Photos from the weekend
This weekend Richard and I attended a baptism and a mission farewell. I’ve decided not to share every photo here, but this is a small peek into extended family life.
Prestigious accomplishment
We learned that Little W— was the person directing the choir during general conference last weekend! He had to do it virtually, but he was very effective.
After the rigors of conducting so many voices, he sat down to enjoy his first conference cinnamon roll.
What an honor
I attended this young lady’s temple endowment this week and it was one of the biggest honors of my life to be included.
I remember my grandmother using the same word, “honored,” as she accompanied me for my endowment. I noted this, but didn’t understand why she would say it until I learned the significance of temple covenants for myself.
I think my grandmother understood that she was witnessing the sacred acts that would bring Heavenly Father closer to me and allow the Atonement of Jesus Christ to do its work in me…enabling me to overcome anything.
What an honor it is to witness the stunning grace of God for a loved one.
And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them;
Doctrine and Covenants 109:22
Spencers
Daniel Spencer Jr was the first ancestor in my family to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and his descendants can be found in many places. You can read about him here. He was a missionary, a mayor of Nauvoo, and a pioneer. During the last decades of his life he served as a stake president in Salt Lake City. One of my favorite facts about Daniel Spencer is that he was a missionary in England and visited many European countries, including Denmark, during this mission. So, Mark is following this ancestor’s path.
George Sterling Spencer was Daniel Spencer’s grandson. He built the original cabin on the land we still visit each summer which we call the Weber. Most of George Sterling Spencer’s children are listed below.
This week, Mark told me that he and his third cousin in the Spencer line, a fellow missionary, have been asked to do an Easter musical number together in Denmark. They are the great-great grandsons of the two brothers I have circled. The missionary’s first name? Spencer. 😄
Family history is really interesting when you begin to connect the dots from the past to the good things happening now.
16 years. 1 year. 6 months
Sixteen years today I began writing this blog. What do I think of that? I think it’s probably more than almost anyone needs or wants to read. But the blog is a personal accomplishment and I celebrate this milestone. Thanks for reading. 🩷
Little W— is one. 💙
Today I am also celebrating Mark, who has been a missionary for six months. He is serving in the mission office for a few hours a day and talking to people for the rest of the time. I miss him. It is hard to have him gone, but I know it’s the best thing. Perhaps I am more yielded and still about it than I think.
The Father’s good will
What was God’s will in Christ’s agony?
I have learned that Heavenly Father wants to give us experiences with his kingdom in our lives right now, not just in the afterlife. The following parables in Matthew 13 teach us how.
Life in the kingdom begins with small acts of faith and becomes a beautiful home, providing shelter and protection from the world. Others will be drawn to it, so all kinds of personalities will be in this “tree.” There is room to sit together and figure out life.
Small acts of faith bring great blessings because God is generous. The benefits of the kingdom impact all areas of life, and can bless the people within the believer’s influence.
The kingdom is the source of joy and will require the sacrifice of all worldly things to attain it.
It’s something we must seek, and nothing compares in value. It will be the pinnacle of life’s labors.
Great pains will be given to gather all, but eventually, only those who choose to obey may stay.
So, in whatever way you are experiencing the kingdom of heaven in your life: seeking answers, finding shelter, rejoicing, sacrificing, repenting, feeling pulled away from your old life…this is all part of the plan to gather you home to the Father.
I know His will for us is so, so good, so let’s hold on together.
Good book.
Easter time
Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end.
John 13:1
Amplify
Here are some of my thoughts from a recent study of Doctrine and Covenants 25.
One thing I have misread in scripture with my modern eyes is the instruction to Emma Smith that her “time shall given to writing.” The Lord wasn’t telling her to be a writer or historian while running a 19th century household. Occasionally, she was to write as a scribe for Joseph. She was also to write in preparation to expound scripture and exhort the church.
I have found guidance and wisdom from this section of scripture all my life. One reason I misunderstood what the Lord was telling Emma was because the Spirit was inspiring me to actually be a writer through these words.
This scripture is still instructive to me. Like it was for Emma, my efforts to write help me learn new things. With this knowledge, I can amplify the gospel of Jesus Christ within my circle of influence.
In writing about faith and sharing glimpses of family life on the blog these past 16 years, I don’t think I’ve expressed anything new. However, I have come to see truth more clearly, so I have “learn[ed] much!”