We celebrated Easter! August and McKendra met us out at the Vogt farm in Eagle (on their way home from their honeymoon up in McCall)... We had a delicious family dinner and enjoyed visiting with each other. August and McKendra were supposed to leave up to Rexburg that evening but ended up staying the night and leaving super early (they needed to be in Rexburg by 9:30am).
We celebrated Mother's Day and Father's Day and Seth's 21st Birthday! As you can see from the pictures below, the girls have found a new love for making large candy posters to celebrate! And Seth's birthday was a pretty low-key affair - all of his birthday money was put to the cruise! The girls did make him his requested cake and dad made some shish-kabobs!
In May, we got news that mom's Uncle Charles had passed away and his funeral was going to be in Rexburg. Grandma and Grandpa were driving out for it so mom hitched a ride with dad who was going to Eastern Idaho for work anyway (that worked out wonderful!)... We met up with Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Nathan and his daughter (and her 3 daughters), Joseph and McKendra and at dinner at a place called The Hickory (August had to work late so wasn't able to join us for dinner - but we did get him a burger and take it to his place so we could check out his and McKendra's apartment)... The next day we all attended the funeral and it was nice service. Lots of mom's cousins and aunts and uncles were there so that was really fun to get to see everyone and catch up!
Grandma and Grandpa followed us home (as we had ambitious plans to drive up to Kathryn and Morgan's house for Leo's Baptism) and we stopped in Burley to see Lee and MaryJane Jolley. We met up with them at a cute little cafe called "Edith's" (which was quite fitting, seeing as that was Grandma Edie's name) and had a really nice visit with them before making our way up to Nampa. We rested for a day and then were on the road again up to Kat's outside of Seattle (in Anacortes, WA). It was Mom, Dad, Grandma, Grandpa , Aubrie and Lexi (unfortunately, Aubrie was quite sick the whole time we were gone (ended up being Strep Throat!) but she was a real trooper and tried to make the best of things! In fact, you can see by the look on her face in the pictures below and tell that she doesn't feel well - poor girl!). We made it half way on Friday night and then got up early the next morning and made it the rest of the way. Since we'd never been up there, we spent most of the day out sightseeing (Anacortes is an Island and so there were many beautiful sights and views to be seen!) We then were treated to a fancy dinner at a local Seafood Restaurant and then picked up ice cream to take home for dessert. The next day, we attended church with them (Aubrie was too sick to go so she and dad stayed home) and the Primary ended up putting Lexi in with the 12/13 year old youth sunday school... We went home for lunch and then made a quick jaunt down to stick our feet in the ocean (Yes, they live just a couple of blocks from the Ocean!) and then went back to get ready to go to Leo's Baptism (Yay!) That was certainly a beautiful event but as soon as it was over, we had to get back on the road to head home so dad could be back to work by Tuesday!
Of course, since we were so close to the Jimi Hendrix memorial - we made a short stop as we passed by and got some pictures! After arriving home, grandma and grandpa got to rest for just a day and then they were on their way back home so that they could make it back to Nebraska in time for Shelby's high school graduation! It was certainly a whirlwind week but was soooooo fun!!
The Beginning of June, Mom left with the Nampa West Stake Laurels and YW Presidents to a 3 day L.I.F.E. (Laurels Individual Faith Experience) Camp. It was very uplifting and inspiring as we had several workshops a day, service projects, crafts, activities and a "solo" experience where everyone was able to have several hours of reflection. On the last day, the Priests from the Stake come up (so I got to see Ben!) and we had a joint service project, did an afternoon of Minute to Win it games and then had the boys treat the girls to a special spaghetti dinner before we left for home (and then the boys stay for the next 3 days to have their own spiritual experiences. The LIFE photographer ended up not being able to go and so as we were pulling out of the church parking lot, I ran home to grab my camera and ended up being the camp photographer. Everyone really enjoyed the photos that were eventually put into a slideshow and shown at a Fireside.
A week and a half after mom got home from LIFE, she was off again for Girl's Camp with the Nampa 11th Ward! It went soooo well! It was just Ward Camp this year and we had 15 girls attend, 5 leaders, 2 cooks and 2 Priesthood Brethren. We went to Camp Ee-Da-How up outside of Cascade, Idaho. We pitched our tents and had an amazing time! The girls were so helpful, always rendering service and wonderful to include everyone in everything! Below are some pictures from our time at camp - I'll elaborate on the corresponding numbers below:
#1 - We had several craft projects going on throughout the week. This particular picture is of the girls staining their wooden boards that they did nail/string art with and then attached vinyl letters spelling out this years Youth Theme "If Ye love me, keep my commandments"
#2 - We splurged and spent one of the afternoons at a nice Hot Springs not too far from our camp!
