Cara's Sacrament Talk

This year's mutual theme as many of you know, comes from 1 Timothy 4:12, it says, “Be thou an example of the believers; in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”
How to you become and example of the believers? In YM/YW this year, we have studied this particular verse and what it means and the answer is quite simple; Be an example through your words, in your conversations with others, as you have charity, in your spiritual life, by showing your faith and honoring God's sacred plan by staying chaste and pure. All these things will help you be an example.
There are a few formulas to help the youth in the church, as well as their parents and leaders, to be an example of the believers.
The first one i want to talk about comes from this year's Young Women's fireside. The General YW presidency gave us 3 things to do every day that will help us be an example and keep the spirit with us.
"First, pray every day. Second, read the Book of Mormon every day for at least five minutes. Third, smile every day.”
We invite you to smile because you are on the earth at this incredible time when the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored. You have been taught by a prophet of God that the good people of the world will be drawn to you to the degree that you “are seen as distinct and different—in happy ways.”1 ....These three things are small and simple, but remember, “by small and simple things are great things brought to pass” (Alma 37:6). ...
We testify that if you will pray, read the Book of Mormon, and smile daily, you will be blessed for your efforts and you will be an example of the believers—a young woman who can make a difference in the world."
After listening to this talk, i committed myself to doing this. There have been days when i have missed reading my scriptures or been a bit hasty in my prayers, but I have strengthened my testimony of prayer and scripture study. I know that praying every day allows the spirit to stay with me and i am more open to his promptings. When i read my scriptures every day, i feel my Heavenly Father's love for me. It builds my testimony and i know i have a loving Heavenly Father who wants me to come back to him one day. When i consistently read my scriptures and pray every day, i can't HELP being happy, and it shows on my face!
President Monson's article "BE THOU AN EXAMPLE" from the May 2005 Liahona contains another code of conduct to help us become an example.
You have a heritage; honor it.
'How your parents love you, how they pray for you. Honor them."
I know my parents want the best for me and they would do anything to make sure that my needs are met spiritually and temporally. I can show my love for them by being obedient to their council and treating them with respect by being honest and recognizing their needs. Sacrificing my social life to spend time with my family helps me to honor my parents because my family is the most important thing in my life. The next section of his code of conduct states that:
• You will meet temptation; withstand it.
The Prophet Joseph Smith faced temptation. Can you imagine the ridicule, the scorn, the mocking that must have been heaped upon him as he declared that he had seen a vision? I suppose it became almost unbearable for the boy. He no doubt knew that it would be easier to retract his statements concerning the vision and just get on with a normal life. He did not, however, give in. These are his words: “I had actually seen a light, and in the midst of that light I saw two Personages, and they did in reality speak to me; and though I was hated and persecuted for saying that I had seen a vision, yet it was true. … I had seen a vision; I knew it, and I knew that God knew it, and I could not deny it.” 4 Joseph Smith taught courage by example. He faced temptation and withstood it.
Satan wants us to fall. He wants us to mistreat our precious bodies and reject the gospel of Jesus Christ. If Joseph Smith can withstand the tempatations that baraged him during his life, i know i can withstand the temptations in mine. Though they are different, i know that God won't allow me to suffer anything beyond my capacity, even if i think i cant face it.Next, President Monson says,
• You know the truth; live it.
My dear young friends, you have been reserved to come forth at this particular time when the gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored to the earth. Speaking of the gospel and of testimony, President Gordon B. Hinckley said: “[The] thing which we call testimony … is as real and powerful as any force on the earth. … It is found in young and old. … It brings with it the assurance that life is purposeful, that some things are of far greater importance than others, that we are on an eternal journey, that we are answerable unto God.” 9
Each of us has the opportunity to gain a testimony if we sincerely ask and ponder the truths of his gospel. We are taught these truths of the gospel from nursery on up. We are constantly counseled to keep the word of wisdom, and the law of chastity, refrain from any crass and vulgar behavior, to dress modestly and keep ourselves groomed, and to only participate in uplifting activities and entertainment. These commandments from our modern day prophets help us to be closer to our Father in Heaven as we allow his spirit to be with us. As we live our day to day lives, we need to live what we know to be true. As we do this, we will be an example of the believers. In my life, i know that living the gospel is the most important thing to be an example. People you would never expect are watching, waiting for you to slip up and make a mistake. They count on you to be consistent in your beliefs. I have had many people try to get me to do something i know is against my beliefs. They hassle me about it, but when i don't give in, they respect me more for staying true to what i believe. President monson's last piece of advice says;
• You possess a testimony; share it.
Never underestimate the far-reaching influence of your testimony. You can strengthen one another; you have the capacity to notice the unnoticed. When you have eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to feel, you can reach out and rescue others of your age.You can share your testimony in many ways—by the words you speak, by the example you set, by the manner in which you live your life.
Your testimony is your most precious possession, why not share it with others? Why not invite your peers to come unto Christ? As we freely share our testimonies with others, we may bless lives and not even know it.
TESTIMONY
I have a strong testimony of this Gospel. I know that my Father in Heaven lives, and that he loves me personally. He knows exactly who i am and exactly what i need at every moment in time. He is constant. He will never leave me alone if i do my part and stand in holy places. i know that Jesus Christ is my Savior and older brother, that he sacrificed himself to atone for my sins specifically. He has felt every pain, sickness, and sorrow i have ever felt and will ever feel. He rejoices when i rejoice and comforts me when i need him. I am so grateful for the relationship i have with him. Since being called as a ward missionary, i have realized how much my heavenly Father wants all his children to feel that love. I pray that i will have the courage to share my testimony freely with everyone i meet, that i will not skip an opportunity to share my joy in the gospel. I am so grateful for the teachings of this gospel and i know that each and every one is true because i have received that personal revelation from my Father in Heaven.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Sacrament Meeting Talk

Good Morning Brothers and Sisters, I was asked to speak on the Young Men and Young Women’s mutual theme for this year, 1 Timothy 4:12. It says: Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. As we all know, the gospel teaches that not only do we need to believe its teachings, but also live its teachings. The Webster Dictionary definition of “Example” states: “Something selected to show the nature or character of the rest.” As sons and daughters of god, we truly are selected by Heavenly Father to be leaders and examples of the believers

“In charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” Others can tell when we are keeping the commandments, even if they aren’t LDS. They can see that we are full of love and living worthy to receive and fulfill all that God has in store for us. We can show love through acts of service to those in need and having a positive attitude. We can be pure and faithful by living gospel standards even when temptations come to follow the crowd.

President N. Eldon Tanner once told this story:

“I was talking to a young man who is going to be baptized next month, the only member of his family to be baptized, and I said, ‘What caused you to be interested in the Church?’

“And he replied, ‘The young man I was associating with in school was a member of your church, and the way he lived interested me. He was different from the rest of the boys. He was happy, and he invited me to his home; and when I saw the love in that home and how that family lived, I was more interested. He took me to church, and then I joined the ball team, and I found in that church a different feeling than I had found any other place. Then that ball team, those fine fellows all keeping the Word of Wisdom and living good clean lives, impressed me, and I determined that I would join the Church’”

In For the Strength of Youth it explains how we can be examples in word and in conversation: "How you speak says much about who you are. Clean and intelligent language is evidence of a bright and wholesome mind. Use language that uplifts, encourages, and compliments others. Do not insult others or put them down, even in joking. Speak kindly and positively about others so you can fulfill the Lord’s commandment to love one another. When you use good language, you invite the Spirit to be with you." I know from personal experience that people in your group of friends and peers will notice when you choose to use good language, and will respect you greater for it. They will also recognize how happy you always are. You never know how much that example will influence the lives of your friends. The last line says: “When you use good language, you invite the spirit to be with you.” This will guide you throughout trials and help you continue to be a loving example to those around you.

Matthew says in chapter 5 verse 16: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. It is important for everyone to see our good works. My brother Tayler and both my brother-in-laws are huge examples to me in my life. All of them have been called on missions and have shown to me the importance of missionary work. They have also shown me the blessings that come from perseverance through trials. Though very simple, being a good example to others is perhaps one of the most effective forms of missionary work.

I bear my testimony that I know this gospel is true and that Heavenly Father lives and cares for every one of us. I know that we have been selected for these last days to set the example for the world and raise the bar. It would be hard to share the gospel with others if we didn’t set an example and live what we believe. I’m grateful we are able to reach out and influence the lives of others through the way we choose to live.

The Lost Generation

Watch this video! It is so empowering. It was shown to me at my OASC Fall Conference a few weeks ago and I can't get over it. I learned so much at that conference and it was a lot of fun, but the most important thing i believe was this. The other thing I got from the conference that is worth sharing is "There are only two kinds of people. People who brighten a room when they enter, and people who brighten the room when they exit. Be the first kind.

