Oh the gift of others

For those of you who know me well, I am very touched by music and probably because I tend to be so tender with my feelings. I love this clip because it is such a beautiful reminder that God has given each of us gifts. Our world has become such that we feel it is our privilege to judge others. That must be a temptation of the adversary. I know he is constantly pushing me to judge myself and I am shocked a the number of times a critical thought will jump into my mind about someone I don't even know. I do not have the gift to know peoples hearts as Christ does but I do have the knowledge to know that we are all children of God and it is truly our responsibility to treat each other as such.

John 8:15 Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man.

May we all try to be a little more Christ-like in how we view others. I know as we do so our lives become so much happier. Enjoy!

(sorry I cannot embed it, just copy the link)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lp0IWv8QZY

Happy Easter

This particular Easter has been a time of pondering for me. There is so much pain in the world around us, and especially for several people close to me and I feel my heart ache. Yet I know that we have a Heavenly Father who loves us and has a plan for us. I know this as I study his scriptures, I know this as I pray to him and strive to develop a deeper understanding of my relationship to him, I know this as I feel his sweet love for me and my family from those around me. The Lord loves us and knows that for us to grow and become the great and valiant spirits he sees us to be that we must suffer trials, we must be refined. Through this refining, we have the gift of Christ by our side, having suffered all that we could possibly suffer, and yet he is always there beside us, unlike his last bit of time on this earth before he was crucified. I love this video that I have found and wanted to share with those who are dear to me. What a gift we have been given, true joy is possible, it is accessible, it is ours to have. I feel so grateful to know that our Lord, Jesus Christ, was willing to suffer and die for us, that we may have the eternal blessings that we could not possibly obtain for ourselves. Oh what a sweet feeling it is.

May each of you feel the spirit of Easter, the love of our Savior Jesus Christ, as you ponder and find joy in his sacrifice for each one of us.

Sarah Time!

Last weekend we were able to meet my sister Sarah and her family in New Orleans for a quick visit. Brian had a business trip there so Ken, the kids and I drove out Friday night and returned home Sunday. We had a wonderful time with Sarah, Brian and Timmy. They flew in late but still had enough energy to come by the hotel and play with the kids. I loved that I had dinner alone with them before they saw the kids so I could play with Timmy and enjoy chatting with Sarah and Brian for a few minutes. On Saturday we spent the day at the zoo, went and saw my mothers childhood home, and then back to the hotel for a quick dip in the pool.

Oh what a joy it was to be around them. I feel so blessed to have such amazing family members, so full of goodness and love. Sarah and Brian are so patient and soft with Timmy and the love they have for my children is so apparent. I gain so much from their example and ache for my children to be around them more. Sarah is such a great aunt for Alexandra. She is the perfect example of Christ like love, loving people for the goodness she sees in them and overlooking the little faults. Trevor loves how Brian plays and lets the kids know they are an important part of the group. It is hard for me to come home not live near them.

Oh and Timmy, what a pure joy. That child never tires. He is so full of life and personality always moving and loving the attention of his cousins. And how they love him! I love that he wants to walk everywhere and that water is the peace of his life. (mine too) It was fun to watch the kids each bond with him differently but equally deep. What a wonderful opportunity for us to be with my sister and her family. I'll be crying all week. :)

Great Job Trevor!

Trevor worked hard and finished his bear requirements for Cub Scouts but since we'll be out of town for pack meeting his leaders were kind enough to recognize him during the den meeting last week. Ken did a fire safety FHE on Monday for Trevor's last requirement and it was the kids favorite FHE this year. (Probably because they think their dad rocks!) Of course Grace is still tramatized by the thought of fire but at least she knows what to do.

Officially a Bear!