Tuesday, December 31, 2019

Week of December 29 - 31, 2019

Highlights:

Spiritual
I was struggling with laryngitis on Sunday morning so I stayed home. I didn't feel awful but I dare not get anyone ill, especially some of our elderly ward members, so I stayed home and listened to three wonderful General Conference Talks. One was especially meaningful to me about Trust. 

Consistent and Resilient Trust

Trusting in the Lord includes trusting in His timing and requires patience and endurance that outlast the storms of life.
Our son Dan got very sick on his mission in Africa and was taken to a medical facility with limited resources. As we read his first letter to us after his illness, we expected that he would be discouraged, but instead he wrote, “Even as I lay in the emergency room, I felt peace. I have never been so consistently and resiliently happy in my life.”
As my wife and I read these words, we were overcome with emotion. Consistently and resiliently happy. We had never heard happiness described that way, but his words rang true. We knew that the happiness he described was not simply pleasure or an elevated mood but a peace and joy that come when we surrender ourselves to God and put our trust in Him in all things. We too had had those times in our lives when God spoke peace to our souls and caused us to have hope in Christ even when life was hard and uncertain.
Lehi teaches that if Adam and Eve had not fallen, “they would have remained in a state of innocence, having no joy, for they knew no misery; …
“But behold, all things have been done in the wisdom of him who knoweth all things.
“Adam fell that men might be; and men are, that they might have joy.”
In a paradoxical way, afflictions and sorrow prepare us to experience joy if we will trust in the Lord and His plan for us. This truth is beautifully expressed by a 13th-century poet: “Sorrow prepares you for joy. It violently sweeps everything out of your house, so that new joy can find space to enter. It shakes the yellow leaves from the bough of your heart, so that fresh, green leaves can grow in their place. It pulls up the rotten roots, so that new roots hidden beneath have room to grow. Whatever sorrow shakes from your heart, far better things will take their place.”
President Russell M. Nelson taught, “The joy the Savior offers [us] … is constant, assuring us that our ‘afflictions shall be but a small moment’ [Doctrine and Covenants 121:7] and be consecrated to our gain.” Our trials and afflictions can make space for greater joy.
The good news of the gospel is not the promise of a life free of sorrow and tribulation but a life full of purpose and meaning—a life where our sorrows and afflictions can be “swallowed up in the joy of Christ.” The Savior declared, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." His gospel is a message of hope. Sorrow coupled with hope in Jesus Christ holds the promise of enduring joy.
The account of the Jaredites’ journey to the promised land can be used as a metaphor for our journey through mortality. The Lord promised the brother of Jared and his people that He would “go before [them] into a land which is choice above all the lands of the earth.” He commanded them to build barges, and they obediently went to work building them according to the Lord’s instructions. However, as the work progressed, the brother of Jared developed concerns that the Lord’s design for the barges was not sufficient. He cried out:
“O Lord, I have performed the work which thou hast commanded me, and I have made the barges according as thou hast directed me.
“And behold, O Lord, in them there is no light.”
“O Lord, wilt thou suffer that we shall cross this great water in darkness?”
Have you ever poured out your soul to God in such a way? When striving to live as the Lord commands and righteous expectations are not met, have you ever wondered if you must go through this life in darkness?
The brother of Jared then expressed an even greater concern about their ability to survive in the barges. He cried, “And also we shall perish, for in them we cannot breathe, save it is the air which is in them.” Have the difficulties of life ever made it hard for you to breathe and caused you to wonder how you can make it through the day, let alone make it back to your heavenly home?
After the Lord worked with the brother of Jared to resolve each of his concerns, He then explained, “Ye cannot cross this great deep save I prepare [a way for] you against the waves of the sea, and the winds which have gone forth, and the floods which shall come.”
The Lord made it clear that ultimately the Jaredites could not make it to the promised land without Him. They were not in control, and the only way they could make it across the great deep was to put their trust in Him. These experiences and tutoring from the Lord seemed to deepen the brother of Jared’s faith and strengthen his trust in the Lord.
Notice how his prayers changed from questions and concerns to expressions of faith and trust:
“I know, O Lord, that thou hast all power, and can do whatsoever thou wilt for the benefit of man; …
“Behold, O Lord, thou canst do this. We know that thou art able to show forth great power, which looks small unto the understanding of men.”
It is recorded that the Jaredites then “got aboard of their … barges, and set forth into the sea, commending themselves unto the Lord their God.” To commend means to entrust or to surrender. The Jaredites did not get into the barges because they knew exactly how things would work on their journey. They got aboard because they had learned to trust in the Lord’s power, goodness, and mercy, and they were therefore willing to surrender themselves and any doubts or fears they may have had to the Lord.
Recently our grandson Abe was afraid to ride one of the carousel animals that move up and down. He preferred one that didn’t move. His grandmother finally persuaded him that it would be safe, so, trusting her, he got aboard. He then said with a big smile, “I don’t feel safe, but I am safe.” Perhaps that is how the Jaredites felt. Trusting God may not always feel safe at first, but joy follows.
The journey was not easy for the Jaredites. “They were many times buried in the depths of the sea, because of the mountain waves which broke upon them.” Yet it is recorded that “the wind did never cease to blow [them] towards the promised land.” As difficult as it is to understand, especially at the times in our lives when the headwinds are strong and the seas are turbulent, we can take comfort in knowing that God in His infinite goodness is always blowing us toward home.
The record continues, “They were driven forth; and no monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them; and they did have light continually, whether it was above the water or under the water.” We live in a world where the monster waves of death, physical and mental illness, and trials and afflictions of every kind break upon us. Yet, through faith in Jesus Christ and choosing to trust in Him, we too can have light continually, whether above the water or under the water. We can have the assurance that God never does cease to blow us toward our heavenly home.
While being tossed about in the barges, the Jaredites “did sing praises unto the Lord; … and [they] did thank and praise the Lord all the day long; and when the night came, they did not cease to praise the Lord.” They felt joy and thanksgiving even in the midst of their afflictions. They had not yet arrived in the promised land, yet they were rejoicing in the promised blessing because of their consistent and resilient trust in Him.
The Jaredites were driven forth upon the water 344 days. Can you imagine that? Trusting in the Lord includes trusting in His timing and requires patience and endurance that outlast the storms of life.
Ultimately, the Jaredites “did land upon the shore of the promised land. And when they had set their feet upon the shores of the promised land they bowed themselves down upon the face of the land, and did humble themselves before the Lord, and did shed tears of joy before the Lord, because of the multitude of his tender mercies over them.”
If we are faithful in keeping our covenants, we too will one day arrive safely home and will bow before the Lord and shed tears of joy for the multitude of His tender mercies in our lives, including the sorrows that made space for more joy.
I testify that as we commend ourselves unto the Lord and consistently and resiliently trust in Jesus Christ and His divine purposes in our lives, He will visit us with assurances, speak peace to our souls, and cause us to “hope for our deliverance in him.” I bear witness that Jesus is the Christ. He is the source of all joy. His grace is sufficient, and He is mighty to save. He is the light, the life, and the hope of the world. He will not let us perish. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

