MY WHOLE STORY

Years ago at an Obagi marketing seminar in Salt Lake City, I listened to a presenter tell a story about a couple people. She told the story and then made us rank each character starting with #1 in the order that we liked them. A couple volunteers told their ranking and why. After the ranking process, we found out that we were only half way through the story. SHOCKER! By the end of the actual story, we learned the WHOLE story. It totally changed my opinion (and everyone else's opinion) of which characters they liked more and so on.

Life is so much like this. So many times we hear a story and make a judgement on the character of the person. It's natural to do that and all of us do. It's just interesting that as we receive more information how we might think different or even change our opinion.

A couple years ago, I tried to keep a very open mind. Where I would use to say, "I have no idea why she does that" etc., I started to think up reasons why she did do that. Maybe she had a bad day, maybe it didn't occur to her to do it different, maybe she didn't have enough money, etc. It has changed a lot of how I think and how I respond to others.

Today, as I was talking to a good friend, she mentioned our first interaction. It wasn't even on my radar because my experience was different and not cataloged like hers. Our first interaction took place around 7 years ago when doing a co-op preschool. We both had preschoolers at that time, and I arranged the moms in the neighborhood that wanted to participate to do so. I sent out a reminder during the rainy time of year to set a towel out by the front door for the kids to place their wet shoes on, etc. This friend also told me what she thought of my email... that I didn't know her well at all. (Insert laugh out loud here.) A towel may have or may not have been placed at the front door. I'm sure that others eye rolled as well. She goes on to tell me that I am such a loyal friend and one of her most favorite people now. All because she got to know me a little better.

Eye opener for me because I had no idea that this was her first perception of me. For me, that was not reality and not truth. But it was for her. Hmmmm. More internal dialog.

This last year for me has been one of the hardest. I know that I do not think like 95% of the people out there. Many times we associate and affiliate with those who are like us. But isn't it great if we hear the WHOLE story and refrain from making judgments right away. I feel like that's what has happened for me. But I'm going to continue trying to be positive and do what I do best.

So, here's my whole story. I am a loyal, lifelong, fight to the death type of friend. I look for ways to help and serve others on a daily basis. I also am a perfectionist, which means I want to do things a certain way and cross items off my list regularly. (Yes, I make lists and follow them.) I know I am not perfect, but that doesn't mean that I don't want to be right. I work hard every single day at my job; nothing is half way. I don't think like 95% of the people out there. I may say things right to the point, bluntly, and lacking tact, but I really don't mean to hurt feelings, tell you to do things a certain way, or don't believe what you are saying is truth. I hope one day that you get to know me well enough to smile and say in a loving way, "That's Zoey and I wouldn't change her for the world!" And for all those that you deal with each day, take a moment to try and understand the WHOLE story.

MY TOP 3 - APRIL 2012 CONFERENCE

For the last few sessions, I have loved sharing with my friends and family my top 3 for conference. It's truly a blessing that we are able to hear from prophets of God. And it doesn't just happen once! It happens every 6 months, and then it's up to us to read and reread the scriptures and the messages that are shared.

Our prophet, President Thomas S. Monson

One thing I was surprised about was no new announcement for temples.  I hope that there will be more announced at the next conference.  We love the temple!

Conference was indeed wonderful. It's hard to choose, but here's what stuck out to me personally. In no particular order:

Donald L. Hallstrom
Converted to His Gospel through His Church

He talked Saturday morning. And it really stood out to me. Not only did he share some really cool numbers (LDS meeting houses - 18,000; temples - 136; andfull time missionaries - over 56,000), but he got me thinking about if I am active in the gospel as well as the church.

From his talk:

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

Now is the time to show.

We ask it fearlessly:

Who’s on the Lord’s side? Who?

(“Who’s on the Lord’s Side?” Hymns, no. 260)

With those words being sung by nearly 2,000 people but seeming to be a question posed just to me, I wanted to stand and say, “I am!”

