General Conference and traditions

I love General Conference! I usually end up crying for eight hours. I also have a deepening love for the speakers and representatives of Jesus. 

Years ago, I wanted my boys to love General Conference too. So the tradition was born. 

I have tried different recipies through the years. This year I substituted butter for coconut oil. Instead of milk, I tried almond milk. 

And while I baked, I listened, sang, and cried. 

Elder Holland and President Uchtdorf have particularly touched me this morning. I found my attention drawn by Elder Oaks. 

This afternoon I drank in Elder Rasband. What wonderful men and women to teach us. 

The best time of the year

Star

Boaz got his Star rank advancement. He also got 4-5 more merit badges. We are well on our way to Life. He will be eligible February. Then it is time for the Eagle. 

Pinning the mother's pin. 

He really wants to be done already. We are well on our way. Almost there. 

Scripture - 1 Nephi

This is one of my all time favorite scripture. When I feel small and unimportant, when I feel like no one is listening, when I feel like I have ruined all my chances - these verses show me the error of my emotions. 

He is constantly aware and eternally faithful. He cannot forget me. He suffered for me and knows all my weaknesses and tendencies for drama. Even knowing this, He loves me and will not leave me. 

He gives me space to learn and grow. He gives help and direction, even if it takes me a while to see His hand guiding me. He encourages me to dream and stretch. 

He is everything. 

New pants.

New pants came in the mail today. 

Geni pants for sure. 

The details aren't as apparent in this picture, but Boaz is the proud owner of a pair of Geni pants as well. 

Classic photo bombing by Boaz. 

Shaking hands

Saturday Craig and I went to a religious freedom fireside. Elder Christofferson was the main attraction. We arrived early, because a member of the Twelve was going to be there.  Craig saw a fellow seminary teacher and we made our way over to sit by him and his wife. 

We chatted for a good 45 minutes on a variety of topics. In the middle of a conversation, I turned to look at Craig, who was sitting in the aisle seat. And right there was Elder Christofferson. 

He waited for Craig to see he was there. Craig stood up, and then we all stood up. We all got to shake his hand. We watched as he made his way up the aisle, smiling and shaking hands as he went. He was so nice to greet people before the meeting started. 

We got to listen to lawyers who work for the Church. In fact one of the speakers was the main counsel for the Church for 30 years. He told about being in Washington DC on September 11 ,2001. He saw the low flying plane with the landing gear still up and then saw the fireball as it hit the Pentagon. They had to drive back cross county because all the planes were 

We were encouraged lift where we stand. To engage in the dialogue and stand for religious freedom. 

Something to think about and pray about for sure. 

He's home

I didn't realize until after seminary that this was 9/11. Sixteen years ago he was scheduled to fly to Pennsylvania. Today, he was on a plane coming home. 

I'm so glad he's home. It was good he had the time with Thea. She needed to see him. He has a way of smoothing her path. 

He still misses Hawaii a bit. 

Scripture - 1 Nephi

As I had previously said, Craig is teaching seminary this year. They are studying the Book of Mormon. He has been in Hawaii for the last week visiting Thea and his biannual business meeting. 

Today I was his sub. The lesson was on 1 Nephi 1. I have found out that I miss a lot as I read. I don't know if I'm impatient to get on with the story or what, but there is a lot in the first chapter of Nephi that I rush through. 

Just one thing.  

Perhaps the most well known verse in the Book of Mormon. 

The manual asked a question that I needed to go back and find. 

What did Nephi’s "knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God" lead him to do?

He made a record. We have been asked to keep journals. Mine is sporratic. I've gotten better in this format. Basically this blog is a journal. I don't write in it everyday, but I try to make several posts a month. I have improved my journals with the ponderizing idea that this post is a part of. Usually I just write about silly things. 

Nephi wrote his because he had a knowledge of the goodness and the mysteries of God. 

Something to ponder.