Re: Max's Final 2013 letter

I'm so glad Richard has Tori. I'm sure it was Richards idea and only tori is good enough to go along with it! I love those two!  Loved the letter mom! 

Week 41 - Letter from Spain (Elder Max) - Happy New Years! :)

Week 41 - Max - Happy New Years! :)

 

Hola familia!

 

It was so fun to see all of you on Christmas! I hope you all enjoyed the skype session as much as I did. It was fun to see all of you and Im so glad that the conference call worked so that I could see all of you! It was especially fun getting to see Easton! After 9 months of not seeing her, the best thing I could come up with was "I like your glasses." hahaha

 

 I hope the day turned out good! Im excited to read your letters and see what yaĺls plans are for new years! Are you going to St. George? I hope you liked the glasses. haha The truth is I rarely even wear them! haha But I wanted to look more like a missionary with them!

 

Well 2013 is almost over! And it is crazy how fast it has flown by. But I also look at it and think of how much has happened in this year. 2013 has been one of the craziest years with the most changes in my life.

• January - Turned 19, went through the temple!
• February - Wrote a song, "Sprinklers," for Easton on Valentines day :)
• March - Left for Madrid, Spain. Companions with Elder Curtis.
• April - Learned Spanish in the CCM. Grew to love futbol.
• May - Entered the mission field with Elder Peroni in Malaga. Learned more spanish in a week with him than I did 6 weeks in the CCM
• June - Companions with Elder Gomez. Learned how to work hard. Spanish continued to increase. Finished my training
• July - Moved to Cordoba with Elder Rojas. Enjoyed my time with all the beautiful scenery and the 50 degree whether!
• August - Worked as best as I could with Elder Rojas. Helped many MAs come back to church. Grew closer to the branch.
• September - Trained Elder Guarcax with Elder Rojas. Worked hard at getting used to teaching with three people. Piso CRAMED with 3 elders. But native food cooked for me everyday! :) Spanish continued to increase
• October - Finished up Elder Guarcaxs training. Met Manuel and helped him come to church. (Side note, he has had a fecha for a while and Elder Guarcax told me he is planning on being baptized soon!) Had a fun Halloween activity with the primary. Elder Guarcax and I grew to become way good friends
• November - Continued working hard with Elder Guarcax. Said goodbyes to all my good friends from Cordoba, Manuel, Ramona, Martin, Heberson, Miriam, Tiffany, Kimberly, Juan Pareja, etc etc
• December - Moved to Granada as ZL. LOVED Christmas with my good pals Elder Ericson, Elder Gonzo, and Elder Sykes. We have enjoyed our time together and are super sad that transfers are ending next week! Its flown by!

 

So there ya have it! A great, yet crazy year of 2013. I have learned more in this year than any other year. And I know that I will just continue to learn as I go through these experiences on my mission.

 

I know that the Lord gives us these experiences to help us grow. We are here to learn. We are here to prepare. If we do what He wants, we will live with Him again someday.

I encourage everyone for this next year to set some good goals. GOals that stretch you, but arent impossible. Write them down. And then....GO FOR THEM! WORK ON THEM!!! ACCOMPLISH THEM!!!

(side note...if you cant tell...there is motivational music playing in the Locurtorio right now...thats the reason for this letter ;) )

 

Anyways, I know that as we do this, the Lord will be pleased with us ad He will help us accomplish what we need to. We have experiences to feel the joy of what we will feel after this life.

 

Alma 34:31-32

 

I love you all! Thank you for your support!

I am loving life out here.

Carry on, A vencer!

I love yaĺl

Re: Max's Final 2013 letter

Loved the fun letter! But I'm frustrated that now I'm craving Abs chili cheese fries! What a ridiculous craving for 1:30 am!!

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 29, 2013, at 10:44 PM, Wendy Bassett <wendy.bassett@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> Hi Max,
>
> I'm sitting here at the counter, gazing at the Christmas tree, wondering where the season went. The house is quiet with dad downstairs writing and Rosey gone to spend the night at Ambers. I really can't believe how fast the season zipped by. I have got to figure when to take the tree and decorations down. Usually I am sick of them by now, but not this year. I must be getting old because time is going too fast!
>
> What a wonderful season it has been! Here's a blow by blow of the week.
>
> Monday I worked only a half day. Thankfully the other PT aide was willing to fill in for the afternoon. I finished Christmas shopping at Target. I actually sat in the parking lot and read your letter before I went in the store. I just bawled. Don't worry. They were tears of joy for how happy and joyful you sounded. I loved that you were sincerely enjoying your Christmas in Spain. That made me so happy and grateful. I always love your letters. Every little detail!
>
> Monday night was the big Bassett Christmas party at Bruce and Jeannie's. With many of Diane's kids and with Eddie and Kisti in town and most of Sid's family, there were about 60 people together for a soup dinner and the nativity out in the barn. Thankfully it was not a freezing night. The highlight for me was not even on the program. After the closing prayer we begged Bob to lead us in Jingle Bells, as only Bob can. I don't know why I get such a kick out of that (his exaggerated mixed tempo) but I do. Loved it!
>
> Tuesday we worked until noon. After my boss Wade quoted Scrooge (something about "a poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every 25th of December") we were out the door. (side note: Wade is very generous and not a Scrooge at all. He is great to work for and very generous. I just wished he liked to take more time off!). Yorgasons had their Christmas Eve party with lamb roast, potatoes and gravy and peas. We did the nativity program with Ivy as Mary and Ben as Joseph. Poor Joseph was trying to be so kind and gentle to Mary who wanted nothing to do with him and would hardly let him even look at the baby! And Caroline was a very tall shepherd. Very fun party. Then dad, Rosey and I watched The Nativity movie before going to bed.
>
> Wednesday - Christmas! Obviously the highlight was talking to you and seeing you on the big screen. I'm thinking you, perhaps, were turned into Easton's screen, but we all love you just the same. It was a glorious hour (after a frustrating half hour of trying to get everything up and going). Actually I loved sitting in dad's office and seeing what was going on upstairs, too. Maybe I should install cameras in the house. You looked and sounded great!! So happy. Fun to meet your companion, too. Then we had our family gifts (Christmas morning in the afternoon) and since grandma Winder only did slush (no big dinner) that evening, I actually cooked a roast and had sandwiches. It was a lovely day. Grandma said she will save up your money and give it to you when you get home. That's how she has always done with missionaries. So you have $50 coming your way!
>
> Thursday I had to return to work and if that wasn't hard enough, I had to take a COLD shower. Brrrr the water heater had died. Thankfully Nick's family was still here and could meet the plumber (who happened to be Will Stott who works for Josh Tidwell) and it was taken care of before I got home for lunch. I DO NOT like cold showers and I got right on that one!
>
> Friday was another big party /sleepover night with all the family. We ate pizza and played the new game Applegates gave us for Christmas and just visited and had fun. Dad gave me a massager thing that was the highlight of my party. We watched some of the BYU bowl game, which they lost.
>
> Saturday. Sadly I don't think most of the kids or moms got much sleep. We ate a French toast breakfast and people were on their way. Dad, Rosey and the boys and I went to help Janey and Warner move. You know how much I love organizing things. Seriously, I thoroughly enjoyed unpacking and working on the kitchen. It didn't make me want to move or anything. I just don't mind organizing other peoples stuff. Their new place looks brand new and they have a two car garage and a washer and dryer and live only 20 minutes away. Fun! Fun!
>
> Okay my funny story for Saturday was from Tori. In the evening she came to borrow a movie and told me how she and Richard had purchased a new chaise sofa that day from RC Willey. Because it was on clearance they could not return it. When they got it home they couldn't fit it through the door. They wanted to put it in their spare bedroom to make it a reading room. So then they tried the window. They were so close to squeezing it in but it just wouldn't fit. So . . . . they decided to take out the whole window frame (like the caulking, down to the brick) and then it fit! She had made numerous trips to Home Depot for supplies (and to Ab's for food) to keep everyone happy. I mean who takes out their entire window? Who even considers it? I asked her how they will ever get the sofa out and she laughed and said it was green and will work perfectly someday when they turn the room into a nursery! And then someday they will sell it WITH the house. I don't know why but it struck me so funny. Only Richard!
>
> Okay, this is turning into the longest letter in history. Did I tell you how great it was to visit with you? I loved, loved, loved it. And I love, love, love you. Keep that happy spirit. Keep stretching and growing and working hard. We will continue to pray for you and for the folks in Granada and it's pueblos!
>
> Sure love you.
> Mom
>
>
>
>
> Sent from my iPad
>
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "BWBassetts" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to bwbassetts+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
> For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