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Christmas Gift Exchange 2009

This is the family "special gift" list.

BJ to Richard
Marissa to Collin
Richard to Cara
Tayler to Rochelle
Cara to Anna
Collin to Tayler
Anna to BJ
Rochelle to Marissa

My Talk on Fasting

THE LAW OF THE FAST

Fasting is a vital part of our spiritual growth and the sanctification process we are going through in this life.

We learn much about fasting from the people of God in the Book of Mormon.

They fasted and prayed mightily in behalf of the welfare of the souls of those who knew not God.

Their abundant prayer and fasting lead to the spirit of revelation, and when they taught, they taught with ^bpower and authority of God.

They fasted in time of sorrow and loss for peace and understanding.

We learn that their fasting had a unifying effect.

And sometimes they expressed gratitude by their fast when the Lord delivered them from their enemies.

Fasting will not change the mind and will of God.

We must keep one thing in mind as we approach fasting and prayer. That is the concept of “Thy will be done”. Fasting will not change the mind and will of God. Fasting changes us. When we learn to live the law of the fast we learn that often we do not get what we set out for in our fast. Our purpose then becomes to know and understand the will of the Lord and be given strength to accept, deal with, and grow from His purpose. His purpose is often to sanctify us and prepare us to receive more of the things of eternity. Sometimes, that sanctification which fasting produces inside of us is required for His miracles to be manifest.

In 2^nd Corinthians 12, Paul spoke of a specific “thorn in the flesh” which he besought the Lord 3 times to remove. Clearly, a physical malady was causing distress in his life. The term “besought” signifies pleading and most likely, in Paul’s case, included fasting and prayer. What was the result of his pleading? Paul tells us that the Lord said to him “My ^agrace is sufficient for thee: for my ^bstrength is made perfect in ^cweakness.” Paul continues, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may ^drest upon me.”

The Lord had place Paul’s “thorn” for a reason. It was His purpose. Paul did not prevail in his beseeching, but he did gain understanding and one would expect peace concerning the issue. He could finally get down to the business of dealing with it and growing stronger because of it.

There are times when fasting is helpful; and then there are times when fasting is necessary.

A young father pleaded with the Savior to heal his child, of whom the scriptures say he was a “lunatic from the time of his birth. The Apostles had already tried to heal the lad but were unsuccessful. Jesus immediately cast the evil spirit out and after healing the boy his disciples asked “why couldn’t we do it?”. To which Jesus answered it was because of unbelief and lack of faith. And then he said, “Howbeit this ^akind goeth not out but by prayer and ^bfasting.” (Mathew 17:21)

Clearly there are links between believing and faith, and fasting. It is not enough to merely wish and pray our persistent problems, flaws, and weaknesses away. Sometimes we must fortify our faith with sacrifice. Examining our own lives, how might fasting help us cast out our personal demons?

Fasting opens our hearts to God and our pantries to the poor.

Joseph F Smith said, “The lord has instituted this law (of the fast); it is simple and perfect, based on reason and intelligence, and would not only prove a solution to the questions of providing for the poor, but it would result in good to those who observe the law. It would call attention to the sin of over-eating, place the body in subjection to the spirit, and so promote communication with the Holy Ghost, and insure a spiritual strength and power which the people of the nation so greatly need”. (Joseph F Smith, Gospel Doctrine, 237)

Does the word “fasting” mean more than just going without food?

D&C 59 gives us some reason to ponder the meaning of fasting. It relates fasting with the terms “joy” and “rejoicing”.

13 And on this day thou shalt do none other thing, only let thy food be prepared with singleness of heart that thy ^afasting may be perfect, or, in other words, that thy ^bjoy may be full.

14 Verily, this is fasting and prayer, or in other words, rejoicing and prayer.

The footnote for the word fasting in verse 13 says, “IE hungering and thirsting after righteousness, cf”.

Fasting in this sense may also refer to abstinence of selfish, carnal, or worldly things. Each Sabbath experience may be considered a fast if we truly leave the things of the world behind and hunger and thirst after the things of God. The Lord gives us a key here. He is drawing a comparison between “Joy” and “Rejoicing”. Joy being a feeling we harbor in our hearts, and rejoicing being an emotion we emit towards God. In my mind peace and joy go hand in hand, and I do not believe that you can have peace and joy without the spirit of gratitude. It seems then, that one of the purposes of fasting is to garner a heart of gratitude, a change of perspective, that helps us see things the way the Lord sees them, enabling us to be at peace and be filled with joy no matter our situation in life.

Fasting from the things of the world extends to our Temple worship.

D&C 88:119 says, “Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a ^bhouse, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God”.

The temple is a house of fasting and prayer. As we attend with minds free from outside thoughts, exerting all our efforts to stay alert and mentally focused on the symbols and words and doctrines taught there, we literally sit at a potential feast of revelations. Our hearts are knit together in a common cause and that unity links us to the power of God.

Unity is a powerful and key purpose or our fasting.

When we come together to fast for a friend, a family member, or a member of the branch or ward, we become unified in a common cause. That unity opens the doors of heaven, not only to those for whom we fast, but to us as well.

I would like to illustrate some of these principles of fasting with some personal experiences our family has had in the past several months.

Fasting for Tayler

Late last December, my son Tayler received his mission call to the Brisbane, Australia mission. In February, he was undergoing a rigorous physical for his VISA when his doctor detected an ever so faint heart murmur, only detectable when he was lying on his back. An echocardiogram was ordered and we learned that Tayler’s heart was not functioning well. One of the chambers was enlarged and it wasn’t pumping blood out at the rate it should be. When I got off the phone with the doctor and told Tayler the findings I could see the blood drain out of his face. He was physically weakened by the news. For a short time there was a question as to whether or not he would be able to serve a mission at all. We all prayed for guidance and understanding and peace. We held a family fast that Sunday and learned that many of our ward members were also fasting for Tayler without our even asking. Later that day when word got out that Tayler had a heart problem and would be undergoing some more invasive testing to determine the cause, many of his friends from Sherwood let him know that they would be fasting for him the next day, Monday. The unity and love that was engendered by each individual’s sacrifice on our son’s behalf was overwhelming. Our hearts were touched deeply by the compassion. We could feel strength pouring in. Tayler wrote this on our family blog about the experience:

Last Sunday, roughly 30 people were joined in a common cause, fasting on my behalf- I cannot express the feelings i felt that day. Never once did i feel the normal hunger pangs. Never did i have the thought pop into my head, "wow I really wish church would go faster so I can go home and eat," never was there any negative side effects of the fast. This was all new to me. It was amazing! Feeling the way I felt,. . I could literally feel everyone in their fast... I was deeply touched. It was almost tangible what I felt . . . . This whole experience has taught me the value of fasting. . . I also had reinforced for me that God is already aware of my needs. . . But it’s not enough for him simply to know. I have to know. I have to feel the need. And then, most importantly I have to ask. Is this for God's benefit? Of course not. He wants to teach us these things . . . . I have been humbled by the support from my Family, Friends, and from my Heavenly Father. . . God has heard and answered our prayers. He has answered MY prayer. There is no more calming feeling than to start my evening prayer with great anxiety, and to close, having the spirit whisper "peace. Be still"

After about 6 weeks in the mission field he wrote in an email from Brisbane “This past fast Sunday was especially good. i prayed for what to fast for, and 3 things came to mind directly. I fasted for 3 miracles; two having to do with investigators, and one for Dad. I don’t know what that miracle is, but hopefully it happens, cause it felt like he really needed it. So if anything happens, let me know!”

4 weeks later I had what could have been a very serious accident. While spraying weeds on my property my ATV became unbalance when I drove over a stump. The fluid in the 25 gallon spray tank strapped to the back of the ATV shifted and tipped me over, sending me head first down a rather steep 10 foot embankment. As I fell I unconsciously grabbed hold of a poison oak vine allowing me to get my feet in front of me. Just as I came to a stop and was sitting up the ATV crashed down over me, bending me in-two, bruising the back of my head , back, and thigh severely. After passing out a few times I was able to return home. I found my wife, told her what happened, and then I rested for about an hour. I got up to undress and check my wounds and I became very weak and light headed. My wife hurriedly brought me a chair which I slumped into and fell unconscious again. The next thing I remember was hearing my daughter speaking with a 911 operator. I quickly came to and told her to hang up the phone and that I was alright. Brethren, there is no amount of bravado, no ranting, no argument, no reasoning, no volume or tone of voice that can compensate for passing out in front of your wife. I did not prevail. I had my first ambulance ride and my first trip to the ER. After scans, x-rays, ultrasound, ECG, and other tests I was pronounced battered and bruised and very stiff and sore, but whole none the less. At that point I had neither the courage nor the will to say “I told you so”. I was just grateful to be going home.

