May 31, 2013

Our oldest daughter, Shauna (seated center, front row) and her family are moving to Houston, Texas due to Brad's job relocation. Last night they had a big neighborhood/family farewell at the David Street part in Sandy, Utah. Lots of folks turned out to wish them the very best. Our children actually got together and had some pictures taken. We love them all so very much. And we wish Shauna, Brad and family a safe trip to Texas.



Amy, Neil and Jaralynn

The sad faces of moving and being separated by miles.

There are lots of apple trees on the property of Greg and Sandra Ross

Tuesday, May 28th- Greg and Sandra Ross invited us to come to Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia to see all the apple trees in spring bloom. We awoke to a beautiful sunny day with excitement for this day. A chance to get to visit another part of Nova Scotia and to get to see it closer up than just to drive nearby on the freeway.
We arrived at lunch time-Sandra had made a lovely seafood chowder that was so very delicious. We really enjoyed it. Then we got into their car and for the next almost 4 hours we drove around the Annapolis valley. We saw lots of fields being prepared to plant crops, lots of orchards with spring blossoms.  We saw the tide out and coming back in. We visited the quaint fishing village of Halls Harbor, Nova Scotia. We saw the Bay of Fundy in the distance. It was wonderful and humbling to view God's handiwork in the creation of this earth. This earth is so diverse which is so very much a part of its beauty, and is what testifies so truly to the truth that God created this world, and that its beauty and diversity are here to help man and woman work out their salvation!
After sight-seeing we returned to their house, had a lovely dinner, spent some more time visiting and chatting then it was time to travel back to Dartmouth. This had been the first really nice spring weather day that we had had in weeks. We were spiritually feed by the peace and harmony we saw around us; by the warmth and love of good friends; by the wonder of God's handiwork.

Bay of Fundy  and New Brunswick

Bay of Fundy  and New Brunswick

Bay of Fundy  and New Brunswick

Bay of Fundy  and New Brunswick

Greg Ross, Charlotte and Craig

Sandra Ross, Charlotte and Sandra

Bay of Fundy and the Cliff on the far side

Dwarf apple trees coming into blossom

Apple trees coming into blossom

Dwarf apple trees coming into blossom

Annapolis Valley from North Mountain

Annapolis Valley from North Mountain

Annapolis Valley from North Mountain

Annapolis Valley from North Mountain

Annapolis Valley from North Mountain

Annapolis Valley from North Mountain

Entering Halls Harbor, Nova Scotia

Halls Harbor's "lighthouse"

Craig and Greg Ross by the "Lighthouse"

Back at the Ross home, a pheasant shows off his brilliant coloring

Back at the Ross home, a pheasant shows off his brillant coloring.

Friday, May 28, 2013

Had an interesting discussion with a dear friend today (this is copied from our facebook chat):
The flag icon is me, and the other is a Therese Kirchner. She has Crohn's Disease.

I walked my 500th km today.

I saw that, you go girl

My hiking boots sure have gotten some wear.

I love it. I feel so much better. I'm so grateful for all the challenges I've had this year.

I was thinking today while driving about the parable of the talents

I like that thought I sent you

(This is the thought I sent her:

Now, I wish to encourage those who are in the midst of hard trials, who feel their faith may be fading under the onslaught of troubles. Trouble itself can be your way to strengthen and finally gain unshakable faith.

President Henry B. Eyring
First Counselor in the First Presidency
“Mountains to Climb,” General Conference, April 2012

And how maybe challenges are like the talents.

very true

the more we deal with them, the more capable we are to deal with the next ones

once we know the key, prayer

And how when we make the best of our challenges we are given not only more challenges to face, but greater strength.

very good

to bad, that some people never learn that lesson

Therese: I've been very careful in all of this- at times feeling like Job, to always remember my blessings and to see the good side.

There has ALWAYS been a good side.

My blessings far outnumber my challenges.

yes there definitely is. Used to say in the mission field that are challenges are like a ladder, each challenge you meet helps you up the ladder

Therese: I really feel like I've come to understand Job very well. With everything that has been thrown at me along the way.

difference between challenges and problems do you know?

tell me

one like a math problem or a scientific problem may not have an answer

while a challenges is something you can grow over.

Therese: 

ah ha!! So instead of looking for an answer, you have to look for a solution.

a challenge makes you stronger and smarter

yes

If I look at where I was a year ago- there was nothing wrong with my life. I had a good job, great kids, active in church... etc etc...

And where I am today- There is a huge step up. Some of the everyday clutter in my life has given way for better health and refined priorities.

ah ha!! So instead of looking for an answer, you have to look for a solution.

a challenge makes you stronger and smarter

yes

If I look at where I was a year ago- there was nothing wrong with my life. I had a good job, great kids, active in church... etc etc...

And where I am today- There is a huge step up. Some of the everyday clutter in my life has given way for better health and refined priorities.