This is my final entry for the year, and for the book I print containing my blog. I had originally gone through the typical weekly update of each family member, but it had only been three days and I had been sick and hadn't seen anyone. I did get the Christmas tree all put away on Monday, so Christmas is packed up. The village is still up but I really wiped myself out yesterday, so it might wait a few days. 
It has been quite a year. Some goals achieved, and some untouched. Many many challenges, but Heavenly Father never leaves us alone and always teaches us something as we face challenges. I have taken the time to take in all that each member of my family is and adds to my life. I am so thankful for each and every person, no matter what. 


The final tally for the year: Indexed - 22,663 records and reviewed 74,213 records.

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Week of December 22 - 28, 2019

Highlights:

Spiritual
We had a wonderful Sacrament Meeting on Sunday, full of family and friends. Our program included songs by our Primary children that included bells, a lovely piano solo, our choir singing that included music by flute, cello, and saxophone, and words by our bishop. I sat in the choir and remembered words that Bishop Gunter said many years ago. Nathan had received some recognition and he had Nathan stop and look around at everyone there to support him as he stood on the stand. I loved how Bishop Gunter always did that. So I sat and looked. There was Judy Pulver on one side of me, Kim Meikle on the other, with Wendy Berghian and Jody Barton and Frieda Egan on and on down the row. Here were precious people who had been part of my life for many years and who I have cherished. I saw Brother Harvey spending his first Christmas without his Sharlene for the first time in many many years. I thought about how so much can happen in a year, and how different things would be in one year. The young women in the choir, some would be off to college. Some would be on missions. Some would marry. Others would move, or be alone. I sat and just took in the good that was in that moment! Such a blessed experience to think about how thankful I am for all these wonderful people and their influence in my life.


Dad attended sessions at the temple on Thursday and Friday.

I completed reading the January Ensign magazine by the Christmas tree on Christmas morning. Not much to do. I continue to read my Book of Mormon daily and listen to a General Conference talk each day.

I have indexed 22506 records and reviewed 72719 records so far this year.

Family

The Wilkins Family
We spoke with Allison via MarcoPolo on Sunday night. I got to see, hear, or speak to everyone. Adam did very well on his finals last week. Grace is doing well. Josh started physical therapy this week and is hoping that will help. Sam is missing his substitute Kindergarten teacher but is also glad his regular teacher is back. Christmas was wonderful for everyone in this family. Allison had saved money dedicated to Christmas a long time ago, so the kids were happy and well. Josh's new bike seems to have been a great blessing to his health, and when we saw him on Saturday, he was walking with little to no pain. Sam also got a new bicycle and was enjoying riding it. Grace received a new polaroid camera and shared many of the pictures she had taken already. Adam is doing great and has been a great help to the ward members as well as to his family. Mike is working hard and looking for more training to qualify him for a better position. They did discover that Mike lost his job due to deception, lies, and jealousy. They are making it through the sad choices of others and trusting Heavenly Father and the path He has for them. Go forward and don't look back. Mike also got their other car running, so they are a blessed two-car family now!

