Light the World: Day 25 2017: Let Your LIght Shine

Matthew  5: 14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

How has your light shone this Christmas Season, and what can you do so your light will continue to shine through out the year?  Those are the questions posed by this last of of #LIGHTTHEWORLD.  When I was young, in Primary we would sing a song about your light shining call "I'm Going to Let it Shine."  

Of all the examples and traits of Jesus, the one I would most like to emulate is that of being able to love, and express love.  Love flowed from Jesus in all that he did.  I would like to have charity.  I pray for charity that I can exemplify the pure love of Christ.

Light the World day 24 2017: Pray Always

"Ye must watch and pray always."

—3 Nephi 18:15

I had a prayer all morning that my talk in church would go well.  I was also asking for leadership to say what God would have me say.  I jumped over a section, and the bishop mentioned the section I skipped in fifth Sunday joint meeting.  It must have been that it was the Bishop's subject to cover, "In as much as ye have done it to the least of these, ye have done it unto me."  It is marvelous how things work out.  

Via Facebook there are many people to be praying for, people who have had recent surgery.  I pray for them as well.

Light The World day 23 2017: Visit Those In Prison

"I was in prison, and ye came unto me."

—Matthew 25:36

The short film with this day shows a prisoner receiving a photo album from home.  Sometimes any little something can make some one's day.  However, those in a penitentiary are not the only ones in prison.  there are those in prison to drug or illness; things that take away choice.  Jeffrey R. Holland reminded us to show compassion to all God's children.  I work with people with mental illness.  A big issue facing persons with mental illness is that of Stigma.  Sometimes a person will not get needed and available help because of stigma.  

Light the World 22: 2017: Try to Be Like Jesus

"That which ye have seen me do even that shall ye do."

—3 Nephi 27:21

Day 22 focuses on the Savior, and learning form his example.  The children's LighttheWorld suggests thinking of three ways you can be like Jesus.  I have thought of blessing others, not judging others, and being patient with others.  

Today we have Jesse and Nicolette with us.  They are friends of Tony's from when we lived in Cupertino.  They now live in San Jose.  Sheri went out to pick them up.  We try to be a good example when they are out, because their family are not members of the church.  

My favorite teaching of Jesus is that if we have Faith, and garnish our thoughts with virtue, then our confidence will wax strong in the presence of God, and the power of the priesthood will fall upon us as the dews from heaven.  

Light the World 21 2017: Feed the Hungry

"For I was an hungered, and ye gave me meat."

—Matthew 25:35

Our family is always involved in feeding the hungry through fast offerings.  This year we increased our donation for December.  I also participated in a musical concert where canned  goods were collected for the St. Pauls food bank.  

On Christmas Day I had the opportunity to administer spiritually to a sister in our ward who lost her husband a year ago.  This too was a special opportunity.

This reminds me of a story told about my father's family.  They went through some tough years.  At one point their cupboard was bare, and Grandmother Wardle didn't know what to fee her family.  At that time a knock came on their back door.  They discovered someone had left a 100 pound bag of flour.  God does provide.  

Just before Thanksgiving I participated with Tony in the Scouting for Food drive.  They collected considerable food for the local food banks.

Light the World Day 20 2017: Love People Not Things

"A man's life consisteth not in the abundance of the things which he possesseth."

—Luke 12:15

The children's goal for day 20 is to list three blessing that aren't things.  I am blessed with family.  Wife, children and grandchildren.  I spent the day with them; and talked to those who are not close.  They are great blessings.  I also had the opportunity to use the priesthood today.  That is also a blessing.  

Suggestions from Mormon.org includes giving up distractions that get in the way of your service of Jesus Christ.  I have given up Pokemon for the day to be with family.  

Here are a couple scriptures which touch on this theme:

Matthew 6:22 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 

D&C 88:67 And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things.

D&C 4:5 And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.

An eye single to God's glory is vital.  Distractions get in the way of our view of the Lord.

Light the World Day 19 2017: Rejoice

"Rejoice, and be exceeding glad."

—Matthew 5:12

The film presented shows Aaron Jepson, a young man with autism, who hated his life, but now realizes he has a purpose, and is loved.  

My struggle is accepting myself.  The suggestions for this day include: making a care package for someone who could use some joy, count your blessings, and reach out to someone who has blessed your life, and celebrate the accomplishments of someone else, make their day special.  At Christmas time I gave out chocolates to spread joy.  Particularly Ghiradelli's.  I love their Christmas bark.  I delivered chocolates last Saturday and Sunday.  I will deliver more chocolates this Saturday.  Hopefully we can spread a little joy.

Light the World Day 18 2017: Forgive

Forgive men their trespasses.  Matthew 6:14

This short video shows the son coming home, and being welcomed by his father.  Reminds me of a story in the Bible. 

