Haylee at Kristens wedding

I love this picture of Haylee. She was so thrilled to be in the wedding and have such a beautiful dress Kristen was married in August 2013. She turns 8 in 2 weeks. I wonder if she will be baptised. She loves to go to church, she is such an amazing little girl. She may only be 7 almost 8 but her understanding has always been much older. I hope that as she continues to grow she will have a desire to stay close to the Lord and gain her own testimony. Its tough being the grandma, I worry about my children and grandchildren. I finally got the picture in this.

As you stay on the right path, the reward at the end of life’s journey is well worth the moments of adversity you experience along the way

The last few days I have had a hard time. I'm not sure why, just frustrated about how things are going. I went back to the talk that I chose my title of my blog and re read the talk again. May 2002 Ensign by Ben Banks. The patterns you establish in your youth may accompany you throughout the rest of your mortal life. By making the right choices now, you will be able to take the path that will help you endure the coldest and bleakest moments later I find that to be so true. What we have to realize is that you make choices everyday that will determine key points in your life. Choices and consequences. I use to tell my kids you can make a choice but you can not chose the consequences. The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “Happiness is the object and design of our existence; and will be the end thereof, if we pursue the path that leads to it; and this path is virtue, uprightness, faithfulness, holiness, and keeping all the commandments of God” (Teachings of the Prophet Joseph Smith, sel. Joseph Fielding Smith [1976], 255–56). The Book of Mormon is replete with accounts of those who were blessed by the Lord and then became boastful of their accomplishments. Eventually in their pride they left the correct path and lost all they had as they fell away from the truth. Make sure you don’t become like the Nephites of old; always remember the true source of your blessings. As I have re read the talk its really relates to me in my life right now. I don't think you every quit worrying about your children and their choices. It makes it really tough. You have a responsibility to remain firmly focused on your eternal destination. Yes, life’s journeys can have many ups and downs. Yes, there will be days when you will feel the going is tough. But as you stay on the right path, the reward at the end of life’s journey is well worth the moments of adversity you experience along the way Somedays its just tough... But we all must remain strong.

Our 5 beautiful grandchildren

We are very blessed. We have 3 grandsons

Cooper, Reagan,Calan

And 2 beautiful granddaughters. These pictures were taken the day Madison was blessed. Haylee is thrilled to have a girl cousin.

We feel very blessed, especially since they all live here in Texas.

October 24,2013

On September 13,2013 we were blessed to add another grandchild to our family.

Madison Merie Petty.

She is such a cutie. 

Happy Birthday Miss Meridith!! We miss you

September 3, 1986 at 2:59am Rick and I were blessed to have a baby girl born into our families.  Rachel was thrilled to have a baby sister after 2 little brothers; Brett and Aaron were excited as well.  As with each of our children she was quite unique.  She was a quiet and shy little girl, but very determined.  There are lots of memories that I have of Meridith.

When she was 3 and we did Joy School and it was Christmas time they were doing the Nativity play and Marcia Vigil had just had Zachary a few months before, Meridith wanted to hold him as Jesus.  She did not want to do it unless she could hold Zachary.  We tried everything we could to convince her otherwise.  I’m not quite sure but I imagine Marcia let her hold him. 

When Meridith and Brett were little they were playing (they were probably 2&4) I was in the shower and all of a sudden I heard Brett crying I hopped out of the shower and he came to me and he was bleeding,  they had been playing and Meridith hid and then popped up and hit in the forehead with a hard plastic square and then off to the ER we went and Brett got 3 stitches. 

Aaron and Meridith shared a love of music. 

Rachel and Meridith shared a love and bond that sister can share.

Brett and Meridith shared a connection that started before they were either born.  It is because they understood the bigger picture.  At least for Meridith she understands it now more than any of us.  I know that Heavenly Father knows more than we do, but it’s tough sometimes to not have her here. 

Brett told Rachel one day that she was lucky that she has pictures of Meridith holding Haylee, something that he wishes he could have.   

Rick and Rachel shared this video with me:

http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/homefronts?lang=eng#homefronts?lang=eng&_suid=137822949222206482849951874565

Its the one with the girl on the cell phone.