The Ethan Rice Family
Christmas was great for this family. Ethan's yard decorations were awarded first place again this year.


They enjoyed wonderful gifts and opened their gifts from us while we watched.


 Later, they left for Great Wolf Lodge, where they celebrated Christmas (although there was nothing open to eat at, so their Christmas Dinner was at Waffle House) They enjoyed the water park, the slides, and had a great time. Happy Seventh Birthday, Kaylee, on Thursday! We spoke with them as they ate birthday cake (Cameo created an awesome unicorn birthday cake!). 



The Doran Rice Family
It was quite a week for Doran and Amber. Christmas was wonderful though Kooper started out with a fever that turned into pneumonia. The kids totally loved their Christmas gifts, including Kelsie's phone and Kooper's new dirt bike.

Morgan
Morgan didn't work this week due to Kyle's illness and the holidays. He was able to go fishing a lot with his brothers.

Kayty
Kayty worked Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. She was feeling awful on Christmas, so she stayed in bed, ate warmed up rice and cheese for dinner, and watched Harry Potter movies. She worked Thursday and Friday and drove us to Vegas on Saturday. 

The Nathan Rice Family
Nathan, Jessica, Anna, Ellie and Emma had a wonderful week. Christmas Eve was spent with Jessica's family and I am sure it was wonderful with cousins having fun together. Christmas day was wonderful and there were two very special Ballerina Barbie dolls that each girl loved. Christmas was all cleaned up on Friday. 

Dad's Garden
Dad got one bed ready and planted a few tomato plants. Of course, it was going to be 35 degrees Saturday night, so he might lose them but there are plenty more to replant. Tons of citrus has been picked and shared. 

Other highlights
Christmas Eve
We packed up a plate of sugar cookies and ornaments and hit the road Tuesday morning. We had a nice visit with Nano and left her and her friends Dorothy and Zelda some cookies. I got mom two new tops and hung her ornament on her tree in her room.

We also stopped by Dad's friend, Cliff's apartment and left him some citrus and some wood for his fireplace. It was so quiet as we sat watching Andy Griffith Show reruns while it rained outside.  Its funny how busy Christmas Eve used to be with Dad working from 6 am to noon, finishing up projects and getting ready to hurry off to Nano's house in Mesa. It was so hurried and after everything was done, we hurried home and rushed kids to get ready for bed, read Twas The Night Before Christmas, put out cookies and milk and then Dad would fall asleep in the chair and I would prepare for Santa's arrival while the Pope gave mass in Italian from the Vatican. Even when I was a kid, we would have a small dinner and either go to church all dressed up and then go to the airport very very late to wait for my Aunt Muriel Kew's plane to arrive from Los Angeles. The airport was packed with people and even carolers. It was so much fun. I am glad for the busy times to be over but have yet to arrive at a good plan to deliver gifts and stockings to everyone. Nathan is with Jessica's family all through Christmas Eve and we need to be at Grandma's Christmas Day. I have ideas for next year, but this year has shown me that too many plans too far ahead can be kicked to the curb in a moment. I do have ideas and will see what the year gives me. We had such a wonderful time at Doran and Amber's house! We opened gifts from them (they got dad an awesome T-shirt and holder uppers for his jeep rear door, and they got me a Pioneer Woman Instant pot! What fantastic surprises!



They all enjoyed their stockings, as did Morgan, and we played a few games before heading back home. Kayty was ill and sat home eating warmed up rice and watching reruns of Shark Tank. I cleaned up the kitchen and headed to bed. No before picture of the living room like I once did. It will remain there till I begin to put things away soon.

Christmas Morning I slept an extra 20 minutes, got up and did the exercises that didn't hurt my still achy from falling body, and then headed out on a long jog/walk. It was beautiful and some people did keep their lights on. No traffic out so it was just me. I came home, read my Book of Mormon, turned on vlogs, and checked email and indexed. Dad and I gave each other our few items before Ethan and Cameo called to Facetime and we so enjoyed watching them open all their gifts. Quiet for the rest of the day. I read the entire Ensign magazine by the lit Christmas tree. Prepped for grandmas with a salad with lots of topping choices and sugar cookies.






Nathan and Jessica gave us very nice toothbrushes. Got a new nativity from Dorrie. I really enjoyed visiting with Tom, Susan, and family. We came home and exchanged gifts with Kayty and got some nice socks and a wonderful sheepskin-lined fur hoodie cape that is just perfect.

Nathan and Jessica came over on Thursday afternoon to open their gifts.

















Friday was clean up time for me and I spent nearly twelve hours taking down and putting away Christmas. By 8:30 pm, all of the family room, kitchen, entry, living room, and nativities were neatly wrapped and put away.
This delicious warm hooded blanket, socks and some Sees Nuts and Chews.

Dad got a new tie, root beer saltwater taffy, and some Habanero suckers.

Saturday, Kayty took us to Vegas to share a few hours of love and Christmas with them. I hadn't actually seen and hugged the kids for so very, very long. It was heaven!











We arrived home nearly twelve hours after we left. Our legs were sore but our hearts are full!

Wonderful Christmas