This is perfect for my team roping husband...
Tuesday, March 31, 2020
Monday, March 30, 2020
Meme- Virus
Love this so much💛💛💛💛
🚚 Truckers said, we will drive days on end getting supplies to the stores.
🏭 Store workers are stocking the shelves all night and store managers said, we are letting elderly people shop first in the mornings.
🛳 Carnival cruise line told Trump we can match those big Navy Hospital ships Comfort and Mercy with some fully staffed cruise ships.
🚘 GM said, we can make those ventilators where we were making cars starting next week. We will retrofit our manufacturing equipment immediately.
🕋 Restaurants said, we have kitchens and staff we can feed kids who's parents need some help.
🏀 NBA basketball players said, hold our basketballs while we write checks to pay the arena staff.
💰The wealthy said, here we will donate funds for the research and support of beating this virus.
📚 Teachers said, here let me help you virtually to teach your children, we will do online lessons and I will help parents enrich their children.
🎼 Celebrities said , let us read books to your children and sing songs on Twitter live feeds for those of you stuck inside.
🧵Crafters said, we will sit at our sewing machines for hours a day, sewing masks and caps for the nurses and home health care workers.
👩👦Moms said, here are my blogs and activity ideas for your children. Let's stand together in staying home with our kids.
👬 Young Americans said, let us volunteer to run errands, and get food for the vulnerable.
👩⚕️🥼 Nurses and Doctors putting themselves at risk to help the infected.
🚔 👩🏽🚒 🚑 Police, Firefighters and First Repsonders, Military standing strong and continuing to protect, serve and work while everyone else is safe in their homes.
🇺🇸 We look like a nation divided sometimes. But we are a nation that will stand and will fight together.
We will survive this. 🇺🇸 ❤️ 💪🏽 🙏🏽 🇺🇸
🚚 Truckers said, we will drive days on end getting supplies to the stores.
🏭 Store workers are stocking the shelves all night and store managers said, we are letting elderly people shop first in the mornings.
🛳 Carnival cruise line told Trump we can match those big Navy Hospital ships Comfort and Mercy with some fully staffed cruise ships.
🚘 GM said, we can make those ventilators where we were making cars starting next week. We will retrofit our manufacturing equipment immediately.
🕋 Restaurants said, we have kitchens and staff we can feed kids who's parents need some help.
🏀 NBA basketball players said, hold our basketballs while we write checks to pay the arena staff.
💰The wealthy said, here we will donate funds for the research and support of beating this virus.
📚 Teachers said, here let me help you virtually to teach your children, we will do online lessons and I will help parents enrich their children.
🎼 Celebrities said , let us read books to your children and sing songs on Twitter live feeds for those of you stuck inside.
🧵Crafters said, we will sit at our sewing machines for hours a day, sewing masks and caps for the nurses and home health care workers.
👩👦Moms said, here are my blogs and activity ideas for your children. Let's stand together in staying home with our kids.
👬 Young Americans said, let us volunteer to run errands, and get food for the vulnerable.
👩⚕️🥼 Nurses and Doctors putting themselves at risk to help the infected.
🚔 👩🏽🚒 🚑 Police, Firefighters and First Repsonders, Military standing strong and continuing to protect, serve and work while everyone else is safe in their homes.
🇺🇸 We look like a nation divided sometimes. But we are a nation that will stand and will fight together.
We will survive this. 🇺🇸 ❤️ 💪🏽 🙏🏽 🇺🇸
A Major Moment in History
I guess you couldn't call it a moment- this virus that has covered the world. How quickly life changes- in many cases forever- with something no one could foresee. This Corona virus- Covid 19 has manifested "more" than the flu. Who knew.
