General Conference

Dear Charlotte,

This is what it looked like at Grandma and Grandpa's during General Conference on Sunday morning:

And yet, people wonder why Grandma wants to ban laptops at Christmas...

Happy Birthday Grandpa!

Today is my dad's birthday - so let's celebrate! He is an amazing man that has been through A LOT in his life and is still as faithful as they come. He is an inspiration to me and I'm so glad that he's my dad! Happy Birthday Dad!

A great man died last week. Today would have been his 70th birthday and so, although it isn’t much, I write this tribute to him. My husband’s father, Jonathan Edward Ray jr., was a man who knew what was important in life and lived accordingly. He didn’t have much, but what he did have he gave away. He was one of the most selfless people I have ever known, always concerned for the needs and happiness of others. There were no strangers in his life because, within minutes of meeting one, he became a friend. One of my all-time favorite books is Mitch Albom’s tuesdays with Morrie. It is a book about life and what is important. This quote from the book defines Jon’s life perfectly. “Devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.” He did just that. He was the kind of man others would turn to with their problems because he could listen. He also knew a great deal about a great many topics. In his life he served in the Navy, sold insurance, studied aromatherapy, counseled veterans, ran at least 4 restaurants, brought the Montana State BBQ competition to his hometown and did many other things. But most important to him were his God and his family. And so he knew the ins and outs of life and could counsel well. He was also a man who was not afraid to change when he knew he was wrong. Yes, he made mistakes in life as we all do, but he also did what it took to overcome them. We can all learn a lot from his life and he will be dearly missed. Again, from tuesdays with Morrie, this is for you, Jon. “As long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on – in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here.” In Jon’s case, that was many, many hearts.

Who knew what a fabulous weekend it would be? Ben and I came up to Park City to visit Grandma and Grandpa during General Conference. I am coming away from this weekend with much to think about and much to improve upon. I love my husband and my children deeply, but I do not always show them so. Lately I've been rather selfish in my actions and I've felt rather like my friend Mel's blog - Lost, but still wandering! I love General Conference. It gives me direction and helps me to find myself again. I love to take the time to step back and evaluate where I am in my life and where I want to be. The words of the leaders of the church always help me to do this. Oy! It is a bit overwhelming, but a good kind of overwhelming.