Light The World Initiative -- Day 25
Jesus's Disciples Followed Him and So Did You



I loved watching this last video -- It felt good knowing that I had tried my best to tackle the challenges.

Some things I discovered:

          *  There are a few areas where I'm doing okay, but
              I could use some improvement.
          *  There are several areas where I could use a lot of
              improvement.

The most ironic thing happened on about day five or six when I was feeling the pressures of getting everything done for the Christmas season.  At one point as I was stressing over the fact that I was barely keeping up with all the regular stuff, let alone adding in the extra "Light The World Challenges".  This distinct thought came to me:

          "This is really a great challenge, but couldn't it come at
           a less busy time of year?"

And then it dawned on me:

          "Duh!  Of course it needs to come at this time of year.
           It's trying to teach us the difference between what is
           urgent and what is truly important."

I hope that I will always remember to put the most important things first in my life.  Not only at Christmas time, but throughout the year.

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 24
Jesus Cared for His Loved Ones and So Can You



As this is Christmas Eve, it came very naturally for me to care for my loved ones.  After all, for our family, Christmas Eve is a big deal with traditional food and activities.  I spent the day in service to my children, grandchildren, and of course, The Mr.

Christmas Eve is always a lot of work, but I wouldn't want it any other way.  I feel so blessed to have a large family to care for.

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 23
Jesus Was a Peacemaker and You Can Be One Too



There were a couple of suggestions that caught my eye for today:

1)  Take time to listen to someone with a different point of view.  Don't argue; just listen.

(This is the one I acted on today, and actually had a good opportunity to try it out, with good results.)

2)  Take a break from combative internet rhetoric for a day (or forever).

(I laughed out loud over this one.  As I said before, I rarely post anything on Facebook, but I do like to read what others have to say.  Sadly, there are a lot of people who seem to enjoy "stirring the pot".  I think we could all benefit from this one!)

Dixie

Light The World Initative -- Day 22
Jesus Showed Gratitude and So Can You



For the past six days I've had a houseful of company (family).  They are the best!!  I tried my very best to show gratitude for the many helpful things they did today.  It was easy -- they were doing a lot of nice things for me.

I feel so blessed to have such respectful and responsible adult children.  I love them to pieces!

And that's a good thing.  Otherwise I might be ticked off at all of them for living so far away!!

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 21
Jesus Forgave Others and So Can You



I loved the first suggestion that was offered for this one:

                    "Be kind instead of right for today."

This is what I was working on today.  I love this quote.  It may have to take up permanent residence on my fridge.

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 20
Jesus Saw Potential in Others and So Can You



Today I listened to a talk by Richard B. Scott entitled "Realize Your Potential".  Although his message applies to us as individuals, I have made a commitment to try to help my Showbiz Kids realize their potential as performers.

Tomorrow is our last class before the Christmas holidays.  I'm going to make an extra special effort to encourage them to do the best they possibly can, compliment them for their best efforts, and encourage them to keep it up.

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 19
Jesus Calmed the Storm and So Can You



Another fail.

Today was the first day in about a month, that I haven't had a long list of things to accomplish.  I was revelling in my new-found "freedom", and totally forgot to even look at the calendar, let alone accomplish anything.

But in a way, it felt kinda nice to "calm" my own storm.

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 18
Jesus Honored the Sabbath and So Can You



Today was Sunday, so it made for another easy challenge.  I got to go to church with my children and grandchildren!  What a treat!!

The nine and ten-year-olds love to watch tv.  All. Day. Long.  We (the adults) decided it would be a good idea to turn off the tv for a couple of hours, as suggested by the Initiative.  We played Christmas Pictionary instead.  That was a good choice!

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 17
Jesus Cared for His Mother and So Can You



I woke up this morning and checked the Initiative calendar -- "Care for Your Mother".  Hmmm.  Kinda hard to do, considering my mom passed away five years ago.

But I have a mother-in-law.  And she's totally awesome!  So I sent her a really long text telling her how much I love and admire her.

And then I felt a little guilty.  Why did it have to take an advent calendar to get me to tell my mother-in-law something I should have told her years ago?

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 16
Jesus Showed Compassion and So Can You



Well, I think I totally bombed on this one.  Today was the first day that Daughter #3 and her family were here with us for the holidays.  I guess we were in such a kerfuffle (is that a real word?) that I forgot all about the Light The World Initiative.  Oops!

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 15
Jesus Worshipped Through Song and So Can You



Several Christmas' ago while directing our church choir, we performed the song "I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day".  I remember having to practice with the bass section over and over and over so they could get their part.  Ever since that time, I have enjoyed singing the bass -- an octave higher, of course -- for at least two of the five verses.

Today I learned the tenor part.  How fun it's going to be singing all four parts this year:

          Verse 1  --  Soprano
          Verse 2  --  Alto
          Verse 3  --  Tenor
          Verse 4  --  Bass
          Verse 5  --  Who knows?  Anything my heart desires.

