Temple: Janelle Endowment

Tonight we had the opportunity to bring Janelle to the Cedar City temple to receive her endowment!

Rick and I left early with her and brought her out to dinner in Cedar City before we went to the temple. The St. George Temple is still under construction, which is why we went to Cedar City. Because of the ongoing effects of Covid, masks are now required in the temple. 

The rest of our adult kids were planning to meet us at the temple before the session. Janika texted and asked us to pray for them that they would make it in time. They got stuck in really bad traffic in Spanish Fork due to an accident which put them behind schedule and she was worried that they might not make it. I checked the GPS and it showed that they would arrive thirty minutes after our 8:00 session was to begin. Nonetheless we prayed for a miracle -- and our prayers were answered! They were able to arrive twenty minutes before the session started.

While I was with Janelle as her escort, Rick managed to lock his keys in his car! He talked to the temple presidency who gave him a phone number to call and then joined us in the session. His keys were waiting for him at the front desk when we finished the session. The locksmith had offered his services for free, but Rick called him back and insisted on paying him. 

Other than those two things everything went smoothly and we were able to enjoy a beautiful, sacred experience with Janelle and our other endowed children. Afterwards we took pictures with our family and with Janelle's friends, Brea Bulkley and Clay McFadden, who had also come to support her. We had a funny moment when we went to leave and saw that Clay was still inside the gates, which were now locked. He was locked inside the temple grounds! After a few moments of wondering what to do we realized that the gate was still open on the other side of the temple! 

Just a little bit about the temple endowment from ChurchofJesusChrist.org: 

The word endowment means “a gift.” In this context, the temple endowment is literally a gift from God whereby He bestows sacred blessings upon you. The endowment can only be received in His way and in His holy temple. Some of the gifts you receive through the temple endowment include:

1. Greater knowledge of the Lord’s purposes and teachings.
2. Power to do all that God wants us to do.
3. Divine direction and protection as we serve the Lord, our families, and others.
4. Increased hope, comfort, and peace.
5. Promised blessings now and forever.

Jaiden Patriarchal Blessing

Jaiden received her Patriarchal Blessing today! It was a beautiful blessing for a beautiful girl! I am so glad that Rick and I could join her in that special experience! 

Our Christmas Eve (2016)

Tonight we had our family's Christmas Eve. We had a yummy dinner of ham and cheesy potatoes (Janika made the cheesy potatoes and yummy salad).  Rick is always in charge of the Christmas Eve lesson/activity and he puts a lot of thought into it and always has something really cool prepared. This year he taught a really neat lesson about the ten Virgins, teaching about how half were ready for the Savior's arrival and half were not. We looked up a bunch of scriptures about the how various prophets testified of Christ's birth and asked what we would do if we knew Christ was coming in just a few days. We talked about preparing for Christ to come again and then watched the video on the ten virgins.  It was a great lesson! 

We then went to the kitchen and he brought out and authentic oil lamp from Israel and lit it. That got the kids attention and then he pulled out a little oil lamp for each member of the family and the kids eyes got really big. They were excited to get their own oil lamp. He poured olive oil into each one and each child would share a part of their testimony to another family member one at a time and then light their lamp. Josh shared his testimony about Faith and told the story about Enos and I shared an experience from after my mission when I had specific prayers answered and each of the kids shared their testimony with a personal experience or example from the scriptures.  We then sang a song together (this is the part where Jared tunes out -- he hates singing with the family). But other than that the spirit was present and it was a neat lesson.

We always have really cool Christmas Eve experiences like that.  At least Rick and I think they are pretty neat -- the kids are probably just anxious to open one of their presents -- another tradition. But they often talk about past Christmas Eve activities.  One of their favorites is when we dressed up in Nativity garb and had goat cheese and pita bread in tents in the basement and roasted S'mores in the wood burning stove. Anyway, the idea tonight was to go out and go caroling to some neighbors who might need some cheer and then give them one of the oil lamps to keep.  It was raining, however, and so we decided not to go caroling (much to Jared's relief). 

 

Eliza

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.

Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.

Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.

Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.

Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

Eliza is the daughter of my cousin, Nikki (Norman) Williams and her husband Callahan.  (Nikki's dad and my mom are brother and sister).  Even though I didn't have the opportunity to see Eliza very often, I am grateful for the influence she has had on my life and on the lives of so many others. My children and I had many conversations about Eliza as we followed her story on her blog and watched the sweet videos that her parents had produced.  These brought many tender, emotional moments as we talked about Eliza and what a sweet pure soul she has and how she will automatically qualify for the Celestial Kingdom.

