Temple covenants

As we have attended the weddings this year of two nieces and a nephew, I'm reminded again of the importance of doing what we say we will do.  If we make a commitment, a promise or in the case of an LDS temple marriage, a covenant, we promised to do certain things.

Till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me (Job 27:5).

Temple ordinances lead to the greatest blessings available through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.  They  are those ordinances necessary for our exaltation in the celestial kingdom.  As we strive to keep our covenants, our feeling of inadequacy and imperfection begin to fade, while the ordinances and covenants of the temple come alive.  Everyone is welcome to walk that path to eternal life.

I'm so grateful for the covenants I have made in the temple and for the opportunity I have to receive guidance and blessings in my life.  I want these same blessings for my children and grandchildren.  Doing what we say we will do in this world is becoming more and more difficult.  Nothing brings me more JOY than watching my children teach their children about Jesus Christ and helping them walk in truth through their own examples and through their teachings.  At this Thanksgiving time of year, this may very well be my greatest blessing:

I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 

(3 John 1:4).

Andy and Chelsea's temple - Los Angeles, CA

Jake and Jordan's temple - Mt. Timpanogos, UT

Rich and Claire's temple - Provo, UT

Dave and Courtney's temple - Salt Lake City, UT

Rick and Vonnie's temple - Salt Lake City, UT

Stephanie and Kendrick

We were so pleased to participate in another wedding this year of our niece Stephanie to her love Kendrick in the Salt Lake City temple.  It was a beautiful day for a wedding and we joined with family and their friends to celebrate with them.  Stephanie asked Kendrick to wear a blind fold over his eyes and when he took it off, he saw her for the first time in her stunning wedding dress.  It was  very sweet to watch the expression on his face as he saw beautiful Stephanie. 

Since some family members couldn't attend the wedding in the temple, they held a ring ceremony on the gorgeous grounds of Log Haven in Mill Creek canyon.  Uncle (Bishop) Bob officiated.  The two fathers who helped raise Stephanie escorted her down the isle. 

Afterwards, we went to the wonderful back yard of Brian, one of Stephanie's fathers, for a reception.  It couldn't have been a more fitting setting for a wedding reception. 

Kendrick is from North Carolina.  Coincidently, a month later, we happened to be in Raleigh (for the BYU game of course) at the same time they had an open house in his home town.  The backyard party was amazing.  It was another beautiful evening and it was fun to surprise Stephanie and Kendrick and attend their open house. 

We wish this young couple much happiness as they begin their lives together.  I'm so proud of Stephanie for marrying Kendrick in the temple and to be sealed to him forever. She is working as an RN at Primary Children's hospital and she has worked hard to achieve her goals, through a lot of obstacles. I sure love these good kids.

The baptism of two cousins

It is pure JOY to watch our grandchildren join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints!  Since both girls turned eight years old, the age of accountability, they chose to take this important step. Honestly, I love the simplicity of the ordinance of baptism,  and the importance of the sacred covenants that are made at the time of baptism.  Lizzie and Ada were born about 22 hours apart in age.  One in Phoenix and the other in Albuquerque.  Unseen forces have brought them together to now live in the same city.  They are the best of friends.  Their families coordinated to have them baptized on the same day, October 28.  So many family members were in attendance to celebrate this special day with them.

Lizzie was baptized by her dad R and Ada was baptized by her Grandpa John.  Grandpa Ricky gave Ada a blessing and the gift of the Holy Ghost.  We missed Ada's daddy Jake.  We talked of him, we cried, we remembered, and we know that he is so proud of Ada and so happy that she could join Christ's church.  We felt him near and know that he is aware of this special day. Grandma Barbara gave a wonderful talk on baptism and shared a touching story of when Jake was a little boy.  He made a wrong choice, repented and made it right.  It was such a great example of how to repent and change.  Grandma Vonnie gave the talk on the Holy Ghost.  I gave each of the girls a warm, comfy blanket with their names monogrammed on them with their baptism date to always remind them of this day and the comfort that comes from the Holy Ghost in times of sadness, trials, and pain (one of the many gifts they receive through the power of the Holy Ghost being conferred upon them.)  I didn't get a picture of me with Ada and her pink blanket, but hope to get one soon.   

Jake's brothers Matt (and Jessica), Christian, sister Jen (husband Taylor) came from out-of-state, along with James (and Jenny) and their family who live in town.  R's brother Westin (wife Rachel), his sister Elise (and family) and Grandpa Richard came to support Lizzie, along with great uncle Harmon and cousins. We know and love all these extended family members and love to spend time with them whenever possible. Great-grandma Pat was also in attendance and we all love and appreciate her.

It was a beautiful, fall day and the spirit was present in great abundance.  The girls were beautiful in their white dresses. Two beautiful daughters, two adorable grand daughters, a large loving and supportive family. It was just a wonderful day, not soon to be forgotten!  I love these two darling grand daughters so very much.

Blessing of grand child #10

The baby blessing of a grandchild is a very special event.  We were so happy to be in attendance as R gave his new baby daughter a name and a blessing on October 29.  Annie is the sweetest girl.  She is growing and changing daily and we are so lucky to be her grandparents.  

Dinner with cousins

On man, October was a blur.  So fun and lots of traveling. More on that later.  I'll start with the most recent and go backwards.

Last Sunday we had such an enjoyable evening.  We invited three of my cousins and their spouses over for dinner.  Steven and Elena, Rebecca and John, and Susan and Chris.  It was so fun and interesting to just visit and catch up with all that is going on their lives.  Wow.  What impressive people who are out in the world accomplishing much good.  I'm so proud of them and all the things they are involved in and all that they are accomplishing.  We all commented on the fact that we come from good stock.  Our grandparents, Ray and Mayme instilled in their children and consequently in us their grandchildren,  a love of God, love of this country, love of family and love of hard work.  I'm so grateful for these two good people, their six children and now many grand children, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.  I wish they could see (and probably they can!) how their family is flourishing in spreading the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ, of honoring their parents, working towards their dreams and making a difference in the world and in their homes and communities.

I made an unusual meal.
Two appetizers - garlic and honey meatballs and coconut shrimp
Main dish - my sister Lee's butternut squash soup recipe with bread sticks
A wonderful salad was brought by the cousins and a apple crisp dessert.
It was a lovely evening and I hope we can do it again.