Seminary graduation

So tonight was seminary graduation. Josh was o e of the two graduates who spoke. 

We have a sweet friend who was watching Craig up on the stand - because he’s a seminary teacher. She came up to him later and said that he was almost at the ugly cry as Josh spoke about. I’m glad I wasn’t up on the stand. I’ve been ugly crying all day. (Today was a double missionary farewell and Josh will hopefully turn in his papers this week. I’ve been projecting.)

Josh talked about the difference between seminary in Idaho and seminary here in California. In Idaho it was part of the school day. Here it’s early morning at 5:45. He said it was hard, but it was worth it because he has grown - which is the whole point. 

He said on those days where he missed seminary, which were few in number, he could tell something was missing in his day. 

He talked about his 9th grade year when he had his appendix out and missed so much school. When his seminary class found out why he was absent, they prayed every prayer remembering to ask that he would heal quickly. And his recovery was miraculous. 

He read three scriptures that showed that trials are part of the plan for us. 

First Alma had to do everything he could. He was rejected and went away sorrowing before the Lord sent the angel to bless him. God let Alma feel the sorrow before He sent the blessing. 

Moroni watched his people be destroyed. In fact he was the lone survivor and he had to hide from his enemies who were trying to kill him. But he still was obedient  and willing to do what was necessary to help his enemies. 

And a preview to next year. 

 

Some times God tells us to be patient. The time is not ready for relief or the blessing. But the blessing is coming. 

We are put here on this earth to grow. That means we have to go through trials. But that growth that we achieve is a glorious thing. (My words because I don’t remember his exactly.)

Then the seniors sang Book of Mormon stories. 

The seminary teachers said something nice about each senior. This is what Josh’s teacher said about him. 

Josh Oswald -

Josh is the undisputed DM King of our class. Wherever students have the choice of picking their team for a DM activity, Josh is fought over like the last dinner roll at Sunday dinner. This knowledge doesn't come easily though. Josh works hard for everything he knows. His passion for the scriptures shines in class, and has made him the unspoken leader of our class. He has a testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ and strives to follow his example. He plans on going on a mission after he finishes up his papers in the next couple months.

After the meeting, the cultural hall was set up with pictures of the seniors and their favorite scripture. 

As we were coming home Craig said that the Spirit whispered to him that Josh is ready. 

As I said thank you to his teachers, one of them said that we raised an awesome son. I responded that he came that way. We just managed to not mess him up too bad. 

I am doing all I can to get him ready to leave me. And then I will collapse in sorrow and loneliness for the boy who made me a mother. This drive I have to facilitate him leaving is me crazy and will lead to my sorrow. But that sorrow will be sweetened by knowing he is on the Lord’s errand. That will be the only way that I will be able to bear it. 

It has all happened so fast. I don’t want to forget these blessings that the Lord is giving me today. 

Because of President Nelson’s devotional to the youth next week, our seminary graduation was a week early. He has three days of high school left - forever. But he has four days of seminary left. He was laughing at that tonight. 

A milestone reached tonight. A precious memory made. 

Psalms 8

When I read this I always think of Shakespeare for a minute. It’s been so long I’m not really sure of the reference, but I think The Tempest uses this verse in reference to Caliban struggling to understand his humanity. 

But where ever Shakespeare used this phrase, David started the dialogue about this idea. Why does God so regard us. We are disobedient, rebellious, and petulant. However, we are his children and He created this world for us. 

It is up to us to live up to our potential and lineage. 

Savage beauty

From my walk today. The dessert is blossoming. 

Mother’s Day

This year I was not looking forward to Mother’s Day. But it turned out to be a wonderful day. 

It actually started yesterday. It was the youth temple trip and I printed out about 20 names for the boys to take. Most of the names were female. Our ward has the youth meet at different times. But the priests went with the girls so they could baptize. I still think that is so awesome. Josh was able to baptize again. He also took the names so they got done. Craig too Boaz an hour later and drove a car load. They all came home energized and excited.  

They also brought home lunch and flowers. 

I love calla lilies. I love the smooth, clean, elegant lines of callas. Callas were my wedding flowers. 

These lovely colorful flowers also grace my table. Lovely purple and yellow flowers. 

Today was my turn to teach Sunday School. The scheduled lesson was Joshua. So I got to teach the scriptures that inspired my sons name on Mother’s Day. It was tender. 

After dinner, and a short nap, the boys read me a poem they they wrote for me - with Craig’s encouragement. 

Joshua & Boaz Oswald

May 12, 2018

Happy Mother’s Day

“A Mother’s Love”

A Mother’s Love is not one spent on just the child,

It is a blazing torch passed down by generations from parent to child to grandchild,

A blazing fire of warmth that ignites a new spark.

Each spark grows brighter,

It lights into a flame,

The flame of the heart that gives love its name.

