Eternal Perspective

As the beauty of another year passes in this Life experience we refer to as "Our Mortal Estate" I think of many things.
I remember trials we face, both past and present. I think of the endearing love Heavenly Father has for me and for my loved ones. I think of the love he has for all his precious children on Earth. I think of how very blessed I am.
My blessings are too numerous to recount on this blog, so I write them in a journal each passing day. Each day I find more to be grateful for.
I think of the lessons I have experienced. I marvel with faith, hope and love.
I wonder where would I be without the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life? Where would I be without the knowledge of Eternal Life? Where would I be without the blessings of the temple to bless my life on Earth and beyond? I wonder where would I be without my precious Eternal companion, Jack? How could I live without Jack or how could I live with Jack, without the blessing of an Eternal Marriage?
How blessed I am. I do not have to wonder, I just need to be worthy of these great blessings to continue.
Faith in Heavenly Father Plan brings me a new found understanding and hope of what will be. Faith brings me hope in the night when I have a bad dream and wake of with fear of losing my Eternal companion. Faith in Heavenly Father's Eternal Plan helps me strive for Forever Family, Forever Love, Forever Blessings!
I am Eternally grateful for my Heavenly Father and my Savior's endearing love.

I look forward to 2011 with faith and gratitude in Heavenly Father's perfect Plan of Happiness.

May we all feel the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Plan of Happiness throughout the new year to sustain us, to guide us and fill us with hope now and forever more.
May we be blessed with opportunities to share the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others.

The Gift of Christmas

A few days ago, Jack received a call from a blood bank, asking him to donate blood for a child who will have heart surgery this week.
What a wonderful gift I thought, to give of yourself in such a way at Christmas time.
My thoughts turned to our Savior, I thought of His birth, atonement and resurrection. I thought of how He gave a drop of blood for me in the Garden of Gethsemane, suffering immense pain for me. Atoned for my sins, feeling Himself every pain I will experience in this Earth life; that He may succor me, empathize and truly know my sorrows and suffering.

I can't imagine a greater gift than what Christ has already given me. An opportunity, (through my faithfulness and obedience) to have Eternal Life.
The gift of Eternal Life with Him alone is amazing to me, but through the blessings of His Holy Temples I can be with my family forever!
When I ponder on the blessing of my Eternal Family, I can scarcely take it in.

As I ponder on Christ's endearing love for me, I can hardly comprehend a capacity to love unconditionally as He loves.

I resolve and pray each day for His help to become the person I want to ultimately become; meek, mild, humble, to revere all people as He does. To be more like Him.
With each passing day, I know my prayers for His help to become who I want to be, and my repentance when I fall short; are accepted because of His atoning sacrifice.

He is the light and life, the Living Water of which we can "drink and never thirst".

He changes my heart, He grants my petitions, He saves my soul, He gives me the opportunity to have life Eternal, He gives me strength, He gives me love, He gives me hope, He gives me faith, He gives me light, He gives me Everything! His gifts are Eternal.

May His Eternal gifts be well with all of us this Christmas season and forever.

I extend my love for my Savior, even the Savior of the World; Jesus Christ.

I know that He lives! I know that He will come to Earth again. I look forward with faith to the day I kneel at His feet in reverence and gratitude for all He has given me.

Bumps and Bruises

Anyone who really knows me, knows that I am a deep person. I ponder things deeply, care deeply and feel deeply. I have described my past experiences as wearing my heart on my sleeve; and many times it has been bumped. At times in my life I have pondered on the thought to be more reserved, less communicative and perhaps save myself some pain.
Seemingly people are unkind, even cruel. I however know in my heart, how my Savior would have me receive unkind acts and cruelty from others; with love, meekness and kindness.
It would seem easier, even justified to be defiant to our Savior's admonition to turn the other cheek, hold my tongue, or speak words of kindness. Yet, our Savior did exactly as he asks me to do. I know I must be kind if I want to become like Him.
As I reflect on Christ's life, example and teachings, I know that I must "do".
His admonition is the way to joy in this Earth life and Eternal life.

Kindness, love, forgiveness is the key to Heaven, literally. As for me, the meaning of unconditional love and kindness is deeply felt, deeply revered and worthy of every effort I make. Kindness begins with me.
I choose not to ponder on unkind acts, rather ponder on ways that I can be kind and accepting of others. Kind acts are sweet gestures of the heart, especially one that has been bumped and bruised along the way.