Truth be told, my heart "desires" that I could actually sing those parts well!

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 14
Jesus Taught Us to Clothe the Naked and You Can Help



Today I gathered up a few of my clothes and donated them to a charity.  This was pretty easy to do.  I almost feel like I was slacking today.

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 13
Jesus Showed Humility and So Can You



Today I listened to a talk about learning to follow the example of humility from children.  I followed that up with completing one of the suggestions on the Initiative:

                         "Learn to laugh at yourself.  Start by posting
                          an embarrassing childhood picture."

Wow -- So many to choose from!

I don't generally post things on Facebook.  I usually just end up getting tagged in one of my daughters' posts.  But I thought I should do this.  After all, I made a commitment to do all 25 days, not just the easy ones.

So in case you missed it on Facebook.............

Answers to your questions:

1)  No, that first picture is not a boy; it's me sporting the ridiculously ugly haircut that my mother always gave me.

2)  Yes, I'm wearing a wig in the second picture.  No doubt, to cover the ridiculous haircut!

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 12
Jesus Taught Others and So Can You



Today's suggestion was to teach someone else what your parents taught you.  I was lucky enough to have a couple of tries at this.

1)  I had lunch with two sisters who were my next-door-neighbors when I was a young girl.  During the course of the conversation, I told them how busy I've been the past three weeks.  For some reason my regular responsibilities -- as well as the extra things I have been asked to be in charge of -- have all converged during the same three week period.

As I gave a run-down of the different activities (mostly parties, food and music), they could tell that I loved doing these activities, and attributed it to the fact that my mom also loved getting involved in those sorts of things.  They asked about some of the theme parties I've used over the years, and asked if I'd be willing to compile a list for them (when I'm a little less busy, of course) of all the different ideas so they could use them sometime.  Pretty sure I learned that fun little skill from my mom!

2)  After school I picked up a couple of high school students to help them practice their song for the church Christmas party.  I love taking a song and finding a way to make it a little more entertaining for an audience.  Pretty sure that was also my mother's influence.

I was really grateful to be reminded today how much my mom taught me, and how much I enjoy passing on that knowledge to others.

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day 11
Jesus Ministered to Children and So Can You



Today at church our nephew's seven-year-old son came to sit with me.  He often does this.  I'm not sure if he actually enjoys sitting with me, or whether his parents say to him, "Evan, go sit with Aunt Dixie.  She looks lonely."

Haha.  Maybe they're working on their own "Light the World" initiative and I'm their project.

Either way, I don't care.  He's so sweet -- how could I not love him?  And he has four siblings that are equally as sweet.  So I decided I would invite him and his brother, Sam, to join me for lunch and some table games after church.  (I'd had the girls over earlier by themselves, so thought it was only fair to invite the boys.)

I just loved spending time with them -- they made my day.  It's no wonder Jesus said, "Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come unto me, for of such is the kingdom of Heaven."

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day Ten
Jesus Helped People Walk and So Can You



Today the Mr. and I learned more about the LDS Charities wheelchair program.  We decided we would like to make a financial contribution -- hopefully it will make a small difference.

We also watched a video of a young father, who is an amputee,so that we could learn more about the struggles he faces.  I think this guy is totally an inspiration!

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day Nine
Jesus Visited the Lonely and So Can You



Today I invited a widow lady to attend a Christmas concert with The Mr. and I.  Unfortunately she was feeling sick and unable to make it.   But -- just like the last day's challenge -- it's nice to be invited to the party even if you can't come!

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day Eight
Jesus Prayed for Others and So Can You



Another woman and myself have been asked to plan the church Christmas party.  We made a list of everything that needed to be done and decided to divide and conquer.  One of my responsibilities fell to arranging the musical program.

As with any large group, it seems like the same people always end up doing the singing at every musical function.  I was hoping this year might be a little different.  I thought it would be nice to give others a chance.  So I prayed to Heavenly Father to give me some inspiration as to who might enjoy being asked to perform.  Some definite thoughts came to my mind.  As I asked these "new" people to sing, they seemed genuinely delighted!  Some were not able to join because of other commitments, but they all thanked me for the opportunity, and several said, "please ask me again some time."

Moral of the story:  Everyone likes to be invited to the party.  Even if they can't make it, it's nice to receive the invitation.

Light The World Initiative -- Day Seven
Jesus Fed the Hungry and So Can You



If the truth be told, I actually switched Day Six and Day Seven.  I was sooooo busy yesterday, that I didn't have time to send an email to my grandchildren with my favorite scriptures.  So I did that today.  What I did have time for yesterday was to donate some money to help feed the hungry.

I was trying to get everything done in time for the Christmas party that The Mr. and I were hosting last night.  I wasn't sure how I was going to be able to "feed the hungry" today with my hectic schedule.  I still needed to clean my house, put up decorations, set up tables and chairs, fix the food, shovel the snow, and plan the games.  As I was rushing around from store to store, I saw a woman ringing her bells beside a big donation kettle.  It was almost too easy.  I'm so glad God provided that opportunity for me to complete the challenge despite my time crunch.

