Becoming in 2015

For the past couple years I have picked a word. . . something to inspire and motivate me throughout the year.  Last year it was Deliberate. This year my word is Become. I want to become more of what my Heavenly Father knows I can be. I want to work on not only consistently learning and acting, boldly and deliberately testifying of truths I know, but through living those truths become converted to make those truths a part of who I am. I want to become something more than I am now.

A talk called The Challenge to Become by Elder Oaks has been a great place for me to start.  In this talk I found that through the processof the action verbs, living the gospel, we become converted; we become the "state of being" verbs. He said:

 The reason charity never fails and the reason charity is greater than even the most significant acts of goodness . . . is that charity, “the pure love of Christ” (Moro. 7:47), is not an act but a condition or state of being. Charity is attained through a succession of acts that result in a conversion. Charity is something one becomes. 

O Ye that Embark

Soooo . . . Here we are in 2015! I admit I like the idea of new beginnings. I feel like not matter what happened last year, this year is "brand new, with no mistakes in it".(Anne of Green Gables) It was my turn to teach the lesson on Sunday during YW's.  We went over the new mutual theme for 2015 which is D&C 4:2. Oh ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve Him with all your hear, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day. This month's New Era has so many great articles about the new theme.  The new theme song for this year is so inspiring.It's fabulous!!

The word Embark means to begin or start, traditionally one would set out on a ship, without the possibility of turning back and trusting in the wind to drive you forward to your destination, with the stars or a compass to guide you along the correct course. We read in the Book of Mormon about Nephi's journey to the promised land. (1 Ne 18) His preparations, what he brought with him, what trials he faced on the journey, how they were able to stay on course. We read about how he served God with all his heart, might, mind, and strength. Then we discussed ways we could embark in the service of God, like Nephi.  I know that God is at the helm. I'm excited to Embark!!

Dating Dennis

Dennis and I got to spend a whole day together on Saturday, January 3rd. For Christmas we got tickets to go see the play The Lion the Witch and the Wardrobe at the Utah Children's Theater in SLC. One of my missionary companions, Brooke Wilkins, played the White Witch.  It was so fun to see her again! She was my last companion in the mission field.  She had long red hair and seemed to trip all the time!!  She does a lot of work in theater these days. She's not married but very involved in other interests and pursuits. She is just beautiful!! I decided to read this book again. I really appreciate the symbolism of the story.  It makes me happy.

Dennis and I had such a wonderful day together. We had dinner at Chili's and then made our way up to visit Dennis' brother and new baby.  On the way home we stopped at Cold Stone and got our favorite ice cream.

It was a good day! It was like a "dating" date. You know, from back when we were just dating and we would spend all day together.  It felt good to have so much time alone together. It's nice being in a place where we can leave our kids and still have the house standing when we get back.

Another Teenager in the House

Isaac is now 13 years old. It's been a big transition year for him. He got his dog, going to a new school, a deacon, a great year full of baseball and basketball. He's physically grown a lot this year as well. He's probably as tall as I am now and when I look at the boys passing the sacrament and he isn't one of the shortest ones anymore. He's smart and determined and so stinkin cute!!  I sure love that kid!!

In the Air there's a Chillin

On the 29th we went to see the lights at temple square with some of the Marker family. The Williams were in town so it was good to see them. We met at Crown Burger (a Marker favorite) then walked around temple square for a bit.  It was extremely cold!  I couldn't feel my chin after a while.  It's funny how that will affect your speech! It was beautiful!!

Lillian, Khora, Emma, Gabe

Drayden, Ashlyn, Lillian, Emma, Isaac(behind), Khora

Gabe, Bonnie, William

Bonnie

Afton, Adell, Audrey

Williams and Marker Families 

Grandpa Steve, Bonnie and Dennis

Christmas Time is Here

Happiness and Cheer.

 We went to the Peaks Ice arena for FHE on December 22, 2014.  It's been such a long time since I've put skates on. It was also Bonnie's first time.  She was so excited!  When we got on the ice she was a little nervous, but as we got going, she was ready to go on her own.  She was  a little upset that I wouldn't let go of her arm.  Finally I did and she actually did really well. (There is probably a HUGE life lesson in there somewhere, but I'm just not ready to let go of my baby yet.) Khora did really well on her own and Isaac was skating backwards!  My feet paid for it though . . . OUCH!  

"I'm tired from all the ice skating."

When I got back to put my shoes on there was a gold dollar in one of them.  Do you remember the story President Hinkley told about the boys who put the money in the mans boots.  That's what I was thinking about. I actually keep that coin in the coat I wore to remind me to think and be aware of others around me. It was a good Christmas moment! 

Merry Christmas