My Dad Shared the Gospel

Here is portion of story my dad shared with us that he had on one of his many air plane rides. 

He had prayed to be able to give away a Book of Mormon.  As he decided where to sit for the flight, he said, "I looked at each seat and remembered my commitment to talk to someone if opportunity permitted.  I kept moving to the back of the plane.  There was an open overhead spot for my carry on and an isle seat on the next to back row.  The young woman in the window seat looked at me as I asked if I could sit in her row.   She smiled and said yes."

Dad learned she was most recently from Florida.  "She did not like where she lives because of the life style is very degraded and scary.  She was raised Christian but with no particular affiliation with any denomination.  Her husband divorced her after 23 years of marriage because he wanted to be free to do as he wanted.  She finished raising their 2 daughters and is now wanting to move to somewhere where she can have a better living situation and perhaps find a good man if there are any left. She was heading to SLC to visit a past friend who has lived in SLC for a few years and loves the people and culture but she and her husband are not LDS.  This trip came on a whim to my new friend when her friend suggested that they get together.

"Our conversation came to the church when I suggested to her that she might consider coming west and living in the SLC area.  Her comment was that she did not think that she could live among the Mormons.  I said to her “I am a Mormon”.  She said that she had met many members of the church and found that all to be very nice and that her daughters seemed to pick up LDS friends while they were growing.  She had gone through an LDS Temple open house in Florida and was impressed with it.  She asked me to tell her some about the church.  We talked about Joseph Smith, the restoration and when I ask her if she knew of the B of M she replied yes, but I don’t know what it is about.  I told her one purpose of the book is for evidence from God that He had given us a restoration of the gospel.  She was very interested in it and asked questions to get an understanding.

"One part of our discussion about our country she said that she listened to Glen Beck daily.  Then she looked and me and ask “Isn’t he a Mormon”.  I said yes.  When I said that she suddenly got a far away look and stared straight ahead for a few moments and I wondered what I said that would cause such a change.  After a moment she came back and looked at me and said “I have never thought about converting”.  Then she got contemplating again and directed our conversation to SLC and what are the LDS people like.  I assured her that she would fit in and be very comfortable among us.

"We were landing about this time and when the plane began to unload I said to her “I have an extra Book of Mormon, would you like it?”  Her face lit up and said “I would love it and I will read it.  You have peeked my interest.”  After we had collected her luggage she asked if she could give me a hug then she departed with her friend.  She has my business card and she asked if she could call me when she needed encouragement.  I hope to hear from her."

I think it is so neat when people share the gospel.  Thanks for your example to me, Dad!

I Know! I'm Sorry!

It is a not legal to scan it and put it here.  But , you see, I could not resist.  It just qualified as sunshine in my soul today!!!!

Just makes me smile.  He is so stinkin' cute!

Sleep Deprived

I am on dexamethazone, a steroid to reduce swelling caused by the cancer in the brachial plexus.  Steroids are short term solutions so Dr. M. is weaning me off so I can get back to sleep--hallelujah!  It will still take a few days to recover to normal.  Meanwhile I have also been struggling with nerve pain and other pain to my left arm. I also fear that I will never recover use of it.  I have seen no improvements.  Yesterday the nerve medication seemed to kick in with a vengeance.  I was so dizzy.  Mary did not want to let me rest.  I was grouchy.

But, while you all have been peacefully slumbering (I'm assuming--and sincerely hope!)...  I have been enjoying a wonderful book called Joseph & Emma: A Love Story by Marsha Newman and Buddy Youngreen.  I am borrowing it from my grandma, which for some reason makes it even more enjoyable.  This book talks about the deep love, even some of the romantic love between Joseph and Emma Hale Smith. It has insights I had never before considered.  It is a novel and therefore the authors have taken a few literary liberties.  But I shall never think of Joseph and Emma the same.  I have always been very sympathetic to Emma, I have never condemned her at all, have loved and cherished her.  But this book adds even more.  It tells of how they adored each other.  Joseph would carry Emma sometimes, he sought for her comfort above anything else.  She did the same for him.  She would watch other couples and notice that she and Joseph had something so special and unique.  It makes me happy that Joseph and Emma had such a special gift given to them to help them endure their lives of pain.

There is also Volume II that I have in my possession and will read it next.  Looking forward to it....

prayer

I had something wonderful happen yesterday at the end of a long and somewhat depressing day.  I wish I had the time and energy to script it all out.  The short version is we were trying to get family home evening to happen.  I was lying on my bed totally under a blanket, near melt-down status.   I quite often allow myself to succomb to those moments (I'm really embarrassed to admit that) and feel horrible about it for days to come.  But last night I sat up,  I bowed my head and I prayed for help.  I did not get any strong impression or feeling or anything like that but just said to myself, "Now go be nice, you can do that much."  And I did.  And I even started feeling it in my heart and it turned out to be a most pleasant evening with my family.  I am still basking in the of the wonder and simplicity of it all.

