Tuesday, February 7, 2017

Thank You


Last summer, we were able to visit one of my mission areas, and I snapped this photograph. I love it, for she represents countless women who have influenced my life and, consequently, my family.

This woman is kind.
She is conscious of all those around her and their circumstance.
She is compassionate.
She gives all that she has.
She is industrious.
She works hard.
She puts others first.
Her words are careful and deliberate.
She doesn't complain.
She is generous with praise.
Her doors, arms, and heart are always open.
She cultivates goodness.
She shares her talents.
She testifies of truth.
She gives the benefit of a doubt.
She sees beyond a person's flaws.
She is aware.
She observes, then serves.
She listens.
She teaches.
She learns.
She is knowledgable, and she is wise.
She remembers.
She is content.
She desires to grow.
She is disciplined.
She is dedicated.
She accepts the will of the Lord.
She does not seek acclamation.
She is meek.
She is humble.
She prioritizes.
She sacrifices.
She prays.
She is strong.
She perseveres.
She nurtures.
She is patient.
She forgives.
She knows who she is.
She is long-suffering.
She trusts God.
She knows Him.

Our paths crossed for a short time, but her influence will last forever. So many women like her lead quiet lives that speak volumes. I am blessed to be surrounded by them. In a world full of blaring noise, the voices that shape me are soft- sometimes even silent. Thank you, sisters, for your goodness. You make a meaningful difference in my life and who I am becoming.

Monday, February 1, 2016

"What God Gave You Time For"


Our baby doesn't cuddle. Even before he was born he was busy! This little person is a ball of energy. He's now crawling around on hands and knees, and I can barely keep up. This morning was a rare treat. He let me hold him close for a long while, and when he dozed off, I skipped the house chores to let him sleep in my arms. As time passed, the bit of winter light peeking through the window shifted onto his sweet face. Our speed-crawling, furniture-climbing, mess-making babe was angelic. I had a quiet moment to savor the joy of being a mother. Counsel from Elder Andersen's talk came to mind. "[Motherhood] is not something to do if you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for." How thankful I am for this gift. I am grateful for a kind Father in Heaven who allows us the opportunity of parenthood. I am grateful for this strong, good spirit who came to our family. I am so thankful to be his mom. And I'm grateful for this time- the busy days and quiet moments. So many blessings. 


(And here is our day back to normal. Can you spot the baby?)





Friday, December 18, 2015

Be at Peace


My little one loves this nativity scene that was a gift from my grandparents. He is much more interested in it than he is the lights and glittery decor of the tree, and he always scoots right over to Baby Jesus first. Every day, he and I sit in this beautiful spot and reverently talk about the Savior. As I've taken time to reflect on the meaning of the season, I've felt a renewed and profound sense of hope- something that had been dimmed by the tumultuous world. I know He lives. He conquered all. He can make us happy. He can give us peace. He will bring us home.

Please pause the hustle and bustle for a moment to consider the following counsel from Elder D. Todd Christofferson's article "Be at Peace." May it bless your life as it has mine.

Merry Christmas and love to you.

With all [that is] to come, I think it’s appropriate this time of year to just think about that baby in the manger. Don’t be too overwhelmed or occupied with what is to come; just think about that little baby. Take a quiet, peaceful moment to ponder the beginning of His life—the culmination of heavenly prophecy but the earthly beginning for Him.

Take time to relax, be at peace, and see this little child in your mind. Do not be too concerned or overwhelmed with what is coming in His life or in yours. Instead, take a peaceful moment to contemplate perhaps the most serene moment in the history of the world—when all of heaven rejoiced with the message “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

. . .
I hope you will take time this Christmas season to sit for a few quiet moments and let the Savior’s Spirit warm you and reassure you of the worthiness of your service, of your offering, of your life. Sit quietly with that little baby and come away spiritually strengthened and better prepared for all that is going to come later. Let that moment be one of rest and refreshing and reassurance and renewal.
God grant you that blessing this Christmas as you, with me, bear witness of the Savior Jesus Christ—His centrality to our lives, to all human life, and to the very purpose of existence.
We worship Him, we serve Him, and we love Him. May your life reflect that love through your offering this Christmas season and always.