Merry Christmas 2013

Merry Christmas Max. I hope yours was a great one. We loved seeing and talking to you on Christmas day and hope that you got as much out of it as we all did. I felt bad for you as we hung up. I remember that feeling, and as sad as I think we all were to hang up and know we wouldn't get to talk to you again for months, I know the pain you probably felt was even worse. I remember hanging up sometimes and just feeling energized and happy that things had gone well and other times when it just felt like a punch in the stomach to hang up. Let's hope this was the former for you. :)

Well the first and most important news is that we lied to you. Sorry Max. It couldn't be helped. You were not the first person we had to lie outright to, but you were the last. You asked if we knew whether our baby would be a boy or a girl yet and we said we didn't know, that we would find out in January. Well, that was the plan, but as a Christmas surprise we paid some extra money to find out early. Unfortunately the call with you was BEFORE we had ceremonially sounded it to the family (via pink balloons that floated up out of a huge box when someone opened the lid), so we could not answer your blunt question truthfully. Well, if you'll forgive us, I'll give you the good news now: we're having a GIRL!!! It might have been nice to round things off with a boy since we are planning this to be our last, but we couldn't be happier to have another sweet little girl. So she'll be waiting to meet you when you get home. In fact, if she's anything like the other kids, she may almost be able to say your name by the time you get home (though she'll be months away from walking... :)

Other than that, our Christmas was wonderful. I had a great time skiing with NIck and the cousins. We didn't make it sledding, but we had a great time at the Bassett adult party on Friday and helping J&W move. It's been a super fun week. 

I spoke in church today and felt like it went pretty well. Kristi and Ben have been sick so they weren't able to come and hear me, unfortunately. It has been fun hanging around the house with the kids this week and playing with their new games and toys. One sad thing is that my laptop charger went out, so I've had to do everything I would normally do on my computer (write the talk, write this letter, etc.) On my phone. Yes, I've typed this whole thing with one hand by sliding my thumb around. But hey, it could be worse. I could have an iPhone and have had to type it on that! (That little dig on iPhones is mostly meant for Nick and Kristi because I'm always bragging how I like my Android phone more! :)

Anyway, as much as I like the Swype keyboard, having to type like this may still be the one thing that forces me to be more brief in writing. I'll close off now, but know that we love you and think about you often. 

Love,

Blaine

Sent via the Samsung GALAXY S®4, an AT&T 4G LTE smartphone

Nick final 2013

Dear Max,

I was tempted to not write tonight since you're pretty aware of what's been going on the last week, and considering I'm over at Morris's, but when I saw Janey write the day after she moved into a new place, I knew I had no excuse.

So, really quickly, here are some of the highlights from the last week.

-Skiing with Blaine, Clay, James, Caroline, and Aimee newton. We went night skiing at Brighton and had a blast. We went and got Thai food after. Everyone was at a pretty similar ski level for the routes that were open anyway, and we had a great time!
-We went up tubing at the cabin with rose and Loui and James and Karen. There wasn't really enough snow to go tubing, so we just slid down the hill and had a great time. Seriously, when you got on the sled just right you could almost make it all the way down to the moons cabin. It was awesome.
-We had a fun games night the night of the tubing where all the siblings came over and we played a fun game with just the adults. We talked after for a while and then watched the sad BYU game where we got creamed. It was so much fun to get to just be with the family. We will be very excited to get you back as part of the party!
-Last night we had a similar type of thing with the Morris family. Nice mom and dad watched the boys and all Stef's siblings and parents went out to dinner and came back and watched the great and powerful oz. It is always really fun just getting to hang out with the adults.
-We had a great time visiting with you on Christmas. I hope I wasn't too distracting bringing all of those random things into the picture. I just thought it might be fun to see some familiar things. It was great to hear your voice. We were all saying how mature you seem to have become. Way to go!
-Church was great today. We attended Stef's parents ward which is always great. I'm the unofficial priesthood pianist and everyone always loves when I'm there to play. One of the lessons was on acceptance. It reminded me of a letter that mom wrote me when I was about where you are on your mission (coming up on a year). She said that of all of the people you work with (missionaries, investigators, senior couples and your mission president, etc.) you really don't need to try and impress any of them. The only person you really need to make sure is satisfied with your work and your sacrifice is The Lord. If he's satisfied, everything else is as it should be. I don't know why that struck me so much as a missionary, but it's stuck with me all these years. Don't worry so much about impressing anyone besides our Heavenly Father.

We sure love you Max. Always be good.

Nick

Sent from my iPad

Elder Bassett, 

It was so fun to see you and talk with you on Skype.  You look truly happy which is awesome and to be expected of one who is putting his whole heart into the work.  We are so proud of you.  Everyone was so excited to talk to you and we hope that is just one more affirmation of how many people are rooting for ya! 

We have had a blast up in SL and are always amazed at how quickly the time flies by.  Pretty soon we will have to head back to real life in the sunny St. George which although pretty sunny, its missing all of our favorite people!  

