Christmas Letter 2017
Dear Family & Friends, What a year it has been! It is an understatement to say that this has been filled with significant obstacles and challenges, but has equally been a witness to the service, compassion, and kindness of others. We couldn’t let the Christmas season pass without sharing with you our gratitude for your love and support. We also wanted to share with you a few of the miracles we have experienced and lessons we have...
Shepherd’s Field
It was a hot August day in 1998. I drove on a blue and silver tourist bus with my BYU Jerusalem class out to Bethlehem where we had a chance to visit the Church of the Nativity. My instructor warned us before we went into the dark and rank church not to focus so much on what we were experiencing, but try to think about the events that we were honoring that day. Gold plated lanterns with matching draping-chains covered the walls on the...
Born into the Kingdom For Such a Time As This
No stranger to turmoil, Esther was orphaned when her parent’s died. Taking the roll of father, protector, teacher and guardian, her cousin Mordecai also shared his devout Jewish practice with his niece and raised a daughter unto God. Descendants from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, their ancestors, back 4 or so generations, were exiled out of their homeland of Jerusalem during the Babylon captivity. Now living in modern day Iran,...
Enduring the trial of the Rocky Mountain pass, then and now.
I arose on Saturday morning after a night of many awakenings; my mind wandered to a holy landmark. It had been nearly two weeks since my husband had surgery to remove a benign brain tumor. At 16 years old I traveled with the youth from my stake on a journey to remember our pioneer ancestors. Pioneer Sheroes Early Mormon saints were driven out of their homes and land by extermination order in Missouri, and then again in Illinois. They...
Grand Council In Heaven: The Cost of Love
Long ago we gathered together as spirit children of our Father in Heaven, in the grand council. While my mortal eyes prevent me from remembering, through scripture, revelation and the spirit, I can image that we gathered in a grand hall; and at the great Elohim, our Father at the focal point. Just as President Monson presides the church here on earth, adorned with his faithful counselors; Jehovah, known in mortality as Jesus Christ,...
Making Friends with Despair
It was another Sunday, another weekend, another week. Another endurance of medical problems, illness, financial struggles and despair. I thought life was going to be different than this. I never imagined that at nearly 40 I would continually be facing greater and greater challenges. On our weekend date, my husband and I drove around a lot. We talked a lot. I cried, he doesn’t like that. He was frustrated with my despair. I didn’t...