BEAT THE HEAT

June in St. George was beautiful. The weather was something I have not experienced in the month of June in all of my ten years in the desert. But the heat of July hit us hard. I have spent most of the July weekends away from this place but today I found myself home and wanting to get out of the red dust.

After breakfast I packed a lunch while the boys packed the car and we headed to Kolob Reservoir. This is a beautiful place. Only an hours drive to the east and we found ourselves surrounded by cooler temperatures and peaceful serenity.

...picnic...hike...wildflowers...
...tree meditation...swimming...
...reading...sleeping...

We did all of those things today. My soul has been rejuvenated by the beauty of the world around me.

The slideshow is here.

PIONEER DAY 2009

On this morning of July 24 I wake to the realization that I have a son who has chosen to sacrifice a time of his life to serve the God he loves. My heart follows a journey of gratitude as I ponder on this, on the path of my pioneer ancestors and on the gifts I have received from the God I love.

The greatest treasure I possess is my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. To know how my spirit has existed throughout the expanse of time, and to accept and to feel the peace of that knowledge. Referring to the gifts from God as recorded in Moroni 10 of the Book of Mormon, I recognize that I have been 'gifted' with wisdom, knowledge, faith and more. I am blessed with 6 incredible children who live close to God and walk with angels everyday. I am constantly aware of the peace that exists in their souls and their dedication to their Father in Heaven.

I think of the family I was blessed to exist with in my younger years and the connection we continue to possess. The dedication of my parents and their desire to raise their children to know the gospel is a beautiful concept. There is complete joy in the memories.

To my pioneer ancestors - O what joy fills my soul. Reading their history and understanding their sacrifices is a privilege. Every generation experiences trials and challenges. The trials of the early members of the church are humbling and exhilarating. I commit to them my spirit and continue in my journey because of their firm dedication under duress circumstances.

This morning is quiet, the view is serene and I feel the presence of angels. It is with deep love that I willingly send my son into the world to teach this message of joy. It is my hope that he will go with angels by his side and that he will accomplish his destiny.

This I know -

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints embraces all truth. It is lead by a living Prophet who carries the keys of the Priesthood and is the only living person who has the authority to receive modern revelation as it pertains to the children of God on the earth today. Jesus Christ atoned for our sins making it possible for us to receive forgiveness for our sins as we repent and humble ourselves before Him. It is because of His atonement that we will be reunited with family and friends and our Savior throughout all time and eternity. The gospel, as it was restored to the earth by Joseph Smith, is the way to eternal happiness. Exercising faith and believing in its principles, standing as a witness of God at all times will bring internal joy and peace as we experience the gift of life.

WEEKEND WRAP UP

Yes...a quick post to wrap up my weekend. After spending the last 2 weekends traveling we decided to hang out at home. It is dragon breath hot outside so we stayed in the basement all weekend.

Harry Potter Marathon!

Auntie Rubina was feeling kind of bad for us because we had never seen any of the movies or read the books. We "just didn't know what we were missing!" So she brought over her collection and we spent all day Saturday watching movies then most of today...aside from church and dinner. Now we are ready for #6 at the cinema and we can join in on the "water cooler talk" I guess.

Soooooo, I got a job. And it pays me money! I start tomorrow, The Center for Media Innovation. A media facility on the campus of Dixie State College. Two radio stations, a newspaper, 3 production studios, online video...should be exciting.

My lazy days of summer are over.

LAVENDER WALK

There is something about Lavender that calms the soul and rejuvenates the senses. Early Saturday morning Karamea and I woke to participate in a 5k Lavender Run at Young Living Farms in Mona, Utah. For some it was a run, for us it was a brisk walk. What a beautiful adventure this was!

I drove into the parking lot at 6:40, stepped out of the car and took a deep breath. The aroma of Lavender, Clarity Sage and other satisfying scents were all around. Immediately I knew that the drive to northern Utah, waking at 5:00 on a Saturday morning and searching for a parking space was well worth the undertaking. We were among 700 registrants who would all experience the exhilaration of what was to come.

Karamea and I took our place almost at the back of all the participants. We began our brisk walk under overcast skies and cool morning tempuratures. We stopped to take pictures and water breaks along the way. Almost near the end we were stopped by a camera crew from Cornerstone Technologies and asked to be the talent in a promotional video they were producing. We abilged and took our places among the rows of Lavender.

We strolled the property, ate Lavender ice cream and cut our share of Lavender to take home. I will wait for it to dry and then make Lavender bags to be used as a cold or warm compress for headaches and stress relief.

Oh what a joy this event was for me. I will make it tradition for my future.

SAY'S PHOEBE

This is the species of bird that has made it's home on our veranda. Three eggs and three birds later, two are doing well. One struggles. But according to the experts we should leave them alone and let nature take it's course. Sitting here watching is a hard thing to do. I want to help the little one reach a healthy status.

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Today we celebrate America. A country founded on principles of freedom and religion. More than 20 years ago I was reading through the micro-fish of my 4th great grandfather, Lucious Nelson Scoville. July 4, 18something...he was on a boat sailing home from a mission in England. The occupants on the boat were celebrating the theme of the day. As a member of a newly formed religion whose members were being persecuted for their beliefs, he didn't feel much like celebrating. Ever since I read his journal entry of that day I remember his comments and the struggle for freedom that we all engage in.

Here is some insight on what America means to a younger generation. They call them Generation Y. I call them "Millennials Rising, The Next Great Generation".

What freedom do you fight for?