One of the things I miss is hearing her voice.  She would call me all the time, walking from one class to another, driving in the car.  She would share her life with me.  I loved that.  I also miss her testimony, her voice. Last night Brett and Brittany were reading scriptures to the boys and Brett grabbed Meridith’s  scriptures, in there is a list of what she was looking in for a mate.  Brett asked me if I had seen it.  I had. She knew what she wanted and knew the direction she wanted her life to go.  She knew who she was.  Don’t get wrong she was a typical young adult….trying to survive in this world…she was a kind person ….but on occasion she could be obnoxious.  

Meridith is on the other side pulling for us. She knows we can be a forever family, we all have to do our part to get there.

Happy Birthday sweetpea.  I miss you.

October 3, 2012

Working for American Airlines has been so interesting.  During this time of bankruptcy it has been really hard.  I often wonder what is happening to our society?  Why are people so mean to others?  I have a co worker who is one of the rudest people I have ever worked with, makes up names about people. Ugly ones.  It really puts a damper on the morale of our very small department of 3 agents.  I guess I prefer to look for the good in people.  You never know what someone is going through until you have gone through what they are.  Also not everyone is the same they do not handle stress the same.  We need not to be the judge and jury of someone else.

Life is a journey

"Life's journey is not traveled on a freeway devoid of obstacles, pitfalls, and snares. Rather, it is a pathway marked by forks and turnings. Decisions are constantly before us. To make them wisely, courage is needed: the courage to say, 'No,' the courage to say, 'Yes.' Decisions do determine destiny. The call for courage comes constantly to each of us. It has ever been so, and so shall it ever be."
--Thomas S. Monson, "The Call for Courage," Ensign, May 2004, 54

We never know what our journey will bring.  We have to follow the Lords path and plans.We have to make decisions on important principles before the decision is before us.  I was talking to a young girl who was telling me about a boy she is dating.  I of course said I'm going to ask you the difficult question?  Is he a member?  She said no but he is a good guy.  That's a tough one.  I know where my heart is and what I think is the right thing to do.....but how does your life experiences help someone make a wise choice.

18 September 2012

I don't know where all the time has gone.  It has been almost a year since i have posted anything or even looked at any blogs.  Its crazy.
 
This summer has been full of wonderful activities.  In June one of Meridith's roommates got married in the Manti Temple.  It was a beautiful wedding.  Sherree was a beautiful bride. That first semester was so much fun for those girls.  When we left the reception in the garage across from the chapel was a 69 camero.  Little tender mercies.  How thankful I am for those. 

We were able to spend sometime with John and Natalie Arhets.  What wonderful friends they are, the spirit in their home is wonderful.  I am so thankful to know them.  They have now left for thier 2nd mission.  How lucky the people of Canada are, they are getting 2 wonderful missionaries. 

Kristen RIchardson got married in the Salt Lake Temple in August.  I was very blessed to be able to be there in the temple with her.  It was beautful, temple marrieges are so very important.  You start off knowing that you will be able to be together forever.  The covenants that you make with yoru spouse and with Heavenly Father are wonderful.

In Spetember we went to Disney World with Rachel and Haylee and Brett and Brittany and Calan and Reagan.  Rick and I are very fortunate to be able to spend so much time with our grandchildren.  We have a great time.  Exhausted when we came back, but tons of fun.

Rick and I are still serving in the singles ward.  I am amazed often at the testimonies of these young single adults.  The service that they give is amazing, the night shelter, Tarrant County food bank, they take a trip to Houston to make Peanut Butter.  Thats just a few things that they do.

Months have gone by

It has been months since I have even looked at blogs. This past summer and fall and winter have just flown by. Work was super busy. When I took the training position 2 years ago it was fir about 2 years. I was hired with 2 others at that same time. They both have taken other jobs. Work then offered the job again but as permament. I applied for it and got it. Whether good or bad is still up in the air.

In August our Young Women's Presidency was released. We served for 4 years, it was a great presidency, we worked together really well. I miss working with them and their great testimonies. It was an amazing 4 years, great youth conferences, young women's camps, priest laurel activities, beehive conferences. We have amazing youth in the Hurst Texas Stake. I am thankful for the blessings that I have had to serve the Lord by serving the Young Women.

