Just before I left for Washington we attended a concert by The Millennial Choir and Orchestra. I'm sure some of you have had that wonderful opportunity. They were outstanding, and had a program of many great performers. There was a children's choir ages 4 and up that were so good. They go into different areas of the country, assemble the choir & orchestra then have rehearsals for a performance. It was started in California by members of the church, but is a non-denominational group. I love Christmas and the wonderful messages we enjoy through music.
I came back from Washington on January 1st after spending most of my time with Jenny and her girls during the holidays. I felt very blessed to be there to help her. We waited for several days thinking the baby would come any time. We were able to have Christmas dinner at Christina's home, but Jenny started having strong labor pains so we rushed back to Spanaway and then to the hospital in Tacoma. Valerie Renee just wanted to wait until Christmas to be our "Little Christmas Angel". She was born at 11:47 pm at 7 pounds 14 ounces. She's absolutely beautiful, and the best Christmas gift ever! It was wonderful to see the happiness in the faces of her mother, father and two big sisters. Life is so good!
After Jenny came home from the hospital I spent a couple of nights with Christina's family. I couldn't believe how tall all three of her kids are! The summer weather must have given them a growing spurt. I felt very short standing next all of them! It was such a thrill to be with them and attend church in North Bend. I also got to enjoy Shaun's cute kids and they've also changed since I left. I'm truly blessed to be their grandmother. The time I spent with Cade, Trey and Chad was wonderful. I longingly wished I could visit all my sweet friends.
Though I was glad to be home with my family, I still felt anxious to return to Plano. I've grown to love so many wonderful friends as I've served. Sister Helena Lawson asked me to call her while I was gone, which I did. She was so sweet and expressed joy in my new granddaughter, but was anxious for me to return. She, like many others, have touched my life in such special ways.
I received news while I was gone that Sis. Berniece Rabe Tryand had passed away. She's a sister I've mentioned before. We visited her in her home, and then in an assisted living home. She struggled with heart and other health problems. I'm glad we were able to be with her for awhile. She was always happy to have us come, and now finds peace from her struggles. We'll miss being with her.
When I returned to Plano, I hit the ground running! We're doing a lot of work in the 9th ward and getting to know lots of special members there. We'll be teaching relief society there on the 26th. Also had a visit with Bishop Lucero last evening in the 3rd ward. He wants us to help the Sorenson family. They've been struggling with many challenges along with organization and managing chores with their children. This will be a new kind of assignment for us, but we'll give it all we can!
Yesterday we met with Helena and had a very spiritual discussion on the presence of angels in our lives. We each shared occasions in our lives where we've felt some of our deceased loved one's near us. It made me think about one of my favorite talks.
Elder Jeffrey L. Holland. "The Ministry of Angels"
"Angels are usually not seen. Sometimes they are. But seen or unseen they are always near. Sometimes their assignments are very grand and have significance for the whole world. Sometimes the messages are more private. Occasionally the angelic purpose is to warn. Most often it is to comfort or provide some form of guidance to help us take heart and be filled with faith." There are also angels who are instruments in the hand of God. They are not all from the other side of the veil, some of them we walk with, and talk with here, now, everyday. "D&C 84:88 I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up." (end quote)
To me life has been filled with visits from angels. Yes, they're on my right and on my left. When I am spiritually in tune, I become very aware of their presence on a daily basis. I'm so grateful for the love of the Savior. He provides me with everything I need through the love and guidance of His angels!
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