I am grateful that she and my children could attend the same school even though they were not able to see her very often.  I am grateful that I had the opportunity to attend Eliza's funeral and graveside service.  The spirit was so strong as truths were taught and testimonies given.  I shed tears through the entire service.  I was especially touched as Nikki and Callahan expressed their love for little Eliza and the blessings that she brought to their lives.  Nikki shared her feelings about what an honor it was to care for Eliza.  This family has certainly learned the meaning of unconditional Christ-like love.    

 

 

 

 

 

Eliza Kate Williams

Obituary |  Condolences

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.
Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.
Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.
Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

Published in Deseret News on July 12, 2015

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=175269049#sthash.yImazlLJ.dpuf

Eliza Kate Williams

Obituary |  Condolences

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.
Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.
Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.
Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

Published in Deseret News on July 12, 2015

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=175269049#sthash.yImazlLJ.dpuf

Eliza Kate Williams

Obituary |  Condolences

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.
Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.
Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.
Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

Published in Deseret News on July 12, 2015

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=175269049#sthash.yImazlLJ.dpuf

Eliza Kate Williams

Obituary |  Condolences

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.
Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.
Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.
Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

Published in Deseret News on July 12, 2015

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=175269049#sthash.yImazlLJ.dpuf

Eliza Kate Williams

Obituary |  Condolences

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.
Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.
Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.
Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=175269049#sthash.yImazlLJ.dpuf

Eliza Kate Williams

Obituary |  Condolences

Eliza Kate Williams, 10, returned to our Heavenly Father on July 8, 2015 in St. George, Utah. Eliza spent eight years battling with Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, a rare neurological disease.
Never was there a more determined, vivacious little girl than our Eliza. Her incredible spirit was trapped in a fragile frame with severe limitations. This did not keep her from enjoying life. Rather, she taught those around her how to enjoy every moment. She was the ultimate example of love, perseverance and courage. Her patience knew no bound as she was carefully cared for by all who knew her.
Eliza is blessed to have a large circle of friends and family who love her unconditionally. Without a word, Eliza could command the attention of any room. Her soft example reminded us of the love of Christ - pure and uninhibited.
Eliza is survived by her parents, Callahan and Nikki, her adoring sister Caroline, grandparents Lorrie and Merrill Norman and Lana and Steven Williams, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Thank you to our "village" that encouraged, supported and loved our angel. Until we meet again, Liza Lou.
Services will be held, July 15, 2015 at the Willowcreek Ward (2115 E. Sublette Pl, Sandy) at Noon. A viewing will be held, July 14, 2015 from 6 to 8 p.m. and Wednesday, July 15, 2015 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Instead of flowers, please bring a children's book to be donated to Eliza's Library.

- See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/deseretnews/obituary.aspx?pid=175269049#sthash.yImazlLJ.dpuf

Newest Deacon

We now have another Priesthood holder in our home.  Jared was ordained a Deacon during his Priesthood meeting on March 11th and he received a beautiful blessing.  Today (March 18th) he was invited to share his testimony in sacrament meeting.  I was so impressed by his beautiful heartfelt testimony.  He said that he knew the Book of Mormon was true because we read it each night as a family and during one of his interviews with his dad he was encouraged to go and pray about the Book of Mormon to see if it was true.  He said that after praying about it he received an answer that it was true.  I couldn't help but notice a few people dabbing at their eyes during his sweet testimony.  Today was also his first time passing the sacrament.  I know he was a little nervous but he did perfectly!  We are so grateful to have Jared in our home! 

 Jase was also ordained to be a teacher last December. I wrote about that previously but forgot to take a picture and so I will include one now.  We are grateful for these boys and know that they will make wonderful missionaries some day!   

Attending General Conference

Rick, Janika (16), Jase (14), Jared (11), and Elder Lee left Friday at lunch time to drive up to Salt Lake in order to attend General Conference at the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City.  A few weeks ago Rick told me that he was able to get a few tickets for Conference and he wanted to take the older kids.  I had mentioned it to the kids and they expressed no interested whatsoever.  In fact they said they would rather watch conference on TV in their pajamas.  I told Rick about their reaction and he said that he would talk to them.  The next family home evening Rick posed the question, "How far would you go to see a prophet of God?"  The kids were quiet seeing where this was going.

He shared a couple of stories from the scriptures and then a personal experience about when he learned for himself that President Benson (the prophet at the time) was a true prophet of God.  I also had a similar touching experience when President Hinckley came to speak in our city several years ago.  The spirit was present as Rick shared his experience and the mood became more somber.  As he finished he quietly asked, "Now, who would like to come with me to hear the words of the prophet at General Conference?"  Janika, Jase, and Jared all raised their hands, as did some of the younger kids, but they were not invited on this excursion.  I hope that they were able to feel the spirit and receive a witness that we do indeed have a living prophet on the earth today.

Here are a couple pictures taken from Rick's cell phone...

