Christmas 2023

 

Retiring a Flag

 

Funny Things I Want To Remember

 The kids still say funny things. Sometimes those things are more sophisticated because they are older and have quick humor. Sometimes, their innocence shines through. 

Hannah was helping out at a YMYW activity because JM and I are both leaders and we didn't want to leave Cub and Hannah home unattended. Hannah was helping to set up an activity with the YW president, Sister Smith. Sister Smith said, "Hannah, we don't need any men, we are strong and can do it ourselves." Hannah replied, "Oh no, ummm, my parents are both in the youth program and uh, they teach me not to be a femminnenenism. Well, I don't remember the word, but yeah, I'm not that."

At the same activity, Caleb was helping JM and some of the other church leaders set up Nine Square. Dad said, "Do you think it's good enough?" Caleb replied, "Ummmm, it's pretty good, but it's not perfect. Only Christ can make it perfect."

Hannah, who is still in love with Cade, found out that he was going on a date. She was jealous at first, but she changed her jealousy into optimism. She said, "Cade needs to go on dates because it's practice for when it really counts with me."

Joshua at LegoLand was calling me a buzz kill because I didn't excitedly give my permission for JM to purchase a really, really expensive Lego set for the kids to build during May the Fourth Be With You. I told him that I gave dad my blessing to go ahead and purchase it. To which he responded, "you know what it says in the scriptures, with their lips they do honor me, but their hearts are far from me... you didn't mean it."

At San Diego, Joshua says, "We should stay in San Diego one more day." JM said, "We don't have a place to stay and everything is probably all sold out now." Joshua said, "Like Jessica says, when there's a will there's a way." JM replied, "Right, but the way may be sleeping next to the Red Box vending machine right there." Quick as can be, Joshua declares, "We would have the true San Diego experience!"

I wrote a poem recently when I was feeling reflective. Here it is: Even in the darkest night, when darkness settles in, I will not ever be afraid for I know to look for Him. He meets me in the darkness, if I have eyes to see, His light is in my soul, He will rescue me. Darkness cannot cover it, it contrasts and defines, the light more recognizable, the presence of Divine. So, if the night must surely come, I'll face it on my feet, and wait for that redeeming hour when triumph is so sweet.