Church today. Met Shari's parents: Cindy and Dave Bowen. The best part of my day was seeing Paige in the hall and she came up and gave me a big hug. I love her. She is a dear and has musical ability that will bless her life. Shari has grown up. She was grown before =O) but there is a depth to her - surviving divorce which still causes pain, pierces her to the core sometimes. But in her eyes - there is hope. I think too, mostly the light of Christ. She has this warmth that radiates - I am always delighted if she sits by me, or messages me. I find myself amazed to be included in her circle - even though I am probably not 1/4 the woman she will become. Goodness. She is funny, she is smart, and although I don't know where the plan of her life will take her, she inspires me--because she also so faithful. A lot of people have trouble and they stop going to church. They get offended. We all know that going to church alone stinks. And yet, she does it - and sometimes smiles and is --- sometimes sad. But she comes and gives her best. Wow.
I yet, have a lot to learn....I love that quote by Michaelangelo Buonorotti, at age 89, "I am still learning." Meeeee too!
photo of Michaelangelo
We went to hear Elder L. Tom Perry speak at the Perry Stake Center. A pastor who was from the South (but lives here) gave the opening prayer. Tami Hirschi did a wonderful job with the choir. Gae Tams accompanied and Nola led the congregation. It is so stirring to sing our National Anthem. Elder Perry spoke about the pioneers that settled America and those that settled in Perry. He was a tad long-winded. I always enjoy it more when he tells a story. But it was wonderful. And then Norm Nelson gave the closing prayer. His voice always gives me goosebumps, it is so musical.
I feel so blessed to live here. I think of how my life began, I could be in some slum near Chicago or even in Springfield, I could be a drunk. But instead I found God, and changed my life....or I should say HE changed my life. I have mountains out my front door. A canyon to walk in, 5 children, good friends, and Marley! and a faithful husband who seems to withstand all my neuroses. I am not lucky - I am blessed.
Boyd Hirschi sat next to Randy and talked about his family. He talked about little Anni and the miracle of Shay and Becki having a baby of their very own. "They are over the moon," he said. And it gave me the idea for a poem. It needs work - but a little start that I can look at later.
Graydon's Mission President, President Holm, and also his Mission Doctor, Dr. Lilenquist (who is on a mission himself and lives in Idaho Falls) both called us on Saturday to give us an update of Graydon's health issues. I will say this for him, Graydon doesn't let any of these things get him down. After he was released from the doctors he went tracting. So he is committed to serving. We are proud of him, and we worry too. Only 6 more months before he comes home.
I have almost completed the upper right corner of the fox picture. It looks gorgeous. I will have to stop and finish a wedding gift (set of pillow cases for Jonathon Curtis' wedding) so I hope I can still get this done in time for the fair.
Whew it is still hot, 100 degrees today! I forgot to water my flowers.
Pancake breakfast at 7 a.m. at the Park - then the Flag Ceremony - Parade at 11 a.m. For a small town, there certainly is a lot going on for the 4th. The fireworks freak Marley out, she crawls under our bed so just her rear is sticking out =O)
Well - the ibuprofen is starting to work, so I'm back to bed.
HAPPY 4TH OF JULY! SO GRATEFUL TO LIVE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!
And I am proud of Collin and Phillip who have served in the military to help preserve freedom.
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