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

Family Home Evening Thought - Dec. 13

Christmas is coming, soon. I wish the season could be extended a week, so I could enjoy the music and the fun a little longer. The other choice would be to take a week long "mental health break" early in December. That won't work either - I have the microscopes for the month of December, and must make the most of my opportunity. This is my favorite unit to teach, of course, and that makes it easier to do with everything else.

With Christmas coming, and the focus we try to maintain on the "real reason for the season", I was impressed with the thoughts expressed by a speaker today in Sacrament Meeting. The topic was obedience, certainly something we should be thinking about. Christ was obedient to His Father, doing all He was called upon to do. As a result, we can return to the presence of our Father and Elder Brother. I'm certain that reunion will be glorious indeed, provided we have been obedient. The speaker commented that we don't just wake up one moring and decide to be disobedient. We do that "toe by toe", so gradually that we don't realize what is happening. The spiritual death trap we can so easily fall into begins when we become casual with two basic acts - daily prayer and daily scripture reading.

Because of my love for you, I challenge you to make a resolution that each day for the next year, you will take the time to pray and read His words. Then, in a year, see if you aren't happier!

The pictures posted today are from a nativity seen only by those who make time in their busy holiday season to give an eternal gift to someone they may have never met in this life by entering the temple and performing the saving work done there. The nativity sits in the trees in front of the temple, visible only from inside the temple gates.

The picture of Aidan and Ryan was taken last night at the May Creek Ward Christmas Party. Suzanne and the boys came. Glen was working on a "no kids needed/no interruptions" project at home. We had a great time - Santa came! Suzanne will get the pictures to me soon.

Love, Mom