You Are Loved With A Perfect Love!

Today

 

https://thesimplewoman.blogspot.com/2022/02/

Looking Out My Window

I woke up to a winter wonderland. There were two inches of beautiful snow, and we needed the water desperately. There hasn't been a lot of snow this winter, so I am grateful for the moisture.

                                                             I am thinking

I missed the month of January completely. My blogging has been very random. Part of it is that I am tired; it's been a rough 3 months of this sad moment and other activities. On January 29th, three months since our much-loved Grandson, Austin, was killed in a tragic Truck and Semi Accident. Our family is grieving over his loss. Austin was 22 years old and left his sweet wife, Shamra, 14 months. Austin is the second child of eight. It has left a hole in our hearts and family. 

During this time, we had many tender moments and miracles. Our family has great faith in our Heavenly Father's Plan of Salvation. We know that Austin is busy doing work in the Spirit world and near us when needed. 

Our treasured Grandson, Austin, and his dearest wife, Shamra -  a few photos of the funeral

Photos at his graveside and the luncheon afterward - 

 Upper left, Austin's siblings - Upper right, Austin's family - Middle left, Austin's Missionary companions - Middle right, our grandchildren - Bottom left, luncheon photo - Bottom right, Our family that came, and our daughter-in-law, Amanda's parents.

 

 I am thankful

I have a heart full of gratitude for many blessings. Our family has been blessed in countless ways. We live in difficult times and the best of times in many ways. I'm grateful to live on this earth at this time.

I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father and Savior. I know they love me and all of you. We are brothers and sisters of Heavenly Parents. They love us all, with perfect love. 

I have had countless moments when I have known that my Savior was near to lift, bless, comfort, and heal me of various afflictions. I could write a book of miracles that have happened in our family. Our Heavenly Father and our elder brother, Jesus Christ's greatest desire is to bring us safely home to them. We are here to gain a body, experience earth life, and learn to be like Them. Their plan is perfect and the only way to true happiness. I am grateful for the knowledge that this is true. Part of this Plan is the promise that everyone who has ever lived on this earth will have the opportunity to hear and understand the Gospel of Jesus Christ, either here or in the Spirit World. We have the agency to choose, and it is a gift from God.  

One of my favorite things

Wow, I have many favorite things I like to do. I love to play the piano, read novels, and I love spending time with my husband. We have recently been having a morning devotional. We like to listen to audiobooks. We have been learning a lot about temples, the ancient temples, the religious practices, and the purpose of temples today in our faith. That being said, I would say my favorite thing to do is attend the temple to do proxy work and work as an Ordinance Worker. Next to that, I am dabbling more into Family History. I love finding stories of my ancestors. Their stories are inspiring. They worked hard to forge through the wilderness under challenging circumstances to create homes and cities. They didn't have modern conveniences, good medical care, and the many blessings today.

I am creating

Right now, I am creating a mess as I work on going through years of files, pictures, etc. My plan is to get organized so I can delve into family history. I want to make my husband and my own history. I have my own journal of 45 years to go through and edit. 

                                                               I am wearing

I am wearing dark blue Levi's, a blue and white shirt, and a blue sweater. I just found out it is wearing red day; I missed out on that one. 

I am reading (read) /watching (watched) / listening to

I am spending time reading the Bible and the Book of Moses and studying the "Come Follow Me" lessons in our Sunday School. I am always reading the treasured; "Book of Mormon daily. I am reading, The Temple - Gaining Knowledge and Power In the House of the Lord by Ed J. Pinegar. 

I am hoping

To become better organized. I find I randomly live my life. Every day, I have a plan, which gets messed up by various life situations. Sometimes, it is the blessing of a call from a child, texting with grandchildren, phone calls from friends, a spontaneous visit to someone, and countless other little moments. I have decided that I need to go back to a planner. When raising my children, I used a planner, and it had everything down that I was to do for the day, and I managed to get through most of the list. I don't have a plan; therefore, I live in Chaos. I bought one yesterday. I need the self-discipline to put down what I want to accomplish for the day and then do it. 

