President Hinckley...

How I loved this beloved prophet. January 27 marked eight years since President Hinckley passed away. He was 97 years old. Even at the age of 97, he was a tireless leader who always put in a full day at the office and traveled extensively around the world. I loved his quick wit and humor. He had an eloquent style when speaking that made you want to sit up and listen. He was ever the optimist and encouraged members to do their best.

I will always be grateful for the opportunity I had to shake his hand. I thanked him for his example and many years of service. 

I still miss him.

“It isn’t as bad as you sometimes think it is. It all works out. Don’t worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will all work out. If you do your best, it will all work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us. He will not forsake us. … If we will put our trust in Him, if we will pray to Him, if we will live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers” (Jordan Utah South regional conference, priesthood session, 1 Mar.1997)

"Cultivate an attitude of happiness. Cultivate a spirit of optimism. Walk with faith, rejoicing in the beauties of nature, in the goodness of those you love, in the testimony which you carry in your heart concerning things divine." (October 1984 General Conference)

"Mediocrity will never do. You are capable of something better." (Remarks at the Inauguration of President Cecil O. Samuelson, Sept. 2003) 

“Love is the very essence of life. It is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Yet it is not found only at the end of the rainbow. Love is at the beginning also, and from it springs the beauty that arched across the sky on a stormy day. Love is the security for which children weep, the yearning of youth, the adhesive that binds marriage, and the lubricant that prevents devastating friction in the home; it is the peace of old age, the sunlight of hope shining through death. How rich are those who enjoy it in their associations with family, friends, and neighbors! Love, like faith, is a gift of God. It is also the most enduring and most powerful virtue.” (March 1984 Ensign, First Presidency Message)

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Sweet friends...

Wordless Wednesday ~ Feeling better!

Photo credit to Tiff

Words to live by ~ The hands of God...

In the eyes and hearts of many people in the world today, there is evidence of doubt, fear, and hopelessness. Much of the insecurity in the world has filtered into our homes and personal lives. No matter what our age or circumstance, we all have a need to know that we have power in the present and hope in the future.

Listen to the words of Mormon:

“Know ye not that ye are in the hands of God? Know ye not that he hath all power?” (Mormon 5:23)

Hands are one of the symbolically expressive parts of the body. In Hebrew, yad, the most common word for “hand,” is also used metaphorically to mean power, strength, might (see William Wilson, Old Testament Word Studies [1978], 205). Thus, hands signify power and strength. 

The extended hand of our living prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, strengthens, lifts, and inspires people all across the world.

To be in the hands of God would suggest that we are not only under His watchful care but also that we are guarded and protected by His wondrous power. 

Throughout the scriptures, reference is made to the hand of the Lord. His divine assistance is evidenced over and over again. His powerful hands created worlds, and yet they were gentle enough to bless the little children.

If we will keep the commandments of God and walk hand in hand with Him in His paths, we will go forward with faith and never feel alone. 

~ Elder W. Craig Zwick Ensign, October 2003

Is it Spring yet?

I have been feeling a little claustrophobic lately. I love to go for a walk outside and it's been months since I did  that. So Saturday I decided to bundle up and head outside. It was about 30 degrees but the sun was shining. It was just what I needed. I love the seasons and the pretty white snow. Yes I know we need the moisture, but I'm just about over winter.

Then today we woke up to more of the white stuff. Did the groundhog see his shadow? I guess we have to wait until February 2 to find out if we will have 6 more weeks of winter.

"Grandma, what does peace mean?"

Photo credits to Tiff

Yesterday I got to watch Grey so Mark, Tiff, Cash and Colby could go swimming. It was so wonderful to see that he's feeling better. He's still a little congested but thankfully is back to his normal happy self. Grey is a delightful boy. I love to hear him jabber. He knows several words now. When my phone rings it sounds like a guitar. Every time it rang yesterday he would move to the rhythm of the music. It was so cute! 

When everyone got back from swimming, I stayed to play a few games with Cash and Colby. After their showers we read a few books. That's really one of my favorite things to do. It was time for bed, so I said a prayer with them and kissed them goodnight. Cash was tired and ready for bed. I tucked Colby in his bed, and as always he said I'm going to be scared. I reminded him that I had just prayed to Heavenly and Jesus and asked them to protect him, and that he would have sweet dreams. I also told him that he lives in a safe home and that Mommy and Daddy are always nearby. I reminded him that he can always say a prayer when he feels scared. Colby then asked me to say another prayer. I said something like, please bless Colby to feel safe and loved, and please help him to have peace. After I finished he looked me and said, "Grandma, what does peace mean?'' I told him it's when you feel safe and calm. I reminded him that Heavenly Father and Jesus love him. He look at me with that signature Colby smile. It melted my heart. There was no more talk of feeling scared.

I love you Colby!

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Dad...

Wordless Wednesday ~ Sick baby... Devoted parents...

(Photo credits to Mark and Tiff)

More Words to live by ~ MLK Day...

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. The true neighbor will risk his position, his prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others. In dangerous valleys and hazardous pathways, he will lift some bruised and beaten brother to a higher and more noble life.
–Martin Luther King, Jr. Strength to Love
(New York: Harper and Row, 1963)

Words to live by ~ Ideas and Rules...

The ideas I stand for are not mine. I borrowed them from Socrates. I swiped them from Chesterfield. I stole them from Jesus. And I put them in a book. If you don't like their rules, whose would you use?

~ Dale Carnegie