Natasha’s Award

Gratitude Alert! Recognition obviously feels great, and I’m so grateful to @utahbusiness for recognizing me as 2022 40 Under 40 honoree. However, this award is not just mine. It also belongs to my partners, @whitneyannsmith + @madelinebecker. It belongs to our entire @ivycityco family of incredible hearts and minds. We have built something truly special together. This award belongs to my family and my friends who support and encourage me. Everyone in these photos has impacted my life and Ivy City in the most meaningful ways and I’m truly appreciative! ❤️

Our Cute Coco

Coco was feel’n the Sunday snapshot today! I told her to say “cheese” and she understood the assignment!🤣💗

Our Sacrament Day / Eternal Marriage

In my home ward today.  Feels good to be back in our smaller ward- 

1st Speaker Bishop Knap  -  we are motivated as we have success in our Lives -  coming to the Lord helps us to accomplish more than we can on our own-  Worship the lord God in righteousness, spirit and truth - Give our whole heart to God-  we should be motivate out of love ❤️.   Matt 11:28 - 28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.   

 

2nd Speaker Zac McKee - high counselor speaker -in our ward -  we need to Focus more on Christ- than caught up in our culture and policy’s of the church -  we are created to act - and not be not be acted upon -  action we have to do things in the church to follow Christ- as the world digresses- we see the world leaving Christ and not taking ownership for their wicked actions-  we each have the chose to follow Christ -  By our faith - we can be lead by things that are uncertain - we have to take action to receive answers-  it is important we minister and lift one another along the way-  shares the story of a white out in a storm -a moment of blindness -  we need to help one another push forward - just 100 ft more and the storm will clear and the blindness is lifted - encouraging us to move forward-  his little sons said it is easy to follow Christ - just follow his commandments !! This is a profound thought!! 

We had a very good Relief Society lesson today-discussed Brother Perkins Talk from General Confernce.  I so appreciated the comments made in Class that strengthen me and added

Oil to my lamp.  

Marriage is essential to God’s eternal plan. “Marriage is more than your love for each other. In your love you see only your two selves in the world, but in marriage you are a link in the chain of the generations… Marriage, is not only your love for each other that joins you together in the sight of God and man. … Love comes from you, but marriage comes from God.” Todd Christofferson. ~ Have a wonderful Sunday! 💜

Sharing this thought today about eternal marriage that I read and study this week in my come follow me lesson.   I love the example of Racheal humbling helping Abraham as he sends his servant to the land of Haran to find a wife who could marry his son Issac in the covenant.  The eternal marriage covenant linking family as many stars in in the shy -  the promise of an eternal seed to continue -  we each receive the promise too as we marry in the temple of the Lord and make a sacred covenant in eternal marriage -  it does matter how and where one is married to continue Gods plan on earth and in Heaven.  

Sacrifice Of Abraham

“And Isaac spake unto Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, Behold the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?

And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together.” Genesis 22:7-8  God would eventually provide a sacrificial

lamb for all of mankind. He has always provided for us. ~ Have a wonderful Sunday! 💜

Our Lovely Luncheon

Natasha just sent me darling pictures of our Luncheon on Wednesday in her honor as a Utah business entrepreneur- it was a lovely luncheon at the grand American hotel in Salt Lake City downtown we’re so proud of our Natasha- she has become quite the businesswoman and has built a multi million dollar business already at age 34. 

Day At The Beach

We had another busy day.  Stacy and Chad arrived home from their trip late Wednesday night. about 11pm.  I worked hard that day from the time I got up at 7:00am until 11:pm when I laid my head down for the night - I was out fast.  Thursday was another busy day carpooling there kids to their activities. Stacy and I took a lovely walk along the beach and visited.  Bless her heart she has her hands full with the kids and their busy schedule and home schooling the best she can.  She does take them to a support school three days a week at a Christian church.  It’s a balancing act for her managing everything.  I worked in her front yard weeding the front flowerbed.  I had bought flowers to plant on Monday. Finally got the bed weeded and planted the flowers I bought this morning.  It was a lot of work for me the past two days. It looks so much nicer.  She needs to get a better gardener to help maintain the yard better- it is a mess right now.  I bought some roundup and went around the yard today spraying all the weeds in her flower beds that have taken over.   She needs someone to come in and give it all a good clean out.  She can’t keep up with the yard with the schedule she has with her kids.  She has a full plate! I enjoyed spending time in the yard.  It is so pretty here in the winter months.  The weather has been so pleasant and warm.  We took the kids to the beach for a couple of hours to play.  Back to carpooling - I picked up Farrah from dance so Stacy could go to Yael’s basketball game with Chad. This has been a busy week for me caring for the kids.  I’m beat tonight-  working in the yard was physically hard on me.  My back just starts hurting-  I don’t last very long working in the yard like I use too.  I had to push myself today to finish up.  I’m going to sleep like a baby tonight and go to bed early.  I’m out of energy from another busy day.

