Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Love. Show all posts
Monday, February 14, 2011
Saturday, December 25, 2010
nine
NINE months ago today, our bouncy, happy, busy Gage was born.
I can not imagine life without him.
Today we think of his beautiful Korin. You have made this Christmas Day full of joy. More joy than we thought our hearts would ever feel. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life.
You will always be part of us.
We love you with all of our hearts.
Merry Christmas Korin.
I can not imagine life without him.
Today we think of his beautiful Korin. You have made this Christmas Day full of joy. More joy than we thought our hearts would ever feel. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your life.
You will always be part of us.
We love you with all of our hearts.
Merry Christmas Korin.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
life changing moments
One year ago today, we had one of those life changing moments.
One year ago. And yet it seems so fresh in my memory. And still I wish I could remember every detail, every word spoken. I'd love to relive that day over and over again.
I remember being so nervous.
I was so nervous I could have thrown up. And I almost did on numerous occasions. My mind was racing at all of the different possibilities. The only details I knew were swirling in my head, and had been for the previous ten days. Korin, boy, April 5th. Korin, boy, April 5th. That is all we knew about Gage's beautiful Korin. And that is all that I could think about.
I wondered what she would look like, what she would think about us, how this whole face-to-face would go. I was freaking out. I do not do too well with social functions and meeting people. I get nervous. What do I do when I get nervous? I talk. I talk a lot. I make bad jokes. You know Chandler Bing? I am Chandler Bing.
And that is exactly what I did.
We drove up in my Tacoma (totally missing it, by the way). As we pulled into the parking lot, I scanned everyones faces and wondered if any of them could be Korin. I wondered if she was watching for us. (She had the advantage here, she had seen pictures of us from our profile). It was a cold and snowy day. Dustyn had taken the day off and we had headed up early. We wanted to make sure that we had plenty of time to get there, and by plenty I mean we had hours to kill.
Good thing I had Aubrey to keep me sane. I just love her. She knew about Korin and about our face-to-face. She kept me calm as I was texting her all morning. She is a life saver.
We went into the LDSFS Office. I had to go to the bathroom. I honestly thought I was going to puke. Dustyn talked to the receptionist and we waited a few minutes. Finally they ushered us into Korin's case worker's office. She told us a little bit about Korin and said that they were running late. As we waited, they tried to shoot the breeze with us. I definitely didn't want small talk at the moment. It was just making more antsy. We sat in silence. That was even worse. I think we were in there 30 minutes or so, but I could be wrong. It seemed like hours.
The secretary beeped in and told P that Korin was here. My heart started racing, gigantic knot in my stomach. I have no idea why I was so nervous. We had met numerous birth mother's before. Why was this one so different? P went and talked to Korin for a moment and then brought her in.
She was beautiful! And so cute! I instantly knew that I knew her. I didn't know how or when, but I knew that I knew her. I can't even explain it. We hugged and she sat down. Her mom and her son came along with her. We talked about her little boy a bit and kind of got acquainted. Of course I was nervous so I was talking fast and saying weird things and making bad jokes that no one got, and tried to ignore. Ha ha. P asked us some questions and we talked. It was awesome. I felt like a dork because I was being one, but I was in awe of Korin and her courage. I watched her with her son and knew I wanted to be a mother like Korin. I wanted to be the kind of mother that she was to her son.
I don't remember everything that was said. I remember a few questions here and there, but I do remember falling in love with Korin and her family. I wish I could get transcripts so I could remember every word that was spoken. (but then again, maybe not. I really was a dork) I am thankful that I can still remember how I felt. Those feelings and emotions are what I don't want to forget.
It was time to leave. We stood and hugged. I think I hugged Korin's mom first. After I hugged Korin, she told us that she wanted us to be her baby's parents. I immediately started sobbing. And I mean sobbing. I hugged her again and cried. Our case workers had stepped out for a minute. We said goodbye and I was walking out of the room when the case workers saw us and instantly were concerned. They left us in the room for 30 seconds alone and suddenly I come out sobbing? They were frantically asking what happened and what was wrong. Our case worker took us and P ran back in to be with Korin and her mom. They were in damage control mode. Our case worked tried to talk to us. I told him that she had chose us, but I don't think he understood (or maybe he was just being cautious. I think we were the last people he needed to be cautious with! ha ha). I don't even remember what he was saying, but I just remember laughing because I was beaming and he was still in damage control. It was all quite hilarious.
We decided to head on out. As we walked out of the room we were in, we met Korin and her family at the door. Apparently they had just finished talking to P. We said goodbye again and headed to our truck. I was still shocked that this was actually happening to us.
