JAMES FAMILY REUNION 2014

 PLEASE CLICK ON THIS LINE TO GO TO WEB ALBUM CONTAINING ALL PHOTOS THAT WE TOOK DURING OUR REUNION ACTIVITIES

July was James Family Reunion month!  For us it began the day after our arrival back to Utah, but I will post some of those immediate family activities separately.
We loved having Carter, Bennet, Brooklyn and baby Evan join us during the first couple weeks of July.

 While we were all together, we went with Jennifer and boys along with LeAnn and family and Michelle Taylor and kids, to the DINOSAUR MUSEUM up at Thanksgiving Point.  They loved it!  We had taken the boys to the MUSEUM OF NATURAL CURIOSITY with Jenny and LeAnn the week before...not sure if we have any photos of that activity.

 We went back to Thanksgiving Point a couple times.  We went with Katie and Michael and Stephan and David to the Gardens and really had a good time!  See the link at the top of the page for tons of photos of that day!

It was a beautiful day and it was just relaxing to visit and talk as we walked the paths of the gardens.

 I got everyone together for one photo towards the end of our outing.

On July 24 we celebrated PIONEER DAY by participating in a local 5K run/walk called TEMPLE2TEMPLE5K.  It started at the old Provo Temple and finished at the site of the new City Center Temple.  It was a nice day, great to be there with family and many of us enjoyed the challenge.  Jenna was the obvious front runner of our family!  Good Times!

Another outing was to MINIATURE GOLF at Trafalga later morning on the 24 of July.
We chose to stay indoors and not brave the heat...we have become Utah heat wimps!  The kids liked the glow in the dark stuff too, so it worked!  Everyone helped out with the little ones and it was a good time!

 Later that night, we all met at a school near Dad's house where we were joined by his brother Lynn, his wife Marcille, and their children Becky, David and Marlynn.  Julie and Kerry Martin also joined in the festivities as honorary family members!


Dad shared some stories of family pioneers, and visited with everyone.  Games were played by many to keep all ages busy!

 We loved teaching Michael and Jimmy how to play some BOCCE BALL!  Everybody did pretty well!

 Jon was the hit of the party with his STOMP ROCKETS!  Seriously one of the best reunion ideas I have ever seen!  The kids and adults all loved it!

There was no lack of just having fun together.  We were so glad just to be together and for the kids to get to know each other as cousins!

We provided more time for them to interact the next morning on an early morning walk along the Provo River Trail up by Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon.

It was so cool when we started that the bubble wand I brought was really amazing!  All the kids took turns running with it while the others popped the bubbles from behind!

 We got all the little cousins together for a photo shoot.

 Lots of new friendships were formed this week.

Bennett LOVED Jimmy!

Carter and Bennett both  LOVED Grandpa James!

 Nathan LOVED about anyone, including Uncle MIke who was watching something fun with him up at Grandpa's house.  I thought that was a really cute picture!

We finished the week with a Family Home Evening and dinner up at Dad's house when Clairs flight was changed and he got to stay one more night.

We all shared our favorite stories for 5th graders, as well as some favorite Book of Mormon stories...but those are both different posts.

WE LOVE OUR FAMILY!
THANK YOU DAD FOR PUTTING THIS TOGETHER!  It means so much to us to have spent time together!  We love our eternal family!

DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT!!

 We had a really fun Family Home Evening this week up at my Dad's house.  We all brought favorite books to share with Breanna's 5th grade class and we told why we liked them.  She is doing a really cool wall in her classroom called "DON'T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT." This comes from the old TV show "Reading Rainbow" where the host would always say that line.

We thought it would also be fun to share another of our favorite books and why we like it...THE BOOK OF MORMON; ANOTHER TESTAMENT OF JESUS CHRIST.
Here are some of the stories that we love from this book:
Grandpa James said "My favorite story in the "Book of Mormon" is called "Lehi's Dream" or "The Rod of Iron."  It is a dream of a path leading from a filthy river to a beautiful garden wherein was a tree covered with fruit.  It is called the "Tree of Life."  Along the path was a holding rod to keep people from falling off the path and into the river.  Across the river was a house wherein people were pointing to those on the path and making fun of them.  It is the story of the life of those who wish to live with Heavenly Father and Jesus.  Life may have challenges, but those who keep God's commandments as those in the Bible will gain eternal life and live with God and family."

