The Book of Mormon

 I finished listening to/reading the Book of mormon yesterday, Sunday, May 23.  I had started it either in December or January.  

I loved and enjoyed it again.  I wish I knew how many times I've read it, but I know that every time I do read or listen, my testimony of the Book grows stronger.  A young 21 year old boy COULD NOT HAVE WRITTEN THAT BOOK.

All the names, places, situations, wars, travels, places, battles, advice, struggles, spiritual chapters, etc.  Jospeh was not capable of that.  Sometimes I wonder about things in the church, but this I DO KNOW:

THE BOOK OF MORMON IS TRUE.  

And, I am so grateful.

WATER, WATER, WATER

 

I just take it for granted.  I get it whenever I want, even if it's in a drought.  

I try to drink a lot of it every day.  

But, not everyone in the world is as fortunate as I.  I'm reading this book and it is just so eye opening about the struggles many people in the world have to just get water.

I'm so thankful for good, clean water....every day.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the blessing of water.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ

 Yesterday in Sacrament Meeting, I felt an overwhelming sense of JOY in being in church.  I realized as the deacons passed the Sacrament that all over the world, this sacred ritual was happening.  

We have had some dramatic and serious events in our ward the last two or three months, yet all the families involved were there, showing their love for Christ.  These families have to be hurting, yet their testimonies burned strong.  It was so inspiring to me because when things have gone wrong in my life, I haven't always been able to attend church or let the spirit of Christ help me.

But, I felt such great love for all the people in our ward.  Such good, good people.  Strong people.  Raising such righteous children.  I am inspired by them.

Sunday School was so inspiring and helpful and testimony building.

It was just a day of joy for me.

ANd, I am so very thankful!

Mother's Day Niceties

 

Cards from Sean and Lisa Fisher, Janessa Hadobas, Jeremy.  

Such incredibly nice sentiments inside also.

A text from Andrea Ivey, who should win mother of the decade:

Awwww, thank you Loni! You have been such a good friend and wonderful example to ME and my whole family!! 🥰 We are so thankful and relieved too. I hope you had an amazing Mother’s Day! Yesterday the kids all shared an example of someone kind in their life and they said, “Loni Hackworth - because she always says nice things about us and makes us feel good.” I loved that they thought of YOU!! You always see the good in everyone❤️

Thank you for your very sweet text this morning. It is just further evidence of the fact that you are always building people up. You are an incredible matriarch that lifts and strengthens and loves unconditionally. Thank you and I love you! From Lisa Fisher

Also, a delicious and very healthy meal was served to us by our wonderful grandchildren:

It was definitely one of the best Mother's Day.

And, I am so grateful.

A Circle of Friends....

 

Good friend, Loretta.  She makes everything fun and cheerful.

I love this lady, Sheryl.  I met her when we both were serving missions at the family history center.  She decorates every single month for a new holiday or theme.  May's theme was Egypt and mummies, so here is Sheryl's mummy costume.  She is a remarkable. lady.

Unfortunately, Loretta took the picture, so she is not in this pix, but here are the Gal Pals.  Lisa Sjogren, Loni (big and fat), Gigi Kern, Margie McMichael, and Pam ( Sheryl's Relief Society president).

I'm so thankful for these delightful and fun ladies.  Laughter and inspiration around every corner.

I can't forget my longtime friend, dear Dorothy Huntington:

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for dear friends.  That is such an incredible blessing.

Dearest Friends in the World.....

 Loretta and Wilda and Dorothy and Gigi and Donna and Elaine.

I am so thankful for these dear ladies in my life.  They each bring me great joy for different reasons.

Thank you, Heavenly Father!

Friends, Family, and Birthday Wishes

 I cannot express THANKS enough for the wonderful well wishes from friends and family on my birthday!  And into the weekend.  SO MUCH FUN, and I am grateful.

The calls started early, came late, and the goodies arrived all day long.  It was such a happy and memorable birthday.  Oh, I'm grateful.

Calls:

I called Travis to beat him from calling me.

Bill and Donna Simmons

Kaey and Shauna Gee

Having and Libby Gee

Preston and Janice Gee

Texts, Cards and emails from:  Shauna, Donna and Bill, Wendy Dupras, Rebecca Pister, Crystal, Stephanie and Gardner, Martha Smith, Beverly Murdock, Linda Ricks (Rexburg), Kristi - all through the day, Amy, Dorothy Huntington, Kaelyn Owens, all children BUT Jordan, who called a couple of days later with great apologies, Loretta and Mike Allam, Oscar Hackworth, Gavin and Libby, Janice and Preston, Carisa, Bobby Anderson.

Visits and Gifts: Don and Lisa Sjogren,gift card to Cafe Rio; Preston and Janice, gift card to Cliffside Dining; Loretta and Mike, set of colored pens for tangling; Plate of cookies from Gigi Kern; plate of purchased cookies from Wendy Dupras; cake balls from Peggy Hrabar; iPod and lovely metal flower from Allen; flowers from Stephanie and Gardner; little rock/picture or recipe holder from dear friend Gigi, plus the plate of cookies; Mancala game and something else from Justin and Amy; visits from Justin's family and Jeremy and his boys.  

Posts on Instagram from both daughters, and responses from many friends;  So incredibly thoughtful.

Just leaving or entering Fiesta Fun to go bowling.  

Just heading to the car to go bowl.  Such fun.

Pictures of birthday thoughtfulness from friends.  
Reminds how important it is to acknowledge birthday for others.

Home-made cookie from Gigi; so delicious.  Should I tell people that I'm trying to cut out sugar?

Cookies from Wendy Dupras; professional, or at least made by a 15 year old girl.

Cookie pop from Peggy Hrabar; incredibly delicious.

Much more than I ever deserve.

Adorable little stand for picture or recipe.  Love this on my desk.

The Five Hackworth Cousins; unfortunately, Eli had left earlier that morning to get to work.  
What a delightful group of young men.

First picture of the returned missionary with us.  Man, did I ever HUG that young man!

Should have combed my hair, at least.

The Bowling is Over; time to head home for a steak lunch by Allen.

Bowling can't quite compete with the game on the phone!  HA!

THIS PICTURE has my heart.  I love this.

My heart is filled to overflowing with the love and attention I received during the birthday week.
I'm so very grateful to everyone and to my Heavenly Father for the rich blessings that come from having a marvelous and wonderful family.  
Thank you!  Over and over and again and again!