God Bless Us Every One!

by Kari Diane Pike

What do you call a bunny wearing a kilt?

Some of you probably already read that on Facebook. But just in case, I'll give you the punch line at the end of this post - which may be two or three sentences from now...or several pages. My cup runneth over. The music, the symbols, the opportunity this time of year presents to think of others and find ways to bring them joy - I don't even know where or how to begin expressing the gratitude I feel today as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and the gift that He gave all mankind.

I think that's where I need to start - I know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I am grateful for Heavenly Father's gift of sending His only begotten Son to pave the way for me to return to Him someday. Christ suffered, bled and died, and rose again. He healed the sick - physically, emotionally, and spiritually - while He walked on this earth, and after - as He continues to do so to this day. I know that my salvation comes through Jesus Christ and no other.

I wanted to write a post thanking all the people who have blessed my life - but that would take pages and pages and I don't want to risk leaving anyone out! I can honestly say that every person I've met has taught me something and helped me grow. I'm grateful for the plethora of gifts you have all shared with me - Which kind of segues into how much I have come to appreciate the unique personalities and abilities of the people in my life. I love knowing that I was created to become a creator. One granddaughter showed her parents this morning that she has a great understanding of her own uniqueness and purpose:

After building the princess castle, four-year-old Gwendolyn says, "now can I break it and build whatever I want?" Answer: of course! Thank goodness for pink princess Legos! 

This makes me smile on so many levels. First we learn...then we move on and put that knowledge to creating the life we want.

Another take on uniqueness came from one of the conversations during this week's family time. Our son Kenny complimented his sister Brittany on the "Arizona" necklace she wore. But then he commented on how it didn't fit the way his brain was connected to have one of his father's children be so connected to one state [I suppose this has something to do with our family moving 23 times in 35 years - although only 4 different states]. My husband  replied that even though our children had so many similarities to him, there were still a lot of differences among them.

Kenny replied: "The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, but when the tree is in the back of a truck..."

So there you go. I've also learned that what's most important is that we are united as a family in our testimonies of Heavenly Father, and His Son, Jesus Christ.

May God bless you and yours throughout the coming new year and beyond.

Merry Christmas to all!

oh, I almost forgot...What do you call a bunny wearing a kilt? A hopscotch.

You're welcome.

hugs~