Redeemed | Justin Williams | Worth of Souls

   

re·demp·tion

noun

1. 
   
2. 1. the action of saving or being saved from sin, error, or evil.
3. 
   

   "God's plans for the redemption of his world"

   
   
4. synonyms:saving, freeing from sin, absolution
   

   
   

~~~

Seems like all I could see was the struggle 
Haunted by ghosts that lived in my past 
Bound up in shackles of all my failures 
Wondering how long is this gonna last 
Then You look at this prisoner and say to me “Son, 
Stop fighting a fight it's already been won" 

I am redeemed, You set me free 
So I'll shake off these heavy chains 
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be 
I am redeemed, I'm redeemed 

All my life I have been called unworthy 
Named by the voice of my shame and regret 
But when I hear You whisper, "Child lift up your head" 
I remember, oh God, You're not done with me yet 

I am redeemed, You set me free 
So I'll shake off these heavy chains 
Wipe away every stain, now I'm not who I used to be 

Because I don't have to be the old man inside of me 
'Cause his day is long dead and gone 
Because I've got a new name, a new life, I'm not the same 
And a hope that will carry me home 

I am redeemed, You set me free 
So I'll shake off these heavy chains 
Wipe away every stain, 'cause I'm not who I used to be 

I am redeemed, You set me free 
So I'll shake off these heavy chains 
Wipe away every stain, yeah, I'm not who I used to be 
Oh, God, I'm not who I used to be 
Jesus, I'm not who I used to be 
'Cause I am redeemed 
Thank God, redeemed 

He'll Carry You

He'll Carry You - Hilary Weeks ( LDS ) with Lyrics

He knows your heart
He knows your pain
He knows the strength it took just too simply breathe today
He sees the tears that you cry
He knows your soul is aching to know why
He hears your prayers each humble word
When you said you couldn't face another day he understood
He knows the path that you will find
Though you felt alone he's never left your side
Chorus:
He knew there'd be moments when no earthly words
Could take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you're going through
When you've taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you
He'll bring you peace and leave you hope
And in the darkest night he'll comfort you
Until you know the sun will rise and each new day
You will have the strength to live again
Chorus:
And when there are moments when no earthly words
can take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you're going through
When you've taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you
He hears you when you're crying in the night
He hears you when your soul longs to find
Till the morning will come
And the light of the dawn reassures
Chorus:
That in the moments when no earthly words
can take away your sorrow
And no human eyes could see what you're going through
When you've taken your last step and done all that you can do
He will lift your heavy load and carry you

Lifting Burdens: The Atonement of Jesus Christ

O Holy Night

And His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful

And His Name Shall Be Called Wonderful by Simon Dewey

Christ: The Real Gift of Christmas

Christ: The Real Gift of Christmas is a wonderful new website with resources for your family and Friends.

By focusing on your loved ones, enjoying or building holiday traditions, and following the Savior's example of service, you can give yourself and your family true, lasting Christmas gifts.

Christmas Videos
Christmas Traditions
How to Have a More Worshipful Christmas
Christmas Media Resources
There is music player to Play the song, or in a MP3 (Music & Words) or MP3 (Music Only)
Great Articles
Coloring Pages & Games

The Bible Christmas Story

Luke Chapter 2, King James Version Luke 2 in the New Testament is the sacred account of the birth of Jesus Christ. With links to songs, articles, and videos, you can now experience the familiar story in a new way.

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown."

Christmas Can Be Magical

from my Mom's blog

Elder and Sister Tanner

When you are far from home, no matter what you do Christmas becomes "different" and we have found that it is okay. We have talked a lot and thought a lot about Christmas this year.

