Sunday, December 31, 2017

Christmas Build Up and The Real Deal

When asked...this is what it looks like, but the feelings can never be captured. 
Excitement, energy, peace, joy, happiness, fun, relief, hope, family. 
It's the "most wonderful time of the year". 
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, because it is the kickoff to a season of specialness
that ends with Christmas. 
I will always prefer beginnings over ends, but I do like a little reflection!

Monday, December 18, 2017

Getaway...We Need More Weddings!

Travis's niece, Lindsay was getting married.  We had missed her brother's wedding only months before in June.  Something about moving across the country in the next month made it seem like an impossibility to attend.  But we wanted to make a strong showing. 

So we bought tickets, rented a car, and spent a slightly long weekend away.  We flew into SLC, checked on the rental, caught up with my sister, drove up to Idaho, played with the family, set up for a wedding, attended a wedding, reception, and played some more, then a quick trip back down to SLC to hear Elizabeth speak in church, and a quick flight back home after lunch. 

I forgot how much fun Travis and I have when it is just us with no kids.  Don't get me wrong, the kids are great, but then we are parents.  Without them we are just us.  And I like us!  We need more weekends like this.

Thursday, December 14, 2017

Merry Christmas ~the Whitings

So here it is:

 
And here is the template:















Now imagine some font saying "Merry Christmas" and ~ the Whitings
Can you see it:  Gorgeous - huh!?!?!

It's better for your imagination anyway.
As for the letter, I think I can manage that.
As my mom liked to point out in my childhood, "You started talking in full sentences before 18 months and haven't stopped since."

Dear Friends and Family,

Merry Christmas from your family.  We love this time of year, we love the season, we love the giving, the service, the presents, the excitement, the surprise snow here in Texas.  We love the reprieve from school, the late nights, the extra cuddles and the enormous amounts of special holiday goodies that we gorge on for two weeks straight.  We love the big meal and the leftovers for days.  Needless to say, but I'll do it anyway, we are over the moon, beyond excited for the upcoming holiday.  We hope your family is too. 

Our family moved this year and so everything is different and sure there have been adjustments to be made, changes galore, and some frustrations, heartache, and sadness.  It has been far harder than I ever imagined when the revelation from God originally came to me.  Somehow I naively thought, because of such strong spiritual guidance that it would be filled with rainbows, butterflies, unicorns and magical goodness from beginning to end.  I felt like we would know exactly why we were being sent here once we got here and that he was just waiting to pour out his blessings upon us for being so obedient.  And to be sure, we have seen blessings galore.  Well I have anyway, depending on the day, my kids may say differently.  That being said, some things have been easier than I could have ever imagined.  Some things have felt quite provident.  We are getting glimpses of the bigger picture and are moving forward with optimism when possible and robotic discipline and a refusal to think about it when things aren't going so well.  So what does it look like currently:

Travis - As always is boss.  He is the most steadying influence and my rock.  His quiet consistency makes possible my every goodness.  I need him increasingly to be my best self.  He has shut down our businesses in PA and WY, for the most part, and is making a go at working and living in the same state.  He is gainfully employed currently and that is going well as it tends to when you have a steady, reliable income with benefits and all the good stuff that makes life easier in some ways.  He is active in our youth program at church and slaying Scouts as he tends to do wherever we are.  He is the man who is able to do all things, and be all things to all people.  I wonder if he ever gets tired of it.  No real signs yet.  Wait for next year's card and letter to see if he ever will break.  Let's hope not!

Mary - She is largely the same, maybe a bit haggard around the edges as she tries to keep it increasingly all together with all the chaos and changes.  For the most part, I think people still see me as this happy, Energizer Bunny of helpfulness.  It makes me happy, it pleases the Lord so I think I will stick with that recipe for life.  Every now again, I have to reign myself in as the very intensity of who I am can scare people or be a bit off putting, but I am learning balance and hopefully getting to be a bit better version of myself with each passing year.