Stacy at the beach she looks so great! For having four kids you would never know it.  

Editing My Blog

Somehow I fouled up my Blogg link on my phone.  All my entries were in a draft form and not posting-  I have been on my computer trying to figure it out and make the correct changes-  so seeing if it is working I noticed that several of my post over the past week have been dated today and are out of the orgianl post date -  

Comforting Quote Trust In The Lord

When trust is betrayed, dreams shattered, hearts broken and broken again, when we want justice and need mercy, when our fists clench and our tears flow, when we need to know what to hold onto and what to let go of, we can always remember Him. Life is not as cruel as it can sometimes seem. His infinite compassion can help us find our way, truth, and life.

When we remember His words and example, we will not give or take offense.

See also Gerrit W. Gong, “Always Remember Him,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2016, 108–11.

This quote I came across as I was reading this conference talk In my come follow me study time this week - very comforting after what I have felt- my heart broken This past month over the behavior of my mother and how she treated her older children unfairly compared to my adopted youngest brother Tommy-in settling her estate- things did not turn out how I felt they should fairly with my mothers inheritance- passed one to her children in the end of her earthly life.  Tommy was favored beyond measure by my mother and very hurtful in many ways.  I have felt my heart has been ripped open wide from all the neglect over the years that she was not able to give to me as her oldest daughter.   I have to let go of the hurt and pain I feel inside.  Trust in the Lord as this is my theme for the year.  

Arrived Safely Home

I flew home Sunday afternoon after church- back to the cold weather - a cold front came in on Monday - we woke up to snow in the Salt lake Valley.  What to do today ?  We went to Costco and bought us a new Laser printer for our Draper home with the rebate money we received from our Costco American Express Card.  We received $800 reward.  Craig cashed the check and gave the money to me- so sweet of him.  I know he missed me while I was gone.  He seemed to have time to reflect on what meaningful  to me-  he surprised me while I was gone moving all my pictures and things from the small office area I have set up in our basement at our Draper home to the upstairs office.  He wanted me to feel like I have an office to work in.  It was a very sweet gesture of him.  I really appreciated it.  As  I looked at the room it was off balance with the décor things we have collected- I liked it better the way we had hung the pictures in his office.  My things looked dwarfed and out of place.  While he was sleeping Monday morning I moved all his pictures back up and placed how we had originally put them and move my family history things back downstairs.  When he saw what I had done he started to cry - I told him I really appreciated his gesture but this is our office to share.  I knew him well and he would not use the space downstairs because he like to be closer to me.  He does need a place to work on his things too. We just found a really nice Chair for the office.  I liked it better the way it was.  We dusted and put thing back in order and then went shopping for our new printer.  We came back and got it all connected up.  We cleaned up and headed out the door by 2:30 pm. to the Lake.  Craig needed to be back for the priesthood ordination of the Stokes twin boys and their little brother Bronson.  All advancing in the priesthood.  I had the twins in my primary class when we first moved to the lake 6 years ago.  They have gotten so tall now- both 6 ft tall and sustained as a priest to bless the sacrament. It was a very special gathering with the Stokes parents, grandparents and the bishopric. Craig invited me to attend with him which was my pleasure to share in this spiritual experience.  The priesthood of God is on the earth today.  So special to witness the priesthood conferred upon these worthy young men.  It was also special to see the young priesthood holders the England brother each lay their hands upon Colby and Carter and conferred the priesthood keys along with pronouncing a blessing upon them-  each only a year older than the the stokes boys.  So special to see the priesthood in action.  It was a very touching moment for me-  glad I was able to be there and support my hubby in fulfilling his Priesthood calling as 1st counselor in the Garden City Ward.  His time serving in This calling is coming to a close by fall 2022- it will have been 5 years.  They will be calling a new Bishopric then.  Craig has loved serving and feeling needed in the Ward- which was a far cry from our last ward.  There has been a lot of growth for him in being apart of the many changes that have taken place in the church.  I’m being lazy today after my week caring for the Towner Grandkids.  Feels good to just be lazy.  Craig is working hard at the car wash breaking up the frozen ice piles with the owner.  Craig has become good friends with Rich. It gives him something to do by giving service to the community in a small way. Rich took us to lunch after their hard work/  It is really cold at the lake. only about 8 degree/s.  I have stayed in my room where it is warm and cozy most of the day reading.  I have enjoy studying about the old testament this year.  Just stated reading the 3rd thousand years book of the old testament by Skousen. It a big book to read- very insightful.      

