Christmas Vacation

There are just some things in life that the written word can not describe!!

Once a boy and now a man

Amazing things have happened in the past few days. Spending time with family, relaxing and having some of the best sleep in along time are just some of the things that I have been blessed to enjoy. Spencer called today and talking to him was heaven sent, he really has been a huge blessing to both his mission and our family. Towards the end of the call he shared a story with us and then asked if we could have a family prayer. This is something that I had also done on my mission, because it brought a sense of unity between my family and I, despite any distance between us. For me that was a special experience and it was hard to keep the emotions in as I contemplated my life these past few years. What an impact that simple, humble prayer had on me...and yet it pierced the very deepest parts of my heart and mind. After listening to Spencer for only a short time I am certain that God called him to where he needed him to be. I am s grateful for simple truth and the understanding of missionary work and what and important role he and so many others are playing. May God bless them all for their dedication, service and love for the Gospel. Merry Christmas everyone.

Just a Hair? I think not!

Amanda is getting smarter by the second and is not someone who I would want to challenge on "Are you smarter then a fifth grader," I would surly loose. From the letters that my family has gotten so far, it is not even a question that Spencer is meant to be a missionary at this time and serving the people of Ghana. Tyler, Rachel and little Austin our living in Texas and I adapting to the culture and lifestyle quickly, not to mention the slight twang in the speech. Chris is finishing his degree at BYU and dating Beca....just recently got a job, which makes life a little less stressful. Mom is staying busy with her calling, quilting and keeping track of her kids. Dad is retired from the military now and looks forward to moving west and enjoying more time with the family, temple work and teach at a local college. Life just really is good and despite any thing that may be negative, there is just simply to much positive to even notice. 

Faith and Love

 This last week we taught one of our HT families about the power of Faith and Love in our lives. Although I don't completely understand these principles, I have come to realize that with God all things are possible. That whether we are in the darkest or clearest hours of our life's, these principles will help tremendously. I was reminded again this last week about the blessings of simple truths.

A Test of Faith!!

Life can sometimes feel like a  mystery, never feeling like you completely understand what you need to do or how you should go about doing it. In the past few years and specifically in the past few months I have come to realize that I think to much and act to little. I stress myself out thinking about what someone else is thinking, always trying to solve the "problem". In coming to this realization I have come to better understand and know my Heavenly Father. I've come to a knowledge and understanding that all of those times when I felt so alone and unaware what to do, that he was and will always be right there waiting with an outstretched arm. I now have a better relationship with my Heavenly Father...no it is not perfect, but it is improving. I owe the inspiration to many friends and family, but specifically to the unaware individual, someone who knows nothing of the situation and taught me a powerful lesson through their example.Things are a little clearer in my life. Although I still pray for some things to go back to the way they were, I know that God has a plan for each of us.

One door closes and another door opens!!

To be continued....

Cosas del corazon

I watched the movie "facing our giants" last night and  it taught me some of the most important lessons, things that I had forgotten about. I learned that even when we are facing what seems to be the most difficult trials in our lives we need God! It explained that win or loose we need to turn to God in praise for all things. I think for the first time in a long while I realized that I needed to improve my relationship with my Heavenly Father. Loosing someone you love, is not easy, nor will it ever be. The pain is Indescribable, the heartache seems to be endless and the reality seems to never set in. But in the last 24 hours I have come to realize that I am not alone...God is always there and will catch us when we fall, when we feel like we can't go any further. This simple and yet profound truth has brought peace to my life and an understanding that I hope never to forget. He lives and is mindful of all of his children.

Salt Lake Secrets and Secrets of life continued...

I kind of left on in hurry last time. My cousin is coming to visit and I thought he was here. So what exactly do I mean by salt lake secrets...just that, things that I and others have found, with the assumption that no one else is aware of them. The name for this concept came around when I asked someone special to me on a date. I wanted it to be a mystery, something that would catch her interest and make the experience all the better. Well lets just say that I am a succor for her smile and caved in....but not for the whole secret. This was the beginning of our Salt Lake Secret experiences. In doing this, I realized that these secrets are often times the most simplest of things. Like a walk to a scenic view, a place to eat. But simple or not they were amazing, because each had something different to offer, a momentum for life. Well there it is, the beginning of a never ending story.

Salt Lake Secrets and the Secrets of Life!

It has been a while sense I last posted something on my blog!! I started this blog as a way for me to describe my life while my little brother is serving his mission. I was thinking the other day, on how different our lifes our right now, he is teaching the Gospel to the people in Africa and I am being taught about life and the gospel in a class room setting. This morning I was sitting out on my Grandparents swing, which by the way brings back some great memories. As I was sitting there though, I was reminded of how life is so crazy and yet for just a few minutes it felt completely calm. It was a reminder to me that we can find those places in our life, the places that allow us to feel that peace and calmness.

It's true isn't it?

These past few weeks I have been reminded of those many tender mercy's in which the Lord has shown me. We received our first letter from Spencer a week ago. His descriptions of the experiences that he was having were filled with so many emotions. You could see the change taking place in his life and for me "notice the affect that he will have on many lives". In starting this blog I do not anticipate getting a huge group of followers. For me it is merely an opportunity to express my thoughts and feelings of life of these next couple of years while Spencer is gone and the affect that he will play in each minute of my life.

Good Reminders!!

Spencer flew out yesterday morning for his mission. Let me tell you, sometimes there is just nothing you can do to hold back the tears, tears of both joy and sadness...but mostly joy!! In his serving a mission along with being home it has reminded me of the importance to support all of those who are currently serving missions. I remember the feeling of excitement and boost of excitement that comes when you receive mail. It's as though Heavenly Father is reminding you again and again that what you are doing is so right and he displays that through the words of encouragement from family and friends. May God bless those around the world who are serving him faithfully.

My First Blog Pic!!

The countdown begins. Spencer will fly out tomorrow morning beginning his two year service. It's interesting to look back and think about what it felt like to be in Spencer's shoes. There always seems to be an extreme amount of excitement, followed by nervousness and wonder. Then you arrive at the MTC and the excitement and wonder becomes a reality, something to look forward too.