I have a really good imagination but even so, I would never imagine a couple of weeks ago, that much of the world would be in "self-isolation (except for necessities) and "social distancing" (staying 6 feet apart) , that all non-essential businesses would come to a halt, that our churches would be closed and that all of our temples would be closed even for weddings, that all of our missionaries in foreign countries would be brought home,
that missions in the US would be disrupted (Josh- who serves in Dallas Spanish Speaking will come home 2 months early. He's been in isolation while on his mission which means the work has come to a standstill (shelter in place- all baptisms cancelled as well.) Rylee's missionary, Dawson, got home this week from 6 months in Brazil as did BFF Cathy's grandson Kirk who went out a month after Josh. Our mission with the Sideways Boys has been put on hold as well. I can't imagine the crazy going on there at this time- without school- with such volatile kids. Our hearts ache for them all.
The upside joke (not funny) is that toilet paper and hand sanitizer are the hottest commodities in town. Who knew?
That gas would be less than a dollar. And on and on and on. That the world's economy is tanking.
It is almost surreal- as these horrible event are unfolding, we in our self isolation, can sleep in our clean sheets at night, with clean running water and a refrigerator and freezer full of delicious food. Pick up take-out at most restaurants. Enough for sharing. Boredom and over-eating is our biggest threat.....
Yesterday- our faith and many others had a worldwide day of fasting and prayer. This is the text that I sent to all my kids/kiddos.
“Such an honor to join in the world-wide fasting and prayer for our dear planet and world💕. So blessed in our abundance in this unsettled time. Besides the world, we have fasted for each one of you- I think each family has specific concerns and needs during this time. Our prayers and pleas are fervent for each of you! Susie is in the trenches everyday! (note: Susie is a nurse at the U of u- in critical care.) You are constantly in our prayers. We pray for those in our family with health concerns. We pray for Parker and Connor and Josh that are away from us at this time that they will be protected. We pray for leaders of countries and religious leaders. We pray for each one of our kiddos and hope they realize that they are now experiencing a huge moment in history. I hope we can all learn from it. And especially we pray to have insight to know how to serve others. My mind and heart continually goes to people throughout the world that suffer every day for lack of resources or health. We are so blessed and humbled. We are so lucky to be a part of this loving family! Hugs to all of you!”
I should have been documenting what has happened throughout the world but it's just too overwhelming. Besides China- where this virus originated- Italy has really been hit hard. Spain as well. And now the U.S.
Here's what news sources have said today:
The pandemic has now infected 693,224 worldwide and killed 33,106 people as of today. Utah has seen 806 confirmed cased with four death as of Monday. The illness is especially hard on those elderly (ha-ha- that's us!), immune-compromised or who have chronic health conditions. Children aren't usually severely ill unless they have an underlying condition, but they can transmit the illness.
(Note: I'm re-reading this entry 3 months later-More than 6.7 million people have been sickened and more than 400,000 have died of the coronavirus since the start of January, according to NBC News and Johns Hopkins University. COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in at least 200 countries and territories. )
So....we may be in quarantine for the month of April. We've been going through this for about 2 weeks now. I miss our family- who have been very pro-active in our isolation. We send really funny text messages and pictures that get us all through each day. I'll do a separate post on those tomorrow. During this time, as crazy as it is, I have felt an immense sense of peace- peace that God is in charge. We all do the best we can. He is with us in the storm.
I have a really good imagination but even so, I would never imagine a couple of weeks ago, that much of the world would be in "self-isolation (except for necessities) and "social distancing" (staying 6 feet apart) , that all non-essential businesses would come to a halt, that our churches would be closed and that all of our temples would be closed even for weddings, that all of our missionaries in foreign countries would be brought home,
that missions in the US would be disrupted (Josh- who serves in Dallas Spanish Speaking will come home 2 months early. He's been in isolation while on his mission which means the work has come to a standstill (shelter in place- all baptisms cancelled as well.) Rylee's missionary, Dawson, got home this week from 6 months in Brazil as did BFF Cathy's grandson Kirk who went out a month after Josh. Our mission with the Sideways Boys has been put on hold as well. I can't imagine the crazy going on there at this time- without school- with such volatile kids. Our hearts ache for them all.
The upside joke (not funny) is that toilet paper and hand sanitizer are the hottest commodities in town. Who knew?
