Good job if you made it to the end of this post. Most pictures are by our niece Rachel (Rachel Angela Photography). Most of my memories, thoughts, and feelings are recorded in my journal, where they will stay. If you were there, I hope you found your face in a photo or two. We are very grateful to all who came and all who showed their support in any way. It really was the very best day.
I didn’t realize this is how grown up our family looks. I’ve had lots of moments to reflect on life and our Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness in the past few weeks. This picture (even the absence of our adored missionary) represents all that the Savior has given us: absolutely everything that brings us joy. Here are just a few things this photo represents to me, made possible by our Savior:
repentance and forgiveness
the Gospel of Jesus Christ
covenants and ordinances
marriage
sacrifice
missionary work
miracles of healing and understanding
children
hope
testimony
faith in Christ
obedience to commandments
the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
patience
love
25 years ago, my sisters and I went to the film, Little Women, just before I was engaged. We decided to go to the newest version together this week. Now the group included sisters-in-law and daughters we could not dream we would have all that time ago. Our group became divided by a storm, and half of the women stopped at a different theater to watch the movie rather than risk the icy roads. That night, we had an epic text exchange among all of us, discussing the movie, the acting, the actors, the screenplay, and which characters we see in ourselves. The movie brought us together, and that felt sweet. In twenty-five more years what will our family be like? What will we have accomplished by then?
I don’t have Jo’s temperament, but her writing caused a lot of introspection for me. The ache to write is real. I feel it when I see someone’s published work, when I drive by myself, when I look at my collection of books on writing, and when I allow myself to make a wish. So, this year I will write something every day, whether it’s a blog post or private journal entry, a small story, or a memory. This year I will be a writer.
I keep track of books so I am accountable to finish what I begin. It was a funny reading year, an in-or-completely-out-of-it kind of year. Some of these books will remain with me forever. Others I have forgotten already.
I am still in the middle of two books, and have been since about, um, summer: Middlemarch by George Eliot and Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.
My favorites are in bold. I didn’t put books of scripture in bold, but trust me, I love these, too. 😉
Richard and I came away from Paige’s wedding day without a single picture, which tells you what a great time we had. We will post more another day. These are snapshots from family and friends who have taken the time to share with us. Thank you!
Leading up to the wedding, we had a big week, including Timothy’s 17th birthday and Christmas, and a hundred other interactions and lots of music. We saw Star Wars and decorated candy houses, turned in two Eagle Scout applications, and finalized special gifts. I am very happy.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
Luke 2:11-12
A pastor wrote a blog post a few years ago about Linus and his recitation of Luke 2, and how he drops his security blanket when he says, “Fear not.” It’s worth Googling if you haven’t read it.
I have always lived with fear. During a few times in my life, such as when I began junior high school and when we moved to Utah, my fears grew to crushing anxiety. I know how fear works. It feeds on the idea that we are alone and without help. But this is the biggest lie. The message of the angel is that the Savior’s help is for all people, everywhere, anytime, for anything. Fear not, he is here, you can go to him. This is joy. This is what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
Isaiah 61:1-3
I like to visualize Jesus of Nazareth reading this passage in the synagogue at the beginning of his ministry. That the prescribed reading for the day just happened to be these words in Isaiah gives new meaning to the foresight of God. This year I have reflected how Jesus came to know who he was. It must have been a stunning moment when all things came together in his mind. Did it take courage to tell others that he was the Messiah? Oh, I think so.
I feel the Savior’s courage and love in these words, and in my experiences as he exchanges mourning for the oil of joy.
I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Luke 15:15
This is a reminder that the person down the street who messed up his life is worth enough that heaven would rejoice in his repentance. The person reading this message who is struggling is worth enough that heavenly beings would take time to celebrate a change for the better. This is a reminder that we are all sinners, and worthy of joy in heaven as we come unto Christ.
And the Lord provided for them that they should hunger not, neither should they thirst; yea, and he also gave them strength, that they should suffer no manner of afflictions, save it were swallowed up in the joy of Christ. Now this was according to the prayer of Alma; and this because he prayed in faith.
Alma 31:38
Thinking of our son today…and every day, hoping that his difficulties are covered by the joy of his message.
“…O have mercy, and apply the atoning blood of Christ that we may receive forgiveness of our sins, and our hearts may be purified; for we believe in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who created heaven and earth, and all things; who shall come down among the children of men.” And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come…
Mosiah 4:3-4
When I was very young, I remember putting this exact scripture to the test. I had done something wrong and I had confessed and tried to make things right. Then I prayed in my room and asked if I might feel this kind of joy, too. And I did.
I didn’t understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ very well back then, but I surely felt its effects. I think we’re all immature in our understanding of the Atonement of Christ, but we aren’t asked to comprehend it, but to have faith in it. This is the path to joy.