I had been in denial about the seriousness of that accident until I was in the temple not long afterwards and the Lord let me know that I had not just been lucky, but that I had been preserved, and I sensed that my temple covenants and my garments had a lot to do with it. But there was something else that I had noticed. I never once was bitter or angry, never depressed or despondent. Not even my pride was hurt for long. I quickly recognized that this accident was a prescription for pride and a reminder to care for my earthly temple and protect it. A restful peace settled upon my soul. As I have prayed for understanding and insight I have come to believe that this peace and understanding was the fruit of my missionary son’s fast for me.

When my son learned of my accident he wrote “Dad, remember last month when I told you I was fasting for you? Well, the whole day it felt REALLY important, and then this whole last month I was wondering why... well, now I know. Testimony of Fasting just skyrocketed.”

Conclusion

Fasting blesses all our lives in one way or another. It is a merciful tool God has given us to penetrate the veil of mortality. It allows us to feel His love and mercy more abundantly. It fortifies us with power to endure life’s challenges and prevail. It induces humility and generosity. It enables us to accept and understand Gods will in our lives and to accomplish His purpose. I am so very thankful for the refining and sanctifying power of fasting in my life.

Cara has a lovely voice!

Cara Sings National Anthem at SHS Football Game

Family History

So, Family....

Richard and I are taking a Geneology class together, and we have been learning about the value and importance of creating your own personal history. It can be really easy and very rewarding.
Compiling your own history can be overwhelming..where do you start, right? Our teacher advised us to start by writing in segments. Break down your life into different parts, i.e. "early childhood" "teenage years" etc. then, start to fill in the parts that you can remember. Even choosing topics about your life, such as "Scouting" or "camping trips" or "excercise" and writing little essays about experiences you had, or how you feel about the subjects. You could also write about challenges and struggles, and how you worked through them.

I have a challenge for ALL of you (and I plan on doing this too):
Sunday is a great day for working on your personal history. Take some time each sunday, before or after church, and write a little bit about your life. Gradually, you will accumulate a priceless piece of history for your posterity and yourself. Don't stress about it, but just do something.



Will you try this? What are your thoughts?

Stuff Happens!

Its been an interesting week for me. On Thursday I was late for work due garbage detail at the house and I had a big surgery waiting for me so I was going a little fast through town. I saw the police car in the school district driveway and looked at my speedometer and new I was toast so I just pulled over and had my license and all ready before he could even get to me. He asked how fast I thought I was going and I said I thought it was about 36 or 37 and he said he had me at 33. I told him I knew I had broken the law and that I had a surgery waiting for me so please just do what you have to do. He came back and said that he appreciated my honesty and that he was not going to ticket me. I thanked him and offered to shake his hand but he politely declined for safety reasons. That combined with the shear relief flustered me and I blurted out thanks oscifer, oskifer, oksickfer . . . I couldn't get it out. I finally said his name, "Officer Hernandez", but by that time he was back at his car, and I was sure he was getting the breathalyser, so I took off, giggling at my stupidity.

You would think that I would have learned my "stupid" lesson for the week, but noooooh. I was out spraying for poison oak and the like on the bank above the drive way where I had been clearing above the driveway - just about the area that had all the poison oak that you and Erik hauled out of the ditch on the upper driveway. Anyway I was pretty close tot he edge and the spray tank was full and as I went to turn up the hill my back tire hit a stump and it tipped me over and down the embankment head first. I caught on to a stray poison oak vine and got twisted around so I was feet first by the time I hit the ditch. I was just sitting up and was feeling pretty good about it all when I realized a second to late that I hadn't accounted for the ATV. It smacked me in the back of the head and the back as it rolled over me and bent me flat at the waste. It knocked the wind out of me and I felt a little dizzy. I finally was able to breath and I could see that the ATV was on its side, nose into the ditch and the chemical was leaking out of the hole in the lid of the tank and the tank was still spraying out of the valve outlet where the hose had been ripped loose. I had every intention of solving that problem and tried to right the ATV but the next thing I knew I woke up with my head on the seat of the ATV. The fluid was still pouring out so I unplugged the wires and unstrapped the tank and was about to try to right the ATV again when I woke up with my head on the seat of the ATV. It all seemed so natural and resful, like taking a little nap, only I didn't remember laying down. I finally got the ATV right and backed out of the ditch. I looked at the half full tank of chemical and was about to try to get it out of the ditch and on the ATV but I remembered my head on the seat of the ATV and decided I better just get myself home so I pointed my trusty steed toward the house he took me home. I walked in the house and had Collin fetch mom. I was very weak and pale. I spent an hour in the recliner with ice packs on the back of my head and my thigh that was throbbing. I was feeling pretty good so I thought I should get up and take off my shirt and have a look at my back and head, and after I did that I felt funny and Cindy sensed that I wasn't right so she grabbed a chair and brought it into the bathroom and I sat down. . . . The next thing I remember is Cindy slapping me in the chest and yelling "WAKE UP QUIN WAKE UP!!!!" I felt like I was waking up from a nice dream. Then I saw that Cara was on the phone talking nervously to someone and I saw that Anna and Collin where standing there and I told everyone to mellow out and that I was OK. I was just having a nice little dream. Then it hit me that Cara was on a 911 call and I freaked out. I told them to hang up and that I was OK and not to send the ambulance. Cindy was red in the face and crying telling me to calm down and that I had no choice in the matter. She looked me square in the face and said "I thought you died". That was my cue to shut up. 10 Minutes later the Sherwood Fire department showed up and evaluated me. By then the ambulance was there and to my great relief they called off the life flight that was standing by. I argued with them all and told them I was fine and that I had just passed out. But, as usual the women get there way and I got to ride in an ambulance for the first time in my life. Yippeee! They took me to OHSU. I talked with the Ambulance EMT the whole way about his dying chickens, about Obama's health care plan, about being an ambulance guy. I was taken into the trauma ER and they started checking me out. BP - OK, Heart Rate 58. . . "are you a runner?" the nurse asked - "uh, Ya" I said in my deepest voice. Next they wheel in the ultrasound and I get a phone call from a member of the high council over YW. He already knows I won't be taking the 4th year girls backpacking on Monday and I start making suggestions. The young intern asks if we are LDS and says he is too. Same thing happened when Tayler went in for the attempt at the occluder deployment in his heart. Anyway they check my abdomen for bleeding - all good there. Draw blood for a CBC - no problems. Walk down to the Radiology room with the tech - joking that the only reason I was there was because my wife wanted to know if I really had a heart - (he thought it was pretty funny) - shoots chest rads and I ask to see them and of course they look great - no broken ribs or bruised lungs and real life heart right in the middle of my thorax. Next they hand be a cup and show me the little boys room . . you know the rest - no bladder or kidney trauma. New tech comes in and off we go to the CT room. Apparently there was some question as to whether I really had brain - turns out I do and its A OK - no sub-dural hemorrhage. And, I think, since they had a Guinea Pig that wasn't squealing they decided to let the newbies try an ECG - perfect sinus rhythm. So 2 hours later finding nothing wrong with me they send me home. (BTW - I never said "told you so" once)

Moral of the Story - if you are stupid enough to fall off you ATV going
So I am fine. I'm sure I was being watched over. I have some bruised ribs and back, and several goose eggs on the back of my head, and by lower back in very stiff, and if you touch my left thigh I will probably cry, but other than that I 'm wonderful. I went to church today and made it through the whole thing.

Looks like I have 2 days off . . what to do? I hear the Poison Oak calling . . . .

Mouse Sins

Quin says I have to share this. I'm a little reluctant about showing my evil side, but here goes.

