My thoughts

On the Introductory Guide for Children and Youth it says that the Vision of the Church is:

"To strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ and help you and your family progress along the covenant path as you meet life’s challenges."

This brought to my mind the story of the Jaredites and their experience during their journey to the Promised Land.

We know from Ether chapter 6 that they were tossed upon the waves of the sea. Many times buried in the depths of the sea and that great and terrible tempests were caused by the fierceness of the wind.

But it also tells us that there was no water could hurt them because of the tightness of their vessels and when they were encompassed by many waters "they did cry to the Lord, and he did bring them forth again upon the top of the waters." And "the wind did never cease to blow towards the promised land." "No monster of the sea could break them, neither whale that could mar them and they did have light continually."

Their journey to the promised land is like our journey back to Heavenly Father. Life isn't easy and we are going to have challenges. We are going to feel at times like we are drowning in our trials. But if we are prepared with faith and our testimony of Jesus Christ we will be protected. Jesus Christ is like the stone, He is our light in all our darkness. When we are doing what we should the Holy Ghost is our wind who takes us towards our Heavenly Father and when we make mistakes and repent the Holy Ghost is there to push us in the right direction. 

When we are in the middle of a storm in our life it doesn't mean that God isn't with us. It is during this time that revelation comes and we grow closer to God as we continue in prayer like the Jaredites did.

Conner's Band Fall Concert

On Thursday, November 12, Conner had his Fall Concert. It was a very good concert. Brent and I enjoyed it very much. The played the music of John Williams. They played Harry Potter, Star Wars and others.

Devotional for the Viru Puente Branch (Peru Trujillo mission)

On September 6th we participated in a devotional for the Viru Puente Branch of the Trujillo, Peru area of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. They were celebrating 33 years of their history. Brent and Fernando Mendoza were the first missionaries of the church in Viru. It was a beautiful virtual reunion where we shared with other members of the church in Viru that we know and love very much. Brent shared his experiences while he was serving in Viru.

My 55th birthday

On Tuesday September 15th was my 55th birthday. It is hard to believe I am 55. I used to think 55 was old but now I don't think that way hahaha I don't feel old. I had a great time with my friends Brenda and Adriana, we went to lunch to a place called Humbl, which has very healthy foods. We actually wanted to go to Agave Azul but it was closed. It looked like they were cleaning the restaurant so my guess is that they had an incident with Coronavirus and had to clean the place. Later when Brent came home from work, we had cake and Conner and Brent sang happy birthday. I facetimed my grandkids and all my kids told me happy birthday. Parker and Katie called me and sang to me. Brittany texted me early in the morning and told me happy birthday. I facetimed Brittany's kids and I facetimed with Ashley and her family. I also spoke with Ali and Kevin. It was a great day.

Happy Sunday

In 2 days I will be 55 years old. Today we went to church, our second time going in three months. Last month we could not go because we had a virtual Stake Conference on the Sunday it was our turn to go to church in August. I wore a new dress today since my birthday is on Tuesday. Brent took my pictures out in our backyard in front of our pool. I love this pretty dress I bought in Utah at the Lehi Downeast Basics store.

I am very happy: Conner likes scrambled eggs, bacon and toast

To some this is just a plate with some food in it but to me it means so much! This means that someone overcame so much! Just recently Conner ate scrambled eggs, bacon and toast with butter for the first time. He liked it so much he asked to have it for dinner again last night. For him certain foods are difficult to eat because of smell, textures and the way they look.  To me this plate means he climbed another mountain and made it to the top!! He doesn’t give up! I have faith he will continue to try new foods!

Brother and Sister Alva

Brother Alva and his wife Emma Alva. Brent met them on his mission in Peru. These pictures were in 2015 when we attended the dedication of the Trujillo temple. Brother Juan Alva passed away at the beginning of the week of August 24th (not exactly sure of the day) he was 99 years old and died peacefully in his sleep. His wife Emma was in ICU, very sick with Coronavirus and Emma died at the end of that same week. Very sad!