Farrah’s Dance Competition

We are on our way to day two for Farrah's dance competition.  We had to get up an hour earlier this morning 6:30 am and out the door by 8am- I had to get the boys up early too to get them ready for church.  The neighbor was picking them up at 8:30am -  Daynna their nanny is coming over at 11:15 to watch the boys till we arrive home today.   We have an hour and half drive.  We arrive on time.  Farrah

is so excited.  Her dance number did very well today 

  

 Love her red costume- Warming up - they were an hour early on schedule yesterday - but today they are right on schedule.  She is scheduled to dance at 10:52am-  I’m in the audience watching all the dancers.  

Back In California Baby sitting/Farrah's Dance Competition

I’m going back to California to babysit the Towner grandkids again for another week.  Stacy & Chad are in Hawaii this week.  Farrah has her first dance competition this weekend-  she was sad her mother was not going to be here.  So Grandma Symes is the next best option.  When I arrived - I visited with Stacy’s new nanny Daynna that has been helping her the past couple months.  Stacy has her hands full with her four kids.  I went from there fixing the kids spaghetti for dinner I made last time I was here- they liked it.  Didn’t crawl in bed 10:30 pm-  I asked my dear husband  to give me a blessing before came.  I could tell that night I felt a renew strength to care for these darling Grankids this week.  So grateful for the blessing Craig gave me.  Pray I can continue to enjoy this week.  I had a hard time last time I was here three weeks ago.   Even the day before I wasn't feeling well and didn’t know if I could come to help.  Stacy called just checking in to see if I could come.  I didn’t have the heart to tell her no -I could tell in her voice she really wanted me to come.  I told her I would for sure come to help with the kids.  That was on Thursday night late -  they got me a last minute plane ticket- and I flew in late Friday afternoon.  Farrah and I got up early this morning to put her makeup on.  We had a 2 hour drive to the the location.  We arrived early which was a  good thing - they were and hour ahead of schedule. It was a pretty drive in beautiful California this time of year.  It feels so good to be out of the cold snowy weather.  It is about 80 degrees today.  Little Farrah was really nervous for her first competition. They all did a great job performing.  We are now waiting for the awards. Fun to watch the older girls perform.  It’s several hours before know their scoring-  

Her pretty makeup -  she such a cutie-  

Anchor Our Lives In Christ

The beginning of a new week - I woke up at 7:30am- I was able to to have a good night sleep and so was Craig-  it sure helps when he sleeps at night-  he took a sleeping pill which helped greatly for him to rest- the night before was brutal we both didn’t sleep well.  He was concern about conducting Sacrament and what he would say in sharing his testimony- opening our fast Sunday - I was going over the lesson material in my mind all week too- in preparation to teach - so we both slept much better last night now that is behind us.   We were blessed for our service at church-  Craig opened our testimony meeting sharing about the importance having spiritual anchors in our lives-  he told the story of how he anchors our dock each year and how important he sets to anchor in order for it to stay strong to hold in the water when the  wind and waves blow hard against it - if set properly the anchor holds - if not it breaks lose and our dock will float away.  The same process is important when he anchors our boat too to keep it safe in the water-  he compared the setting of the anchor to our lives and that we need to set our anchor to keep us safe from the challenges in our own lives- what are the anchors that keep us spiritual safe and help us to stay on the path of righteousness. Putting our Faith in Jesus Christ is the starting point and praying for strength and guidance in our daily lives.  Love one another and by showing our love toward one another thru service. Reading my scriptures and studying the come follow me lessons daily brings strength to me- reminding myself what would the Savior do - invite the Holy Spirit into my life to do the things where the spirit may dwell in my life and guide me- listen to the promptings and obey.  He did a great job in sharing a powerful message which set the tone for the rest of the meeting.  My lesson time went well too.  I felt the holy spirit there as we talked about the lesson material.  I had prayed for the Holy Spirit to be there with me and guide me in our discussion.  I was prepared -so prayed that my mouth would open and say the things those in the room needed to hear.  I felt good that we had a great lesson-I thank my Heavenly Father