Tayler was my main man before he left, for disposing of trapped, deceased mice. We had this hole under the kitchen sink cupboard that mice would step out of and onto a trap---frequently, but they rarely went anywhere else. We had a system down, and thought we had the problem under control. This is part of a letter I sent to Tayler:

Here's a story you'll appreciate.
Chapter 1--The day Dad and Collin left [for the High Adventure], I said to Anna "ooh, I hope we don't catch any mice while the men are gone" (we had caught 2 in the last week or so). So the next day, I heard this noise in the kitchen. I ignored it!!! When I came back, still a funny noise from under the kitchen sink. I stood next to the cupboard for a minute or two, then got up my nerve to look inside. I slowly opened the door and to my horror out fell a mouse with it's foot stuck in the trap! I ran across the room screaming, while the mouse limped along the kitchen carpet trying to distance itself from the maniac monster it found itself positioned in front of. After several moments I said to Anna "what would a rational, mature woman do in a situation like this?" I didn't want to think of what that would be, so I scooped the mouse into a cottage cheese container, and at arms length took it outside and dropped it out. Unfortunately the fall didn't kill it. Part of me was saying, "what a poor thing," and the other part was saying "you AREN'T going to touch a wiggling mouse" Well, the rest of the story isn't pretty. Maui picked it up a few times and threw it around, Moochie looked at it and walked away disinterested. Both abandoned me in my time of need, leaving me feeling guilty for traumatizing the little creature with big ferocious predators. So, I decided the merciful thing to do was to drown it. Anna of course was offering suggestions, but no offers of picking up the mouse. Well, drowning was a bad idea, because the trap floated, and the mouse swam around, and I realized I really couldn't stomach the thought of holding it under. About that time Maui asserted that the mouse in the bucket wasn't working. She popped it right out, and began her antics again. I thought, "I am an animal torturer, this is wrong, I've got to kill it!" So, I picked up the push broom and slammed it on the ground for a few practice blows, which Maui seemed to understand well. She then, mercifully for me, took the mouse and the trap over to the privacy of the ivy, and pulled it off the trap and _________I don't know what. Maybe she ate it, or left it to die with dignity. A few hours later Anna recovered the trap, which I had her promptly retire to the trash can.

Chapter 2--Dad came home 2 days later. I opened the cupboard door, and behold, a DEAD mouse in the trap. Upon further investigation, I found mouse tracks through 3 banks of drawers, not to mention the cupboard. Needless to say, I was NOT happy. So, Dad and I went to Home Depot and bought 3 cans of insulation foam. I cleaned everything, and he filled in every crack, crevice and cranny. Next morning the cracks were bulging, even dripping with foam.

I defy any mouse to come into my house ever again!

My Talk In the Sherwood Ward Last Sunday

IS YOUR HOPE ENOUGH
Quin Christensen
Sherwood Ward
May 24, 2009

When Abinadi was brought before the wicked King Noah to be questioned and accused, the scripture says “he answered them boldly, and withstood all their questions, yea, to their astonishment;. . . . and did confound them in all their words.” This must have pricked the heart and won the confidence of at least one of the priests who asked a very sincere and interesting question. Listen to the question. Ask yourself what it was that the questioner really wanted to know.
Mosiah 12:20 And it came to pass that one of them said unto him: What meaneth the words which are written, and which have been taught by our fathers, saying:
21 How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth;
22 Thy watchmen shall lift up the voice; with the voice together shall they sing; for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring again Zion;
23 Break forth into joy; sing together ye waste places of Jerusalem; for the Lord hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem;
24 The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God?

It is almost as if the joy spoken of in the verses he quoted was eluding him and he wanted to know how to capture it. In this question you can sense that this individual was holding onto a thin thread of hope. Hope that there was indeed something more to life than greed, and seeking for power, and the emptiness of self-gratification that comes from both of those. This individual was looking for an anchor for that hope.
In the 2008 October General Conference Pres. Uctdorf spoke of hope. He said:
“Hope is a gift of the Spirit. It is a hope that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power of His Resurrection, we shall be raised unto life eternal and this because of our faith in the Savior. This kind of hope is both a principle of promise as well as a commandment, and, as with all commandments, we have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace, mercy, rejoicing, and gladness. The hope of salvation is like a protective helmet; it is the foundation of our faith and an anchor to our souls.
This question brought ridicule from Abinadi, for one who professed to be a priest should know the answer to this question, but it is almost as if the question was planted in the heart of the questioner because Abinadi is led to expound, in detail, on every point, almost as if he had prepared a sermon on that very passage. After showing the emptiness of the Law of Moses on it’s own, he embarked on one of the most thorough and beautiful explanations of the Atonement found in scripture. He quoted scripture from Isaiah and other prophets who testified of Christ long before his birth. He expounded on the law of obedience and how that made us eligible for the saving grace of the great and last sacrifice. He spoke of the resurrection of the dead and the judgment that must come to all men. He spoke of prophets who publish the peace of salvation and knowledge of the nature of God. Surely, he was deep in the scriptures. Surely his hope was firmly anchored in the Savior, for he suffered himself to be captured and executed to fulfill the will of God. He was as the scriptures put it, “a type” of the Savior himself. At the end of his sermon it was very clear what we should hope for, and what we should hope in.

Pres. Uchtdorf said :
“The things we hope for are often future events.
No matter how bleak the chapter of our lives may look today, because of the life and sacrifice of Jesus Christ; we may hope and be assured that the ending of the book of our lives will exceed our grandest expectations. “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”


"The things we hope in sustain us during our daily walk. They uphold us through trials, temptations, and sorrow. Everyone has experienced discouragement and difficulty. Indeed, there are times when the darkness may seem unbearable. It is in these times that the divine principles of the restored gospel we hope in can uphold us and carry us until, once again, we walk in the light."

We learn that Alma was touched by the words of Abinadi and sought to save his life but was cast out and hunted himself. He wrote down all the words of the prophet and began to teach them privately to anyone who would listen. He was sowing the seeds of hope and they were planted in very fertile ground for “. . . after many days there were a goodly number gathered together at the place of Mormon, to hear the words of Alma. Yea, all were gathered together that believed on his word, to hear him. And he did teach them, and did preach unto them repentance, and redemption, and faith on the Lord. “ (Mosiah 18:7)

It is here that we learn how the power of the priesthood and our covenants with God strengthen our hope. It is here that we learn that for hope to be real it must be active and lead one to good works. Listen to Alma as he invites all to enter the waters of baptism.
8 And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light;
9 Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life—
10 Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?

Now we see how Hope integrates naturally with faith and Charity.
I quote from Elder Uchtdorf again:
“Hope is one leg of a three-legged stool, together with faith and charity. These three stabilize our lives regardless of the rough or uneven surfaces we might encounter at the time. The scriptures are clear and certain about the importance of hope. The Apostle Paul taught that the scriptures were written to the end that we “might have hope.”1
“Hope is critical to both faith and charity. When disobedience, disappointment, and procrastination erode faith, hope is there to uphold our faith. When frustration and impatience challenge charity, hope braces our resolve and urges us to care for our fellowmen even without expectation of reward. The brighter our hope, the greater our faith. The stronger our hope, the purer our charity.”
“The things we hope for lead us to faith, while the things we hope in lead us to charity. The three qualities—faith, hope, and charity—working together, grounded on the truth and light of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, lead us to abound in good works.”
Hope is also rooted in liberty. When the people of a Alma wanted him to be their king he reminded them of their bondage under King Noah. He spoke of the bands and bonds of iniquity that come on those ruled by a wicked king. He and they were witness that for the natural man absolute power corrupts absolutely. He said:

“13 And now as ye have been delivered by the power of God out of these bonds; yea, even out of the hands of king Noah and his people, and also from the bonds of iniquity, even so I desire that ye should stand fast in this liberty wherewith ye have been made free, and that ye trust no man to be a king over you.
14 And also trust no one to be your teacher nor your minister, except he be a man of God, walking in his ways and keeping his commandments.”

We can constantly be sustained by hope because we have men called of God to lead us in this church. We trust and know that they speak the words of God, as if from His own mouth, to lift and guide us back to His presence.

When we received the result of Tayler’s first Echo cardiogram we were shocked. The initial findings were consistent with cardiomyopathy. No evidence of defect in the septum was noted. Cardiomyopathy at age 19 leaves little room for hope. It is often permanent and progressive. I watched the blood literally drain out of Tayler’s face when I told him what the Doctor had said. His disappointment and fear were palpable. But it was not long before we were all brought to a similar thought that we discussed after family prayer that evening. Tayler had been called by a prophet through revelation from God to serve in Australia. Certainly, God knew of Tayler’s condition, and whether He intended Tayler to serve in Australia, or not at all was irrelevant. God was in the mix and it was the call from Him that led to finding a malady that threatened his longevity and possibly his life. This thought sequence restored our hope and brought us great peace. As we continued to pray we were blessed with the sweet assurance that Tayler would serve just as he was called. That assurance strengthened our hope and gave us courage to face whatever lay ahead. That hope led us to action. That action led us through a sequence of diagnostics and doctor visits that I am certain were nothing less that miraculous. It seems that each step was designed to test, challenge, teach, and prepare all at the same time. The fact that we found immediate access to a variety of specialists who excelled in their field and offered the best cutting edge technology in such short time span is a miracle in its self. With each visit the whole between Taylers atrial chambers seemed to grow and be less amenable to easier resolutions. When all non-invasive options were exhausted, it was Tayler’s hope in the priesthood and God’s love for him that gave him courage to ask that there be no delay in scheduling open heart surgery. I called immediately and the busiest cardiac surgeon in the Northwest, and possibly the country, put Tayler on the schedule for the next morning.