They all went to Saturday's morning session and then Rick and Jase and Elder Lee came back for the Priesthood Session that night.  They made the long trek home Sunday morning and we all watched Sunday's afternoon session together down on our basement couch.  They said it was weird to think that they were actually there in that building just yesterday!  It was neat for Elder Lee.  He is from Texas and who knows when he will have this opportunity again.

Meanwhile I was home alone with the little ones trying to keep them all occupied and quiet so that I could watch the sessions.  I really relied on Janelle to be my little helper and babysitter.  After the weekend was over she said, "Boy it is tough being the oldest child!"  Janika was grateful that someone acknowledged what she has gone through for so many years!   

Stake Conference

My husband and I have always been a little conflicted about the Saturday night session of Stake Conference. Apparently many members feel the same way since the Saturday session is always only half as full as the Sunday session, which is truly unfortunate.

My husband has a tendency to grumble under his breath about going to yet another church meeting when he has just been to two hours of Priesthood Leadership meeting, teaches religion every day of the week, has meetings throughout the week, and is gone the entire day on Sundays with church responsibilities.  So whenever the Saturday night Stake Conference meeting comes around with no responsibilities on his part, he always half jokingly asks, "So are we going tonight?"  "Of course we are going," I always answer back and he sighs and puts his suit back on.

I always explain that I particularly LOVE the Saturday night session of Stake Conference.  It is pretty much the ONLY time I can enjoy a church meeting without any distractions from the kids.  On Sundays my husband sits on the stand while I am wrestling kids who are fighting to sit on my lap while trying to keep my baby from crawling away, my three year old from dumping the cereal all over the floor and the older kids from laying down on the bench.  At the Saturday Stake Conference session I can pay attention and actually get something out of the meeting other than cheerios squished on my dress and scribbled, crinkly drawings from my kids.   As an added bonus -- I can sit next to my husband instead of just looking at him on the stand.  We can tickle each others backs and hold hands.  Yes, I love Stake Conference.  

Tonight's meeting was especially good.  I wished I had brought along a notebook so that I could have jotted down a few notes.  I particularly enjoyed Brother Homer and Sister Riding's remarks.  Brother Homer, a young father, shared an experience from his mission where he and his companion received inspiration about how to teach the plan of salvation in their area.  They bought a bucket of sidewalk chalk and went to a local park where there was a huge area devoted to sidewalk drawings.  They proceeded to draw the plan of salvation complete with circles representing the pre-earth, earth, spirit world, and three kingdoms.  They had about a dozen children join them and ask if they could help.  The children became busy coloring away.  Then they asked what the pictures meant and the missionaries were of course happy to explain.  Then the kids brought their parents over and the missionaries explained the plan of salvation to all of the parents.   They had some incredible spiritual experiences that happened as a result of this activity.

Another experience he shared was about his seven year old daughter who has Down Syndrome.  We know her because she attended The Learning Center with Janelle when they were both two years old.   He was married shortly after his mission and this was their first child and so he and his wife were very young.  He said that he lovingly held his baby in his arms the night before she was be blessed and wondered, "How do you bless a perfect spirit?"  He said that the thought came into his mind, "She is here for all of you -- not for herself."  He realized what a precious gift she was for his family.  He said that she is a "spiritual thermometer" for their home.  If there is any contention in the home she will sit behind the couch and fold her arms until the conflict is resolved.  When she was very young, they went to a temple wedding at the Salt Lake temple.  Later on this sweet pure little girl told her parents, "I can't wait until Jesus comes again so that I can be married in the temple and have a baby."  He was amazed since she clearly understood certain doctrines that she had not yet been taught in the home or in primary. Of course I was wiping my eyes throughout the entire talk. 

Several things impressed me from Sister Riding's (a young mother) talk, but I will just share one.  She recently learned of a sad experience and asked if she could share it with us.  A certain mother had worked diligently with her children through the years to teach them the gospel and the importance of marrying in the temple.  As time went on, however, the mother ended up straying from the church.  Her daughter did get married in the temple, but the mother was not worthy to attend.  The mother tearfully expressed her sorrow to her daughter with these words, "I always wanted you to marry in the temple, but I never dreamed that I would let my own guard down and not be able to go..."   What a tragedy!  That story really stuck with me.  We are never immune to the temptations of the world and we can never "let our own guard down."  We need to teach our children but we also need to be diligent in our own lives.  I had many things come to my mind during this conference -- ways in which I can improve both as a mother, and in my own path of progression.   

There were other excellent talks as well, and I thoroughly enjoyed having my spiritual bucket filled.  I also enjoyed being able to cuddle with my sweetie.  Tomorrow I get him for most of the day, and that makes me happy.  I have to admit that Sundays are difficult in this stage of life.  But every once in a while amidst all of the chaos of husband gone and kids running around -- teasing and picking on each other, I can still pluck out a piece of revelation that our family needs here and there.  Now if we can just follow through with it, then we will be doing okay.