I am learning

During this seige of Covid, I have learned many lessons. First, I have more patience with others. I try to listen to their concerns and the different thinking on Covid, Politics, etc. Second, I am learning to agree to disagree and not conflict over masks and vaccines. It's has been hard on everyone. I pray it will end soon. I hope we have learned the lessons of loving and caring for our neighbors and one another. I have also learned more about my feelings of loss and grieving. It's hard, but I know we will all find peace when these times happen. Knowing we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father has helped, and Austin and us all are his children, and He wants our happiness. 

In my kitchen

Gosh, I will need to ask my husband what we are having for dinner tonight. He is very creative when it comes to cooking. We do share this responsibility. Tonight, it will be his. 

                                                             Shared Quote

  A moment from my day

I can't take a photo of this day. Most of the day has been spent on the telephone. I found out last night that my dearest cousin, Kate is in an assisted living place with her husband. They are both on Hospice. I want to visit her. I didn't have the address and needed to contact her daughter. I found Kate's daughter, Jennifer, on Facebook. Our niece and nephew were her friends. I obtained my niece's number from my Sister-in-law, Gloria, and left a message. My daughter had our nephew's number. He gave me Jennifer's number, and I connected with her; we had a delightful conversation. I have the address for my cousin and details on her condition. Thus, I can visit; I am excited to see her. She doesn't have long to live. I feel grateful today for social media and the ability to find people through it. 

Closing Notes

I started writing blog posts about The Plan of Happiness a while back. First, I covered our Pre-mortal life earth life, and then I planned to write about the spirit world. I have a strong testimony of the spirit world. I don't have any family left here on earth. My parents and two brothers have passed away, and countless family has passed. Since Austin's passing, I have relied on my testimony of life after death. I feel the spirit world is near; I know they are busy with tasks, and I know they are close to us. I have personally felt my parents near. 

As a hospice nurse, I was with many patients at the end stage of life. I witnessed as they talked with spirits from the other side. I knew they were helping them cross over. These were sad but beautiful experiences that helped my testimony grow. This has helped me as I have faced the passing of my family members. I know beyond doubt I will see them again. 

Here are some articles on the plan: 

The Plan of Salvation

Pre-Mortal Life

Earth Life

Spirit World

Resurrection

Judgment

Overview of The Great Plan of Happiness

Fun Moments in the last three months -

Celebrating my Birthday with my beloved Husband, Roger; a delightful day!

A visit from my daughter Tiffani, Dave, and their children -

 Tiffani, Katelyn, Josh, Sarah, Michal, William, and Dave.

A Family reunion for my husband's siblings - 

Photo of all the Sister In Laws - Kaylene, Anita, Mary Kay, LeAnn, Tammy, and Lana

Baptism of our youngest Granddaughter, Haven, and Priesthood Ordination of our Youngest Grandson. Layton - Upper Left Photo, our son Travis, Amanda, and their children. Upper Middle, Layton, and Haven. Nest two photos of us with the children. Grandpa with Granddaughter, Justice, Abbey, and Haven. Grandma with Ryley and Kason.

Moments with our son, James, Amber, Averi, and Taylor Jo -  Next, a trip to downtown Salt Lake and a photo of the reconstruction of the Salt Lake Temple. Celebrating our Granddaughter Emma's Birthday was a delight. 

Baby Blessing of my Nephew Gus's new Grandbaby - 

Christmas Time - A favorite gift given by our son Travis, Amanda, and family - A picture of the Savior with my precious Grandson, Austin -  An adorable photo of our fur baby, Sammy, on Christmas Morning.  

Treasured photos of my daughter Christina, Brandon, and their family sent from Minnesota.

A Christmas storm - Upper photo, Levi, Faith, Christina, Brandon, Abbey, Sariah, Alex, & April

Happy 76th Birthday to my dearest husband, Roger, on January 29th - We had a fun celebration. Our kids came for a while the next day, and he received lots of phone calls from the rest. 

Happy Valentine's Day to all! 

May you all feel loved by family, friends, loved ones, etc. 

Just remember that our Heavenly Father loves you with perfect love!