Some have come to think of activity in the Church as the ultimate goal. Therein lies a danger. It is possible to be active in the Church and less active in the gospel. The things of the gospel are usually less visible and more difficult to measure, but they are of greater eternal importance. For example, how much faith do we really have? How repentant are we? How meaningful are the ordinances in our lives? How focused are we on our covenants? I repeat: we need the gospel and the Church.

He goes on to give 3 suggestions of how we can be active in the church and gospel.

1) Deepen our understanding of Diety

2) Focus on ordinances and covenants

3) Unite the gospel with the church

Jeffrey R. Holland
The Laborers in the Vineyard

He begins by sharing the parable of the laborers in the vineyard.
Then this piercing question to anyone then or now who needs to hear it: “Why should you be jealous because I choose to be kind?”

Brothers and sisters, there are going to be times in our lives when someone else gets an unexpected blessing or receives some special recognition. May I plead with us not to be hurt—and certainly not to feel envious—when good fortune comes to another person? We are not diminished when someone else is added upon. We are not in a race against each other to see who is the wealthiest or the most talented or the most beautiful or even the most blessed. The race we are really in is the race against sin, and surely envy is one of the most universal of those.

He talked about the parable being about God's goodness, His grace and mercy. In closing, he said:

So if you have made covenants, keep them. If you haven’t made them, make them. If you have made them and broken them, repent and repair them. It is never too late so long as the Master of the vineyard says there is time. Please listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit telling you right now, this very moment, that you should accept the atoning gift of the Lord Jesus Christ and enjoy the fellowship of His labor. Don’t delay. It’s getting late.

Dieter F. Uchtdorf
The Merciful Obtain Mercy

His message was about judging others. He did such a great job.

When it comes to our own prejudices and grievances, we too often justify our anger as righteous and our judgment as reliable and only appropriate. Though we cannot look into another’s heart, we assume that we know a bad motive or even a bad person when we see one. We make exceptions when it comes to our own bitterness because we feel that, in our case, we have all the information we need to hold someone else in contempt.

This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following:

Stop it!

It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children.

So, what were your thoughts and feelings? Did any talks stand out to you?

TOP THREE - OCTOBER 2011

General Conference comes for the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints just twice a year. It is a time that our family savors. We look forward to each session, listening closely for words of encouragement and inspiration. Each message touches us a different way.

This year, we were able to participate at home, doing our usual tent, holiday food, and conference wall. In April, we might try a few things different, but it really works out well. We also enjoyed having the Reno family over for breakfast (french toast) before the first session of conference. Then, we watched and listened.

The overall themes that I took away from this weekend was the scriptures and keeping ourselves clean and pure from the world. I found many of the topics hit home - for there are many around us struggling - trials and tribulations, repentance, and revelation. And finally, I have been reminded to call myself a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and not a Mormon.

I was excited to here of new temples being built around the world, especially one in South Africa (Will Bohney and Mrs. Page served missions in South Africa) and Star Valley, Wyoming.

So, after the many talks that were SO amazing, here are my top three.

President Dieter F. Utchdorf - Forget Me Not

He spoke at the General Relief Society Broadcast on Saturday, September 24th. His talk greatly touched my heart and soul. He talked about a little sweet flower, the forget-me-not. And then he corresponded each petal with something that we should not forget. Here is an excerpt from the end of his message:

My dear Relief Society sisters, you are closer to heaven than you suppose. You are destined for more than you can possibly imagine. Continue to increase in faith and personal righteousness. Accept the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as your way of life. Cherish the gift of activity in this great and true Church. Treasure the gift of service in the blessed organization of Relief Society. Continue to strengthen homes and families. Continue to seek out and help others who need your and the Lord’s help.

Sisters, there is something inspiring and sublime about the little forget-me-not flower. I hope it will be a symbol of the little things that make your lives joyful and sweet. Please never forget that you must be patient and compassionate with yourselves, that some sacrifices are better than others, that you need not wait for a golden ticket to be happy. Please never forget that the “why” of the gospel of Jesus Christ will inspire and uplift you. And never forget that your Heavenly Father knows, loves, and cherishes you.

