My walk today with Ammon

My scripture study this morning found me in Alma 26.  I read the chapter through and then went back to look more closely at some of the verses and to write my thoughts about them. Alma can hardly contain his joy over the success they have had with the Lamanites, but he knows their success is because of a merciful God. I want to feel what he felt. I want success in my mission.

So what exactly can Ammon teach me? I mean, that is what the scriptures are for right? To liken. So I pondered.

I began to see parallels of their story and my life, and could see some lessons for me in their experiences. He says early on in the chapter that he knows he is nothing, weak in his own strength, with the strength of God "I can do all things". I find if hard to remember this. I know it is true, yet I often find myself relying on my own strength, because I simply forget to remember the truth of that statement. I begin with the Lord in mind, but don't keep him as a partner.

In one verse Ammon gives the "how-to" on how to know the mysteries of God which I think is also the way to keep Him as a partner. I want to know the "mysteries" of God. I want to know how to serve Him better, to recognize those who are in need, any kind of need and to know how to help fill that need. I want to choose the right, to keep my temper, to not get hurt feelings. I want to know how to reach Kelsey, to help her make the changes she needs to make, to help her know that God loves her, and to help her know what she needs to do to live a joyful life. I want to know how to help Maryn be happy, deep down, to help her as she waits for her hearts desire and to be the best she can be. I want to know how to be a good YW leader to all the girls in my class with all their individual needs. I want to know how to be the best wife to Kelly. I want to know how to be a good sister, daughter, aunt and friend.These mysteries can be known to me through the Spirit. I need to repent and "exercisteth faith...bringeth forth good works and prayeth continually without ceasing". In other words, I need to repent, use my faith not just "have faith" and pray continually. The last one is probably the one that needs the most work, then exercising faith.

I marked verse 27 as a "to me" verse in 1992. I can't recall the exact reason at the moment I did that, but I can imagine why. I would mark it again today, just for different reasons! There are so many things going on right now in my life that leave me feeling depressed, wondering if it will end, that life can return to "normal". This scripture gives me hope. The Lord promises success! I feel I can relate to Ammon's description of their sufferings--I feel cast out, bound by the strong cords of things being out of my control, that darn agency, mocked or judged by those around me, imprisoned by my fears, and smote with one thing after another, but the Lord promises success, even deliverance.

I am counting on that. I just need to be Ammon-like. Do what is necessary to know God's will, His mysteries, get to work and then patiently wait.

We are 29!

My anniversary came and went without a single picture--so sad. But we did celebrate! Kelly and I, just the two of us, went out to dinner, than walked around a bit and finished the night at Frost. I love being with my girls and hanging with them, but it was nice to have him all to myself this time. He has been so busy, he is actually showing signs of stress. And that is huge for Kelly!

The other night he said everyone wants a piece of me! So I  told him my new sign off to him was going to be love your pieces. He said that sounded naughty. So I said fine, I will put love you to pieces. But you will know the joke and no one else think we are being naughty.

I am not naughty! And I do love his pieces...his heart, his soul, his desire to serve, his desire to provide for us and especially his love for me.

51 and Counting

We celebrated Kelly's birthday with dinner and a movie. I took my camera with me, but didn't use it like I should have. Here is a quick shot as we finished dinner.

We didn't open gifts or sing and blow out candles. We ordered a bike trainer so that he can start training again, for the El Tour and just so that he can be healthy. I want him to be around for a long time to come. He didn't have a birthday cake, but I made him an apple pie. Was it what you call a traditional celebration? Not really. But he's earned the right to whatever celebration he wants, right? He deserves it. He is a gift. He has been my gift everyday for almost 30 years.

Happy Birthday, Kelly. I love you.

Monsoon Fun

We got our first monsoon storm of the season. They are so beautiful when they roll in--I just can't help myself! First I take a picture--than play in Photoshop.

It is Official!

Kelsey has a drivers license! She passed her driving test on Saturday and today we went to the dmv and got her license.

Wow Kelsey, we are so proud of you! You decided to do it and pulled it off. We knew once you went for it, it would just be a matter of time.

Then it was time to let her take the car on her own. Her first solo trip was to Safeway for a loaf of French bread. Way to go!

For Such a Time as This

I spent two days with the Young Women at camp Zion this week. I drove them up on the first day and helped to set up camp and spent a few hours with them as they prepared for a week of learning new skills, fun, friendship and inspiration. I knew they would feel the spirit as they focused on the them and learned about the courage needed to be what the Lord wants them to be. 

Our ward theme was Golden Olympians, with the motto of "going for the gold". We don't want to settle for less than the best of ourselves and our choices.

When I returned with Kelly on Thursday for bishop's night, we found a group of girls who were a little dirtier and tired from their challenges, but their countenances were bright. They glowed with love for each other and the conviction of being able to do whatever the Lord would ask of them. They knew they were born for such a time as this.

Right in the middle of cooking dinner the clouds let loose and we were showered with rain. But after the rain comes the rainbow...and it was a beauty.