Now we know from experience and from the scriptures that hope and faith don’t always equate with ease and pleasantness, Alma shows us that “the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith”.
22 Nevertheless—whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day.
And so it was with the people of Alma. They had escaped the armies of King Noah and had found a wonderful place to build and grow. For close to 20 years they lived in peace and prosperity until one day, their fortune turned on a dime and they were brought into captivity. Not just political captivity with taxes and forced government, put physical and even attempted spiritual captivity.
Amulon began to exercise authority over Alma and his brethren, and began to persecute him, and cause that his children should persecute their children . . . . . and put tasks upon them, and put task-masters over them.
10 And it came to pass that so great were their afflictions that they began to cry mightily to God.
11 And Amulon commanded them that they should stop their cries; and he put guards over them to watch them, that whosoever should be found calling upon God should be put to death.
12 And Alma and his people did not raise their voices to the Lord their God, but did pour out their hearts to him; and he did know the thoughts of their hearts.
13 And it came to pass that the voice of the Lord came to them in their afflictions, saying: Lift up your heads and be of good comfort, for I know of the covenant which ye have made unto me; and I will covenant with my people and deliver them out of bondage.
14 And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.
15 And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord.
16 And it came to pass that so great was their faith and their patience that the voice of the Lord came unto them again, saying: Be of good comfort, for on the morrow I will deliver you out of bondage.

Pres. Uchtdorf said:
“There may be times when we must make a courageous decision to hope even when everything around us contradicts this hope.
Hope sustains us through despair. Hope teaches that there is reason to rejoice even when all seems dark around us”.

Vancouver Lake Story
In 1999 I entered into a partnership with a friend to purchase a failing Veterinary Practice in Hazeldell, Washington. We had great hopes of building it back up and finding a doctor to run it for us. Our desire was to then sell it to that individual. As time went buy we found it difficult to maintain that clinic with our own busy practices. We were unable to find a Veterinarian who could build the practice. Our moral and hopes were waning. My partner became dispondent and very irratable and angry about it. I couldn't understand this change in his temperment until I learned he was suffering from a hidden addiction to pain medications from a past knee surgery. He was in jeperdy of loosing his liscense and his practice and I was forced to give him an ultimatum. He would have to admit himself into a rehab program or loose it all. To my great relief he chose to admit himself. That was good and bad. Good for him and his future, bad for me because I was stuck with the full responsibility of maintaining the two practices. Folding the practice was not an option because of a long term lease that had been negotiated for the building. Maintaining the practice until it could be sold was the only option. For a full year I would work my practice in Tigard in the moring, travel the 30 minutes to the Hazeldell practice and see appointments from 12;30 to 3PM, and then come back to my practice for the rest of the day. That schedule was difficult and became depressing as I saw my primary practice suffering and the Hazeldell practice loose its spark and begin to fail.
Durring that year I was serving as the Gospel Doctirne teacher and we were studying the Book of Mormon. I remember studying for the lesson on Abinadai and the people of Alma. This became a tremendous blessing in my life. I recall praying for the entire 30 minute drive on several occasions for the stregnth and peace in my trial. I fought off dispair on a daily basis with my faith in the Savior and his Atonemnt. Hope kept me going until one day, as I was praying and driving, I realized that the trial was still there but the depression and weight of it was not. I felt peace and joy and courage to face my challenge, and though I pleaded for it to end, I knew I would be sustainded until it was over. I was blessed immensly with the ablility to see clearly a path to sell the practice and finally escape the trial. I may someday forget the freedom I felt when I was finally relieved of that obligation and responsibility, but I will never forget the day those chapters of scripture came alive for me.

Elder Uchtdorf said:
”We learn to cultivate hope the same way we learn to walk, one step at a time. As we study the scriptures, speak with our Heavenly Father daily, commit to keep the commandments of God, like the Word of Wisdom, and to pay a full tithing, we attain hope.28 We grow in our ability to “abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost,”29 as we more perfectly live the gospel.”
“Embrace and rely upon the Hope of Israel, for the love of the Son of God pierces all darkness, softens all sorrow, and gladdens every heart.”1. 2 Ne. 31: 20
20 Wherefore, ye must press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, and a clove of God and of all men. Wherefore, if ye shall press forward, feasting upon the word of Christ, and endure to the end, behold, thus saith the Father: Ye shall have eternal life.

We can have a bright hope because of Joseph Smith and his first vision revealing the true nature of God.
We can have a perfectly bright hope because of we have the fullness of the gospel plainly before us in the Book of Mormon.
We can have a bright hope because the priesthood was restored and Prophets walk the earth today.
We can have a perfectly bright hope because of the Gift of the Holy Ghost by which “you may know the truth of all things”.

Brothers and sisters, we often live in the moment and wish for everything to be perfect right now, and because it is not we waste time longing, waiting, hoping for a day when all will be right in our world without realizing that each moment and each challenge represent a chance to grow, learn and become something better, to be sanctified. Our pride can keep us from seeing the big picture because we fail to look beyond our own limited set of experiences and understanding.
In the Movie National Treasure they find a special pair of spectacles that enable them to see what is not apparent to the natural eye. They had to use just the right combination of lenses to make the secret writing come into view. The worlds view is limited and confined to the limits of the natural man – unenlightened, full of error, me oriented, short sighted, mistaking good for bad and visa-versa. But when sacred covenants, the power of the priesthood, and the gift of the Holy Ghost are added, suddenly we have the right combination of lenses and we see clearly and understand what the world cannot even imagine let alone comprehend.

Faith, and hope in an unknown god will appease conscience but will not bring fulfillment. True hope requires knowledge and of the true nature of Deity. True hope is nurtured by real and personal experience with the atonement. The kind that requires the natural man to pull off his facade, let go his pride, and come before his father as a little child, meek, submissive, and willing to submit to whatever it may take become clean and pure in his eyes - expressing gratitude every moment for the power that makes one free from guilt and the torment of sin - giving thanks for the strength to endure in the face of bitter trials - keeping the covenant to always remember him – feeling his pure love flow through you to those around you.
It is that hope that will sustain you through even the most significant trials in life without losing faith and without giving in to apathy and despair.
“Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God’s laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.” (Pres. Uchtdorff)
Brothers and Sisters, if you believe that God is omniscient, that He knows everything, that He knows you-- and if you believe that He is full of grace and mercy, that He loves Perfectly, that He loves you-- andif you believe that He is Omnipotent, that he is all powerful, that he can heal your heart, change your heart, protect you and cause things to happen to you--
Then what do you have against waiting for his mercy – His plan to refine and sanctify you through tribulation, hardship and sorrow. Do not let your impatience rob you of His divine ability do refine and improve you.
When criticisms and false accusations assail you will you shrink in shame, or will you, like Abinadi, stand fast and firm in the hope of Christ, consecrating your very life to Him who gave it.
When disappointment and failure weigh down your heart will you sink in despair, or will you, like the people of Alma, let hope lead you to sincere prayer that you may endure in patience, and wait on the timing and will of God to change your heart and refine your spirit.
When sin robs you of joy and peace will you employ hope in him who is full of grace and mercy to cleans and heal you?
When you hear the word of God through modern day prophets will take note, study them, ponder them, until they fill your heart with hope?
Ask yourself, “What am I doing to store up hope so that when the crisis comes I will be able to rely on it to get me through?” Hopefully your answer will include your covenant to always remember the Savior. A covenant you make weekly during a sacred moment with the sacrament. It is preciesely for this purpose we “labor diligently to write, to persuade our children, and also our brethren, to believe in Christ, and to be reconciled to God; for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do.
26 And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look “ . . .not only for repentance, but for hope.

I know Christ lives and loves me. I know God Knows me and my family, and I know His plan of Happiness. Because I know these things I am filled with hope continually. May our hope be firmly rooted in Jesus Christ who is mighty to save and who's mercy brings peace and joy.

Quick Month

The month is sailing by. Tayler is doing great on his mission. Tomorrow, May 25 he will be departing for Australia. I have been posting his letters on his blog, as well as some recent pictures, so I won't go into how his mission is going here.