My Brothers--Last Year--ha ha!

Jonny and David

Adversity (from a talk I gave a couple of years ago)

Elder Ronald J. Hammond spoke at a BYU-I devotional a few years ago. He spoke of acquiring a first-person faith in God, meaning we know that God will bless us because we have had first hand experiences with His love. He says: The scriptures are filled with experiences wherein prophets and disciples struggled to develop first-person faith in God in the face of stifling unknowns. How much easier it would have been had they known, while in the furnace, how things would eventually turn out.

"For example, look with me down the long corridor of time. We see Father Abraham preparing, as God had commanded, to sacrifice his only begotten son, Isaac – hot tears matching the heat of the fiery trial. Then, as he raises the sacrificial dagger, you and I call to him down through the millennia, "Abraham, O Abraham, don’t worry. It’s all going to be just fine! See, I have the book! I know how this story ends! Abraham, hang in there, don’t give up!" But Abraham, in the thick of developing first-person faith cannot, must not, hear us. It must be just Abraham and God. Then, after the fiery trial of his faith, the miracle occurs, we sigh with relief, and Abraham becomes not only the father of millions, but the father of the faithful as well.

"And what about those 2000 Lamanite youth under Helaman’s command –youth near the age of many of you? The most powerful army of the Lamanites pursues them for a couple of days then silence. And then the terrible questions must be answered, questions like: "Do we turn back to help Antipus? And, is it an ambush? And, could you show me again how to hold a cimeter?" Back they go, this little band that never before has fought an enemy. And we call down the corridor of time, "Hello! You are going to win and not one of you will be killed! Here, read Alma chapters 56 through 58. We love you! Thanks for your examples. Remember, your team wins!" But, again, they cannot, must not, hear us. It must be each youth and his God. Only after the trial of their first-person faith was it written, "And now, their preservation was astonishing to our whole army, yea, that they should be spared while there was a thousand of our brethren who were slain. And we do justly ascribe it to the miraculous power of God, because of their exceeding faith in that which they had been taught to believe."

Here is a quote by President Harold B. Lee, "There is so much work to do. This people is just beginning to be tested. When you are a golden nugget, prepare for the refiner’s fire!"

One more quote by Elaine Cannon said:  "There are terrible troubles among the Saints. Bizarre things are happening. Hearts are being broken. Testimonies are being tried. Dreams are being dashed. Pressures of all kinds and temptations that were never imagined are all directed at God’s choice children. But in D&C 106:5 we learn a critical key: ‘Therefore, gird up your loins, that you may be the children of light.’"

Seems a bit depressing to end here.  More on this later. Be happy!  His promises are sure!  (Camille says I'm being too serious.)

This one is for you Laura, my favorite Texan

(click to enlarge)

twenty years ago i met a wonderful lady.  she was my companion twice during my mission--once in the mtc and once in the field.  we had wonderful and very fun times together.  we still keep in close contact with each other, emailing often and an occasional phone call.  she is someone i can say anything to and never feel condemned or judged in the very least.  i know she was sent to me by heavenly father.  i love her and she knows it  but we usually just say things like "mushy mush" etc. and we know what that means.  i wish we could live closer but i could not ask for much better than we have.  have a good day laura.  mush 'n' stuff.  =D

It's My Bloggy and I'll Brag if I Want To

~Three adults at Brandon's harvest job, including his boss commented on his good work ethic.  He comes home happy everyday and adds up what he thinks he is earning.  Love it!

I can't type

with my left hand but I can say enough to recount some blessings:
~My ride today with Dian to radiation was fun
~The people at radiation are so nice even though they gave me a new tattoo (that gives me 5 in all!)
~Dian bought sandwiches for our lunch tomorrow (she said it was her daughter's idea)
~Elaine brought dinner
~Christine brought raspberry salad and arranged rides for me for the next week (my pain meds makes it so I can't drive)
~Bro. Dance brought pie
~Colette called
~Darcee called
~Julinna called
~Mom called
~Janell and others sent facebook messages
~Andi and others emailed
~People prayed--I know they did!
~Dennis got me a sling but I don't need it  He also did lots of other stuff for me.
~Camille did dishes several times
~My kids are cute and fun and nice
~I'm sure I am forgetting stuff.
~I can still sew by hand--I'm finishing up some pin cushions and they are stinkin' cute!
~I don't have to do my hair 'cause I can't.  I'm glad flowers are IN!

The Atonement

Last Sunday Dennis, Jeffrey and I gave talks on the atonement.  Here is an excerpt from mine:

What does the atonement mean to you and me?
It means you and I have a relationship with Someone outside of this world and we know that we are dearly loved by Him!
I can make and keep sacred covenants with Him
We can be sealed to our families.
Jesus paid for our sins.
You and I can repent.
We can be forgiven.
We can have a clear conscience-- and what a blessing that is!
Jesus Christ knows our pains and sicknesses. He has experienced them! 
He could have known how to succor us simply by revelation, but He chose to learn by His own personal experience. (President Eyring)
He knows and loves those around us. He has atoned for all.
We can rest assured that he is in charge of our lives. And we can rest assured that He knows what is best for us.
You and I must do our best.
Righteousness matters
Faith matters
Good works matter. If there were no atonement there would be no reason to even try. But the consequences would be beyond description.
Because of the atonement you and I can look up in faith!

