Ode to Ione

Every year when they bloom, I think of Ione, and I am happy for the things I learned from her.

Donna Day

Wednesday, usually one day a month, we have "Donna Day." It's the day my friend goes to the doctor and we do her errands. She is the navigator and I am the driver. She makes lots of funnies, we usually have some type of lunch and we spend the whole day together. Brynn and Oakley have visited her and she adores them. I thought it might be time for you to meet Donna. Here she is with two of her adorable grandchildren.

sharpest tools

"One of the adversary's sharpest tools is to convince us that we are no longer worthy to pray. No matter who you are or what you have done, you can always pray. Prayer is your personal key to heaven. The lock is on your side of the veil." ~Boyd K. Packer, "Prayer and Promptings," Ensign, Nov. 2009, 43-46

As a kid, I used to hate when the opening song in Sunday School started with "Ere you left your room this morning did you think to pray?" I never had. I did pretty well with the canned prayers at night, but the really heartfelt faith kind of prayers -- not there too often. I guess I needed to have a little opposition in my life to find out that I really do need my Heavenly Father every hour and I need constant secret prayer. As my heart has turned to heaven I have seen the hand of the Lord daily in my life. Just this last week as I was with our sweet Parker, I was reminded clearly that God lives and is in His heaven. He loves us and wants to bless us. His Son Jesus Christ is our advocate with the Father. Jesus extends his loving hand constantly and loves us perfectly. He will plead our case with our loving Father. Satan may have sharp tools, but they will never be able to pick the lock to heaven's door. That key is prayer and I am so grateful for it.

for the love

Happy Valentines Day! It's the time of year when Mel and I celebrate the first time he asked me out. It was a monumental occasion and took much courage on his part. I am so glad that he did. Recently I studied the talk by President Henry B. Eyring, "Our Perfect Example." I've found that this has helped our love to grow so I'd like to share it with you.

1- Pray for the love which allows you to see the good in your companion.

2- Pray for the love that makes weaknesses and mistakes seem small.

3- Pray for the love to make your companion's joy your own.

4- Pray for the love to want to lessen the load and soften the sorrows of your companion.

My Melvi has been doing this for a long time. He is so patient, loving and accepting of me. I love him more than however long ago that was that he first asked me out.

friend

A friend is more concerned about helping people than getting credit. A friend cares. A friend loves. A friend listens. And a friend reaches out. ~Thomas S. Monson