Valentine's Challenge- Are YOU on board?

I wanted to share a wonderful story that Annette B. shared at Bucket the other day, a story that she used when she spoke at BYU Women’s Conference (she speaks there a lot), concerning Sister (Francis) Monson. She was told this story by Ann Dibb, the Monson’s daughter, the one I spoke with at BYU as well. Tender story.

Sister Monson’s health hasn’t been good for a few years. Once, a few years ago, she had both of her knees replaced and was in bed, recovering. Ann regularly (still does) goes to the house to take care of her. President Monson had a trip scheduled the next day and Ann was packing his suitcase. (I asked at Bucket group how many women pack their husband’s suitcases. Only one did. I think it was a generational thing.) As Ann started to fold President Monson’s shirts, Sister Monson said, "Ann, bring those shirts to me so I can fold them." When Ann protested, Sister Monson said, "I have been folding my husband’s shirts for over forty years. It is my job. I know exactly how he likes them."

A sweet example of service. I don't know if I shared this story or not, but something happened at Bucket in December that really touched me. Gayle Miller is this amazing soft-spoken woman. Her husband, Larry, is a prominent businessman in Salt Lake City. He owns many car dealerships, many, many businesses, including the Jazz professional basketball team and on and on and on. He is a busy man. Gayle shared that December is a particularly stressful time for her husband. People usually don't buy cars in December and year end for any business is hectic. She said that her husband usually is too stressed to really get into the Christmas spirit. So, this year, she decided to do something about it. In Gayle's perfect quiet way, she decided to "serve" her husband, by reading a Christmas story to him each night. Night after night, she'd share a story that she had selected. It worked. She reported how special this time was for just the two of them...an activity that perhaps I wouldn't think of sharing with my husband. But I was so impressed with Gayle's concern and attention to making her husband's life less stressful. I was touched by her example.

Which made me start thinking of serving my husband. Valentine’s is a week a way. If I started today, I could do a week’s service to this wonderful man that I love. Not that we don’t all serve our spouses, but this could be a unique way of looking for opportunities to make his life more enjoyable. A special Valentine. My mind is already clicking...

I picked up Cathy for religion class yesterday. This was her first time. We are in 3 Nephi, chapter 15. The first day that Christ teaches the people, he teaches the Beatitudes. They are that important. I have loved realizing that importance as I’ve studied and reflected on those behaviors that elevate us. After a day of teaching and blessing and healing, Christ sees that the people are weary and he wants them fresh and awake because the next day he is going to teach them from Isaiah! And you NEED TO BE AWAKE for Isaiah. We studied many things that I won’t share here, but one main idea that is good to focus on, especially with the elections (drive me crazy) and the conditions of the world, is found in Mica, in Isaiah, in 3rd Nephi, in Mormon, in the D & C....it is described many ways. It is as a lion tearing through a herd of sheep, a huge boulder crashing down a mountainside, an oxen churning the fields, etc. It says that God’s church will not be stopped. No matter what is happening in the world to bring us heartache or shake our foundation, the gospel will continue to move forward. God is in charge. He is all powerful. And then there was one image that I loved. I don’t have my notes here with me so I can’t give the perfect reference but all those previous images are of destruction and power. But another scripture says, "Can you stop the rain? No, and the gospel will settle over the world like dew." Morning dew refreshes the earth and gives beauty to the world. Now THAT is the gospel.....

Last night David and I and Kirk and Cathy went to the BYU basketball game. I haven’t been to one in YEARS and David had some meeting at the hospital and didn’t get home very early so by the time we drove to Provo, we got there almost at half time. Can I just say, the perfect time length for me to watch a game! (Sorry, Darby!) By the time Cathy and I stood in line for popcorn and treats, the game was almost over! I had asked David why we were going to the ball game (since we usually don’t) and he said, "Well, Kirk and I have been really struggling to figure out how we could top last year's Valentine surprise for you girls. (see Belated Valentines ) And we thought THIS would be it!" Right! Then they said that they had arranged for everyone to stand up at the same time and clap for us and say, "I love you! I love you!" (B.Y.U! B.Y.U!) Funny! These guys crack me up!