Man in the Mirror

I'm starting with the man in the mirror

I'm asking him to change his ways

And no message could have been any clearer

If you wanna make the world a better place

Take a look at yourself and then make a change

Michael Jackson.

Somehow his sad passing and even sadder life has caused me to reflect on my own desire to make changes. I believe most of us strive to make changes- improvements. Michael's life is chronicled by pictures which tell the story of his driving need to change. Now, at the time of his death, those images flash before our eyes and invite dialog and disagreement regarding his character. I feel a sense of ambivalence toward the debate between those who viewed him as an artistic genius and those who consider him a deeply disturbed pedophile. I guess we will never really know where the truth lies. I just know his story is sad. So much talent. Such a public life. Yet a life cut short, leaving questions, speculation and criticism. I am grateful that a loving and merciful Heavenly Father will determine the eternal consequences for Michael.

The lyrics above (from "Man in the Mirror") cause me to take pause to evaluate my own life. Serving as a full time missionary has opened my eyes to the changes I need to make within. At this late date in my life, I am finding how God will still uncover my weaknesses and through the atonement of his Son provide the grace that will allow me to turn my weaknesses into strengths. Turn envy into joy for other's accomplishments. Turn frustration into patience and acceptance. Turn a desire to change others into recognition and motivation to make changes in myself. The Spirit softens my heart and opens my eyes allowing me to see all I meet as God's children. Discouragement over my flaws is replaced with joy in God's love and His power to heal and transform His children.

How grateful I am to have this knowledge. What a blessing to set aside this time of life to share what I cherish with others. I invite you to read the quote below, made by Ezra Taft Benson- a modern day prophet. May this principle inspire you to overcome those traits that weigh you down. May the knowledge that you are truly a child of God bring you strength, hope and peace as it ever does for me.

"The Lord works from the inside out. The world works from the outside in. The world would take people out of the slums. Christ takes the slums out of people, and then they take themselves out of the slums. The world would mold men by changing their environment. Christ changes men, who then change their environment. The world would shape human behavior, but Christ can change human nature."

Men

All of my life I have been blessed to be surrounded by real men- men who are very important to me. My father, my husband, brothers, sons and sons-in-law, church leaders and more. The world needs more real men. What do I mean by real men? Check out the following link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQIQA6s2_Hw

IN THIS MISSION WE BAPTIZE
May was a record setting month in the Colorado Springs Mission. Our missionaries brought 87 of Heavenly Father's Children to the waters of baptism. Allowing them to enter the gate of the path that leads to eternal life.

THE NEW CROP

Every six weeks the "new crop" arrives. "Greenies"!This time we received 15 new missionaries. We also found a few interesting connections. One young Elder from Pason Utah played soccer with our daughter-in-law Kindra's brothers. A young Sister from New Jersey has close ties to our friends the Carpenters,back home. Finally, we were assigned to drive a young Elder to his assignment in Kansas. During the course of the conversation we found out that our son Jake served with his brother in Johannesburg South Africa-and they were very good friends. That is NOT all! We found out that our son-in-law Chad not only served in this young man's home town- but ate in his home and knew his other brother. We actually made calls from the cars to our children to confirm the possibilities. These kind of connections happen all the time. We truly are one big family!

MUSIC STIRS THE SOUL

The Fountain Zone missionaries put together a musical fireside. The music was wonderful and the spirit was sweet. The featured artist in the brown suit) is an investigator that agreed to perform with these young missionaries.

One last look at the 2009, Colorado Springs, Girls plus Fred weekend!

Favorite things gift buckets!

Don't you dare take a picture!

I LOVE borrrrreeetos!

We had fun playing a few games-

Khanyi was rolling on the floor with laughter.

Please don't hit me lady.

This is actually the man that owns our old family home.

He asked Mom lots of questions and she was pointing out

some of the changes in the house.

Don't worry Kindra, we have you.

We took a hike to Helen Hunt falls.

Shhhh... quiet honey the children are sleeping!

The weekend came to an end, but the joyful memories will live on. This will forever be one of my very favorite times. I have the best of all blessings... a loving family!

The Amazing Women

Garden of the Gods is the place to take pictures. Here are two of many taken during our now infamous sisters' trip. The picture is missing Heidi- she needed to give Olivia a little break from the constant commotion. As you can see these young women of mine (Heidi included of course) are able to lift mountains... but here are a few facts about this group of amazing women you might not know-

They are mothers of a total of 23. They possess 3 BS degrees, 2 AS degrees, and ALL have college credit. Their many talents include- cooking, gardening, photography, budgeting, basketball, soccer, walleyball, beading, decorating, scrap booking, card making, sewing, singing, playing the piano, clogging, cake decorating, writing and much more. They live in Montana, Idaho, Utah, Oregon, and Washington. Additionally, they have lived or will soon live in Florida, Arizona, Connecticut, Alaska, Oklahoma, Colorado, Georgia, Texas, California, Illinois, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Africa- and maybe more. Missions served (including by sons and husbands)- Central States, England, Santa Rosa California, Detroit Michigan, Johannesburg South Africa, 2 to Venezuela, Jacksonville Florida, and Charlotte North Carolina. They were married or sealed in the following temples: Cardston Alberta Canada, Idaho Falls, Portland Oregon, Mount Timpanogos, Johannesburg South Africa, 2 at Billings Montana, and Salt Lake City Utah.

a little secret... one of them LOVES to read. So much so that she might have missed her flight to Denver. No worries...

a little delay but some of the sisters remained behind to wait for her , they piled into the second rental car and all was well.

There you have just a little bit of family "trivia", but nothing trivial. We are so blessed to have this wonderful family united eternally by the blessings of the temple.

WIRELESS PARENTING

Day #2 we took a trip to the Castle Rock Outlet Mall. (day 1 was travel day.. .story later)We were ready for serious shopping-money and credit cards in hand.

A quick stop at the food court. Fred finds the sign on the table. Quite amusing- but believe me nothing was free!!

I noticed how frequently someone in our group was on the phone talking to children or reassuring harried husbands. I snapped a few pictures, but wasn't quite quick enough to get everyone.

Once a Mother...

Just girls

Our girls secetly planned a trip to Colorado Springs to suprise us for Mother's day. After Kelli heard me saying I didn't think it was a good idea to plan surprise visits (Well maybe I did say it more than once!) she contacted the rest of the gang and WARNED them. They decided they should let us know. I am SO glad they did. It gave me something too look forward to and I had such fun thinking about it from the minute I found out. My beautiful girls, 7 daughters (some by birth, some by marriage- all by covenant), my dear Mom and one little bitty granddaugther named Olivia. We had a wonderful time. This group photo is in the front of our house.

I better warn you... there are more pics to come!

I am the LUCKIEST woman in the world.