Nick and I are having a mini get a way tomorrow, complete with shopping in Park City, meals out to eat and some down time without kids.  We are hoping to squeeze the temple in as well.  Should be renewing :).  

We have loved watching the kids get their gifts and give their gifts.  It is super fulfilling to plan and try so hard to find them the perfect things, especially when they are pleased with them.  More than that though is watching them try to be kinder and seeing them bond and spend time with all the family!  We are getting trunky to be up here with everyone.  All in the Lord's time though.  

Well its getting late and we need to pack for our mini vacation.  Sure love ya Max, have a great week and a Happy New Year! 

-Stef

Week 41 - Dad - Happy New Year

Week 41 - Dad - Happy New Year

Sunday, December 29, 2013

9:51 PM

 

Dear missionary son - o - mine,

 

What a wonderful week we have enjoyed with our family.  I'm sure mom and sibs will describe each and every party.  So I won't go into all the details I can remember.  But I do want to bear testimony that when we celebrate Christmas, we are not only Celebrating the birth of a baby, we are celebrating our own salvation.  And I have had the opportunity to feel the gratitude for these blessings this week.

 

Many events were notable and wonderful - but here's a couple to consider…

 

• Rosey's pinata.  It is a wonderful tradition, not only because it brings delight to the kids, but because it brings such joy to Rosey to have something SHE can do to delight us all.  I love watching her take such joy in her connection to the family.
• French Toast breakfast after everyone slept over.
• Having the kids over to play "Battleship" on the computer
• Lamb at Yorgasons
• Nativity scene out at Bruce and Jeannies followed up by a specatcularly conducted rendition of 'Jingle bells' Bobby style.
• Lunch at Wingers with my brothers
• Dinner with couples (tomorrow night) with our senior class family
• Finding out the Kristi and Blaine are expecting a baby GIRL
• Mom's wonderful (traditional) breakfast at our house with the Yorgs, Ted Winders, and Sister Missionaries
• Watching edited versions of Zero Dark Thirty and 2Guns

 

But the biggest joy was to get all these kids (including Easton) on the computers with you and talk about your mission.  I hope that the joy you felt was as uplifting and strengthening to you as it was for me.  I have been on a cloud since that call.  IT just made the holiday so much more wonderful knowing you were in a good place.

 

So Merry Christmas!  And this week, we hope you have a Happy New Year.

 

As far as gifts go, Mom and I are going on a Cruise with the Bassett Senior class.  We go in february and are so excited to go.  I gave mom an amazing back and shoulder massager.  I got some new clothes, shows and a bunch of DVDs.  I also loved all the other kids gifts including treats, gift certificates, etc.

 

Spiritual Thought:

Theodore Roosevelt said something that has come to be known as 'The Man in the Arena':

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.

 

You are the man in the arena.  So hang in there.  Don't be bothered by critics (you meet everyday) who try to make you feel small for doing such an amazing work.  It is the Lord's work.

 

Scripture:

When we study the birth of christ, it is difficult to understand why the angels were given guard and the angels rejoiced.  Why?  Because this act of salvation led to ultimate joy and love.  May we remember that during the new year.  When we celebrate Christmas...we celebrate only the things that our savior could do for us….save us.

 

1 Nephi 11: 16-23

And he said unto me: Knowest thou the condescension of God? And I said unto him: I know that he loveth his children; nevertheless, I do not know the meaning of all things. And he said unto me: Behold, the virgin whom thou seest is the mother of the Son of God, after the manner of the flesh. And it came to pass that I beheld that she was carried away in the Spirit; and after she had been carried away in the Spirit for the space of a time the angel spake unto me, saying: Look! And I looked and beheld the virgin again, bearing a child in her arms. And the angel said unto me: Behold the Lamb of God, yea, even the Son of the Eternal Father! Knowest thou the meaning of the dtree which thy father saw? And I answered him, saying: Yea, it is the love of God, which sheddeth itself abroad in the hearts of the children of men; wherefore, it is the most desirable above all things. And he spake unto me, saying: Yea, and the most joyous to the soul.

 

May you, who are uniquely qualified to teach, preach, and baptize find miracles and success.

 

Love Dad

--

 

Bret Bassett 

Bret Bassett  - PMP | International Product Manager |

4268 Sherm Circle West Valley City UT. 84120

Home: 801.968-0760 | Cell: 801.815.5860 | bretbassett@gmail.com

 

Max's Final 2013 letter

Hi Max,

I'm sitting here at the counter, gazing at the Christmas tree, wondering where the season went. The house is quiet with dad downstairs writing and Rosey gone to spend the night at Ambers. I really can't believe how fast the season zipped by. I have got to figure when to take the tree and decorations down. Usually I am sick of them by now, but not this year. I must be getting old because time is going too fast!

What a wonderful season it has been! Here's a blow by blow of the week.

Monday I worked only a half day. Thankfully the other PT aide was willing to fill in for the afternoon. I finished Christmas shopping at Target. I actually sat in the parking lot and read your letter before I went in the store. I just bawled. Don't worry. They were tears of joy for how happy and joyful you sounded. I loved that you were sincerely enjoying your Christmas in Spain. That made me so happy and grateful. I always love your letters. Every little detail!

Monday night was the big Bassett Christmas party at Bruce and Jeannie's. With many of Diane's kids and with Eddie and Kisti in town and most of Sid's family, there were about 60 people together for a soup dinner and the nativity out in the barn. Thankfully it was not a freezing night. The highlight for me was not even on the program. After the closing prayer we begged Bob to lead us in Jingle Bells, as only Bob can. I don't know why I get such a kick out of that (his exaggerated mixed tempo) but I do. Loved it!

Tuesday we worked until noon. After my boss Wade quoted Scrooge (something about "a poor excuse for picking a man's pocket every 25th of December") we were out the door. (side note: Wade is very generous and not a Scrooge at all. He is great to work for and very generous. I just wished he liked to take more time off!). Yorgasons had their Christmas Eve party with lamb roast, potatoes and gravy and peas. We did the nativity program with Ivy as Mary and Ben as Joseph. Poor Joseph was trying to be so kind and gentle to Mary who wanted nothing to do with him and would hardly let him even look at the baby! And Caroline was a very tall shepherd. Very fun party. Then dad, Rosey and I watched The Nativity movie before going to bed.

Wednesday - Christmas! Obviously the highlight was talking to you and seeing you on the big screen. I'm thinking you, perhaps, were turned into Easton's screen, but we all love you just the same. It was a glorious hour (after a frustrating half hour of trying to get everything up and going). Actually I loved sitting in dad's office and seeing what was going on upstairs, too. Maybe I should install cameras in the house. You looked and sounded great!! So happy. Fun to meet your companion, too. Then we had our family gifts (Christmas morning in the afternoon) and since grandma Winder only did slush (no big dinner) that evening, I actually cooked a roast and had sandwiches. It was a lovely day. Grandma said she will save up your money and give it to you when you get home. That's how she has always done with missionaries. So you have $50 coming your way!

