Apply This Unto Yourself

I learned a great deal this week from studying the account of the Savior on gethsemane from the four gospels. I was comparing them and likening them to our lives. In each of the first three I learned that when we have hard things, it is good and wise to surround ourselves with good friends, a support network. That is what He did. But even though we have a great support team, in the end we are the ones that individually have to face the trials. We have to change in ourselves, or overcome within. To gain the true strength to be captain of our souls. 

Then I saw in Luke a few other interesting things. When we decide to turn our wills over to God, when it is tough He will send added help. And then as it gets down to the worst, the best thing to do is to intensify our prayers. To plead more earnestly. Elder Baxter said it in this way, "prayer is ignored in the very hour it needs to be intensified."  Finally even though our friends may "sleep" they still want our best and try to be there for us. We have to recognize that people are pulling for us always. 

I had a great week. We had such fun for Alysia's birthday. Lys and mom shopped away while Ty and I shopped for about 5 minutes then worked on homework or other things to be done. It was great!  But we did have fun. Then we stopped for lunch and I happened to just take a nap while they continued. It was a great success.  I did not do much around the house as we spent time doing other things. It was kinda weird for me. Work was busy and we have some current major issues that almost made a guy travel next day from China, but we got enough info late on Saturday that we got ahold of him at the airport so he could cancel the flight before he got on. 

Ty did wonderful conducting BYD and wrapping up with a great message. He is a fine leader as many of you have shown also. I am so grateful for the good influences you are and hope you will always work to inspire people to be better. 

It is tax season again and I have been gathering documents and data to file taxes. I don't like it but like it at the same time. I like the challenge to get it all together and find the best savings I can get. And it plays so much into our budget each year as we make so many decisions about taxes, savings, witholdings, spending, retirement, and such. Such joy!  And mom does not experience that same joy that I do:). 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4