That gas would be less than a dollar. And on and on and on. That the world's economy is tanking.
It is almost surreal- as these horrible event are unfolding, we in our self isolation, can sleep in our clean sheets at night, with clean running water and a refrigerator and freezer full of delicious food. Pick up take-out at most restaurants. Enough for sharing. Boredom and over-eating is our biggest threat.....
Yesterday- our faith and many others had a worldwide day of fasting and prayer. This is the text that I sent to all my kids/kiddos.
“Such an honor to join in the world-wide fasting and prayer for our dear planet and world💕. So blessed in our abundance in this unsettled time. Besides the world, we have fasted for each one of you- I think each family has specific concerns and needs during this time. Our prayers and pleas are fervent for each of you! Susie is in the trenches everyday! (note: Susie is a nurse at the U of u- in critical care.) You are constantly in our prayers. We pray for those in our family with health concerns. We pray for Parker and Connor and Josh that are away from us at this time that they will be protected. We pray for leaders of countries and religious leaders. We pray for each one of our kiddos and hope they realize that they are now experiencing a huge moment in history. I hope we can all learn from it. And especially we pray to have insight to know how to serve others. My mind and heart continually goes to people throughout the world that suffer every day for lack of resources or health. We are so blessed and humbled. We are so lucky to be a part of this loving family! Hugs to all of you!”
I should have been documenting what has happened throughout the world but it's just too overwhelming. Besides China- where this virus originated- Italy has really been hit hard. Spain as well. And now the U.S.
Here's what news sources have said today:
The pandemic has now infected 693,224 worldwide and killed 33,106 people as of today. Utah has seen 806 confirmed cased with four death as of Monday. The illness is especially hard on those elderly (ha-ha- that's us!), immune-compromised or who have chronic health conditions. Children aren't usually severely ill unless they have an underlying condition, but they can transmit the illness.
(Note: I'm re-reading this entry 3 months later-More than 6.7 million people have been sickened and more than 400,000 have died of the coronavirus since the start of January, according to NBC News and Johns Hopkins University. COVID-19 cases have been confirmed in at least 200 countries and territories. )
So....we may be in quarantine for the month of April. We've been going through this for about 2 weeks now. I miss our family- who have been very pro-active in our isolation. We send really funny text messages and pictures that get us all through each day. I'll do a separate post on those tomorrow. During this time, as crazy as it is, I have felt an immense sense of peace- peace that God is in charge. We all do the best we can. He is with us in the storm.
Tuesday, March 10, 2020
Virus
The Coronavirus is taking its toll on the world! The Stock Market is crashing, businesses of all kinds are taking losses, schools are shutting down, the media is having a frenzy. People are stock piling toilet tissue and hand sanitizer and water. Nuts! I did have to buy toilet tissue while grocery shopping (I buy it every week) and I was actually embarrassed and wanted to yell (to anyone who would listen)- "honest, this isn't for the virus. We use this every day!"
I don't really know what is real and what isn't. I understand that the virus can be serious and deadly but over 9,000 people have died thus far from the flu in the US alone this year. That isn't in the news. Time will tell.
But it has done a number on our son's main business which is cruises. He had a complete cruise booked for Glen Beck and Bill O'Reilly to leave next week- and a million calls from thousands of people in a panic. He also has many other cruises booked. The people would like money back- but that isn't the way it works- tickets have already been purchased and the airlines and cruise ships are giving vouchers for travel within the year. That doesn't make most people happy. It's not a happy day to be in the travel business.
And, as a mom, I have been sick to death with worry. You know how that goes. Things will work out but not without lots of sleepless nights. For the first time, I have been relieved that my parents have passed so I don't have to be freaking out about their care facility! When the flu would be present in their center, the center would go on lockdown, sometimes for weeks. Not as bad as a cruise ship but it can be pretty confining. I miss them both so much. My dad has almost been gone for 2 years and my mom for 4. I can't believe I have lived without them for so long! I got a new iPhone last week- and because I couldn't remember my icloud password, my new phone was locked for 4 days! I about went crazy because text messaging is how everything is communicated. I knew no ones phone number and no way to call. We do still have landlines but they haven't worked for months. People tell me all the time they call and it goes straight to voice mail and says the box is full. I finally figured out that David had unplugged the main modem in his office and that's why the phones didn't work! Duh! I plugged them in- and thought I had better go through messages and start deleting. There were several from my dad. His last one said, "Hi, just called to let you know I'm well and happy and just waiting for you to get here." At first I started to cry...then I went, "What!!!! He's waiting for me to get there!"