Some of the suggestions include, writing the positive traits of someone that gets on your nerves, then try to imagine how god sees him or her.  The people who most get on my nerves are those that are excessively loud on the train.  This is not loud, but very very loud.  They sit in the same places, and I avoid the area, but sometimes there not not seats elsewhere.  Positive traits include, they are lively, they share of themselves, they enjoy each other's company, they know how to have fun.
We are all children of God, so God loves them as much as us quiet people.  I end up in their car, because I carry the phone, and don't think it  good idea to answer the phone in the quiet car.  

The Piano Guys and Craig Aven: The Sweetest Gift

If you’re missing someone this Christmas this song’s dedicated to you - ...

Jon Schmidt dedicates to those missing someone this Christmas.  I am missing my oldest sister, who passed away two years ago New Years Eve.  She was the life of our family, and kept things going.  There is still a void that hasn't been filled.  We visited the Buff clan for Christmas a few years ago.  tony made a snow man, Camberly met her great-grandmother who was staying with them at the time.  Sara, like my mother, had a way to make things right.

Lyrics: I’m not going to lie. Christmas really hurts this time Cause you’re not here to celebrate with me. Tears fill my eyes. And memories flood my mind, As I place your ornament upon our tree. Although this year I have a broken heart, It gives me hope and joy as I remember where you are. Chorus: You’re with the Son of God. You’re with the Prince of Peace. You’re with the one we’re celebrating And that thought amazes me. Sometimes I still break down, Grieving that we’re apart, But the sweetest gift is knowing where you are. You’re with the Son of God. Got your picture in a frame And a stocking with your name. Oh God knows it’s been hard letting go. And I can’t bring you back, But I’ll see you again. And oh, that thought is healing to my soul. I’ll miss making angels with you in the snow. I guess instead you will be singing with them All around God’s throne.

Chorus And I know the Christmas season Was your favorite time of year. You loved to help us decorate our tree. But now that you’re with Jesus, I can’t imagine how you feel Cause He’s the one who bled and died Upon the tree for you and me. Chorus

Light the World Day 17 2017: Meet together

"Ye shall meet together oft."

—3 Nephi 18:22

I meet every Sunday with the members of the church.  I also attend choir rehearsal after church.  This week we also had a choir concert.  It was fun to mingle with others after the concert and mingle.  We have good friends in the Banks', our son's in-laws, as well as Mark and Dianna, my sister, and others we know from choir or other activities.  Ron Pepperman, who was our home teacher for over ten years was also there.  

Lastly, we are inviting people over to the house for singing next week.  I printed and distributed invitations.  This is always a fun time.  We also invited the missionaries.  We invited all the neighbors, but many I just left the invitation on the doorstep as no one answered.  I was able to get a good portion of my home teaching accomplished.  The missionaries were over.  We invited them for our sing-a-long.  They showed us the #LIGHTTHEWORLD video and challenged us to be involved.

Light the World Day 16 2017: Clothe the naked

"[I was] naked, and ye clothed me."



My great-great grandfather came with the Martin handcart company.  While on the trek he was shoeless.  I don't know if he started this way, but he may have.  It could also be that the journey took its toll on his shoes.  He was one of those who left bloody footprints.  I said an internal prayer that he might find some shoes.  One day, along the trail he did just that, found some shoes that had been discarded.  they weren't a perfect fit, but Grandfather was thankful for them all the same.
When the rescuers sent supplies, this included clothing, and shoes.  It must have been that someone received a new pair of shoes, and left the old pair behind, which became grandfather's shoes.  There were also petticoats, and other items of clothing in a wagon that had been sent to the rescuers.  In the cold weather, they pioneers were thankful, and needing of anything they could find.  
I have been moved by the simple story of Heber J. Grant when he was a boy.  His mother had sewn him a new coat; but he didn't have it long.  This short film shoes the story without words.
May we find ways to clothe the naked this Christmas.  

Light the World Day 15 2017: Show Mercy

Blessed are the Merciful.

Today the goal has been to be more merciful and kind.  About 20 years ago there were a couple of Christmases where Sheri and I were really struggling.  It is expensive to live in the Bay area, and we were just scraping by.  One year, a member of our ward, who worked for Walgreens, delivered a whole bunch of toys just before Christmas.  The other year was even more impressive, as $100 bills began showing up in our mail.  Those bills saved our Christmas.  It wasn't like one or two, but at least ten.  I have been blessed by the mercy of others, and hope to pass that forward.
I am afraid however I didn't pass kindness forward on the 15th.  A bus was late, making me miss the train, and I called the bus people to let them know of my displeasure.  Of course I knew I would miss the train if everything didn't work perfect, because I had to take books back to the library.  I made it home OK on the later train.  My attitude could have been better.  So showing mercy, being kind, is something I am still working on.

