I can hardly believe that we are fast approaching the end of 2018,and we’re here at another holiday season. The last few years of my life and that of my family have seen many changes, new baby, new house, new ward and callings. I keep hoping things will slow down, but they don’t!

In the Church we have a new prophet, and many significant changes to how we “Latter-day Saint”. In April we said goodbye to home and visiting teaching and have been learning to serve in the higher and holier manner of ministering. Over the summer and again in Conference, Pres. Nelson asked the members of the Church to use the full name of the Church as we refer to ourselves and the Church. In October General Conference we were also introduced to the new Come Follow Me program for individuals and families and welcomed (at least everyone I know welcomed it) the change to a 2 hour church meeting schedule. Many new temples have been announced, members of the church are engaged in exciting and necessary good works all over the globe. It is truly an exciting time to be alive.

This year, as in years past, the Church is encouraging members to participate in service over the month of December as part of its “Light the World” initiative. This year December is divided up in to areas of focus for each week. In week one, the theme is, “Give As He Gave”. We are encouraged to pray and think of ways to give to others and the savior gave. Some suggestions that the Church has given are:

1. Share on social media an example of someone in your life that has been an example of Christlike service. Make sure to use the hashtag #LightTheWorld, so others can see your post.

2. Use a Giving Machine, or donate to another global cause.

3. Collect supplies for refugees.

4. Seek out a person from another culture and learn his or her story.

I hope that our readers will be inspired to serve, and then come back and share with us what you did to #LightTheWorld and how it changed you.