Editing My Blog

Finally I finished editing my 2019 blog.  My app wasn’t working very well on my phone that year.  I finally had to add a new app that worked better on my phone.  I like blogging on the go.  I had to sit down for two days and edit each entry for the entire year of 2019.  I tried downloading it on Blog 2 print and it kept saying the sever couldn’t load.  As I went thru the entries I found there were many entries that were not loaded in the proper text format.  I had to change to the correct format.  My phone was not saving it in the right format and this was why I was so frustrated.  It has been a tedious project. I have enjoyed reading thru my entries for the year.  I can see where 2019 was a very challenging year for me emotionally-  I have been blessed in many ways and have over come my challenges.  I had a profound moment today as I reread an entry I had saved from my Come Follow me study time- that has corresponded with my study time this past week learning about the prophet Enoch and how the entire city of Enoch was translated-  the righteous were taken from the earth in this time period.  We are now striving to prepare the earth for the second coming of our Lord and Savior - He will bring the righteous Saints back to reign on the earth.   We need to build Zion on the earth so that he can return to a Zion.  people.  This thought is so powerful for me as I have learn more about the people of Enoch.   We can become an Enoch people -like the people that lived on the earth for 365 years before they were translated and taken from an evil world-  they are promised to return when there is that same standard of people living the same standards as they lived.  I so look forward to their return.  

Craig left today to go back to the lake.  He isn't feeling the best.  His neck is hurting really bad now. His fall on Saturday evening has taken a toll on his body- his arm is starting to feel. a little better- glad that it was not fracture.  He noticed the heat was not kicking on at the lake and he was worried about the hot tub not heating either after it has been acting up.  He felt horrible physically- he just wanted to get on the road.  I wasn’t ready to head back.  Trisha wanted to take me to see the two homes she has been working on with her customers for her business T-Lynn design.  One is. 8,500 square foot home for Burk and Tara Bradshaw.  Burk was one of Craig's priest many years back and Tara is the daughter of our friends Kathy and Gary Free-  they lived in both of our wards raising our kids.  It is so fun to see our kids grow up and be successful. We also went and saw another home up in the canyon of Herriman- it was a darling home- smaller but really has lots of character. Trisha has done such a great job so proud of her- she is a great designer. I enjoyed spending several hours with her today. They’re talking about selling their home and building another home in St. George. It will be a year process for them again- I can’t believe they wanna start all over. The market is just so good that they could sell their house and build another house and have it paid for -so financially it would be a good move for them. She asked if they could stay in the basement at our home here in Draper for the transition which we told them that would be fine. Finding another place to live is not easy in this highly competitive market right now -rentals are soaring in price and hard to find available. I don’t know how I feel about them moving to St. George -I’ll miss having Trisha closer to us. But we could go visit them in St. George in a warmer climate when we want to and they can come spend time with us at the lake in the summer. They asked if we wanted to build a home there by them- I just don’t love the desert and it is a 7 hour drive back-and-forth to the lake. That doesn’t sound fun to me. They have worked so hard and have such a lovely home I can’t believe they wanna start over again. I told her today if they really like St. George- I guess go for it- just think hard and make sure it’s the right thing for them at this season in their lives. She just wish they could’ve stayed there when they moved there in 2017. Today has ticked by and I’m staying at our Draper house it is so cold at the lake only about 15°. It’s only been about 20° here in Draper so we are having a cold spell. I really don’t want to go back up to the lake wish I could just stay here. But I’m teaching gospel doctrine this Sunday and Craig wanted me to go on the youth temple outing with them Saturday to the Star Valley temple. Tasha text yesterday saying little Cora has a double ear infection-I knew she wasn’t feeling very well when they were at the cabin this past weekend. They are leaving for Cancun Sunday -Tasha wanted to know if I could babysit for them on the weekend. Her nanny is not available  till Monday. Stacy called to see if I would fly back down on 11th of February which is next week-they have a trip to Hawaii. Farrah has her first dance competition and said that her mom is not going to be there so she wants her grandma which puts the pressure back on me- I don’t know if I feel well enough to babysit again. My heart wants to be there - I love those little kiddos so much. I have struggled with fatigue so bad this week I haven’t wanted to go anywhere. I fell asleep on the couch yesterday watching the news and slept all night till this morning. I slept about 12 hours. See how I feel tomorrow just trying to get my energy up watching the grandkids is a lot of work for me nowadays

