"...Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8)

I go to the grocery store and buy way too much stuff only because I forgot to bring the list of groceries I wrote down which I left at home hanging on my refrigerator. I usually come home with too much stuff when I forget my list, and many items that I probably don't need, and some items that I didn't remember to write down, but now I have doubles. But when I remember my list, I love coming home and cooking and then eating. Remembering is the greatest thing to do when grocery shopping. Remembering is wonderful! I think that is why is it put in the scriptures so many times.

Remember. I love remembering. I love remembering birthdays, especially if I am able to pull of some sort of surprise and it lifts someones spirit. One birthday to remember all year long is the birth of Jesus Christ. We can remember this birth every time we partake of the sacrament. Some may think I should be thinking of His death, yes, that is included, but His birth, or resurrection is the greatest hope for all of us. It is a new birth, each week for each of us as we renew our covenants that we "are willing to take upon [us] the name of [Jesus Christ] , and always remember Him and keep His commandments which He has given [us]" (D&C 20:77, 79). We are promised in return that we "may always have His Spirit to be with us" ( D&C 20:77, 79). These are powerful promises for remembering.

Remembering a grocery list is one thing, but remembering Christ is another. How does one remember Christ daily? Hourly? Minute to minute? He has asked us to "always remember Him" (see D&C 20:77, 79, Moroni 4:3, 3 Nephi 18:7) not just sometimes. This is a powerful thought, to always think of Christ. There is power in thinking of Him. We can't always be thinking of Him, can we? I believe there is a way, to help us, to direct our thoughts towards Him, and help us remember Him. Paul taught it very simply and beautifully. He said, "Finally, brethren [and sisters], whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things" (Philippians 4:8 bold added). When we are focused on these things that are good, we are focusing our thoughts on Christ.

One of the greatest places to receive these pure, lovely, good, things of virtue and praise is in the scriptures. O how I love the scriptures. They are "the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe" (1 Thessalonians 2:13). When we "hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, [we will] never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower [us] unto blindness, to lead [us] away to destruction" (1 Nephi 15:24). We are given power and strength beyond our own when we remember to "feast upon the words of Christ" (2 Nephi 32:3).

Even though we may forget the grocery list, we do remember to eat every day. We may forget from time to time somethings, but we can remember Christ as we eat from the scriptures daily, even just a bit, and He will feed us, and protect us, lift us and strengthen us. This I testify.

"...Always Remember Him..." D&C 20:77,79

I think the month of December should be called the month of Remember. Why? Because it is so filled with good memories. It is filled with good smells, good songs, gift giving and receiving which all bring different types of remembering. But most importantly, it is the month in which we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, which brings about a whole set a remembering in and of itself. "The celebration of Christmas helps us keep our promise to always remember Him and His gifts to us. And that remembrance creates a desire in us to give gifts to Him" (Elder Henry B. Eyring).

My husband will say, "Don't forget" and I always say back, "Remember" because we must "Remember, remember that it is not the work of God that is frustrated, but the work of men" (D&C 3:3). Christ said to His disciples at the last supper, "This do in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19). What are we to remember? "Always remember Him", Jesus Christ (D&C 20:77,79).

If Christmas could only last all year long perhaps we would remember Christ a little more easily all the time. The other day one of my sons said, "I wish it was Christmas all year long". I said that we could make it Christmas all year long by giving everyday. Later on I realized that this is exactly what Christ is wanting us to remember. "[He] gave himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works" (Titus 2:14).  He is "the perfect example" (Bible Dictionary) of what we are to remember in everything: behavior, worship, praying, humility, love, meekness, giving, everything.

Heavenly Father also expresses His love for us by having given us His "Beloved Son, in whom [He] is well pleased" (3 Nephi 11:7). There is a children's Primary song that says it perfectly about Heavenly Father giving the perfect Gift to us, and how we can give back to Him and also remember Him:

"How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?

He sent His Son, a new born babe, with peace and holiness.

How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go?

He sent His Son on earth to walk with men on earth, that we may know.

How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death?

He sent His Son to die for us and rise with living breath.

What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say?

Have faith, have hope, live like His Son, help others on their way.

What does He ask? Live like His Son."

(He Sent His Son; view Mormon Tabernacle Choir Performance here)

As we celebrate this month of "Remember" we can give the gift of ourselves to Christ by living as He did. We don't have to buy expensive gifts or focus on parties or fancy clothes. We can focus on the greatest gift ever given, even Jesus Christ, and in so doing we can have a year of "remembering" and a whole year of Christmas. We can give of ourselves and we not only have Christmas all year long, but we will "always remember [Christ]" (D&C 20:77,79). This I testify.