Recently, Michelle and I were blessed to participate in The Nativity, a yearly re-enactment of the Savior’s birth, performed at Opportunity Village in Las Vegas. I love the Christmas season. During this special time, God fills my heart with conviction of the reality and divinity of Jesus Christ as the literal son of our Heavenly Father. The birth, life, and mission of the Savior bring great hope and peace to my soul.

God’s word teaches that we should be grateful for all things, not only the good, but also the bad. Through the trials of life we are stretched and given opportunity to draw even closer to the Lord if we will but seek Him when the path is dark and uncertain. Once we understand that being close to God is our most meaningful goal in life, we can begin to see that our afflictions and trials are needed blessings that can take us from our seat of comfort to a better place, a place in which the Lord can bless us more abundantly. No matter what our storms of life consist of, they can be associated with silver linings of eternal import as we seek the Lord. Some of these silver linings will be less obvious and some will be vibrant and bright, beyond our expectations. Such was the symbolism last night as an ultra-vibrant sunset punctuated a lovely Thanksgiving Day in Las Vegas.

I love that I can live in a tiny speck of the world and still experience the beautiful variety that is God’s daily blessing to His children. One does not need to travel the world to see the changing brush strokes from His artistic hand. This magnificent view was present earlier this week just before I arrived home from work.

I am grateful for those who have indomitable spirits, those who can always find reason to smile no matter what. They have a special gift from God, and as is the case with all spiritual gifts, their gift is not for them alone, but blesses all who know them. If you didn’t have hands, could you write as well as my friend who filled out the donation slip shown below with pen in foot? And what if you wanted to be a gymnast and had no legs? Check out the inspiring video link regarding Jen Bricker. These two ladies inspire me to be stronger against challenges and to be more thankful for my own gifts and blessings.

http://biggeekdad.com/2014/09/jen-bricker-amazing/

The story behind the Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria, Germany teaches an important truth. This beautiful fortress, the inspiration for the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, was built by King Ludwig II in the 1800s. It took 14 carpenters a total of 4 years to do the wood work in one room alone, the king’s bedroom! After 16 and a half years of construction, the King moved in with only a third of the rooms completed. He lived in his castle less than 6 months before his death. The castle project, which nearly bankrupted the country, was abandoned immediately.

We can spend our entire lives gathering earthly treasures and building monuments but as with King Ludwig II, these rewards will only be “enjoyed” for a moment. God teaches us to put our time and energy into those things that matter most– obeying God, nurturing our families, and loving and serving those along our daily path. These are the things that will lead to heavenly rewards that will last throughout the eternities.