Choose the Right

Prayers are answered. I have always known that. It is so great to see examples of that everyday! There is something really sweet about seeing your children's prayers answered! Sammi had lost her CTR ring on the playground at school. She said a whole bunch of kids helped her look for it but no one could find it in the wood-chips. Sammi told me she went out into the field and said a prayer to find her ring (we had done that before with a lost car of Daniel's, and immediately found it.) She did not find it. She told me about it after school and we went to try and find it again -- no luck. Well, I decided to go to the office and ask about it, no one had seen it. They wrote her name down and Sammi explained to them what she lost. So, a week passed by and Sammi was sad she had not found it. She really loves her ring. Then yesterday, after school, Sammi came running out of her classroom, "I found it! I found it!" she screamed. Someone had found it and turned it into the office. She was SO excited, so happy. Her prayer that she said in the field, was answered. Sometimes, though we would like an immediate answer, the answers to our prayers take time, but are answered! What a tremendous experience for her faith. I am always so grateful for these kind of experiences!

Sammi had another interesting experience. A group of kids were sitting together at school, and a whole bunch of them were talking about how God is a "Spirit". Sammi said she did not say anything to them -- because she did not want to hurt their feelings. She knows that God is a man. She knows that other people believe, and are taught different things. As she says, "They have some of the truth, like the Bible, but not the whole truth like we do." I always ask her after a statement like that, "Does that makes us better than others?" Her answer is always, "No." That is something I want to make very clear. I think some may feel a sense of superiority in their knowledge of the truth, when in reality we are just that much more responsible for sharing it with others! Do I worry about the future generation? No. They are sent here at a time when their courage, faith and testimonies will guide them through turbulent, uncertain times. We must prepare them for these times, and they will stand tall and immovable.

By talking about Sammi so much, I am not trying to leave out the other two lovelies. It is simply that Sammi is out in the world at school, and she experiences these kinds of things. I am grateful for that. I am very grateful. Though it terrifies me to send them out into the "world" they can handle it, and find courage and strength to "deal" with the world and it's ways. Next year I am sure I will have many Daniel stories to tell. Right now he is just a happy clam -- comfy within the walls of home. :-) I have loved having him (and William) with me.

Charles won his trial yesterday. :-) So far, only wins, and a hung jury. For this case he had another attorney from his office working with him. She is experienced in domestic violence, which the case was about. A strange coincidence was that she was also from Alaska. Not only was she from Alaska, but they went to the same high school. He has a picture of her in his year book. At the time they were on opposite sides of the fence (he from a trailer, and her from wealth). At the time she would probably not have given him the time of day -- now they are "equals". It is strange how time can change everything. I am so grateful for the gospel, and how embracing it fully, can truly change lives! I am so grateful that God saw fit to snatch Charles from the "depths of hell" and thrust him into the light! I am astonished everyday!

I have been running like crazy and I am starting to feel really good. It is amazing how it can "mellow you out". I always run in the morning and I find I can maintain my cool so much better after I expend all my energy in a long run. I am all for a "natural high" and the calm that follows. :-) There are times when I am not feeling as strong on a run and I will have a choice to go the "long way" or choose the shorter path. I then have to tell myself that a winner would not pick the easy road, but would endure the longer path. So, off I go on the short path. Just kidding. I choose the road less traveled by, the long road, of course. :-) Why? Because I am a winner! (or so I tell myself while dragging my feet along!) It is always harder, but it is always that much more rewarding when finished!

Lots of love,
Mari