Light The World With Christ - The Reason For The Season

 2021 has been a year of great joy and sweet sorrow as we welcomed a wonderful grandson-in-law, Alex Tenney, into our family, increasing the total number of our family to 57. However, with deep sadness, we lost a precious grandson, Austin Williams. Only our Savior understands the exquisite emotions of our hearts, and so we trust in Him and his perfect promise: "My peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you. not as the world giveth, give I unto you." Truly there is peace in Christ, and we have been blessed to receive it often and in countless ways, especially in the Temple, our place of peace and true refuge. 

May the world and each of you obtain that peace and lasting joy during this sacred season, with faith and trust in him always to understand our hearts. 

Merry Christmas with Love, 

Roger and LeAnn

The Purpose of Life~

The Purpose of Life 

Everyone has a purpose in life. Life is to find that purpose and go for it. My aim has been centered on our Savior Jesus Christ and my desire to follow him. Families are part of my Plan. I am married, have a posterity of 55 total. We have 6 children with spouses, 32 grandchildren, 6 grandchildren-in-law, and 6 great-grandchildren. We are involved with our family, our faith, and right now, we serve as ordinance workers at the Jordan River Temple and are Justserve.org specialists. We have a full life and are experiencing all kinds of experiences on this earth; good and evil. We have learned many lessons from our experiences. Life is good! 

In a nutshell, earth life is a time to learn, grow, have faith, find happiness, and prepare to return home to God. Our lives have purpose and meaning. This beautiful earth was created for us live on. We are here to receive a body, be tested during this 2nd phase of our eternal existence. We can not remember our Pre-mortal life, so we much walk by faith. 

 1st Nephi 17:36 states: Behold, the Lord hath created the earth that it should be inhabited, and he hath created his children that they should possess it. 

This Plan is called the Plan of Salvation; it gives meaning to our life. This Plan answers our questions. "Where do I come from? Why am I here?  You can read about this Plan of Happiness here.  The purpose of God's Plan is for us to all find happiness eternally. 

While here on earth, we will have experiences that will bring us happiness and experiences that will bring us sorrow and trials. These moments will test us. Yet, we will grow in our character as we work through these struggles. These experiences will help us learn well from evil and to make choices. One of our greatest gifts is our agency; the ability to choose for ourselves. Will we decide to follow God? 

As you read the Plan of Happiness, you will find more answers about why you are here. 

Here is a video on The Plan of Salvation. It will help you understand even more this grandiose Plan. 

I have a deep hope that you have taken the time to study this beautiful Plan.

Recently, this Plan of salvation helped me through one of the most challenging moments of my life. When I published my last post on God's Eternal Plan, my son called me to tell me that my Grandson, Austin, age 22, had just been killed in a horrific truck accident. His tire blew and forced him into the path of a Semi. The truck then went under the semi and burst into flame. We have prayed that he was killed instantly rather than suffer for a long time. 

I, of course, burst into tears and ran to inform my dearest husband. We then spent three-plus hours grieving through tears. We live about 31/2 hours away from this precious son and his family. Tender mercy came when 4 of our grandsons that live in the area came to our home. It was a time for crying, comforting, and relating stories about our precious Austin. My grandson, Christian, was particularly close to Austin, and they had just planned a fishing trip together. He was struggling a lot with this news. So it was perfect for us to all be together for a few hours. 

The next day we left for Idaho to help with any funeral plans and to be there to support our family. In addition, the drive-up gave my husband and me a chance to talk about and relate more fully to what had taken place. Our dear Granson left a wife of 14 months. My heart went out in love and sadness at this loss for her. I also felt intensely how hard it would be for my son and daughter-in-law to cope with the loss of this son. They have a total of 8 children, and Austin was their 2nd oldest. It's often said that losing a child is the worst experience a parent can have. Watching our own family suffer through this has added another dimension to the grieving process that we go through during the loss of a loved one.

The following 5 days were filled with activities in preparation for the funeral. This is often called the numb period, where the family goes through getting everything together. It is also a time of reflecting on the goodness of this lost son. Lots of stories are told, and there is plenty of tears and much laughter. 

The outpouring of love from the community, friends, loved ones, and family was incredible. There was never a lack of food or someone coming to offer their love and condolences. We knew that hundreds were praying for our family, and we can testify that prayers were answered in the form of comfort, peace, and feeling loved by our Heavenly Father, Savior, and many others. 