Natasha’s Award Luncheon

We drove down late last night so we could attend Natasha’s under 40 Utah Business award at the Grand American hotel downtown Salt lake.  It was so so very nice.  So Proud of our baby girl and her accomplishments.  It was fun to dress up and attend the very special event.  The Grand American is a beautiful place to host the event.  We had a lovely luncheon.  

Going Home Today

I woke up early to pack up.  My flight is at 1:20pm -  I got ready for the day.  Attending church with the Towner family this week.  It’s at 9:00am.  Jude is giving a talk in primary today - so I’m able to be here.  Stacy is taking me to the airport after church. I have had a nice week.  The Lord has sustained me with the energy I have needed to care for these 4 darling  grandkids. My blessing from Craig for a healing before I came has sustained me this past week.  I have a testimony of the power of the priesthood and healing.  I have struggled with nauseas for months and fatigue.  Just not feeling good for months.  When Stacy asked me to come watch the kids again three weeks later I didn't know if I could do it.  I knew Stacy needed me and would not have asked me to come if she didn't need me.  I did ask Craig for a blessing before I flew out.  My illness and the things I have been struggling with magically went away.  The very morning after my blessing I woke up not feeling nauseous- like I have for months previous  This past week since the blessing the Lord heard my prayer for healing.  I’m so grateful and pray I can continue on the recovery path.  This blessing administered by my dear Husband- is a testimony to me of the power of the priesthood.  I was so amazed how quickly I felt better and had a renew strength to care for the Towner grandkids this week.   Stacy and I had a nice time together the day before I left -  we went for a walk on the beach and had a nice lunch together. I wanted to spend a few day with Stacy after caring for the kids. Fun to be in church today in a new area.  Saying our good Byes 

I enjoyed my time three weeks later, caring for these sweet grandkids.  They have a very busy schedule.  I had it down after being there just a few weeks earlier.  So it was a little easier and Thank the Lord for the blessing of healing.  I'm just so amazed!!  All I had to do was ask the Lord.  Why did I wait so long to ask him for a blessing of healing?

Another Busy Day

I have been on the run all day long-  washing clothes and cleaning the kids rooms.  Tuesday was a full day too.  I wanted to tinker in the yard yesterday but it rained all day so I spent my time inside sorting things. I organized the upstairs hall closet and Farrah’s room was a mess so I spent the day working on her room too- until I had to pickup the kids at 2:30pm from school.  I sorted all of Farrah’s drawers and organized her clothes.  Today I worked on the three boys rooms, 3 loads of laundry and putting it all away.  I picked the kids up early today 1:00 pm.  I had to hurry and get Farrah to her piano lesson at 1:30, drop off the boys and back to pick her up at 2:00pm.  I had one hour to rest - my back was killing me.  From there had to get Enzo ready for his first baseball practice-  home just in time to get Jude to his softball practice - back to pick up Farrah for her primary activity at the church.  We had to eat dinner on the run tonight.  didn't get home until 8:30 pm carpooling.  We were all tired.  The kids were ready for bed too. 