Ian S. Arden, Quorum of the Seventy

This talk, A Time to Prepare, spoke volumes to me. He talked about the use of our time. Some of the things that I noted in his talk ... The poor use of time is a close cousin to idleness; We should devote our time to the things that matter most; We misuse our time by disguised distractions, which we need to identify; We should review what we are doing to meet God. AND, we should be as quick to kneel as we are to text. One of my favorite quotes from The Walk is, "Procrastination is the thief of dreams." I hope I can remember to dedicate my time to what matters most.

Carl B. Cook, Quorum of the Seventy

It Is Better To Look Up, focused on believing that God can help us with anything that we face in this lifetime. He began by telling a story of his first week as a General Authority. He was overwhelmed and carried a very heavy briefcase. While in the elevator, he thought about how he could do everything he was asked. And then, President Monson got in the elevator and said, "It's better to look up!" Here is an excerpt:

Experience has taught me that if we, like President Monson, exercise our faith and look to God for help, we will not be overwhelmed with the burdens of life. We will not feel incapable of doing what we are called to do or need to do. We will be strengthened, and our lives will be filled with peace and joy.³ We will come to realize that most of what we worry about is not of eternal significance—and if it is, the Lord will help us. But we must have the faith to look up and the courage to follow His direction.

Go ahead and share with me which talks you enjoyed the most!!!

NEVER FORGET

10 years ago.

We remember. Events that others remember. The attack on Pearl Harbor. Assassination of John F. Kennedy. Fall of the Berlin Wall. Events that changed history.

In 2001, we were happily married and living with Brandon's parents. Faith was almost 1 year. I was working at ISU Library part time, and Brandon was going to school full time.

The morning for me started off very routinely. Getting dressed and ready for work, I was watching A Baby Story on the TV. And then I got a call from a dear friend, Kristy, asking if I was watching the TV ... the news ... the horror unfolding. I really didn't know what she was talking about.

Brandon was at the ISU library waiting to get in the building to study for the day. He hears other students talking about a plane crashing into a tower. He didn't realize the impact that this would have. Class schedule that day included history. His teacher said that this was history in the making and sent the class home to watch the news.

We watched the news for days on end, soaking in the new information and really praying. It was all so hard to wrap your head around this tragic event. It truly affected everyone's life.

World Trade Center

Pentagon

Flight 93

The famous picture

For the husband who told his wife I love you one last time before his plane went down in a field, for the wife who stopped in the stairs to call her husband to say I will love you forever, for the mothers and fathers who kissed their kids goodbye the morning they died, for the policemen who rushed in with the firemen to help get others out only to die themselves, for the soldiers who fought back and lost their lives. Today, tomorrow, ten years from now, we will remember♥

WHAT IF OUR BLESSINGS COME THROUGH RAINDROPS?

I have found this beautiful song on a blog that really touched me. After researching for the song, I found that it is a Christian singer, Laura Story. What a beautiful message! I hope that this touches you as well!

We pray for blessings
We pray for peace
Comfort for family, protection while we sleep
We pray for healing, for prosperity
We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering
All the while, You hear each spoken need
Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know the pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching(s) of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise

GENTLE REMINDERS

I saw this video again today and just couldn't help but post it. I love, love, love this talk and the message. In times of adversity and trial, we can remember to laugh and keep an eternal perspective.

THE JOLLEY JOURNALS - FAV SCRIPTURE

On Sunday, Faith was asking me about my favorite scripture and why it was my favorite. Then she proceeded to ask my why I don't blog about that too.

Hence, the Jolley Journals will come every Sunday! It may be me, or it could be Brandon or one of the kids ...

My favorite scripture is found in the Doctrine and Covenants 84:88.
88 And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face. I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

That's my favorite because it has always meant to me that at my hardest moment, there will be angels to help me push through my trials, just like the angels that helped push the handcarts.

