Through ALL Generations of Time

An amazing experience has brightened my heart concerning Family History. Over the years I have been very relunctant in doing Family History because of my busy life with raising children, and my personal judgements related to my rebellious ancestors. I'm learning many important lessons and having amazing experiences that may inspire you to search out your family and do their temple work.
Last fall I was called to be a Ward History Consultant. My resposiblities include learning the New Family Search program and teach it to others. I have found the new program easy to find those loose ends of temple work that have been overlooked or forgotten. I'm learning how to research and find families and missing individuals from families. It has been thrilling to see the hand of the Lord in this work as it moves forward. I have caught the "moving arrow bug." Wherever there is a moving arrow, there is temple work that is ready to do. So I accept the work and go do the work. I have gathered many names that need their work done. It's that easy.
This past December 23rd, my birthday, our ward had scheduled a youth baptism night. Since I had children coming home for Christmas I decided that was what I wanted to do for my birthday. Grandma Pat watched the little ones and baby Kaycee while Ken and I took, Dustin & Kyla, Alysa & Tyson, Chelsea, and Gavyn to the temple. I had towel duty and I witnessed my children perform 68 family names. It was one of the most joyful experiences I have had in seeing each one come out of the font, clean and blessed by their ancestors for doing their work for them. My heart was full. I have never had a better birthday.
Over the next couple weeks, Ken and I have been performing ordinances for many of these names in preparation for a special High Council Temple day, scheduled for January 17th. I wanted to get as many done that could be sealed that day. By Friday the 16th I was down to 10 sisters and 8 brothers that needed their endowments in order to be sealed to either their spouse or to parents. Ken and I went to the temple Friday night with the desire to finish the work for two couples that could be sealed the next day. With a little prayer in my heart that I could get as many of these sisters done so they could be sealed the next day, I prepared myself. As I stood in line, each sister that came in asked if there were family names available. I gave out 7 names that were then completed that night. Eight sisters were completed and Ken did his one and a brother did one other. My heart was so touched by the tender mindfulness of the Lord in what I was trying to accomplish. We got up early the next morning to be at the 8am session. I gave one sister a name. The sister's name, unknown to me was Sarah. The names she would be doing for me was Sarah. She later pointed out that Sarah, the ancestor's baptism date was her birthday. She smiled and sweetly said, "I was meant to be here today to do this name." I took my last one who's name was Ann Simpson and Ken took her husband's name Bethuel Thue Johnson. They had six children ready and waiting to be sealed to them. I felt a special connection to this particular family. I had asked in prayer that I could be in tune to these family members as their work was being done. I felt an overwelming sense of excitment for these sealings to be done. By time we were in the sealing room we had all the names completed except two brothers. We participated in sealings for two hours and got all the work done. Just from our family 6 couples were sealed, 26 children from various parents were sealed. My heart was over flowing. I was really amazed at the feelings I experienced as one family gathered. Thomas Bulfinch and Susan Cloke had five children sealed to them. I didn't see anything, but my heart and mind sensed the joy of a mother. This mother, Susan Cloke was so happy and thrilled that her family was finally together. They had been waiting since 1500's in England, for this special day. Tears fell as I felt her presence and her joy. My joy was full. My prayer was answered 100 fold as I felt the joy of each mother, something I could recognize, to have her children forever.
I learned a marvelous truth as I experienced this day in the temple, that the work we do here and now doesn't just bless our ancestors, but the promise is that blessings are given through ALL generations of time, that includes my generation, ME. As we search out ancestors and complete their work, we are blessing our own lives and our posterity. What joy it is to feel the spirit of Elijah and hunger to do more.

Baby Girl Coming

Dustin & Kyla are excitedly awaiting the arrival of their first baby, due May 17th. Ultra sound found no boy parts, so we are having a Girl. I am so excited to be a grandma again. Our family is just growing and growing. Dustin is finishing his schooling this summer too, so they are anticipating a move in their lives after the baby is here. I'm planning on going to Arizona to be there for the birth and help out where I can for a couple of weeks. That means Dad here gets to be Mr. Mom. He's not thinking this is a fair plan. I think its a wonderful plan.

Wedding Bells

Makayla & Collin have set a date for their special day. April 1oth at 10am at the Portland Temple. Their reception will be April 18th here in Grants Pass from 5pm 0 7pm. They are so happy and welcome all to come join in the celebration of their union.

Makayla has been working hard on the wedding plans and making decisions about the reception. It will be beautiful.

Children say and do the darndest things

Today was the first day of Primary for my little class of 9 sunbeams. These are 3 year old just coming out of Nursery. They each are precious and VERY energetic. I learned that I should not wear a button up skirt. During singing time I noticed the little boy sitting next to me had unbuttoned by skirt about four buttons. I told him that he couldn't undress my in Primary. He just smiled and gave me a big hug. During class we gathered around a colorful blanket on the floor to learn eachothers name. After learning their names I proceeded with a hacky sac toss to share what each of the children like to do. I started off telling the children that I like swimming. The next little boy said he liked swimming too. When asked what else he liked to do, he responded with "go potty." Taken back I said, "that's great so do I." He passed the hacky sac to the next child. I asked, "What do you like to do?" This time the little girl responded thoughtfully, " I like swimming and going potty." Trying to move past the issue, I continued to ask what else do you like to do. I helped with another idea. Each child was passed the hacky sac and responded the same, "swimming and going potty." It was so cute that each child responded so seriously that their choice of activity was to go potty. Then I realized that each of these children are in the potty training stage. How exciting to learn this skill, freedom this brings into their young lives. Oh, to be young again. As my own children are growing, and living lives of their own, I find myself reflecting back on the many memories of cute moments. These thoughts bring such joy and satisfaction. To have lived, loved, and laughed together.

Sparking way to start the New Year.

The New Year started with a little excitement. During a morning rain storm, a tree fell over the power lines, causing the lines to go down. The power and phones were out. Lines strung all over the driveway and down at the end of the road we had an electrical fire lighting up the early morning darkness. Fire trucks, the power company and lots of rain.
We also got news that the buyer for our business got financing and plans to take over the business February 1st. WOW! Its really happening.
The next step is getting the house ready for market. We've got bad news that because of the market, our house is at half the value it was appraised at four years ago. Insurance claims the rebuild value is still up there, but the market may not hold the existing value. We have put the matter into the Lord's hands. He has a plan for us.