Rick and I have not been able to travel or hardly do anything because we have been so swamped. The one thing that we did do is take a family vacation to Disney World. Haylee, Rachel, Brett, Brittany, Calan and Reagan, we had a great time. As grandparents it so much fun to see our grandchildren so excited about every little thing.

Then came the holidays, this year Aaron and Kim and Cooper, spent Christmas here. It was great. Families that what it's all about. I am so thankful for ours.

Church on Sunday

I was lucky to take Haylee to church on Sunday. She loves to go to church. She called me Sunday morning as I was getting ready to leave for the single ward. At first she told me that she was going to church with her mommy and Kristen, I thought that great. Then they called back and Rachel wasn't going so I could take Haylee. A week ago when I took her to church the primary pianist said she sing so good, and knows the songs. The primary Cd's for the years sacrament program really make a difference. She is such a doll and I just lover her. We got to church and there didn't seem like a lot of people were there or at least not a lot singing. Brett and Brittany and the boys got there and we got to sit together. As we sang the rest hymn I missed hearing Rachel and Meridith's voices. They both have such wonderful voices. I listen to the sounds around me and just missed them. I always know the Lord is mindful of me, so as we sang the closing song "Each Life That Touches Ours for Good". It made me of course think of Meridith. I can now get through that song, on occasion it still catches me off guard. I am thankful for the knowledge of the atonement, for eternal families. I can not imagine trying to figure this life out without reassurance of being together as a family. I hope that all of our family will want to be there. I have had such strong feelings about genealogy wanting to know who the rest of our family was how their thoughts and desires came to help me be the person that I am.

Life is zooming by

Life has been going by so fast I have not even looked at my blog or any ones since May, Crazy I know. Between work or Young Single Adult Ward and Young Women's (on occasion sleep) its been busy.

In June we had our Young Women's Camp. Our theme was "Its a Jungle Out There"
We used the 13th Article of Faith and we used jungle animals for the virtues. As stake leaders we were the Honest Zebras. It was so much fun. Our Stake Camp director is so talented and so much fun. We did a trading post, the girls brought items to "trade" for goodies, the items were donated to the women's shelter for abused women and children. We made so many bags for the shelter, they wrote notes of encouragement to them. Here is a picture of the trading post.

Camp was so much fun. We had horse back riding, BB guns, archery, swimming. We had a spiritual class every day. One day we used the talk from April's conference from Dallin H Oaks

On Desire, the statement we used is "Desires dictate our priorities, priorities shape our choices and choices determine our actions. I think what strikes me the most on this statement, is that sometimes our desires are good, but when that desire takes longer than we thought it should then we start changing that desire to be a little different. Like friends, or relationships or jobs. What are we value are we willing to change to get what we desire. We had young women's camp Tuesday through Saturday. Then on Sunday we had our opening fireside for youth conference. We had the Dallas Temple President come and talk to the youth, we then set Wednesday and Thursday for the wards to come to the temple and the youth do baptisms. Each ward had a time in which to come, it was wonderful. On Friday we had workshops at the stake center, had breakfast lunch and dinner for the kids, President Hadley spoke on Friday and then we had a dance. Saturday we met back at the stake center and then we went out by Granbury (by buses) to float the Brazos. It was a good day. We had lunch and then went back to the stake center and then home. Sunday we had our testimony meeting, it was really good to hear how so many of them had a good experience and how they could relate to the different activities that we did. What a great time.

We know that our time as the Stake Young Women's Presidency is coming to an end. This has been an amazing experience. I have learned so much from Victoria, Bev and Marie. My testimony has been strengthen so much. The Lord certainly has blessed each of us, we worked really well together. Bev and I did not know any one. Victoria and Marie had been in the same ward for a time before their wards had been split. I truly have loved serving with them. I am so thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I am thankful for my family.

On July 18 Cooper Kyllo was born to Aaron and Kim. He is so cute. We know have 1 grand daughter and 3 grand sons. They are such a blessing to us. I know that I want our family to be together forever. Keep pulling for us Meridith, I know you are close by.