Thursday I had to return to work and if that wasn't hard enough, I had to take a COLD shower. Brrrr the water heater had died. Thankfully Nick's family was still here and could meet the plumber (who happened to be Will Stott who works for Josh Tidwell) and it was taken care of before I got home for lunch. I DO NOT like cold showers and I got right on that one!

Friday was another big party /sleepover night with all the family. We ate pizza and played the new game Applegates gave us for Christmas and just visited and had fun. Dad gave me a massager thing that was the highlight of my party. We watched some of the BYU bowl game, which they lost.

Saturday. Sadly I don't think most of the kids or moms got much sleep. We ate a French toast breakfast and people were on their way. Dad, Rosey and the boys and I went to help Janey and Warner move. You know how much I love organizing things. Seriously, I thoroughly enjoyed unpacking and working on the kitchen. It didn't make me want to move or anything. I just don't mind organizing other peoples stuff. Their new place looks brand new and they have a two car garage and a washer and dryer and live only 20 minutes away. Fun! Fun!

Okay my funny story for Saturday was from Tori. In the evening she came to borrow a movie and told me how she and Richard had purchased a new chaise sofa that day from RC Willey. Because it was on clearance they could not return it. When they got it home they couldn't fit it through the door. They wanted to put it in their spare bedroom to make it a reading room. So then they tried the window. They were so close to squeezing it in but it just wouldn't fit. So . . . . they decided to take out the whole window frame (like the caulking, down to the brick) and then it fit! She had made numerous trips to Home Depot for supplies (and to Ab's for food) to keep everyone happy. I mean who takes out their entire window? Who even considers it? I asked her how they will ever get the sofa out and she laughed and said it was green and will work perfectly someday when they turn the room into a nursery! And then someday they will sell it WITH the house. I don't know why but it struck me so funny. Only Richard!

Okay, this is turning into the longest letter in history. Did I tell you how great it was to visit with you? I loved, loved, loved it. And I love, love, love you. Keep that happy spirit. Keep stretching and growing and working hard. We will continue to pray for you and for the folks in Granada and it's pueblos!

Sure love you.
Mom




Sent from my iPad

Re: Christmas - Nick

It's so crazy that you already know your grades nick! Congrats! Law grades don't come out for months! Like seriously in march or something. 

Sent from my iPhone

On Dec 24, 2013, at 9:07 AM, Janey Nielsen <janeybassett@gmail.com> wrote:

Congrats nick! What a wonderful Christmas present! 

On Sunday, December 22, 2013, Nick Bassett wrote:

Dear Max,

Merry Christmas! In elders quorum today they had us each tell a favorite Christmas experience and I of course had to share about my first Christmas in the mission. What a wonderful, memorable time. Very very different from the rest, but wonderfully unique. I hope you make memories this Christmas that will stick with you the rest of your life.

We just finished (as I'm sure you'll hear from everyone tonight) our annual BAWB party. We had a great time doing chimes, enjoying funny kid interactions, kid gift exchange, spiritual movies, and of course the legendary piñata.  I have to say, I'm so impressed particularly with Rose and her help with the kids.

Well, I've been talking to Blaine for an hour now and it's starting to get late. We sure love you and are oh so proud of you. I guess one thing that is some good news is I finished my semester and got all "A's". Yippee!


Love you and have a Merry Christmas!

Nick

Sent from my iPhone

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "BWBassetts" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to bwbassetts+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "BWBassetts" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to bwbassetts+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

Re: Christmas - Nick

Congrats nick! What a wonderful Christmas present! 

On Sunday, December 22, 2013, Nick Bassett wrote:

Dear Max,

Merry Christmas! In elders quorum today they had us each tell a favorite Christmas experience and I of course had to share about my first Christmas in the mission. What a wonderful, memorable time. Very very different from the rest, but wonderfully unique. I hope you make memories this Christmas that will stick with you the rest of your life.

We just finished (as I'm sure you'll hear from everyone tonight) our annual BAWB party. We had a great time doing chimes, enjoying funny kid interactions, kid gift exchange, spiritual movies, and of course the legendary piñata.  I have to say, I'm so impressed particularly with Rose and her help with the kids.

Well, I've been talking to Blaine for an hour now and it's starting to get late. We sure love you and are oh so proud of you. I guess one thing that is some good news is I finished my semester and got all "A's". Yippee!


Love you and have a Merry Christmas!

Nick

Sent from my iPhone

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "BWBassetts" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to bwbassetts+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com.
For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/groups/opt_out.

Re: Week 40 - Dad - What Child is this?

That talk was awesome dad. I feel kind of dumb in that I've never thought of that song as a conversation. Very cool! Thanks for sharing. 

On Sunday, December 22, 2013, bret bassett wrote:

Dear Max,

Your time is flying now.  Flap harder and harder, so you're wings will grow stronger and you can take the bigger burdens that will be placed upon them.

Well day after tomorrow is Christmas.  We had our Christmas Kevin party tonight, because on Monday we'll be at Bruce's house having hot chocolate and doing the nativity in the Barn.  The next night is Christas eve at Bretnt and Nancy's.  And then Christmas breakfast at our house

We're in the thick of it now...

I want to confirm a couple of important questions with you so we can get connected to you without too much hassle...on Christmas day.

Max's phone call

• What time?

• What program can you use for voice?  IF only Skype call my skype address when you are setup in the internet cafe.  My skype name = bretbassett, and your skype address is max.bassett1

• All of you who want to call in verses just look in over mom and I's shoulder can also log into skype and I will call you at your skype name.  I believe easton = eastonwebster.  The rest of you let me know what your address is.

• I just paid $10 for a premium account which is needed for video calls.  So hopefully we can do video.  I may need to buy some credits as well... I'll figure that all out.

• Make sure you have downloaded the latest version of Skype, and that you have a webcam in your computer.

• Let us know how much time you have to talk so we can divide up the time we all speak.  Mom and Easton probably get highest priorities...but we'll make sure everyone (every couple/family) get at least 5 mins.
  

Dad's talk on Sunday

• I had the priviledge of speaking in our YSA Ward in Sacrament meeting.  It was all musical numbers except me.  So pressure was on.  I love those kind of challenges.  I include that talk here for you to read at the best time.  I hope it means something to you.
  

We pray for you each day.  We hope that your Christmas eve and Christmas day is great.  We are inviting the sisters in our stake over for christmas breakfast.  We hope someone is taking good care of you.

We love you.

Here's my 12 minutes spiritual thought on Christmas.  May you feel the spirit of it.

Love the jolly fat man.  Dad.