Dustyn I went to IKEA and had a piece of Chocolate Cake to celebrate. We also went to Target and bought Gage's first outfit. As we drove home, I tried and tried to figure out who Korin reminded me of or how I knew her. It was one of the most amazing days I had had, up to that point. The past year has been full of amazing days. More than I ever imagined possible.
One year ago. And yet it seems so fresh in my memory. And still I wish I could remember every detail, every word spoken. I'd love to relive that day over and over again.
I remember being so nervous.
I was so nervous I could have thrown up. And I almost did on numerous occasions. My mind was racing at all of the different possibilities. The only details I knew were swirling in my head, and had been for the previous ten days. Korin, boy, April 5th. Korin, boy, April 5th. That is all we knew about Gage's beautiful Korin. And that is all that I could think about.
I wondered what she would look like, what she would think about us, how this whole face-to-face would go. I was freaking out. I do not do too well with social functions and meeting people. I get nervous. What do I do when I get nervous? I talk. I talk a lot. I make bad jokes. You know Chandler Bing? I am Chandler Bing.
And that is exactly what I did.
We drove up in my Tacoma (totally missing it, by the way). As we pulled into the parking lot, I scanned everyones faces and wondered if any of them could be Korin. I wondered if she was watching for us. (She had the advantage here, she had seen pictures of us from our profile). It was a cold and snowy day. Dustyn had taken the day off and we had headed up early. We wanted to make sure that we had plenty of time to get there, and by plenty I mean we had hours to kill.
Good thing I had Aubrey to keep me sane. I just love her. She knew about Korin and about our face-to-face. She kept me calm as I was texting her all morning. She is a life saver.
We went into the LDSFS Office. I had to go to the bathroom. I honestly thought I was going to puke. Dustyn talked to the receptionist and we waited a few minutes. Finally they ushered us into Korin's case worker's office. She told us a little bit about Korin and said that they were running late. As we waited, they tried to shoot the breeze with us. I definitely didn't want small talk at the moment. It was just making more antsy. We sat in silence. That was even worse. I think we were in there 30 minutes or so, but I could be wrong. It seemed like hours.
The secretary beeped in and told P that Korin was here. My heart started racing, gigantic knot in my stomach. I have no idea why I was so nervous. We had met numerous birth mother's before. Why was this one so different? P went and talked to Korin for a moment and then brought her in.
She was beautiful! And so cute! I instantly knew that I knew her. I didn't know how or when, but I knew that I knew her. I can't even explain it. We hugged and she sat down. Her mom and her son came along with her. We talked about her little boy a bit and kind of got acquainted. Of course I was nervous so I was talking fast and saying weird things and making bad jokes that no one got, and tried to ignore. Ha ha. P asked us some questions and we talked. It was awesome. I felt like a dork because I was being one, but I was in awe of Korin and her courage. I watched her with her son and knew I wanted to be a mother like Korin. I wanted to be the kind of mother that she was to her son.
I don't remember everything that was said. I remember a few questions here and there, but I do remember falling in love with Korin and her family. I wish I could get transcripts so I could remember every word that was spoken. (but then again, maybe not. I really was a dork) I am thankful that I can still remember how I felt. Those feelings and emotions are what I don't want to forget.
It was time to leave. We stood and hugged. I think I hugged Korin's mom first. After I hugged Korin, she told us that she wanted us to be her baby's parents. I immediately started sobbing. And I mean sobbing. I hugged her again and cried. Our case workers had stepped out for a minute. We said goodbye and I was walking out of the room when the case workers saw us and instantly were concerned. They left us in the room for 30 seconds alone and suddenly I come out sobbing? They were frantically asking what happened and what was wrong. Our case worker took us and P ran back in to be with Korin and her mom. They were in damage control mode. Our case worked tried to talk to us. I told him that she had chose us, but I don't think he understood (or maybe he was just being cautious. I think we were the last people he needed to be cautious with! ha ha). I don't even remember what he was saying, but I just remember laughing because I was beaming and he was still in damage control. It was all quite hilarious.
We decided to head on out. As we walked out of the room we were in, we met Korin and her family at the door. Apparently they had just finished talking to P. We said goodbye again and headed to our truck. I was still shocked that this was actually happening to us.
Dustyn I went to IKEA and had a piece of Chocolate Cake to celebrate. We also went to Target and bought Gage's first outfit. As we drove home, I tried and tried to figure out who Korin reminded me of or how I knew her. It was one of the most amazing days I had had, up to that point. The past year has been full of amazing days. More than I ever imagined possible.
You are right, this post if full of gramatical errors. I feel sorry for your eyes and brain.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
so much love
We had the most amazing weekend ever.
Seriously, it could not have been better.
Korin met us up at the Temple after Gage's sealing and then traveled down to attend Gage's blessing. It was so great to see her. I have missed her so much. What a perfect weekend.
