Family Home Evening Thought - Oct. 18

It has been a few busy weeks since I wrote. Since then, I have had the opportunity to think about life and death. Three weeks ago, I again served as an interpreter for a funeral. This was for a young man I interpreted for some years ago. His parents are wonderful, humble people. His mother has a stutter at times, and is quite shy, while his father was a humble, quiet man, content to serve without being a leader, who also had some health problems for many years. They have three children, two daughter, and a son, who is deaf. The father passed away after several months with cancer, having previously had major heart and other problems. I got a call asking me to interpret, which I did. The funeral was a celebration of the life of a humble servant of Jesus Christ, who knew where he was going. While his family will miss him greatly, they know of the plan of the Lord and that they will be reunited someday.
Last Friday, I again learned that a good friend from my paraeducator days at Highlands, Debbie, is dying of CJD, a disease similar to "mad cow" disease. Three months ago, she was fine, and in the next few weeks, she will leave this life. This time, the hope of a reunion with her family is unknown, her husband acknowledges no higher power of any kind.
Death comes to all, eventually, but how grateful I am to know that when the time comes for me, and for those I love, I know where we will go, and have the promise of a reunion in the presence of my Father.
I love each of you. Love, Mom

Family Home Evening Thoughts - Sept. 6

While on our "sisters trip" this summer, Kathy Bertasso told of some advice she and Mike received in their mission presidents training. They were told that it was their choice to make every day a good day, regardless of what happened. We took that advice on Wednesday of our trip, as we walked around D.C. Our goal - we would not complain about the heat, regardless of how hot it was.
I have been trying to do better in my own life - trying not to complain about things that bother me. I'm not perfect by any means, but I am trying to be positive, even with the technology problems we are having at school.
Last night, we attended a fireside presented by Tom and Sandi Hachtel, of our ward. Tom and Sandi, together with many of their family members, participated in the Nauvoo pageant this summer. They told us of the advice they were given as family cast members. The weather in Nauvoo during the summer includes rain - sometimes very hard and persistent storm. Naturally, this isn't the most comfortable way to practice and perform. Tempers tend to flare, and complaints become divisive. They were given a quote from Brigham Young, telling the Saints how to get along with one another. This is my thought for the week.

"If you feel evil, keep it to yourselves until you overcome that evil principle. This is what I call resisting the devil, and he flees from me....when you are influenced by the Spirit of holiness and purity, let your light shine; but if you are tried and tempted and buffeted by Satan, keep your thoughts to yourselves - keep your mouths closed; for speaking produces fruit, either of a good or evil character...You frequently hear brethren and sisters say that they feel so tried and tempted, and have so many cares, and are so buffeted, that they must give vent to their feelings; and they yield to the temptation, and deal out their unpleasant sensations to their families and neighbors. Make up your minds thoroughly, once and for all, that if we have trials, the Lord has suffered them to be brought upon us. And he will give us grace to bear them...But if we have light or intelligence - that which will do good, we will impart it....let that be the determination of the individual, for spirit begets spirit-likeness; feelings beget their likeness....if then we give vent to all our bad feelings and disagreeable sensations, how quickly we beget the same in others, and load each other down with our troubles, and become sunk in darkness and despair!...in all your social communications...let all the dark, discontented, murmuring, unhappy, miserable feelings - all the evil fruit of the mind, fall from the tree in silence and unnoticed; and so let it perish, without taking it up to present to your neighbors. But when you have joy and happiness, light and intelligence, truth and virtue, offer that fruit abundantly to your neighbors, and it will do them good, and so strength the hands of your fellow beings.

Brigham Young, Journal of Discourses, 5:351-352

I am accepting the challenge...will you?