Happy Valentine’s Day /In California

Feb 14th,  Monday- I have had a busy day caring for the Towner grandkids- it has been non-stop today from the time I woke up.  I dressed for the day- fixed breakfast, cleaned up dishes, got the kids started on their homework- piano practice and dressed for the day.  We got done just in time for me to make Valentine sack lunches and dropped them all off for two hours for their science group lunch exchange. I ran to Home Depot to buy some flowers for Stacy’s front yard.  I had started weeding it when I was here three weeks ago.  It is a lot warmer this trip.  I had just enough time to buy what I wanted and back to pick the kids up.  From there home just in time to get Jude and Yael ready for baseball practice-  Yael is a 20 minute drive-  back home to get Jude to his baseball practice.  When we arrived home there were some lovely flowers with chocolate strawberries and a box of candy at the front door. My sweet hubby called while I was driving Yael to basketball-  to make sure I got my Valentine gift?. It was a pleasant surprise!!  He sent me a lovely vase of flowers, chocolate strawberries and box of candy. The flowers are soo beautiful!  I’m just waiting for Jude to finish up his baseball practice time- so just barely having time to sit and rest from our busy day. It 5:30 pm and I’m tired.  Give me a half an hour to rest in the car.  From there back home to fix dinner and get the 4 grandkids ready for bed.  This has indeed been a full day in the Life of the Towner family. 

Beautiful flowers from my Hubby!! Thank you Sweetie I love them and the strawberries are yummy! 

The Lord’s Own Time / Nothing is too Hard For The Lord

February 14th, 2022-D&C 88: 68 ​Therefore, ​​​sanctify​ yourselves that your ​​​minds​ become ​​​single​ to God, and the days will come that you shall ​​​see​ him; for he will unveil his face unto you, and it shall be in his own time, and in his own way, and according to his own will.  Lesson to learn from our Come Follow Me Lesson material this week -  nothing is too hard for the Lord even when it seems impossible as Abraham and Sarah had been told they would have a son when they were 100 yrs old.  Past the child bearing years -   Genesis 18: 14 ​Is any thing too ​​​hard​ for the ​​Lord​​? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the ​​​​​time​ of life, and Sarah shall have a son -  I need to keep the faith in the Lords time the second coming will come to the righteous as a great blessing- to the wicked as a thief in the night and unprepared.  Pray I can be faithful in preparing the earth for his second coming and ushering in a better world to live in -cleansing all unrighteousness from the earth!   I look so forward to this promise! 

God's Covenants /This Week My Come Follow Me Study -

What does the Covenant or Everlasting covenant mean as I have read in the Old Testament -reading about the subject this week and last week? 

God’s covenant with Abraham promised wonderful blessings: an inheritance of land, a large posterity, access to priesthood ordinances, and a name that would be honored for generations to come. But the focus of this covenant was not just on the blessings Abraham and his family would receive but also on the blessing they would be to the rest of God’s children. “Thou shalt be a blessing,” God declared, “and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 12:2–3). Throughout the Old Testament, you will frequently read the word covenant. Today we usually think of covenants as sacred promises with God, but in the ancient world, covenants were also an important part of people’s interactions with each other. For their safety and survival, people needed to be able to trust each other, and covenants were a way to secure that trust. So when God spoke to Noah, Abraham, or Moses about covenants, He was inviting them to enter into a relationship of trust with Him. One of the best-known examples of a covenant in the Old Testament is the one God made with Abraham and Sarah—and then renewed with their descendants Isaac and Jacob (also called Israel). We often call this the Abrahamic covenant, although in the Old Testament it was known simply as “the covenant.” You will see that the Old Testament is fundamentally the story of people who saw themselves as the inheritors of this covenant—the covenant people.  The Abrahamic covenant continues to be important today, especially to Latter-day Saints. Why? Because we are also the covenant people, whether or not we are direct descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (see Galatians 3:27–29). For this reason, it is important to understand what the Abrahamic covenant is and how it applies to us today.

Galatians 3: 6 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.

27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.

28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Natasha’s Business Award

 2021- Utah Business - Forty Under 40 Awards Luncheon

February 23, 2022

Utah Business Magazine is thrilled to present the 2022 ~ Forty Under 40 Awards Luncheon! Now in it's 20th year, the Forty Under 40 program puts the spotlight on Utah's up and-coming professionals. From entrepreneurs to government and non-profit leaders to c-level executives, this years group is nothing short of spectacular.  Join us as we celebrate these visionaries, innovators and leaders - Utah's Rising Stars!  
Our Natasha is in the list -her picture is on the bottom left -  so proud of her as parents-  we are looking forward to the event coming up - they are in Cancun this week enjoying life-  

Our Beautiful Natasha Jean- so proud of her efforts and success!

