Ebola Threat

These are the last days.  There are so many ways we could all be annihilated: ebola, nuclear bomb, famine, biological weapons, gangs, EMP, earthquake, etc., etc. But I'm not afraid.  The Lord has blessed us with the knowledge of His plan.  If we suffer he will comfort us; it is a chance to become closer to Him and more like Him.  If we die we know things will be wonderful on the other side.  We will have lots of chances to share comfort, the gospel, and our love.  I pray I can be worthy of the Lord's help and guidance.  That is about all we have to worry about.  And in my case that's plenty.

Jaremy's Job

Tons of things are changing at Goal Zero for Jaremy; he just doesn't know what they are yet.  So it is a bit stressful!  Jaremy seems to be upset about some things at work.  He seems to have lost excitement and motivation for his job.  I hope he can find something that makes him excited and makes a ton of money.  Maybe someday we will start a family business.  Maybe we will own a goat dairy, a construction firm, or a design/engineering firm.  I wish we had more courage or maybe it's not that; we have too much sense.  Supporting such a large family with only one income is a huge responsibility.  Expenses will only increase.  The opportunities that we thought Goal Zero would provide are quickly not panning out.  I'm excited to see what we can do next.  I'm excited to learn new things and experience new things.  However, Jaremy doesn't share my excitement.  He feels the heavy responsibility of putting bread on the table.  I want to help ease his burdens.  I pray Heavenly Father will bless my little efforts and Jaremy's.  I know He will.  He always cares for us.

Youth Temple Trips

At least twice a month Jessica, Benjamin, and Moroni have been getting a group of friends from the ward together to go to the temple.  They have been developing great friendships and having a lot of fun!  It's been an answer to prayer.  I was praying that Jessica could find some close friends to do things with.  These temple trips have led to lots of other activities; including, night games, movie nights, walks, and just visiting.  I'm so grateful!  Heavenly Father really does answer prayers.  He knows our needs so well and loves to bless us!  Now all my teenagers have a huge group of close friends.  In fact, our van (the biggest vehicle in the ward) can't hold them all.  It is time for a bus!!!  That would require a miracle.  However, I know the Lord can bring that to pass if it is part of His plan for us.

Spiritual Feast

This week I'm going to take extra time to really study the words of the Lord.  Jaremy, Jessica, and Benjamin will be gone to camps, so I'll have a bit of extra time to ponder and study.  I feel a little thin spiritually and a bit fat physically, so I'm grateful Heavenly Father has given us a way to "delight in fatness" spiritually.  It seems I can hardly have a short prayer without interruption, let alone a scripture study session.  But I will try extra hard this week.

Simple

This morning I was stressing out about company coming for Ella's baptism and Jaremy Bug's baby blessing.  We have a tiny house when it comes to company staying.  So we thought of renting a house for the weekend and all the company to stay in.  After adding up lodging, food, activities, and new clothes for the baby and Ella we were talking $4000.  We don't have an extra penny, so I was a bit overwhelmed.  I prayed Heavenly Father would help me figure out a simpler way or send more money.  He reminded me of blankets on the grass and driving here and back in a day.  So now we just need to buy food and visit. I'm thankful Heavenly Father can help us calm down, simplify, and remember not to be concerned about what other people think about us, our house, or our family parties.

Temple Recommends

Yesterday Jaremy and I renewed our temple recommends.  I felt the Spirit as I answered the questions.  The Holy Ghost testified to me, yet again, as I answered the interview questions that I really did know of the reality of Heavenly Father, of the atonement of Jesus Christ, of the restoration of the Gospel, and of the reality of prophets in our day.  What a beautiful blessing to have a testimony of the Gospel!  I'm so grateful to Heavenly Father for allowing me, little Jennie, to have a testimony of the Plan of Salvation.  I'm so grateful I know my Father in Heaven and Savior are aware of me and every aspect of my life and future.  I know He prepares the way for my family to succeed in this life and the next.

Prayers Answered

I've been praying for my children, especially my older children.  I've been asking that the Lord guide them to friends and mentors that they need.  Jessica has been blessed with close friends of late.  She has needed that ever since we moved to Herriman.  Benjamin has been blessed with good mentors at Scout Camp.  Heavenly Father knows their life mission, their future spouse, and the path their lives need to take.  I pray He will help them progress along their paths back to Him.  And He definitely blesses them with a multitude of tender mercies along the way.