Isabella - This girl is a rock star.  She is a lady boss and quite a force to be reckoned with.  She is still doing sports and school and music and starting an online bakery and any other ideas that pop into her beautiful, high functioning brain.  For the most part she is great at managing herself, time, and abilities with minimal direction and redirection from us.  It makes me think that she'll be ready to leave me and live on her own in less than three years.  {insert midlife crisis and tears here}  Boys have entered her radar this year.  And though I wouldn't say she is boy crazy, it's an interesting change that's amusing to watch.  She is accepting any and all boy applications for her upcoming birthday and ability to date and her new found desire to kiss.  Hot boys with great personalities start lining up. {insert her mortification here}

Wyatt - Having transitioned to our new life the best, Wyatt continues to steady on in a way that is very similar to his dad.  This new school has no sports at the middle school that he played in PA, so he has a lot of free time.  I'm looking to fill some of it with a hobby or something.  Suggestions welcome.  The newest and biggest change has been the introduction of testosterone to his teenage body.  This has turned our mostly mellow son into a rage machine at times, who seems capable of possibly hurting someone - most likely a sibling.  Not a change I treasure, but a necessary part of living I suppose.  He is part boy and man and I am clinging to every sign of childhood as I think it is almost a sign of the past.  This man-child will be the best husband someday, but he would be mortified if I went into the details of his tender care of his mom and women in general, so I'll leave it for now.

Issac - My precious, happy boy.  This move has rocked his previously perfect life.  Where Wyatt has blossomed, Issac has lost a bit of himself.  Many tears have been shed on his part and mine as he struggles to find his way and place.  And where I want to protect and save him, shelter him from every pain, I am actively looking to let him grow and develop on his own, but with all the strength and support I can give him.  He turned 12 and got the Aaronic Priesthood.  He couldn't be happier.  This boy's testimony of God has increased exponentially through these experiences and I see him trying to develop a relationship all his own with God.  So though painful to watch at times, I see where this is going and I have a great hope that he will come though the other side better honed to accomplish his purposes in life.

Kody - He is in his last year of elementary school for the second year in a row due to the move.  Selfishly, I want him to stay small as I am not ready to concede my kid years are over and I have a house full of tweens and teens.  This boy amazes and surprises me.  He keeps me on my toes.  He fills my life with snuggles and affection.  He fills our home with sassy, spiritedness.  He has a great ability to be thoughtful and perceptive.  There are a million things that confirm for me that he is a little old man trapped in this kids body.  He is an old soul for sure.  He knows who he is, where he comes from, where he is hoping to return to, and has all of life's major challenges figured out.  Now it's just the details, a time to sit back and watch the journey and mitigate any collateral damage as a result of his impish ways.

Truly, we hope you are doing well.  We are thinking of so many of you all of the time.  If nothing else, I think it is safe to say that our family loves people.  We value the intrinsic part of humanity that makes us each different, fascinating, and wonderful.  We hope you feel our love whether near or far.  We hope you feel comfort when you are sad, peace when you are conflicted, and that if every you need anything we are a call, text, IM, plane ride or car ride away. 

Love,
~the Whitings

Monday, December 11, 2017

The Book of Mormon Is/Testifies...