Saturday, November 14, 2015

Come, Listen to a Prophet's Voice


Every morning, for the past several weeks, I have been reviewing a different talk from the most recent General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It has been a wonderful addition to my study and a great way to start the day! This post is a compilation of quotes I selected from each address that particularly spoke to me. I believe these men and women to be called of God to lead His children throughout the world. I am thankful to live in a time when the heavens are open. 

"All you need is a willing heart, a desire to believe, and trust in the Lord." Uchtdorf

"Thankfully, Christ is always near, waiting and willing to help us when we pray for help and are willing to repent and come unto Him." Ballard

"The joy we experience in this life will be in direct proportion to how well our lives are centered on the teachings, example, and atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ." Maynes

"When we offer our broken heart to Jesus Christ, He accepts our offering. He takes us back. No matter what losses, wounds, and rejection we have suffered, His grace and healing are mightier than all." Marriott

“Most of us clearly understand that the Atonement is for sinners. I am not so sure, however, that we know and understand that the Atonement is also for saints—for good men and women who are obedient, worthy, and conscientious and who are striving to become better.” Bednar via Lawrence

"Joy in this world is not full, but in Jesus Christ our joy is full." Vinas

"I recognize that, despite the overwhelming happiness embodied in God’s divine plan, sometimes it can feel far away and disconnected from our current circumstances... But a true understanding of the Father’s plan reveals that the rewards of righteousness are available right now." Cook

"The Lord will always keep His promise: 'I will lead you along.' The only question is, will we let ourselves be led? Will we hear His voice and the voice of His servants?" Hales

“...No love in mortality comes closer to approximating the pure love of Jesus Christ than the selfless love a devoted mother has for her child... 'What mothers do is an essential element of Christ’s work'... Be peaceful. Believe in God and yourself. You are doing better than you think you are. In fact, you are saviors on Mount Zion, and like the Master you follow, your love ‘never faileth.'" Holland

"If we can help [our children] grow roots of deep conversion, then in the heat of the day, when this life gets tough—and it will—the gospel of Jesus Christ can give them something within that cannot be affected from without." Foster

"'The Lord knows me, and He has blessed me, and we are fine.'.. It does not matter what our personal struggles are...the Good Shepherd is there. He calls us by name and says, 'Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.'" Montoya

"We must remember how much our Heavenly Father and His Son love us. They will neither abandon us, nor will They allow us to be overcome if we seek Their help." Stanfill

"Be obedient, remember the times when you have felt the Spirit in the past, and ask in faith. Your answer will come, and you will feel the love and peace of the Savior." Martino

"Our Savior’s Atonement does more than assure us of immortality by a universal resurrection and give us the opportunity to be cleansed from sin by repentance and baptism. His Atonement also provides the opportunity to call upon Him who has experienced all of our mortal infirmities to give us the strength to bear the burdens of mortality. He knows of our anguish, and He is there for us. Like the good Samaritan, when He finds us wounded at the wayside, He will bind up our wounds and care for us. The healing and strengthening power of Jesus Christ and His Atonement is for all of us who will ask." Oaks

"I am confident there are within our sphere of influence those who are lonely, those who are ill, and those who feel discouraged. Ours is the opportunity to help them and to lift their spirits. The Savior brought hope to the hopeless and strength to the weak. He healed the sick; He caused the lame to walk, the blind to see, the deaf to hear. He even raised the dead to life. Throughout His ministry He reached out in charity to any in need. As we emulate His example, we will bless lives, including our own." Monson

”...The Lord has said, “Love one another; as I have loved you.” I’m confident that there is no choice, sin, or mistake that you or anyone else can make that will change His love for you or for them. That does not mean He excuses or condones sinful conduct—I’m sure He does not—but it does mean we are to reach out to our fellowman in love to invite, persuade, serve, and rescue. Jesus Christ looked past people’s ethnicity, rank, and circumstances in order to teach them this profound truth.” Rasband