Mostly for me it has been recalling a lot of special memories. Christmas seems so magical when you are a child. It really doesn't have to do with how much is spent. It is the gifts that money can't buy that are the most important and the most memorable. One of Michael's memories that he has shared with me often is a wagon full of oranges. Oranges in the winter time in Idaho, what a wonderful gift for him. He has never forgotten it and it still becomes the topic of discussion a few times during the season. My memories put me into another world. Lights, cookies, candles, music, stockings, the tree, wrapping and ribbons, fudge, divinity, cards, relatives, the artificial fireplace, hard candies, a bowl of nuts, giggles, anticipation, secrets, food (oh my) the food. Did I know we were "poor"? Never at Christmas. To me Christmas was magic. When I grew up I found out that someone has to create that magic. My mother was at the center of all that magic for me. When I think back on all those wonderful memories, I don't know how she did it. I know my dad and grandpa helped and probably many others, but it was her that pulled it off every year. Then I realized that responsibility fell on me now. I picked up the torch and was determined that the magic of Christmas would not be lost with me. It was not always easy, but the magic continued. As we moved on through our lives and found the Church, the magic continued, but increased and become even more meaningful in the very special way of knowing what that magic is all about. The Jesus present become the central theme of our celebration. The Christmas story though mentioned and heard as a child, now become vital to our family. We carried on a lot of our traditional activities, tweaking some and adding some of our own. It was magical. Certain music and certain smells can transport me back in seconds.

I have often said that I wait each year for the Christmas Spirit to come. There is always something that triggers it. Some years it is early and others it is evasive and hard to find. This year it has come later, perhaps because we are away, or just that we have been so busy. The video that has been circulating on the internet about the flash mob singing the Hallelujah Chorus in a food court really helped. The most important thing that really brought the spirit to us was letters from family members. Home made cards, hand drawn pictures, testimonies, letters, special talks, little books. They touched our hearts and made the tears flow. They will be a treasure always, not just at Christmas.

To be serving this mission and associating with these missionaries at this time is surely a blessing we will always cherish. I think the Lord gives extra special blessings at this time of the year when it is difficult to be away from home and family. There is a warmth and peace that comes from within, to know we are in the Lord's service. When all is said and done, when all the gifts have been opened and we move into the New Year, we realize it is not magic, but the Spirit that makes it Christmas. That little baby who was born in the stable has grown up and now is our Savior. We are grateful for his loving sacrifice.

Love you Mom!!

The Greatest Gift

Tips to Keep You and Your Christmas Organized

            Set up a Wrapping Station 

Find a nook or cranny with bit privacy and storage space – it might be a walk-in closet, a corner of the basement, or even the laundry room. Gather all the wrapping materials there: paper, bows, tape, scissors, bags and ribbon (now is a great time to inventory!) When you bring home gifts, assign someone who likes to wrap to have at it in the wrapping room. Wrapping gifts with small children can help them feel included in the joy of giving. The only trick to this making sure the supplies don't wander off!

Inventory Your Pantry

Few things are more stressful than finally having time to do some baking and realizing that you don't have enough sugar. Or cream. Or those little crushed red and green candy sprinkles that your youngest loves so much.

Make a list of the things you usually bake, or things you would like to bake, and then take an inventory of your pantry. Do you have everything you need?  

Look at the fridge and freezer while you're at it. Do you have things for quick dinners on the go? If you're up to it, go ahead and freeze some doubles when you have time. You know they'll come in handy.

Plan to Serve

Most of us want to serve others during the Christmas season, but as schedules fill and stress builds, it's easy to get to the New Year and be disappointed.

This year, make plans early to do something that will make this Christmas one to remember. Make a commitment, write it down, and enjoy serving others. You might ask your bishop what you can do for the ward, or sign up to help a local homeless shelter. Families with small children usually find that a promise made to the young ones does not get forgotten! Find out what good causes are happening where you are and make a date to serve. You will enjoy your Christmas all the more knowing you've helped others. 

Jingle Those Bells Singing Christmas carols can actually help you feel less stress. So sing along – even if you aren't the best singer in the choir. Experts say that singing encourages good breathing and releases endorphins, improving your mood!  

Also a great mood lifter – exercise. Go for a brisk walk, play a game, or do some of those desk yoga exercises. Anything that gets the blood pumping will make you feel better, especially about those delicious and tempting desserts everywhere!

 Nurture Your Spirit