Christmas Talk Short... 2013

Sunday, December 15, 2013

12:14 PM

 

Let me start by saying 'Merry Christmas' to you my brothers and sisters  who I've grown to love and appreciate.  It's been my priviledge to get to know you, and serve with you.  I will be changing assignments here at the end of the year and will be supporting the Magna Ward...so I'll miss being with you.  And so I especially am grateful that I've had the chance to speak.  IT's an honor to share testimony during this sacred time of year.  It's doubly a wonderful chance to express my appreciation to you for your exemplary lives.

 

Thanks to that Great Choir.  I love Christmas music, especially the hymns.  I so appreciate those with talent who are willing to put it out there, risk something, give time to practice something and then share that with us.  Thank you!

 

One of my favorite Christmas songs is the hymn:

 

"What Child Is This?"

 

I like to image what it would have been like to be one of those travelers in the overcrowded hotels in Bethlehem who perhaps went out for a late night stroll.  And went strolling past the manger and seeing all the action.  He might ask..tap one of the sheperds on the should and ask...

 

What child is this who lays to rest on Mary's lap and is sleeping?

What child is this whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping?

 

And perhaps one of the shepherds would quiet the traveler, and whisper…

 

This? THIS is Christ the King - Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste and bring him laud The Babe, the Son of Mary

 

I suspect the traveler would have stood there in wonder...

 

Why do shepherds guard, and angels sing and  encourage us to hasten to give him praise, to this babe?  This son of Mary?

 

I pray that the words I share with you this afternoon may give honor and praise him,  that we may wonder more deeply about the covenant we have all just made to take his name upon us...to be called after his Name - Christ, the son of Mary.  I pray that they may give us reason to pause and consider...what child is this?  .

 

Blaine's Christmas list of Gifts

 

My son when asked for his Christmas List wrote the following inspiring note to us:

 

I always have a hard time making a Christmas list. I feel like the only things I really want are the things that money can't buy. A happy family; a safe, stable life; kids and a wife who love me and love each other and love the Lord; a fulfilling job that will allow me to exercise my talents and provide a comfortable lifestyle for my family; a slim, healthy body that will serve me well for years to come; a testimony and a strong relationship with Heavenly Father; and so forth. These are the only things that I really want. Everything else in life is secondary and kind of pales in comparison. In many ways, I already have a lot of these things. The others I hope I am on track to get. These are the things that make me wake up at 5 AM every morning. These are the things that I work 12-15 hours a day for. I wish that I could make a list and receive things as important as these as Christmas presents, but, alas, the only way I know to get these things is to work for them, pray for them, and wait patiently for them. 

 

I wished I could have given him the things on his list… but instead I had to settle with getting him things like an "itunes card", "basketball shorts", and "running shoes".

 

But he is so right the only way we can get those things which are so important is as he said...  " but, alas, the only way I know to get these things is to work for them, pray for them, and wait patiently for them."

 

I've kept His response, because it reminds me that the things that really matter have already been gifted to me by the Savior of the world.  By the son of Mary… and all he asks of me is to work, pray, and exercise faith that he and his father will give us those great gifts.

 

Gifts from Christ

 

When we face the trials of the world, and we look for help.  We often look to parents or wealthy relatives or friends to help us get what we want and need.  But the message is "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end…"

 

For one with such a grand destiny, the travelor looking on at the birth of this child might well whisper again to the shepherd…"

 

Why lies He in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?

 

And our shepherd would respond…

 

Good Christians, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, the cross be borne for me, for you.

Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the Babe, the Son of Mary.

 

We may look past his glorious life, and see one who was born into poverty, had to leave his country to avoid being killed by his king, who was mocked, ignored, and eventually killed by his own people.  We may pause to wonder … if he is the one we want to follow…

 

But then the refrain repeats…

 

This, this is Christ the King whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him laud the Babe, the Son of Mary

 

This babe, the son of Mary is the Chosen One of eternity. 

 

The Living Christ

 

It is Christ the perfect one, who beckons us.  Who entices us to leave behind the darkness of the world and come follow him into the light.  Does he have the power to bring us to a perfect light?  Does he have the power to redeem a fallen people?  Listen to the First Presidency and twelve apostles answer the question

'What Child is this?', as they describe 'The Living Christ'.

 

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

 

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

 

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

 

He rose from the grave to "become the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His "other sheep" (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised "dispensation of the fulness of times" (Ephesians 1:10).

 

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: "His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters,

 

We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—"built upon the foundation of . . . apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20).

 

We testify that He will someday return to earth. "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together" (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.

 

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

 

This child we celebrate at Christmas, was all he claimed to be.  The destiny that was fortold of him by prophets in both the old and new world, and by prophets in our modern day is true. 

 

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,  Come peasant, Come king to own Him;

This King of kings,  salvation brings,

Week 40 - Letter from Spain (Elder Max) - Feliz Navidad a todos!

Week 40  - Max - Feliz Navidad a todos

Sunday, December 22, 2013

11:12 PM

 

Hola familia! I just want to wish everyone a merry Christmas Kevin! :) (Note from EDITOR: Our neighbors while our kids were growing up were Kevin and Eve Swenson - we started having an overnight party with our kids the night before Christmas Eve...and so when we tried to figure out what to call it, it wasn't Christmas EVE so it had to be Christmas KEVIN…), I wont lie, missing the Christmas Kevin party is about as hard as missing Christmas day! ;) haha I hope you all have the party and have tons of fun! Make sure dad wears his santa hat with all the kids. The good news is Im not throwing up this year on christmas kevin like I was last year! :) I am a bit sick with a cough though, but nothing serious! Anyways, I all hope you enjoy the time together! Be sure to have tons of fun.

 

Well, with that all said, I have to admit....I LOVE CHRISTMAS OUT HERE!!!!!!!!! I have been so blessed to have some awesome comps, Ericson, Gonzalez, and Sykes (all from the US who have very similar traditions to mine.) I love just talking about what their traditions are and what they like to do. I love having our own homemade christmas decorations all over the piso. I love the ward christmas parties that we have. We had a christmas dinner with the ward on Friday and it was just so fun. I love just chatting with the members and getting to know them better. Its so fun to see how pumped the kids are for christmas (that surely doesnt change in another country. Kids are still pumped to see santa!) I love the cold weather and just the feeling that christmas is so close. I love the chain and the letters I get to read from it every day! Today, I read Bobby Bassetts letter! THANKS MAN! Loved the scripture! And thanks to everyone else who sent something in. I love hearing the christmas music as we walk into the stores. I love hearing what people are going to buy for their friends and family.

 

But most of all....I love how open and happy everyone is at this time of year.

 

This week, we had the goal to find 800 people as a mission! The last time was 555, and we barely found 558 people in a week. So we were nervous to see how this was going to turn out. This time was extra awesome for me as a zone leader, because everyday we could see the success from the missionaries in our zones and report them to the APs. Somedays we were super frustrated, somedays we were super happy. It was a true rollercoaster as we were all on the edge of our seats just waiting to see what the outcome was going to be. Our goal as a zone was 88 (8 people per companionships)

 

The end of the week came. We found 89 as a zone! And 847 as a mission! :) It was seriously a week of miracles!

