Sweet new-born Babe, how frail!

Where shepherds lately knelt, and kept the angels’ word,
I come in half belief, a pilgrim strangely stirred;
But there is room and welcome there for me,
But there is room and welcome there for me.

In that unlikely place I find Him as they said;
Sweet new-born Babe, how frail! And in a manger bed:
A still small Voice to cry one day for me,
A still small Voice to cry one day for me.

How should I not have known Isaiah would be there,
His prophecies fulfilled? With pounding heart I stare:
A Child, a Son, the Prince of Peace for me,
A Child, a Son, the Prince of Peace for me.

Can I, will I forget how Love was born and burned
Its way into my heart unasked, unforced, unearned,
To die, to live, and not alone for me?
To die to live and not alone for me.

Remember, remember; That Christmas day is not just a day for family and gift-giving. It is not only a celebration of the birth of Christ, but of His life. He stepped down from His throne to extend His hand to be wounded that we may live. That all people could live in peace, love and joy for eternity. You've noticed the special feeling that the world just seems happier at Christmas-time. As thoughts are turned to Jesus Christ, His Spirit is poured out among man. His love that is unforced, and we can never pay for is spilled out in abundance. As you sing the songs of His birth, remember the Life that followed, and the sacrifice that ended His mortality. I testify that Jesus Christ lives and continues to plead for us.

*Where Shepherds Lately Knelt

It's Christmas Time Indeed

Toy Catalogs
*To the tune of "O Tannenbaum"*

Toy catalogs
Toy catalogs
Each morning I inspect 'em
They're volumes of
The stuff I love
That's why I must collect 'em
These days they're truly all I read
They're crammed with stuff I truly need
I take care of
Toy catelogs
I and I protect them.

I'm copying
My catalogs
So Santa will know better
I've circled everything I want
'Cause I don't need a sweater
A building set, a bass guitar
A jumbo jet, a racing car
Dear Santa Claus, I'm sorry it's
A thirty-nine page letter.

Toy catalogs
Toy catalogs
They make me so ecstatic
But thanks to these
Toy catalogs,
My life is problematic
If Santa brings each thing I ask,
To fit it all will be a task
My room is full with catalogs,
So I'll move to the attic!

by Alan Katz and David Catrow Where did they hide my presents?

A Small Soap-Box

*clearing throat and stepping onto box*

What is it with "Bridal Photos"? Yes, your dress is lovely. You look radiant. You're making the biggest decision of eternity. But really. This isn't something you are doing alone, so why do you need a photo shoot all to yourself? Your man looks dashingly handsome as well, don't you want him in most of the photos?

*stepping off soap-box*

Joseph B. Wirthlin

Just before each General Conference session for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, discussion would ensue about the General Authorities and who people were most looking forward to. Many times when the name Elder Wirthlin came up, people would say they could never particularly relate to his talks. One such discussion, a wise man, Brother Decker, said that each Apostle had their own job. Elder Wirthlin may not be a riveting orator, but he kept tight financial records; He was fantastic with numbers.

Then something changed within this man. Last year he was giving a talk on charity, how it is the small acts of kindness that are of most worth. He began shaking as he spoke. His body did nothing to deter him from continuing his message. Elder Russell M. Nelson appeared behind him. Together they stood until Joseph Wirthlin finished his talk. Later it was stated he had locked his knees and was unable to loosen them. But at that moment, Christ-like love was manifest. From that moment on, people looked forward to the talk given by Joseph B. Wirthlin.

The last talk given in General Conference is titled "Come what may, and love it." Not only someone who has learned to endure the trials of life, but he learned to love every moment.

He will be missed, but he is now reunited with his wife Ruby, who preceded him in death. Much love to you Elder Wirthlin. Thank you for your service, love and example.

It should also be noted that he played football for the University of Utah.

Airport Part 2

Today, I received a Passenger Receipt and Itinerary from Delta, giving me said information for my flight. For convenience this piece of paper says Simply bring your enclosed ET Passenger Receipt, along with your photo ID, to the airport.

Good job Delta. My flight was last week and I have already successfully returned from the trip.