Many family, friends, and others came to the funeral. Austin loved football, fishing, and trucks. He had great faith in the Savior and belonged to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many of his football friends came to the funeral. Austin served a 2-year mission for the church in the Nebraska Omaha Mission. Twenty-five of his mission companions and others came along with his Mission President and wife. This was a huge blessing to us all to see how much Austin was loved by others. 

His funeral was lovely. His oldest sister, Justice, and Ethan, two of his siblings, gave the eulogy. Two of his companions from his mission spoke. His father, Travis, our son, gave a beautiful message, his sweet wife Shamra gave a courageous talk on their life together, and then Austin's former Stake President gave a talk on God's eternal plan.  The messages celebrated his life, his mission, and his firm beliefs. They brought us all peace and comfort. 

Blessings came throughout every part of the funeral planning. These were tender mercies from Heaven. We loved that all of our son's siblings, our children, came, along with uncles, cousins, and other very close friends. One significant tender mercy was that Austin's brother Ethan was allowed to come from his California, Los Angeles mission for 4 days. That was the best! 

As I reflect upon those days in mourning, they were also days of having a deeper understanding of God's Plan. Death is part of life. It is a transition into the spirit world. We know that Austin has a plan, and he continues on in the spirit world, following what God wants him to do. We feel like he is on a mission there. However, we also think that he is near us at times. That he will be near when needed. It's all part of the glorious eternal existence we can all have.

I will write more about the Spirit World later on. We are working on getting through the Christmas Celebrations, which have thus far been very tender. We miss our Austin. 

Love to all! 

  For your Christmas Celebration follow this site for fun ideas and videos for #Lighttheworld with love. 

God's Eternal Plan!

 

Have you ever laid on the soft grass at night and looked up in the heavens and wondered where you came from? Even nature, animals, mountains, trees, flowers, and even the smallest creatures denote a God. I see it in the organization of all life. 

Even as a young child, I had an inquisitive mind. I had a desire to understand and find out;  Who I am? Where did I come from? What is my purpose? Then the biggest question of all; Where am I going after this life. 

As I grew and learned more, I had a firm belief that I now knew the answer to these questions. So, today, I take a moment to explain; Who am I I? and Where Did I Come From. 

I will expand on these thoughts in future writings. I believe that there was a plan for us all. A plan of happiness was formed and agreed upon by us all in our pre-existence or Pre-mortality state. 

Here is a portion of one of my favorite poems - 

Our birth is but asleep and forgetting by William Wordsworth

Our birth is but asleep and a forgetting:
The Soul that rises with us, our life's Star,
Hath had elsewhere its setting,
And cometh from afar:
Not in entire forgetfulness,
And not in utter nakedness,
But trailing clouds of glory do we come
From God, who is our home:
Heaven lies about us in our infancy!

 First Presidency (Joseph F. Smith, President) - 1909 

"All men and women are in the similitude of the universal Father and Mother and are literally the sons and daughters of Deity. ... The doctrine of the pre-existence -revealed so plainly, particularly in latter days, pours a wonderful flood of light upon the otherwise mysterious problem of man's origin.

 It shows that man, as a spirit, was begotten and born of heavenly parents, and reared to maturity in the eternal mansions of the Father, prior to coming upon the earth in a temporal body to undergo an experience in mortality. ... Man is the child of God, formed in the divine image and endowed with divine attributes, and even as the infant of an earthly father and mother is capable in due time of becoming a man, so the undeveloped offspring of celestial parentage is capable, by experience through ages and eons, of evolving into a God. (“Origin of Man, November 1909" Messages of the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 6 vols. comp. James R. Clark, comp., [1965-75), 4:203 -6; emphasis added).

I know that we all were raised by Heavenly Parents and knew our Elder Brother Jesus Christ. I love this picture that depicts what it may be like in our Pre-Mortal life. Have you ever connected with a friend and felt you knew them before? I have. We are all spiritual brothers and sisters. Many of us may have been close friends in our pre-earth life, and even covenanted with one another to find each other while on earth. At least, I like to think that.

