Summer Days!

I loved Oregon. We had a blast. The weather was nice and breezy in the 60s. We came back and had to re-adjust to life again. Levi became super clingy. He recognized his toys but was needing time to figure out that he was home again.

I started working out again with Martha. It has been fabulous. I really needed to get out and exercise for one and to have a social buddy for another. Levi enjoys the stroller too. Although we are doing more working out indoors of late than outdoors due to this hot weather. It jumped to the 90s. Where's my happy 70's? Oh, I did get that for the 4th of July which was a couple of days ago.

We stayed home for the 4th of July weekend. Mike did lots of work outside to have the yard looking so good. He is such a dedicated hard worker. I really hope the kids get his ambition one day. At church, it was fast sunday and there was a lot of talk about the soldiers serving. I thought of Mike and how much he had served his country. It still gets me to hear his voice choke on the words to The Star Spangled Banner. He is so patriotic and I just love that about him.

It also makes me think of those from the Book of Mormon. They came to this continent by the guidance of the Lord. They had hopes of being able to worship with freedom. Then with the split among the people and the constant battles for freedom, the nephites eventually were wiped out for their unbelief in the end.

Then Columbus along with many conquistadors discovered America. There began the pilgram voyages on the Mayflower and other ships. People searching for freedom from religious persecution. They wanted a new start even in a land with so many dangers. The Indians (Lamanites) occupied the land. The Colonies were established and soon the revolutionary war occurred. England was being unreasonable. So the War happened. Farmers against Soldiers. The Farmers won with the help of George Washington. A country was born. The Forefathers set up the constitution.

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This allowed for a young man to be born who would restore the gospel to the earth when religious freedom was allowed. Joseph Smith grew up searching for answers. He wanted to join the "true" church. He read a scripture in James 1:5 and went to a small grove to pray. The first Vision happened.

So the church began. I am so thankful for the faith Joseph had in order to find the answer that we all needed to know. I am grateful for his sacrifice to bring it forth as well as all the early members of the church who lost homes and loved ones. I know there was still persecution and still is today but the Lord has said that the gospel would roll forth to the ends of the earth and shall not be taken away again. I am so grateful for that. I am grateful for President Monson and his couselors who serve so faithfully and guide us. I am grateful for the 12 apostles. I am grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ who paid the ultimate sacrifice for all of us to return to our father again. Jesus loves everyone. He is charity. He is our dear sweet brother who would do all to help us so long as we do our part to show our love for him.

I pay honor and respect for all who have sacrificed so much for us to have this great land and knowledge of the gospel.