May 12. 5 years later

5 years ago our family dynamics changed.
over the last 5 years what have I learned?

Even though I knew how special Meridith was and how we would not have her long . I miss her.
Christ is there for us but heartache is still heartache.
5 years later it is still tough.
we all handle our grief differently
my faith has never wavered but I often wonder why
and what am I suppose to learn from this.
It does not get easier we just get use to it.
Some people place blame where they have no right.
Heavenly Father has not forgotten me or my desire to feel her near.
Tender mercies come often when I need them most
I had been thinking about her one Sunday and in Releif Society we sang one of her favorite songs "As Sisters in Zion" and then the closing song "Because I have been given much" that was the closing song at her baptism.
I am always amazed at those gentle reminders of her.
I know she ia near, and is watching over her family.
On May 12 after Rick and I went to the cementary, we went by Rachel's new house and painted the entrance way with out Rachel knowing, that was for Meridith. She would have suprised her sister if she had been here. ( I love you Rachel)
I am thankful for the knowledge that I will see and be with her again.

April 27,2011 Lots of random thoughts

Life seems to be speeding by. It seems that I can't keep up. I have had so many thoughts on my mind and yet am not quite sure what to say. This year in our Young Single Adult ward in the I attended the Sunday school that was on family history. I started thinking alot about my family. Who am I most like and since I have both sets of my grandparents deceased what do they think? Are they proud of the person I have become. I have done anything that they would be embarrassed about or even disappointed about? I feel this need to have my grandparents sealed together with my 2 aunts that have passed away. I talked with my grandmother's sister. Her name is Janet, it was very interesting to talk to her. I am so glad that years ago when I got a phone number of one of her nieces that I kept it. She gave me some insight on my grandmother, even though she was quite a bit younger than her.
I have 4 siblings that I don't really even know. My father remarried and they had a son and then a set of triplets, 2 boys and a girl. I have spoken to 2 of them several times since I found them about 18 months ago. I am glad that we have begun a relationship it is exciting to get to know them better.
We are preparing for Young Women's camp again and we are excited about how it is coming together. Our theme is "Its a jungle out there" and we are using the Young Women's theme of the 13th article of faith as a guide. Each ward is a animal with the stake leaders being the zebras. I am so thankful to have served as in the Stake Young Women's presidency for so long. We have a great presidency. I have learned so very much for the other sisters that I have served with. Their example has strengthened my testimony so very much. There are times that I struggle with life in general, just like everyone, but the gospel is what gives me the strength and courage to continue. I want to return to live with my family, as crazy as it may be.
We had a lesson on honesty in Relief Society, Jessica who taught the lesson did a great job. I think about Rick's description of a lie. Saying something with the intent to deceive. When you think about it that way it gives a different perspective. Do you says something about someone else that somewhat true not not entirely? Do we says things that make us look good and someone else look bad? And if so why? Is it because we don't like that person, or ourselves.
What do we really think Christ has done for us, and we really want to be the cause of his suffering? I had someone tell me something about a person, they feel that this person like drama. You know family drama to keep it going or at least to hear all the family gossip. I had to stop and think, do I contribute to that pot stirring. I had to think about what I might say about someone else. Would I say that to them, you know interestingly enough I would. I guess I prefer for others to be honest to me that to sugar coat it. I did have a young women who is now in the singles ward tell me recently that she enjoyed it when I spoke. That I would tell them honestly and share my personal stories and feelings. I am thankful that I knew that I had been honest with them at all times.
I know that this is very random but I figured that I better write down some of my thoughts while they are still there. I wish I had a journal of any of my relatives so that I could read of their feelings and struggles. OK I know that I am getting older so some of the things that we have been told to do all along is now making sense to me.

Busy Days

I can't believe it almost March. Life seems to be getting busier and busier. My mom says I never get any rest. Sometimes I agree, but for me its always better to be busy. At the beginning of February we had several days of Ice and Snow. It was crazy. Rick went to San Diego the day it started and came home on that Friday. I stayed at my Mom's and it was a good thing, the roads out here in our neighborhood were a mess. Fortunately I made it to work each day safely. In January our 3rd grandchild was born..Reagan Mckay Petty. He is so cute and cuddly. We are very blessed to have them here with us.

