Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Cook

No, not Brian and I.

The new Mr. and Mrs. Cook. Otherwise known as Nate and Maryann...

I wanted to include some pictures of everyone waiting for the happy couple to come out after the sealing...

But really, it was all about them...

Aren't they cute?

(Insert pondering here, and a pause...)

You know, I tend to hold my more spiritual experiences close to the heart - a blog just feels too casual for it sometimes. Still, I have to say what a blessing it was to watch these two kneel at the altar and be married not just "till death do us part" but for time and all eternity. I believe in these things. And I believe in love deep enough to last that long.

That's my heart's desire for these two as well, that they will cherish each other, and the covenants they've made to the Lord, to the very best of their abilities.

We love you Mr. and Mrs. Cook.

The Birth of Christ

What a sacred and holy moment we celebrate each year. While the customs of the holiday - the decorations, gifts, and get-togethers - consume our time, it is not through rituals but within my own heart that my worship of the Savior deepens. I contemplate Him in a personal way, not as the Savior of the world, but as my Savior. I think of what He means to me, and in so doing I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

He has been in my heart for a long time. Only once, when I decidedly turned my back on Him, did He honor that decision and withdraw from me. It was the darkest period of my life, and something I will never repeat if I can help it. He is truly the light of the world, because He is the light within each one of us. We can find joy in many things and in many ways; living in this world can be wonderous and a thrill to be a part of. But that deep joy, that peace so penetrating that you can't help but know it comes from a Higher source, that is what I live for.

The Lord Jesus Christ has sustained me in times of great happiness and in times of deep sorrow. I know I can count on Him, no matter what life brings, to reassure me of His presence and His love for me and my family. That is truly all that matters. I may fall victim to the trappings of the holiday like everyone else, but in my heart I hold my Savior dear, and I hope that gift is enough. It is truly all I have to give.