I have more to say, but for now I will leave you with a few pictures. (can you believe we didn't even take any after the temple. It was so cold, windy and rainy. Freezing!)
Seriously, it could not have been better.
Korin met us up at the Temple after Gage's sealing and then traveled down to attend Gage's blessing. It was so great to see her. I have missed her so much. What a perfect weekend.
I have more to say, but for now I will leave you with a few pictures. (can you believe we didn't even take any after the temple. It was so cold, windy and rainy. Freezing!)
Friday, May 14, 2010
surprises in the mail
seriously. best mother's day. ever.
yum, yum, yum.
Thank You from the bottom of my heart.
Love you forever.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
the most handsome boy I know
It might take me a little while to blog them all.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
adoption... it's about love.
After numerous requests for a link to donate to our adoption fund, I finally decided to make one.
It has been a struggle for me to decide if we should do this. Can we really accept money from other people to help build our family?
It's hard to let people help you. It's hard to be vulnerable.
But then I was thinking about it.
We love when friends, family, strangers or anyone hand out our pass-along cards. That is how they can help us! For a lot of people, donations is their way of helping and being involved. They don't feel like they can hand out a pass-along card, but they do have extra funds to help us on our journey. And they want to give.
So if donating a dollar or two here and there is your way of helping us on our journey to adopt, thank you so much for your kindness and love.
And if pass-along cards is your style of helping us out, awesome. I will send you as many as you can give away... but more on that later.
I love that so many friends and family want to help us out in our journey to adoption. I love that they want to be involved. It's overwhelming. And wonderful.
I know the best people!
Thank you so much. You love, support and kindness amazes me. We could not travel this road without you.
(and thank you so much for that certain awesome friend that is determined to send me monthly checks in the mail whether I like it or not. Srsly. Best friends ever!)
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
It's About Love
The new LDS Family Services Adoption site is up and running!
It's About Love
The new website is amazing!
There has been a lot of hard work put into the site and there are a lot of great resources. Feel free to click around and check it out.
You can find our profile by searching our names. (or one or the other)
You can also find it here.
(https://itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/21806189/ourMessage.jsf)
What?
What's that you say?
Oh.
You mean you noticed?
You noticed that our profile is void of pictures?
Why yes, yes we do have photos on our profile.
They are really great ones.
And I hope the next time you click on our profile they will have been approved and show up! We were hoping they would show up before the site went live.
*crossing fingers*
Here's hoping it's soon.
Real soon.
(yes, call me impatient. We've been waiting quite awhile for them.)
It's About Love
There has been a lot of hard work put into the site and there are a lot of great resources. Feel free to click around and check it out.
You can find our profile by searching our names. (or one or the other)
You can also find it here.
(https://itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/21806189/ourMessage.jsf)
What?
What's that you say?
Oh.
You mean you noticed?
You noticed that our profile is void of pictures?
Why yes, yes we do have photos on our profile.
They are really great ones.
And I hope the next time you click on our profile they will have been approved and show up! We were hoping they would show up before the site went live.
*crossing fingers*
Here's hoping it's soon.
Real soon.
(yes, call me impatient. We've been waiting quite awhile for them.)
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
it's about love
We were able to hear Tamra talk at the FSA Conference. She is amazing.
What a great story of adoption! To read more about her story, click here.
What a great story of adoption! To read more about her story, click here.
Monday, December 22, 2008
More adoption love!
In case you missed it...
This couple welcomed home the best Christmas gift ever! Awesome!
And this couple is officially approved to adopt! YAY!
If you know of anyone who is considering adoption, please forward their information on! They are going to be fantastic parents. Seriously.
And don't forget the rest of the amazing couples hoping to adopt. This is going to be a great year for adoption! ;)
I love it.
Be brave. Open your mouth and tell everyone you know about adoption. It is amazing what you will find out about your friends and family. It really is.
This couple welcomed home the best Christmas gift ever! Awesome!
And this couple is officially approved to adopt! YAY!
If you know of anyone who is considering adoption, please forward their information on! They are going to be fantastic parents. Seriously.
And don't forget the rest of the amazing couples hoping to adopt. This is going to be a great year for adoption! ;)
I love it.
Be brave. Open your mouth and tell everyone you know about adoption. It is amazing what you will find out about your friends and family. It really is.
Monday, December 15, 2008
So many things...
I am so sad for so many families right now. Adoption is hard. Please pray for this family, this family, this family, and this family. And sadly, I know there are many more out there facing hard aches. Why does adoption have to be so hard, yet so wonderful. I suppose that is why. Things that are the hardest, always turn out the most wonderful.
Definitely a hard week for adoption.
But there are so many wonderful things happening all around at the same time! I love the Christmas season! I love that it is a season of giving and love.
