Word of Wisdom

I recently came across this page from my journal while we were serving as missionaries in the LDS Employment Center.

I felt then as I do now...

we met people from all walks of life who struggled with addiction problems, so I am forever grateful for the messages found in the Word of Wisdom.

Have I EVER Mentioned....

HEALTH?

I minister with a lady who has struggled for several years with multiple health issues.

And, for two years, she's had a colostomy bag, which was just operated on and failed.

Tonight while visiting a couple, they told me about their daughter and the serious health problems she has had for the past several years.

I just listened and was filled with gratitude for what the health I HAVE right now.

And, I am so grateful.

PLAN OF SALVATION!

This picture totally captures Ron's delightful, fun personality.
Friendly, garrulous, happy, optimistic.
What a great guy!

Ron Olson died on Tuesday night.

From a heart attack.

We heard the sirens blasting and the fire department screaming along.  We wondered who, what was happening, and I prayed in my heart.

And, then, we were heart broken when we found out.

Because you see, we LOVED this good, good man.

He has been our home teacher/minister for many many years.  We looked forward to his visits.  We loved having him in our home.

He was funny, committed to the Gospel and he was a marvelous FATHER and GRANDFATHER!  His 2nd grandson comes home from his mission TODAY!  TWO DAYS AFTER HE DIED.

How does this even happen?

I'm still in a state of total shock.  On Sunday. Allen talked to him, and Ron said, "I'll be coming over soon."

Oh, RON, YOU WILL BE MISSED.

But, in spite of the shock, the untimeliness of it all, in my heart I realize that
WE WILL SEE YOU AGAIN.  AND, THAT IS SO GOOD TO BE SO SURE OF.

And, I am thankful!

WORKING LEGS and FEET!

Walking the mall with Garn and Dorothy....about 1/2 of the way thru, she said, "I can't go on.  My KNEE."

I realized what a great blessing it is to have working knees and legs.

And, I am so very grateful!

AMERICA - AGAIN!

So, once again, I find myself reading a book about North Korea.

Jordan recommended this to me; it's about girl who goes to teach in North Korea with a Christian group of teachers.  She, herself, is an atheist, but in order to go, she aligned herself with the group of Christian teachers.

It is an astounding story, but nothing different than what I haven't been exposed to before.

But, it certainly serves as a reminder how GRATEFUL I am to have been born in THE USA!

I don't know how I got to be so blessed.

I know that America has multiple problems, including our JERK of a president, BUT, nonetheless, the freedoms we have are just miraculous compared to North Korea.

Oh, my heart is filled with love and appreciation for this great land!

MUSIC!

Driving into town this morning on my way to exercise, I was listening to music on my iPod.

It absolutely thrilled my soul!  I was so moved and loving it so much.

A couple of the songs that were thrilled me were; THE STARS AND STRIPES FOREVER,

BELIEVE ME IF ALL THOSE ENDEARING YOUNG CHARMS, and MARCH OF THE HEBREW SLAVES.

I was absolutely transported to an "other world."

And, it made me so very grateful for;

my ears,
Allen's love of music,
inventions that allow me to choose the music I want to listen to.

Oh, my heart is filled with gratitude this morning as I sit trying this and listening to Allen play music on his GENOS instrument.

I am so very grateful.