  • record keeper.
  • persuades men to come to Christ.
  • revelations and visions given to prophets.
  • Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ.
  • Christ's life and ministry.
  • of the 12 apostles.
  • of the death of Jesus Christ.
  • conveys the difference between the world and godliness.
  • shows us how to get our own revelation.
  • teaches us covenant making.
  • testifies of blessings of obedience.
  • teaches us to study and ask.
  • how to be saved.
  • word of god.
  • teaches humility before the Lord.
  • God abides by rules.
  • we are blessed when obedient.
  • shows us people whose prayers are answered.
  • nothing is done but by the Lord's word.
  • commandments of the Lord must be fulfilled.
  • we will experience hardships even while being obedient.
  • he nourish and strengthens us when we are obedient.
  • I will prepare the way before you, if it so be that ye shall keep my commandments.
  • God is a God of miracles.
  • nothing is done except by God's word.
  • we need to seek God to feel him.
  • with God all things are possible.
  • God Shows us miracles and signs, but often that doesn't affect non-believers for fvery long.
  • the Lord will show us great things when we pray oft.
  • the Lord can give us answers that we would not think of on our own and we have no knowledge of.
  • He remembers all his children.
  • reminder to the people the Lord.
  • more fully remember.
  • He is the first and last.
  • He is redeemed and he redeems us.
  • Christ knows each of us.
  • He does not/will not forget us.
  • by the spirit all things are made known.
  • there will be a scattering of Israel and see and then a gathering.
  • God will exercise wrath to unrighteous; wicked will burn.
  • the righteous will be preserved; they have no need to fear.
  • the Lord prepares a way for his people.
  • prophets are a way.
  • keep the commandments, no need to fear.
  • Jesus Christ is our protector.
  • the lord is aware of us.
  • blessings are predicated upon obedience.
  • salvation is free 2 Nephi 2ish Grace
  • a way has been prepared for all men.
  • redemption cometh through the Messiah.
  • no one can be in the presence of God except through the merits of Christ.
  • there is a God.
  • all things testify of him.
  • we are to act and be acted upon.
  • all man must repent.
  • all things are done in wisdom by God.
  • He is invested in the welfare of our souls.
  • follow after Him.
  • Lord comforts Zion.  joy and gladness there.
  • the lord pleadeth the cause of the people.
  • we will have a body in the next life. 2 Nephi 9
  • after death we will appear at judgment seat.
  • His law must be fulfilled.
  • repent, be baptized, have perfect faith, stand before him. He wants to save you in judgement.
  • there are laws, consequences and order eternally.
  • knowledge is good, hearken to the Lord is better.
  • He opens to all who knocked.
  • Christ volunteered to be the Savior.
  • the Lord asked for a volunteer.'
  • help poor and needy.
  • judge with righteousness.
  • God is our salvation.
  • He will comfort us.
  • all who believe in his name will be saved.
  • we are saved by his Grace.
  • Christ is the holy one of Israel.
  • when the Spirit ceaseth to strive with man then cometh speedy destruction.
  • persuade all men to repentance.
  • a book "The Book of Mormon" was preserved by the hand of God to come forth.
  • God will establish his word.
  • God is a God of miracles.
  • there is not in the Lord.
  • pride and false doctrine will corrupt us at the last day.
  • those built on a rock receive more doctrine with gladness.
  • those that receive wisdom will be given more.
  • don't trust in flesh or men over God.
  • He will be merciful to any and all who return in repentance.
  • we need more words than the Bible.
  • He judgment men according to works.
  • someday we'll have record of the Lost Tribes.
  • gospel of Jesus Christ will be declared.
  • God will judge with righteousness.
  • come into Christ, partake of his goodness.
  • there is rest in Christ.
  • sin is abominable to God.
  • pride destroys the heart.
  • seek kingdom of God before riches.
  • God delights in chastity.
  • there is a great plan to try and save all of us.
  • every measure possible is taken tot help us.
  • Christ is grieved to "lose" us.
  • weeping over our lost souls.
  • missionary work is to save and bring souls to Christ.
  • we'll feel guilt and shame if we reject the words of Christ.
  • flattery is what overthrows the doctrine of Christ; hearing what you want to hear.
  • He shall manifest himself in the flesh.
  • He's waiting with a prepared place for us.
  • faith and humility allow you to commune with God.
  • keep the Sabbath day holy.
  • keep the commandments to prosper.
  • preparation makes all the difference in our outcome.
  • prick your hearts continually with the word of God.
  • preserve genealogy
  • He will spare the righteous
  • come into Christ, partake of his salvation
  • offer your whole souls to him
  • fast and pray; endure to end
  • the Lord knitted all things which are to come and worker through me.
  • we are to become men of understanding
  • become as little children
  • yield to enriching of the spirit
  • natural man is enemy to God
  • perfection or sainthood through atonement
  • three knowledge of the savior shall spread
  • do what you believe
  • we are all dependent upon God
  • when we believe we want to do good
  • freedom comes only through God
  • desire to record those who make covenants
  • man has great power within him
  • the Lord can bless and strengthen us even in physical matters.
  • God is a jealous God, he wants us with him.
  • Heavenly Father wants to save us, chance after chance.
  • record keeping is both for our sake and the future and as a witness.
  • God is ultimately in control.
  • commandments come from God.
  • the creation is real, God performed.
  • the law of Moses was only necessary until the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
  • that is a higher law now given.
  • we are healed with His stripes.
  • atonement is infinite and powerful.
  • God sends multiple witnesses and proved his word.
  • the Lord comforts his people.
  • salvation comes only in and through Christ.
  • our words  [and actions]  stand as a testimony.
  • covenants need authority to work whether passed down by laying on of hands or directly from God.
  • sabbath is to teach, assemble, and worship.
  • unpaid clergy
  • late of substation is the ultimate in charity,  the pure love of Christ.
  • temporal and spiritual law of consecration
  • God's word is fulfilled.
  • being in bondage is better than death.
  • when we are humble, the Lord us an easing of burdens but doesn't always remove trial
  • the Lord chastens and tries us but lifts up those in the last day who trust in him.
  • record Keeping
  • God visits us in our afflictions.
  • forgive others or risk condemnation.
  • the Lord will strengthen us
  • we depart from him,  we can no longer be his,  unless we move again towards him.
  • Jesus Christ will come
  • repent and prepare the way of the Lord.
  • He died you help us overcome death
  • take upon indignities so he is filled with mercy and know how to comfort us.
  • He takes upon sun to blot out transgression.
  • blessings abound after faith, hope, and charity
  • we will stand before food for judgement.
  • the adversary lays snare to catch you.
  • all shall rise to stand Ann's be judged before God.
  • He hath power to save every man that believeth.
  • life is a probationary state.
  • now is the time to prepare to meet God
  • second death is everlasting death is making evil choices in this probationary state.
  • repentance and soft heart claim mercy.
  • fasting and prayer bring the spirit and revelation.
  • remember to execute all his commandments.
  • His arm is extended to all.
  • the Lord delivers us.
  • be bold in declaring plan of salvation and gospel.
  • the devil will not/cannot support his children at the last days.
  • preaching word is more powerful to change than sword.
  • when you don't follow commandments and statutes you fall into great errors.
  • our afflictions can humble us to hear the word.
  • chosen humility is better than compelled humility.
  • blessing come when you are humble.
  • God is merciful.
  • remember...
  • words of Christ are as easy to follow as Liahona; don't be slothful because of easiness.
  • upon death, we meet our maker.
  • all is restored to proper frame...good to good, etc...
  • restore is to bring back.