TRAVELING ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY - 2 MONTH UPDATE

When I asked my mom what the road to recovery means, she answered, "Taking it one day at a time." She is nothing short of amazing and also does her very best! Her new motto is "I can do hard things." It's from a favorite blog that my Mom and I both check out all of the time.

Many of you have wondered about her injury, so I am happy to bring pictures of her x rays!

This first one is the x ray that they did at the hospital. It's not the best x ray because she was in so much pain and they couldn't get the best angle, but you can definitely tell that something is broken.

Here is after surgery. Look at how much exciting hardware she has!!!

Here is the scar:

Month 2 has been filled with her new job, physical therapy.

She started physical therapy Monday, June 27th at Superior Physical Therapy. They have a great advantage to being attached to Gold's Gym, so many exercises are done at the gym. Cindy goes 3 times a week for 2 hours (or more) each time. When she doesn't have therapy, she has exercises that she has to do 3 times a week. She has done a lot of therapy on a stationary bike. Here is a bit of her progress:

Day 1 - 6 rotations backwards
Day 2 - 75 rotations backwards
Day 3 - 200 rotations forwards
Day 4 - 300 rotations forward
Day 5 - 500 rotations forward

They have used a ratchet to bend leg backwards, which cranks very slowly. This is most painful. When she started physical therapy, her regular bend was 80 degrees; a normal bend is 120 degrees.

They are also working hard to break down the scar tissue. They scrape the muscles to do this.

Cindy went back to work as a receptionist the week after Father's Day, answering phones, and occasionally (and probably awkwardly) being the nurse. She works 3 times a week for 4 hours.

Our latest funny moment while visiting was having my mom show me her thumbs.


Her right thumb was broken (so left in picture) in the accident and she does not have quite the bend as she does in the other hand. If you play the piano, you need to be able to play octaves, so that will be another challenge that will come up ...

I have decided that it's all about trust in the Lord. These trials make us stronger and change and mold our character and who we will become. Cindy and Kelly have been blessed to know how many people care for them and love them. For me, these past 2 months have been a time to give service and to get to know my mom a little better. And for that, I am grateful.


All in all she is doing well. Most days are good days. And she is getting stronger!!!

How she sits most days

Thank you for your love and support!!!

GRANDMA CINDY'S RECOVERY - 1 MONTH UPDATE

We have been so blessed to have many friends and family be able to help my Mom through her recovery process. Here is a one month update on her recovery.

Cindy was released from the Minidoka hospital May 17th. The first week, she was trying very hard to space out pain pills and get into a routine. By the end of that first week, she was a pro at getting up by herself to go to the bathroom. A huge accomplishment.

Week 2, Cindy was really feeling better. She had time to do a little reading, but also visit with many visitors that care so much for our family. She had a recheck with her surgeon and she was much better than expected!!! (The Jensen's are overachievers.)

The start of week 3 was the flu. At least that's what they thought. She suffered the entire week and hit the peak of the worst Friday and Saturday (June 3rd and 4th.) They asked for help from a local doctor in their stake, not wanting to end up in the hospital. After starting medication, my mom felt like she still needed to get some blood work done to see if there was something missing.

Blood work was done on Monday and by Tuesday afternoon, we had a diagnosis. Cindy had C-Diff, which is a bacteria in your intestines. Antibiotic usage is usually the initial cause of developing the disease. Antibiotics are also how you treat the disease.

She immediately began taking the antibiotics, but Thursday, June 9th ended up in the emergency room at Portneuf Medical Center. She was released Monday, June 13th and is still slowly recovering.


Tuesday, June 14th, 1 short month from her accident, I was able to quickly see my mom and tell her that I love her. Here is her leg and hand at one month. She has 2 different braces that she wears on her leg. This one is the soft padded one. Her walker is in the background.

My mom specifically asked for a pink cast for Kate. They have a very special relationship and she knew that Kate would love pink!

I am trying to keep conference in my life as much as possible. Sometime in the middle of this month, I read that article "More Than Conquerors through Him That Loved Us." It was given by Paul V. Johnson of the Seventy in April's General Conference. He says, "Trials are not just to test us. They are vitally important to the process of putting on the divine nature."