"As I agonized over my inadequacies this week, I received a distinct impression... to focus not on what I can’t do but rather on what I can do. I can testify of the plain and precious truths of the gospel." Stevenson

"...To effectively serve others we must see them through a parent’s eyes, through Heavenly Father’s eyes. Only then can we begin to comprehend the true worth of a soul. Only then can we sense the love that Heavenly Father has for all of His children. Only then can we sense the Savior’s caring concern for them... This expanded perspective will open our hearts to the disappointments, fears, and heartaches of others. But Heavenly Father will aid and comfort us... We need to have eyes that see, ears that hear, and hearts that know and feel if we are to accomplish the rescue..." Renlund

"So today I plead with my sisters of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to step forward! Take your rightful and needful place in your home, in your community, and in the kingdom of God—more than you ever have before. I plead with you to fulfill President Kimball’s prophecy. And I promise you in the name of Jesus Christ that as you do so, the Holy Ghost will magnify your influence in an unprecedented way!" Nelson

"When we as members make the decision to stand up and powerfully witness for God’s doctrine and His Church, something changes within us. We take His countenance upon us. We become closer to His Spirit. He in turn will go before us and be on '[our] right hand and on [our] left, and [His] Spirit shall be in [our] hearts, and [His] angels round about [us], to bear [us] up.'" Schwitzer

"The sacrament is also a time for Heavenly Father to teach us about the Atonement of His Beloved Son—our Savior, Jesus Christ—and for us to receive revelation about it. It is a time to “knock, and it shall be opened unto you,” to request and to receive this knowledge. It is time for us to reverently ask God for this knowledge. And if we do, I have no doubt that we will receive this knowledge, which will bless our lives beyond measure." Costa

"The most valuable inspiration will be for you to know what God would have you do... Whatever it is, do it. When you demonstrate your willingness to obey, the Spirit will send you more impressions of what God would have you do for Him... As you obey, the impressions from the Spirit will come more frequently, becoming closer and closer to constant companionship." Eyring

"...God’s ultimate purpose is our progress. His desire is that we continue “from grace to grace, until [we receive] a fulness” of all He can give." Christofferson

"We are living in a time of ever-spreading evil. We cannot just accept the status quo and be fed ugly words and sinful visuals almost everywhere we turn and do nothing in response. We must fight back. When our minds are filled with uplifting thoughts and images, when we “always remember him,” there is no room left for filth and trash." Durrant

"True obedience... is giving ourselves entirely to Him and allowing Him to chart our course both in calm waters and in troubled ones, understanding that He can make more of us than we could ever make of ourselves." Keetch

"I testify that as we trust God, our Eternal Father; trust His Son, Jesus Christ, and exercise faith in His Atonement; trust the whisperings of the Spirit; and trust the counsel of living prophets, we will find our way off the edge of the road and continue safely—not just enduring but finding joy in our journey home." Stephens

"...If we make covenants, continually repent, and endure to the end, He will make us joint heirs with Him and, like Him, we will receive all that the Father hath. That is an earth-shattering doctrine, and yet it is true. The Atonement of Jesus Christ makes the Savior’s invitation to “be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect” perfectly possible rather than frustratingly out of reach." Haynie

"We do not have to be perfect, but we need to be good and getting better. We need to strive to live the plain and simple truths of the gospel. If we take upon us the name of Christ, act with faith in Him to repent of our sins, keep His commandments, and always remember Him, we will receive the companionship of the Holy Ghost through the mercy and grace of Jesus Christ." Clark

"Put God first, regardless of the trials you face. Love God. Have faith in Christ, and entrust yourself to Him in all things." Aoyagi

"The Savior declared, “Whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same” (D&C 1:38). May we hear and heed the eternal truths taught by the Lord’s authorized representatives. As we do so, I promise our faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ will be fortified, and we will receive spiritual guidance and protection for our specific circumstances and needs." Bednar