Teaching Gospel Doctrine this week/Token of the Rainbow

Today is fast Sunday and my turn to teach gospel doctrine this Sunday.  I have had a hard time preparing as I wanted to- due to the distraction I have been dealing with this past month.  I have been slowing reading to prepare and it was not sticking with me.  I have fought fatigue so bad - I would keep falling asleep as I read-  I final made myself buckle down yesterday and spent about 5 hours immersing myself in the scriptures and lesson material I needed to read.  I so enjoyed what I learned about in this lesson-    Genesis 9:8–17

Tokens or symbols help us remember our covenants with the Lord.-  Love the quote by elder Gong - “Always remember him -spoke to my heart-  the Savior will heal my heart- I need to let him bare my burdens. Believe in my Savior Jesus Christ.  I shared with my class today that I had been struggling this past month.  I felt the flood of anger and sadness overcome.  I was in a dark place.  When we are hurt- human nature is to shut ourselves off from others- to shut down.  This is what Satan does to discourage us.  In preparing for this lesson it has helped to give me strength- to anchor myself in my storm and to pick myself up again.  The messages learned have given me courage despite the hurt- this storm in my life is preparing me for how to handle other storms that lie ahead-  trust in God - keep the faith- love my sibling Tommy despite the unfairness I feel from him. Life is not fair!! It is how I react to it- is the test.  I asked the class to think of tokens or symbols in our lives that remind us of covenants with the Lord to always remember him-  my Baptism was the first step toward eternal life-  at baptism I promised to take upon myself the name of Jesus Christ- to always remember him in my daily life and to be a witness of Jesus Christ -  as I do this- God promised- I will always have his spirit the Holy Ghost with me-  our token and symbol to God is to attend sacrament weekly and partake of the sacrament-  listen intently to the sacrament pray and to repent often during the week-   3 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him, and keep his commandments which he hath given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
2 O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee, in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this water to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do it in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them; that they may witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.
Each day during the week is the time to practice living the commandment of God and always remember him.  I would like to say my daily prayers - repent the sacrament prayers daily to invite the spirit into my daily life.  I talked about how there is spiritual safety in following the Lord’s prophet-  I looked up what our prophet president Nelson said in our last conference - his closing talk at General Conference - he urged us to do :  Take Time For The Lord -By President Russell M. Nelson President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I plead with you today to counter the lure of the world by making time for the Lord in your life—each and every-  
The pandemic has demonstrated how quickly life can change, at times from circumstances beyond our control. However, there are many things we can control. We set our own priorities and determine how we use our energy, time, and means. We decide how we will treat each other. We choose those to whom we will turn for truth and guidance. The voices and pressures of the world are engaging and numerous. But too many voices are deceptive, seductive, and can pull us off the covenant path. To avoid the inevitable heartbreak that follows, I plead with you today to counter the lure of the world by making time for the Lord in your life—each and every day.  If most of the information you get comes from social or other media, your ability to hear the whisperings of the Spirit will be diminished. If you are not also seeking the Lord through daily prayer and gospel study, you leave yourself vulnerable to philosophies that may be intriguing but are not true. Even Saints who are otherwise faithful can be derailed by the steady beat of Babylon’s band.  My brothers and sisters, I plead with you to make time for the Lord! Make your own spiritual foundation firm and able to stand the test of time by doing those things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with you always-.Never underestimate the profound truth that “the Spirit speaketh … of things as they really are, and of things as they really will be.” “It will show unto you all things what ye should do. ”Nothing invites the Spirit more than fixing your focus on Jesus Christ. Talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, feast upon the words of Christ, and press forward with steadfastness in Christ. Make your Sabbath a delight as you worship Him, partake of the sacrament, and keep His day Holy- .I shared how we have been counseled in the past to make the temple a symbol in our home - to have a picture of the temple in our homes as reminder- to obtain the eternal blessing in the temple that we need to progress in our eternal progression on earth now - The temple is a symbol- our covenant to the Lord to give of my time and talents in building the kingdom of God on the earth - to obey the commandments of God with exactness-  as a reminder the markings in my holy garments - to follow an un-deviated course in this life- to constantly feed my spirit daily as I feed my physical body and that someday I can kneel at the feet of Jesus Christ and thank him for his atoning sacrifice and the gift of the resurrection that I can gain eternal life by being obedient to the commandments of God-  this is the true happiness in this life and the world to come-    President Nelson quote - "As I emphasized this morning, please make time for the Lord in His holy house. Nothing will strengthen your spiritual foundation like temple service and temple worship.  The temple is a symbol for eternal life and eternal family-  after the flood -the token of God's love was the 
Rainbow -  a story I have always loved since I was a little girl - grateful for JST, Genesis 9:21–25. Compare Genesis 9:16–17. It gives us more clarity of the token of the rainbow - to never flood the earth again but  a token of the everlasting convent of God-  God sets the rainbow in heaven as a reminder of His covenant to Enoch and to Noah. In the last days the general assembly of the Church of the Firstborn will join the righteous on earth.
21 And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look upon it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant, which I made unto thy father Enoch; that, when men should keep all my commandments, Zion should again come on the earth, the city of Enoch which I have caught up unto myself.22 And this is mine everlasting covenant, that when thy posterity shall embrace the truth, and look upward, then shall Zion look downward, and all the heavens shall shake with gladness, and the earth shall tremble with joy;23 And the general assembly of the church of the firstborn shall come down out of heaven, and possess the earth, and shall have place until the end come. And this is mine everlasting covenant, which I made with thy father Enoch.24 And the bow shall be in the cloud, and I will establish my covenant unto thee, which I have made between me and thee, for every living creature of all flesh that shall be upon the earth.25 And God said unto Noah, This is the token of the covenant which I have established between me and thee; for all flesh that shall be upon the earth.

