We Survived
This past year can be described in two words...We Survived.
Ryan and I survived our 16-year-anniversary.
We survived Ryan's job change.
We survived Abby's near-obsession with family history.
We survived a trip to Barnes and Noble and Deseret Book for Joanie's 14th birthday.
We survived Joanie babysitting all summer.
We survived Joanie growing 3-4 inches.
We survived Hunter turning 12 and entering junior high.
We survived Hunter growing 6-7 inches, making him taller than Joanie and Abby (this was a BIG survival).
We survived Hunter's first-seven-day scout camping trip (Abby by a hair).
We survived the death of Abby's granny and grandpa.
We survived the death of our beloved Shih tzu, Winky.
We survived getting a new puppy, Charley.
We survived two weddings in one day.
We survived Abby having back surgery, again.
We survived Joanie having her lingual tonsils out (2-days before Christmas).
We survived Abby's parents starting a 2-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
We survived multiple short road trips; including trips to South Dakota, California, Las Vegas, and Beaver Dam.
We survived having our friend and her three daughters move in with us 2 1/2 weeks before Christmas.
Above all, we survived another year of Abby being in constant pain, and the depression and anxiety that comes from being in that much pain.
Here's to 2017!
As I’ve contemplated what I’d like to put on here to share our life; happiness and sadness, good and bad, struggles and achievements with you I realized that a lot of our life is good and our accomplishments because of what we believe. Many will not understand some concepts that I know we will be talking about here. I feel a need to explain some of these concepts that we not only believe, but we KNOW are true!
This might be boring to read, but I feel it will help you understand future posts. I’m going to list and explain these concepts.
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: This is the name of the church we belong to. We are more commonly referred to as Mormons.
Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ: This book is scripture, comparable to the Bible. However, we also believe in the Bible.
Doctrine & Covenants (D&C): This is another book of scripture. The Doctrine & Covenants are “revelations and inspired declarations given for the establishment and regulation of the kingdom of God on the earth in the last days.” 1
General Conference: This is a bi-yearly general meeting for members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In these meetings we are taught by our Prophet, Apostles and other Leaders. The meetings take place the first weekend of April and then again in October.
Atonement: “The word describes the setting, ‘at one’ of those who have been estranged and denotes the reconciliation of man to God. …The purpose of atonement is to correct or overcome the consequences of sin. Jesus Christ, as the Only Begotten Son of God and the only sinless person to live on this earth, was the only one capable of making an atonement for mankind. His divine Sonship, His sinless life, the shedding of His blood in the garden of Gethsemane, His death on the cross and subsequent bodily resurrection from the grave, He made a perfect atonement for mankind. All are covered unconditionally as pertaining to the Fall of Adam.” 2
Forever Family: We believe that families can be together forever. We can be sealed in a temple for not only time, but all eternity.
Temple: There are 151 operating temples, 4 are in a renovation stage, 15 are under new construction, and 11 have been announced. “In the temple we are taught, we make covenants, and we are promised blessings.” 3
Family History: We believe that we are linked to our ancestors forever. We research our ancestors and then we, as proxy’s, go to the temple and perform the needed ordinances.
Missionary: Usually a young man or young woman who leaves their family and serves the Lord by teaching the Gospel to others. There are also couple missionaries who serve. (If interested in meeting with a missionary, please let me know. I will help get you in touch with one.)
Priesthood: We believe there are two levels of Priesthood, the Aaronic and Melchezidek. The priesthood is held by worthy men in the Church. They use this priesthood for good. Some ways the priesthood is used include; blessings and ordinances.
Articles of Faith: There are 13 statements outlining Latter-day Saint beliefs. These statements were given by Joseph Smith to an editor of the Chicago Democrat. These statements explain what we believe.
I’m sure over time there will be other concepts we need to explain and we will explain those as they arise.
I firmly believe in these concepts. I know with all my heart and mind that these are true, and that we have a loving Heavenly Father who knows all and won’t give us more than we can handle (although at times it seems we have too much to handle). I know that we have a living prophet on earth. I know that families are forever. I’m so thankful for this knowledge, and knowing I will always be with my loved ones. I know that through the Atonement of Christ, not only can I be forgiven of my sins, but I also know that Christ felt every little pain I have, and will feel. I know that Christ is my elder brother, and that he loves me unconditionally. I know the power of the Priesthood can be used for good. The Priesthood has been used many times to help me feel better. This knowledge brings much comfort to me. I believe the 13 statements, known as the Articles of Faith, are true. They simply explain, better than I could, what we believe. I know that as I read the scriptures and pray about my decisions, the Lord will continue to bless, not only me, but my family. My testimony is strong. I KNOW the Gospel is true, and I KNOW that I can be guided to help others. Again, I KNOW I have a loving Heavenly Father who loves me unconditionally and wants me to be happy and succeed. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
#1. Doctrine & Covenants Introduction.
#2. Bible Dictionary: Atonement.
#3. www.lds.org. “What Happens in Temples.”