A little spooky!
Things have been hard with the sideways boys. We have a real group of angry, hostile kids right now. Things have been happening and it's not good. The kids are great with us but I hear about and read about what is going on in their homes (it's a boarding school) and the school and it literally makes me sick. I want these kiddos to have a wonderful life ahead of them but without any sense of self-control, that isn't going to happen. It has been a challenge- although today went really well (after praying my head off-lol). I don't know if I can make another 1 1/2 years! I do love the boys but it's hard when they seem to have two different personalities and things are a bit in an uproar.... I keep thinking God wants me to learn more about unconditional love. Like the love He has for me when I continually screw up on things I resolve to do better. He loves me even during the screw ups. I can do better. I do love these boys- they just break my heart a little....
Last Sunday was Family Dinner. Had almost all the family. Missed those that weren't here. We had roast and a multitude of roasted vegetables. Mashed potatoes and gravy and hot rolls and strawberry cheesecake salad. We celebrated Peyton's birthday and Sadie's (and Addie's from last month) with song and cake and ice cream.
Finally went to an ENT to have a head scan to see what's going on with my sinuses/esophagus . Taking so many meds it's crazy (and I'm not a good, regular med taker)- but I've got to get a handle on this. It has been a crazy year of coughing and raspy voice and runny nose. Not a good combination.
My friends Pretty Patty Petty and also Penny are both in St. George, feeling a titch uprooted as moving does. I think they both need their friend (me!)- and I need to introduce the two of them so they can become fast friends. Patty is in her house but Penny's house has just started. I'm planning on going down next week to spend some time with both.
Two wonderful Ward wedding showers this weekend that I am helping with. One of my dear Laurels, McCall S. is getting married and also our favorite boy, Skyler I. The two showers are at the exact same time- yikes! And I'm helping with food for both, because I love them both dearly! I'm doing fruit and cheese and crackers for one and brownies and layered bars for the other. Presents ordered and here (thank you Amazon!)- just need to be wrapped!
I have some sweet things I could share here but this post has been so whiny- I'll wait for another day. Life is good. Life is hard. As Brandi sometimes says, "Motherhood is not all it's cracked up to be!" (she kiddingly says that but what is true is that you NEVER stop worrying about your kids. Even when they aren't kids.)
I don't really know what is real and what isn't. I understand that the virus can be serious and deadly but over 9,000 people have died thus far from the flu in the US alone this year. That isn't in the news. Time will tell.
But it has done a number on our son's main business which is cruises. He had a complete cruise booked for Glen Beck and Bill O'Reilly to leave next week- and a million calls from thousands of people in a panic. He also has many other cruises booked. The people would like money back- but that isn't the way it works- tickets have already been purchased and the airlines and cruise ships are giving vouchers for travel within the year. That doesn't make most people happy. It's not a happy day to be in the travel business.
And, as a mom, I have been sick to death with worry. You know how that goes. Things will work out but not without lots of sleepless nights. For the first time, I have been relieved that my parents have passed so I don't have to be freaking out about their care facility! When the flu would be present in their center, the center would go on lockdown, sometimes for weeks. Not as bad as a cruise ship but it can be pretty confining. I miss them both so much. My dad has almost been gone for 2 years and my mom for 4. I can't believe I have lived without them for so long! I got a new iPhone last week- and because I couldn't remember my icloud password, my new phone was locked for 4 days! I about went crazy because text messaging is how everything is communicated. I knew no ones phone number and no way to call. We do still have landlines but they haven't worked for months. People tell me all the time they call and it goes straight to voice mail and says the box is full. I finally figured out that David had unplugged the main modem in his office and that's why the phones didn't work! Duh! I plugged them in- and thought I had better go through messages and start deleting. There were several from my dad. His last one said, "Hi, just called to let you know I'm well and happy and just waiting for you to get here." At first I started to cry...then I went, "What!!!! He's waiting for me to get there!"
