Wonderful Week

This past week was/is one of my favorite weeks of the year. It began with General Conference which carries a spiritual power that is rejuvenating & enlightening. It's amazing how the spirit can accompany the broadcast. I'm eager to read and reread the talks.

Then, during the week, we've had our Area Directors' convention where the S&I leaders from all over the world come for training. This year we were at Aspen Grove. I've been attending these conventions long enough that almost all of the area directors are good friends as well as colleagues. I have spent time with the majority of them in their own countries. Treasured memories. It is a great reminder of the global nature of our work and how the Lord is working across the earth. There were wonderful spiritual moments, insights and moments of laughter. Several of the area directors won't be back again because of retirement, change of assignment etc. and that leaves a certain hollowness. The way life moves from scene to scene there are some I may not see again on this earth.

Whetstone

A knife is sharpened by rubbing it against a whetstone. Ideas are often honed, refined, and sharpened as they are rubbed against other ideas and other points of view.

March

What a great month! (My tongue is slipping toward my cheek!) March comes in like a lion and leaves . . . like an Arctic Fox. Where oh where is the promised lamb? I think I glanced him in passing a time or two. Perhaps he's been there the whole time, camouflaged in the snow.

Canoe Ride

Life is much like a canoe ride down a river. Sometimes the weather is clear and warm, sometimes there seems to be as much water coming from above as there is below, sometimes the river is placid and calm and other times its "hang on for dear life"!!!

And sometimes you feel like shouting out "Who stole the paddles?!?!"

Written Words

I've been thinking lately about the amazing power of written words. Interpreting certain marks on a surface can bring us to ponder deeply, to laugh, to cry, to visualize an almost inexhaustible variety of scenes. And the way the words are chosen and arranged can add a wide range of tone and nuance.

One of the reasons I love to read and write poetry is to experience and express that range of life. Somehow that broadens and deepens my sense of, and appreciation for, our mortal existence.

More Birthday Thoughts

Today, March 8th, is Mom's (Grandmother's) 81st birthday.

There are things in life you don't appreciate until you are able to put them into some type of perspective. For example, a year ago we gathered the family together at Maddox's restaurant near Brigham City to celebrate Mom's 80th birthday. We really had no clue of what the next five months would bring. Mom was still doing quite well, although her fading memory was troubling to her (and sometimes to us!) Still, she seemed to be healthy and well and I know she truly appreciated the time and effort it took to bring people together in her honor.

Looking back now I'm so glad we had that special event and didn't just have a "birthday as normal" where a couple of us paid a visit. I hope everyone takes a few moments to remember that day and to remember Mom and the legacy she left us, for those things that she exemplified and how they encourage us to live better, happier lives.

Happy Birthday Mom -

Hot Water

Just a short note of celebration for the wonder of hot water, especially in the morning when you're trying to wake up. That warm, liquid rinsing of the face!
What a joy! How rejuvenating!