The small child starts out with a squeal,

This squeal of steel hits against the mother’s flint ears,

to ignite the fire-ready kindling in the heart,

The flash in the heart tells of a spark

This spark doesn’t go out,

It doesn’t grow dim,

Each spark grows brighter,

It lights into a flame,

The flame of the heart that gives love its name.

This spark catches on the mother’s ready fuel,

The flame licks up and grows strong,

As the child grows healthy.

Its blaze can start to withstand all the whining that grows with it.

No amount of wailing winds or watery tears can put out the flame.

The flame swells hotter,

It swells into a fire,

The fire of the heart that makes smiles brighter.

This fire in the heart became the fuel for life,

It’s love was bright enough to overcome all strife.

Even with the intensity of its great heat,

The fire still burned stronger,

It burned into a blaze,

The blaze of the heart that is so strong in this phase.

But as the mother’s spark grew,

The kids’ did too.

The young ones also got the spark,

And like their mother’s it never grew dark,

It was a little more shy.

The light wasn’t as brave,

But it began to build and build like fires do.

The spark grew into a flame,

The flame swelled into a fire,

The fire burned into a blaze.

This blaze created a new spark,

The child’s child fire was started.

The torch was passed on.

An eternal flame greater than any one fire.

This light burns brighter than the sun.

It gives warmth to everyone.

It holds together the earth and Heaven above.

Nothing is stronger than a Mother’s love.

I cried real tears, but they were happy tears. 

Firsts

Yesterday was open house at the middle school. Boaz had to play in the band at 6:30. It was also his first chance to go to young men’s as a teacher, and it was a combined activity. He thought they would only play for 15 minutes, giving us a narrow turn around window for changing out of his black and white concert attire. They played until 7:00. He asked later in the car if would even be worth going. I said that he would miss 30 minutes of a 90 minute activity. There was still plenty of fun to be had. He came home so happy that he went. He got to hang out with his friends again.  A big day. 

Josh went out with the missionaries yesterday. He told me after he dreaded it all day, but it was of those, I am so glad I went, experiences. They had a lesson set up with a girl who was friends with a Mia Maid in the other ward. She was excited to learn. Josh got to contribute. He is more excited about his mission. These elders are simply amazing. I am so grateful they included him in an amazing opportunity. 

Sunday meet with Thea

First off I grabbed a picture from last night. 

I do love this boy. 

The requested birthday treat. Apple pie. 

We attended the first two meeting of church today, and then we got ready to drive south. 

It was so great to see Thea again. It had been about a year and a half since the boys and I had seen her. Boaz was way taller since she saw him last. At time, Craig and I just listened to them talking and laughing. They were so cute. Craig and Thea just relaxed into each other’s presence. 

Thea and I tormented Josh and made him pose for pictures. I need to get graduation announcements for him. 

With glasses. 

Without glasses. 

Just because I’m weird. I really played with the color in this one. I love the intense blues 

We asked a sweet lady with an old, friendly dog to take our picture. The first time since last Thanksgiving. We are all wearing our sunglasses. 

We met an awesome pelican during our wandering today. He was way tame and let us walk right up to him. 

Then I got a shot of the kids passing him. They weren’t too sure about getting that close. 

But he just ignored them as they walked the edge. 

14

Weeks ago, perhaps months ago, I noticed a poster at the Stake Center while I was doing the Family Searxh Library thing. 

We went two years ago and absolutely loved it. I also noticed the date. I had been asking Boaz what he wanted for his birthday for weeks already and here was something that I knew he would enjoy. 

Tonight’s the night. Boaz is finally 14 and we are off to enjoy some great music. Very excited. 

Boaz is happy to be a teacher. He will have to wait until next week though. He is the last of his friends to advance and he has been waiting for months. 

Last night his friend group, BANJO for Blake, Ashley, Nate, Jake and Oswald, got together and prepared for an epic Dungeons and Dragons game to be played sometime in the future. Josh was included in this group plan and Craig and I hung out in our living room full of teenagers and enjoyed the excitement of some awesome youth.  

And to make the weekend complete, Thea is flying into San Diego tonight and we’ll be able to see her tomorrow.  I am hoping for some pictures tomorrow. 

Scripture - Deuteronomy 32

This verse caught my attention because it laments a people who lack wisdom. Those who refuse to understand - refusing being an active verb and a deliberate choice. 

Some times I just look at the day and don’t consider the latter end. I get caught up in the moment and try and make it infinite. But it is just a moment, the eternal is in the capable and kind hands of God. 

I need to do better to keep a more far reaching perspective of life. I need to focus on being kinder and let the irritation go. I’m over 50, I should be better at this. 

Sooner than expected

This came way sooner than expected. 

And with its arrival, josh felt new motivation. He worked on his papers and said he is about half way through. 

We have two young men that are a year ahead of him who have received their calls from our ward. They chose to attend a year of school first. That might have encouraged him to get after the paperwork a bit also. 

It’s hard to think that his senior year is winding down. I’m not really ready. 

Ready or not, right?