After our amazing concert celebrating 5 year of the Sherwood Chorale, I began working on the next project: The Music Man. I'm directing vocal music, and organizing the orchestra for the show. We had 5 auditions days, plus a special audition, the 6th one, for the lead, Harold Hill. We had about 80 people audition, so it has been a busy time to say the least. After the 5th audition, we began calling a few people for contacts and trying to find someone who could take on the role. I remembered someone I saw sing at the LDS performers concert last February. After some investigating, I finally made contact with him, and he auditioned. Much to our relief and delight, he met the criteria. I am glad that even for a community musical, prayers are answered, and calm and peace can abound. I'm kind of amazed that I had the connection, and that although I made other calls based on other peoples recommendations, this person is the one that I felt compelled to pursue during the week it took to make it all happen.

I think that when we try to keep our lives in order, and do first things first, and take care of our priorities of home, family and church, the Lord blesses us to be able to do the extra things--like service in the community. I constantly pray that I can keep perspective and balance with all the community work I do. I often fall short, but I try to reassess and recommit every day to keeping first things first. It's a continual challenge, but when I get to the end of my life, I hope I can look back and see good that I have done, lives that I have touched, differences I have made, and always, a family that has been right there along for the whole ride. I'm especially grateful to have a husband who supports and encourages me, and sometimes even reigns me in when I'm a little too extended. He's good for me, and I am very blessed to be free to do what I do, and do it with his support and blessing.

Elder Tayler Christensen Enters the MTC

I have had several people ask me how it went at the MTC with Tayler this week. It seems they want to compare their experience or what they have heard about it with ours. But these experiences are all individual and personal. They are what they are. For me, it was sweet and joyful. Parting with your son is no picnic, don't get me wrong, but putting him in the hands of Lord to serve, and grow, and learn makes it very sacred and special. It is especially significant when you realize that his very life has been preserved and prepared by the call to serve its self.

Just last week I was talking with a long time client as I vaccinated her dogs. She asked about my family and I retold the the whole mission/open heart surgery thing to her. When I was done she said "That call saved his life - someone is watching over him"! The spirit came into that tiny room and bore witness of that truth. Even to those not of our faith the miracle is obvious.

Do I know God knows me and my son? Absolutely! And here is just one way I know it - He used the skilled hands of surgeon, a human, to repair Tayler's physical heart, but it was His miraculous handy work that opened, enlarged, and changed Tayler's heart and soul. So when I am asked, "was it hard to leave your son at the MTC?", I just smile and say, "it was a joy".

Did I cry? Like a baby! Was it because I will be separated from my son for 2 years? Not at all! It was for joy and gratitude. I was for the love of my wonderful son. It was for the deep devotion and sincere love for Heavenly Father and his son that was so evident in Tayler's eyes. It was for the miracle of a young man entering in to the service of his God "whole heartedly" (pun intended)! It was for the strong feelings that passed between us as we embraced that last time. Feelings that cannot be easily described . Feelings that carried understanding gained from a long journey together, appreciation for the tender mercies manifest in both our lives, devotion to the God we both love, desire to be His servants, and commitment to His cause. In essence they were feelings that can only be summed up as the "unity of discipleship". I could ask for no greater gift than that. I know what my mission did for me and I am confident the Lord has great things in store for Tayler.
What a journey.
What a strong young man.
What a fine son.

Amazing Week

To say this week has been AMAZING is an understatement. Words can not express the levels of joy and emotion I have felt. I'll recount the highlights.

Missionary Open house--May 3, 2009

In preparation for an open house for Tayler, we baked and baked--2 batches of brownies, 2 batches of peanut butter chocolate chip bars, and 3 batches of rice krispie treats! Yum. We also had fruits and veggies an chips to round out the fare. It was fun--and was a part of a fun last date for Tayler with Whitney. We had family and many friends from our ward, and from school stop by to wish Tayler well. We enjoyed visiting with everyone so much, and appreciated their support and love.

Richard and Marissa were with us for several days, and we enjoyed having them around so much. They were with us for the open house, and most importantly when Tayler was set apart as a missionary. President Campbell came to our house on Monday evening, and gave him a beautiful blessing and setting apart as a full time missionary.

Off to Utah

On Tuesday, we said good bye to Richard and Marissa for the summer, as we left to go to the airport with Tayler. Collin helped Tayler lug his 3 suitcases into the van, and then we spent a few teary minutes as the kids said good bye to Tayler. It was hard. I finally said, this is like a taking off a bandaid, sometimes you just need to yank it quick--and go. Driving down the driveway, seeing the beautiful greenery, and blossoms, and all those familiar landmarks of home for the last time for 2 years, and thinking of those siblings back in the house, was pretty emotional for all of us. By the time we got to Wilsonville Road, we had squared our shoulders, and started looking forward and not back. Then the adventure began, for me at least, as I realized Tayler was really embarking on the adventure of his life.

Grandma
The first thing we did after we got to Utah was to drive to Cedar Hills and see Grandma C. She was just getting out of Relief Society and was so tickled to see us, as she didn't know we were coming that day. (She hadn't been around to answer the phone). We had a pleasant visit with her, and Tayler enjoyed having dinner with her in the lovely dining room where she lives. She was so sweet and cute and proud of her grandson in his suit. She told everyone he was going on a mission. It pulled on my heart strings when we left as I contemplated for just a moment whether Tayler would have another opportunity to visit with her after his mission.

Family Dinner
After our quick visit we drove straight to Provo for dinner. Janice and Spencer were tending Merilee's kids in Utah, so they met us for dinner, along with Kathi and Allen, Jason, Heidi and kids, and Rochelle, BJ and Gabriel. We had such a nice visit, and great food. Tayler was a little disgruntled that he couldn't finish all of his dinner--but it was his 2nd dinner, so we cut him some slack! While we were visiting outside of the restaurant, in true ARAVE style, 4 men dressed in identical suits came up to us and asked us if they could sing to us--they were doing a photo shoot for an album they were making. I think their name is Hang Five. Anyhow they sang us a barbershop rendition that was pretty good! Then someone asked if they would sing Happy Birthday to Janice. They improvised, and it was quite a hoot. Janice was also sung to in the restaurant, so that was a pretty good memory for a birthday I think!

The MTC Wednesday May 6
It was a lovely, clear, warm day and we arrived at the MTC at that morning. We were greeted by a lot of cute, elderly men wearing red reflective vests and sun hats. They helped Tayler unload his luggage, and instructed him on how best to haul his luggage away to the receiving area. He took care of that right away, and then we spent the next 20 minutes or so taking pictures outside of the MTC. Rochelle and BJ both got off work early and met us. It was so beautiful, and there were so many families hustling about taking pictures, and hugging, and drinking in the last moments with their missionaries. We went inside the MTC through separate doors, after we were quizzed by sister missionaries as whether we had any sickness or exposure to sickness in our group. I'm glad they are taking precautions to protect the MTC from the Swine Flu. On Tayler's entrance he was given a card with his MTC address, an official name tag, and his "dork dot" as President Campbell lovingly called it. The orange sticker designates that it's his first day at the MTC.--I guess if he's found wandering, someone will help him! Inside the lobby area, Tayler handed me a seam ripper and informed me it was my job to take out the stitches that closed his suit pocket, and then I was to put his new name tag on him. I of course was delighted to help, and do my last bit of mothering. We took a few last pictures, and then began our long walk down several long hallways whose walls were lined with poster size photos of missionaries. One that stood out was of an elder baptizing someone in a white font--rectangular, and cut out of ICE. Ow! At last we arrived in a large assembly room with a large screen where they were projecting Mormon ad videos and fun facts about the MTC. Did you know that it takes a small dairy of 400 cows to supply the MTC with enough milk each week--something like 20,000 gallons of milk? After a time the MTC president and his wife came in. We started the meeting by singing Called to Serve. The mission president spoke for a while telling us about the MTC, how a general authority comes to speak every Tuesday, about how they would have official orientation later that day, that they wouldn't be calling on Mother's day this year, but they will next year. It was good talk, leaving us with a feeling that all was well. His wife spoke too. The meeting was short, but not too short. I felt it was time to go when it was over. Tayler and I smiled at each other when the mission president advised the families that saying good bye was like taking off a bandaid, quick was a little less painful. So we had our last hugs, and I soaked it in as best I could for as long as I dared, kissed his cheek and passing him on to his dad and Rochelle and BJ. He walked past us, and around the back of the chairs, gave us a little salute as he neared the door, and I said to myself "harrah, harrah for Israel". And then blew my nose!
Saying good bye was hard, but not bad. I think the reason it wasn't bad was because earlier that morning we prayed together. We knelt together before we left the condo, and I offered the prayer. I was able to thank the Lord for the bounteous blessing he had bestowed upon Tayler over the past year, and over his life. We were able to commend him into the hands of the Lord in my prayer, and shed a few joyful tears in the process. We were able to embrace with no time constraints and no one looking on. It was in that sacred space that I really said goodbye and made the transition of letting him go. In the MTC, it was just the formality, and really to me a added gift of having a few more moments with him. It was hard saying goodbye for two years, but on the other hand, I felt such joy that he has come to this place in his life. He has overcome so many hurdles. His testimony is strong, and he bore it last Sunday in church, and it thrilled my heart to hear it. I came to realize then, that he was really ready, and the time had appropriately come for his full time service.

