A Christmas Thought

Last night was my church's Christmas Broadcast where the leaders and prophets gave little spiritual thoughts, thoughts to bring us closer to Christ this season. I had some great thoughts after these great messages. You can listen or view the broadcast, which I really recommend if you haven't already.

The central theme of the program was "Spread the Love." During this Christmas Season, we should be centered on spreading love, and trying to find Christ in our lives.

It can be so easy to be stressed or distracted by the commercial side of Christmas, or to be frustrated that others distress the meaning of Christmas with whatever. If you feel like this, President Monson's message will be the one for you.

He shared a beautiful story, that I call "The Story of Gate 67." It is such a sweet, touching story. I felt my entire body got chills, and I teared up- so much so that they spilled out. I won't re-tell it, because I wouldn't do it justice, just listen to President Monson's message.

I will paraphrase the strong message from the story. I hope it helps us all feel the Christmas Spirit this week: "Hostility and frustration can all disolve into a glow when there is an act of love among strangers."

Remember that, and spread the love.

ps: i know that a few days back, the link for the Crosby/Bowie song was messed up. it's all fixed now, so you can go back and listen to it. it is one of my favorite christmas songs, and bing is just so adorable!

Dreaming of far-away lands....

I don't know why I love the Sofitel Hotel chain, don't know why. Possibly it's because they have a map, you can search to find destinations. Their hotels are absolutely stunning. Here are a couple that I really like: Morocco, China, Egypt, Amsterdam, and Ile Marius. Have fun looking through these photos and dreaming about beautiful, far-away lands...

photo found here.

3.04

"i wanna re-learn what i already know!"

my heart leaps up when i behold a rainbow in the sky

.. or something like that. All I can say is that there is something just so beautiful about the English countryside.

This past week I spent a few days in Birmingham, just over an hour north of London, with my friends Corrine and Emma. Training through the country is one of my favorite things to do. The English Countryside is just beautiful. I love it during winter, when the bare trees form silhouettes against the grey sky. (uh oh, i'm getting poetical.)

While I was up there, Corrine took Emma and I to this farm in Birmingham and a wildlife preserve. It was lovely. It made me think of my childhood in new hampshire, which was perfect.



corrine leading the way with jack.







emma petting a calf. look how beautiful her eyes are!



corrine's russell terrier, jack.



as always, more photos on my flickr.

3.03

Oh, Sufjan. You're always questioning the commercialism of Christmas. What would I do without you?

3.02

today's subject: war. oh, and peace.







enjoy!

Week #3

TWO WEEKS UNTIL CHRISTMAS!

For this week, we're going to focus on what I call "Christmas Angst." These are the songs that question how society treats Christmas. I mean, every season needs a time of self reflection. Doesn't it?

Faith Hill, not Jessica Simpson:



Think about what Christmas really means. We'll discuss that next week.

2.07

this music video makes me think of the music video for "i gotta feeling," but dylan's still got more class than BEP.

2.06

the last ten seconds makes me laugh. it's hilarious.

2.05

I don't know if I think this song is cute or just creepy...

I think it's a little creepy.