Growing Up

Ok, ok, I'm here. Yes, I'm here and we are all doing relatively well. I actually have about 4 posts that I have written but are just sitting there not finished or not posted. Don't ask why, I'm not sure.

We've all been doing some growing up these last few months. It's crazy! Doug was laid off again the Monday after Thanksgiving. This made for a crazy but very heart touching Christmas season. Also reminded what is really important. He has been working this last week and this week on a two week temporary (electrician) job. We'll see what happens after this. Although this is hard, I promise we've been very blessed!

About the first week of December I posted on Face Book that I wouldn't be sad to see 2009 come to an end. But then in January when I had to teach a lesson to the Young Women about Christ I realized that I wouldn't have wished away last year. Yes, it was hard. Yes, it was painful. BUT, my testimony of a LOVING Heavenly Father and Christ grew so much. It was during this past year that I have really come to know my Friend, Jesus Christ!

Now on to a different subject. I have a lot of catching up to do. Because there is SO much I don't want to forget about these last few months. But in the meantime I just have to say- WHAT?!? Where have the years gone??? Yesterday was Katie's "Maturation Assembly" at school. We'd already talked about most of it so it wasn't a big deal. But I promise it wasn't very long ago my mom came to my maturation assembly at the same school. Then just a few days (months? years?) later I was holding a little baby in my arms. Then just a few days more and we're there watching that lame-o movie! It's crazy!!!

Before the assembly there was a special parent's meeting taught by Allen Grunig. He taught us about how the teen brain works. One thing really affected me- the best way that teens feel connected to their family is by physical touch (especially a hug). That is my goal. More hugs! Sounds fun, right! :)

General Conference

Every April and October the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints hold "General Conference". This is a large meeting that is held in Salt Lake City and then broadcasted out to the whole world through TV, Internet and shown in Stake Centers and homes. It is my favorite weekend of the year. We get to stay home in our pajamas and be spiritually fed. This year was a little different. Justin was singing with his Stake and so he got two tickets to attend the Saturday afternoon conference. Alesa decided she didn't want to go so she offered them to Doug and me. We were happy to take the tickets. The Conference Center is amazing, it's huge and actually the sound quality is amazing! As we watched the leaders fill their seats and then the Quorum of the Twelve fill their seats. Soon after President Thomas S. Monson and his counselors entered the center- such quiet, respect and love filled the room. I was touched that even the Quorum of the Twelve and other leaders stood out of respect. What a blessing to have a Prophet of the Lord living on earth and to be able to stand in his presence and partake of his spirit! As the First Presidency walked in (and when they left) they shook hands and greeted the other leaders. You could see the love and respect they all held for each other.

Conference was wonderful! It was a spiritual high to stand in the same room as thousands of other believers and sing and be taught. The spirit was strong. Even during the final song men (in the choir) sang with all their hearts and tears poured down their cheeks. I do know that my Redeemer Lives! He lives and is here to help each of us! How grateful I am to know these truths!

Thank you to Alesa and Justin for allowing us this opportunity! It will not be forgotten!

Testimony

This is hard, it really is. But, I feel I need to share my testimony while I can still voice it.

First of all, I know that thanks to a temple marriage and the blessings we receive there; FAMILIES ARE FOREVER. This is my truth. I've held on to this knowledge since the day my dad died and now am holding on to it even stronger. Who else would I want to be with forever besides my darling, caring, loving husband, my beautiful children and my mom, dad, siblings and in-laws. I love them so much now why won't that love grow even stronger into eternity.

I believe that we all started as spirits who have gained bodies and then leave them upon death and continue growing and learning until one day we are resurrected and can regain our bodies. We will all have that blessing and if we live right, and do the best we can, be reunited as family and friends.

I know we have a Heavenly Father who loves us. He is continually watching out for us and all things are in His hands. We don't understand all that happens and why it happens and that's OK. One day we probably will. We know that we have to submit to His will. He will never leave us. We will be compensated for the tears and loss we feel here on earth.

"The Lord compensates the faithful for every loss. That which is taken away from those that love the Lord will be added unto them in his own way. While it may not come at a time we desire, the faithful will know that every tear today will eventually be returned a hundredfold with tears of rejoicing and gratitude." -Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

I know that through Jesus Christ all of this is possible. He is truly our Savior and our friend!

If you want to know why I believe these things and many more wonderful truths please feel free to contact me and/or see this web site: www.mormon.org