 

We can then all say, we are children of God. I am a child of God. I know that and feel it deep within my soul. 

I believe that in the pre-mortal state, we committed - even covenanted --Premortally with our Heavenly Father to do various things on earth. So, let me ask you a question: What were you born to do?

Sister Wendy Watson Nelson said the following in a talk entitled: "Hope of Israel).

"How I wish you could watch a 10-minute video of your premortal life on YouTube. I believe if you could see yourself living with your Heavenly Parents and with Jesus Christ; if you could observe what you did Premortally and see yourself making commitments - even Covenants - with others, including your mentors and teachers; if you could see yourself courageously responding to attacks on truth and valiantly standing up for Jesus Christ, I believe that every one of you would have the increased power, increased commitment, and eternal perspective to help you overcome any and all of your confusion, doubts, struggles, and problems. All of them! I believe if you could remember who you said you would help, you would find them. Premortally, you and I committed to do a great work while we are here on earth. And, with the Lord's help, we will do it. 

May this touch your heart. The next time, I will be focusing on our Mortal life. Maybe ask yourself the following questions. What did I promise to do while on this earth? What is my purpose? 

Here is a short video on our pre-earth life to enjoy!

Summer Highlights~

I started the Living Water's Blog over 10 years ago and have been relatively consistent with doing weekly, bi-weekly, and sometimes monthly posts. However, in the last 3 months, my life became a whirlwind, and I have gotten behind on reading my favorite blogger posts and doing anything on my own site. So, perhaps to illustrate why I haven't been on, I will share what I have been up to. Here are my summer highlights! 

My hubby and I took a trip to Idaho Falls for a couple of family events. We decided not to stay with the children because both families were planning graduation events. Instead, we checked into a hotel that was near the Idaho Falls Temple. We love staying there because the Temple is by the Snake River, and we enjoy the view. There is a walkway all the way around the River, and it's a fun stroll. 

The first night there, we met at a restaurant with three of our married six children and one Granddaughter. We had a delightful time. We have some characters in our family, so there was a lot of laughter. 

The next evening we drove to Sugar City and had a barbeque n the backyard of my son, Travis, and daughter-in-law Amanda. All their children were there that night. Lots of fun conversations and hugs! 

On Tuesday, June 1, 2021, we headed for Shelley, Idaho, to attend the graduation of our Granddaughter, Averi, which was held in the backyard of my son, and daughter-in-law, James and Amber. Averi is a special needs child; she is Blind and Autistic. Averi has been able to complete regular school with an aide assisting her.  Averi plays the piano by ear, and she is a whiz with numbers. If you tell her your birthdate or another important date, she can tell you the day of the week it will fall on in the coming year. 

Averi was born with a rare disease called Osteopetrosis. At nine months of age, she spent almost 5 months in the PICU at Primary Children's Hospital. We almost lost her more than once. Yet, she is a prayed-for miracle.  You can read her story here. 

We really had a good time at her graduation. Several people there had worked with her through the years. In addition, there were many friends and family there. Actually, there were tears of joy shed on this one. 

On Wednesday, June 2, 2021, we headed back to Shelley, Idaho, to celebrate our daughter, Jenni-Marie's Birthday. They were getting ready to head back to Utah. They had been staying at James and Ambers. 

In the afternoon, we headed back to Sugar City, Idaho, for the High School Graduation of our Granddaughter, Karli. We enjoyed being with Travis and our daughter-in-law, Amanda's family, along with her parents. The Graduation program was the shortest one we have ever been to. Afterward, we headed to their home for dinner. We then headed home. My dear husband has a sealing assignment in the Temple tomorrow. So, we enjoyed the few days with these precious children and grandchildren of ours. 

Saturday, June 5, we joined Roger's siblings at a restaurant to celebrate his oldest brother, Laddy, and his wife, Mary Kay's 50th Wedding Anniversary. It was a belated anniversary celebration due to Covid. All of Roger's siblings and spouses were there. We have not been with them for a very long time. This was a joyous reunion. 