I am so excited to adopt. I love adoption and the wonderful experience that I get to be a part of. I know it will be hard. Harder than I can even imagine right now. But I know it will be wonderful and totally worth the heart ache.
Heavenly Father loves us and he wants to bless us. He know what experiences will help us for our good. He knows what will make us into the best possible people we can be. He knows each and everyone of us. He knows what we need. I am thankful for this. I am thankful that we have been through the trials that we have had. They have and continue to make us better people. Preparing us to be better parents.
I love this time of year. I love thinking about the many blessings I have in my life. I love remembering the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ and the Atonement. We are so blessed!
Definitely a hard week for adoption.
But there are so many wonderful things happening all around at the same time! I love the Christmas season! I love that it is a season of giving and love.
I am so excited to adopt. I love adoption and the wonderful experience that I get to be a part of. I know it will be hard. Harder than I can even imagine right now. But I know it will be wonderful and totally worth the heart ache.
Heavenly Father loves us and he wants to bless us. He know what experiences will help us for our good. He knows what will make us into the best possible people we can be. He knows each and everyone of us. He knows what we need. I am thankful for this. I am thankful that we have been through the trials that we have had. They have and continue to make us better people. Preparing us to be better parents.
I love this time of year. I love thinking about the many blessings I have in my life. I love remembering the life of our Savior, Jesus Christ and the Atonement. We are so blessed!
Saturday, November 8, 2008
White walls
Through our adoption journey we have been matched, packed, and ready to leave at a moments notice at least 6 or so times (really, I've lost count. We've been "matched" many more times). We prepared, loved and prayed for so so many little children. Children of God. Children we hoped and prayed would come into our home. We are prepared. We are ready. We have everything a baby would need to thrive and grow.
Lately I have felt the urge to get rid of everything. Remember the nursery? I feel like I need to paint it white. I want white walls. Now, I know you are asking, "Why put so much work into something that you are just going to paint white and start over?" I want to start over. I want to go back to the first year of our adoption journey where we were excited! Anxious! Ready! I want to feel the fresh feeling of HOPE again.
I can't look at the nursery. I never go in there, but it is always tugging at the back of my mind. After packing and unpacking so many times, it's a mess. I want to go organize it and make it perfect. Ready. But I just can't. I want to get rid of it.
Thankfully I have the gospel in my life that continually gives me hope. I have friends. Many friends that are hoping and praying for us! I have so many friends that are always there offering support. I love reading blogs. They help me so much to see how great things can turn out. And how sometimes, they don't turn out. But you know what? I am not the only one going through this. There are other people out there, like me. Yes. Little old me.
I have family that are always there! Ready to hand out pass-along cards, talk to everyone they know about adoption, and to support us in every way they can.
There is so much love and support surrounding me. How can I want to start over? I never want to forget the experiences we have had. I never want to forget the little spirits we have loved and hoped for. I never want to forget the spirit that has filled our lives with each experience. Those are perfect moments. Moments when my heart wants to jump out of my chest. Those are moments that keep me going and wanting to try again and again. Those are moments that give me hope.
Lately I have felt the urge to get rid of everything. Remember the nursery? I feel like I need to paint it white. I want white walls. Now, I know you are asking, "Why put so much work into something that you are just going to paint white and start over?" I want to start over. I want to go back to the first year of our adoption journey where we were excited! Anxious! Ready! I want to feel the fresh feeling of HOPE again.
I can't look at the nursery. I never go in there, but it is always tugging at the back of my mind. After packing and unpacking so many times, it's a mess. I want to go organize it and make it perfect. Ready. But I just can't. I want to get rid of it.
Thankfully I have the gospel in my life that continually gives me hope. I have friends. Many friends that are hoping and praying for us! I have so many friends that are always there offering support. I love reading blogs. They help me so much to see how great things can turn out. And how sometimes, they don't turn out. But you know what? I am not the only one going through this. There are other people out there, like me. Yes. Little old me.
I have family that are always there! Ready to hand out pass-along cards, talk to everyone they know about adoption, and to support us in every way they can.
There is so much love and support surrounding me. How can I want to start over? I never want to forget the experiences we have had. I never want to forget the little spirits we have loved and hoped for. I never want to forget the spirit that has filled our lives with each experience. Those are perfect moments. Moments when my heart wants to jump out of my chest. Those are moments that keep me going and wanting to try again and again. Those are moments that give me hope.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Have I ever mentioned . . .
How much I LOVE the rain?
(sadly, I did not take this picture, or any of them really)
How much I LOVE General Conference?
How much I LOVE Eternal Families?
How much I LOVE adoption?
How much I LOVE hope?
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
October
Can you believe it is already October? Seriously, were did the year go?
I am completely excited that it is fall. I love fall. It is my most favorite time of the year. October marks a lot of major events in our lives. It's kinda a special month for us, full of emotions, memories, traditions, and fun.
