To run to...

To those who may feel they have somehow forfeited their place at the table of the Lord, we say again with the Prophet Joseph Smith that God has “a forgiving disposition,” that Christ is “merciful and gracious, slow to anger, [is] long-suffering and full of goodness.” I have always loved that when Matthew records Jesus’ great injunction, “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect,” Luke adds the Savior’s additional commentary: “Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful”—as if to suggest that mercy is at least a beginning synonym for the perfection God has and for which all of us must strive. Mercy, with its sister virtue forgiveness, is at the very heart of the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the eternal plan of salvation. Everything in the gospel teaches us that we can change if we need to, that we can be helped if we truly want it, that we can be made whole, whatever the problems of the past.

...as Alma says in the Book of Mormon, because He has suffered “pains and afflictions and temptations of every kind … , that he may know … how to succor his people according to their infirmities.” To succor means “to run to.” I testify that in my fears and in my infirmities the Savior has surely run to me. I will never be able to thank Him enough for such personal kindness and such loving care.

“He Hath Filled the Hungry with Good Things” | Elder Jeffrey R. Holland

October 1997

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Grandpa Ivan...

I love this picture of my Dad holding his grandson's Christopher and Mark. We were still living in Cheyenne. I miss my Dad and my little boys for that matter.

Feed My Sheep...

In a discussion between Peter and the Savior, we learn of another way the Lord recognizes our expressions of love: “[The Lord] saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep.”

We show our love for Heavenly Father when we serve, listen to, love, lift, or minister to His children. That service may be as simple as truly seeing others without judgment. In the 76th section of the Doctrine and Covenants, we get a glimpse of the character of those who will inherit a celestial glory: “They see as they are seen, and know as they are known.” They see others as God sees them, and He sees them as they can become, with glorious divine potential.

After returning home from my mission, I took over the lawn-care business my brothers and I had started as teenagers. I was also busy with my university studies. One spring week, heavy rain and looming final exams left me overwhelmed and behind on yard work.

Midweek the skies cleared, and I planned to catch up on yard work after classes. But when I arrived home, my truck and equipment were gone. Curious, I visited the scheduled yards; each one had already been beautifully trimmed. At the last yard on the schedule, I saw my younger brother walking behind the mower. He saw me, smiled, and waved. Overcome with gratitude, I hugged and thanked him. His meaningful act of service deeply strengthened my love and loyalty for him. Serving each other is an unmistakable way we show our love for God and His Beloved Son.

“Lovest Thou Me?” | Elder Steven C. Barlow

October 2025

More sacred milestones...

Grandpa and I have made it a tradition to watch our grandson's pass the sacrament for the first time. We want to be their for these sacred milestones. Today as I watched Grey, I felt pride and joy in seeing him take this significant spiritual step. He stood up tall and carry out his duty with reverence. The little boy I knew is transforming into a young man. I was so happy I could give him a hug after the meeting, tell him I was proud of him, and of course tell him I love him.

A kind thing happened as Grey was heading to his Young Men's class, another first. Another boy came up to Grey and told him he would show him where the classroom was. 

I have hope for Grey's future. I pray every day he will continue to grow in his faith, fulfill his priesthood duties, and remain close to the Lord throughout his life.

On the way home Tim and I talked about much we enjoy being at church with our family. We would like to do that every week. I guess we could move to Cedar Hills! Tim especially liked sitting next to Mark and singing the hymns. 

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Elder Williams

Christopher was still out knocking doors looking for the one, during a SARS outbreak in Taiwan. I'm so thankful he was protected. 

Three Grandson's. Sacred Ordinances. One Beautiful Saturday.

Last Saturday was a sacred and tender day for our family. Before Grahm's baptism, three of our grandson's advanced in the Aaronic Priesthood-Grey ordained a Deacon, Colby a Teacher, and Cash a Priest. As Grandpa, Mark, and Bishop Brucker placed hands on their heads, and ordinations and wonderful blessings were given, I was was filled with so much gratitude.

Nana and Brian stayed up really late and were watching all the way from Vietnam! There really was a sweetness in being together and the Spirit was unmistakably strong. Beautiful Saturday indeed!

A New Year Tradition Right Up Our Alley!

Well, there it is. Cash won last year and has kept charge of the bowling trophy. Let's see who takes it home this time!

I never tire of watching Mark's crazy spin! 

I love our New Year's bowling tradition and this family of mine!

Silly Grahm!

Cash was a little reluctant to present the trophy to his Mom. But I know he was happy she was the winner! Way to go Tiff.

Tim and Chris stayed for a quick game of pool. It was a close match but Chris pulled off the win, all in good fun!

The winning shot! 

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year from Ruby!

Grey put this crown on Ruby.

I think this is sign that 2026 will be a good year!

ThrowBack Thursday ~ Sweet Granddog Grizzly...

Just the two of us...

 

Today I got to take my sweet grandson Grahm out on a special lunch date, just the two of us. With his baptism coming up on Saturday, it felt like the perfect moment to celebrate the wonderful boy he's becoming. He wanted sushi and knew exactly what he wanted to order. 

We sat across from each other and chatted about everything he's excited for. As we talked, I was reminded of his tender heart and how much he already understands about the gospel of Jesus Christ. I'm so proud of Grahm and am grateful to be his Grandma. He's a bright spot in my life. I love him so very much.