Sunday, December 28, 2008

Loosing a love one - Ode to Joyce

The past couple of days I've been thinking about loosing loved ones on this earth. I'm surprised at how depressed and sad I become. But that does not last long when I think about the testimony I have of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and his plan for us. I thought about the article that President Thomas S. Monson gave in the August Ensign of this year entitled, "May We So Live" I've read it again and great comfort has again been brought to my heart. I've quoted a small part below:


"Death eventually comes to all humankind. It comes to the aged as they walk on faltering feet. Its summons is heard by those who have scarcely reached midway in life’s journey, and often it hushes the laughter of little children. Death is one fact that no one can escape or deny.

"Frequently death comes as an intruder. It is an enemy that suddenly appears in the midst of life’s feast, putting out its lights and gaiety. Death lays its heavy hand upon those dear to us and at times leaves us baffled and wondering. In certain situations, as in great suffering and illness, death comes as an angel of mercy. But for the most part, we think of it as the enemy of human happiness.

"The darkness of death, however, can ever be dispelled by the light of revealed truth.

“'I am the resurrection, and the life,' spoke the Master. 'He that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

'''And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.'

"This reassurance—yes, even holy confirmation—of life beyond the grave could well provide the peace
promised by the Savior when He assured His disciples: 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.'”

-Thomas S. Monson, “May We So Live,” Ensign, Aug 2008, 4–9 (Link below to read the entire article.)
http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=caace97864a6b110VgnVCM100000176f620a____&hideNav=1


10+ years ago my best friend, my grandmother, passed away of an unknown heart condition. I still miss her and think of her everyday.
A little over a year ago my grandfather also passed away, but we knew it was coming for he had been sick for a time. I stilll want to walk over to his house when I come home to say "Hi," & give him a hug and a kiss.
A few years back one of my co-workers died at a young age, along with her mother, in a car accident coming back to school from Thanksgiving break. I have a picture of her in my room to remember her.

I remember each of the memorials like it was yesterday and the thing I remember most was not the tears, but the laughter. We celebrated who they were to each of us. We remembered all the good times and thought not of the bad.
President Monson's article continues on to talk of celebrating life. Don't let a lost loved one bring you down and let you wallow. Let it inspire you to continue to do a little better each day.

I hope we all celebrate our own lives a little bit more this holiday season and remember that we will be with our loved ones again. Christ, who was born a mortal babe, died for us and was resurrected so we can live again. We will all live on...

President Monson ended his article with this statement:
"May we resolve from this day forward to fill our hearts with love. May we go the extra mile to include in our lives any who are lonely or downhearted or who are suffering in any way. May we '[cheer] up the sad and [make] someone feel glad.' May we live so that when that final summons is heard, we may have no serious regrets, no unfinished business, but will be able to say with the Apostle Paul, 'I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.'"

IN THE MEMORY OF
JOYCE TATE.
She was my mother in Utah.
May she rest in peace.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Boys.... (take 2)

So I did something..... Fred now knows that I like him and we are no longer hanging out. My choice. He was also kind enough, after some prodding from me, to tell me that he is not interested in dating me. He just doesn't like me in a romantic way. I do miss hanging out with him, but I feel relief and now I can move on. I'm still confused by some of the things he's done, but oh, well....

Thought you'd all like to know that!

Laughing Yet?

Laughing Yet?