5 years ago this month, Dustyn and I started dating! It was 5 years ago this month that I found the best husband that there could possibly be for me. He is amazing and I am completely lucky that I found him! Can you believe it's been 5 years? I can not believe that in 3 month I will have been married 5 years! That is just crazy. I feel like it was just yesterday.
4 years ago this month, our angel baby, Hannah, came to earth for a short moment. We are thankful for her and for her presence in our lives. She is such a strength to us and continually turns our thoughts to Heaven and Eternal Life. She helps us be the people that we need to be. She gives us strength to keep going. She reminds us daily of our Eternal plan. What a blessing.
2 years ago this month, we were officially approved to adopt! What an amazing journey the past 2+ year have been. I can not even begin to tell you what I have learned. I have learned more about myself. More than I ever thought I wanted to know, but it turns out, I'm not so bad! I didn't know who I was. Slowly through trial and error, I am finding myself and the person that I really want to be.
I have learned about Dustyn, about our marriage. What a miracle to be married to Dustyn for all time and all eternity. Through all the trials, we sit and wonder what in the world we were suppose to learn. What good can we take out of our pain and heartache? Somehow we always find it. We are together and that is all that matters. If we never have children here on this earth, I will always be blessed to have Dustyn. He's all I need on this earth. I know I have eternity to raise and be with my children. Now, that doesn't mean that I don't want to have children here, but I am happy to have the eternal family that I have!
Adoption. Seriously, this is the work of the Lord. He truly knows what we need and when we need it. Adoption is such an amazing program. I mean, something that ends in an eternal family sealed in the Temple for all time and eternity. Can there be anything more special? My heart is so full of love for adoption. My whole and complete heart is in adoption. I wish I could explain with words how I feel, but I fear there is nothing I can say to explain the feelings of my heart. Just know, that I feel the love of Christ in adoption. What an amazing work.
I am not the same person I was two years ago. I have completely changed through love, heartaches, and experiences. I will never be the same person I once was and for that I am grateful.
I love October. I love what it represents to me and my little eternal family. I love that no matter how sad I am during October, I can find happiness in my Heavenly Father and in his son Jesus Christ. He is there for me! He wants me to be happy! And when he feels we are ready, he will bless us with miracles. What a loving Heavenly Father we have. We are so blessed.
I love October!
I am completely excited that it is fall. I love fall. It is my most favorite time of the year. October marks a lot of major events in our lives. It's kinda a special month for us, full of emotions, memories, traditions, and fun.
5 years ago this month, Dustyn and I started dating! It was 5 years ago this month that I found the best husband that there could possibly be for me. He is amazing and I am completely lucky that I found him! Can you believe it's been 5 years? I can not believe that in 3 month I will have been married 5 years! That is just crazy. I feel like it was just yesterday.
4 years ago this month, our angel baby, Hannah, came to earth for a short moment. We are thankful for her and for her presence in our lives. She is such a strength to us and continually turns our thoughts to Heaven and Eternal Life. She helps us be the people that we need to be. She gives us strength to keep going. She reminds us daily of our Eternal plan. What a blessing.
2 years ago this month, we were officially approved to adopt! What an amazing journey the past 2+ year have been. I can not even begin to tell you what I have learned. I have learned more about myself. More than I ever thought I wanted to know, but it turns out, I'm not so bad! I didn't know who I was. Slowly through trial and error, I am finding myself and the person that I really want to be.
I have learned about Dustyn, about our marriage. What a miracle to be married to Dustyn for all time and all eternity. Through all the trials, we sit and wonder what in the world we were suppose to learn. What good can we take out of our pain and heartache? Somehow we always find it. We are together and that is all that matters. If we never have children here on this earth, I will always be blessed to have Dustyn. He's all I need on this earth. I know I have eternity to raise and be with my children. Now, that doesn't mean that I don't want to have children here, but I am happy to have the eternal family that I have!
Adoption. Seriously, this is the work of the Lord. He truly knows what we need and when we need it. Adoption is such an amazing program. I mean, something that ends in an eternal family sealed in the Temple for all time and eternity. Can there be anything more special? My heart is so full of love for adoption. My whole and complete heart is in adoption. I wish I could explain with words how I feel, but I fear there is nothing I can say to explain the feelings of my heart. Just know, that I feel the love of Christ in adoption. What an amazing work.
I am not the same person I was two years ago. I have completely changed through love, heartaches, and experiences. I will never be the same person I once was and for that I am grateful.
I love October. I love what it represents to me and my little eternal family. I love that no matter how sad I am during October, I can find happiness in my Heavenly Father and in his son Jesus Christ. He is there for me! He wants me to be happy! And when he feels we are ready, he will bless us with miracles. What a loving Heavenly Father we have. We are so blessed.
