The Gift

Posted by Heidi in Serious Sunday #9

I just love Christmas!

I love it for all the right reasons and I love it for all the wrong reasons.

I love to decorate and among my most prized possessions are my Christmas decorations. Over the month of December I will be posting photos of my holiday décor just as I posted photos of my flowers and garden over the summer. It could get a bit gratuitous. In fact, I know it will—over-doing it for Christmas is one of my special talents.

However, the Christmas decoration that means the most is one that hangs on my wall all year long; a painting of Christ. I blog about funny things, silly things, some things that don’t matter and some that do but it is important to me to be clear that I consider the best message and greatest gift of all to be the life and atoning death of my Savior Jesus Christ. He gave us the gift of life in so many ways, a promise of life after this one as well as the chance to renew our life when it needs renewing. Most of all, his atonement wasn’t just about giving us the ability to repent when we sin—it gives us the ability to do things with our lives we never could have done without His sacrifice for us. The Atonement bridges the gap between what we can do and what we can’t do on our own. What could be better than that?

Most of all, I want to say this: when we give up what we want right now in order to walk in the path that He would have us walk, we obtain blessings of which we never dreamed AND we get that which we sacrificed, as well, when the time is right. I have seen this miracle happen in my life over and over and in the lives of others around me. In the end, we actually sacrifice nothing, we lose nothing worth having and we gain absolutely everything.

(Meanwhile, the blog tour continues. I would like to direct you to a blog of a gal who spent most of her married life in poverty and who has recently been blessed with financial success—a lot of it. Her blog is incredibly fascinating as she posts about the paradigm shift in her world. Sometime today she intends to blog about Miss D so be sure to check back if she hasn’t when you visit. Meanwhile, go back and read her posts from the beginning—her frank view of a world turned inside out is a real treat.)

This entry was posted on Sunday, December 7, 2008 at Sunday, December 07, 2008 and is filed under Serious Sunday #9 . You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments feed .

17 wise, witty and wonderful comments

Kazzy

Under your sweet humor and sometimes silliness, I have always seen a sensitive and faithful person. You are an example of good balance. Nice post. And ditto to your comments about what counts.

December 7, 2008 at 3:56 PM

Heather of the EO

This is an absolutely beautiful post. I love how you speak of not only the saving grace of Christ as assurance of eternity, but also the freedom that can be experienced in Him in THIS life.

You rock.

December 7, 2008 at 4:44 PM

nevadanista

Amen

December 7, 2008 at 7:13 PM

Aquaspce

So, I'm crying right now.
Thank you so much.
I needed to read this today.

Plus,
I can't wait for all your fab Christmas Decorations.

Feliz Navidad!
I love CHRISTMAS!

December 7, 2008 at 7:20 PM

Mariko

Can I get a "woot woot" !
Yes. Yes. Yes.

December 7, 2008 at 7:31 PM

Heidi

Kazzy--so glad you get me! Heather, absolutely, Nevada, thanks! Abra--I was thinking about you when I wrote it, Mariko--if you really want one, you have it--woot woot!

December 7, 2008 at 9:05 PM

LisAway

Yes, it's always slightly unbalanced in our favor. (I love that scripture in Mosiah 2:23-24)
This is great. A Christmas decoration that graces your wall year round. I really appreciate your thoughts here, Heidi. Thank you!

December 8, 2008 at 4:41 AM

Alyson | New England Living

Thanks for this message! I really needed that today. Been feeling a bit blue, but this helps put things in perspective.

December 8, 2008 at 5:39 AM

Unknown

Beautiful testimony, for someone who's been slow to get into the Christmas spirit this year. Thank you!

December 8, 2008 at 5:56 AM

Sabrina

Thank you for being bold in sharing the wonderful message of Christ and his love! You are lovely.
I can't wait to see your decorations!!! I bet they are shabby chic amazing fantastic!!!

December 8, 2008 at 8:07 AM

Randi

I love this post. And what a welcome break in the season that is already trying to consume us around here.
I love that Heavenly Father's plan is so much better than my plan. He can see things I can't. The trusting is sometimes difficult, but the rewards are endless.

Thanks Heidi.

December 8, 2008 at 10:26 AM

Kelline

Thanks Heidi. I love this time of year. I use it to reflect back on my life. Keep writing and I'll keep reading!

December 8, 2008 at 12:30 PM

Heidi

Ladies, I often forget to check for comments on posts a day old (or older) so sorry I just saw these now--what a lovely surprise! It's so nice to get your warm fuzzy comments. It means a lot-thanks!

December 8, 2008 at 2:58 PM

Kim Gail

This comment has been removed by the author.

December 8, 2008 at 10:36 PM

Little GrumpyAngel

I can't wait to see your Christmas decors.

This is a great post, especially during this season when we get caught up in the celebrating and forget the celebrant.

December 8, 2008 at 11:58 PM

Jlauricella

I am catching up on a few days reading and this post came at a perfect time. Things have been a but nutty and your wise words are just what I needed to hear!

December 9, 2008 at 9:58 PM

Heidi

Thanks Marivic and Jen! This is just a nutty time of year, is it not?

December 9, 2008 at 10:51 PM