Make time for prayer, mediation, and scripture study. It's so easy to say, "I'm too busy – I'll get to it later" but the well-known tools really are the best when they're used everyday. They help you stay on track with your priorities, and keep your patience with long lines or children with the"gimmies" They can even help you take a deep breath and enjoy the holidays. Make the time, even when it seems like there's none.

What Can Be Moved?

Look at your planning carefully and consider – what could be moved out of December? What would happen if you took the family photo for Christmas letter in October? Or send a Happy New Year letter instead? Is the week before Christmas really the best time to have a party? Some things can't be moved, but some things can. See what you can move off your plate by doing it well before the holidays, or even bumping it to later. 

 

Simplify Gifts

 Elder Oaks has counseled us, "Remember, don't magnify the work to be done – simplify it" Take a list of your Christmas plans, especially the gifts you plan to give, and ask yourself how you could simplify. It is time to do a gift exchange with your extended family rather than trying to buy for everyone? Could your children do gifts of service for their siblings or a DVD of Christmas carols for grandparents rather than buying or making elaborate gifts? 

Plan a Screen-Free Day

Take one of those days between when the kids get out of school and Christmas and designate it a "screen-free day. No television, no computers, no video games. Spend the time talking, playing board games, or baking. You'll be amazed how much this cuts out the stress. You may even want to do it again!

Reason for the Season

Along with your regular habits to stay close to the Savior, look for ways to include Him in your celebration of Hid birth. Some families bake a birthday cake to eat Christmas day. Many do evening devotions of scripture, a song, and maybe a story or a thought. Whatever way you find work best, remembering the birth of Jesus Christ will make Christmas less stressful for you and those you love. 

By Sarah Jean Carter

Family Traditions for Christmas

The True meaning of Christmas can be brought into your Christmas through Family Traditions. Something that can be done each year will bring great memories for everyone.

• A Christmas News Letter each year with a Family Picture
• Baking Cookies
• Going Caroling
• Making Gifts
• A Service Project
• Visiting Shut Ins or at a Rest Home
• Letters and Care Boxes to Military and Missionaries
• Sitting by the tree with all the other lights off Singing Together, drinking Hot Chocolate
• Watching Christmas Specials and Movies
• We always opened one gift on Christmas Eve – (Pajamas from Grandpa and Grandma)
• Reading the account of the Birth of the Savior – acting out the Nativity
• The Foods we eat – the Treats or your Menu for Christmas Dinner
• "The Jesus Present"
• "The Twelve Days of Christmas" – Do your "own" version for someone for 12 prior to Christmas 

Christmas Decorations That Add Meaning

As you plan your decorations, think about and discuss traditional decorations that can remind us of Jesus because of the symbolism.

Lights, Candles and the Star – The star is the heavenly sign of promise from long, ago. It represents the star that shown in the east that appeared on the night of the Saviors birth. That Christ is the light of the world.

The Christmas Tree – Eternal life, because it stays green all year. All needles point to heaven; this symbolizes man's thoughts returning toward heaven.

Red – as in Holly Berries and Poinsettias – The blood of Christ that would spill for our sake.

The Bell – Represent guidance, sheep bells, and lost sheep to return to the fold

The Bow – is placed on presents to remind us of the brotherhood of man.

Candy Canes – The Shepherd's staff, that we are our brother's keeper.

Holly – The crown of thorns that would pierce our Saviors head.

Green – as in Ivy – Life and hope.

The Wreath – It is continuous, never ceases, stops, or ends. Unconditional love

The key is to keep it simple

My New Life - NieNie

Stephanie Nielson, survivor of a near-fatal plane crash, shares her story of a beautiful life centered on faith in Jesus Christ and love of family.

I have followed Stephanie’s blog - NieNie Dialogues before the accident, during and of course since. Her story, experience and her blog are touching the lives of many. I love these messages.

He Lives: Happy Easter

'Whenever you're in trouble'

I was at this concert, I cried when Donny sang this song.

Lessons on Love

An Apostle's Easter Thoughts on Christ

One of the great consolations of this Easter season is that because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so.

Reflections of Christ Slideshow

This ia a beautiful slide show presentation of Mark Mabry's photographs (Reflections of Christ). Music is from the Reflections of Christ CD. These images were part of an exhibit that was on display at the Arizona Temple Visitors which I had the opportunity to see in person this past April. It was breath taking experience.