great spiritual light.
2. Invest in scripture study.  If you want to grow spiritually you have to feed your spirit by feasting on the word of God.  Take time to memorize important scriptures.  Elder Richard G. Scott said that “scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds.  Memorized scriptures become a gift you give yourself—a gift that keeps on giving more and more light.”
3. Go and Do…Obey the commandments, and as you discover truth and apply it, you will gain more light.  
4. Hearken to the Holy Ghost.  This is one way President Monson has gained so much light.  He has learned to follow the impressions that have come to him.  “Every one that hearkeneth to the voice of the Spirit cometh unto God” (D&C 84:47).
5. Serve in the Temple.  Elder Lawrence says there is so much light and truth to be gained from temple service that the temple may be referred to as the University of the Lord.  Consider yourself blessed if you are able to bask in this heavenly light on a regular basis.  

What a great time of year to reflect on the Light of the World, our Savior Jesus Christ, and to learn of Him and His gospel.  By doing so we will be more fully prepared to serve and bring others to the great truths found in His gospel and be able to lead others to the happiness found therein.

Gifts of Love Keep on Giving by Karen Boyle

During a recent phone call with my aunt, I was reminded of long ago days. My Aunt Eleanor and her husband were the reason I arrived in Arizona more than forty-two years ago. I tagged along with friends for a two-week vacation from the blustery winter cold of Northwestern Ohio. That vacation hasn't ended. Aunt Eleanor relocated to Alabama several years later after she and Uncle Art retired. They had a good life and enjoyed fishing and other recreational activities with friends in the area. A few years ago, Uncle Art died, leaving my aunt alone with no family in the immediate area. No family within nearby states even. Loneliness was evident in her voice as we visited together over the phone.

During the course of the call, the upcoming Christmas season became a topic of conversation. She asked if I remembered the 'puffy reindeer and sleigh set' I had made her. Of course I did. It was a set of ceramic figurines that I had made and given her. When I first relocated from the Phoenix metro area to St. Johns, the only people I knew were Jack and Ivy Anderson. Ivy taught school and Jack worked at CGS, where I was also working. It was a terribly lonely existence. After work and on days off, I would stop and visit Lillian Pulsipher at her ceramic shop. I enjoyed visiting with her and others who would stop into the shop while I was working with my hands to create gifts for others. I was reminded of such gifts as I talked on the phone. 

Sadly, my aunt has lost many of the items special to her due to tragedies beyond her control. As we talked and she reflected on the little puffy reindeer and sleigh set, she suddenly exclaimed that her small ceramic scene of Christ at Gethsemane that I had made for her also survived. The joy she felt could be heard in her voice. As her loneliness subsided during our call, I could sense my own joy increasing. The time I had spent, so many years ago, easing my own loneliness was now a source of comfort to someone else, someone so special, someone lonely. I can imagine it is the same comfort felt when admiring a painting, a quilt, a pillow, or other gift created by a loved one.

I am grateful for the thorns of my own loneliness. I am grateful for the Christmas season when we can celebrate the birth of our Savior and reflect on all He has done for each of us. We can grow and learn from His example and serve one another. We can find joy when we strive to ease the loneliness of others.

My Grown-up Christmas Wish by Shelly Finch

Recently, the Church introduced a campaign this Christmas season to help us serve others just as the Savior did. It’s titled, “Light the World.” It challenges us to serve those around us in 25 days, in 25 ways. The Savior is the only true example of love and service. He healed the sick, prayed for and ministered to the children, visited the lonely, fed the hungry, clothed the naked, showed compassion, and forgave others.  These are just a few of the selfless things He did. 

This Christmas season, I personally have accepted the “Light the World” challenge to serve those around me for the next 25 days, but I don’t want it to stop there. I want it to continue!  I want the spirit of Christmas to last all year long. I want to be a small light in this dark world. As we turn on our Christmas tree lights or the lights on our houses, I want to be a light to those around me. I want them to see the pure love of Christ when they see me.

As a child, I remember sitting down and looking at the tree and wishing that the things I sent to Santa on my list would be there Christmas morning.  This year, I sit in front of my Christmas tree with a wishful heart of a more grown up Christmas. I am asking for each of us to look outside of ourselves for a moment, put our phones down, and enjoy time with our families.  Smile and say hello to a stranger on the street; look at people the way Christ does; take a break from social media; wake up each day with a thankful heart.  One day’s challenge states, “Jesus lifted others burdens, so can you.”  I am truly humbled to take part in this challenge. I love my Savior. I want to be more like Him, not only this holiday season, but every day.  I hope to become closer to Him as I learn more about how He lived and taught.  I hope you will accept the “Light the World” challenge and spread your light to all of those around you and make this your grown up Christmas wish.