"Our divine nature has nothing to do with our personal accomplishments, the status we achieve, the number of marathons we run, or our popularity and self-esteem. Our divine nature comes from God. It was established in an existence that preceded our birth and will continue on into eternity." Wixom

"I know of nothing that will qualify us for the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost as much as virtue." Reeves

"We went into a partnership with the Lord. The working out of the plan became then not merely the Father’s work, and the Savior’s work, but also our work. The least of us, the humblest, is in partnership with the Almighty in achieving the purpose of the eternal plan of salvation.” Widtsoe via McConkie

"God didn’t design us to be sad. He created us to have joy! So if we trust Him, He will help us to notice the good, bright, hopeful things of life." Uchtdorf

Thursday, November 5, 2015

Prelude



After staying by my side for almost 28 hours of labor, and just moments before our Anthony entered the world, Dean started tearing up. I told him he couldn't cry yet, there was still work to do! But really, I loved that moment of emotion. It was our very last tender moment as a family of two. It was the conclusion to a beautiful phase of our life and the beginning of an even better chapter. It was a moment full of anticipation, gratitude, and sweet love. I had never loved Dean more than I did right then. 

Earlier this week, we celebrated our wedding anniversary. We drove to a special spot of ours and spent the evening reminiscing about the magic of our courtship and admiring the richness of our life together now. Two short years as husband and wife and an endless list of blessings to count. 

At the top of that list is our wonderful son. President Boyd K. Packer taught, "Romantic love is incomplete; it is a prelude. Love is nourished by the coming of children..." I've only been a parent for a few months, but I can testify this is true. I knew it was true the day our child was born. I knew even before his birth in that sacred moment with Dean when our lives were about to change forever. As real and sincere and wonderful as our love was before, it is deeper now. Gazing together into this new little face that is so much like Dean's, with eyes so much like mine, and a spirit all his own, we cannot help but be drawn closer to one another. 

I remember the moment I realized I loved Dean. Alone up on the bench on a beautiful summer evening, looking out over the valley and contemplating life, what came as an epiphany was probably more of a confession. I was in love with Dean Johnson. However obvious it should have been, my enlightenment was a powerful experience. And my love for him has grown every day since. 

My relationship with Dean has shown me what Elder Jeffrey R. Holland meant when he taught "Believe that your faith has everything to do with your romance, because it does." I can't even begin to explain how this specifically applies to me. Suffice it to say that God brought Dean and me together, being with Dean draws me closer to God, and it is in our marriage that I can become what Heavenly Father would have me be.

Loving Dean, and being loved by him, has been a divine preparation for the mission we are to fulfill together. It has been the sweetest prelude to our life's great work.

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Seasons


Have you noticed as the temperatures lower, for a time, the colors of the earth grow warmer? And as the earth transitions into summer, cool hues spring from the ground and trees. God's splendid creations offer sweet and comforting contrast as we prepare to enter the harshest of seasons. 

I've found the same holds true through seasons of life. If we are observant, we will see the subtle blessings Heavenly Father sends to help temper the process of change. Each of us will undoubtedly face both bitter winters and scorching heat of life's test, but always, God is watching out for us. He will lovingly provide preparation for what is to come and beauty along the way. Just like autumn leaves and the buds of spring, life is tinted with many other tender mercies designed to bring us joy. 

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Reminisce


Reminiscing on childhood days never fails to take me back to Nisson's V&S Mercantile, affectionately known as Old Nisson's by us Dogtowners. A highlight of my early existence was the gathering of many tangle-haired, bucktoothed, and barefoot neighbor kids to the corner of Cottonmill and Scenic Drive for our display of entrepreneurship. Packets of Flavor-aid mixed and ready to sell- maybe a quarter a cup, probably less if we wanted any kids to purchase. If the heavens were smiling upon us on a particular day, one of our mothers would let us make popcorn to add to the menu- air-popped, butter-smothered, and table salt-sprinkled. Sister Bourgoin would buy two bags and likely pay us three times more than we were asking. 