I had just read the story of the 2000 stripling warriors who were not afraid to fight even though they were young.  They had been taught correct principles and had faith that God would bless them because they and their parents kept covenants they had made.  I love that concept and it has proven true in my life as well!

Victoria likes Moroni 7; when talks about CHARITY and how if you do not have charity you are nothing!
Moroni 7:46-47
46 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, if ye have not charity, ye are nothing, for charity never faileth. Wherefore, cleave unto charity, which is the greatest of all, for all things must fail—

 47 But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him.

I will add Cody's favorite as soon as I call to find out...I am missing notes from  him.

Carolyn loves the account in 3 Nephi of when Christ came and appeared to the people living in the Americas after his death and resurrection.  She loves how they heard a voice, and finally realized who it was speaking to them, and then how he came and ministered to them and let each one have that personal interaction to come and touch him to KNOW it was really Christ.

LeAnn's favorite "Book of Mormon" story is also chapter 7 of Moroni...she especially loves the verses that explain that the pure love of Christ is CHARITY and Moroni defines all the characteristics that a person needs to develop to become more like Christ.

Lizzie's favorite story is when Nephi is asked to get the plates of brass with the history of his people.  It is a big task, and his faith and action shows that he trusts in Heavenly Father.  1 Nephi 3:7
"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, said unto my father: I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded, for I know that the Lord giveth no commandments unto the children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish the thing which he commandeth them."
I know the Lord prepares a way for us to keep the commandments today.

WE ALL LOVE THIS BOOK for different reasons...BUT DON'T TAKE OUR WORD FOR IT!  READ IT  YOURSELF!!  You will find what YOU need in this great book!

Goodbyes and Hellos...

Obviously we have been super busy this past month.  I realized I have not blogged about our move and transition from AZ back to UT so here goes.
GOODBYE to the newest Highlander and HELLO to our 2012 Highlander!
We had decided a while back to purchase our older Highlander from the Church to drive home from our mission leaving the newer one for the new President and wife.  I personally like this one better than the new model, so I was happy.  Scott was happy too...he spent many hours driving this vehicle going about doing good!

 HELLO to the new plaque hanging in the lobby of our Peoria ward building honoring Braden on his mission...and GOODBYE to it now that we left it there until he returns to report on his mission!  Pretty cool he will have 2 mission plaques to collect after his mission!

 HELLO to the Griffin family coming from Billings Montana to begin their service in Phoenix for the next 3 years.  If it is anything like our service, it will all be a flash, and one of the brightest in their lives!  GOOD LUCK!  We just love these people after even such a brief interaction!

HELLO to the new Phoenix Temple that has been built the entire time of our mission service...and GOODBYE to our wonderful friends the Kings who served us our last 20 months as executive secretaries!  Becky made this incredible shadow box of temple memorabilia that is our treasure forever along with our friendships!

 If I only had a photo of us packed to the gills in the Highlander to come home...literally to the gills because we had not only us and stuff...but Breanna, the cat and a FISH that was given to Braden his first birthday here in AZ in 2012...yup, still alive after many busy days it did not get fed!


GOODBYE to AZ as we left after Breannas last day of training meetings on July 1...and HELLO to CALIFORNIA as Scott got tired of driving after a couple hours and turned the wheel over to me and I missed a turn...no GPS to help and Bre was the best co-driver talker and we talked and talked until we saw the WELCOME TO CALIFORNIA sign...and then we laughed our heads off and realized we took the scenic route to Nevada...stopping over night in Mesquite before finishing our trip home.
HELLO TO PROVO.  As we entered the city, there was this sign near University Ave that invited a photo so we stopped and did a photo shoot!

 When we arrived home, it was HELLO to our home...

 ...and we were welcomed first by our dear friends the Janulis from Peoria AZ who sent a sign and flowers to decorate the yard!!!
THANK YOU DANA AND LORENA!!!

There is even a little cactus in a pot that I will see how long I can keep it dry so it does not die!

 When we finally got a key to our house...long story, we were welcomed by this huge banner from our home ward!  They had come and made our yard look great, cleaned up after the carpet layers the day before and...

 stocked our fridge and cupboards with food so that I DID NOT EVEN HAVE TO GO TO THE STORE!
This was huge!  I was so tired...I drove a lot, do not sleep well, and it was just the best welcome ever!