Love, Mom

Family Home Evening Thought - Aug. 16

I have spent the past several months in a study of the Book of Mormon, using a study guide. Each week, I have had to interrupt my Book of Mormon study for a day or two and read the Sunday School lesson, again with a study guide, because I spend my time in Primary each Sunday. I have finished the Book of Mormon, and decided to read as I exercise. While on the "sisters trip", I heard about having a Book of Mormon spiral bound to make it easy to prop on the treadmill/elliptical/bicycle. I came home and got one bound, and am reading that as I "ride". I decided for study time each morning to read/study the book The Infinite Atonement by Tad R. Callister. Tonight, I would like to share a couple of thoughts that have impressed me as I have read the book and scripture references:

1. The Atonement is glorious to behold and study. Regardless of where I am in my understanding, there is always more for me to learn.
2. The time and place for the Atonement was as the Son of God stood alone in all His majestic power against all the artillery of the Evil One. It was divine love in its consummate expression battling diabolic evil in its cruelest proportions.
3. Elder McConkie said the Atonement is "the most important single thing that has ever occurred in the entire history of created things; it is the rock foundation upon which the gospel and all other things rest."
4. The Atonement is the heart of the Gospel, the lifeblood that quickens every gospel precept, the center and core and heart of revealed religion.
5. The scriptures promise, again and again, that if I ask, I will be given. I plan to do just that. (See D&C 42:61, 6:7, 11:7, 1 Nephi 10:19)

I am so excited about the opportunity to have the opportunity each morning to study His gospel, to learn more of His ways, to become more like Him. What a blessing to have the "new" scriptures, with footnotes to all the other scriptures, as well as explanatory notes. My children don't really remember not having them, but many of us do. The work put into cross-referencing everything is a great blessing. Just as astronomers today can learn more of the heavens than Galileo could, not because they are smarter, but because they have better tools, I can learn more now than I could before, because I have better "tools".

The Gospel is true. Jesus Christ is our Savior, Redeemer, Mediator. Isaiah said, "...come unto the Lord, the Holy One. Remember that his paths are righteous. Behold, the way for man is narrow, but it lieth in a straight course before him, and the keeper of the gate is the Holy One of Israel; and he employeth no servant there; and there is none other way save it be by the gate; for he cannot be deceived, for the Lord God is his name." (2 Nephi 9:41) I may not understand all He did for me or how it was possible, but I can spend my life learning, with an eternity hereafter to continue that education.

Love, Mom

Family Home Evening - August 9

Home again, after a wonderful trip with three of my sisters. We left Salt Lake City on July 25, flew into Washington, D.C., toured there until Thursday morning, when we headed for Mount Vernon, then Williamsburg, VA. We returned to D.C. early Saturday, July 31, with time for a temple session before flying back to Salt Lake City that evening. I've thought alot about our country and the things we saw during that week. We visited the usual tourist attractions in D.C., saw the same things many others have seen, walked many miles, rode the Metro (great!), talked many hours, prayed, laughed, worried about family at home, saw sad things and exciting things, places where history was made, and places that reminded us of our many blessings. The thing that stands out in my mind this evening is the condition of our country today. We visited the National Archives, and saw the documents that established this country - the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and Constitution. In the American History Museum, we saw the tattered remnants of the flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner. We drove around the battlefield at Yorktown, ending our tour at Surrender Field, where the British surrendered to the colonial army. We walked the grounds and mansion at Mount Vernon, and watched Boy Scouts lay a wreath at the tomb of Washington. We walked around the monuments to Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, as well as the World War 2, Korean War, Vietnam War, and the Marine Memorial, with the famous statue of the flag being raised at Iwo Jima. We walked the hills of Arlington and watched the solemn changing of the guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns. We also sat in the Senate gallery and watched the proceedings there. What I saw in the Senate didn't impress me. We all had the same impression - our country was established by statesmen, today we have politicians. For me, the most striking example was as one senator was speaking, many of the senators present (they weren't all there) were having side conversations. In fact, one very recognizable senator continued his conversation with three others, totally ignoring what his colleague had to say. There was no sense of courtesy for what another elected official was saying.
I was reading Ether from the Book of Mormon while on the trip, and read these words, "this land became a choice land above all other lands, a chosen land of the Lord; wherefore the Lord would have that all men should serve him who dwell upon the face thereof." (Ether 13:2) I was saddened by what I saw. Brave men and women sacrificed, many giving even their lives, that this country may be established. I don't believe they would be happy with what is happening today. There is a seeking for power and riches that blinds men to the source of their many blessings.
May we always remember the cost that has been paid for this land, and remember the promises made by God to those who live here. It is my prayer daily that we, as a nation, will remember those two words from the Pledge of Allegiance, "under God", that we may remember who is to one day reign as King of Kings, and Lord of Lords.
Love, Mom