Let's sing, America! (starring Zachary Childs)

Zak called Jack and I and we got to attent his Elementary School's 5th grade (can anyone believe Zak with be in the 6th grade in a few months?) program. I was so fun! There is nothing better than patriotic music to my ears. Add that with children singing patriotic songs and the tears flow like a gentle stream. What a cutie Zak is. I got the front row seats. Usually I get to performances, church activities, meetings etc. early to get a good seat, then almost inevitably, I am asked to move a few times, by the time the program starts I can't see the kids. There was nobody to ask me to move this time; Yea! Got some good shots. Thanks Zak for calling us, please keep letting us know, we love to come to our grandchildren's performances.

Jace & Hamilton's Baptisms

Both Jace and Hamilton had a beautiful Baptism Day. We missed all of you we love who wanted to be there. The testimonies of our Grandchildren heard will stay with us always. Baptism is such a beautiful ordinance to witness. I have a testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When I hear the words spoken by Preistood Authority for the Baptism and Confirmation I get chills, literally. What a beautiful thing it is. I know Heavenly Father loves us and wants us all to return to live with Him. We will strive to be worthy of our Eternal Family.

My Eternal Companion

When I see Jack in the Temple, my heart skips a beat and I know he is my one true love, my eternal companion forever. What a blessing he is. I love him more today than ever. Thank you my best, dearest and truest friend and love for all you do for me. I adore you.

A Quote to wrap your thoughts around

Change is the only process in life we can absolutely count on. Change is as essential as the air we breathe. In the autumn, do the trees refuse to let their dying leaves go? They release their old life so that new life can begin. To thrive, we must embrace the future rather than the past~ by Sue Frederick

Our Ninth Year Wedding Anniversary!

Jack and I have had nine blissful years of marriage together. We love each other more with each passing day. We thank Heavenly Father for answering our prayers and leading us together. We know our love grows because it is centered around Jesus Christ. Our family is such a precious gift to us. We arode our children and grandchildren more with each passing day also. We are so thankful for the blessings of the temple, that our love can grow throughout Eternity.

Thinking of my dreamboat

Thinking of my dreamboat....and his name is Jack. Yesterday he wore a new suit to Church, looked extremely handsome if I may say so myself. Bro. Hunsaker came up to me and said "Did you help Jack get dressed this morning"? Other compliments were sent my way of how handsome he looked in his new suit, I will confess I took him shopping (and picked up the jacket for him) but it was just his style. Jack said to me later..."Why is it when I get a compliment on my looks you get the credit? How funny. We both got a good laugh out of that. Forgot the picture sorry. Will get one next week in his new suit. I sure love that guy!

A Night of Fun!

We had a fun night with Heidi and Don's kids the other night. We started out learning Hannah Montana's Ho-down, Throw-Down dance, then we had a German Culture Tea Party with strawberry cake. Jack spoke German to the kids and help them learn some German words, he told them a little about Germany and they laughed and laughed trying to pronounce the German words. They were speaking German to me much after the tea party. Then Grandpa took the boys to finish up their leather coin purses they stamped (with a little help from Grandpa). The boys loved their creations. The girls and I played many, many games of slamwich. Then we read from the New Testament and taught the children the Savior's admonition; as you do unto the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me. That was an enlightening and spiritual end of a Sunday evening. We miss Adia, Orin and Hamilton, we have so much fun playing games with them and wished they were with us. We love you all so very, very much.

Christmas Dance Recital

Dance recitals are always a favorite of mine. I love to dance, always have. I love to watch the little girls perform their dances in their gorgeous costumes. Jack captured a few candid shots. Although the girls are natural models/posers and were not asked to pose, they just have fun with the camera. Above is Heidi with her girls back stage, as you can see it is no wonder these girls are so beautiful. Like Mother, like Daughters.

( I still miss Adia's dance and violyn recitals too, had to put that in...I adore all my granddaughters so much)

Fun Christmas party with the Viator's

It was good to have and see Chris with his family over for an early Christmas party. I miss Chris coming over with his siblings for one weekend a month. As he's grown up he's become less interested in spending the weekend with us. Oh! I expected that someday, but miss him dearly. I love Chris' sense of humor and bright smile. Good to have you sweetie! I love you. (Chris on the left, John and Kimi on the right)

Soooo good to have Jacob, Kara and the kids in town. We had such a fun time with them on the 30th. We played games and visited for a few hours. We miss you all so much. We wish we could have the kids every Saturday night too. We love you all so dearly.