Keep It Simple

Hey friends:)) 

Hope y'all are doing well :)

We had a pretty spectacular week! 

First off... we had an Instagram live with Sister Craig!! Let me tell you- that woman is amazing. I've learned so much from her! 

Here's how it happened: 

We do Instagram lives every week and one of this weeks prompt for light the world was "recipe for rejoicing". We wanted to get someone on who could share a family Christmas recipe. We had mind blanks- no one was coming to mind for us. When we were watching the first Presidency Christmas devotional, we were talking about how much we love and look up to sister Craig. She's always sharing cute recipes on her Instagram account. And the thought came to me "we could have Sister Craig on the live!" Crazy, right?! But I went ahead and told sis Schmidt and she was down. So this is what happened. We DM'ed her on Instagram! Didn't think she'd respond at all. BUT THEN SHE DID. the night before the live! So our mission president sent in a request and it all worked out! Don't know why but God wanted it to happen! I still feel like there was a greater purpose for it. But i feel so blessed that I got to be a part of it! 

She was so real and genuine. Had just gotten home. After we introduced her we  asked her  if there was anything she wanted to add and she said "No. Just that I love the Lord." 

We talked about an experience where she saw others deeply. And how we can keep Christmas simple and focused on Christ. We asked her about the light the world initiative. She said that she doesn't want people to feel guilty if they don't do every prompt every day. She wants it to be individual- we can pray to know what God wants us to do to light the world. She said "just just what you can". As long as we're doing our best and are focused on Christ, everything will be okay. If you have Instagram, give it a watch! I promise it'll be worth your time. 

@christlives.michigan 

Also, grace and Prince are getting baptized this weekend! We moves their date. I'm so excited for them, everyone keep them in your prayers! 

I'm so grateful for this Christmas season we have to give our focus to the Savior. He is everything to me! 

Sister Schmidt shared this in her talk on Sunday, and I loved it so much. Thought I'd share. 

""This Christmas, mend a quarrel. Seek out a forgotten friend. Dismiss suspicion and replace it with trust. Write a letter. Give a soft answer. Encourage youth. Manifest your loyalty in word and deed. Keep a promise. Forgo a grudge. Forgive an enemy. Apologize. Try to understand. Examine your demands on others. Think first of someone else. Be kind. Be gentle. Laugh a little more. Express your gratitude. Welcome a stranger. Gladden the heart of a child. Take pleasure in the beauty and wonder of the earth. Speak your love and then speak it again." -Howard W. Hunter 

I'm grateful for how simple Christmas can be when it's focused on Christ. 

Love you all tons!! 

Sis Ross