 

Elder Ericson and I saw many miracles, not just within our companionship but within others as well! It was sooooo awesome to see the Lord working with each one of us.

 

As it is christmas time, most people were more open to listen. However, there were still tons that couldnt care less about what we had to say.

 

I think the coolest day though was saturday. Our goal as comps was 10. Saturday came and we only had 7. We were frustrated and mad becuase we hadnt had much time to plan. We werent sure where we were going for that day and werent really expecting to find many new's. In the morning, we found a kid named David and he is awesome. We talked about baptism and he said he would like to be baptized, just doesn't want to set a date quite yet for it. He is friends with our mission leader so we have a member involved, which is always a bonus! :) Especially here....haha

 

Anyways, so we found him in the morning and then went to eat at 2 until 4. At 4, we didnt know where we were going. We kind of just said, alright well were going by the spirit now....which isnt the best way to do the work, planning is the BEST WAY! Haha

 

We did have one cita planned out though and that was a noche de hogar at 8:30 with some menos activos (less actives). So we decided to go pick up a DVD for that which was at a members house, Areseli.

 

While there, we decided to share a quick message with her. As we talked about Christ's birth and the importance of Christ in our lives, she began to tell us about a family that she has been visiting. A family that has had very big difficulties in their lives. She told us that she was going to visit them after we left and we asked if we could go with her. She gladly said yes and we all headed over. We met Pilar and her three kids. We talked with them about prayer and about how prayer can bless our lives. They were very interested and wanted to talk more with us. We are headed there tonight :)

 

There was miracle one with Areseli.

 

Later, we decided to head to Santa Fe (a pueblo outside of Granada) and try a girl that we had met on the street who didn't seem super interested, Alejandra. She opened and we talked for a while. She invited us in, and we ended up talking with her, her mom and her two friends! All of whom were interested in hearing more!

 

Miracle two with Alejandra.

 

Afterwards, we had an hour left before the noche de hogar, so we decided to go see Mercedes (a sweet swweet old lady that lives in Santa Fe) We just wanted to pass by and see how she was. She lives alone and loves when the missionaries come by to visit her (she is a member.) So we go in, and there with her is her neice (about 40 years old) and her two kids (14, and 9) We shared a message with them and they told us that they wanted to hear more. We are headed there n Friday! :)

 

Miracle three with Mercedes.

 

I could go on and on and on and on with the miracles that have been happening this Christmas season, but there are just a couple of them. We ended up with 10 news in that ONE DAY!!! And 17 news in the week!

Christmas miracles are happening everyday over here! I love it! I have never been so happy and felt so close to Heavenly Father during a Christmas season. I have really come to see the true meaning of Christmas: The love of our Heavenly Father. He sent his son as a gift to us. We must give in return, but not just material gifts, but the gift of our lives. We must decide, not only at Christmas, but through all our lives, that we are His. Our lives are His. We must dedicate everything we have to Him.

 

I love this Christmas season. I feel so happy to be serving our Father in Heaven and my Savior Jesus Christ. They love us so much.  I love all of you so much! Stay strong and enjoy the Christmas season for what it is here for!

 

I am loving life out here! Cant wait to see you all in 2 days! :)

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!! :) Carry on!

 

Love, Elder Bassett

Christmas Love from Mom

Dear Max,

The countdown has begun. We are only three days until Christmas and getting to talk to you. Can't wait!

I hope all is going well in Granada. Do you have appointments for Christmas dinner? We invited the sister missionaries to breakfast, along with only three Yorgies and Ted's family. Then all our family will come here to visit with you on the phone around noon our time. Hope that works for you. Can't believe it is almost here.

This has been a good week:

On Monday dad and I delivered our neighbor gifts - by ourselves! We didn't have a runner. We managed somehow but we missed our helpers! I had made cheese balls and we gave that with a box of crackers.

Tuesday was visiting teaching which is a lot like missionary work since I have several less active sisters.

Wednesday was a Christmas party for my PT work. It was fun that spouses were invited so dad could meet my work friends. We had dinner at Olive Garden and did a $10 gift exchange between the 15 employees. Then the boss Wade passed out a Christmas bonus. That was a fun, generous surprise!

Thursday we had a HUGE snow storm. I was so thankful that I only have a mile to go to get to work. It snowed most of the day. Actually it was really pretty since we have all the windows to gaze out of. It sure got me in the mood for Christmas! I had a Christmas party planned that night with my stake RS presidency and spouses. I felt bad that we had to cancel it because of the storm.

Friday was the Winder party at the ward where most of the people there were from the Ned Winder family. It was fun though. Same menu with ham and potatoes. No program. Eat and visit! Nick's family arrived late that night and are staying with us for the next week. It took only a few minutes for Ned to warm up to me. He is so adorable and fun to have around. He turned one year old on Saturday. He is walking and loves to pull the Christmas cards off the fridge and try to get ornaments off the tree. He is just so sweet, as are the other boys. It's fun to have them!

Yesterday dad and I spent the morning delivering Christmas gifts to all 14 of my YSA Relief Society presidents. Dad was so sweet to drive me around as it took a couple of hours. But it felt really good to show them my love. When we got home, Nick and his boys had been playing out in the snow and built a very cool snow sculpture on the sports court. There was a 3 inch thick layer of ice on the trampoline that they broke up and set on a snow table like a tv. Then they made a big couch to sit on. We need to send pics it was so cute.

Dad spoke in his YSA ward today and did such a nice job bringing the spirit as he talked about the Savior. They had lots of musical numbers and dad spoke in the middle of it. He shared portions of The Living Christ and it was so beautiful. I loved it.

Tonight was "Christmas Kevin" except technically it is Christmas Crystal! So I officially changed the name to the Christmas BAWB party since we may not always be able to do it on the 23rd. It has been fun but we sure missed you, Janey and Warner. Thankfully no one was hurt during the piñata! We ate appetizers, dinner, did the chimes, sang, opened gifts, watched a couple church videos on line. It has been nice. Now the kids are in bed. Rosey gave up her room to Blaine and Kristi. Nick and Stef are in your room. The three boys are on the floor in Janey's old room and Rosey will sleep in the bed. Gwen and Ivy are on the floor in our room. So Blaine and Nick are talking a mile a minute behind me. Good times but you are missed!

I have to work tomorrow morning AND on the morning of the 24th. Crazy, I feel like a grown up having to work. And I have to work the day after Christmas. Whoa! But it's all good.

I'm afraid this letter was so boring. Just know that I love you and I can't wait to visit with you! Keep up the good work.