When I read that, I was overcome with emotion. I also remember that sometime in the last year, the Young Women in my mom's ward had picked out different women to highlight each YW value. Cindy's was Divine Nature.

Love you mom!!!

GOD'S PHARMACY

I took this from an email. It's too cute not to share!!!

It's been said that God first separated the salt water from the fresh, made dry land, planted a garden, made animals and fish..... all before making a human. He made and provided what we'd need before we were born. These are best & more powerful when eaten raw. We're such slow learners...

God left us great clues as to what foods help what part of our body! God's Pharmacy! Amazing!

A sliced carrot looks like the human eye. The pupil, iris and radiating lines look just like the human eye.... and YES, science now shows carrots greatly enhance blood flow to and function of the eyes.


A tomato has four chambers and is red. The heart has four chambers and is red. All of the research shows tomatoes are loaded with lycopine and are indeed pure heart and blood food.

Grapes hang in a cluster that has the shape of the heart. Each grape looks like a blood cell and all of the research today shows grapes are also profound heart and blood vitalizing food.

A walnut looks like a little brain, a left and right hemisphere, upper cerebrums and lower cerebellums. Even the wrinkles or folds on the nut are just like the neo-cortex. We now know walnuts help develop more than three dozen neuron-transmitters for brain function.

Kidney beans actually heal and help maintain kidney function and yes, they look exactly like the human kidneys...

Celery, bok choy, rhubarb and many more look just like bones. These foods specifically target bone strength. Bones are 23% sodium and these foods are 23% sodium. If you don't have enough sodium in your diet, the body pulls it from the bones, thus making them weak. These foods replenish the skeletal needs of the body.

Avocadoes, eggplant and pears target the health and function of the womb and cervix of the female - they look just like these organs. Today's research shows that when a woman eats one avocado a week, it balances hormones, sheds unwanted birth weight, and prevents cervical cancers. And how profound is this? It takes exactly nine (9) months to grow an avocado from blossom to ripened fruit. There are over 14,000 photolytic chemical constituents of nutrition in each one of these foods (modern science has only studied and named about 141 of them).

Figs are full of seeds and hang in twos when they grow. Figs increase the mobility of male sperm and increase the numbers of sperm as well to overcome male sterility.

Sweet potatoes look like the pancreas and actually balance the glycemic index of diabetics.

Olives assist the health and function of the ovaries.

Oranges, grapefruits, and other citrus fruits look just like the mammary glands of the female and actually assist the health of the breasts and the movement of lymph in and out of the breasts.

Onions look like the body's cells. Today's research shows onions help clear waste materials from all of the body cells. They even produce tears which wash the epithelial layers of the eyes.

A working companion, garlic, also helps eliminate waste materials and dangerous free radicals from the body.



So tonight in your prayers, you can also thank God for the wonderful foods he has given us to help heal and protect our bodies!

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES & MOTHER'S DAY

While reading one of my favorite hair blogs, she talked about chocolate chip cookies and motherhood. So, I have decided that this Mother's Day, I am giving chocolate chip cookies to the ladies that I visit teach along with this saying.


To read her entire post, go here. I hope that you have a Happy Mother's Day!!!

GRANDMA JENSEN JENSEN

BarDee Jensen Jensen, my grandma.

I always remember going to visit them at their home in Preston, Idaho in the summertime to help with harvesting corn. They grew the best corn ever (Delmonte) and I always looked forward to cousin and eating corn-on-the-cob.

Every year for Christmas, we would receive brand new money in an envelope.

My grandma passed away April 29, 2011. The funeral was May 3, 2011.

Here is her obituary:
BarDee J. Jensen
PRESTON - BarDee Jensen Jensen, 86, passed away on Friday, April 29, 2011 at Heritage Home in Preston, Idaho. She was born on June 56, 1924 in Glendale, Idaho to Oleen Alder Jensen and Ellen Clayton Porter. She married Keith Eugene Jensen on June 25, 1942 in the Logan LDS Temple.