Sunday Afternoon - Idaho Falls - July 11

Rachel arrived here yesterday, with Jennifer and Matthew - time for Grandma to engage in some serious time with Matthew. We went to the Goshen and Shelley cemetaries yesterday, saw where all of our children's paternal great-grandparents are buried, as well as other paternal family members. Had a good visit. Took Matthew swimming here at the motel last night - he had a great time.
Went to Goshen ward today, where Clay grew up. Family filled three and a half rows of the center section in Sacrament Meeting! Went to the cemetary again with family, had some visiting time. We'll have more serious visiting time tomorrow.
Rachel and passengers left about an hour ago to return to Utah - back to work and school for them. I can't wait to see them again in 10 days when I head to Utah. They left with all the toys/clothes/Halloween costumes from Suzanne, now Jennifer's problem. I will leave with a quilt repair project. Weather has included a few showers, not too hot here.
Families are forever - for which we are most grateful.
Mom

The Inn at the Lake - the view from the balcony

Great view, great hosts, fantastic breakfast!

Safely in Idaho Falls

We have had a wonderful trip so far. We spent last night in Diamond Lake, Washington. We have friends who have a bed and breakfast there, the Inn at the Lake. I highly recommend them - it is on Diamond Lake, and beautiful. I will post pictures tomorrow. It was so fun to visit with Blaine and Virgina Coffey, they send their best to our children who know them. They look, great, Blaine is the bishop of the Newport Ward (yes, there is another Newport Ward).

We left there on US 2 to Sandpoint, then to Missoula on US 200 - a beautiful drive along a river, with lakes appearing occasionally. Montana, as always, is lots of open space with some trains. Pictures to be posted for Ryan.

We arrived about 8 pm in Idaho Falls, after driving through a few sprinkles and one rain storm that lasted only briefly.

Looking forward to a great visit with family.

Mom

Family Home Evening Thought - July 5

I have been thinking about blessings today - how richly we are blessed, as individuals and as a family. I thought of how the Lord works - we have needs, we give Him what we have, and He gives us what we need and more. Then I thought of how this lesson is taught in the scriptures.
1 Kings 17 - Elijah is told a widow woman will provide for him during a time of drought. He asks her for bread, and she explains that she has a little meal and oil, is going to prepare it for herself and her son, and then they will die. Elijah tells her to prepare and bring him a little cake first, "for thus saith the LORD God of Israel, the barrel of meal shall not waster, neither shall the cruse of oil fail, until the day that the LORD sendeth rain upon the earth." It is recorded that this promise was fulfilled.
2 Kings 4 - Elisha was approached by a widow whose sons were to be taken be a creditor as bondsmen. Elisha asked what she had in the house. She had a pot of oil, nothing more. Elisha told her to bottow empty vessels from her neighbors, to borrow "not a few". She was to pour out the oil into the other vessels. She did so, and when all were filled, she still had oil in her pot. Elisha told her to sell the oil, pay the debt, and she and her children were to live on the rest.
Mark 6 (also Matthew 14) - Christ had been teaching all day, and the multitude were hungry. There was only 5 loaves of bread and 2 fish. The Savior took all that there was, blessed it, brake, and the disciples distributed it among the people. "and they all did eat, and were filled." 5000 were fed, and there were 12 baskets of leftovers.
Matthew 15 - again, a multitude had gathered to hear the Master teach, and for three days, they were with him. The Savior noted their hunger, and asked the disciples what they had to feed the people. There were 7 loaves and a few little fishes, according to the record. Again, He took, blessed, brake, and gave to His disciples to feed the people. There were 4000 fed and 7 baskets of the broken meat left.
In this dispensation, when the Saints were forced to flee Nauvoo, taking what they had, there were many who didn't have enough to care for their families. It was October,1846, and many were struggling to get to Winter Quarters, where the Saints would winter in preparation for a spring departure to the west. The records show that on Oct. 9, quail appeared in the camp, so many that the Saints could pick them up with their hands. As had happened to ancient Israel camped in the wilderness (Exodus 16), there was sufficient for their needs that day. Later that day, additional supplies were delivered to the camp.

