Please bare with me during this blog it may be hard to follow. First of all I am amazed at the workings and intricacies of life. How it all is intertwined. How are lives are linked for the fact the we can give and receive what is needed by those with whom we associate.
I have been contemplating how I would answer the following question: Am I a religious person? I really do not think that I am not, but on the other hand I suppose that I am. My definition of a "religious person" seems to include someone that is fanatic about religion whatever that religion may be. I don't see myself as that person. I do attend church and pray. I have probably read my scriptures more in the last 2 years than I have in the several previous years. Though I was not able to attend the Nicholes Family Temple Night a few a weeks ago I am thankful that this tradition has started.
My own children get to hear my testimony enough, but very rarely does the rest of the family get to. Maybe I should share it here.
I will admit that I feel a bit embarrassed, but you can't see my red face.
On my mission I learned and gained what I felt to be a strong testimony of the life after we leave this one. It seemed to be one of the principles of the gospel that came easier to me than some of the others. To tell someone that we do continue to live after we die is something that I know to be true. As I hear stories of people who do not have this knowledge I become saddened. Especially when they have lost a child.
I remember the day I came to gained the testimony of Christ. I was in my apartment in a small town in northern Georgia. I was seated on the couch waiting for another set of missionaries to come and it came to me. It is one of those things that I remember just as if it had happened moments ago.
I have also come to learn the importance of friends. In the church it is stressed that it is important to have good friends in those teenage years. Through what I have seen it is as important to have good friends regardless of age. I am so thankful for the friends that I have. They are tops in my book.
Finally, (maybe) I am grateful for our family. Not only my own, Jen and kids, but all of my extended family. I look at my siblings, that would include their spouses, and am in total awe. Some them move very quietly through life doing good things like they have a secret. I love the humor they have and share. I love to call and talk with them on the phone. My siblings are good to me. I have been very blessed to be part of their family. When one of the grandkids have gone through the temple for the first time I like to sit at the other end of the room and watch the hugs and smiles that occur. You are truly a beautiful family.
I had better go to bed. I've got meetings at what I consider early in the morning. I love you all. Be happy!!!!!!

Me