Mark came home really happy from the For the Strength of Youth conference. Registering for this event was a challenge, until suddenly it wasn’t. I really think the Lord directed us to a great session that Mark would love.
Mark met an institute teacher that inspired him. He had good times with new friends, and roomed with his friend Jack. I am glad that Mark was able to do this!
My books from this New Testament series are so full of personal marginalia that they are probably ruined for anyone else’s use.
I like having different kinds of books in different places in the house, and save lighter reading for the bedside table. Light fiction at bedtime is a wonderful idea.
My current light reading? 😂
For my Christmas gift, Richard secured a ticket to an Itzhak Perlman concert that was supposed to be tonight. There weren’t two seats available, just one, so he bought the ticket for me. He also insisted on driving me to and from the concert, despite not being able to attend. I filled my pockets with tissues so I could cry as I heard Mr. Perlman play the violin.
But I didn’t meet my violin hero tonight; I met a religious hero instead.
There were a few of us who didn’t get the memo that the concert had been rescheduled, and we congregated at the doors of the music hall in our fine clothes, each showing disbelief in our own way. One of the people was Jean Bingham, former Relief Society General President. Her presence is beautiful and so bright. My interaction with her made me feel that the night wasn’t a loss.
This is my favorite image of Sister Bingham during her presidency. It shows her cheering for missionaries who came home during the early days of 2020. She was a light to me during this confusing time, and I took this screenshot to remember the impact she made on my heart and mind. In many instances, she showed she was a worthy hero during the pandemic.
I chose these oil portraits Paige painted in college to frame. I really love them. I suppose framing her work and hanging it all over the house is one way I am saying goodbye.
Paige and Michael are moving out of state in a few weeks, and we have spent some time sorting her college art projects to consolidate the things she wants to take or leave behind. She is a skilled illustrator, and she also has a healthy collection of portraits and figure drawings that I admire. She agreed to let me keep some of these. But how do I choose?
I will always be thrilled to display my children’s work, no matter their age.
Not much to say except we are still here and Richard had a very happy Saturday night watching the BYU-Utah game.
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and I will sup with him, and he with me.
Revelation 3:20, KJV
I read this today in a list of scriptures about the Lord making appearances to people. What stood out to me is what the Lord chooses to do with those who hear him and invite him into their lives: He sups with them. The meal represents the great blessing of having companionship with God and receiving his loving support. I think it conveys feelings of comfort, rest, and fulfillment.
I have been thinking of what the pandemic has brought to us. One blessing is that we have had more time with all of our children. Did I always use the time well? No, I have regrets, but I don’t regret that I elevated Sunday dinners and other meals. Early in the pandemic, I prayed to know how to face the challenge, and one thing that came to my mind was to make the most of family time, and to create celebrations with our meals together.
I have used fine dishes for our Sunday dinners, with cloth napkins, goblets, chargers, good tablecloths, and our best recipes. I started a written record of which children came and what we talked about. I can’t think of a more bonding experience than these meals have been during this challenging time.
We said goodbye to Daniel last weekend as he headed back to college. He doesn’t live far away, but it’s far enough that we won’t see him every day, every week, and maybe miss a month now and then. Knowing there is one less person at the table is one of the hardest parts of saying goodbye each fall.
Tim will leave us soon to begin his mission, and these meals with him mean more and more to me, as I know they are numbered. Tim received the Melchizedek priesthood on Sunday, and I was invited to share my thoughts at the conclusion of his ordination and blessing. I didn’t have to think of something profound, I just reminded him of something we had talked about at last Sunday’s dinner table. This table has become a truly sacred place for our family.
Have you ever considered the type of giver that God is?
Perfect, intimate, anonymous, modest, wonderful and humble are a few words that Elder Gene R Cook used to describe His giving.
Do any of these words surprise you? the word “modest” surprises me at first, but then makes sense. He doesn’t shout in our ears and compel us to see Him, but surrounds us so completely in beauty, people, and opportunities to grow that we don’t always notice His influence.
This idea inspires me to look a little deeper at my surroundings, including the challenges and the people in my life. What gifts are actually being offered by their presence? What do they teach me about the Giver and myself?
This quote was part of a BYU devotional given my Lisa Valentine Clark this week. Here is the full speech:
Summer goes by so quickly!
This blurry photo is about like my experience watching senior awards night through teary eyes. The choir sang And So It Goes by Billy Joel, and when seniors sing at graduation time, every word seems more poignant.
During his senior year, Tim served on the seminary council and was the Instrumental Music Sterling Scholar. He worked hard in his landscaping business and restored old Fiats.
He made this beautiful furniture. 😍
He is always bringing home surprises.
We are proud of him!