A little spooky!
Things have been hard with the sideways boys. We have a real group of angry, hostile kids right now. Things have been happening and it's not good. The kids are great with us but I hear about and read about what is going on in their homes (it's a boarding school) and the school and it literally makes me sick. I want these kiddos to have a wonderful life ahead of them but without any sense of self-control, that isn't going to happen. It has been a challenge- although today went really well (after praying my head off-lol). I don't know if I can make another 1 1/2 years! I do love the boys but it's hard when they seem to have two different personalities and things are a bit in an uproar.... I keep thinking God wants me to learn more about unconditional love. Like the love He has for me when I continually screw up on things I resolve to do better. He loves me even during the screw ups. I can do better. I do love these boys- they just break my heart a little....
Last Sunday was Family Dinner. Had almost all the family. Missed those that weren't here. We had roast and a multitude of roasted vegetables. Mashed potatoes and gravy and hot rolls and strawberry cheesecake salad. We celebrated Peyton's birthday and Sadie's (and Addie's from last month) with song and cake and ice cream.
Finally went to an ENT to have a head scan to see what's going on with my sinuses/esophagus . Taking so many meds it's crazy (and I'm not a good, regular med taker)- but I've got to get a handle on this. It has been a crazy year of coughing and raspy voice and runny nose. Not a good combination.
My friends Pretty Patty Petty and also Penny are both in St. George, feeling a titch uprooted as moving does. I think they both need their friend (me!)- and I need to introduce the two of them so they can become fast friends. Patty is in her house but Penny's house has just started. I'm planning on going down next week to spend some time with both.
Two wonderful Ward wedding showers this weekend that I am helping with. One of my dear Laurels, McCall S. is getting married and also our favorite boy, Skyler I. The two showers are at the exact same time- yikes! And I'm helping with food for both, because I love them both dearly! I'm doing fruit and cheese and crackers for one and brownies and layered bars for the other. Presents ordered and here (thank you Amazon!)- just need to be wrapped!
I have some sweet things I could share here but this post has been so whiny- I'll wait for another day. Life is good. Life is hard. As Brandi sometimes says, "Motherhood is not all it's cracked up to be!" (she kiddingly says that but what is true is that you NEVER stop worrying about your kids. Even when they aren't kids.)
Wednesday, March 4, 2020
The Spirit Speaks...
I love all the posts of Mary Stallings on Come Follow Me Daily. She is so insightful! I shared this with my Bucket Group when sharing my stories on my Small Plates.
Have you ever had someone say, “the spirit is so strong in this room right now.” And you haven’t felt it at all?
I have.
It used to fill me with guilt. Not now.
...
I have.
It used to fill me with guilt. Not now.
...
Because I realized something:
The spirit speaks to all of us differently. And at different times.
And that is GREAT.
Because it means the spirit is personal. It speaks to all of us in the ways that we need to be spoken to.
My dad gave me an analogy that has always stuck with me regarding the spirit:
———
Mary, when I get allergies, it shows up because of cats and manifests as a rash.
But when your brother gets allergies, it is because of pollen and manifests in watery eyes and nasal congestion.
What if I told Luke the only way allergies came was around cats, and the only way it manifested was a rash?
He would never identify he had an allergy.
Allergies manifest in different situations and in different ways for different people—and the key is, finding out when and how you personally get allergies.
It is the same with the spirit. What matters is figuring out when and how YOU feel the spirit.
———
This advice has a special place in my heart and reminds me of a scripture in this week’s reading:
.
“For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.” (2 Ne 31:3)
.
God speaks to us each personally in a way that we can understand.