Light the World Day 14 2017: Where is Your Heart

"For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

—Matthew 6:21

For me, this is about time.  I stayed home, so as to have some time with grand babies.  They are fun to be with, and spending time with them helped me get to know them better. I spent most of my time with Asher, who is just walking.  He has a cute little personality and it is fun watching him do new things almost daily.  I fed him a couple of times, and he really enjoys food.  I also set aside time today to take my son to see Star Wars.  He really wants to see it, and it will be fun to spend some time with him.  

Light the World Day 13 2017: Be Kind to Others

"All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them."

—Matthew 7:12

As anyone can tell, I am a day behind.  Things get that way at Christmas, but its OK because I will catch up. 
One way I serve during Christmas is by participating in choirs.  Tonight the Northland Stake Choir sang with the St. Paul's Methodist Unified Choir.  Tonight we were at the Methodist Church.  I had fun.  We sang five numbers.  Then there were also solos and the Methodist Church Bell Choir.  We return to sing again this Sunday. 

This past Friday I and the kids sang at the ward party for the interlude. 
Christmas Eve I will be conducting the Ward choir.  Finally the day before Christmas Eve we will be hosting a family wing-a-long for family and friends.  I love sharing through music.

Light the World Day 12 2017: Mourn with those who Mourn.

Blessed Are They that Mourn
This little link shares the story of Jon and Michelle Schmidt (Piano guys) who lost their daughter this past hear in a hiking accident.   Many people reached out to them; which helped ease their pain.  A coworker lost her mother over the weekend.  She hasn't been back to work, but we did sign a card today.  I hope to be available for her to mourn.  There are many in our Ward who likewise have lost loved ones.  They continue to need support. 

Light the World Day 11 2017: I was a Stranger

I was a stranger and ye took me in.  The kid's card I have suggested holding the door open for someone you don't know.  I did this today, but I hold doors open all the time, so that is nothing new.    One of the suggestion on the web page for day 11 is to get involved in helping refugees.  In fact, there is a link to a page that just talks about helping refugees.  There are many ideas here, but they all take some action.  There are a couple of programs that contract with county mental health that also provide services to refugees.  One has a program called Victims of Torture.  The other has refugee programs.  My goal is to contact them about volunteer opportunities, or referrals to programs here in Manteca.

Light the World Day 10 2017: Search the Scriptures

Search the Scriptures 

For sometimes my most favorite scripture is from the Doctrine and Covenants section 121.  This revelation was given to Joseph Smith while he was in bleak circumstances in Liberty jail.   I especially like the last two verses:

45 Let thy bowels also be full of charity towards all men, and to the household of faith, and let virtue garnish thy thoughts unceasingly; then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven.

46 The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.

That is so beautiful I don't think I need say more.  Merry Christmas.

Light the World Day 9: Visit the Sick

I was sick and ye visited me.   As the series of little services continues, yesterday we were comforting the sick.  I called my mother who is in nursing home in Utah.  She has lost her memory.  She wanted to go home, but by home was talking about returning to Lincoln, Idaho where she grew up.   I am unable to get to Utah to visit her, but my son will son be living in Logan, and I promised her he would visit often.  I don't see my mother often enough, but at least I know how to contact her.  It is difficult because she sleeps in until very late.
Also saw Sister Brandow today.  She is convalescing from having knee replacement surgery.  However the thing I can do most is pray.  There are many who need prayers. 

Light the World Day 8 2017: Love Your Enemies

"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you."

—Matthew 5:44

Some of the ides suggested include resolving any past dangling wrongs you may have done, or apologize for times you weren't at your best;  Making an effort to be kind to those with whom you have a hard time getting along; And stand up for those being bullied.  The scripture itself suggest prying for those who "despitefully us you."

My biggest issue in this area is with fellow commuters, whether they be on bike or in car.  A couple times in the past couple days I have almost been run over by cars, while I was int he crosswalk.  It is hard to have react, but I am working on my thoughts which tend to go to name-calling.  I have already committed to myself $1 to my wife when I actually make statements, but even my thoughts betray me.

Light the World Day 7 2017: Serve Children

Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me:   Ideas presented include teaching your children and grandchildren about the Savior.  This idea touches my heart.  In the past, we have gathered grandchildren together and told the Christmas Nativity story.  This year there will be just Sheri and Tony and I.  Still the tradition will continue as we tell the story of the Nativity.  I will also check with my children and assure that they are carrying on the tradition with their children.
Other ideas include smile at a child, make a child feel special, play with a child.  And then donate a toy to a children's hospital or children's program.