Such a sweet family.

Brittany watches Haylee everyday, and since Reagan has been born my mom comes over and helps out. My mom loves it.

Rick surprised my this past week and we flew to San Antonio to see the play Wicked. It was great and I loved it. Rick is not a real lover of musicals so for him to plan and surprise me made it even more special.

As our Young Women's Presidency in our Stake, we have been preparing for Girls Camp. We have a great Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director. They are doing an awesome job. Our theme this year is "Its a Jungle out There" We have 10 wards in our stake and we are naming each cabin a animal that goes along with the Youth theme which is the 13th Article of Faith. We are excited about young women's camp. The week after camp we will have youth conference. We are centering our theme around the temple. We have amazing youth in our stake. We of course like every other stake we have our challenges but we are trying to help them see how to follow the Savior and have a desire to return to Heavenly Father.

I have started doing some genealogy, I guess that it is becoming my season of life. I have a desire to find out about them and understand how our family dynamics play into who I have become. I know my grandparents (both of them) were strong people. I spoke to my great Aunt Janet. I have never meet her, she is my grandmothers younger sister. My grandmother died over 50 years ago. I wish I could have known her, I wonder how different our life would have been.

I had to teach Relief Society on sacrifice. How much are we really willing to sacrifice to return to live as families and with Heavenly Father? We do not live in the time when we are required to sacrifice our lives. What we in this generation have a hard time with is giving of our TIME.. we have become a instant gratification society. Everything is at the touch of a button, and so many people can not put their phones down. Whether it is email, texting facebook. They feel a need to constantly being connected. For 3 hours on Sunday's we should be able to devoted that time to the Lord. I see so many answering texts and emails. We need to be willing to devote time to the Lord, is that a sacrifice? What are we willing to sacrifice?

32 Years

On December 15 we celebrated or 32nd anniversary. What a journey it has been. I am so blessed to have Rick in my life. I know he loves me and I love him. When we started our journey together we started it out right. In the temple for time and all eternity. I can not imagine thinking that when we die I would not be with him forever. Our family is an eternal family. There are many things I am thankful to Rick for, his humor, his work ethic, his ability to be a tinker fairy(Haylee calls him that) because he can fix anything. His faithful service to the Lord, being worthy to give blessings, taking me to the temple to be married so that we are an eternal family. Rick is a wonderful husband, friend and provider. I am not a eloqunet writer, my heart feels, and my head just can't put it into words. I love you RICK.

Its been a while

Its been a long time since I have written anything. I think about it frequently but I can't seem to find the right words or make the time. We have had 3 car wrecks with in the last month or so. I actually had 2 of them. One Sunday leaving church going the the relief society luncheon one the Young Single Adults hit me, nothing to major. Exchange insurance info and we both went to the luncheon, the next week Brett and Brittany and Calan were in bad car accident. That morning driving to church (I drive about 40 minutes) Rick is already there so I go by my self. I was listening to a CD and I had the thought of our 4 children. The thought came to my mind so very clearly of Rachel standing in the middle with Aaron and Brett on either side of her as she spoke at Meridith's funeral. I know someone might say how could think about all 4 of them. Meridith was there in front of them, and the thought came to me that there is not anything that the 4 of them can not accomplish. Meridith is there cheering them on, wanting whats best for us all and wanting us to return to be with her. Its hard to write my feelings on this. I can't seem to put down the right words to make it seem as real as it was to me driving to church. Then I came home and was sewing something and the phone rings. Rick answers the phone and tells me that they have been in a car accident. My heart just drops. Car accident, please not another one, is everyone ok? The thought of losing another child is unbearable. . I know that I would have to find the strength but how.... then we got to them and I see them standing and then I see the car. Then I see Aaron and Kim, I think how strange for them to be there. Peggy Heap a friend of ours saw Brett and Brittany and stopped. What a relief for her to be there for the support as she put her arms around me I know she understood my feelings of another car accident. Here in one blink of an eye I could lose 4 family members. What a terrible thought that would be. Thankfully everyone is doing fine. Rachel and Haylee came up there, it scared Haylee, for her the only thing she knows is that a car accident is bad and that people die. But we reassured her and then they left. The next weekend I hit a deer. I was so frustrated, I had to teach Relief Society that day on faith.