Once the plastic pitchers were emptied, we'd divvy up the profit, find some form of foot-wear, and make the mile trek to visit Quentin. Up the red-dust road past the ball diamond, through the cemetery (stop for a drink from the hose), down the steep hill and into the original Washington park, carefully across Telegraph... AND THERE WE WERE! Old Nisson's. Penny candy to our hearts' content! Slap Stix, Laffy Taffy, Smarties Pops, Fun Dip, and boxes of Lemonheads and Cherry Clan candies. Airheads, Whistle Pops, Chick-O-Sticks, and the Popeye Sugar Sticks we weren't supposed to buy because of their resemblance to cigarettes (we were rebels). I can smell the store now- old and sweet- as I recall our countless visits. 


Poor Quentin patiently put up with us and our frugal shopping. Determined to make the very most of our funds, we returned numerous times to the counter, budgeting very strategically to dodge the tax system. I'm certain I made out with at least five more swedish fish each trip then I would have otherwise. Come to think of it, the old shopkeeper may very well have trained us on how to work the loophole. "If you buy six Sourpatch Kids instead of seven, you won't have the penny tax," I remember hearing. Brilliant. 


Loaded brown paper bags in hand, we'd stop at the park to swing in the shade for a few minutes, or hang out on the antique fire engine fixed in the gravel of the playground, before heading home- uphill this time- in the heat. At journey's end, we'd sprawl out on the grass admiring our good fortune and giggle into the night watching the stars come out. 

Originally posted on Facebook May 3, 2011

Friday, June 12, 2015

A Letter



Dear Little One,

You will be arriving soon. And your presence has been long anticipated- much longer than the nine months you've been growing inside of me. Throughout my life, I have often thought of you. I have prayed for you. You've been one of the most influential factors in the important life decisions I've made through the years. And very soon, finally, I get to meet you.

There has been something on my mind the past few days as I've been folding your tiny clothes, making your bed, and feeling your anxiousness to enter the world. It is something I'm sure your spirit knows now and I intend to help you remember as you move through mortality. Remember, child, that this world and this life are exquisitely beautiful.

The earth is an abundance of miracles, tiny and grand, to be appreciated every day. Be sure to notice the sunrise. Hear the birds sing. Climb mountains. Rest under the shade of an aspen canopy, close your eyes, and get lost in the quaking rustle of leaves. Be present. Savor this place. Appreciate.

And, oh! The people! This is the richest part of life. You have a family who love you already and will stay by your side always. Heavenly Father will bring countless others of His children into your life. Some of these relationships will be brief, others life-long- take none of them for granted. See the good in everyone with whom you cross paths. Recognize what they have to offer. Seek to lift.

I must say, you will face adversity as you maneuver this life. Many challenges will come your way. Hard things happen- really hard things. Answers to some questions are indefinitely postponed. And while I will do my best to protect you, you will inevitably see there is darkness that exists in this world- ugly things meant to distract us from that which is good. The thing I want you to know is that these difficult experiences can add some of the greatest beauty to our mortal journey. As we stay focused on Christ, the trials and testing only bring us closer to Him. These are sacred opportunities to make life what it is meant to be- a wonderful, sanctifying, eternal treasure.

President Hinckley was the prophet through my teenage years. He often spoke about what a special time it is to be alive. "I do not know what we did in the preexistence to merit the wonderful blessings we enjoy. We have come to earth in this great season in the long history of mankind. It is a marvelous age, the best of all."

So, my babe, we can't wait to welcome you to this stunningly beautiful world at the very best time! Remember, whatever comes, that life is good. It is so so good.

With all my love and hope,
Your mother








Saturday, June 6, 2015

Forty Years Stronger


Dean and I often mention how blessed we are to have so many wonderful examples of good marriage in our lives. From grandparents, parents, and siblings to friends and church leaders, we are fortunate to be surrounded by strong, happy couples. I am sure this is one of the great factors that has contributed to a blissful transition into married life for us. We've witnessed first hand God's pattern for marriage and family applied in daily life year after year. 

