Mother's Day
Today is Mother's Day. A day we think of, honor, and strive to show a small amount of appreciation for all that our Mothers have done for us. Today, I think of my Mother. Currently, she finds herself serving with her eternal companion in Southern Utah. It is not an easy assignment. There are times that she finds herself struggling to step outside of her comfort zone, trust in the Lord that He will fill her thoughts, actions, and words with those things that she had been prepared to share, and just do it. It is not an easy task. Yet, she does it. As I reflect upon all that my Mother has taught me, I didn't think this would be one she would struggle with teaching. I find strength in her willingness to try, do, and succeed. She is amazing. I love you Mom.
With the thoughts of Mothers, my mind has been drawn to the teachings and words of chosen leaders this last General Conference. I love the fact that they have chosen to place the words from the General Women's Session at the beginning vs. the end of the church magazines. Their words set the tone for the entire conference in so many ways.
This week, one that has been on my mind has been the talk by Sister Bonnie Oscarson. She talked about being Defenders of the Family Proclamation. Not only does it fit so well with the celebrations of Mother's Day, but it is a great reminder that we need to boldly stand before those who would oppose the standards of the gospel in the world today. In my own personal life, I have questioned many times if I am standing boldly enough on many issues. So, today I stand:
There is nothing more important than living and following the gospel of Jesus Christ. At times, it may not be fun, entertaining, energizing, or lively, but we do it we must. There will be times when we are tired, hurt, offended, bruised, or threatened, we cannot let them stop us. Daily communication, study, and endurance is required. Endurance requires effort. It is more important than work, sleep, homework, video games, social events, tests, interviews, recreational activities, or personal time. Without Jesus Christ, we would not have the agency to enjoy or have such things, yet it is because of these things that we so often neglect to live as he would have us live.
Families are what we have when everything else it gone. Depending on how we and they live, they are what we take with us when we leave this life and move to the next. Can you imagine trying to live life without them. Yes, I know there are times you have said you would like to try it, but really! Can you overlook those times of weakness and try and imagine life without the influence of your family. We need to live everyday with the purpose of maintaining those strong family bonds. Family is the base foundation of God's Kingdom. Without family, He has no kingdom. Nor do we.
That is where I am going to stop this week. I will continue to evaluate and re-evaluate where I stand and how boldly in the days and weeks to come. I encourage you to do the same.
On with the week...
The Queen had a busy one. Most of it was playing seamstress. Grandma S. was invited to Best of State for her business and SnackPack had finally got around to asking someone to Prom. We spent several evenings at the fabric store and then she spent several long nights on her machine. Grandma's dress needed to be altered and SnackPack needed a bow tie and vest. I believe that she almost did an all nighter on Friday. I think she finally got to sleep around 4.
The Professor continues enjoying her time off track. She had her car serviced, hair cut, nails pampered, books read, and late mornings. She gets one more before she goes back for the final stretch of the year.
Tall Man finished his first semester of college classes this week. Then he spent the remainder doing his best to look at apartments. Just when he settled on applying for one, friends that he had talked about picking up their lease decided that they were ready to make an offer on a house. We will see where he goes with it.
He ended the week with a long, cold, wet night with the scouts. Spring camping is so much fun.
Puddin called us this evening. It was great to see that missionary glow in action. He is busy as ever, working hard, and spreading the Light of Christ to all he comes in contact with.
SnackPack juggled prom invites, planning, AP tests, polo, and more all week. He had to resign from his job because life is getting too busy. Tour is just around the corner. Training for Head Guard is on the horizon. He tackled his first AP test and has one more to go before the year is over. Somewhere in the middle of all of that, he also starts some kind of SBO training. He ended the week with fun on Prom Night.
With the thoughts of Mothers, my mind has been drawn to the teachings and words of chosen leaders this last General Conference. I love the fact that they have chosen to place the words from the General Women's Session at the beginning vs. the end of the church magazines. Their words set the tone for the entire conference in so many ways.
This week, one that has been on my mind has been the talk by Sister Bonnie Oscarson. She talked about being Defenders of the Family Proclamation. Not only does it fit so well with the celebrations of Mother's Day, but it is a great reminder that we need to boldly stand before those who would oppose the standards of the gospel in the world today. In my own personal life, I have questioned many times if I am standing boldly enough on many issues. So, today I stand:
There is nothing more important than living and following the gospel of Jesus Christ. At times, it may not be fun, entertaining, energizing, or lively, but we do it we must. There will be times when we are tired, hurt, offended, bruised, or threatened, we cannot let them stop us. Daily communication, study, and endurance is required. Endurance requires effort. It is more important than work, sleep, homework, video games, social events, tests, interviews, recreational activities, or personal time. Without Jesus Christ, we would not have the agency to enjoy or have such things, yet it is because of these things that we so often neglect to live as he would have us live.
Families are what we have when everything else it gone. Depending on how we and they live, they are what we take with us when we leave this life and move to the next. Can you imagine trying to live life without them. Yes, I know there are times you have said you would like to try it, but really! Can you overlook those times of weakness and try and imagine life without the influence of your family. We need to live everyday with the purpose of maintaining those strong family bonds. Family is the base foundation of God's Kingdom. Without family, He has no kingdom. Nor do we.
That is where I am going to stop this week. I will continue to evaluate and re-evaluate where I stand and how boldly in the days and weeks to come. I encourage you to do the same.
On with the week...
The Queen had a busy one. Most of it was playing seamstress. Grandma S. was invited to Best of State for her business and SnackPack had finally got around to asking someone to Prom. We spent several evenings at the fabric store and then she spent several long nights on her machine. Grandma's dress needed to be altered and SnackPack needed a bow tie and vest. I believe that she almost did an all nighter on Friday. I think she finally got to sleep around 4.
The Professor continues enjoying her time off track. She had her car serviced, hair cut, nails pampered, books read, and late mornings. She gets one more before she goes back for the final stretch of the year.
Tall Man finished his first semester of college classes this week. Then he spent the remainder doing his best to look at apartments. Just when he settled on applying for one, friends that he had talked about picking up their lease decided that they were ready to make an offer on a house. We will see where he goes with it.
He ended the week with a long, cold, wet night with the scouts. Spring camping is so much fun.
Puddin called us this evening. It was great to see that missionary glow in action. He is busy as ever, working hard, and spreading the Light of Christ to all he comes in contact with.
SnackPack juggled prom invites, planning, AP tests, polo, and more all week. He had to resign from his job because life is getting too busy. Tour is just around the corner. Training for Head Guard is on the horizon. He tackled his first AP test and has one more to go before the year is over. Somewhere in the middle of all of that, he also starts some kind of SBO training. He ended the week with fun on Prom Night.
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