I love October!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Monday, September 15, 2008
Adoption . . . it's about love.
If you have some pass along cards, I would love to have a few.
I made a new board today that we are putting in Dustyn's room at school. So now I need some cards to fill it.
If you would like my address, please email me at dustynkamie[at]gmail[dot]com. I would love to post your cards!
I made a new board today that we are putting in Dustyn's room at school. So now I need some cards to fill it.
If you would like my address, please email me at dustynkamie[at]gmail[dot]com. I would love to post your cards!
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Be of Good Cheer and Faithful in Adversity
When I decided that sometimes life sucks, I needed something to remind me that it is great too. Through faith and hope we will find our miracles and peace in this world. But we must give our faith and will to the Lord. We can find peace through Jesus Christ. I really liked this article and the things that I was reminded of.
How can we find peace in this world? How can we endure to the end? How can we overcome the difficulties and trials we are facing?
The Savior Jesus Christ said: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” 1
As part of our mortal probation, we pass through affliction, pain, and disappointment. Only in Jesus Christ can we find peace. He can help us to be of good cheer and to overcome all the challenges of this life.
What does it mean to be of good cheer? It means having hope, not getting discouraged, not losing faith, and living life joyfully. “Men are, that they might have joy.” 2 It means facing life with confidence.
The gospel of Jesus Christ gives us the strength and the eternal perspective to face what is coming with good cheer. We must, however, not underestimate the difficulties that are prophesied for our day.
What are some of these difficulties? How can we face them?
The prophet Moroni taught, “If ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.” 3 For many, the coming years may be years of despair. The greater the iniquity, the greater the despair will be.
The Savior said, “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” 4 As iniquity increases, true love disappears. As a result, fear, insecurity, and despair grow!
To the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord said: “I … will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh … when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion. And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst.” 5 We live in a time when peace has been taken from the earth.
On the other hand, we live in a glorious time, a time when the Lord has restored His priesthood. The true gospel has been restored. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth! We are helping to prepare the earth for the time when the Lord Jesus Christ will come and personally reign.
Why must we pass through trials in this life?
The Lord makes no secret that He will test our faith and our obedience. “We will prove them herewith,” He said, “to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” 6
We learn from the book of Ecclesiastes: “All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; … as is the good, so is the sinner. … There is one event unto all.” 7 Tempests may occur in the life of the man who built his life upon the rock of the gospel, as well as in the life of the foolish who built his life upon the things of this world. 8
How should we react to these trials?
The Lord has said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” 9 Each day we must take up our cross and press forward—and not just linger on the sidelines of our eternal journey.
Trials are opportunities for our growth. The Lord said, “My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.” 10
The Lord has said, “Whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance.” 12 The Lord loves each one of us. He wants us to be happy. This happiness comes by our faith in Jesus Christ, by our sincere and true repentance, by our obedience to His commandments, and by our endurance to the end.
Sometimes we might think that the Lord does not hear or answer our prayers. At such times, we need to stop and ponder what we have done throughout our lives. If necessary, we must put our lives in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord revealed:
“I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their transgressions. …
“They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble.
“In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.” 13
When we have the sincere desire to put our lives in harmony with the will of the Lord, He will always be ready to help ease our burdens.
Jesus Christ told the Twelve Apostles some of the things that can destroy our hope and make us give up: allowing ourselves to fall into temptation; not enduring affliction, tribulation, and persecution; fearing “the cares” of the world; seeking wealth first; giving up instead of enduring to the end; and allowing false prophets to deceive us. 14
The Lord’s invitation to each of us is “come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 15 Jesus Christ has the power to give us rest from our pain and suffering.
If we daily exercise faith, meekness, charity, and lowliness in heart, confessing that Jesus is the Christ, and accepting His Atonement, we will be blessed with the strength and hope to face and overcome the trials and pains of this life.
“Be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you.” 17
“Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.” 18
Quoting the words of the prophet Ether: “Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men.” 19
Be of Good Cheer and Faithful in Adversity
The gospel of Jesus Christ gives us the strength and the eternal perspective to face what is coming with good cheer.
The Savior Jesus Christ said: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” 1
As part of our mortal probation, we pass through affliction, pain, and disappointment. Only in Jesus Christ can we find peace. He can help us to be of good cheer and to overcome all the challenges of this life.
What does it mean to be of good cheer? It means having hope, not getting discouraged, not losing faith, and living life joyfully. “Men are, that they might have joy.” 2 It means facing life with confidence.
The gospel of Jesus Christ gives us the strength and the eternal perspective to face what is coming with good cheer. We must, however, not underestimate the difficulties that are prophesied for our day.
What are some of these difficulties? How can we face them?