And then it dawned on me:  How many years in the past have I passed by the donation kettles and thought, "I'm too busy right now.  I'll do it next time I'm in the store."?   And then I never do.

It really only took a minute to find some money and make a donation.  I'm so grateful for this challenge so that I could discover that.  I will definitely remember that in the future.

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day Six
Jesus Read the Scriptures and So Can You



Today I sent an email to my six grandchildren so I could share my favorite scriptures with them.

The two youngest won't be able to understand that email, but the four oldest ones will.  They have their own set of scriptures, so I suggested they could mark them in their own books.

I'm not sure that my grandchildren will actually take much interest in this endeavour, but I hope that some day they will.  At the very least, I hope that they will remember me as one who loved the scriptures and found comfort in reading them.

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day Five
Jesus Healed the Sick and So Can You



This morning I booked an appointment to give blood.  I really hope it works this time.  The past several times I've been to a blood donor clinic, they've sent me home for one of the following reasons:

           1)  I was low in iron
           2)  They couldn't find a vein
           3)  They couldn't get any blood once they did find a vein.

But my blood type is O- and they keep telling me they need it desperately, so I'll keep trying.  Hopefully one of these times they'll actually be able to use my blood.

In the meantime, I'll keep enjoying their cookies and juice.

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day Four
Jesus Worshipped His Father and So Can You



The suggestion given for this challenge was to attend church.  Today was Sunday, so it was easy to complete this challenge since I always go to church on Sundays.  I decided I would put forth a little extra effort to listen to the talks and lessons a little more closely.  The Mr. and I were also able to attend the First Presidency Christmas Devotional in the evening.

The messages of the day warmed my heart, which was a good thing since the thermometer took a drastic plunge that day -- it was cold!

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day Three
Jesus Helped Others to See and So Can You.




I volunteered as a hostess at our church's annual Christmas Nativity Exhibit where there were hundreds of ornamental nativities on display.  One of my assignments was to give each of the children an "I Spy" paper with items listed for them to try to find.  Things such as a nativity from another country, a nativity made out of cedar wood, and a nativity set that included King Herod were on the list.  One sad little girl came back to me and said she had looked everywhere, but couldn't see a nativity where Mary was riding on a donkey.  It was the only item on her paper that she couldn't find, and it was keeping her from claiming her prize in the children's room.  I looked all over until I found one, and then I was able to point it out to her so she could also see it.

A while later I had a conversation with a couple of people who were also viewing the exhibit.  When the young man arrived at the church, he had been asked if he had his church keys with him, as they were needed to unlock one of the rooms where a needed item was kept.  Unfortunately, he didn't have them with him.  He did however, recall that he thought he should bring them with him, but put the idea out of his head.  After all, no one would need his church keys since the building was already unlocked.  I told him that I've learned that when we get those thoughts we should follow through with them, even if it seems ridiculous.  I firmly believe that it is a small prompting from the Holy Spirit to help us out and make our life a little easier.  I explained that I haven't always been good at recognizing that it was a prompting, but after 55 years, I'm starting to get a little better at it.  I'm hoping that it helps him (and the other person listening to the conversation) see that God is concerned about us and is willing to send us promptings to help us out.

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day Two
Jesus Honored His Parents and So Can You





My parents have both passed away, but I decided to honour them by learning more about two of my ancestors -- one from each of their family lines.

I first looked up my maternal grandmother, someone I don't really remember, but have always admired.  She passed away when I was not quite five years old, so the only thing I know about her is what my mom told me, and what I researched today.  She was a hard worker, soft-spoken, and extremely devout in her faith in Jesus Christ.  Although her husband was not religious, and their was no formally established church in her area, she would gather her children around her and teach them all she knew from the scriptures.  I especially love her for this last reason!

I also looked up my paternal great-grandfather.  I learned from a newspaper clipping that he was quite a builder in the community.  Many of the landmark homes and buildings in my hometown were built by him.  Some day I would love to see the Victorian-style home he built turned into a bed and breakfast.  Unfortunately, it won't be done by me.  Not only will I probably never live there, but I can think of a hundred things I enjoy doing more than cooking.

I'm really glad I took the time to learn more about them, as suggested by this initiative.  It was a wonderful experience.

Dixie

Light The World Initiative -- Day One 
Jesus Lifted Others' Burdens and So Can You.





Today I stopped in to visit a friend who is a full-time caregiver to her aging mother.  Cindy's mom is bedridden, and as  result, Cindy doesn't get out of the house much.  I thought she and her mom might enjoy a visit.  I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like to not have the freedom to come and go as you please.  Because of the Light the World initiative, I remembered to offer some assistance to help ease her burden.  Cindy is going to teach me how to administer her mom's medication so she can get out of the house every now and then.


Dixie