On June 19, 2021, my dearest friend, Jane, was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She has been learning about the Church and attending it for a long time. When Roger and I were serving our full-time mission in the Utah Salt Lake South Mission, we had been visiting her. She resides in our ward. After we were released from this assignment, I became her ministering sister. Our friendship has evolved over time, and we are perfect friends. I love Jane, and I am so happy she chose to join the Church. It was an immense tender mercy to have Jane accept the gospel. She is already a very Christ-like woman who loves people and is friendly and outgoing. Tears of joy on this one. 

One of the sweet moments was when all her children came. None of them are members, and she was thrilled to have them there. 

We celebrated Father's Day on June 22. Our Grandson, Michael, came for the weekend. It was fun.

We had our Grandchildren, Alyssa, Emma, and Ben, for an overnighter on Monday, June 23. . One night, we watched a movie and played some games with them. It was enjoyable. Grandpa can be very competitive. 

Our daughter, Christina, and her husband, Brandon, and their children, April, Faith, and Levi, came to Utah for a visit on July 3. They stayed in Eden, Utah, with their Daughter and Son in law. Unfortunately, while in Eden, their married daughter, Sariah, became ill. Her husband, Alex, and she were moving to Odgen, Utah. Brandon and Christina and their children helped them move. Then on July 6, they came down to our home to stay for three days. 

While here, they were busy making food for three of them on a special diet and nutrition items to take to a family reunion in Idaho on Brandon's side. 

On Thursday, July 8, we invited our daughter, Jenni, and son-in-law, Michael, along with their children Alyssa, Emma, and Ben, to come for dinner and spend some time with Brandon and Christina's family. We had a great dinner, conversation and later, they played the game Charade. We laughed a lot and had a fantastic time. I love when my two daughters can be together. 

Brandon, Christina, and Family left for Idaho on Friday, June 9. They had a great time up there for 4 days with Brandon's family. While gone, they learned that Sariah had Covid and her husband was sick too. So they traveled down to our home on Tuesday, July 13. Regretfully, they were all suffering; it was Covid striking the family. Christina and Faith had a moderate case of it. April and Levi had a mild chance of Covid. Brandon didn't start to feel too awful for the first couple of days, and then it hit him hard. They had planned to go home the next day but couldn't. 

Roger and I worked at the Temple, and we couldn't go; we had to quarantine. They were here for 12 days. Roger and I wore masks and tried not to interrelate with them too much. However, we only have one kitchen, so food preparation had to be handled cautiously. I felt so bad for them all. Both Roger and I had been vaccinated, so we did feel good about that. Utah has had a lot of Covid cases, and at this time, the count was high. 

Priesthood blessings and lots of prayers for this sweet family of ours. I do know that this made a difference. I have great faith in the power of the priesthood, prayers, and fasting. 

They decided to travel home on July 23. Brandon was too sick to drive, so Sariah and Alex took the weekend off to help navigate them there. First, they had to rent a car, and then Brandon rode in the back of their truck. I wanted them to stay until he was better, but they had a daughter, Abbey, coming home from her mission in Arizona the following Tuesday. 

Covid took a toll on Brandon. It took him over two months to get his energy back. This is a harsh virus. The picture above is of them getting ready to leave for home. 

July, 24th, we were invited up to Heber, Utah, to our son, Sean, and daughter-in-law, Mary's home for dinner, celebrate Pioneer day, and be part of some family pictures they were taking. It was extra fun because we hadn't seen our Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren for a very long time due to Covid. This has been a sad year for a family event. Also, our Grandson, Joseph, was on leave from the Navy, so that was extra special. 

We had a great time with them during the picture taking. The family dogs were included as part of the photos, which meant some funny moments. 

This is a photo of my dearest Eternal Companion and me on Sunday, July 24. The flowers were a gift from a dear friend. 

My cherished Granddaughter, Taylor Jo, was getting ready for a horse jumping competition in South Jordan on Saturday, August 7. She came down on this day from Shelley, Idaho. Unfortunately, Roger was working at the Temple that morning and couldn't attend.  I was very excited to go and see this event, and I loved every precious moment of the jumps. She did very good and placed 3rd in the competition. She loves horses, and I often feel like she is living my dream. I always wanted to ride horses and be an Annie Oakley. As a young girl, I did get to ride, but not as often as I would have liked. I love that she enjoys being a horsewoman. She is such a joy. Unfortunately, she had to leave for home right after, so it was a short visit. 