She enjoyed working with her husband at the Premium Oil Co until he retired in 1998. She loved to visit the people at the service station. It was always full of friends. She also worked at Mereda's Vogue and Petersen's Drapery. Together Mom and Dad planted, harvested, and sold sweet corn. BarDee loved to work with her hands and crocheted afghans, doilies, and quilts, and always shared her raspberries with others. She was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she served as Relief Society President, in the Young Women's and the Sunday School. One of her favorite callings was being a primary teacher. Mom loved her family and was proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

BarDee is survived by her children, Gail (John) Barr, James (Bonnie) Jensen, both of Preston, ID; Charmaine (Jerry) Harwood, of Paris, ID; Kelly (Cindy) Jensen, of Pocatello, ID; Phillip (Michelle) Jensen of Logan, UT; 21 grandchildren, 47 great grandchildren, and seven great-great granchildren, one brother, Glen Jensen of Brigham City, UT; five sisters Evelyn Brady of St George, UT; Lucille Hall, of Salt Lake City, UT; Colleen Hyer, Lewiston, UT; Helen Lombardi, St George, UT; Sharon Buttars, of Franklin, ID. She was preceded in death by her husband, two brothers David and Cecil Jensen, and a grandson Tyler Hemsley.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 12 noon in the Preston 1st Ward LDS chapel, 213 South 200 East in Preston, with Bishop Brent Dodge conducting. A viewing will be held Monday from 6-8 p.m. at Webb Funeral Home's new location, 1005 South 800 East, in Preston and Tuesday from 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment will be in the Preston Cemetery. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.webbmortuary.com.

The family would like to give a special thanks to the Heritage Home and the staff there, as well as Access Hospice and Thelma Roley and Jeneil Blanch for the care they gave to BarDee.


Because it's hard to read, I am going to re-type it all for when I print out my blog.

In Loving Memory of
BarDee Jensen Jensen
Born: June 5, 1924
Glendale, Idaho

Passed Away: April 29, 2011
Preston, Idaho

PRESTON FIRST WARD CHAPEL
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 - 12:00 noon
President Lynn Bingham, Legacy 2nd Brand, conducting

PALL BEARERS
Lance Hemsley
Johnathan Jensen
Chad Jensen
Jeremy Jensen
Jeff Jensen
Robert Jensen

HONORARY PALL BEARERS
Brian Jensen
Matthew Jensen
Jase Jensen

Compassionate Service by the Preston First Ward Relief Society.

SERVICE

Family Prayer .................. Phillip Jensen, son

Prelude & Postlude ......... Bonnie Slaughter, friend

Musical Number ............. Cindy Jensen, daughter-in-law
"Heirloom"
Zoey Michelle Jolly, granddaughter, accompanist

Invocation ....................... Tara Parker, granddaughter

Life Sketch ...................... Charmaine Harwood & Gail Barr, daughters

Speaker ........................... James Jensen, son

Musical Number ............ Johnathan Jensen, grandson
"Remember Me"
Jamie Talbot, granddaughter, accompanist

Speaker ........................... Kelly Jensen, son

Remarks ......................... President Lynn Bingham, Branch President

Musical Number ........... Channing & Laken Hemsley, great grandchildren
"O My Father"
Brett Ward, great graddaughter, accompanist

Benediction ................... Heather Johnstun, granddaughter

******************************

Dedication of Grave ..... John Barr, son-in-law

On the back of the program is the Posterity of Keith and BarDee Jensen.
5 Children
21 Grandchildren
49 Great Grandchildren
7 Great Great Grandchildren

Gail (John) Barr
ShaMe'
Camie
Kellie (Michael) Oxx
Tristan
Jordan
Alijah
Chelsea (Justin) Kofoed
Ashton
Jacob
Zachary
Lance (Laurie) Hemsley
Channing (Britney)
Hudson
Brystol
Brett (Ronnie) Ward
Riley
Sawyer
Laken
Tyler (Debbie) Hemsley
Chase
Coltin
Shy
Chance

