Light the World: Ornament exchange

"Think of a close friend or family member," reads today's Light the World prompt. "Invite them to do an ornament swap, so you have something to represent each other in your respective homes."

There's something nostalgic about pulling out the Christmas ornaments each year.

My mom had pink glass ornaments that we decorated the tree with every year. Most were smooth, round and delicate. There was one that was oversized and was covered with all kinds of silver baubles. It went on the top of the tree, just below the star.

The kids usually made ornaments in Primary or at school, often using a photo of themselves (like in the cartoon).

So many ornaments come with stories, it's often like a family history project decorating the tree.

Light the World: Share a scripture

I'm reminded of an experience I had as a missionary with an investigator, Choi Yeong-nan. She was discouraged, sad, and felt empty and alone. We prayed to know what we could do to bring her comfort and peace. As we prayed, a scripture reference came to my mind. It was crystal clear. It was also one that I wasn't familiar with. I marked it in my Korean scriptures and we went to our appointment.

As we spoke with her, I shared the verse with her, handing her my book to read. Her eyes filled with tears as she spoke the words, and she said, "This is exactly what I needed to hear."

When we got home, I opened up my English scriptures to the same verse. The verse spoke of how the Lord knows us as individuals, therefore "let not your heart be troubled." It was a powerful testimony to her; it was a powerful testimony to me.

Share a scripture today with someone that you love. It can make a world of difference! 

Light the World: Gear up for service

Do some service for a family member today. #LightTheWorld

Light the World: Make a donation

What can you give to help someone in need?

We received a catalog in the mail from one of the #LightTheWorld giving machine partners. It has all kinds of cool stuff you can buy to help people in need: a goat, textbooks, chickens, meals. We're strongly leaning toward the $30 beehives.

The #LightTheWorld suggestion for today is to help someone in need  by making a small donation. It could be a goat or a beehive; it could be donating a smile or a friendly greeting to someone who is feeling down.

There are many ways to give; LightTheWorld.org has links. Or give a gift of kindness. It certainly couldn't hurt!

Light the World: Say a prayer

Today's suggestion for #LightTheWorld is to offer a prayer of gratitude for Jesus Christ and his mercy.

I came across a quote from Elder Holland that says conversion isn't easy. Salvation is not a cheap experience, he said. How could it be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him? [We] have to spend at least a few moments in Gethsemane. [We] have to take at least a step or two toward the summit of Calvary.

Be grateful for what he went through so we don't have to!

Spend some time on your knees today. Express gratitude for your blessings. And as you do, you'll be come aware of even greater blessings that you've been given.

Light the World: Lunchtime!

Today's Light the World suggestion is to have lunch with someone new at school or work.

Sometimes it seems that we get caught up in the routine of day to day living that we don't notice those people on the edges. Sometimes all it takes is a little nudge or a word of welcome to help them feel included.

As my bishop says, you have the agency to make the invitation. Whether it is accepted is out of your control; that's the other person's agency. Do your part: reach out to someone on the fringe.

Light the World: Give

What better spokesman is there for Christmas and Light the World than Dracula?