Nephi 8 - Lehi's Vision

Last week I had the opportunity to read, study and teach Nephi 8 which is Lehi's dream or vision.  As we read it as a family I had some great insights to help my husband with a problem he was having.  When I reread it again I gained even more.  Then, our seminary supervisor sent an email with more insights. 
Did you know that all the people in Lehi's vision were members of the church?  Even those in the great and spacious building.  This is a vision about those of us who have already been baptized.  As I thought about the different groups of people within that vision I discovered that this chapter is a  great self evaluator.  At this point in your life, which group do I fit in?  Am I holding to the rod or just walking the strait path without holding?  Am I getting lost in the mists of darkness?  Do I make my way to the tree and partake and then hang my head in shame or do I partake and feel God's love and glory in His goodness?
As I pondered the lesson prior to teaching it, I thought how I and my students can use this concept in our everyday lives.  This doesn't just apply to our spiritual lives but also to our academic, social, musical and athletic lives.  What a wonderful way to apply the scriptures to our lives. 
Next time you read Chapter 8, take a look at the way you can use it to evaluate some part of your life.  You will be amazed at how it was written for us today to help us in evaluating our lives.  Have fun!  I sure did.

Where Were You?

 Where were you when the world stop turning that September day?

I love that song by Alan Jackson.  As I watched the news this morning I went back to that day 12 years ago.  It was such a beautiful sunny morning with gorgeous blue sky.  Then the unthinkable happened.

I stood in front of the television in disbelief as I saw the second plane slam into the tower.  There was a fund raiser at school that morning and I went.  No one at school had any idea what was going on in the world.  Suddenly the TV was on and crowds of students and staff were watching.  

I still look at these photos with such sadness in my heart for all the families who had loved ones snatched away from them that day.  There were so many heroes but even more victims.  Twelve years later I am still unable to put my feelings of that day into words.



More Than Ever

 In April 1993 there was a fire at the chip mill in Tilleda.  My dad lost one of his mills.  My mom wrote in her journal that when he prayed that night, there was nothing but thankfulness and nothing of his misfortune.  She wrote, "I never loved him more."  I believe I know exactly how she felt.

I recognize that my husband loves me more than life itself.  His goal in life is to provide for our family and be the best husband and father that he can possibly be.  So, I dedicate this post to him.

He's such a hard worker.

 He loves to play with the grandchildren.  We had so much fun smashing the cattails on the road.

 He provides opportunities for our children to work and goes the extra mile so we can have extra things.

 He's appreciative of all the gifts we give.  He has an infectious laugh.

Excuse the expression on my face.  I was trying hard not to laugh.  It didn't work.

I love the opportunity I've had to spend the last 30+ years married to my best friend. I look forward to many, many more.  Words cannot express what I feel in my heart.  He is my sweetheart, my rock, my everything.  I thank my Father in Heaven often for blessing me with the perfect man for me.

Last First

We all get the last first day of school.  Well, my baby had his today.

Being a senior, he gets to drive.  We expect him to take his mo-ped as much as the weather will allow, but he had lots of supplies to take today so he took the beast (truck).

Many moms will ask, "Where did the time go?"

I guess one day at a time is where it went.  I wouldn't change a thing.  

Seminary 2013-14

 Another year of seminary has begun.  These beautiful, smiling, amazing youth are the 12 that I expect will come to class each and every day.

They are indeed a lively bunch.

 We will be studying the Book of Mormon.  I am super excited about that.  I read it over the summer and can't wait to get into it in more detail.

When I was called to teach seminary six years ago, I had the thought that I'd like to teach for six years.  I thought I would like to teach until Andrew was finished with the program.  What was I thinking?  I was not a morning person.  Well, that's changed.  I do mornings now.  Something I never did before.  I'm even happy.  Of course, my class doesn't begin until 7am which is a blessing to all of us who attend as no one falls asleep.

I look at these faces and I know I am blessed!

Andrew's Senior Pics & Goofiness

 Andrew and I went out this morning before the sun was shining brightly and took some pictures so he'd have some when the senior advisor asked for them.  We took a lot more, but deleted what we knew we wouldn't use.  I like all of these and love some of them.  Others are just for fun. 

When you first meet Andrew he comes across as this quiet, almost shy individual with very little to say.  When you get to know him better you find that he is a jokester and isn't easily embarrassed.  He will put himself in the spotlight.  Enjoy.

He doesn't care for this one, but I love it!  His smirk.

 Another expression we see a lot.

 I like this one, not my fave.

 Ditto.

 He really likes this one.

 Silly guy.

 I like it.

 I love it.  We both love the water swirls in the background.

 I believe this is my favorite.  A nice easy, relaxed expression.

 Goof.

 Diva.

 It's all good.  Love this one too.

 Nice.

Another nice one.

 

We aren't done taking photos as he needs a few with his athletic gear.  Will post those when I take them and edit them.

Feedback?  What's your favorite?

A Miracle

Tom had a doctor appointment on Aug. 19th where we found out he had quite a large hernia that needed repair.  I took him to meet with the surgeon that same week and surgery was scheduled for the 28th.
He was very worried.  So much so that he cried because he was so concerned.  After much talk and reassurance he felt better.

He was given a priesthood blessing before we left for the hospital.  He was very nervous on Wednesday morning during pre-op but it didn't last long.  I put PBS Kids on TV and he watched and relaxed. 

I was a bit concerned about how he would deal with the pain.  I've been cut open more than once and know how much it hurts.  After surgery he told us he felt better. (Not that he complained of any pain prior.) 

We had to get him up after surgery to use the restroom.  Just before that he told one of the nurses that he would be all better because he prayed to God and God would help him.  I believe this young man has faith unknown to me.  He was prescribed Vicodin and I filled the prescription but as of today (Friday), we haven't even opened it.  I gave him some Ibuprofen mostly for the swelling.  He never complained or grimaced in pain.  I call that a miracle!

This morning I was cleaning all the iodine off of his skin and getting him changed out of his PJs into some clothes.  At one point during the morning he said "ouch."  This was the very first time he even hinted at any pain other than walking quite slowly.  An hour or so after more ibuprofen he declared, "no pain!"  What a trooper. 

I do believe God listens and answers prayers.  In this case, I am certain of the amount of faith he exhibited is directly involved in why he isn't in much discomfort.  A miracle is the only way to explain it.  This son of mine has me humbled for certain.