 And as if that was not enough...they knew us so well that they even had the detail of the BYU RANCH DRESSING that I had missed for 3 years, waiting in my fridge!!!
THANK YOU SUNSET 11 WARD!  YOU ARE THE BEST!!!

 It has been incredible how much it takes to start up a household again...all the details and little things sure add up, so this was much appreciated to have some start to our food storage!

 HELLO to our stuff from Arizona!  The movers came the day after we arrived in Provo with our things...way too much stuff for our smaller home, but we are getting rid of some things and trying to make it fit.

 GOODBYE to our old sofa set in the living room...gave it away to my friend before we even got home.
This gave me the excuse to purchase a new one...HELLO to the set we special ordered in light cream with navy and light cream pillows to match.

GOODBYE to my Monday AM Phoenix temple 5 mile run and HELLO to my new Monday AM Provo City Center run.  This one is a loop so that Scott does not have to be involved in picking me up...works well for this area.  I love to watch the progress of temples being built.














HELLO to smiling faces from the cutest grandchildren ever!  Tyrel and Jenna and Bennett and Carter came the day after we arrived back in Utah!  The boys liked the packing boxes and somehow we managed to get a lot done even with little ones to keep busy!  Who could not love having these smiling faces!  (More posts later about Brooklyn and Evan coming with Austin and Laura!)

Seriously,  we have been loved and supported our entire lives, our entire mission.  A mission is not any one person or couple of people serving the Lord.  MANY MANY people are behind the scenes making things work.
We are SO GRATEFUL for the HELLOS in our lives to so many new friends and so many old friends and family who have loved and cared for and supported us!  We love you all so much!  It is hard to have parents leave to serve as we did and our children have been just the best!
 Our parents and siblings have supported us and helped us with so many details and financial help in repairs and such.  It all adds up to a lot of help to our family and it is very much appreciated!

We look forward to many family activities and watching this family continue to grow in love and faith!

We are thankful to know that GOODBYES are not a forever thing.  With eternal perspective, our lives have so much meaning.  We are looking forward to an eternity of living and loving Gospel principles that we know will bring us happiness for the long haul!
HELLO TO ETERNAL FAMILIES/FRIENDS!

Christ the Redeemer- Carlos Amado

To view this talk  go to:  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/christ-the-redeemer?lang=eng#watch=video                                  COUNSEL:

Participate in the ordinance of the sacrament

Love one another

Serve with joy and dedication

Remain faithful to Him until the end...believe

PROMISED BLESSINGS:

He will bless us one by one just as he did in scriptures

He gives power to his apostles power to act in His name

He can forgive us of our sins

We will all be resurrected

Christ will come again in great glory

This talk was a sweet testimony and reminder of the mission and ministry of our Savior Jesus Christ.  I am personally grateful for his example and for what the Atonement means to me. The organization of His Church, the commandments and ordinances provide the power and joy to navigate life.

WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS- Michael Teh

We love Elder Teh!  He is part of the SW Area Presidency and has been at several of our trainings.  He is kind and personal.
GO TO: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/where-your-treasure-is?lang=eng#watch=video

COUNSEL:

• Have faith in Jesus Christ
• Do not focus on "things"
• Do not spend money for what is of no worth, labor for that which does not satisfy
• Feast on things of God
• Acquire the Christlike attributes of faith, hope, humility, and charity
• Put more quality time and effort into strengthening family relationships
• Serve others!
• Understand the Doctrine of Christ and strengthen your testimony- read the scriptures

PROMISED BLESSINGS:

• You will know that you will be OK
• These things will bring real joy and satisfaction
• The words of Christ will tell you all things which you should do
• Our righteous desires and passions will have a direct bearing on our eternal rewards

“Our Heavenly Father sees our real potential. He knows things about us that we do not know ourselves. He prompts us during our lifetime to fulfill the measure of our creation, to live a good life, and to return to His presence.

“Why, then, do we devote so much of our time and energy to things that are so fleeting, so inconsequential, and so superficial? Do we refuse to see the folly in the pursuit of the trivial and transient?”

