Reflections 2010

This year, my testimony has been greatly strengthened. But more specifically, my testimony of prayer has been strengthened. It actually began a year ago, but more so this summer. First was the sacred grove. It is one of the most peaceful places in the world. Sister Goshe told us that if we wanted, we could stop to pray, then catch up to them at the end of the trail, and right before, the missionaries had encouraged us to do so also. So I stopped and did so and just felt a confirmation that Joseph Smith really did see God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ in the grove. Also, the last night of the Kirtland play, Pres. Haymond stood up and told us that Joseph Smith was grateful for what we were doing and that he knew us like His own Kirtland Saints and loved us. And I've always wanted to know Joseph Smith and meet him, so that just strengthened my testimony on him and on the restoration of this church. Second was trek and preparing for it. Our sewing machine isn't very strong so it got jammed all the time. I became so frustrated and said I wasn't going to finish making my dress. I left, then an hour later I saw Miranda working on her dress. I was shocked. I had tried unjamming that thing so many times without luck but Miranda got it. I asked her how and all she said was that I forgot to pray. I didn't think that He cared about a sewing machine but I now know that it doesn't matter how small it is, He just wants to help us no matter what it is. Throughout those next few weeks, I prayed over that machine many times and each time He helped. During Trek, I also say the power of the priesthood through prayer, and also how prayer gives us comfort as well. During the women's pull they said that they felt angels beside them helping them and it made me think of my patriarchal blessing I received in June, it said that angels will surround you and that your Heavenly Father and Savior will stand at your side at times to assist you. It has helped me through trials I have faced and pushed me through. The third and last is EFY. My counselor was amazing! She taught me so much that week! One thing she said was that we need to pray with a question in our hearts before we begin to read our scriptures. Then we need to show our gratitude to Him. I know that prayer is real and that God hears and answers each one because He loves us and wants to do all He can for us.

November 14, 2010

Did you know...
Adam is going to be 18 in less than a year! That is completely crazy!!! When we moved here he was in 8th grade! He's going to be leaving for college in two years and then, wait, that is if he goes on his mission after a semester of college! Aughh! I don't want people to grow up!!! Everyone changes. Including me. According to Miranda and others, I used to be fun. Whatever:)
So, I'm thinking that I just like Adam as a friend now. Just fyi.

Family Update

Last you heard, Todd died, Tiffany had cancer, Grandpa Robison was almost dead, and Aunt Janiel was not doing well at all. Well, Grandpa met Todd in heaven Septermber 19th, Sunday morning. We flew out on Friday the 24th for the viewing & the funeral. That night was very different than I would imagine. Grandpa was always big & jolly:) That is something I liked about Grandpa acted like Santa, big, happy and jolly! At the viewing though, he looked so pale and not jolly. He looked like a wax figure. The next morning was Grandpa's funeral. He was buried next to Todd and He now rests in peace. Before the burial, we heard from all of Grandpa's children & his remaining brothers and sister. We were able to hear many stories from Grandpa's life and memorable moments. I was priveledged along with Miranda to play Nearer my God to Thee, a piano (me) and flute (Miranda) duet. It was beautiful. At the bureal, soldiers buried Grandpa because he had served in war in his life. It was neat to hear the guns and watch afterwards as they folded the flag and gave it to Grandma. It was a great funeral. Before lowering the casket we got to put flowers on the top. It was a very special day.

Life

Life has been pretty difficult recently. In August, our 8 year old cousin, Todd Hall, died. It was a complete accident with a tragic ending. It happened a little less than 2 weeks after we had family pictures. Then, a month later, our 16 year old cousin, Tiffany Howell, found out that she had cancer, but the doctors do not know where the cancer is located or what kind she has. A few days later, we get a call telling us that Grandpa Robison, not yet 70 years old, will most likely not last the week. He just kept getting worse and worse and the doctors could do nothing more for him. Then this morning, September 18, 2010, We have found out that our Aunt Janiel, who just had triplets on the 7th, has a brain anurism and is currently having surgery. Most people don't live from this, and if they do, they are usually paralized for the rest of their lives. She is my favorite aunt. But I do love all of them very much.