Huish Herd

I love President Packer. Always have. Last Sunday, listening to him during our regional conference, I came to love and appreciate him even more.

As he talked about the coming years and the changes to our lives that we were going to experience I had a very peaceful, unsettling but still peaceful, feeling come over me. I had felt sick to the depths of my soul for the last couple of weeks that no matter the outcome of the election, we were in for a new way of life. I came to appreciate how hard we had to work to keep body and soul together for so many years of our marriage, at least I have a place to start on stretching the dollars that never seem to be there! I suspect that it may be harder in some ways than before, but I listened closely and it gave me assurances to share with my children as they called me the night of the election.

President Packer said the same things we have heard so many times. But what impressed me was the way he reminded us that no matter how hard it is in the future, we MUST pay our tithing so that we may be blessed. I could just hear our loving Heanenly Father pleading with us to keep this commandment so he can bless us. He wants to shower His blessing on us, He is eager to, it is all up to us.

We were also reminded that it is important to live righteously. I am examining my life, again, and setting new goals to live as our dear Savior did. To be happy in service and joy in the fact that I can help. I have the resources to travel about, reach out, a wonderful husband who supports me and needs my support in his service. We have a barn of a house, but we are working to create a home for us, our family and anyone else that may need a refuge from the world.

I am grateful for the ideas that are coming to me. Ideas that will help to provide for our family, and help them help themselves. Opportunities to help the grandkids learn how capable they are and how joyful it can be to be obedient, even to the commandments that don't seem so important. How to work together as family (immediate and extended) to make our way in this world.

As frightening as the economy, and political changes, etc. are right now, I am grateful for the chance that is developing for us all to be reminded what is really important in this world, to be turned to our faith, to draw closer to Heavenly Father, the Savior, and each other.

I know that President Packer was speaking throught the spirit on Sunday. I know that we can be OK. I know that our attitude in the coming months and years will determine how we experience this time. I know that we have all probably contributed in some way to the trials to come and that through the Savior's atonement, we can repent, be forgiven and be made stronger.

I know the gospel is true. I am grateful for it and the teachings that have helped me to hear the spirit that has led me to my life full of family and good friends. I am even grateful that it led us to stay in this half dead, rediculously hot, cursed desert. It kept me near my family so that we can be here to support each other now. I know that I will have to read this from time to time to remind myself just how good my life is. As random as it seems sometimes, it is my life and I do love it.