I loved what President Packer had to say about this kind of marriage. "... If you suppose that the full-blown rapture of young romantic love is the sum total of the possibilities which spring from the fountains of life, you have not yet lived to see the devotion and the comfort of longtime married love. Married couples are tried by temptation, misunderstandings, financial problems, family crises, and illness, and all the while love grows stronger. Mature love has a bliss not even imagined by newlyweds."



Today, my own parents celebrate 40 YEARS of righteous marriage. Together, they brought into this world and raised nine strong children. They taught us truth and provided everything we need to find joy. They have worked and served in the home, at church, and in the community, blessing countless lives beyond our own family. They are influential grandparents to 15 beautiful, smart, kind, and solidly good kids (with numbers 16 and 17 arriving soon).

Through these decades they have faced difficulty and heartbreak in many forms. Yet, I can say that in my 31 years of life, I cannot recall one fight, unkind word, or moment of disrespect between them. They honor one another. They each respect the other's roles and express appreciation. They consistently work together, focused with faith in Christ, to accomplish the great work of FAMILY. And they love one another. 

Thank you, Dad and Mom, for your wonderful marriage and for showing us the way. Happy Anniversary! We love you! 



Monday, May 4, 2015

A Consequence of Christianity

There are some aspects of Christianity that, while seemingly paradoxical, are quite beautiful. 

True Christianity broadens the mind and narrows the path. 
True Christianity is most elite and most inclusive. 
True Christianity acknowledges man’s nothingness and accentuates his Divinity.
True Christianity commands perfection and seeks out the sinner.
True Christianity elevates man to a higher plane while increasing the humility in his heart.
True Christianity separates one from the world while uniquely uniting him with all of God’s children.

Through my service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I have met and developed dear friendships with men and women from all walks of life. I have known and loved the poor and the rich, young and old, the religious, spiritual, and atheistic, the simple and complex, city slickers and country folk- people from many colors, creeds, and cultures. I have been blessed by this diversity and have learned a few things about God and His great, all-encompassing love. It is real. It is unwavering. It is unconditional... I have also learned, through these associations, that as we serve Him and His children, He will infuse our own soul with a measure of this love. 

Now, society claims Christians are all about condemning. Our standards are distinct and non-negotiable. We cannot apologize for Truth. And we will continue to stand firm as witnesses. This intrinsic aspect of who I am, however, need not be a divisive issue. I have come to know that the more closely I live to Christ’s commission, the more easily and deeply I love those around me. And the more I love those around me, the more I want to follow Christ. A natural effect of this love is more kindness and less criticism- more commonality, less controversy.

We all have weakness. We all have strength. Mine just looks different than yours. I have found that despite our differences in opinion, lifestyle, interpretation, experience, beliefs, understanding, personal style, or rhythm ;), we can be friends. We can lift each other. We can share what we know to be true. We can share the things we value. We can appreciate one another. We can respect the goodness in one another. And while we love one another now, we can “develop the capacity to see men not as they are at present but as they may become,” as Pres. Monson teaches. Then tolerance no longer seems such a task. 




Originally posted in April 2013 on justanaveragemormon.org. Posted again for archival purposes. 

Saturday, March 28, 2015

An Immeasurable Gift


Eight years ago today, I left on my mission. Those months of my life are counted as one of the greatest blessings I've been given. My experiences there changed me to the core, and every aspect of my life is better because of them. As I made the decision to serve, I naively thought that this would be a way for me to thank Heavenly Father for all that He had given me. It took very little time as a missionary to discover that this was yet another gift from Him to me. There is no way to measure the breadth or depth of its worth and no way to adequately repay Him. But I am eternally grateful. 

The following is a brief sketch I wrote for an assignment years ago. By design, it only skims the surface of my feelings, but really, no words could suffice. 