Chad & Stacy’s January Trip to Cancun

We left the harbor with hopes of spearing a blue water fish. What happened next could not have been more unexpected, rare and truthfully, freaky. 

We ended up spending the entire morning following, filming and admiring killer whales. It’s a weird name because they’re not actually whales (they’re dolphins) and to humans, they’re not even killers. The more time I spend in the water, the more I fall in love with the Ocean.#orcas #spearfishingbaja 

Awesome pictures Chad took on his adventure - Stacy and Chad had a great time on their trip while Craig and I baby sat for the week.  

Wish I had taken more pictures of the kids while we where there.  I just ran out of energy each day- did what I could they have a very busy schedule- Stacy invited me to come again next Friday Feb 11th while they go to Hawaii-  I just don’t know if I’m up to another week-  I’m fighting fatigue- I have been so tired all week long.  I have enjoyed just resting at our Draper home the past 4 days.  Guess I've got to head out this afternoon back to the lake.  I really would like to stay here longer.  The youth have a temple field trip in the morning and Craig wants me to go with him- plus I’m teaching gospel doctrine this Sunday-  I’ve got to get studying and prepare a lesson.  I need to get on the road soon don’t like driving in the dark-  

Lots Of Snow

Wow ! I woke up looking out the window to see lots of snow had fallen during the wee morning hours.  It wasn’t on the forecast.  Winter is in full force.  It is really cold too.  The high in temperature is about 14 degrees today at the Lake.  We have been staying at our Draper home this week.  It is going to only be about 28 degrees here.  I spent the evening last night editing my 2019 blog trying to get ready for printing. I didn’t finish editing so will have to continue working on it today- it's  really slow downloaded and  so I missed the discount special for printing - I will have to catch the next printing special that comes around. I’ve got to start preparing for my lesson this Sunday - need to get some study time in today.  My sweet hubby said such a beautiful  prayer last night.  He had a really hard time going to sleep.  So I’m letting him sleep in this morning.   

February 1st

 It a new month!  The month of Love-showing love to my dear husband and my family.  We drove down to Salt Lake yesterday morning to have Craig's arm ex-rayed.  It's not broken so that is good.  It is just really sore.  He said it is feeling much better today.  He does have a brace to wear for the healing process.  I teach gospel doctrine this Sunday, so I have got to buckle down and start studying and prepare for my lesson.  I'm enjoying studying the old testament.  I worked on downloading 2021 blog for printing last night.  I had another special to get a discount.  It is not cheap printing my yearly blog.  I do love how they print.  I'm working on up loading 2019 and and I will be all caught up.  I need to work on my yearly digital family scrapbooks.  My winter projects.