This talk fits right in with the focus we have had recently with encouraging our missionary sons and daughters to stick up for what is right, to stand alone if necessary...to be alone on Facebook as a messenger of positive thought if need be.
I am grateful for this advice as we prepare to return home...to not focus too much on what we do or do not have, but to recognize that WE DO HAVE ALL THAT WE REALLY NEED TO BE HAPPY!  We are so blessed to have had this opportunity to serve here in Phoenix, to focus on what really matters without the worry of temporal things.  I hope we can transition well into taking care of the temporal at the same time we maintain our focus on the spiritual.
Have a wonderful week!  LOVE YOU!  Cheryl

BE STRONG AND OF A GOOD COURAGE

I had to look twice to see if I had blogged this talk yet, but I had not.  The name seemed so familiar.  Maybe it is because I have to tell myself that on a regular basis!
GO TO:https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/be-strong-and-of-a-good-courage?lang=eng#watch=video

COUNSEL:

• Have the courage to say no when we should, the courage to say yes when that is appropriate, the courage to do the right thing because it is right
• Defend what you believe
• Put yourself in places and participate in activities where your thoughts are influenced for good and where the Spirit of the Lord will be comfortable
• “Be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity”

PROMISED BLESSINGS:

• You will have peace of mind and a knowledge that right and truth have been defended
• “I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. …
• The Lord will be with us
• We will be united in purpose and endowed with power from on high

"The real tests of courage are much quieter. They are inner tests, like remaining faithful when no one’s looking, … like standing alone when you’re misunderstood.” I would add that this inner courage also includes doing the right thing even though we may be afraid, defending our beliefs at the risk of being ridiculed, and maintaining those beliefs even when threatened with a loss of friends or of social status. He who stands steadfastly for that which is right must risk becoming at times disapproved and unpopular."

This talk reminds me of the discussion we are having with our missionaries right now from some advice given by Elder Bednar in our trainings in April...DECIDE NOW TO BE WEIRD...meaning, decide now to be different in positive ways as we live the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am personally so grateful for the covenants I have made which give me the power and strength to stand for what is right in a confused world. I find peace and safety in our Heavenly Fathers plan for us to return to him as eternal families.

A Priceless Heritage of Hope

Wow...two posts in a row from the two apostles that called us to serve here in Phoenix...which has changed our lives forever!
Go to:https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/a-priceless-heritage-of-hope?lang=eng#watch=video

"Whoever you are and wherever you may be, you hold in your hands the happiness of more people than you can now imagine. Every day and every hour you can choose to make or keep a covenant with God."

COUNSEL:

• Choose to make and keep covenants with God
• Make many small choices to choose to follow Christ
• Choose to go to Church weekly
• Remember that duties must sometimes be difficult because their purpose is to move us along the path 
• Use the light of Christ and the Holy Ghost to help yourself along the path
• Don't give up in trying to gather people to Christ
• Study scriptures prayerfully and by observation
• Take both the short and long view in giving an inheritance to your family

PROMISED BLESSINGS:

• The happiness of eternal life comes through family bonds which continue forever
• Renewing our covenants through the sacrament brings the Holy Ghost to be with us
• As you keep commandments, glory is added to your estate in heaven
• We have the promised blessing of the Atonement as a universal inheritance
• Faith, hope and charity will guide us as we reach out to family
• "Things will work out"
• After all we can do in faith, the Lord will justify our hopes for greater blessings for our families than we can imagine

"Every person born into the world receives the Light of Christ, which helps us see and feel what is right and what is wrong. God has sent mortal servants who can, by the Holy Ghost, help us recognize what He would have us do and what He forbids. God makes it attractive to choose the right by letting us feel the effects of our choices. If we choose the right, we will find happiness—in time. If we choose evil, there comes sorrow and regret—in time. Those effects are sure. Yet they are often delayed for a purpose. If the blessings were immediate, choosing the right would not build faith. And since sorrow is also sometimes greatly delayed, it takes faith to feel the need to seek forgiveness for sin early rather than after we feel its sorrowful and painful effects."

This talk was super upbeat!  I loved the overall positive feel of it.  It left me hopeful for myself and my family.  THINGS WILL WORK OUT! If we would always keep that thought in our minds, it would really help on many a day!