The prophet Moroni taught, “If ye have no hope ye must needs be in despair; and despair cometh because of iniquity.” 3 For many, the coming years may be years of despair. The greater the iniquity, the greater the despair will be.
The Savior said, “Because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” 4 As iniquity increases, true love disappears. As a result, fear, insecurity, and despair grow!
To the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord said: “I … will that all men shall know that the day speedily cometh … when peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion. And also the Lord shall have power over his saints, and shall reign in their midst.” 5 We live in a time when peace has been taken from the earth.
On the other hand, we live in a glorious time, a time when the Lord has restored His priesthood. The true gospel has been restored. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the kingdom of God on earth! We are helping to prepare the earth for the time when the Lord Jesus Christ will come and personally reign.
Why must we pass through trials in this life?
The Lord makes no secret that He will test our faith and our obedience. “We will prove them herewith,” He said, “to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them.” 6
We learn from the book of Ecclesiastes: “All things come alike to all: there is one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; … as is the good, so is the sinner. … There is one event unto all.” 7 Tempests may occur in the life of the man who built his life upon the rock of the gospel, as well as in the life of the foolish who built his life upon the things of this world. 8
How should we react to these trials?
The Lord has said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” 9 Each day we must take up our cross and press forward—and not just linger on the sidelines of our eternal journey.
Trials are opportunities for our growth. The Lord said, “My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom.” 10
When we are being tried, we should ponder and ask, “What does the Lord want me to do in this situation?”
The Lord spoke these comforting words to the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” 11 We need to view each trial as an opportunity for growth. Someday we will understand the why.
The Lord spoke these comforting words to the Prophet Joseph Smith: “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good. The Son of Man hath descended below them all. Art thou greater than he?” 11 We need to view each trial as an opportunity for growth. Someday we will understand the why.
The Lord has said, “Whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance.” 12 The Lord loves each one of us. He wants us to be happy. This happiness comes by our faith in Jesus Christ, by our sincere and true repentance, by our obedience to His commandments, and by our endurance to the end.
Sometimes we might think that the Lord does not hear or answer our prayers. At such times, we need to stop and ponder what we have done throughout our lives. If necessary, we must put our lives in harmony with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Through the Prophet Joseph Smith, the Lord revealed:
“I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their transgressions. …
“They were slow to hearken unto the voice of the Lord their God; therefore, the Lord their God is slow to hearken unto their prayers, to answer them in the day of their trouble.
“In the day of their peace they esteemed lightly my counsel; but, in the day of their trouble, of necessity they feel after me.” 13
When we have the sincere desire to put our lives in harmony with the will of the Lord, He will always be ready to help ease our burdens.
Jesus Christ told the Twelve Apostles some of the things that can destroy our hope and make us give up: allowing ourselves to fall into temptation; not enduring affliction, tribulation, and persecution; fearing “the cares” of the world; seeking wealth first; giving up instead of enduring to the end; and allowing false prophets to deceive us. 14
The Lord’s invitation to each of us is “come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” 15 Jesus Christ has the power to give us rest from our pain and suffering.
The prophet Mormon taught:
“Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope. …
“… And if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity.” 16
“Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope. …
“… And if a man be meek and lowly in heart, and confesses by the power of the Holy Ghost that Jesus is the Christ, he must needs have charity.” 16
If we daily exercise faith, meekness, charity, and lowliness in heart, confessing that Jesus is the Christ, and accepting His Atonement, we will be blessed with the strength and hope to face and overcome the trials and pains of this life.
“Be of good cheer, little children; for I am in your midst, and I have not forsaken you.” 17
“Be of good cheer, for I will lead you along. The kingdom is yours and the blessings thereof are yours, and the riches of eternity are yours.” 18
Quoting the words of the prophet Ether: “Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men.” 19
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Love. Eternal Love.
Today was Dustyn's Grandpa's Funeral. It was a really good service. It was fun to hang out and talk to so many relatives that I don't know very well. I mean Dustyn and I have been together almost 5 years, but most of them live out of state. It was a really nice day. Grandpa Freeman really was an amazing man. I am sad I never really got to know him.
At the beginning of the funeral, they were reading the obituary. Something caught me completely off guard. Dustyn's sweet mom included our Hannah. As they were reading her name, I stopped and thought, are they talking about my Hannah? At that point, I lost it. I had a complete meltdown. It has been a long time since I have done that. I was sobbing. (At least I was at a Funeral so I didn't look so crazy - although it started during the opening song and I was on the front row!) I talk about her all the time, but there was something about someone else saying her name out loud that completely caught me off guard and brought back so many emotions. (And it meant so much to me that she was included) But I wasn't sad. I was so happy. Happy that I know I will be with her again. Happy to be her Mother. I was a complete wreck the entire funeral. I am sure the people around me were a little confused, because Grandpa Freeman's funeral really was a happy one and a time to celebrate his 94 years of life. I have only known him 5 of those years (almost). But I sat sobbing - the entire time.
