Robin Honey

I want to tell you a story, it is a true story. It made me cry.

It is about a mother of two young daughters. I would say they are about 3 and 5. They were helping their husband/father get ready for a very special Youth Conference that was planned by their Stake. They all drove up into the mountains together, but they were delayed because of an accident on the freeway.

I am not clear on many of the details  but I do know this…

The mother and her daughters were going to stay at the base camp while their husband/father spent time at the activity site with the youth. The delay on the freeway created a situation where the mother and her daughters ended up at the activity site. They decided to walk to base camp from there.

It was approaching the hottest part of the day, but there were many trees in the area so there were patches of shade along the way. As they started walking, they found a little relief in the shade, but quickly learned that it was an uphill climb all the way back. The girls were in flip flops and they did not have any water. This mother was determined that they would make it up to camp, even if it took them all day. She stopped often to let the girls rest in the shade.

It did not take long for a faithful child to suggest to her mother that they stop and pray for help. The mother quickly agreed and they prayed together.

In the meantime, another woman from a different Stake, was magnifying her calling at Girls Camp. This woman was responsible for a specific project and was the first to arrive on site and the last to leave. It is her nature to do so. But something happened. For no specific reason, she decided to leave early. She handed over the lock to a trusted friend and instructed her on what to do when they were done with their activity. As this woman traveled up the dusty road back to camp, she came upon a mother with two small children. Without hesitation, she pulled over and asked if they wanted a ride. They gratefully accepted.

On the drive up the hill, the mother explained their situation and stated that they had just finished having prayer together. The two women talked for the remaining two miles. As the mother and children were dropped off at their camp, they exchanged names, shook hands and said good bye.

We are often reminded that one of the ways that the Lord blesses us is through others, that answers to prayers may also come through others. I know that it is not always easy to recognize that the service extended by others are the blessings or answers that we are searching for. I also know that it is not always easy to recognize the moments when WE are the tools required in order for these blessings to come to pass. How important is it that we follow the promptings of the Holy Ghost and act upon them. Even when it is not our nature to alter our behavior.

This is something I will never forget.

I will also never forget the name of the woman who’s hand I shook.

It was a pleasure meeting you Robin Honey.

Callings

Three and a half years ago, when I was called to serve as Primary President, I thought to myself – It doesn’t get any worse than this. I truly thought the Bishopric was crazy! (Just being honest.)

I was wrong on both counts. It was one of the most rewarding callings that I have ever had. I wanted to stay there forever.
I knew that was impossible (and selfish) and  when I was released , I thought to myself – It doesn’t get any worse than this. I truly thought the Bishopric was crazy!

Flash forward to today.

I was sustained as a Relief Society teacher. I am now thinking – It doesn’t get any worse than this. The Bishopric IS crazy!
However, I was also set apart as the Transition Specialist (helping the Young Women transition into Relief Society) as well.
It’s a great big band-aid that helps with the sting of a calling that puts me so FAR out of my comfort zone. I am hopeful that the two callings will go hand in hand, that I will be able to gear my attention and messages to the wonderful YW.

As for the sister’s in Relief Society, my sincere apologies.
Please be patient, understanding, forgiving and FORGETFUL!!

Stay tuned . . .

There is a certain relief in change, even though it be from bad to worse!  As I have often found in travelling in a stagecoach, that it is often a comfort to shift one's position, and be bruised in a new place.  ~Washington Irving

I LOVE Lake Powell

While we returned a day early (due to cold, wet weather), relaxing was not an option. It has been a busy week.

I did, however, manage to sneak in a few minutes here and there each day and threw a quick recap together…

Seasons

Beyond spring, summer, winter and fall we experience seasons of life.

I'm not sure what my current season is.

I have been out of Primary for about a month now.
    I am lost at church.
My children are grown, my oldest: working and in college, my baby: a Senior in High School now.
    I am not sure how much longer they will need me.
There has been changes at work.
    I'm thankful for job security. (As secure as it can be/no guarantees)

It has been said that the only constant in life is change. But I know this is not true.
The light of the Savior is a constant.
The Holy Ghost can be our constant companion.
With these steadfast constants, I know that I can endure the constant of change.

S’Mores

A perfect backyard activity!

Ultimate good deed -

I posted this article on my facebook wall, but wanted to share it here too! You can read it HERE

Weaning

Today, Taylor had ANOTHER semi-annual visit with her Orthopedic Surgeon.
She has been given the green light to start weaning her back off of the brace.

Let me remind you how good this news is…
she has been wearing a brace every night for more than 14 years.
(and I have been putting it on EVERY night for more than 14 years.)

She started wearing her first brace at the age of 3.
See how little it is!

 

Thankfully, she was a slow grower. We only had to buy and fit her into 5 more.

Fitting, is quite a process!
It starts with 5-6 layers of body socks. All of the wrinkles MUST be smoothed out.
She is placed on a table that has a board laid out on it. (The board resembles a peg board.)
While looking at her X-ray, two men would push and twist her until she was in the correct position.
A metal peg would be put in the board to secure her in place.
They continued this process until she was pegged up as straight as possible.
Next step, a body cast. She would have to lay perfectly still and endure the increasing warmth of the setting cast.
This became the mold in which her brace was fitted to. She went through this 6 times.
(Don't forget, Kylee had one brace too.)

So… now it is official. NO MORE BRACE!

I am grateful for skilled and caring doctors & surgeons that have been a big part of our life for so long.
I am so grateful for this, and many other, wonderful answers to prayers.