It is my testimony that when we give the Lord all we have, He will take, give us what we need, and He always gives us more. May we all diligently give what we have, for the blessings are without measure. We have seen great blessings in the family recently, especially with Katherine and the flood waters. As King Benjamin said, (Mosiah 2:21-24) "and he are still indebted unto him, and are, and will be, forever and ever."

Love, Mom

A Family Home Evening Thought - Good-Things-to-Come

Good-Things-to-Come
I have been pondering the events of the past week, and the tender mercies of the Lord extended to Katherine as she has coped with the problems arising from the flooding of her home, with Rob in Iraq, and family all living in other states. How grateful we are, as her mother and father-in-law, to all who have helped her. Our prayers have been with her as she as done all that is needful. I found this video and thought of her, and of each of us as we face challenges. We never know when, in an instant, our lives will be changed. Katherine didn't get up Wednesday morning expecting to have everything change. Mortality is a test, and, as with all tests, we don't get to see the questions in advance. We have to go forward, with faith, knowing that when we are prepared, we need not fear. Love, Mom
Click on link above to watch an awesome video.

Family Home Evening on Sunday Morning

This morning, after scripture and personal study, I checked emails, and found a wonderful video link from a friend. As I watched, the Spirit whispered to me that I (as are each of you) am like the bear cub - threatened by the adversary who would have me stopped in my progression towards the day I return to my Heavenly Father and Mother. However, just as there is hope for the bear cub, there is One who stands ready and waiting for me to call for His help. That call will not go unheeded.
http://www.flixxy.com/game-of-survival.htm
I am grateful for talented nieces and nephews also, who make wonderful videos sharing the same message. This one was made by Matt and Julie for a cottage meeting at their home recently.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf5YoIgL6Mk
The message is the same - come unto Christ, who will provide us with the peace, clarity of thought, rest, joy, and love we need to overcome the world.
I testify this day that He lives, and is waiting for us to come unto Him. When doubts, fears, temptations, invitations of the world, and adversity assail us, we can go to Him, we can call out to Him at our darkest moment, and He will answer. When the world turns its back on us, He is there waiting for us.

Love, Mom

Family Home Evening Thought - May 24

I tried to watch this three times before it would play. Don't know if it was overload on the server or what. I was so impressed. Makes all my problems seem small. I was especially touched with a scripture quoted at the end: D&C 84:88 "I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." When life seems tough, remember this beautiful promise. He will always be with us.
My New Life
Love, Mom

Family Home Evening Thought: Push-ups for doughnuts

This story, Push-up for Donuts, was told in Church today (without the assistance of youtube). I found this version on Google. The video tells it all. Christ lived, died, and was resurrected on the third day, and, in a future day, will stand triumphant upon the earth.