There is a reason they call this place Big Sky Country. I shared the obvious
observation with my companion as we wandered down a dusty lane. The clouds, like
billowing sails, moved dramatically across the sky. Contrasting shades exaggerated the
dimensions, and the grand scale of the spectacle enveloped us. I remembered a quaint
exhibit of oil-on-canvas landscapes I’d seen a year-and-a-half before in a small-town
cafe 240 miles from here. The most beautiful vistas were depicted in a collection the
local artist called “Home.” Now, on this old country road, I became an element in
another work of art, a scene masterly crafted around me. And it felt like home.
October air kissed my face and made me think of change. Most years I love the
transformation of the world around me as tired leaves are swept away by the wind that
delivers snow. This year I found myself daydreaming of ways I might slow time. Mine
was almost gone. Change was coming, and I was unsettled.

Today Sister Granja agreed to move our efforts back to the countryside, at my
request. The avenues in town were a busy and efficient place for us to work. Many
streets lined with many homes. People coming and going. Easy opportunities for
introductions and conversation. But as my days were few, I ached for the dirt roads,
farmhouses, and old-fashioned folk.

We chose an area just a quarter mile north of Rufenach Lane where I had lived
with a couple who were members of our local congregation. Gently rolling hills and
scattered ponderosa pine covered this part of the valley. Kind of like in storybooks and
fairytales. Rich and well-worked soil was divided into several-acre plots by weathered
fences, hand-hewn generations ago. Some of the fields were still golden with the last of
the season’s harvest. Most others a deep brown, the earth turned and ready to rest
under the blanket of winter.

The first drive we wandered down took us to a tiny one-room home tucked
behind a hill. An antique rocker held an empty stack of terra cotta pots and the front
door open. There was no one around. No sign of the shanty’s occupant, except the
wide-open door. They must have gone to town. As we turned around and made our way
to our next stop, I told Sister Granja of my first impression of Montana twenty months
before.

. . .

The last few days had been a whirlwind. I said goodbye to the group I’d spent the
previous three weeks with in the Missionary Training Center as we each boarded planes
carrying us to various parts of the United States. Arriving in Billings, I spent a hectic
day-and-a-half at the mission office and home where dozens of missionaries were
passing through during this transfer time. I received brief instruction and my first area
assignment. Trailways would take me, first thing in the morning, to Helena. The bus
ride was one filled with anticipation. The missionaries already in the area greeted me at
the station. I was promptly shuffled into a minivan with the missionary who would train
me and an old farming couple. We began the last leg of my day-long trip to my
destination.

Night had fallen. With the world around me black, I couldn’t discern the nature of
the landscape. For the half-hour trip I wondered what we were passing. All I could see
were stars. Finally, we pulled into Townsend- my home for the coming eight months. To
the left we passed the Horseshoe Cafe, Cowboy Coffee & Steak House, and Lucky Lil’s
Casino connected to the Town Pump gas station. On my right, a row of old silos and the
train tracks. We turned onto Broadway. Commercial Bar, Fish Tale Tavern, Mountie
Moose Bakery, The Mint (another bar/casino), and Hanks Hardware. Brother Deihl, from
the driver’s seat, proudly explained that the town roads had received their first coat of
pavement two summers ago. “Makes it real good in th’ winter months,” he said.

My companion and I would be responsible for the missionary effort in all of
Broadwater and Meagher counties- 3,634 square miles, six communities with a
combined population of 6,317. “This is it?” I wondered. The president of the mission told
me Townsend was a small town. I didn’t realize what “small” meant until seeing one
end of town to the other as it was lit every other second by the lone blinking stoplight.
Farmers and ranchers. That’s who lived around these parts. Set in their ways and
uncomfortable with city folk. I questioned whether I’d be able to find any common
ground with those I’d meet. Insanity seemed a likely outcome if I stayed in a community
this size for too long. “I’m definitely not a farm girl. And I don’t think I’ll convert,” I wrote
in my second letter home.

Time and experience change people and perspectives.

. . .

