The Lord Giveth and He Taketh Away

Wow, what a week. Painful dental cleaning; painful failed attempts at blood draws by the quiet health insurance examiner; last days of relaxation; a full day in the classroom prepping for the new year; my first drive through Nevada to Idaho...

We found out Sunday about Justin's tragic death and were just sick for his wife and five kids. The funeral was on Friday in Boise and we decided that we needed to go, not just to honor him but support the awesome family he left behind. We were planning to play in San Francisco for our 5th anniversary(finally, we usually don't do anything on our ann.), but this was more important. Justin is the cousin Ian grew up playing with on every trip to Idaho, multiple times a year. There were so many people there, more than some stake conferences! The family itself almost took up the chapel. That man lived a FULL life and touched a lot of people along the way. I can't even describe the mix of emotions as his loved ones shared that they know Heavenly Father took him now for his own purposes, but it is so hard to cope with the loss. They feel the Lord's arms around them and all the prayers in their behalf. The messages shared were so inspiring, I am SO GRATEFUL for the gospel. Recognizing blessings at a time such as this is so imperative. Uncle Cortland and Aunt Sue, we love you! When all the men from one side of the family got up to sing a combination of primary songs our baby was kicking and moving around throughout the whole song! It must love primary music!

I also love all you wonderful family and friends that enrich my life everyday. You are a blessing to me. I am so glad we got to see you Mom & Dad, Laura, Christina & Benson, Aunt Tina & Kirk.

A couple months ago Bishop Gubler challenged the ward to read the Book of Mormon in 6 months, like Pres. Hinckley did a number of years ago. We were really slow to get started and are way behind. However we are doing it and the blessings in our lives, marriage and spirituality are incalculable. I've always known it makes a difference, but when I get out of the habit it's really hard to get started again. THANK YOU Bishop Gubler! We're so into it that I brought my scriptures along for our drive to read to Ian in the car. The book of Mosiah is amazing! I think it's my favorite book. It's so rich with doctrine and miracles! I love the gospel!

My sister also got me started on a series by Gerald Lund, The Kingdom and the Crown. It's a fictional account of a family in Galilee at the time of Christ and their conversion. I LOVE books that portray living around and interacting with Christ (Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites was awesome, too). I read the end to Ian on one of our drives to WA and a friend loaned me the 2nd book last week so I started it with Ian on this drive after reading the scriptures. There were times we were both choking back tears, so faith inspiring. It is fun and amazing to image what it would have been like to be there at His time and to have been able to witness the experiences related in the bible. I highly recommend it!

Sacrament was wonderful today, too. The speakers really shared from the Spirit about service and joy. Wonderful. Our choir sang a version of As I Have Loved You. I love the Savior. Then the missionaries shared a spiritual message after dinner tonight. Life is good.

Baby is doing fine so far, busy. We find out what it is on Tuesday! The shots go on.