Saved Our Life

Twelve months ago, I shared our testimony with the ward congregation at church and published it for my wife’s extended family.  Kay & I know without a doubt that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer of the world.

Christmas Day 2019 [posted 12/27] I read Luke 2 in the New Testament — the shepherds “came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.”  Because of Him, we are blessed to be together forever ... with love.

Kay & I are grateful for The Prince of Peace, who saved our life.  Jesus Christ lives and will come again.

Report in a nutshell

Wonderful week in December ... so far.

Meeting with dear friends who do most of the talking, thus saving my poor voice.  Church at stake center, Sunday School in social room via Zoom on TV, and Music & the Spoken Word.

Train trip to Woods Cross to receive a wonderful basket of “comfort food” from my wife Kay’s siblings, reminding me of their eternal love for us.

Neighbor’s new furniture delivered by Amazon to the sidewalk, quickly moved by hired hands (after my little box-cutting prep) to her new apartment on Tuesday, my typical time off.

Leftovers for this slowest guy, who cleans up after linger longer on Monday.  Great Harvest bread at home, three pancakes at Denny’s yesterday, and canned food to the apartments’ charity box.

Serendipitous shopping for Christmas, reducing my last-minute rush on the 24th.  Slowing down to go in the mall for a delightful surprise, thanks to Hostlers Model Railroad Club.  I was lovin’ it yesterday!

If I reduced these five to one nutshell, I would make “a long story short”.  Nevertheless, I wish you patience, joy, and Light!

Typical Typos

Trying to recall what triggered this thought.  I just know it was a very typical typo (“a typographical error”).  Are typos even noticed these days, and does it matter?  Maybe depending on the mediyum.  Some may be intentional ... to tease habitual proofreeders.

Slowing Down

Fact: It’s happening in my “old age”.  Realizing more so this year, I enjoy slowing down enough to ponder, read, write, play great music, walk, notice nature, and connect with people.  For these I am grateful to God.

Blessing: It helps me remember and feel close to my sweetheart Kay, who influences me for good.  She represents Christlike love to me.

Need: It feels great to run up and down stairs here at the apartments, but I must be more careful and maybe slow down.  Fast bike rides by Ogden River and railroad are invigorating, but cold air calls for taking it easy and enjoying the scenery along the way.  Slowing down may be good for everyone this month, as you know.

"Waters ripple and flow" through Ogden River Parkway

Gratitude Journal

Over recent years, I have occasionally kept a gratitude journal — something which should have been kept consistently.  However, I find value in the few notes available for review, especially around Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for the Lord's missionaries, especially my forever companion Kay, who served with me for 12 months in the Detroit mission.  Having passed away and accepted a new assignment two years ago, she continues serving on the other side.  Our mission is to bring others closer to Jesus Christ, for whom I am deeply grateful. 

Sunday, November 25, 2012

“I thank Heavenly Father for His goodness and mercy, and for a loving, forever family.”

Monday, 11/23/2020, in our group home evening, I shared appreciation for the healing power of gratitude.  Love of God’s creations motivates me to get out and enjoy nature.  That restores me.  The benefits are physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.  I often take photos for my journal of joy.

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

I am grateful for the scriptures, for they are the word of God.  As I read them, I am reminded of His love every day.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

I give thanks for our five children, their families, and loved ones whom Kay & I have “adopted” as forever friends.  They bless the lives of countless “fellow passengers“ on Earth.

Thanksgiving, November 26, 2020

Oh, happy day!  Kay & I have always been grateful for Thanksgiving Day.  Our Hinckley and Cannon traditions go way back with loving memories and thanks to Heavenly Father for all blessings.

Friday, November 27, 2020

The women and men who served and are serving in our military certainly deserve thanks and support.  I am grateful for their sacrifice, and I pray for them.

Halfway Thru Holidays

The holiday halfway point for me is like intermission in a four-hour, epic movie.  (Young people may not have experienced that.)  A break for ... you know — whatever.  It’s about time for me to reflect on celebration since October 1st and look forward to our virtual Cannon Thanksgiving, unplanned Christmas and New Year’s Eve.  A special time of year, despite different circumstances.

I am grateful for so many ways to share joy with family and friends this season.  Stop and think about it during halftime ... with love.

Saturday, November 21 addition:

Yesterday, after posting gratitude above, I heard Russell M. Nelson, president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, invite us all to use social media to share our gratitude every day for the next seven days.

I am thankful for good examples shown by family and friends, including loved ones where Kay & I served a mission in 2018 (our Michigan Family).

All One Word

Last Tuesday I got this idea from Exploring Music, a favorite radio program I hear online.

(“Our website address is ExploringMusic, all one word, dot WFMT dot com.”)

ExploringMusic.wfmt.com

Likewise of course, LanguageFastFood is one word in my Blogspot URL.  For a Gmail address of mine, it goes without saying: ProLanguageEdit.

For example, serving an older demographic ("people aged 65 and over"), I often teach, “FamilySearch is one word.”  Our “Ogden FamilySearch Center” across the street (closed since temporary shutdown last March) is three words and wants to open soon!

In Michigan, my forever companion Kay & I served as self-reliance missionaries, among other duties.  Another example: well-being is all one word, hyphenated.  Wishing you well, being positive we will pass the test.