#3 - Mom and Cassie Lester (who was our Camp Director) during our "hike" - which was more like a stroll around the lake!
#4 - For our Service Project, we went to a little (out of the way) cemetery and took pictures for Find-a-Grave. Everyone absolutely LOVED this! We split up into 3 teams and it was done in no time!
#5 - Our camp was right along Lake Cascade so we spent some time down in the water.
And then the rest of the photos below are just random pictures capturing all of the other things we did over the past few months! As you can see, it has really, been jam packed with family, fun, church and everyday life! We love it! We have such a blessed life!
Spiritually Speaking...
The Lord is always prevalent in our lives and the past few months were no different! However, the only difference is trying to recall all of the large and small tender mercies from over such a long period is definitely more of a challenge then just reflecting on the past week - but we shall do our best!!
Obviously, a HUGE Spiritual moment was being in the Temple for August and McKendra's Sealing on April 13th! Being in the Temple with all of our family and closest friends was a beautiful experience. Once the Sealing started, and August and McKendra were kneeling across from each other at the alter, I had a huge wave of peace wash over me! The thought came to me that no matter how the rest of the day played out (with the luncheon and reception) it didn't matter because we had made it to the Temple and they were making their sacred covenants and that was all that mattered! As the Sealer continued on with the ceremony, I looked over at dad, at all the people in attendance and at August and McKendra and my heart was soooo full! I was so happy and the tears flowed. August has come a long way in the last year and I'm so very proud of him (of both of them!) to work hard to be worthy to be sealed for all eternity in the house of the Lord! What a blessing and miracle this event has been!
Dad's Thoughts:
You worry and fret over your kids so much - will they choose the right, will they make correct decisions, will they choose the right path, will they choose the right spouse? As August and McKendra knelt across the alter from each-other, there was such an overwhelming feeling of relief. It reminded me of the feeling I had when Shandy opened the door on our first date - this sense of relief flooded over me and I knew I was home with her. I felt that, too while watching August and McKendra make sacred and eternal covenants. I couldn't help it. Tears began to stream freely down my face. August has not had the easiest path, getting to where he is now. He has fought and clawed for every inch of that path. There were times when he felt discouraged and like giving up but he never did. There were so many nights spent worrying and supplicating the Lord on his behalf and now we had the feeling that everything was going to be alright. I am grateful for the fine young man he is and for the amazing Eternal Companion he has chosen. I know that you can't rest on your laurels and say, "Well, I got married in the Temple. That's it. Everything is going to be perfect from now on." But I can say that August and McKendra are on the Covenant Path and I could not be happier!
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The Miracle of The Girls' Play (by dad)
Aubrie and Lexi attended a Drama Camp this past week. Every day, they spent hours learning knew acting skills, memorizing lines, and practicing for a culminating performance. The final performance was on Friday at 3:30 pm. It was very important for the girls that I attend. I really wanted to but it meant leaving work early on a Friday during a week that was highly busy. I made the decision to cut out early to attend their play. I didn't get to leave on time, however. As I drove to the Nampa Rec Center from Boise, traffic was thick. Somehow, though, my lane choices all managed to be smooth travelling lanes on the interstate. When I exited in Nampa and had to cross the entire town, I was blessed with green light after green light. I had been worried that I was going to be late but now it looked like I was going to be right on time. I had the distinct impression that I was being blessed with green lights and smooth flowing traffic due to the girls' prayers. It was so important to them that I attend and I really wanted to. Mom and I met up at the Rec Center and made it inside with just moments to spare. The girls were so happy and excited to see us. You could tell that they were beaming with pride about the performance they were about to do. The play was great! The girls did an outstanding job and it was humorous. After the play was over and we were walking to my truck, I asked the girls if they had been praying that I would make it to the play on time. They said that they had and I shared with them that I had felt it and their prayers had been answered. I am grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who attends to our needs and answers our prayers. He is a mindful Father and I love him.
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Meeting an Apostle of the Lord! At the end of April, there was a Leadership training meeting where only the Auxiliary Presidents were invited (from 7 Stakes) to spend 3 hours with Dale G. Renlund, his wife, Wilford Anderson (the President over the entire North American Mission and a member of the Quorum of the Seventy) and his wife, and Elder Firmage (an Area Seventy) and his wife. We were asked to be in our seats by 12:30pm with a start time of 1pm. I had been battling with a cough and so I decided I'd better take a last minute drink of water and try to get any remaining coughs out... as I'm walking down the hallway towards the water fountain, I seen an entourage walking towards me in the opposite direction. My brain registers this group and I think to myself "Hey, I recognize that person" only to realize a moment later "That's the Apostle!" As we pass by, he looks me straight in the eyes (that felt like they were going right through me!) and says "Hello" in such a loving tone. I stammer back "Hello" with a smile and then they were past me. I was like "wow! I just had a 'moment' in the hallway with an Apostle!" When I got back to my seat, they came in shortly after and then it was announced since we had all obeyed their instruction on arriving 30 minutes early that we were going to take the next little bit and row by row, meet the Apostle and all those that were traveling with him! What?! How amazing, right!? So I was able to meet each of those brethren along with their wives and it was just a really neat experience!