Lots of love,
Mom


Sent from my iPad

A different Christmas (Janey)

Hey Max-

It's late and I have one of the busiest days of the year at work tomorrow....so this will be brief! But here's a quick run down:

-I reality MISS YOU moment! The other day I called mom and asked her if she would go to the dairy [I almost said Winder dairy....remember how Mom hates it when we would say we were going to the "Winder" dairy (as if we were going to another dairy)]. Anyway, I asked mom if she could run over to the dairy and buy a 1/2 gallon of eggnog and chocolate milk for me because I was going to give them as gifts to someone. I knew it was a busy day for mom so I felt bad asking her to go do this. It popped into my head that this was a "perfect job for Max." I almost said, "just have Max run over and grab it." But I had to bite my tounge and fight a few tears back as I realized you were the furthest from the dairy and doing a much more important work! Missed ya!

-This is Warner's "on" year which means that we spend all of Christmas (including the days before Christmas) with his family. So.....we missed Christmas Krystal tonight because Warner's family was having a party. You weren't the only one not in attendance at the Christmas Krystal party. I was super sad I had to miss our family party, but I'm so grateful Heavenly Father helped me have a wonderful time with Warner's family. It was lots of fun. Our day consisted of:

                 -Church in the morning

                 -We came home and got ready for family pictures. We were supposed to take them yesterday (Saturday), but it was snowing really hard so we decided to cancel. The photographer is good friend with the family and she doesn't normally "work" on Sunday, but because the weather was bad and Warners family was all together and that doesn't happen often, she said she would take them today (Sunday). The snow was coming down pretty hard today....but we still took them (outside in the snow.) We took pictures for TWO (that's 2) hours. Can you believe it? Haha, I love Warner's family. We did individual family shots (so families would wait in the car until it was there turn and then jump out and get their shots). Then we did the BIG Nielsen family shots at the end, and it took two hours. I am so excited to see these pictures, I think they will be beautiful!

               -After freezing our toes, we came home and had Warners favorite meal....Beef Bourgonon (I am totally spelling that wrong.) It was delicous!

               -After stuffing our faces, we did our "gift exchange." It was a totally different exchange. We had a $10 limit and you bought your favorite thing. Then we sat in a circle and you drew a name. Whoever's name you drew, they opened your present. You then explained why it was your favorite thing and they got to keep that gift! So my gift that I bought (and gave) was sun screen/tanning lotion because I LOVE the sun and laying by the Winder pool and then I bought a design magazine because I love to watch the design channel and I love to read magazines by the pool. So, unfortunatly a boy (Michael) got my gift but he said he'll just let his girlfriend use it. :) I ended up with a butter preserver/container (which I am super excited about) and Warner got a set of DVD's of classic cartoon Christmas shows (like Frosty, Mr. Magoo's Christmas, Rudolph, and Yorgason's classic Drummer Boy.) I was thrilled about our gifts. Anyway, it was a very unique way to do gifts....but a lot of fun.

Whoa...this is getting long and I need to go to bed! I sure love you can't wait to talk/hopefully see your face on a computer screen on Christmas! Merry Christmas! We think of you often!

Love,
Janey

P.S. Warner's little nephew just turned one. He is a solid little boy who when he throws fits, he throws his head back and stiffens his body like a brick. It TOTALLY remind me of you. You were the pro at doing that when you got mad as a little boy!

P.P.S Sorry about the spelling errors.

Christmas - Nick

Dear Max,

Merry Christmas! In elders quorum today they had us each tell a favorite Christmas experience and I of course had to share about my first Christmas in the mission. What a wonderful, memorable time. Very very different from the rest, but wonderfully unique. I hope you make memories this Christmas that will stick with you the rest of your life.

We just finished (as I'm sure you'll hear from everyone tonight) our annual BAWB party. We had a great time doing chimes, enjoying funny kid interactions, kid gift exchange, spiritual movies, and of course the legendary piñata. I have to say, I'm so impressed particularly with Rose and her help with the kids.

Well, I've been talking to Blaine for an hour now and it's starting to get late. We sure love you and are oh so proud of you. I guess one thing that is some good news is I finished my semester and got all "A's". Yippee!


Love you and have a Merry Christmas!

Nick

Sent from my iPhone

Week 40 - Dad - What Child is this?

Dear Max,

Your time is flying now.  Flap harder and harder, so you're wings will grow stronger and you can take the bigger burdens that will be placed upon them.

Well day after tomorrow is Christmas.  We had our Christmas Kevin party tonight, because on Monday we'll be at Bruce's house having hot chocolate and doing the nativity in the Barn.  The next night is Christas eve at Bretnt and Nancy's.  And then Christmas breakfast at our house

We're in the thick of it now...

I want to confirm a couple of important questions with you so we can get connected to you without too much hassle...on Christmas day.

Max's phone call

• What time?

• What program can you use for voice?  IF only Skype call my skype address when you are setup in the internet cafe.  My skype name = bretbassett, and your skype address is max.bassett1

• All of you who want to call in verses just look in over mom and I's shoulder can also log into skype and I will call you at your skype name.  I believe easton = eastonwebster.  The rest of you let me know what your address is.

• I just paid $10 for a premium account which is needed for video calls.  So hopefully we can do video.  I may need to buy some credits as well... I'll figure that all out.

• Make sure you have downloaded the latest version of Skype, and that you have a webcam in your computer.

• Let us know how much time you have to talk so we can divide up the time we all speak.  Mom and Easton probably get highest priorities...but we'll make sure everyone (every couple/family) get at least 5 mins.
  

Dad's talk on Sunday

• I had the priviledge of speaking in our YSA Ward in Sacrament meeting.  It was all musical numbers except me.  So pressure was on.  I love those kind of challenges.  I include that talk here for you to read at the best time.  I hope it means something to you.
  

We pray for you each day.  We hope that your Christmas eve and Christmas day is great.  We are inviting the sisters in our stake over for christmas breakfast.  We hope someone is taking good care of you.

We love you.

Here's my 12 minutes spiritual thought on Christmas.  May you feel the spirit of it.

Love the jolly fat man.  Dad.

Christmas Talk Short... 2013

Sunday, December 15, 2013

12:14 PM

 

Let me start by saying 'Merry Christmas' to you my brothers and sisters  who I've grown to love and appreciate.  It's been my priviledge to get to know you, and serve with you.  I will be changing assignments here at the end of the year and will be supporting the Magna Ward...so I'll miss being with you.  And so I especially am grateful that I've had the chance to speak.  IT's an honor to share testimony during this sacred time of year.  It's doubly a wonderful chance to express my appreciation to you for your exemplary lives.

 

Thanks to that Great Choir.  I love Christmas music, especially the hymns.  I so appreciate those with talent who are willing to put it out there, risk something, give time to practice something and then share that with us.  Thank you!

 

One of my favorite Christmas songs is the hymn:

 

"What Child Is This?"