It felt good to feel her again. It has been something I have missed (not the sobbing in public). I love knowing that I can still feel her, even though it isn't as constant as it use to be. I know she is there. She will always be my baby.
Grandpa Freeman, we love you! Thanks for the legacy you left us. What an amazing man you are.
Eson Milton Freeman
Eson Milton Freeman passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at his daughter's home. He was born in Yucon, Idaho on March 28, 1914 to Milton John and Lydia Stewart Adams Freeman. He was called to serve an LDS mission from 1936-1938 in Canada. He married his sweetheart, Maurine Dustin in the Salt Lake Temple on March 8, 1940. They had six children.
Milton farmed in Osgood, Idaho until finding a position as a laborer in the AEC Plant when it opened in Arco. He studied and achieved his Journeyman Electrician's license. He volunteered as a civilian electrician in Vietnam from 1966-1968. He worked in construction until his retirement in 1976. He worked on small motors for Kirby vacuums plus being a door-to-door salesman.
He held many positions in the church, including Bishop, YM President, a teacher of many organizations and a fireside favorite! He and his wife served two missions: Hartford, CT in 1986 and Fiji Islands in 1988.
Milton's mind was sharp right to the end and he never lost his sense of humor. He is survived by two daughters and two sons: Myrna Allen, Marva Ward, David Milton (Nancy) Freeman and Dallas Dustin (Penny) Freeman; two sisters: Lavela Petersen and Nada Meikle; 22 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Millene (Stan) Murphy and son, Daniel Morley Freeman; granddaughters Lynea Allen and Dilene Murphy; great-granddaughter Hannah Allen; and five siblings.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Genola LDS Chapel, Main & Center, Genola, Utah. Friends may call from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the chapel. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery, 610 S. State, Provo. Condolences may be sent to info@bergmortuary.com.
At the beginning of the funeral, they were reading the obituary. Something caught me completely off guard. Dustyn's sweet mom included our Hannah. As they were reading her name, I stopped and thought, are they talking about my Hannah? At that point, I lost it. I had a complete meltdown. It has been a long time since I have done that. I was sobbing. (At least I was at a Funeral so I didn't look so crazy - although it started during the opening song and I was on the front row!) I talk about her all the time, but there was something about someone else saying her name out loud that completely caught me off guard and brought back so many emotions. (And it meant so much to me that she was included) But I wasn't sad. I was so happy. Happy that I know I will be with her again. Happy to be her Mother. I was a complete wreck the entire funeral. I am sure the people around me were a little confused, because Grandpa Freeman's funeral really was a happy one and a time to celebrate his 94 years of life. I have only known him 5 of those years (almost). But I sat sobbing - the entire time.
It felt good to feel her again. It has been something I have missed (not the sobbing in public). I love knowing that I can still feel her, even though it isn't as constant as it use to be. I know she is there. She will always be my baby.
Grandpa Freeman, we love you! Thanks for the legacy you left us. What an amazing man you are.
Eson Milton Freeman
Eson Milton Freeman passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2008 at his daughter's home. He was born in Yucon, Idaho on March 28, 1914 to Milton John and Lydia Stewart Adams Freeman. He was called to serve an LDS mission from 1936-1938 in Canada. He married his sweetheart, Maurine Dustin in the Salt Lake Temple on March 8, 1940. They had six children.
Milton farmed in Osgood, Idaho until finding a position as a laborer in the AEC Plant when it opened in Arco. He studied and achieved his Journeyman Electrician's license. He volunteered as a civilian electrician in Vietnam from 1966-1968. He worked in construction until his retirement in 1976. He worked on small motors for Kirby vacuums plus being a door-to-door salesman.
He held many positions in the church, including Bishop, YM President, a teacher of many organizations and a fireside favorite! He and his wife served two missions: Hartford, CT in 1986 and Fiji Islands in 1988.
Milton's mind was sharp right to the end and he never lost his sense of humor. He is survived by two daughters and two sons: Myrna Allen, Marva Ward, David Milton (Nancy) Freeman and Dallas Dustin (Penny) Freeman; two sisters: Lavela Petersen and Nada Meikle; 22 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Millene (Stan) Murphy and son, Daniel Morley Freeman; granddaughters Lynea Allen and Dilene Murphy; great-granddaughter Hannah Allen; and five siblings.
Funeral services will be held on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Genola LDS Chapel, Main & Center, Genola, Utah. Friends may call from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the services at the chapel. Interment will be in the Provo City Cemetery, 610 S. State, Provo. Condolences may be sent to info@bergmortuary.com.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)