The missionary objective of these meetings is to report, plan, and coordinate assignments to find, teach, fellowship, and activate.

“What Shall We Give To The Babe In The Manger

by Ashley Dewey | Dec 25, 2016 | Ashley Dewey: Single Life | 1 comment

What shall we give to the Babe in the manger? What shall we offer the Child in the stall?
Incense and spices and gold we’ve aplenty, are these the gifts of the King of us all?

What shall we give to the Boy in the temple? What shall we offer the Man by the sea?
Palms at His feet and hosannas uprising, are these for Him who will carry the tree?

What shall we give to the Lamb who was offered, rising the third day and shedding His love?
Tears for His mercy we’ll weep at the manger; bathing the Infant come down from above.

When I think of the birth of Jesus Christ it leads me also to think of His life, ministry, atonement, and Ultimate gift of His death in my behalf.  I am often humbled at what the Lord gave for me. He didn’t give me a gift that I could buy for myself. He gave me His whole self.

What does that look “whole self” gift look like in our day? Thomas S. Monson taught,

“It is well to remember that he who gives money gives much, he who gives time gives more, but he who gives of himself gives all. Our opportunities to give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. There are hearts to gladden. There are kind words to say. There are gifts to be given. There are deeds to be done. There are souls to be saved.”

“Perhaps it would be a gift of our time to help another. A gift of our focus being outward like His. A gift of our hearts being tuned and ready to listen. A gift of our trust in His plan and timing for our lives, or maybe a gift of being his hands to nurture his children.”

On a particularly difficult day I found myself surrounded by these selfless Christ like gifts. I don’t know what they will look like for you, but for me they looked like a roommate who walked with me and helped me process my thoughts, a home teacher who spent time talking and listening and blessing me in my home, a call from a relief society president, and a little sister who just happened to send a message of love my way.

These gifts may have seemed small to them, but just like Savior’s gift changed my life, and reminded me of my Father’s love, so did these gifts. I believe the Savior wishes us to be the tender mercies, and for us to act in the lives of others just as these people did for me. Then we can answer what shall we give the babe in the manger? Give him our all”

My dear Ward Missionaries. I hope so much that this past week was wonderful for you and your family. I hope that you have felt the love of Jesus Christ increase in your heart and homes. Hopefully you will be able to talk face to face to at least one new “friend”. Thank you so much for your willingness to serve.

I’m grateful for each of you and your willingness to try to develop these friendships. Only 30 minutes a week and great are the rewards. Plant those seeds. As you plant in others, the Lord will plant new seeds in you also. God bless each of you. Please let me know either personally, by individual text or email or phone call, know of your efforts. To make it easier on each of you this can be our Missionary Coordination Meeting. 

But, I need so much to receive feedback from each of you.  I really appreciate those of you who have communicated with me.  It is very helpful in letting the Bishop, Relief Society President, and Elders Quorum President, Primary and Sunday School Presidents, the Young Women, and Aaronic Priesthood Leaders know of the flock they each have stewardship over. If there is anything I can do to help you or your families, please do not hesitate to let me know. 

Gratitude and Thanksgiving for our Savior Jesus Christ. It is Him who we serve when serving our fellow brothers and sisters.

Only 30 minutes a week!

Take advantage of the Holidays, it makes meeting our families much easier. Take time to reflect on the many many things and people you are grateful for. Especially our personal families, ward families, and most of all our Heavenly Parents and Jesus the Christ !!!!!!!

Below is a picture of a tree that overcame the strength and hardness of a rock to eventually break through and flourish over time. It has such a wonderful message for each of us. That is what this life is all about. Planting seeds is our decision if we are planting good or bad, God-like seeds, or evil seeds throughout our lives.

I love each of you. I witness to each of you that your Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ love you. They will assist you in your efforts to simply plant seeds.

May the good Lord bless each of you in your personal lives. May he bring peace, charity, health, revelations and the righteous desires of your hearts. In Jesus name Amen.

Steve Larsen

801-380-8307

sglarsen@gmail.com