When Elder Renlund got up to speak, he said "You might be asking yourselves - Why is he here today?" <-- of which I definitely had been thinking! He then continued to state that he was there for one purpose only and that it was a direct assignment from the Prophet himself! I was literally hanging on the edge of my seat to every word he spoke. He then shared what that one and only purpose was - He was there to tell us THANK YOU! To share the gratitude that not only the Prophet has for us but also the Lord. There was a really peaceful and sacred feeling in the room. He wanted to make sure that we conveyed that Thanks to our spouses and those we serve with. He thanked us for our tithes and offerings to help the work go forth. For the next 3 hours, he shared personal experiences, asked us questions and let us ask him questions. It was truly edifying, uplifting and those 3 hours flew by!
A few things he shared:
* He shared how all 12 Apostles, the First Presidency and all of their wives were at the Rome Temple dedication earlier this year. He said that they were only physically all together briefly for the photos that were taken of them all. He had wondered WHY they were all to be in attendance together (as this was the first time that had happened in modern times). He was too scared to ask, but his wife wasn't and so at some point during the trip, she approached the Prophet and asked him why they were all there together. She said that he looked heavenward, pointed up with his finger and replied "I'm just following instructions!"
* 2 weeks ago he and his wife were in the Congo for a Temple Dedication there. He said that in 1987 there were only 25 members of the church there. Today there were 65,000! He said that they take the Hosanna shout literally there (none of this gently waving a white handkerchief) but they literally shouted with their whole souls HOSANNA! HOSANNA! The joy and happiness he felt was indescribable. In fact, he has only felt the Spirit of the Lord that strong one other time in his entire life - when he, along with the other Apostles, laid their hands on Russell M. Nelson's head and anointed him as the Prophet of the world.
* He shared how he had a "front row" seat to the recent changes made to the Temple Endowment. He said that these changes had started with Thomas S. Monson and the Lord was directing what he wanted. When asked "Why the changes", his reply was "Because Jesus Christ directed it."
* He asked people to share all of the changes that had happened in the last 18 months since President Nelson had become the Prophet. After all (large and small) changes had been shared, Elder Renlund asked us "Why do we think so many changes have happened in such a short amount of time?" This was his answer: "So no one could make the mistake that the Lord is in charge!" He likened it to the Bible story of Gideon and how the Lord kept dwindling his Army's numbers down until there were only 300 men (against the THOUSANDS of the enemy)... This was to prove that the only way they could have prevailed was with the help of the Lord. Same for now - all of these changes COULD have happened over a 10 year time frame, but they all have come quickly and right after each other so we will know that the Lord is at the head of this church.
* He talked about Faith and how we can grow it. And that we must ACT in faith for it to grow.
* We need to seek the inspiration of heaven to know what specific invitations to give to specific people (it's not a "one size fits all" when it comes to inviting others to the gospel). We should pray about small things or specific invitations that will touch them. When people respond to these invitations to act in faith, their own personal faith with start to grow.
* Ministering - don't overthink it or complicate it! Caring for others is a higher, holier way. We need to see and ask ourselves "What does that person need? How can I fill that need?"
* How can parents and leaders help the youth struggling with anxiety? 1 Nephi 5. Teach them of their Birthright. Foster a testimony of who they truly are - teach them their identity.
* What would you have the youth of the church know? Teach them their identity!
* How can parents prepare their children for missions? Start with their Patriarchal Blessings and who they are (I'm seeing this recurring pattern!)... Ask them what they feel they need to do/learn. Let our children know that we are "All in" in the gospel and that we'll never leave the Savior - we are covenant keepers and this is what we do! If possible, let them have some time away from home before leaving on their mission.
* What can we do when we begin to feel overwhelmed with "life"? Intentionally neglect something for a time (not important key things). Do the core things. Delegate calling roles. Prioritize the 3 hardest things to do when you have your most/best energy to work.
* Accurately report what we do in life is a great Missionary tool. Pray for Missionary opportunities. Invite to "Come and See"
* How can we overcome feelings of inadequacy (in home, work and church)? Negative feelings don't come from the Savior. Strength comes from our Advocate (Christ). God can make the willing able but he can't make the able willing. Do our best!