James (Bonnie) Jensen
Johnathan (Lynette) Jensen
Conner
Alexandra
Nathan
Brittyn
Chad (Colleen) Jensen
Saxton
Tayson
Kaislyn
Jamie (Casey) Talbot
Ethan
Kyla
Halle
Caleb
Heather (Jared) Johnstun
Taegen
Jade

Charmaine (Jerry) Harwood
Tara (Flint) Parker
Chance
McKaylee
Marlan
Jordan
Debra (Austin) Harwood
Skyler
Trenica
Michael (Mic)

Kelly (Cindy) Jensen
Zoey Michelle (Brandon) Jolley
Faith
Dawson
Kate
Tracy (Brian) Atkinson
Christian
Conner
Jordan
Robyn (Jason) Royce
Hallee
Jadyn
Colt
Bristol
Laura (Jason) Peterson

Phillip (Michelle) Jensen
Jeremy (Erin) Jensen
Zachary
Jeff
Robert (Mindy) Jensen
Jazlyn
Jately
Braxton
Echo
Brian
Jace (Whitney) Jensen
Lucinda
Matthew
Carson
Annjolina


The funeral was very nice and I enjoyed laughing and thinking about her.

Charmaine mentioned things about her childhood. One story was of her and her sisters walking to the outhouse. Every time, the rooster would come and pace back and forth and back and forth between the outhouse. They would have to run as fast as they could all the way back to the house.

Gail talked about all those who cared for her and about the funny things Grandma did while at the Heritage Home. One story was of her constantly leaving her room and crawling as fast as she could. It always took the staff awhile before they could find her.

Jim talked about the care that she received and how much his mother was loved by so many. He also talked about a story and parable of a ship that was set to sail. Slowly, ever so slowly, the ship begins to fade out of our view and past the horizon. And on the other side of the horizon, the ship is seen.

My Dad talked about the plan of salvation. He talked about riding his bike and how life has uphills, some potholes, and wind along the way ... but that only makes us stronger. Very touching talk.

The Bishop was the concluding speaker, and perhaps my favorite. He talked about how his unique calling is to help prepare his members for their 'final exam.' Today is Grandma's graduation ceremony and how sweet that is. She is cheering and jumping for joy. Because of his talk, I will always try to remind myself that funerals are a graduation ceremony of this life and there is so much more to come in the next life.

The gospel and the plan of salvation are such a blessing in my life and something that I am ever grateful for. I have a testimony that Grandma is now with my Grandpa and that they are happy and living in heaven. Happy graduation Grandma! Can't wait to see you again!

MY TOP 3

Looking through blogs a few months ago, I saw a blog that had their top 3 conference talks last October. I thought that it was a fun idea, so I thought that I would share. (Hopefully, I can add quotes soon.)

In no particular order, here goes:

Elder Jeffery R. Holland

He really touched me as he talked at the end of conference that each speaker is inspired to prepare messages that will touch us. Not every message will be for us, but if the speakers teach by the spirit and if we listen to the spirit, we will be blessed. We know that God lives and speaks to us today, and that President Thomas S. Monson is the true prophet.

President Henry B. Eyring

President Eyring spoke on the church welfare system and one of my favorite hymns "Have I Done Any Good?" In short, he challenged us to turn our feelings of sympathy into a decision to act unselfishly. We should become self reliant and then give of our surplus and seek out the poor. We should include our children in service that we give. When we do these things, we will feel of the blessings of unity.

Elder Carl B. Pratt

His message on tithing was worded fantastically. He said that tithing is not a matter of money, but a matter of faith. Pay it first and pay it honestly. Tithing is divorce insurance. One of the reasons that I loved his talk was the first and last part ---
When we obey the commandments, we are blessed. Then the windows of heaven will be poured out.
I think that this is true not only in tithing, but also in the other commandments. There are so many blessings and tender mercies that come to us daily when we follow the Savior's example.