The extra 6 weeks given before his mission was a tender mercy from Heavenly Father. We felt so calm sending him into the MTC knowing he was fully recovered from his open heart surgery. He will be totally capable of riding a bike and accepting the rigors of full time missionary service. We don't question anything, we know he is measuring up. That is a comforting feeling, as we haven't heard from him yet, and we will only hear from him once a week. Another tender mercy is that Tayler was able to go out with our ward missionaries several times in the pasts 6 weeks. This really helped him get prepared for his mission, and strengthened his testimony so much. He got to work with his cousin Erik outside for a week or so, and renew his friend ship with him also. I'm sure there were other blessings associated with that extra 6 weeks that we will come to realize in days to come.

Prom Dress
This may be insignificant to some, but not to Cara and I. In the short time we had after the MTC, Quin and I went to the mall and looked for a prom dress for Cara. In Oregon, Cara had looked at several malls, and downtown Portland for a modest prom dress--to no avail. I went to 2 stores, and found quite a selection. I ended up buying 2 dress--on sale, no less. I tried them on which was kind of fun and funny. They definitely didn't look like "mother of the bride" dresses, and I did get some interesting assessments from the sales clerks! Fortunately when I got home, Cara loved the dresses, and the one that fit best was chosen. Happily, a good friend of mine has a daughter who also needed a dress, had no time to shop, and loved the other dress! So, we helped bless their lives also. It was cool how that worked out.

Flying Home

Our trip to Utah was soooo, quick. We were extremely happy that Rochelle planned to fly home with us so she could see my concert, and visit a little longer. We LOVED bringing her and Gabe home with us. I think Quin took over 100 pictures of Gabe on the airplane alone! He nearly filled up his memory card in that one day we were gone!!!

Concert Focus
Once we got home, my focus shifted to preparations for our Sherwood Chorale 5th anniversary concert which was this weekend. I had much to do on Thursday to prepare for rehearsal, and spent from 2:45-10:00 at the high school in rehearsal. I felt bad leaving Rochelle, but she was happy to be with Quin and to blog, and play the piano, and sort through a box of her high school stuff. One of her goals was to find a quiet book that I made when she was a baby, and after a bit of searching she found it.

Concerts
Friday, Rochelle and I both got mother's day presents from Quin-back massages from a friend of ours. We enjoyed it, and I also got my haircut. That evening the Sherwood Chorale concert was very fun. Anna performed in the Children's choir, and Collin accompanied. Anna is so smiley and cute on stage. She has great stage presence, and sings so well. Collin is everything I could want in an accompanist. He plays accurately, with expression. He pays attention to what is happening, and follows well. In that performance, we missed an entrance and he kept playing, then repeated back when we came in. He's such a great musician. I really appreciate his support, and the fact that his is so respectful, and willing to do what ever I ask as a director. He is very professional, he listens to my direction and does what I say. We never have mother/son conflicts over music, or anything really. It has been very convenient, and very gratifying to have him as the Children's choir accompanist. The concert was very enjoyable for the choir, and for me. They were well prepared, and other than a few technical glitches everything went well. The joint number we did with Michael Allen Harrison and Julianne Johnson was sheer pleasure. We rehearsed for a half hour before the concert. That was fun working with them to get our finished product planned out. Michael's jazz embellishments just lit the choir members faces up. It was delightful to hear the transformation of the song. Julianne is masterful in her ability to sing in a jazz style. It was a bit hard to sing our part the first time through because we were all hearing incredible things, and we were trying to soak it all in, and remember what we were supposed to be doing. After we finally decided on where to put in a repeat where Michael would have a piano solo section, we were good to go. What fun that was! At the end of our half of the concert, we sang the joint song, and it was delightful. After intermission we heard Michael play a lullaby he wrote for his new 17 day old baby. Julianne sang several songs with Michael, and at the end she called the Chorale and kids choir up on stage to sing-a gospel rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Waters", and "Don't Trouble the Water". It was cool, she had us sing back up. It wasn't great, but it was FUN. In fact it was a blast. She had the audience in the palm of her hand. The audience didn't want them to quit, so she ended with by having the audience sing with her "What the World Needs Now". Wow, there was energy in the air, and a euphoria among the choir that you could cut with a knife.
As I was milling around after the concert, I started up the aisle, and low and behold, there was BJ!! He had flown in that evening, rented a car and drove to the concert! Rochelle and he had decided they would surprise us! I was so surprised, and so HAPPY that he was there to hear Julianne sing (he missed our part of the concert-but there was Saturday for that). I had felt bad when we realized Rochelle wouldn't be home with BJ until the evening on Mother's day, so when he showed up I was so excited!!!

Saturday's performance followed a leisure day of rest. At the greenroom we gave autographed posters to 9 choir members who were in the first Sherwood Chorale concert. Four of those people had been in all 9 of the concerts and the other 5 had been in 8 total. I think that is amazing. In five years, we have done a lot of music, and it has been a wonderful experience. We made an awesome 5 minute video which was shown in the concert celebrating our 5 years.

The performance was even better that Friday night, no technical problems, and the Children's choir didn't mix up words, or miss anything! The Chorale sang tighter, and everything was expressive and just wonderful. At intermission, I was surprised to learn that Michael Allen Harrison had brought his step son as a guest to perform with him. (Julianne was not there). I met him on stage and we had a nice chat. I had no idea what an astounding performance I was about to witness. The second half of the concert started out wonderfully, as Michael always plays incredibly. I loved his lullaby, and his 3 songs he played alone. Then out came Tanner Johnson with his violin. He played "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess, Michael has played it at every concert, but with Tanner on the violin it was incredible. I have NEVER heard jazz violin like that, and it was breath taking. I was on the edge of my seat with my jaw dropped on the ground. This 17 year old played with musical maturity, and fineness that was completely breath taking. They played several songs together, and both piano and violin were played with virtuosity and complete expression of the musical canvass upon which they danced. They are releasing a CD this summer. They played a tango called Chocolate Kisses which they are releasing on a Tango CD, and will be playing it at a concert next Valentines Day. I heard many an audience member say they are going to that event! What an incredible concert. We were blown away.

After a much visiting after the concert, we were gathering up our last things to leave, and the janitor was waiting for us to leave so he could lock up. He told me his boss said we were doing the custodial work. I said yes, we were cleaning up the PAC and putting everything back the way we found it. He informed me that we had to mop the lobby and clean the bathrooms! So Quin I and Collin were the last people left! I was so grateful Quin just got the mop and mopped the lobby--there was pop spilled on the floor, and it was indeed messy. We got out of cleaning the bathrooms somehow. Wow, I wasn't expecting that, but Quin was my hero. By the time we got to the choir party at the Rebecca Lodge, all the treats were gone. :( It was sad. We did get there in time for the entertainment. Russell Griffin once again replaced several of our Chorale songs with funny words, and we were highly entertained. Then we watched the video of the show, and went home just before midnight. Once home we visited for a while more because it was hard to come down after the concert high! Then we hit the hay--what a wonderful day!

Mother's Day
To end the week, we had Mother's day. The kids made Rochelle and I a wonderful waffle breakfast with 3 kinds of fruit, whip cream, gourmet eggs, sausage and bacon orange juice, and my favorite--white grape peach juice. It was lovely, AND Rochelle and BJ gave me the wonderful gift of salt and pepper mills! Just what I've been wanting! We enjoyed church--I especially loved holding Gabe during sacrament meeting. He wanted me to hold him, I could tell. :) He's a delightful child. After church, we had a quick lunch, and sadly said good bye to Rochelle, BJ and Gabe. I was so sad to see them go, but so grateful they came for my concert and Mother's Day. Oh how I love my children! I miss Tayler today, but I just know he is doing great. I'm sure Marissa will call when she gets a chance, and I'm looking forward to talking to her. (They left for California Wednesday)

I've been writing this blog for a good long time. What a wonderful and memorable week. It may be too much information for a blog, but for me it's a record I don't want to forget, and I do want to copy it for Tayler. These experiences are choice, and are milestones in my life.