BEAR UP THEIR BURDENS WITH EASE

We love Elder Bednar!  He is special to us because he was the first to interview us for our mission assignment, and he was just with us at our Mission President Seminar this April.
To view this talk go to: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/bear-up-their-burdens-with-ease?lang=eng#watch=video

COUNSEL:

• Look at the spiritual load we are carrying to see it has enough traction to help us move forward
• Don't haul nice but unnecessary things in our load
• Take upon you the yoke of Christ...rely on him and pull WITH him
• Make covenants with God
• Submit cheerfully and with patience to the will of the Lord

PROMISED BLESSINGS:

• The Lord can provide traction to get us somewhere we need to go
• You will find rest.  The Savior will help us pull the load!
• We will have heavenly help; strength beyond our own
• Deliverance through the Atonement
• Burdens are made light in the strength of the Lord and through increased capacity

"The unique burdens in each of our lives help us to rely upon the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah (see 2 Nephi 2:8). I testify and promise the Savior will help us to bear up our burdens with ease (see Mosiah 24:15). As we are yoked with Him through sacred covenants and receive the enabling power of His Atonement in our lives, we increasingly will seek to understand and live according to His will. We also will pray for the strength to learn from, change, or accept our circumstances rather than praying relentlessly for God to change our circumstances according to our will. We will become agents who act rather than objects that are acted upon (see 2 Nephi 2:14). We will be blessed with spiritual traction."

I add my testimony that I know the Lord gives us power through keeping our covenants, to be able to bear whatever burdens that come to us in this mortal life.  I have seen example upon example in the lives of our missionaries and we do not have to look far into our own lives to see His hand in bearing us up in tough times.  We have been able to find the joy in about every circumstance. The weights that have been places upon us have actually made us stronger...so for that I am grateful.

Spiritual Whirlwinds- Andersen

The first part of this talk reminded me of some of the Iowa memories of tornados.  Exciting times, but I don't miss that worry!  Oh, and the mascot name for my Jr High was the Whirlwinds!
GO TO:  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/spiritual-whirlwinds?lang=eng#watch=video

COUNSEL:

• Recognize that challenges sometimes happen because of the sins of others, and others are just part of life.
• Prepare for whirlwinds by building a strong foundation based on the Doctrine of Christ.
• Challenges can help us grow faster and stronger.
• Stick with the counsel of the law of chastity!  
• Love everyone, even if they do not believe the same way you do. 
• Read the Book of Mormon.
• Stand in Holy Places.  Go to the temple.
• Do Family History.

PROMISED BLESSINGS:

• Challenges can make you stronger.
• No power can drag you down if you are on a strong foundation.
• Family will be stronger as we follow God's laws on family and marriage.
• You will be able to have peace in your life no matter what is going on.

"Harold B. Lee said: “The only safety we have as members of this church is to … learn to give heed to the words and commandments that the Lord shall give through His prophet. … There will be some things that take patience and faith. You may not like what comes. … It may contradict your political views … your social views … interfere with … your social life. But if you listen to these things, as if from the mouth of the Lord Himself, … ‘the gates of hell shall not prevail against you … and the Lord God will disperse the powers of darkness from before you …’ (D&C 21:6).”

"As you do, I promise you that you will see the whirlwinds for what they are—tests, temptations, distractions, or challenges to help you grow. And as you live righteously year after year, I assure you that your experiences will confirm to you again and again that Jesus is the Christ. The spiritual rock under your feet will be solid and secure. You will rejoice that God has placed you here to be a part of the final preparations for Christ’s glorious return."

I add my testimony that real happiness can be found in living God's laws.  Sometimes it is hard...seems to some that we are out of touch with reality. We do have laws to follow.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ with the accompanying commandments, are for our eternal happiness.  I am grateful that I can be happy right here and now as well.  Times do get tough.  Things seem unfair at times.  But with a loving Heavenly Father and continued guidance through living prophets, I am confident I am on the right path.