Love, Mom

Seek the Higher Ground

Seek the Higher Ground

Family Home Evening Thought

What a wonderful opportunity to share a few thoughts with such special people as my family. I have been impressed the past few weeks with the resounding emphasis placed on family, both at General Conference and this past weekend at stake conference. Our stake president commented that he gave his counselors no assigned topic, yet all of them spoke about strengthening family, and the same messages came in the Saturday evening adult session. Family is the most important relationship we can be part of. The family is under attack on all sides. Know how much we love each of you. We weren't perfect parents and still aren't, but in all, we have done what we could. We have learned that we can't judge our parents, because when we weren't parents, we didn't realize how hard it is. Now we know, and continue to learn how to be good parents, even when you are all grown.
Life hasn't always given us what we wanted, but we have been richly blessed. I am impressed with the scripture chosed for the Young Men and Women's theme this year, "Be strong and of a good courage..." (Joshua 1:6) May we each be strong and of good courage, that we may stand together in our determination that our family be united in doing good, living righteously, and loving all.
I have posted a link to a YouTube video. I hope you enjoy.
God bless,
Love, Mom

Family Home Evening - April 5, 2010

(Picture from Rachel's phone, prior to conference)
Yesterday, I attended the last session of General Conference in the Conference Center. It was the first time I have been in the building, and it was a special experience. Rachel went with me, I provided the tickets (easier to get when you don't live in Utah!) The congregational hymn in that session, sung with 21,000 others who also know was very touching to me.

I know that my Redeemer lives. What comfort this sweet sentence gives.
He lives, he lives who once was dead. He lives, my ever-living head.
He lives to bless me with His love. He lives to plead for me above.
He lives my hungry soul to feed. He lives to bless in time of need.

He lives to grant me rich supply. He lives to guide me with his eye.
He lives to comfort me when faint. He lives to hear my soul's complaint.
He lives to silence all my fears. He lives to wipe away my tears.
He lives to calm my troubled heart. He lives all blessings to impart.

He lives, my kind, wise heav'nly Friend. He lives and loves me to the end.
He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing. He lives, my Prophet, Priest, and King.
He lives and grants me daily breath. He lives, and I shall conquer death.
He lives my mansion to prepare. He lives to bring me safely there.

He lives! All glory to His name! He lives, my Savior, still the same.
Oh, sweet the Joy this sentence gives: "I know that my Redeemer lives."

What joy filled my heart to be able to know and proclaim that knowledge, with so many others who also know.

Love, Mom

Family Home Evening - one day late - March 23

Tonight, I want to express my gratitude for our ancestors - those who left Nauvoo, wintered on the plains, and then, over the next few years, made their way to the Valley, as well as for those who, later, heard the message of the Restoration, left their homes in Sweden, Denmark, England,and Switzerland (as well as any place I left out), and traveled to a foreign land, learned a new language, and joined with those from earlier days. A few weeks ago, I decided to read The Work and The Glory series again. This time, I was so touched by the account of the departure from Nauvoo, and the trials and miracles experienced in the next few years. I tried to imagine living for two years basically "moving" across the country. I can't imagine day after day "camping", with no end in sight, no place to "get warm and dry", with no idea of when that lifestyle would end. May we never complain because it is raining, snowing, or too hot without remembering the great blessings that are ours at this time.
Love, Mom

