Role Models

Sometimes, the inability to capture incredible moments into words and phrases prevents me from writing anything at all, but we had a beautiful moment today. I don't want to lose the feeling of this memory due to something as trivial as writer's block. Here's my attempt to record a few thoughts in the hope that on a later date it will help restore some of the precious feelings I had today.

A week ago Sunday-after seminary graduation for Jessica, we slipped into a side room with Bishop Carter and the Sanft family. Mark ordained Taylor to the office of priest in the Aaronic Priesthood. Bishop Carter, President Sanft and Taylor's friend, Adam Sanft, joined in the circle. Private, beautiful and personal. Going to church today, we anticipated that Taylor would have the chance to bless the Sacrament. I was so happy we didn't have other meetings to attend today so that we could just be there. What a pleasant surprise it was when they approached Mark before the meeting and invited him to join Taylor at the Sacrament Table. Seeing the two of them sitting together changed the entire meeting for me.

As I watched and listened to Mark and then Taylor, in turn, purposefully offering the prayer for the bread and then the water, my heart was full to overflowing with peace and contentment. For the past two years, Taylor has attended the final testimony meetings of departing missionaries. As part of his final instruction and testimony to those missionaries, Mark shares insights about the last days of the Savior's life with an emphasis on the roles and gifts of both the Father and the Savior-expressly talking of the Sacrament. Taylor has had the opportunity to see the power of faith and repentance in the lives of investigators, friends and missionaries. His seen his personal testimony touch the lives of those he's had the opportunity to teach. He's seen people baptized and receive the blessing of confirmation. And now he has the privilege and responsibility to worthily administer the ordinance of the Sacrament to those who are renewing their covenants, their commitment and faith.

I listened with a mother's interest to Taylor's inflection on certain words. I watched as two of the wonderful men in my life stood side by side in a symbolic act of service to others, respect and honor for the Savior. I watched the emblems of the Savior's sacrifice pass from the hands of priesthood bearers to members of the congregation; then from members of the congregation to the people closest to them-their family and friends. That's the way the Savior's very personal gospel reaches our hearts; through the organization of His priesthood, from person to person. One at a time. That's the way Taylor has watched his dad minister and serve others. That's the way our parents before us did it and the way I hope our grandchildren learn it. Grandma and Grandpa Brasher gave him a beautiful box with a Picture of the Sacramento Temple on the cover. Inside are some antique glass Sacrament cups, a glass plate from my Dad's mission in Finland and some antique white handkerchiefs; tools so that he can bring the Sacrament to those that are housebound.

Later in the program, Taylor played a piano solo, Lord, I would Follow Thee. I couldn't keep my tears to myself. Who is this young man? He amazes me. How blessed I am to be his mother. How grateful I am that he has a father to show him who the Savior is and that Taylor has his own desire to follow Him. How could I ask for anything more than a son who understands his relationship and responsibility to the Savior and is willing and earnest to magnify it?

"The perfect role model for use of the holy priesthood is our Savior, Jesus Christ. He ministered with love, compassion, and charity" Elder Richard G. Scott

Surprise!

When we woke up this morning, it was raining outside! We're not talking about the sticky, humid monsoon rains either. This was a lovely, cool spring rain. I didn't know we had those in Arizona!It felt so great. Still warm enough to be wearing shorts but with a tickle of a breeze and those beautiful cool drops pf water.

The only problem? The wind had picked up the packages of seeds Jeff had left on the patio table. They were soaking wet! The boys scrambled to plant a few of them before they went for school.

They leave just after 7:00-but the planting only took an extra few minutes, and the ground was already prepped. Now we just hope they'll sprout!


The rain also did a number on the flowering trees all over the yard.

It was snowing flowers.

The rain also brought out all kinds of critters around the yard.

The hummingbirds kept darting in out of the rain for something to drink.

OK-so these guys weren't coming in out of the rain....the teachers are sending home the classroom pets and somehow Amanda ended up with these guys.

These snails were all over though. Aren't Arizona snails weird? I'm more accustomed to the big round shell on the back, not these funny long ones.

This is our little dove family. Can you see both babies in there? There's no way they were going out in the rain, even with me coming up close to take a picture.

And last but not least....Tom-don't look.... check out this gorgeous spider!

You can tell by the drops of rain how small he is and almost transparent. Beautiful!

What a great way to start the day!

to S.M.I.L.E.