To Oliver Cowdery, it was a burning his bosom. Elijah heard a still small voice. To Samuel the Lamanite, it was words carried into his heart. And Jacob literally wrestled an angel.
Reading about how others feel the spirit is important. But the MOST important thing is figuring out how the spirit speaks to you.
I once took a week and kept careful track of how the spirit spoke to me. I wrote down in my phone notes the times I felt the spirit and how I felt it. And I am now able to better pin point how God speaks to me.
Are there still moments I wonder “was that the spirit or me?” Absolutely. I think I’ll spend my life learning the difference..and then trying to make it so there IS no difference.
How does the spirit speak to you?
Art by Brian Kershisnik
The spirit speaks to all of us differently. And at different times.
And that is GREAT.
Because it means the spirit is personal. It speaks to all of us in the ways that we need to be spoken to.
My dad gave me an analogy that has always stuck with me regarding the spirit:
———
Mary, when I get allergies, it shows up because of cats and manifests as a rash.
But when your brother gets allergies, it is because of pollen and manifests in watery eyes and nasal congestion.
What if I told Luke the only way allergies came was around cats, and the only way it manifested was a rash?
He would never identify he had an allergy.
Allergies manifest in different situations and in different ways for different people—and the key is, finding out when and how you personally get allergies.
It is the same with the spirit. What matters is figuring out when and how YOU feel the spirit.
———
This advice has a special place in my heart and reminds me of a scripture in this week’s reading:
.
“For the Lord God giveth light unto the understanding; for he speaketh unto men according to their language, unto their understanding.” (2 Ne 31:3)
.
God speaks to us each personally in a way that we can understand.
To Oliver Cowdery, it was a burning his bosom. Elijah heard a still small voice. To Samuel the Lamanite, it was words carried into his heart. And Jacob literally wrestled an angel.
Reading about how others feel the spirit is important. But the MOST important thing is figuring out how the spirit speaks to you.
I once took a week and kept careful track of how the spirit spoke to me. I wrote down in my phone notes the times I felt the spirit and how I felt it. And I am now able to better pin point how God speaks to me.
Are there still moments I wonder “was that the spirit or me?” Absolutely. I think I’ll spend my life learning the difference..and then trying to make it so there IS no difference.
How does the spirit speak to you?
Art by Brian Kershisnik
Monday, March 2, 2020
I Know That My Redeemer Lives
Tomorrow is Bucket at Diana's and she's asked me to share some thoughts about recording experiences for books of small plates. Here is what I am sharing:
I KNOW THAT MY REDEEMER LIVES
Recently I
had the opportunity to attend a weekly women’s study group that best friend Cathy
Olsen’s daughter in law, Julie, was teaching.
It was concerning the song I Know That My Redeemer Lives. One scripture that she used was found in
Helaman 5:50- concerning the Lamanites who became converted
“because of the greatness of the evidences which they had
received. “
I loved being in that room, or any room of women seeking
for the Spirit and sharing their own spiritual experiences. My mind was quickened to several evidences to
me that God lives and loves me and is a constant in our lives.
One young woman shared a story in the class about lost
keys. I have always said I am a believer
in a God of lost keys. One story comes
to my mind- when I was a young mother.
David’s friend Dee Benson was coming into town and needed
to borrow our extra car. He was on his
way to our home from downtown Salt Lake.
I hadn’t used that car for awhile and realized I had no idea where the
keys were. I searched and searched to no
avail. You know that panic…and I was
getting more frustrated and had all the kids searching the house up and
down. Finally, one of the boys said, “Mom,
why don’t we just pray for Heavenly Father to help us?” I thought to myself, “I don’t want to waste a
good prayer on keys. Heavenly Father doesn’t
have time for that.” But after coming up
empty handed, and knowing that Dee would shortly be there, I reluctantly
kneeled down at my bedside with my boys.
After the prayer, one of the boys popped up and ran downstairs. He ran straight to the laundry hall, found an
old pair of work boots there- and reached inside and found the set of keys.