Family Home Evening Thought - March 7

I was reading the account of the people of Zeniff in the Book of Mormon last week, and was struck by the words recorded in the beginning of Mosiah 11, when King Noah becomes king, regarding Noah's actions. I recorded some thoughts relating to his words, and feel these should be my thought for this week. Mosiah 11:3-4 records that Noah imposed a tax of one fifth (20%) of all the peoples' possessions, gold, silver,ziff, copper, brass, iron, fatlings, and grain, to support Noah and his government, their wives and concubines. In doing this, "he had changed the affairs of the kingdom." Quote from my study journal: Does this ever strike a resonant chord in my heart – in America, I am witnessing a “change in the affairs of the nation” that is happening at breakneck speed. Americans elected a new president who I continue to strongly feel is led by a power seeking the destruction of all this nation was established for. The land was established in liberty, under principles that would provide a climate in which the Lord could set His hand the last time to place His kingdom on the earth for eternity. Over the years of my life, I have witnessed the gradual decay of the moral fiber of the nation and its people. The prophets have spoken, even before the clear attacks on the family, of the structure ordained by God for families. They have pleaded and exhorted the Saints to draw close to God, to overcome pride, to live the commandments. Temples have been built throughout the world, where righteous Saints may enter and receive power from on high to resist the temptations of the adversary. Missionaries have preached the Gospel in other languages among this nation’s inhabitants, that as many as possible may hear His words in their native tongue. Technology has progressed at lightning speed, allowing all Saints to hear the voice of the prophet, to access inspired help. The Church has taken advantage of the technology given by the Lord to further the work of seeking out and redeeming the dead. I know that as Saints, we are not alone in the realization of what is happening. Although many others may not fully understand the eternal destiny of this land, they also realize the wickedness that prevails, and are praying with the Saints for the people of this land to remember the Lord. There is one program uniting many to pray as instructed in 2 Chronicles 7:14: “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked way; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” I recently read the account of Abraham pleading with the Lord for the city of Sodom, where his nephew Lot and family lived. The Lord agreed to spare Sodom from the coming destruction if there were found ten righteous in that city. There were not found ten, and the city was destroyed. I don’t know how many righteous are required for the Lord to spare this nation, but I believe that we can depend upon the promises of the Lord. May I be counted among those who petition with faith in God, knowing of His great power to save and preserve.

Although spring is teasing us, the weather man says winter temperatures will return this week, with increased rain. I hope my plum tree's blossoms survive, because they are ready to open. Flowering ornamental plums and cherries, honeysuckle, and early azaleas are in bloom, the early bulbs have finished, the rose bushes have their new red-green leaves, and the red-leaf maple is covered with buds. The moss is growing apace with the grass. This is the month of "anything goes" with the weather in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

Love, Mom

Family Home Evening Thought - Feb. 28

Two months of 2010 already gone, and such eventful months - for our family and worldwide. Two major earthquakes plus many less severe have rocked the globe. In our family, three people have moved - Ben moved a couple of miles, Jenn moved to Redwood Road and 9300 South (she also starts school this week), and Rachel moved from Orem to Cottonwood Heights (reducing her commute from long to "just down the street"). Clay has had three heart procedures, and seems to be doing very well from the last one (a catheter ablation to stop the atrial flutter that necessitated all the procedures). I have made one trip to Utah and plan another one April 3-9. Rob and Katherine traveled to Winter Quarters last Friday to go to the temple, and Rob is preparing to deploy sometime next month - haven't heard an exact date yet. Change is a never ending part of life.

Through all of the flurry, flutter, and excitement is the constant thread of love for one another. Many of you have expressed concern about others, and your love is clear. "..if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail - But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever, and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him."

I am so grateful for the opportunity to be the mother of such wise and wonderful children and grandmother to three of the cutest and smartest young boys on the planet. They are a constant source of joy and amazement.

I am looking forward the future with great hope and joy - in spite of the turmoil of the world and the difficulties that surround us, I know that God is in His heaven, He knows our names, individually, and loves us. He stands ready to bless us with all that is right, for He sees that which we can't see - the ultimate destiny and crown prepared for each of us. When we struggle with problems, disappointments, and sorrow, He knows our pain, but He knows that only through opposition do we learn and grow closer to Him.

Have a wonderful week!

Love, Mom

Family Home Evening Thought - January 24

I haven't written the past couple of weeks. I apologize and will try to do better. I have been thinking the past few weeks about America and about the Book of Mormon. I have been reading Jacob's "general conference" address to his people, recorded in chapters 2-3. He warned of the dangers of becoming prideful, focused on seeking riches for the wrong reason. Lehi told his sons, "inasmuch as ye shall keep my commandments ye shall prosper in the land; but inasmuch as ye will not keep my commandments ye shall be cut off from my presence." (2 Nephi 1:20) I flew to Salt Lake last weekend to visit there and saw beautiful mountains and hills from the plane on the flight home. From the air, there is no sign of the turmoil that exists among men on the ground. All appeared beautiful and serene from that viewpoint.

