Twinkies

In May Conference 1998, Elder Holland posed the following question, “Are we really nurturing our youth in a way that will sustain them when the stresses of life appear? Or are we giving them a kind of theological Twinkie – spiritually empty calories?"

I love this quote and it makes me wonder, am I nourishing myself and my family spiritually, or am I feeding myself and them spiritual Twinkies? As we enter the holiday season, I hope we can all take the time to spiritually nourish ourselves and others.

Friends

Sometimes, we meet a friend on earth that we were close to in the eternities. Jen and I must have been sisters a long time ago. John and I met her at Young Single Adults four years ago. Jen works at Flaming Gorge Lodge so we see her often when we go up there. She comes to stay with us on weekends sometimes.

Jen is one of the most positive people I know as she laughs, jokes, and encourages. May you all have a friend as dear as mine is to me. And may I always remember to tell all my friends and family thanks.

This November is no. 4 without our Dear Paul. Thank you for your support always as you have all been by our side through this difficult time. He is happy, very busy, and still tells us 'hello' on a daily basis. I am so grateful for the Plan of Salvation; for the fact we will all be together again.

Children make our lives meaningful.

Happy October. Hope you had a wonderful month and are now ready for a truly Thanksgiving Month. Love you each and all. Pictured: Jane, Brooke, Amelia, Josh, Kennedy, Kassidy, Katlyn, Alexa, and Ben. We recruited the neighbors, our extended family, to share Octoberfest with us. Thanks!

Nature's Paintings

The Garden of Eden was said to be on the North American Continent. Could there be any doubt about this? Enjoy your Fall. Get out and take a walk or ride and see what God has offered us. We are most likely living in our eternal home already. Could anything replace the beauty of our world? Love you all.

Guitar in Hand

Did you know that Jordan is a fine guitarist? Yes you did. But did you know he likes someone? But don't tell anyone.  It is totally on the QT. He will hopefully serenade her ......but who knows until it happens. He also, along with Boy and Dad, have most popular Fruit Barn in SLC. Must go see!

Congratulations Christopher and Crystal.

We are so happy for you two great 'lovers'. Marriage is a wonderful experience of:

Sharing, learning, working, playing, hoping and praying, children, and so many opportunities. And then think, forever and ever becoming an eternal family. May you know of our love for you.

"I will be loving you always"

D.& C. 25:5...Emma received revelation through her
husband, Joseph Smith, "And the office of thy calling shall be for a
comfort unto my servant, Joseph Smith, Jun., thy husband, in his afflictions,
with consoling words, in the spirit of meekness." D.&C. 25:13 and 14:
"Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants
which thou has made. Continue in the spirit of meekness, and beware of pride.
Let thy soul delight in thy husband, and the glory which shall come upon
him."

Sixty five years ago, Grandpa and I were married and sealed
in the Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity. We were the best of friends,
very young and looked forward to a life together. As years passed we were
blessed with beautiful children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, all of
whom we are well pleased. The passing of time, of course, always offers many
experiences and emotions. This is all a part of our Father's plan to prepare us
for the eternal life we may enjoy if we stand up to the test in mortality. We,
as a couple and as a family, have experienced the utmost experiences to be had,
sorrow, happiness, tears, joy, devastation and peace.

At this time I wish to convey to my husband and family that
I truly have delighted in my husband and the life he has shared with me. He has
truly been an example of all the positive aspects of our lives, teaching one
and all that love endureth all. He has been my life preserver in the dark,
troubled waters of my life, and he has been the joy in knowing that I was loved
every day of my life. My gratitude to the Lord has no end that we have been
able to spend sixty five years together as man and wife. Of course I wrote him
a poem. I will not type it in poetry form because it will take too much space.

One day we said, "We will", and then we said,
"We do". We gave our love to each other, you to me and I to you. Love
has many meanings; it is a simple word to say, soothing a troubled heart, shown
in a quiet way. Love has no beginning, nor does it have an end, whether given
to a child or to a dear, dear friend. Love is an answer to all, coming from
Heaven above. Sorrow may be lifted with an act of love. Love is everlasting, it
may dim the signs of age. It gives us strength and courage when we turn another
page. Love is what I give to you upon this special. May our love go on forever;
for this I humbly pray.

I will be loving you always (our theme song), your devoted
wife, Shirley