To smile. I'm not saying to smirk, to grimace, to simper, to jeer or to sneer. 

But to smile.

To beam.

To radiate tenderness, joy and love ...and contentment.

To HOPE.

That's the kind of smile that starts from the inside. You don't just see it, you hear it. It colors inflection and word choice. It brings vision to the mundane. It accompanies the happy, vibrant moments of our lives but is also the quiet and consoling companion during times of trial that steadies our resolve.

Where does it come from? How can you find it? 

The best answers are always found in the best places. I found this one where you might expect that I would.

The answer?  ...to be spiritually minded is life eternal

In other words, to s.m.i.l.e. Prioritizing!

I love how Marlene always says it, "If you put God first, it doesn't matter what comes next."

And here it is again couched in phrasing not quite as cute:

Therefore (or in other words, because of the  5 or 6 verses before this one), dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then many we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.

Prioritizing combined with cheerful, willing diligence! Then wherever we go, however fast we run-inside we'll be standing still with the utmost assurance...smiling from the inside, out.

One more thought from me and then a few random quotes just for fun:

We smile at our children to show them our approval. Our children's smiles brighten our outlook and excite joy. A smile for our spouse communicates our devotion and appreciation. And when we greet someone, we smile as a sign of welcome. 

So, learning to s.m.i.l.e. now assures that when we meet again, all these things will be reflected in our countenance, and reflected back in turn. The best is yet to come!

Smile Quotations  If you have only one smile in you give it to the people you love.  Maya Angelou  Peace begins with a smile.  Mother Teresa  Every time you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.  Mother Teresa  We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.  Mother Teresa  Let us always meet each other with smile, for the smile is the beginning of love.  Mother Teresa  Start every day off with a smile and get it over with.  W. C. Fields  (ha ha, just had to put that one in.) Your smile will give you a positive countenance that will make people feel comfortable around you.  Les Brown  Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.  Leo Buscaglia

Saturday is a special day...

Jeffrey was so excited to shine his shoes. When Mark told him it was time, he ran into his room to get his shoes and then into Dad's closet to get the shoe shine kit.

I love watching them work together.

My Best Friend

My best friend, Stephanie, turns 18 today! I'm so excited for her! We're getting so old. We've been friends for...forever..or at least for as long as I can remember. We walked to school together every day and had daily encounters with NSB. We made up games to play in the front yard with Taylor, had secret clubhouses, argued like we were sisters, went to church together, had the same friends, played at recess, babysat, went to girls camp,laughed, went on double dates, went to EFY, talked about boys, liked the same boys, sang kareoke, had braces at the same time, watched scary movies, had dance parties, went to seminary together, served together in young women presidencies, and pretty much anything you could imagine. We were completely and totally inseperable. I remember in 8th grade when she started to become good friends with a girl in her class. I was so jealous and worried that I was going to be replaced as a best friend. I'm grateful to have someone as wonderful as Stephanie that I can rely on whenever I need someone. She's a beautiful person, inside and out, and has only gotten more beautiful over the years. I miss her but I'm glad that she is taking steps towards her new life as an 18 year old graduate!! Happy birthday Steph.

Potatoes

OK, How strange is this?Taylor wants mashed potatoes for his birthday. Jeffrey loves to help peel potatoes. Peeling potatoes and shucking corn are some of his favorite kitchen duties.

Here's the twist. Jeffrey hates mashed potatoes, practically gags if they're on his plate. Definitely has problems if they touch his tongue or lips. I don't know if any have actually ever gotten down his throat, but I can't imagine what would happen.

First-What kind of kid doesn't LOVE mashed potatoes?
Second-If he hates them so much, why is he always asking to help make them?

After training 4 kids to eat and enjoy (or at least pretend to enjoy) anything put on their plate, I have a picky eater. How did that happen? We are now that family; bribing, threatening, cajoling.... hours after dinner, there is still one lone member at the table staring at his mashed potatoes.

And I've succumbed! What can I say? I'm tired. I don't make him eat them. His older siblings think this the height of injustice, but I just can't do it. We've compromised, Jeffrey and I. I mix a 'no-thank-you' helping into something else on his plate so well that it can hardly be detected by any of his 5 senses. It's the only way it can be done.

And so, now I stand, humbled, ready to apologize to all those other mothers of other picky eaters for thinking it was something you could just 'get your kids to do'. And I am, truly sorry.

Arm Wrestling