I work with sixth graders 180 days of the year. I hear many of them discussing things I knew little or nothing of at their age. The language, the experiences they have in troubled homes, the disrespect for themselves, their peers, for all adults, all remind me of the warnings Jacob spoke, more than 2000 years ago. I received an email from Linda, a friend from my graduate school program, regarding the "2 Chronicles 7:14 Project." She is a wonderful, devout Christian woman, seeking to follow Christ as she understands Him. There is no doubt of her love and devotion to her Savior, or of her desire to see America change, for the better. She sent me this link
http://www.greatdanepro.com/Pray%20For%20America/index.htm
which I am sending on to you. The message of blessings from obedience was not new when Lehi and Jacob spoke. The message of 2 Chronicles was to Israel in the days of Solomon. "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
I love America, but as a nation, we are on a slippery slope. These thoughts are for your contemplation.

On another topic - I had a great visit with Mom and Dad, with Jenn and Matthew, and with Rachel. I was able to do things with all of them in a very busy weekend. I got some "informal" four-generation pictures, as well as a couple of Matthew - sleeping (the only time he is quiet), and playing with the simplest of toys - a cardboard box from his new car seat. Family - the greatest!

Lots of love and prayers,
Mom

Family Home Evening - Happy New Year!

Christensen Family, Thanksgiving, 2009
What a wonderful celebration the past few weeks have been. To have all our posterity together for Thanksgiving, then to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. We are so grateful for all that you do for us and for each other. We have witnessed many acts of generous giving and sharing, of love for one another. How blessed we are to live at this time in the history of this earth, and to enjoy the technology that allows us to travel for such events, then to return home in a day.

I have thought about this first posting for the new year for the past few weeks, and not until last night did I realize what I really wanted to say. As you know from reading Grandma and Grandpa's letter, a woman I grew up with, Susan Buhler, is terminally ill and in hospice care now. I haven't seen Susan for over 40 years, and we haven't kept in touch, except through our mothers. Susan's mother, Phyllis, who was my mother's best friend from her youngest days, passed away several years ago, but her youngest daughter has remained in touch with my mother ever since. She was the one who called and told Grandma that Susan would soon leave her mortal experience. She seems so young (I know, I'm older than dirt, which means Susan is also, but age is relative.) to be leaving a family of children and grandchildren. Then I remembered a good friend, Lynn Tanner, who served in the branch presidency when we were on our mission. He and his wife went out to dinner with other friends from the branch, and fifteen minutes after returning home from that wonderful visit, he was dead-totally unexpectedly. I realize that none of us know when that time will come for us, or if we will have warning and time to say the things we want to say. I have decided that I wanted to post the few words I would want to share with each of you if my time was ending. (I'm not ill, I'm not expecting to leave this earth for many years. I'm in good health and enjoying life. However...) So, on a happy note, for these are the things I rejoice in:

I love each of you, and realize that I knew and loved you before we came to this earth. For my children, I am grateful to be your mother. You are awesome people. For those who have joined our family through marriage or friendship, I love you also. You are great people. For my grandsons, you are very special young people, come to earth for the greatest of all times, the return of Jesus Christ, whose birth we celebrated a few days ago. I am so grateful for the restoration of the Gospel, and know beyond a doubt that families are meant to be eternal. There is a prophet on the earth today, the heavens are open, and one day, peace will be established under the reign of a Righteous King. May each of you know always of His love for you.

We have a wonderful year ahead of us. Yes, there will be challenges and there will be joys. May we unite in facing whatever the year brings, with love and determination.

Love, Mom