 

                                    

I have been serving as Stake Relief Society President in our Church.  I have had a marvelous Presidency. The four of us are pictured above. One of our responsibilities was to plan one or two Stake activities for all the women in our Stake each year. We designed a big 178th Birthday Celebration on March 17, 2020, to commemorate the women's Relief Society organized in 1842. The program was outstanding. Following the program, we were to have refreshments from that era and butter making, quilting, candle dipping, and doll making. Unfortunately, due to Covid, it was Counseled.  We rescheduled for March 17, 2021, and I had to counsel it again. Finally, we had the tender mercy of being able to hold it on August 24, 2021. It was a fantastic evening and well attended beyond what we anticipated. Many hours and many hands brought this together. Recently, we were released from this assignment after 4 years. This calling has been a huge growing experience for me, and I have learned countless lessons. I love all the sisters in our Stake and have had a wonderful time interrelating with them. My Presidency was made up of stalwart, giving, spiritually motivated women, whom I love with all my heart. We have become very close friends. 

Roger and I had a special moment on Saturday, September 4. We were invited to attend the baptism of Caden. When we were serving our mission 4 years ago, we were visiting Caden's family. We got to know them well. At that time, the family was not attending Church. Since then, they are, and Caden's Dad was able to baptize and confirm him a Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Caden is pictured above with the two missionaries that taught him. I was blessed to be able to give a baptismal message at the service.                                          

  

My husband and I were called in March to be South Jordan Coordinating Council Just Serve Specialists. We have thus far been involved in two significant initiatives. This one was held on 911 National Day of Service. This was to commemorate the 911 Terrorist attacks in 2001. This was a Statewide Service day, and thousands of individuals, and families within the community, participated in it. There were many and varied projects. The project we did was to clean the Storm drain grate. We cleaned around 40. It rained that day which added to the fun. 

All projects were listed on JustServe, a website where you can find service projects for groups, individuals, and families. Go in on JustServe.org and find a project, then sign up and Just Serve. 

Our 54th Wedding Anniversary this year was on Sunday, June 13. We were unable to have an away moment. We planned later to take a few days and go somewhere. The summer flew by, and finally, we designed a trip to Central Utah in the area where I was born and lived until I was 12. We traveled down to Aurora, Utah, a community of around 600 people, and stayed in an Air B&B. The cozy tiny home was built in 1880 and updated; It had a fun pioneer history.

We planned to visit a couple of places, but mainly,  just relax. 

On Sunday, we attended Church there and loved it. The messages were inspiring, and it was a delightful Sabbath day. We took a drive after Church to look around the countryside. My Dad had 300 acres of farmland in Aurora when I was growing up. I remember picking potatoes in the field and spend time playing on the farm. However, I couldn't remember exactly where the farm was located. 

The next day, we headed for Richfield, Utah, where I was born. We went shopping and walking down parts of the main street. I always get lots of memories flooding back when I am there. Afterward, we drove to Sigurd, Utah, where my parents were buried and placed flowers on their graves. It was a tender moment. 

On Tuesday, we got up and made a picnic lunch, and took off for Fish Lake. As a youth and many times through the years, we have spent time at Fish Lake. It is one of my favorite places to visit. We had a great time there, taking in the scenery and took lots of pictures. It was a nice clear day with a touch of fall in it.  

On the way home, we drove to Salina, Utah, and went to the cemetery to see where my Great Aunt Lucille and Uncle Jack were buried. As a young girl, I spent hours in their home. Next, we had the most giant Sundae ever at the "Top Spot" in Salina.

This was a fantastic break, and we had a lot of fun.

These last few months have been hectic for us, and we have had ups and downs with a lot of joy sprinkled in.  

I'm hoping that life will settle down just a touch. May you all know I have missed you and plan to be involved in blogging on a more scheduled basis. 

Happy Birthday America; "Our Promise Land"~

 

Each year we have the opportunity on the 4th of July to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy due to courageous men and woman who have fought for our liberty and our pursuit of happiness. We are so blessed to live in this country and we should never take it for granted.

