a challenge

For our fhe last night we watched this talk from our church's general conference entitled, "Be Anxiously Engaged."  It was given by Elder Ballard.  I had an opportunity to meet Elder Ballard a few years ago.  As I extended my hand to shake his, he responded with a smile and warm hug. He is an incredibly kind man. After  watching this beautiful message, we decided, as a family, that this coming week we would do something that Elder Ballard suggested. It's a simple challenge, but I believe that sometimes the most amazing things can happen through simple things.  The challenge was this, "In your morning prayer each new day, ask Heavenly Father to guide you to recognize an opportunity to serve one of His precious children.  Then go throughout the day with your heart full of faith and love, looking for someone to help." Do you ever just have that happy feeling something good is in store? That's how I feel about this challenge.  I'm confident that Heavenly Father will direct our family to great opportunities this week.  

  Our visit with Sadie this weekend was entirely too short.  But, getting to see her, hug her, and "mom" her for a few days was enough to get me through to thanksgiving.

She loved being home and dropping her off at the airport was rough, but I know she's having experiences that are meaningful and important for her to continue to move forward in her life.  Funny little fact:  Sadie has been 5'2" since she was fifteen. I am 5'4".  When she walked off the plane, we were both shocked to find that we were (literally) seeing eye to eye.  She has grown at least an inch and a half (ok, she'll probably tell you two!) since she left in August....weird!