 

I like to image what it would have been like to be one of those travelers in the overcrowded hotels in Bethlehem who perhaps went out for a late night stroll.  And went strolling past the manger and seeing all the action.  He might ask..tap one of the sheperds on the should and ask...

 

What child is this who lays to rest on Mary's lap and is sleeping?

What child is this whom angels greet with anthems sweet while shepherds watch are keeping?

 

And perhaps one of the shepherds would quiet the traveler, and whisper…

 

This? THIS is Christ the King - Whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste and bring him laud The Babe, the Son of Mary

 

I suspect the traveler would have stood there in wonder...

 

Why do shepherds guard, and angels sing and  encourage us to hasten to give him praise, to this babe?  This son of Mary?

 

I pray that the words I share with you this afternoon may give honor and praise him,  that we may wonder more deeply about the covenant we have all just made to take his name upon us...to be called after his Name - Christ, the son of Mary.  I pray that they may give us reason to pause and consider...what child is this?  .

 

Blaine's Christmas list of Gifts

 

My son when asked for his Christmas List wrote the following inspiring note to us:

 

I always have a hard time making a Christmas list. I feel like the only things I really want are the things that money can't buy. A happy family; a safe, stable life; kids and a wife who love me and love each other and love the Lord; a fulfilling job that will allow me to exercise my talents and provide a comfortable lifestyle for my family; a slim, healthy body that will serve me well for years to come; a testimony and a strong relationship with Heavenly Father; and so forth. These are the only things that I really want. Everything else in life is secondary and kind of pales in comparison. In many ways, I already have a lot of these things. The others I hope I am on track to get. These are the things that make me wake up at 5 AM every morning. These are the things that I work 12-15 hours a day for. I wish that I could make a list and receive things as important as these as Christmas presents, but, alas, the only way I know to get these things is to work for them, pray for them, and wait patiently for them. 

 

I wished I could have given him the things on his list… but instead I had to settle with getting him things like an "itunes card", "basketball shorts", and "running shoes".

 

But he is so right the only way we can get those things which are so important is as he said...  " but, alas, the only way I know to get these things is to work for them, pray for them, and wait patiently for them."

 

I've kept His response, because it reminds me that the things that really matter have already been gifted to me by the Savior of the world.  By the son of Mary… and all he asks of me is to work, pray, and exercise faith that he and his father will give us those great gifts.

 

Gifts from Christ

 

When we face the trials of the world, and we look for help.  We often look to parents or wealthy relatives or friends to help us get what we want and need.  But the message is "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.  Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end…"

 

For one with such a grand destiny, the travelor looking on at the birth of this child might well whisper again to the shepherd…"

 

Why lies He in such mean estate, where ox and ass are feeding?

 

And our shepherd would respond…

 

Good Christians, fear, for sinners here the silent Word is pleading.

Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, the cross be borne for me, for you.

Hail, hail the Word made flesh, the Babe, the Son of Mary.

 

We may look past his glorious life, and see one who was born into poverty, had to leave his country to avoid being killed by his king, who was mocked, ignored, and eventually killed by his own people.  We may pause to wonder … if he is the one we want to follow…

 

But then the refrain repeats…

 

This, this is Christ the King whom shepherds guard and angels sing

Haste, haste to bring him laud the Babe, the Son of Mary

 

This babe, the son of Mary is the Chosen One of eternity. 

 

The Living Christ

 

It is Christ the perfect one, who beckons us.  Who entices us to leave behind the darkness of the world and come follow him into the light.  Does he have the power to bring us to a perfect light?  Does he have the power to redeem a fallen people?  Listen to the First Presidency and twelve apostles answer the question

'What Child is this?', as they describe 'The Living Christ'.

 

He was the Great Jehovah of the Old Testament, the Messiah of the New. Under the direction of His Father, He was the creator of the earth. "All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:3). Though sinless, He was baptized to fulfill all righteousness. He "went about doing good" (Acts 10:38), yet was despised for it. His gospel was a message of peace and goodwill. He entreated all to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine, healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He taught the truths of eternity, the reality of our premortal existence, the purpose of our life on earth, and the potential for the sons and daughters of God in the life to come.

 

He instituted the sacrament as a reminder of His great atoning sacrifice. He was arrested and condemned on spurious charges, convicted to satisfy a mob, and sentenced to die on Calvary's cross. He gave His life to atone for the sins of all mankind. His was a great vicarious gift in behalf of all who would ever live upon the earth.

 

We solemnly testify that His life, which is central to all human history, neither began in Bethlehem nor concluded on Calvary. He was the Firstborn of the Father, the Only Begotten Son in the flesh, the Redeemer of the world.

 

He rose from the grave to "become the firstfruits of them that slept" (1 Corinthians 15:20). As Risen Lord, He visited among those He had loved in life. He also ministered among His "other sheep" (John 10:16) in ancient America. In the modern world, He and His Father appeared to the boy Joseph Smith, ushering in the long-promised "dispensation of the fulness of times" (Ephesians 1:10).

 

Of the Living Christ, the Prophet Joseph wrote: "His eyes were as a flame of fire; the hair of his head was white like the pure snow; his countenance shone above the brightness of the sun; and his voice was as the sound of the rushing of great waters,

 

We declare in words of solemnity that His priesthood and His Church have been restored upon the earth—"built upon the foundation of . . . apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone" (Ephesians 2:20).

 

We testify that He will someday return to earth. "And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together" (Isaiah 40:5). He will rule as King of Kings and reign as Lord of Lords, and every knee shall bend and every tongue shall speak in worship before Him. Each of us will stand to be judged of Him according to our works and the desires of our hearts.

 

We bear testimony, as His duly ordained Apostles—that Jesus is the Living Christ, the immortal Son of God. He is the great King Immanuel, who stands today on the right hand of His Father. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. His way is the path that leads to happiness in this life and eternal life in the world to come. God be thanked for the matchless gift of His divine Son.

 

This child we celebrate at Christmas, was all he claimed to be.  The destiny that was fortold of him by prophets in both the old and new world, and by prophets in our modern day is true. 

 

So bring Him incense, gold and myrrh,  Come peasant, Come king to own Him;

This King of kings,  salvation brings,

Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise a song on high, The virgin sings her lullaby.

Joy, joy for Christ is born, The Babe, the Son of Mary.

 

This week we are not only celebrating a birth...  We are celebrating our own Salvation.  We celebrate the fact that God isn't dead, nor doth he sleep.  He is risen and with him, all mankind.  We who know this, should be among the happiest people on earth. 

 

My witness is that God Lives.  He is a living Christ.  And he still loves us.  He continues to sacrifice on our behalf.

 

Like the wise men of old, may we seek him, and seek ways to give him the only gift he doesn't already have.   The gift we have all promised to dedicate our lives to give him.  That gift of our precious will.

 

In the name of Jesus Christ…