In The Book of Mormon the people of that day were blessed to come to the Americas. The Lord covenanted with them that if they would be a righteous nation they  would obtain this "promised land" forever. Eventually, this once blessed people became so wicked that they were destroyed to where only a remnant remained. It is a warning for us today as our Nation struggles with so many issues. 

In the Book of Mormon in 2 Nephi 1:5-7 it states:

5. But, said he, notwithstanding our afflictions, we have obtained a land of promise, a land which is choice above all other lands; a land which the Lord God hath covenant with me should be a land for the inheritance of my seed. Yea, the Lord hath covenanted this land unto me, and to my children forever, and also all those who should be led out of other countries by the hand of the Lord.

6. Wherefore, I, Lehi prophesy according to the workings of the Spirit which is in me, that there shall none come into this land save they shall be brought by the hand of the Lord.

7. Wherefore, this land is consecrated unto him whom he shall bring.

 And if it so be that they shall serve him according to the commandments which he hath given, it shall be a land of liberty unto them; wherefore, they shall never be brought down into captivity; if so, it shall be because of iniquity; for if iniquity shall abound cursed shall be the land for their sakes, but unto the righteous it shall be blessed forever.
This is our promise land today. However, as in the time of the Nephites our nation is dwindling in unbelief.
As found in the Book of Mormon in Helaman 11:24-27 we find the following:

24. A certain number of the dissenters from the people of Nephi who had some years before gone over unto the Lamanites, and taken upon themselves the name of the Lamanites and also a certain number who were real descendants of the Lamanites, being stirred up to anger by them, or by those dissenters, therefore they commenced a war with their brethren.
26. And thus in time, yea, even in the space of not many years, they became an exceedingly great band of robbers; and they did search out all the secret plans of Gadianton; and thus they became robbers of Gadianton.
27. Now behold, these robbers did make great havoc, yea, even great destruction among the people of Nephi, and also among the people of the Lamanites.

The "Gadianton robbers" of today, with their secret combinations, are seen among the gangs, organized crime, and perhaps even within our present day financial, government, and political arenas. Our nation is no longer a God fearing nation. Many do not profess to believe in a God thus Evil abounds and Satan  reigns.

We need a Moroni of today. In their day in Alma 43:45; Nevertheless, the Nephites were inspired by a better cause, for they were not fighting for monarchy nor power but they were fighting for their homes and their liberties, their wives and their children, and their all, yea, for their  rites of worship and their church.

Moroni came forward to lead his people, as stated in Alma 46:12-20:

12.And it came to pass that he rent his coat; and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it- In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children - and he fastened it upon the end of pole.
13. And he fastened it onto his head plate, and his breastplate, and his shields, and girded on his armor  about his loins; and he took the pole, which had on the end thereof his rent coat, (and he called it the Title of Liberty) and he bowed himself to the earth, and he prayed mightily unto his God for the blessings of liberty to rest upon his brethren, so long as there should be band of Christians remain to possess the land.
16. And therefore, at this time, Moroni prayed that the cause of the Christians, and the freedom of the land might be favored.
17. And it came to pass that when he had poured out his soul to God, he named all the land which was south of the land Desolation, yea, and in fine, all the land, both on the north and on the south - a chosen land, and the land of liberty.
19. And when Moroni had said these words, he went forth among the people, waving the rent part of his garment in the air, that all might see the writing which he had written up on the rent part, and crying with a loud voice saying:
20. Behold, whosoever will maintain this title upon the land, let them come forth in the strength of the Lord, and enter into a covenant that they will maintain their rights, and their religion, that the Lord God may bless them.

                           Repost 2013

We have a Title of Liberty in our American Flag today. May it always fly over a free land. The last verse in our National Anthem, "The Star Spangled Banner" declares it to all:

Oh, thus be it ever when free men shall stand,
Between their loved homes and the war's desolation;
Blest with vict'ry and peace, may the heav'n-rescued land
Praise the Power that has made and preserved us as a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust";
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

May each of us pray for this great land to remain the home of the free and the land of the brave and our motto must always be: "In God We Trust."

Here is a video to share~