I have experienced the power of the atonement in my life as I’ve struggled through trials. I know that when the load gets heavy for me the Savior will, if I allow Him, shoulder my burdens. We all know that we will be tested to the fullest in many ways. But I have been blessed to know that no matter what happens everything will be all right, that compensatory blessings will be bestowed upon my family to whatever degree they are needed. That is a burden lifted! To paraphrase Job, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away, blessed be the name of the Lord!"

Tidbits

Even though I had the hardest time staying awake during church (my pain medication makes it very hard), I had a sub for nursery today.  It was so nice to attend S.S. and R.S.

French dip sandwiches for dinner....Yum!!!

Dennis and the kids cleaned the house today while I took a nap. 

Dave and his family visited.

Robert, my brother-in-law called to see how I am.

Played games with kids.

Brandon and Jeffrey both have harvest jobs bright and early in the morning.

Radiation starts tomorrow.  I'm sure hoping for help with my poor lame hand.

Hum a Favorite Hymn

There Is Sunshine in My Soul Today, no. 227

There is sunshine in my soul today,
More glorious and bright
Than glows in any earthly sky,
For Jesus is my light.

Oh, there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.

There is music in my soul today,
A carol to my King,
And Jesus listening can hear
The songs I cannot sing.

There is springtime in my soul today,
For when the Lord is near,
The dove of peace sings in my heart,
The flow’rs of grace appear.

There is gladness in my soul today,
And hope and praise and love,
For blessings which he gives me now,
For joys “laid up” above.

Oh, there’s sunshine, blessed sunshine
When the peaceful happy moments roll.
When Jesus shows his smiling face,
There is sunshine in the soul.

Text: Eliza E. Hewitt, 1851–1920
Music: John R. Sweney, 1837–1899
Isaiah 60:19
Psalm 16:9, 11

Love Note

A facebook message from my favorite convert on my mission (her name is Camille and we named our Camille after her--I'd lost contact with her until just this week--she found me!):

"Wow!!! I am at a loss for words but my heart is full. I have read your blog for the past hour. What a wonderful woman, wife, mother and person you have become! I am amazed at your courage, love for others, faith in Heavenly Father and the quiet strength you possess that is so apparent in your thoughts, pictures and activities that you have graciously share with all the readers of your blog. Thank you for sharing yourself and your family. I have missed you so much!
Please know, you have always been in my thoughts, heart and prayers and you and your family continue to be. You are AWESOME!
I love you Katie."

Friends

I ran into 2 friends yesterday at the cross counrty meet. We hugged and cried together.  They had not heard about what is going on. I sure need the love.  But it is really hard to see people so sad for me.  My family is so wonderful. I have gotten a lot of loving phone calls. They make me happy.  Camille and Alexa fixed lunch yesterday. What sweeties!! Dr. Dickson called today and upped my pain medication.  It helps not be hurting.  I have still got a ton of peace.  It is wonderful to know that Heavenly Father is in charge.

An Email

I got the sweetest note from Natalie, my niece on Dennis' side.  It made my day.   I have always enjoyed being around Natalie.  But now she lives far away in Montana and we don't see her much.  It was so fun to be with her and her 4 little girls over Labor Day weekend.  I have been amazed watching Natalie mother her family.   Her girls are ages 4,3,2 and 8 months.  Amazing!  She and her husband are doing a fabulous job raising them!  I hope she will not mind if I post her email to me.  

Dear Katie,

 

I have been thinking about you and decided to finally write and tell you that I love you.  It was so much fun to go camping with your family.  Your boys are growing up to be incredible young men.  I have been so consumed in my own little family that at times I haven't noticed my surroundings, but since my girls are growing up and playing on their own I watched my surroundings and it was so great to see.  Jeffrey and Brandon are kind, loving and definitely love to have fun.  What great boys.  My girls can't stop talking about Mary.  They keep saying to me, you know that Mary that we played with at camping.  One of them is usually her when they are playing.  Family is really all that I need.  It was like they had been best friends for years. I had so much fun.  I really love those times.  Thank you for bringing your games and playing with us.  The games are fun, but I think the best part is just being together and laughing and working together.  Katie you and Dennis have an incredible family.  Thank you for your great example as a mother. 

 

I am so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives and for amazing women and men who live it.  I love you Katie.

 

Love Natalie

New Blog

I'm keeping the old one and it will continue to function as usual.  I'm not making rules for this blog--it can be anything--but mostly it will be a daily blog of what makes me happy everyday.  I may be silly or serious depending on the day.   Short and sweet is my style. =)