* How do we help the YW in our ward? 3 Powerful P's: Persistent, Present and Patient. As a leader, be non-judgemental, calm and listen.
* An analogy of being on the Covenant Path. Imagine a lighted path through a thick, dark forest. When we can see the light ahead of us and feel the path under our feet - we're on it! But when we're off of it, we feel the darkness and are lost and confused.
* He left us all with an Apostolic blessing as we magnify our callings:We will not worry what man thinks. We will be made mighty in word, deeds and mighty in works. We will have protection in our families. Anything that is off-kilter will be healed. We will be inspired in our daily work and church callings. We will have Peace from Christ.
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I (mom) was released as the 2nd Counselor in the Stake YW Presidency and have been called as the YW President in my Ward. This came as a surprise to say the least! My Bishop shared that they'd been praying for WEEKS to find a new YW President and nothing was coming. They hadn't even considered me since I was in the Stake. After about 3 weeks of coming up empty handed, they decided to write my name on the board and he said after that it all came together! The Stake asked if they could find anyone else in the ward (and if they couldn't then I could be released from the Stake). Apparently, this is where the Lords wants me since I'm here! I do feel that being in the Stake has helped me. As I've traveled throughout the 10 wards and visited their YW groups, I have been able to witness things that have been successfully implemented and also things that haven't been as successful. I was able to get an incredible group of ladies for my Presidency and we all seem to work well together! The first week that I was called, I was doing my scripture study with the thought "How does thee want me to organize this YW?" on my heart... I felt impressed to read D&C 33. In the Section heading it read, "The Lord is ever ready to instruct such as diligently seek in faith." My heart burned and I knew that was Heavenly Father testifying to me that he is right there to help me and to instruct me as I diligently seek to know and do his will.
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Luke 10: 41-42
"And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha thou art careful and troubled about many things. But one thing is needful; and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shallnot be taken away form her."
This was part of the Come Follow Me studies one of the weeks. This spoke to me. Heavenly Father knows my "to do" list and know how I feel I must get everything done before I can relax (or even work on family history!) BUT.. there is ONLY ONE NEEDFUL THING (putting Christ first, learning the gospel, spending time in the scriptures, on Family History and in the Temple) and THAT is what he wants me to choose. He will multiply my time if I do so! I must consciously CHOOSE DAILY to choose the good part.
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We've been working really hard on getting many, many people ready to be sealed (to both their parents and their spouses). After getting everything all laid out, it was apparent that we needed to quickly do about 10 male endowments in the space of 3 weeks. So we enlisted August, Seth and Joseph to help dad in getting those 10 names done so we can have a big sealing party in the near future.
Also, as I was praying one morning on where I should spend my time for that mornings Family History Hour (I've been trying to recommit to at least an hour a day to family history) and my mind immediately went to grandpa Merrell's (Grandma Vogt's dad) line. As I logged in, I got sidetracked on one of the prompts Family Search gave me and I spent my entire hour looking for this other person. As I was finishing up, I remembered that I had very distinctly felt that I should look at the Merrell line and so I did.... only to realize that somehow we had MISSED printing the cards to do the Endowment work for great-great Grandpa John Henry Edwards AND a 5th Great Grandpa (Jacob Kramer)! I immediately printed both of their cards (and as I write this) BOTH of them have already been taken to the Temple.
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We are over half way through 2019! Crazy to think about, really. In January, dad and I made a goal to attend the Temple every week (together if possible). We've tried to hold fast to the saying "Plan your lives around the Temple and not the Temple around your lives." How easy is it to say "oh, I can go next week" when your scheduled day arrives and unforeseen circumstances arise. Life is always busy. So we need to make an appointment with the Temple and then keep it! There have been 26 weeks so far this year, and while we haven't been 100% perfect, we have gone 23 out of those 26 weeks! 1 week we were traveling and out of town and the other two missed weeks were due to illness and physically not being able to attend. I believe all but one of those 23 weeks have been where we've attended together. We've done mostly Endowment Sessions but have also done Baptisms, Initiatories and even several weeks where we participated in Sealings! The most exciting part is that we've done family names each time! We know that this work is eternal and that we are linking our family together forever! We are so blessed and fortunate that we have TWO Temples within 30 minutes of our home to choose from (in case you're interested we attend the Boise one 90% of the time - mainly because it's close to dad's work and we try to meet up there right after he gets off). As the year continues on, we look forward to the many more ancestors we will bless and, our relationship with each other and with our family being strengthened and our relationship with Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ being strengthened. We love the peace and comfort we feel each time we attend!
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