Saturday, December 9, 2017

They Say We Brought It With Us

The biggest snowstorm in the past three decades.  I didn't believe it, especially when they were like the last snow storm like this was in the late 80's.  Yay, that's not three decades, I thought.  Then I did the math.  Crap - age is sneaking up on me. 

It was only two and a half inches when said and done, but it was a tender mercy from Heavenly Father that our family needed.  We were beyond ecstatic.  The whole state was. We played in it, built snowmen, and had snowball fights.  I told the kids to play while they could because it wouldn't last. 

And although the next morning it was still there, that morning dawned bright and sunny.  They played some more before the bus came, but being Texas the heat came, it all melted, but it wasn't quickly or easily forgotten - by anyone.  And everyone who hears we just moved here from PA says, you brought the snow with you.

Well I don't know about that, but I wouldn't mind if it stayed with me year after year.  I don't need a lot.  Just the anticipation that builds, and a little accumulation, to remind you of your childhood, to allow you to play, to experience the miracle of snow!

Monday, December 4, 2017

Celebrating With Friends...

Issac is a master at making friends.  And although school is rough because he has no friends in his classes, he has still made friends in Church and school.  So four short months after we moved here, he invites 8 little boys to his party.  Seven are able to come!  They watch movies, play in the backyard, ply him with presents.  It is a brief reprieve from what has been a hard move for him.