Richard's Testimony

My Testimony of the Book of Mormon
The Book of Mormon has had a profound influence on my life. I remember as a child being called in to the family room by my parents to have our daily scripture study. We would start by singing a song called “Scripture Power.” The chorus is as follows,
scripture power - keeps me safe from sin,
scripture power - is the power to win,
scripture power - every day I need,
the power that I get each time I read.
As we sang our song and began to read, a peaceful spirit would fill our home and our hearts. I began to develop faith in the power of the word of God and I began to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. I took for granted then the impact that the Book of Mormon was having on my life, but looking back now, I can see what it has done. I really learned to love the Book of Mormon on my mission as I had the opportunity to extensively study it and teach from it each day. It answered many prayers that I had and through the words it contains, I was able to bless the lives of many others. I love the way the Bible and the Book of Mormon go together. The Bible provides amazing insight into the life, miracles, and ministry of Jesus Christ and relates the experience of His atonement. For me, the Book of Mormon goes into greater depth explaining the absolute need for Christ and the grace He offers through His sacrifice. The Book of Mormon has brought me closer to Christ than any other book and has taught me invaluable truths that pertain to His gospel. I absolutely know that it is true and I know that if you sincerely read it and pray to know that it is true, you can have the same witness I have had and experience the same blessings.

Marissa's Testimony

My testimony of The Book of Mormon is one that has developed gradually.  Every time I pray about it, I always feel that it is true and that the things written in it are truly the word of God.  Every time I read the Book of Mormon, I feel a sense of peace and joy, knowing that the stories and principles taught are written for our day, and for me.  I know that there is always something that I can apply to my life and whatever situation I am in, if I just look a little deeper at what I read.  When I pray before I read, my scripture study is especially meaningful, and becomes a tutorial with Heavenly Father as he pours in deeper knowledge and understanding.  My life is enriched and I am a happier person when I read the scriptures.  
I know that Joseph Smith was a true prophet of God.  He was the instrument through which Heavenly Father Restored the Gospel on the Earth.  He was a man, a human being just like the rest of us, but through the Power of God, he became the person God intended him to be. He was ordained of God, and I am forever thankful for his dedication and faith.
I know that Christ lives and that he Atoned for each of our sins, as well as all of our pains, sicknesses and grief. He knows us all intimately, and loves us more than we can understand. With the knowledge that I don't have to bear the pains of life all on my own, I know that I can go through life being as happy as possible. That is what life is about.
I bear witness that the scriptures testify of joy and happiness, and have the keys to our eternal happiness within them.

Marissa Patterson
Ventura, California, USA

Rochelle's Testimony

The Book of Mormon has been a great blessing to me, and I know it can be for you too. The Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ- it goes along with the Bible. It is a record of the people of ancient America, but it is so much more than just a history. It teaches about Jesus Christ's visit to the American continent following his resurrection, and it helps us feel His unconditional love for us. By reading The Book of Mormon, you can learn to have faith in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and understand what you must do to return to live with Him and our Heavenly Father after this life. By praying while you read The Book of Mormon, you can be assured of the validity and truthfulness of the words written in it, and you can receive personal guidance and direction on matters in your own life. Prayerfully reading and searching the scriptures will bring a peace and joy to your life- because reading the scriptures and acting in faith invites the ultimate Comforter- The Holy Ghost- into your life.

I have a testimony that The Book of Mormon is true, and that the prophet Joseph Smith translated it from gold plates by the power of God. I love The Book of Mormon and am grateful for what it has taught me about Christ, love, eternal families, parenting, and being a good friend and neighbor. It has brought so much happiness into my life. I promise it can for you too.

Rochelle Taylor

Springville, Utah, USA

BJ's Book of Mormon testimony

For as long as I can remember, I have loved reading the stories and teachings from The Book of Mormon. The lessons taught in this book have had a profound influence on my life. I have found the more that I have followed the teachings in this book, the happier I am. They are the teachings of Christ, and the stories are stories of his followers in the ancient Americas. I cannot speak highly enough of this book. It has been a cornerstone in my life, and I know that the book is true. I have read it, and I have prayed to know of its truth, and I can't tell you how I know, but I just know that it is true. I feel it inside of me. It is good, and it brings me happiness. It is a gift from a loving Heavenly Father to us, His children. I ask you to read it. Think about what it teaches, and pray about it. If you do these things, and if this book truly is from God, as I say it is, God will tell you whether or not it is true. The answer will comes as a peaceful, happy feeling. And when you feel that feeling, you will know for yourself that this book is true. And if this book is true, then you can also know that Joseph Smith was called of God.

God lives. His Son Jesus Christ did come to Earth, to atone for us. We are His children, and He loves us. This book teaches us these things and so much more. It is my prayer that this book, The Book of Mormon, will help you find the the answers to your prayers, and bring peace to your life as it has to mine.

My Testimony

This is my testimony of the Book of Mormon.

I have a strong testiony of the Book of Mormon. I know without a shadow of a doubt that it is true and it has incredible power to heal, teach and guide a person in their life. I have seen this in my life and i know it to be true. As i have read and pondered the things that are written in this inspired book, my prayers have been answered. It has given me comfort when i needed it, counsel when i don't know what to do. It is God's way of communicating with his children here; it was written for each of us. This book has solidified my testimony of my Savior Jesus Christ. It is another testament of his Glory and I know he appeared to his children in the Americas. I know he speaks to a living prophet today who leads and guides us. He sends his spirit to testify of this truth. If you read Moroni 10:3-5 and follow Moroni's counsel, this spirit will testify of the truth, i know it and I will always know it. This book is the most incredible and true book you will read.

Cara Christensen
Age 17
Sherwood, Oregon USA

Tayler's Testimony

My testimony of the Book of Mormon is just the beginning of my testimony as a whole. when I finally prayed to know if the Book of Mormon was true, I most definitely got my answer. It was indeed true. Then, with my logical nature, that testimony was all i needed to confirm my testimony as a whole, and it is as follows. If the Book of Mormon is true, then Joseph Smith Translated it from the Gold Plates by the Power of God. If He was able to do that, then Joseph Smith was a prophet. If Joseph Smith was a prophet, then God Exists, and he loves us. If Joseph Smith restored the Gospel, and he was prophet, then there is still a prophet on the earth today. all these things stemmed from my gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon. I am so grateful to my heavenly father for providing his son Jesus Christ to atone for my sins, as well as for those of the world. I know that by abiding by the precepts the Lord has set, I can one day return to live with him, and with my family.

Anna's Book of Mormon testimony

During family night we wrote our testimonies about the book of Mormon so that Tayler could put it in a Book of Mormon to give to an investigator on his mission. This is mine.
As I have grown up in the church I have been taught that the Book of Mormon is true and that Jesus Christ lived and died for us on earth and that we will be able to live with our Heavenly Father again if we follow the commandments. I think this is absolutely true I still have to read a lot of the Book of Mormon to really have a full testimony on it, but I know most of the stories and know that they are true. I know that if we read the scriptures and follow the commandments we will be able to live with our Heavenly Father again..


Anna Christensen age 10 Sherwood, OR USA

My Testimony--Book of Mormon insert

Quin did an excellent job describing our family night last night. It was one of those FHE's that was kind of spontaneously effective. It just grew from a good idea to a full blown lesson in moments. I'm glad we took time to develop it, and call the children back to read our testimonies when we were done. Here's my testimony for the collection. Rochelle is going to compile these, and format and print them for Tayler to take with him. Later he can insert them into each Book of Mormon he places.

Anyone who would like to post in a comment their testimony could join us in this endeavor. You could also just e-mail it to Rochelle. Mine is 224 words I think, and it fits perfectly into the book with a size 12 font.

Hello Friend,
I’m glad you have accepted this copy of the Book of Mormon. It is one of my favorite books, and I have read it many times. Each time I read it, I gain new insights about how I can be a better person and align myself with the gospel of Jesus Christ. The teachings in this book are true, and if you study them you will be a better person for it. I am grateful for the examples chronicled in these pages, for I have learned much about service, love, faith in Jesus Christ, the atonement, pride, endurance, and much more. I know these things are true because I have felt the Holy Spirit as I have read and studied these words. This witness of the Spirit has made me feel peaceful, warm, and sure. I often go to this book as I seek answers to problems I face, or to feel comfort and assurance. Reading from its pages regularly makes me feel like I can meet my challenges, and become the person I was meant to become. I hope you will read it, and follow the admonition found in the last chapter of the book on page 529, Moroni 10:3-5. These verses outline how you can receive a witness from the Spirit that the book is true.

I love Jesus Christ and his gospel, and I testify that this is a true testament of Him.

Cindy Arave Christensen
Sherwood, Oregon, United States of America