Wow, the last time I was here at my blog, we were busy in the reflective days of fall. I find it interesting that this time I come, we are in the blessed grateful days of spring.
I walked outside the other day and looked at each of the new trees we had planted around the house, and sure enough, there are baby buds of new life on each one.
We are fortunate to live on the hillside where I look up daily at the receeding snow line, and rejoice that soon these beautiful mountains will be covered with tender green foilage.
Last weekend we enjoyed our annual Family Spring Celebration. Erin, David, Vance, Becca, Shalei & Jamis with Naiya, Jonas, & Aidia, Brianne & Jon with Katelyn & Ethan, Cousins, Naomi & fiancee Andrew, Azure, and Craig's mom Adeline joined us for the entire weekend. Our great friends Stan Winters and son Dennis joined us on Sunday. (We missed you Chelsea & Jordan and Katie, Brandon & Lyndee!)
I can't put into words the joy I feel when surrounded by my sweet children and their children and great friends. The Lord has blessed us so much with this great home with enough room to sleep everyone and more. (Our Christmas to New Years group often is between 28-36!)We do have fun, and last weekend was no exception. At our annual family spring celebration we also have the benefit of listening and watching the Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints together. Our bonds are strengthened as we learn of truths and direction from the Prophet and Apostles of the Lord. Between the sessions though, the great competition of Wii tennis, bowling, etc, was at very 'heated' levels. Saturday night my heart swelled with gratitude as I watched the men in their suits all get in to the car and drive to the Priesthood session of conference.
And that leads me to another thing that I am so grateful for at this springtime. That the Prophet Joseph Smith was worthy and obedient to the words and admonition of God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ in restoring the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. Encapsulated in the gospel is the Priesthood of God, the one true power on earth. I cry daily at the onslaught of satan and his forces on the Priesthood, and pray that all Priesthood holders will take the power that has been bestowed upon you and use it to further the works of light and righteousness in this world that loves so many dark and unrighteous things. The choice may be hard, but it is the only choice that will bring happiness and true joy.
My heart is full of love for the Savior of mankind. I am grateful to Him for loving me enough to offer all He had to atone for my sins. I am grateful that through His atoning sacrifice He took upon Him not only my sins, but my pain and sorrow, and because of that, He only can succor my aching and broken heart. I am so grateful for that and for my faith in Him.
I am grateful to have eyes to see this magnificent earth. Two nights ago as I was driving back from Salt Lake, as I was in the darkness surrounding the Great Salt Lake, the moon peered around the clouds in such awe-inspiring beauty that it took my breath away. I couldn't but help to thank my God for the gift of sight.
I am grateful to live in this time when the Lord is revealing so may cures for so many diseases, both physical and emotional. As strong as the influence of bad that satan is spewing, the influence that the Lord is showering upon those who are listening is greater, and what marvelous blessings await us.
May we each have new life like the newness of spring that is upon us. And may you each feel the Savior's ever encircling arms of love surrounding you this day and always. Kathie
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