Faith, its my faith that carries me through these extremely tough times. Its my faith that lets me know I have a loving Heavenly Father and a Savior who loved me enough to die for me. Its my faith that allows me the knowledge that I will one day be reunited with Meridith. I am grateful for that knowledge. There are days that I so struggle with everything, and I wonder what am I suppose to learn..I just don't know. I was talking to a very dear friend the other day and I said is it patience that I am suppose to learn, IF so THEN I must not be getting it. It seems that I am tried over and over again. BUMMER.

Today was testimony meeting at church. It was really good. We have some amazing YSA's. Some have had real struggles and trials, but have managed to figure out what's important and be where they should be. I often wonder why I am there, except I know that Rick is to be there. He is really good with them. I know that my testimony is being strengthened. Its been good for me to see that there are YSA out there who do stay on the right path, even though its tough.

My thoughts on this past week

This past week has been rather interesting. I have had many opportunities for personal reflection. What makes one person come to hate another. How did Cain hate Abel his brother? Why did Laman and Lemuel hate Nephi? How did their parents deal with it? Why does Satan work so hard to destroy relationships? These questions I have been wondering about for a long time not just this week. A week ago last Sunday started my reflection we had a wonderful Sacrament meeting. One of the speakers was Alisha, she spoke about temples and the covenants that are made. She did an amazing job. She had not gone to the temple yet, but she did on Thursday. What an amazing experience it was. I have gone to the temple many times, but for some reason this time had more of an impact on me. Maybe it was because I had several thoughts that I needed help from the Lord on and I was humbled and more teachable. But as I sat there in the session the spirit was amazing. As I watched this young women who made a choice to go to the temple, not because she is going on a mission or getting married but because she wanted the blessings that the Lord has promised us all. Then to attend the women's conference Saturday night and hear President Monson speak and feel his love and his amazing spirit. Then on Sunday Alisha taught Relief Society, about judging others and how hard that is. She gave person examples of her life and how difficult it was for her. She spoke about how for many years she was inactive and how during that time she made many bad choices. I saw and felt how the atonement of Jesus Christ really has the healing power and how it can if we let it can change our life. What an amazing opportunities I have had being in the Young Single adult ward to see and be with these amazing adults. Its not like they don't struggle they do, but it is how they deal with it. I am so thankful for the blessings of the gospel. I truly don't know what I would do with out it. I know that it keeps me grounded when all the rest of my world seems to be crashing down around me. I guess that is why the scripture in Helaman 5:12
12 And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the arock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall

That is my favorite scripture because I know Satan will try hard to make you fail.

What would you do if you had 1 year to live

This Sunday I attended a fireside with Paul Cardell. I had never heard of him, but it was for our Young Men and Young women and they invited the Young Single Adults. I went and I was very touched.

“You have been born at this time for a sacred and glorious purpose. It is not by chance that you have been reserved to come to earth in this last dispensation of the fullness of times. Your birth at this particular time was foreordained in the eternities. You are to be the royal army of the Lord in the last days. You are ‘youth of the noble birthright’ President Benson told the youth this many years ago. I know that this is true. And sometimes its difficult to understand why things happen and what am I to learn from this.




I have had so many thought and feelings lately and I just don't know where to begin or how to put them in words.

Life is not always how you plan, and it most certainly is not easy. I have learned in my short life (haha) that its tough. Sometimes life seems to go ok, but you better hold on to your hat because a storm is coming. I think of this wonderful lady that I know. I was her visiting teacher and I loved her. She was my daughter's young women's leader and I at one time was her daughters young women's leader. I learned so much from her. She died in a car accident many years ago. I miss her, her testimony and faith were amazing. She was a wonderful example to me. She had 4 children whom she loved and cherished. I loved visiting her, she was my friend we could talk for hours, I know that she would have loved to remain here to have seen her daughter get married and her beautiful grandchildren to see her son go on a mission and his family, but that was not what the Lord had in mind for her. Some may ask why? We don't know but this much I do know. I know where she is and where she will end when we all face the Saviour. Does this mean that she didn't have trials, NO she had her very own, but her faith carried her through he rough times.

