It is my 75th birthday in a few days. I have no idea how I arrived at this point in my life so quickly. I have had a very blessed life and though I hurt from loss and grief, I have nothing to complain about. I was raised in a wonderful family, with a heritage to be grateful for and proud of. I wisely married a remarkable man who has loved me through life, cared for me and truly raised me up to be more than I could be without him and I adore him. I have been blessed with wonderful children and grandchildren who continue to both challenge me and bring me joy. I have had outstanding friends and people in my life and opportunities to grow, serve, learn and experience. I have lived in a beautiful and free land under favourable circumstances. I have had the Savior and His gospel in my life every step of the way. How blessed am I!
Now, I have also had challenges - some big and some small. I pray for abilities to care for my needs, my home and my affairs and I pray for my home and belongings but I have had a few concerns lately. My fridge door spring broke, my garage door spring broke, my oven is not working and I have a flat tire with a nail in it.The garage door is repaired, the Tesla roadside service is coming tomorrow and I am still sorting my fridge and oven problems. I had two lesions removed from my face and that cost a few hundred as it is considered to be cosmetic. Everyday has its challenges and costs.
Our niece Annie is coming for the weekend to attend her daughter Reece’s basketball tournament at UBC. Liza called and is bringing Sayde to stay with me next week as it is spring break and Keaton is going on exchange to France and she and Brendon are busy working. Cindy and Paul are going to Lethbridge to visit Jack and Sam may remain home, so I will have him nearby too.
The challenges in our world continue with Trump trying to bring down Canada with trade wars so he can annex our country - not a joke. We are all scratching our heads as are all free nations of the world. He seems to be connecting himself to Putin and Russia. Liza asked me why the church leaders are not hoisting the Title of Liberty and rallying us to fight. As I drove to the YSA building on Sunday to teach my last Temple Prep Lesson, I passed by the Temple and looked up at Moroni. He is not the first Captain Moroni in the Book of Mormon who hoisted the Title of Liberty, but he is the second, also a warrior and great leader but known best as the final contributor to the gold plates and the one that protected them with his life for decades before burying them and then finally turning them over to Joseph for translation. A banner has been in fact been raised up as the Book of Mormon goes forth and Temples are spreading throughout the world providing insight and ordinances that teach us of Him and His great atoning love. My mother always said that love is the solution to all problems and the Savior is the personification of love. He is the Standard of Liberty, the Standard of Truth, the Standard of Freedom and Right, the Standard of Love. The Standard has been raised up in these days and He was raised up long ago. We need to look to Him and rally to the Standard of Righteousness and Love. He is the solution.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Mom’s favourite)
