March 1, 2013

Tomorrow  is my 55th birthday and I have so much to be grateful for!  Lately I have really felt such a confirmation of what is most important in life.  My family and my faith....everything else is secondary.  I am so grateful for my calling as YW president because it has helped me to stay focused and forced me to put my spiritual needs as a top priority.  It has allowed me to keep a close relationship with Molly, and we have been able to work together on projects and ideas for YW.  My calling requires a big commitment from me but the blessings I receive are so much greater!  I receive inspiration not only within the realms of my calling, but also in my everyday life.   Taylor, work on your personal progress, for you will gain a greater testimony by doing so and you will have a better understanding of where you fit in the big picture. Kimberly, work on it yourself with Taylor and I promise you that you will grow closer  as you work on common goals  and gain a greater testimony that you are a daughter of God.   I am sad that I was not there as much as I should have been when especially Cassand and Kim were in YW.  I was some with Beth but not enough.  I also wish that you boys would have stayed in YM, because the things that you learn and the growth that can happen are such a wonderful strength in life.    So, I guess what I am saying is, serving the Lord in my calling is one of the most wonderful blessings I have.   You can say I am "churchy" and I will take that as a compliment :)   It is interesting that at work, people are constantly apologizing when they swear or tell something inappropriate in front of me.  I mentioned just last night to my co-workers how I don't say things to them (well occasionally I will cover my ears, lol) and yet they are aware of my standards and feel bad when they say those things around me....and the response I got from one nurse was, "well, we respect you".  That made me feel good, to know that by my example I am making a difference. 
I want you to know, that although life is not exactly as I thought it would be at age 55, life is still good, and I am content and happy.  I remember what President Monson always says about enjoying the journey.  I am enjoying the journey of my life....because I have each of you that I love so much and show me so much love in return.....and I have a deep love for my Savior and a testimony that my membership in His church is right and true, even though the world says differently.  I am happy to be different,to be one of the "peculiar people"
I am grateful that I have lived 55 years with relatively good health.  I am constantly reminded that my dad was 53  (2 years younger than me) when he had his massive heart attack and was just three years older that me when he died.  My mom was around 52ish when she had her breast cancer and a year later had her heart attack......  Again, I know it is because of the gospel in my life that I can have better health.  We do come from good stock despite the fact that my parents died at young ages.....my grandfather Henry lived well in to his 90's.   He never smoked or drank and was the kindest man!   One day you will be able to meet all of them.
I am amazed at the next generation coming up, how strong and wonderful they are....I am talking about you Taylor, Ethan, Cameron, Cooper, Chase, and soon to be born Kate!  You will do great things in your lives!

All of you, please remember who you are, that you have a large family that loves you, and that as you live a life worthy of the blessings Heavenly Father has waiting for you, you will have joy and happiness now in this life, and an even greater joy in the next life.   I love you all so very much!
Mom