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