Sister Granja and I turned up the next drive and made our way to the eclectically
decorated home at the end. A shower of wind chimes dangled and sang. Worn out tires
were painted and turned into flowerbeds. A dreamcatcher adorned the screen door.
Before we reached the porch, a man as weathered as his picket fence came out to
greet us. His countenance was warm and inviting. We sat outside together and visited
about the time he went to Africa, his dog Charles, and God. 

He had some interesting ideas about God. I’d been discussing God all day every day for almost twenty months. There was still much to learn about people and their perceptions of Deity. I wanted to stay. I wanted to stay for a long time. I was in love. My heart was so wrapped around the people, this place, and the work I was about. Leaving it all behind was literally incomprehensible.

We thanked our new friend for his time and kindness and invited him to attend
church the coming Sunday. “Three miles south on Whitefish Stage, 11:00.” He wasn’t
interested in our lessons, but he liked learning about people and cultures. I’d say our
religion counted as a culture. Maybe he would come.

Kalispell was different than Townsend. With over 14,000 people, it is the largest
city in Northwestern Montana. Over 85,000 residents enjoy the county. Town felt much
like other places I had lived. I liked it a lot but felt most comfortable, now, away from the
liveliness of the city. I preferred the kind of liveliness (mostly my feeling alive!) that was
found here in the rural and rustic parts of the gorgeous Flathead Valley. Thankfully, it
was plentiful.

This dirt lane climbed a hill, and as my companion and I reached the top, I
paused. I tilted my head until only sky filled my view. I wanted to get lost in it. Maybe
then time would stop, and I could stay just as I was for as long as I like. An airplane
interrupted the wish.

“How far away is that plane?” Sister Granja enquired.

“Two weeks.” My shoulders slumped noticeably.

I breathed in deep and didn’t want to exhale. The air was sweet like apples and
bailed hay. My gaze moved from the sky to the surrounding mountains. They were
covered in a carpet of pine- most evergreen, some golden yellow. Brother and Sister
Wraught, who I had lived with, told me that some pine change colors and drop their
needles. This time of year it made for spectacular scenery. To the north was Big
Mountain with a skiff of powder on top. From the East, the peaks of glacier country
peered down. This is where I belonged.

My thoughts pulled again to my initial impressions of this state, it’s people, and
their lifestyle. I had been willing and excited but hesitant about the adventure that lay
before me. Now it was behind. And it had become the very definition of me. Life was
ready to take me elsewhere. But Montana would always go with me.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

An Heritage of the Lord

His Plan is so perfect. How reasonable it is that our mortal existence, designed to help us understand and become more like our Eternal Father, is founded in family. What a gift He gives us to spend our time here living, learning, and loving as brother, sister, parent, child. How generous He is to trust us to help one another grow and mature and return to His home. What mercy He extends, through the merits of His Only Begotten Son, to grant forgiveness and endow strength as we each inevitably stumble in these most significant familial roles. No earthly family is perfect, but the family is the perfect setting for each of us to become perfected as we rely on the Lord. And because of Him, we have the opportunity to seal these relationships for eternity. 

Today, Dean and I learned that our Little One is a Little Son. Seeing his handsome face, tiny fingers and toes, and his little heart beat strong was thrilling and humbling. He is a miracle, and it is a miracle he is ours. I am filled with gratitude and love for this new life and for a Father in Heaven who is so wise and kind. 


"...Children are an heritage of the Lord..." Psalms 127:3


Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Twenty-Fourteen

Just a few of the many highlights of our year!

Arizona- sun, citrus, and six fabulous Melessas


Stanley, ID- turning 30 the right way

Missouri- Hagen time is good, good time

Pine Valley- lion hunting, glow stick dancing, 
and celebrating Dad

Montana- sharing my heaven-on-earth with my one-and-only

Baby J- best news of our lives

Anniversary- celebrating one year of pure bliss

Iowa- Nauvoo trip, munchkins, and birthday partying 
with more of our favorite Melessas

MK Homecoming- oh, sweet reunion! 

And a very Merry Christmas with 
the Johnsons and Melessas! 

We are immeasurably blessed and very grateful! It has certainly been a year to remember! Looking forward to a wonderful 2015!