Obedience Through our Faithfulness

Don't you just love L Tom Perry's voice?  He is assured and comforting at the same time.
GO TO:https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/obedience-through-our-faithfulness?lang=eng#watch=video

COUNSEL:

• Decide God is in charge- be ready to let him drive
• Be ready to receive the prompting and tugs of the Spirit
• Allow the Spirit to guide you in your decisions
• Teach your spirit and body to work together in obeying commandments
• We must be willing to alter our course

PROMISED BLESSINGS:

• Heaven will be like living near to your relatives
• God knows the plan and wants to bless us
• The Holy Ghost will tug and prompt us to do what it right
• We will be guided to our eternal home
• When we demonstrate our obedience, God will rescue us
• We have insight, power and gifts when we rely on God instead of just on ourselves
• Blessings of eternal life are promised to the faithful and obedient

"Those who rely solely on themselves and follow only their own desires and self-inclinations are so limited when compared to those who follow God and tap into His insight, power, and gifts. It has been said that someone who is all wrapped up in himself or herself makes a very small package. Strong, proactive obedience is anything but weak or passive. It is the means by which we declare our faith in God and qualify ourselves to receive the powers of heaven. Obedience is a choice. It is a choice between our own limited knowledge and power and God’s unlimited wisdom and omnipotence."

Before our mission, I did not realize how important obedience is.  In this environment, we can quickly see the fruits of obedience, or the loss of direction with the lack of obedience.  I have gained a strong love for obedience.  Who would have thought?  Of all the things to really, truly love, that I would choose obedience, but I do.  In our mission we say "YOU ARE AS HAPPY AS YOU ARE OBEDIENT!"  I believe in that statement 100%.  Have a great week!  Cheryl

The Prophet Joseph Smith

We recently spoke with Elder Corbridge in a Stake Conference so it is always fun to hear a conference talk from someone familiar.
GO TO:  https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-prophet-joseph-smith?lang=eng#watch=video

COUNSEL:

• ASK OF GOD!
• Prepare to ask God...make a plan
• Look for the opposition and you will find the truth
• Look at the revelations from prophets/Joseph Smith
• Follow the laws and ordinances of Gospel
• Have more than a passive belief in Christ- always remember him and keep his commandments

PROMISED BLESSINGS

• HE WILL ANSWER!
• Revelations come to prophets of God
• We can become like God
• Marriage and family can be forever
• You will have his Spirit to be with you

"Opposition, criticism, and antagonism are companions to the truth. Whenever the truth with regard to the purpose and destiny of man is revealed, there will always be a force to oppose it. Beginning with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, down to the ministry of Christ, and on down to our day, there has always been and will ever be an effort to deceive, derail, oppose, and frustrate the plan of life."

I like that quote...I always wondered growing up why if someone had been LDS  or was LDS, they would say their religion if they had committed a crime or something...yet they would not say that someone was Lutheran or Catholic etc.  That is just one aspect...the bearers of the truth being opposed, but even the truth itself is often opposed; with Christ himself as prime example.  Joseph Smith is another example of someone very opposed and misunderstood.

"There is no dispute about what Joseph Smith accomplished, only how he did what he did and why. And there are not many options. He was either pretender or prophet. Either he did what he did alone, or he had the help of heaven. Look at the evidence, but look at all of the evidence, the entire mosaic of his life, not any single piece. Most importantly, do as young Joseph and “ask … God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given [you].” This is not only how you may learn the truth about the Book of Mormon and Joseph Smith; it is also the pattern to know the truth of all things."

I have prayed about the Prophet Joseph Smith and whether the Book of Mormon that he translated was correct and continue to receive my own witness in my heart and soul that they are honest and true.  It would be a waste of my energy to worry about method used to translate.  I have had way too many times while reading in that book that I have received help and answers to daily concerns.  This book is based on true principles, which do not change with time.  They were true when it was translated and are true now.
The biggest witness for me is in the living it...living what this translated record teaches.  I know without doubt that Christ lives, that he performed the Atonement, that he was the example in being baptized, that he left the Holy Ghost to be our guide and that by living his doctrine we can be truly happy.

Addie and Zumba and Pedicures Oh My!!!

 Well...this is not Addie or Zumba or Pedicures...but it is what President Taylor does while I am busy with Addie or Zumba or Pedicures:)


Yes, this lovely stack of paperwork piled up in the office this week just waiting for his signatures...and then I realized I had to sign most of them as well.

It is strange to now be signing letters being sent to incoming missionaries we will never meet on the mission.  We sign them and tell them they will love their Mission President and Wife!

Breanna's Kindergarten class was studying PETS this week so she arranged to have me bring Addie at the end of the day on Friday this week.

Addie was pretty patient with most of the kids letting them put their hand by her nose to smell them and letting them pet her...but after a while, she was done.

The kids were excited because they had a cat, a dog, 2 snakes and a ferret to interact with.

