2009

This has been a hard year. I could explain all the reasons why I think this year has been hard on me personally as well as so many who are dear to me, but rather than go on, I'm just sticking with my first sentence.

Throughout the year, I have seen the Savior's hand in my life again and again. His tender mercies have picked me up and shored the lives of so many as I witnessed His love for His brothers and sisters time and again.

Three women, dear to me, and all those who knew them: angels who walked among us; passed away within the last six months. All three of these remarkable women were gone quickly, unexpectedly. In my mind, it seems there must be a new dynamite Relief Society presidency in Paradise. Zoe Ann, Ardelle, and Beth all left a legacy of love and kindness. I have no doubt if I follow their examples of faith and goodness, 2010 will be better -- or at least it will be better to me. Because it seems, you can't walk with faith and harbor anger, or fear, or be unkind. Faith in Jesus Christ alights in the believer the hope for a better tomorrow. And so, I walk by faith... again. Join me.

We Three Kings...

Growing up, my Dad had a habit of altering many words and expressions, to the point that we referred to the private tongue spoken in our household as Reederese. The Wise Men that visited the young Christ child were referred to by my father as "The Three Wise Guys." Well, I think they visited my house this year, a bit before Christmas, but at least at the start of the season. Let me explain...

Several years ago, our first Christmas after moving into this house, I bought some stocking hangers because I didn't want any goo or hook to mar the antique marble fireplace in the living room. I chose a set that said PEACE, because it was the only one with 5 letters, and I was expecting my fifth child. Last year as we were packing up the Christmas decorations, John dropped his letter "E" and broke it. Although I have searched all over for another set with five letters, I have yet to find one, so I just decided to try to glue the broken "E" for now. To that end, I had put all five stocking hangers on the counter while waiting for the glued one to dry. Sunday morning, I came downstairs to find that someone had rearranged the letters and added a letter written on a index card to display another message. Perhaps I made the children work too hard on Saturday getting ready for our annual Christmas Open House?