Dear Riley,
How are you, son? It feels so long since I’ve heard about things there. A couple extra days really make a difference. We’re praying for Chaad and Naht and hoping they will continue to grow in the blessings of the gospel. I read your patriarchal blessing this afternoon and thought they may be some of those you were foreordained to bring the gospel to.
I’ve considered how to put to words the love and loyalty I see in the members there toward the missionaries. The scripture story that comes to my mind is the Anti-Nephi-Lehi’s and how they esteemed Ammon and his brethren as though they were angels because they had come to preach to them. That’s the sense I have with the Thai members. And oh how I love them for that.
We’ve had a really good week here at home. It was St. Patrick’s day and Cambry was lucky enough on that day to find her wedding dress. We went down to Spanish Fork to the bridal shop by Amber’s house. I spotted a beautiful gown that just looked like her, but it was a smaller size than she’d been trying. I suggested we find it in her size. She tried on a few and then the lady helping her grabbed that gown and suggested she try it on, it was the only one they had. It fit perfectly. Cambry loved it, she cried a little admiring the perfectness of it. The sales lady asked if she wanted to try any other gowns on. No. This was the dress. That shop is less expensive than any other we’ve shopped, so it was within budget and really fits her. We also got the bridesmaid dresses for S and B and the dresses for Elise, Aleah, and Josie. Every week we check off a few things, but it is still overwhelming to consider everything that will be accomplished in the next 10 weeks.
Friday night we were able to attend Lamb of God here in Provo Friday night. Oh, how I love the spirit of that music. It has become to my Easter what Messiah is to my Christmas. This year Grandma and L sung and CG played french horn. Each time I watch it, a different character speaks to my soul. The first time it was Martha, Touch my Eyes. The second time it was Peter, Where Would I Go? Another time Mary the mother of Jesus singing Here is Hope before the resurrection was accomplished sang my heartsong. This year it was Peter, Someday We’ll Understand. Tears just streamed down my cheeks. I realized as I contemplated this performance that I am all of these disciples at different times. Discipleship brings me to confront doubt, uncertainty, limited vision, an impulse to counsel God. Discipleship causes me to see the imperfectness of my belief. But at the point I recognize my weakness is the moment I can plead for grace. And it is given, further strengthening my testimony in my Savior. Oh may I always be true. He has been so good to me.
Last night we attended KS’s wedding reception. It was lovely. As we mingled with old friends and current ward members, I just felt so much love. I admire their commitment and service. I see them using inspiration to meet the needs of the ward. What a remarkable thing this community of Saints.
We were able to have our church be part of the Provo City Temple dedicatory meeting this morning, the 150th temple. I was so touched as I listened to the talks and the choir. We live in an amazing time, truly.
Dad and I have taken two bikes since we last wrote. Last Saturday we biked the Provo River Trail down to Utah Lake and the end of the trail, about 22 miles round trip. It was an experience for sure. The trail winds around with the river through Provo, ducking under streets so that we felt like we were in catacombs. It was a lovely adventure. Then yesterday we had limited time, so we just biked up to Bridal Veil Falls. Since the overhaul of the bike, the timing is fixed so that we are always in sync. I’ve gained appreciation for the phrase “working in tandem” and the power of unity in direction, purpose, timing and strength. Since I sit in the back, I feel the sway of the bike and how it almost propels us forward. Our cruising speed has increased substantially and the bike fairly pulses and breathes beneath us. I wonder how I could have loved biking so much before, because this is a new high.
Riley, I’ve considered greatly about choosing a partner for your life. Other than your decision to believe in Christ, this is the most important decision you’ll ever make. I’ve decided that one thing that witnesses of the fit is the product of the relationship, what the two together equal. A good fit expands the best in each of the partners, brightens the road before them, and strengthens them in goodness, service, charity, compassion… every virtue. Also the weakness of each do not expand the weakness in the other. Please watch for those signs when you select a partner. Seek and hear counsel. Look for a partner that brings the strength of a family behind them. You are more familiar now than you have perhaps ever been in hearing the whisperings of the Spirit. You will be led as you seek, I know that. But choose wisely, son. You have a very big work to accomplish and need a woman by your side who will help you.
I’m sorry I didn’t send you an Easter package. I just sent a large birthday one. I weighed it before heading to the post office and realized it was going to cost $90 to mail. Feeling that too extravagant to mail mostly sugar, I started unloading, evaluating what should come out. Parker begged me to leave it all in and ran and got $5 and enlisted his sisters to contribute. I let them. They love you too.
I can’t wait to read about your week and miracles you have witnessed. I love you beyond reason.
Love,
Mom
Did you laugh your head off at this week’s picture? I can hardly keep it in! Love you tons!
Here are the girls' dresses for the reception:
Josie really ripped her toe bad this week running in flip flops.
The Cams sang for Grandma and L for the first time:
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