 I am sure one of the reasons Addie was on edge was because she caught scent of this dog in the room.  When he finally saw Addie, this was how intent he was...it was so funny!  He really wanted to meet her!
Scott showed me a video today of how a cat saved their little boy from a dog who was attacking it outside in the yard.
I told him about how Addie totally jumped at a big dog that ran up to our porch outside one afternoon...she was out in the yard and ran over and jumped up at him to try to scare him away.  She is pretty protective herself!

Bre also invited me to her school on Saturday morning for ZUMBA!  They had a fundraiser Zumbathon!
We had a blast and stayed the whole time and got a really good workout!
YAY FOR ZUMBA!

The girl taking the photo told us to make a silly face...so, we did.

Seriously, I am looking forward to my classes at the gym again.  I am not really excited to come home and all the work that will be, but I do look forward to the gym.

My friend Dana gave us pedicure certificates that Bre and I used yesterday for some Mommy Daughter time.

We were the last customers of the day, had 2 vietnamese guys do our pedicures and it was so funny...we could hardly understand anything they said to us.  But our toenails look fabulous!

This last shot is of the Birrell family here in Phoenix.  Lance is one of Braden's friends that used to play football with him in Provo, and who moved to Phoenix the year before we arrived.  They were friends while Braden lived here too.
Lance invited Scott to participate in his ordination to Elder in the priesthood.

We love Phoenix and so many people here...it will be hard to leave!

MOTHER'S DAY CALL 5/14

 Last Sunday we had the sweet experience of talking with Braden on the phone for 40 minutes.

His mission does not have Skype capability for all missionaries, so they all call instead.  That was fine for us.

In true Taylor fashion, we spent much of the time being a bit teary...if you were to look closely at my face in the photo, you would see some tears below my eye...what can I say, it runs in the family!

Towards the end of our call, we decided it would be fun for him to hear the voices of Austin and Jenna and their families, so we called them on our other two cell phones and had a "conference call" by holding them like the photo shows.  It was really sweet.  He got teary each time a new family member would first say hello.  I know it meant everything to him to have little Brooklyn say "Hello Uncle Braden...you are a missionary."

Braden is very happy on his mission.  He loves the people and he believes what he is teaching.  I think the most tender part of the call was hearing him tell us about the children he has met, and how sad he is for some of their circumstances where home is not a loving or safe place to be.  That really hit close to his heart.
The fact that he is reaching out to others tells me he is maturing even more and more.  He recognizes Gospel truth and lives it and loves it and desires that truth for everyone he knows.

We get it.  That is how we feel as parents.  There is nothing that gives us more joy than in seeing that our children love God and try to do what it right.  It is a unique journey for each. We are grateful to ALL our family; for who you are and how you live your lives...the love and dedication to family is so important and has made a huge difference in the lives of our children and to us.

Thank you Mothers and Fathers, Aunts and Uncles and Cousins, Brothers and Sisters; for being part of our eternal family!  HAPPY MOTHER'S AND FATHER'S DAY!!  We love you.

If Ye Lack Wisdom- Aidukaitis

Don't you just love his accent!!! We got to speak in a stake conference with him last year and it was delightful!
GO TO:https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/if-ye-lack-wisdom?lang=eng#watch=video

COUNCIL:

• If you need more information...SEEK IT OUT!
• Consider carefully WHERE you seek information
• Study the fruits and good works of this church
• Experiment on the word itself- FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS AND SEE FOR YOURSELF
• Ask in faith! This requires work! Study, Act, Pray!
• Ask with an honest heart

PROMISED BLESSINGS:

• Truth will show forth GOOD FRUIT
• Lives are improved for those who follow its teachings
• Good seeds will grow and enlarge our souls
• Our faith will be strengthened
• We can KNOW through personal revelation what it right and what is not

"Doctrine and Covenants section 8 teaches that revelation is knowledge—“knowledge of whatsoever things [we] ask in faith, with an honest heart, believing that [we] shall receive.”7

And the Lord tells us how we will receive this revelation. He says, “I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you and which shall dwell in your heart.”8

Thus we are taught that revelation can be obtained by asking in faith, with an honest heart, and believing we will receive.

But notice that the Lord made it very clear when He warned, “Remember that without faith you can do nothing; therefore ask in faith.”9 Faith requires work, such as studying it out in your mind, then asking in prayer if it is right.

