June 27, 2016

 We are in the midst of family reunions. I can't wait until next summer. We'll have Jeremiah and Spencer plus Jr. here! We could really use the expertise of two snipers to help with the over population problem. These marmots/pot-guts are out of control.

Maeser rode a sheep in the Strawberry Day's Rodeo. He rode about 15 feet, I wish we could send you a video. He was disappointed he didn't get all the way across the arena, and he has decided next year he will wear goggles (to avoid having sand in his eyes).

Then we went to ride horses at Wolf Creek this morning and as I was driving little kids to the barn Millie (Christy's daughter) said: "I like horses... but are there any Unicorns?" Haha!

It has been a great week, tons of food, beautiful weather and lots of cousin time. I have loved it. This is what we come back for every summer (that and hot chocolate and mountains and online shopping and fresh air.) I am so glad the children are creating such great memories.

Tomorrow we are headed to St George for Grandma's service. I've thought a lot about her this week. Dan explained it so well to the children. He said he was a little sad, but also happy. Kind of a hard thing to understand for little people. But her body was like a prison for the last few years, it would be so amazing to have your memory back, to feel strong, and to be with family again. I am so happy she is with grandpa Fent. I can only imagine the homecoming we will each have when we finish here on Earth.

I had a thought today that I know was inspiration. I've been thinking of a friend who doesn't believe in God, or has never had a relationship with Him. She is awed by the idea that a mere mortal (someone other than a priest) can pray to God and have a relationship with Him. She asks questions like, "He can hear me?" "What do I say?" "Why would he care about what I tell him or ask for?" I don't know if she has tried to pray yet. I didn't know how to explain how to start. In Sunday School a returned missionary talked about prayers of gratitude. That's what we should start with. She believes there is some kind of Being organising fate. Something orchestrating the world, she has a family and is thankful for them. She believes there is a God, but was taught that he was something to be feared, years ago she decided it would be easier to not believe in Him. But I believe she was lying to herself. I know she believes in God, but doesn't know he is loving and that she can have a personal relationship with Him. If she can begin praying, just believing that God is responsible for her blessings, she might learn to pray and feel the Holy Ghost by beginning with prayers of thanks.

I'm so sorry for the late letter! (Or lack of letters.) It is a busy week. We are in the midst of family reunions. I can't wait until next summer. We'll have Jeremiah and Spencer plus Jr. here! We could really use the expertise of two snipers to help with the over population problem. These marmots/pot-guts are out of control.