Will I recognize his voice when he calls my name?

Yesterday at church one of the speakers talked about Mary Magdalene. I've been thinking about it all day so I thought I would share some of my thoughts. They talked about how Jesus is the Good Sheperd and he knows each of us individually. The story they referenced is when Mary comes to the tomb on the morning of the resurrection. I like the way it's told in John 20:11-16

11 ¶But Mary stood without at the sepulchre weeping: and as she wept, she stooped down, and looked into the sepulchre,

12 And seeth two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

13 And they say unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? She saith unto them, Because they have taken away my Lord, and I know not where they have laid him.

14 And when she had thus said, she turned herself back, and saw Jesus standing, and knew not that it was Jesus.

15 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away.

16 Jesus saith unto her, Mary. She turned herself, and saith unto him, Rabboni; which is to say, Master.

The speaker ponted out in verse 15 and 16 that Mary didn't recognize it was the Savior talking with her until he called her by name. I'm sure she recognized his kind, loving voice because she knew him. Will I recognize his voice when he calls my name? Do I answer when he calls to me now and sends promptings for me to say or do something? I believe that we come to know the Savior as we study his words and live according to his teachings. I love my Savior and I know he lives! I look forward to the day he will come again. I hope I will know him well and recognize his voice when he calls my name...just like Mary.

                                     

Merry Christmas!

Wow, I have slacked off with this blog this year. I'm sitting here at work today and the phones are really slow. It's ok because it gives me time to admire my little Christmas tree and nativity on my desk at work. It also gives me time to update my neglected blog.

 

 

It has been a good year and a lot has happened. I'm not going to try and catch up here, I guess you can jump over to facebook to get some updates or just talk to me

 

Last Saturday we had our family party to kick off the Christmas season. I made gingerbread for 15 houses with the help of my sister and my niece. It was lots of work but it was worth it. We all had fun decorating and loading the gingerbread with candy!

 

 

My gingerbread house...complete with a string of lights (thanks to an idea found on Pinterest)

 

 

Of course we had Christmas cookies too, yum!

 

 

We also had a nice dinner, a talent show and then a white elephant gift exchange. It got a little crazy passing all of those presents!

 

 

I got some of the kids to pause long enough for a picture

 

 

This week I have made a few batches of toffee to share with friends. It's a family favorite and it's so yummy! It's a good thing I only make it once a year.

 

 

This week my Christmas cactus bloomed for the first time too. So pretty!

 

 

I'm thankful for the Christmas season. There is so much about the season that I enjoy but I especially love Christmas music. This week I keep thinking about the words to God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, in particular the words 'tidings of comfort and joy'. Knowing that Jesus was born and completed His mission as the Savior of the world truly is a tiding of comfort and joy! I also enjoy spending time with my family celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

 

There are lots of good things happening in my life and I feel blessed. I'm looking forward to 2015. I'll try to do better with posting on my blog. I didn't send out many cards so here is a copy for those that didn't get one in the mail. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!