The Lord said:
“If it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right."

I think this is so simple...yet it does require some effort.  We do have to ACT in order to receive the confirmation that what we are asking about is true.  Joseph Smith had to plan and prepare and pray to get the answer to his questions.  We need to be willing to do the same.
I know this is right! It pretty much makes sense that we need to do our part.  I also believe that the efforts of others praying for us make a difference as well.  Sometimes people get "smacked upside the head" by a feeling they need to change, but most of the time, we need to ask ourselves...we may be prompted to ask, but we do need to figure it out ourselves.
I am grateful for the many little answers I have had consistently for many years that make the big difference in my life!  Have a good week!  Cheryl

MOVING BRE!

 May 1 meant MOVING DAY for Breanna!  We spent a couple nights loading up the cars and hauling things over to Breanna's new apartment.  It is a really nice little place, and from the start, we were so glad she got a 2 bedroom place!
Her apartment is about a block from the Mission Office in Glendale, so that is familiar territory for us.  The dangerous thing is that it is also right by the mall, Trader Joes, Target, JoAnns and about every other shopping destination including Sams and WalMart and right next door to Costco!

Scott always came prepared to work on his laptop while we did girly organizing and decorating!








Our Assistants to the President serve in the YSA Ward that Breanna moved into, so they arranged with "a couple" of the men in the YSA to come help move things...well, that couple turned out to be 7 more helpers!


So. we made quick work of things.  They met us at the Mission Home and filled the transfer trailer and the APs truck.  We went and unloaded at the apartment, then went to get a few more things from the storage unit we had been saving for Breanna in case she stayed here...good thing we did!

 We were impressed with the cheerful service that these great young men provided.

 Scott got pizza and soda and chips for a lunch for all of them.  It was really fun and we got to know a few more great AZ people!  Many of these young men are in medical school here in her ward area.


Well, now you know Bre has an extra bedroom...you know what that means...she has room for VISITORS!!!
We know WE are planning several AZ visits over the next year...check it out!

 Breanna is a master decorator and loves color.  We saw this welcome mat and it called her name!


It was fun to see how quickly things took shape and it looked like home.

GOOD WORK BREANNA!!!  WELCOME TO ARIZONA!!!

THE WITNESS- Boyd K Packer

This talk was by Elder Boyd K Packer.  He is special to us because he set Scott apart as a Mission President.
GO TO: https://www.lds.org/general-conference/2014/04/the-witness?lang=eng#watch=video

COUNSEL:
Put in the effort to find out FOR YOURSELF...some things cannot be taught, but only learned for yourself!
Participate in personal prayer and scripture study, fasting and pondering
Pray to FATHER, thinking of him as that title
Participate in parenthood
Listen to and follow the promptings of the Spirit
Do everything we do in the name of the Lord
Build upon the foundation of Christ
Come to your own testimony and then share it

PROMISED BLESSINGS:
impressions, revelations and whisperings of Holy Spirit
Promise of increase to all people whether or not you marry here on earth
Our lives will be full, our dreams and yearnings fulfilled
We can come to know the truth of all things
We will be saved, our families will be protected in storms of life

In a nutshell, we need to gain our own WITNESS.  It requires effort, but it will come. Elder Packer describes his personal witness as he asked in a bunker as a soldier.

"I could not describe to you what happened if I were determined to do so. It is beyond my power of expression, but it is as clear today as it was that night more than 65 years ago. I knew it to be a very private, very individual manifestation. At last I knew for myself. I knew for a certainty, for it had been given to me. After some time, I crawled from that bunker and walked, or floated, back to my bed. I spent the rest of the night in a feeling of joy and awe.

Far from thinking I was someone special, I thought that if such a thing came to me, that it could come to anyone. I still believe that. In the years that have followed, I have come to understand that such an experience is at once a light to follow and a burden to carry."

I love that he describes the feeling of both the light and burden of being a witness.  It is not a heavy burden, but one of obligation to share something so precious as knowing we have a loving Heavenly Father who has a plan for us.  This is what we know with all our hearts.  I know God has a plan for us.  There is order in his world, power in his ordinances.  I am grateful to have my personal witness that this is His church here on the earth.  I am grateful to be a witness.  I hope I can live so that it is apparent in my life forever.