Ministering to the One...

As a family, we have had several opportunities to witness the blessings of ministering to the one...to see this in action in a variety of ways.  Most of what's been going on around here hasn't been captured with a camera but I want to briefly mention a heartbreaking tragedy that occurred in our community.

I don't know if I wrote about the father of Brinley's friend (Symphony) that ended his life last fall leaving behind his wife and four children.  This man's sister is in our stake and Aaron served with her husband many years ago in the Little Rock Arkansas Mission.  Dan and Lana are amazing people.  We reached out to them in the fall when we learned this sad news.  As difficult to navigate as that loss has been, tragedy struck again on April 5th when Symphony came home from school to find her mother had also taken her own life.  I'll spare the details but because of Brinley's relationship to Symphony, we heard the news right away and struggled to comprehend the circumstances of this situation.  As a senior in high school, Symphony is the oldest with the youngest being 10 years old.  It has been a difficult time for many people but the outpouring of love and support has lifted heavy hearts and we have all felt the "peace that surpasseth all understanding".  Brinley was able to serve along with her friend, Nikki, and other RS women to go in and clean the H. home on April 7 which touched my heart.  Then, Brinley and I were able to attend Emily's 'celebration' of her life this past week.  She is an amazing woman with many gifts and talents despite the sad ending to her mortal life.  The beautiful children that have been left behind will be raised by their aunt and uncle (Dan & Lana) who have four children of their own.  

Aaron has been in contact with Dan via text so we've had a very small insight into this challenging situation.   Last evening, Aaron drove over to Dan's house to drop by a donation check before leaving town for the week (work).  He noticed several cars in the driveway with people getting out of them so he kept on going - not wanting to 'interrupt' if they still had extended family around.  As Aaron continued driving, he felt he should turn around knowing he wouldn't be able to deliver this donation for another week.  He pulled into the driveway and before he could get out of his truck, a man dressed in a suit got out of his car and came towards Aaron.  Instantly, a special spirit came upon Aaron and he knew who was visiting Dan and Lana's home.  Despite the fact that Aaron caught a glance in the window where he saw our Stake President and other men dressed in Sunday suits, he knew something sacred was happening inside.  From the driveway, the spirit witnessed to Aaron that there were two Apostles inside "ministering to the one".  We knew that Elder Soares and Elder Andersen were in town for various training meetings held at the university.  But somehow, despite their own rigorous schedules, they came to administer to these four children along with Dan and Lana's immediate family.  Aaron's impressions were confirmed when he briefly spoke with the 'bodyguard' who approached him.  It was a humbling experience for Aaron to consider what was happening at that very moment.  Nonetheless, he left the check with the bodyguard to pass along to Dan.  This was an inspiring example of 'ministering to the one'...

Turning 40 years old next month, my good friend and fellow ward member (Tricia) finally married this past week.  I was her visiting teacher for years and she was briefly assigned to visit me.  In a small way, I've been on this journey with her - hearing the stories of guys she was dating, etc.  Although she never wanted to marry someone with a brood of kiddos, she's now the instant mother of seven (ages 16-3 with twin 3-year olds).  Wow - life changing!  I helped out at her luncheon which was for the family - a lot of them and snapped this on my way out.  She was a beautiful bride and I'm thrilled for this next chapter in her life (as exhausting as it may be).

Brinley's response to Nathan F. asking her to prom.

Although we are waiting for warmer weather, springtime is trying to come.  It's also prom season.

Ainsley, Whitney, Anna, Hanna - 4x400m relay team.

Despite the wind and rain, Anna turned out some fantastic races at her first big invitational of this track season.  Yesterday she placed in all three of her events (4x800m, 800m, 4x400m) and brought home three medals.

Back: Anna, Ainsley
Front: Mickelle, Rebecca

Ainsley all layered up and Anna with the blanket - trying to stay warm!

Glad Quinn is still smiling after spending more time in dental and orthodontia offices this past week.  We are working through a few issues and he's been a trooper.  

Springtime is a season of change and growth.  Along with the recent announcements at General Conference, we experienced the 'changing of the guard' in our own ward today.  Bishop Child has served faithfully along with Bro. Weber and Bro. Beckley these past five years.  We now have the opportunity to learn from Bishop Rigby, Bro. Nielsen (triplet's dad) and Bro. Gentry (our next door neighbor).  As members of Christ's restored Church on the earth, it's a blessing to be able to lift and build wherever we serve and it's wonderful to know revelation is alive and well on the earth in our day.  I'm grateful for the testimony that I have of the importance of 'ministering to the one' and pray each day to be able to do just that.  I've had many tremendous examples of this work in action throughout my life.  Thanks to a wonderful husband, children, parents, in-laws and extended family!