A Christmas Message That Might Make People Cry

Well, I've felt like I've been going crazy these past couple of days. Am I overwhelmed with the responsibilities of an adulthood life? No. In fact, I'm on vacation. I have done absolutely nothing for 6 consecutive days.
I turn into a completely different person between being in Logan and being at home. In Logan, I feel like I'm not very funny/fun and I'm always busy. Then I go home for Christmas, sit on my can by the TV and crack jokes to my mom the whole time.
Anyways, both of these sides of me are Christian. And neither of them are very good at conversing Christian topics. Fact is folks, I go to church every week. I'm LDS. I rarely swear at all. I've taught classes at church 6 times this year [in 3 different wards (yet I was never actually called to be a teacher)]. I try really hard to be a good person. It stresses me out. But I have personal spiritual goals and look at the moral value behind most all my choices. Because- well- I believe in Jesus Christ. 
Now tomorrow is Christmas. For the first time in my life, I'm excited about Christmas. According to my mom, I was never even excited about Christmas as a child. Just this year, I've been very Christmassy. I've been listening to Christmas music since late October.
My split personalities between Logan-Scott and home-Scott are driving me crazy right now. I love making my family laugh and watching Sports Center, but I think that 0 of my family members can take me seriously. It 's my own fault, I guess. It's not like a ton of people in Logan take me seriously either, it's just that I have real conversations there. Especially this year. I've exchanged- given and received- a lot of advice this year. I don't know why people trust me or why I trust them. BUT THAT'S WHAT THIS BLOG IS ABOUT.
I can't think of a better reason to stay alive than enveloping yourself in the love of mankind. In which case, I consider myself an overly-observant lover. Anyway, the concept of someone who loves every member of mankind being in charge of the what happens on Earth makes a lot of sense to me.
I admit, the birth of Christ makes for an interesting story, but I wasn't alive in 1 AD and I don't associate with shepherds. Aside from His birth, it's when I think about the works, death and resurrection (AKA: ATONEMENT) of Jesus Christ is where I get the so-called "Christmas Spirit." Your celebrating the birth of your Savior. He gave everything.
People say it's a season for giving, but I'm bad at that. Although, I mentioned earlier how I've had deep conversations with people this year. I've made a lot of friends. So here's a quote- not from the Bible, not from Charles Dickens- but from the "Thankful Heart" in A Muppet Christmas Carol:

"If you want to know the measure of a man, just simply count his friends!" 

This last semester, my social life went to pot. One might say I don't have very many friends. And I kinda don't. But essentially, I have a ton. I'm sure Christ wants you to give this holiday season, but he also wants you to Be A Friend. Spend time with old friends and make some new ones. Remove any requirements you have for accepting other people. I've learned that being there for other people and having other people to turn to is Important with a capital "I." It's the greatest thing in the world to Be A Friend. Somehow in the last few months, I've forgotten this. And whether you like what you've heard or not- I can honestly say that Jesus Christ is greatest example of a friend there is. From Matt 25:40...

"Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me."

This includes sack lunches for the homeless. It might include gift-wrapped CDs for your little brother. But it also includes legitimate concern and trust in others. According to the quote, showing concern and trust in your friends is the same as showing concern and trust in Christ. And just like a friend, He will give it back. Well, I hope I get myself together for Christmas morning. Be a friend this Christmas!

Making Someone's Day Is 1 Compliment Away

Yes, the title rhymes.
Anyways, I just remembered a principle I usually forget: Complimenting people!
I am not very good at complimenting people. Or myself, for that matter. When I compliment people, it's sincere and simple... but also pretty rare. Anyways, I've been receiving lots of compliments lately. And it's amazing how some of them I take with 0 grace and how others just turn my day right-side-up. I remembered a change I made when I was 18; a senior in high school. I started just telling every girl how cute they looked that day. I didn't even have any intentions, but I noticed that it made most of them feel better. Now folks: There are plenty more types of compliments to give people. I've always known this, and I apply it at random. I'm  not even that nice to girls these days. I understand the principle of complimenting others, but I suck at it.
In the past week, people have complimented on my sculpturing, my guitar playing, my bass guitar playing, my work ethic, my looks, and (the hilarious one) my health. This is a lot. I realized that I've seen some faces light up when I've made recent compliments. But not always. As I get older, I realize there are more people like me who respond to compliments with a "yeah, sure, thanks." \
I have today officially decided to give sincere compliments to others as often as I feel and to seek things to compliment on.
Also, I need to cheer the heck up when people compliment me. Sincere or not, they're trying to be nice. Show them how much you appreciate their compliment.
BE NICE
...By the way, you look GREAT today!