I was humbled to
the core. It was beyond a miracle. My son Ryan then said we needed to kneel
again and thank God for showing us where the keys were.
Again, as one of the boys prayed in gratitude, I was
taught by the Spirit- who said to me, “No, the keys aren’t important. But what IS important is that your boys know
that I answer prayers.”
What a sacred lesson we all learned that day. God testified to my sons and I that He lives
and hears our prayers and answers sometimes the smallest need. Without question, our testimonies grew.
Thursday, January 19, 2017
I mentioned that this year my word is miracles. I plan to look for them, be available for them, record them and give thanks for them. They don't have to be bigger than life miracles- like parting of the Red Sea- or raising someone from the dead. They can be tiny tender mercies that remind us that God is here to help us.
David has been anxious for his first appointment with his orthopedic surgeon. That appointment was today. It is hard to get in. He insisted he could drive, I insisted that he could not. I won. Yesterday I asked David when his appointment was and he said "3:50 p.m." That was our plan.
Last night, after saying my evening prayers, I crawled into bed and as usual, thoughts were swirling around. When rest finally came, there came a picture into my mind's eye.
It was a page in my calendar.
It showed a different time.
I got out of bed and went to actually look. 9:50 a.m.
Thank you. Thank you. I will take that tiny miracle and deposit it right into my heart.
I mentioned that this year my word is miracles. I plan to look for them, be available for them, record them and give thanks for them. They don't have to be bigger than life miracles- like parting of the Red Sea- or raising someone from the dead. They can be tiny tender mercies that remind us that God is here to help us.
David has been anxious for his first appointment with his orthopedic surgeon. That appointment was today. It is hard to get in. He insisted he could drive, I insisted that he could not. I won. Yesterday I asked David when his appointment was and he said "3:50 p.m." That was our plan.
Last night, after saying my evening prayers, I crawled into bed and as usual, thoughts were swirling around. When rest finally came, there came a picture into my mind's eye.
It was a page in my calendar.
It showed a different time.
I got out of bed and went to actually look. 9:50 a.m.
Thank you. Thank you. I will take that tiny miracle and deposit it right into my heart.
And thirdly, recently our family has had some
major trials. Our hearts have been raked
to the coals. But life goes on- and
sometimes in the hustle and bustle of life and trials, it is easy to feel alone
and forgotten. I had been praying,
REALLY praying, to know God was aware of what our family was going through and
was with us.
Brandi
called at the last minute and told me Hallee had a basketball game (she plays
on Bingham’s sophomore team) at East High in downtown Salt Lake. The game was exciting- a comeback story and
victory. I was so happy to be there for that.
But I must
admit, I’m a bit of a nervous driver and wasn’t real excited to realize I would
be driving home in rush hour traffic.
The belt
route was crazy- 4 lanes each way with cars flying by , weaving in and out of
traffic. I I was a little keyed up zipping along with all
the other cars, when suddenly the truck directly in front of me swerved squealing
off to the right shoulder. Like a flash,
I realized that the car (and lane) in front of him, and now me- was at a dead stop. I looked in my mirrors to see the looming
traffic but without a choice, I had to swerve to the lane left of me. My thought was, “This is it. My life is over.” I
waited for the crash… but there was only silence. I looked around me. In my mirror I had only seen packed lanes
with zooming cars- but suddenly no cars
were behind or to the side of me. It was
surreal. And so was the Spirit that
whispered, “And you don’t think I’m aware of you.”
Humbled
again. Life preserved. So thankful for tender mercies that remind me
that God is aware. He loves me and my family.
And although we have trials that are sometimes so hard to bear, He lets
us know, again and again, that we are not alone.
note: postscript-
note: postscript-
Later I told
Cathy of my experience. She said, “Marilyn,
when did that happen?” At approximately
the same time, Cathy was leaving her home and paused at the stop sign at Deer
Hollow and Wasatch. She said a dreaded
feeling came over her and the thought, “What would I do if something happened
to Marilyn?”
That sweet
thought was another sweet confirmation that my life matters.
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