Today at work Haylee called and asked if Grandma could pick her up. Oh how I wish I could. I was able to yesterday because I went into to work at 0400. We have been teaching 2 different classes this week one on how to work gates and one on how to work at the ticket counters. Today we all brought food for Taco Salads (very yummy and I have a super husband who cooked the meat after I left for work today and bought it to me. Thanks sweetheart) So one of the guys said grandma no way. I have Haylee and Calan's picture on my desk and yes this are my grandchildren. And then I said and these are my kids. I have the last picture of our children together on my desk. They asked about the ages and then some knew about Meridith's death some didn't so they asked what happened. As I talked about her and the how the things unfolded here in Tx and in Mexico I was reminded again that the Lord had a hand in all of that. I know that Meridith chose to leave this earth. I know that her time was completed here. Does that mean I don't miss her, of course not, but I will say that it makes me want to do my best so I can to see and be with her again. She had so much love for her siblings. She knew her purpose and fulfilled it. I know that she is on the other side pulling for her family.

Blessings from Christ

Forgivness is hard to give and sometimes hard to receive. I am grateful that Christ loves me enough to forgive me for my sins and short comings.

August 8,2010

Lately I have had so many things on my mind. I think about writing them down and I just can't seem to put it into words that might make sense to any one else but me. So much has happened this summer and I just haven't felt like writing about it. Young Women's camp this summer makes me wonder how many of these girls may stray for the path that will lead them to eternal life an happiness. Today I was reading Jenny Phillips book on staying on the path and I came across this quote
Neil A. Maxwell said: “Certain supernal spiritual blessings seem to come only after demonstrated obedience.”

Sometimes it seems as if those off the path are having a great time—that their lives are happy and exciting. These are deceptions of the adversary whose pathway always leads to unhappiness, guilt, loss of confidence, disease, addiction, enslavement, destruction, lust, weakness, regret, and sorrow. If not immediately, these things will eventually follow Satan’s path. On the other hand, the Savior’s pathway always leads to happiness, to peace, to life, light, progress, strength, love, confidence, and joy. If not immediately, those things will follow. We don’t always feel the full effects of the path we choose immediately. Otherwise, there would be no test. We have to exercise faith in the way we choose.

I cannot tell you brothers and sisters the blessings that come from obedience to the Savior Jesus Christ. I have felt those blessings in my life when I have obeyed Him. The only way to true happiness and life is to not just to believe in Christ, but to have trust and faith in him by “living” what we believe.

I have thought about that alot. I have felt that way. I see many who want the things that Christ teaches but just can't stay on the right path long enough to realize that, that path is what brings true happiness. I'm not saying that its easy, in fact sometimes its down right hard, not because of what is taught but the world tells us that stupid or its just not a big deal.

Take virtue, he world tells us that we should do what ever we want. That there is no reason to live a virtuous life. That we only have this life an nothing else. That is totally not true, and I am so grateful to know that. Satan is really good at that...live now that's all there is. That's because he made his choice.

I was talking with a friend of mine, someone whom I really admire. She told me about a woman who is married and been through the temple. When they go on vacation they take a vacation the covenants that they have made. I guess for me I don't understand. But I have seen many others who do that as well, when the occasion seems to arise and they want to wear something that isn't within the standards. How can you think that the Lord can bless you when you chose to disregard the covenants you have made. The world and its vales seem to draw you away. What do you expect from the Lord. Do what ever you want here and expect the Lord to bless you when you need it or when you want it. I guess I don't think he works that way. Don't get me wrong I know that I can never repay Christ for what he has done for me. Except for to keep striving to return to him, by doing the best that I can. There are days when I struggle. I often wonder why do some remain faithful and some fall away, even in the same family. Sometimes we need to remember we must be obedient even when its tough. Being obedient shows Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ that we do love them.