This past weekend was general conference. I watched the first two sessions on Saturday by myself because Emily was on her way home from a mission reunion in Utah. An emotional and very impactful part of conference for me was in the second Saturday session as I was given the chance to raise my hand to sustain President Nelson, the First Presidency, and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles as prophets, seers and revelators. As their names were read, tears of gratitude welled up in my eyes.
For much of my younger life, I admit I took the concept of modern prophets for granted. But thankfully, I had just enough faith to at least listen to them and to try to follow them. I am also someone who wants to know the truth. I guess that was enough for Heavenly Father to bless me over several years of my life with a few sacred experiences, and some clear answers to prayers that have led to my testimony of living prophets.
Having that testimony is life changing. I don’t know how to thank my Heavenly Father enough. I guess that is why I was so overcome with emotion on Saturday. I love President Nelson and all that we have learned from him over the past 6 years. He has taught us so much about the gathering of Israel, our true identities, and how to yoke ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ so we can feel His power in our lives. The realization that there really are authorized messengers from God on the earth today is such an awesome thing!
All my love... - Dad.
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel…As he spake by the mouth of his holy prophets, which have been since the world began: that we should be saved” - Luke 1: 68-71
Happy Easter!
The world has an endless number of Gods that we can choose to follow and give our devotion to. Many are shallow. Others wield great power. But, there is only one who has power over death. There is only one who paid the price to be able to truly forgive and cleanse us. There is only one who can sanctify and enable us to return home to our Heavenly Parents. And that is Jesus Christ, the Son of God. And His power and His victory over death is what we celebrate today!
...there is no flesh that can dwell in the presence of God, save it be through the merits, and mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah - 2 Nephi 2:8
Mom and I love you all! Happy Easter!
Birthday cake too!
"The ultimate FOMO would be missing out on the celestial kingdom by settling for a lesser kingdom because here on earth you chose only to live the laws of a lesser kingdom." - President Russel M. Nelson
March has arrived!
“Families predate the founding of nations, and families will exist after the Almighty hath made a full end of all nations." - Elder Neal A. Maxwell
My Talk - Families Can Be Together Forever (Feb 25, 2024)
After preparing this talk, I realized more than ever what a miraculous gift family is from a loving Heavenly Father! I am so blessed because of each of you!
"Motivation doesn't get you through life. Discipline does! When you are the least motivated, it's discipline that gets you going and doing the things that you should be doing." - Holly (as quoted by Jeff in his talk in The Lone Star Ward, Feb 11, 2024).
Felipe Goes to the Temple (Feb 10, 2024)
On Jan 27th, 2024, our friend Felipe went to the temple to receive his endowment! He's lived in the Gila Valley his whole life, so he knows a ton of people and he saw many of them in the temple. It was fun to see some of the surprised looks he got followed immediately by joyful embraces. He has really transformed his life over the past few years and he loves the house of the Lord! We have already been back to do a session for one of his family members and he was full of smiles.
Today, another man in our ward, Brother Blair (the husband of mom's team teacher in Sunbeam Class), went to the temple for his endowment. And last month we were invited to attend Kaylee Goodwin's sealing at the Gilbert Temple. She was in young women in the 1st Ward when I was the Bishop, and a good friend of Levi's. Mom and I love every opportunity we get to be in the temple. The house of the Lord has been an unbelievably sacred blessing in our lives together.
"The temple is a place of revelation. There you are shown how to progress toward a celestial life. There you are drawn closer to the Savior and given greater access to His power." - President Russell M. Nelson
Helaman's New Suit (Feb 4, 2024)
About 3 weeks ago, Helaman told me he wanted a suit like mine. I was a little bit surprised because this is the same kid who would refuse to tuck in his shirt at church not too long ago! But, he insisted. So, I measured him, found a good deal on a jacket that would match his black pants, and placed the order.
Yesterday when he got dropped off at our house to spend the night, I no longer had to question his sincerity. He burst in the front door and the first thing he did was excitedly ask if his suit came in! He tried it on and it fit perfectly. He wanted to get a shirt and tie out of the closet and wear it the rest of the day (but I talked him out of it).
Well, first thing this morning, he was pretty excited to get dressed for church. After getting dressed, he ran to a mirror and started giggling. He ran back into the family room and danced around saying, "I look like President Nelson! I look like President Nelson". Then, since it was still a couple of hours before church, he got a desk and some paper and pretended to be President Nelson. He started writing his next conference talk. Jemma made a desk next to him and was happy to be his secretary.
"Eternal life with our loved ones is sweeter and more desirable than any other thing." - Elder Kevin W. Pearson of the Seventy. Stay by the Tree, April 2015.
FedEx finally brought my Christmas Present! (Jan 30, 2024)
Mom's Christmas gift for me arrived yesterday (the same day I hit 1,000 miles on the old bike)!
It was worth the wait! Today's 70 degree weather made for a perfect first ride!
Now, all I need to do is figure out a spot for Mozzie! ;-)
"I testify that YOU are meant to be a key player in preparing the world for the Second Coming of the Savior. ...the borders of Zion’s tent will expand, God’s family will be gathered together. And you will be part of it.” - Elder Gifford Nielsen Why Remembering Who You Are Matters - Liahona February 2024
Exander's Birthday Party Pictures (Jan 25, 2024)
Exander's 2nd Birthday Party Invite (24 Jan 24)
Exander turns 2 tomorrow on Thursday, January 25th! Levi is throwing a small get-together/birthday party on his birthday, Thursday the 25th, at our house around 6pm-6:15ish. There will be Pizza and amazing cake (made by Aunt Holly)!
If you can make it, we look forward to seeing you there!!
P.S. In case you were wondering, Ande wears 2T (3T is a bit baggy, but OK!). His favorite toys are cars, things he can push around, stuffed animals, flashlights, or anything that has lights and makes noise!