West of Eden: December 2020

December 2, 2020

I am working on "Light The World 2020"

Yesterday we were able to Donate to the Haven. A shelter for abused women and children. It has long had a soft spot in my heart. I have been so blessed to be raised in a family with a loving Father and Mother, and kind brothers and sisters, I am married to a kind and loving man and have kind and loving sons and daughters. I can only imagine what it would be like to live in a home that is not that way. Our sons did Eagle Scout projects. One collected books for Foster children, the other collected donations for the Haven. At other times we have had the opportunity to share a small portion of our blessings with those there. I am so grateful to those that serve the women and children of our community, particularly at this shelter.

Today the invitation is to highlight a Christ like Hero --

I have been thinking about this and though there are many in my life that could qualify. Family Members, Ward members past and present, neighbors... I would like to highlight one that many would likely never know about.

My youngest brother. He is often referred to by those who know him best as a Gentle Giant. At 6 foot 4 inches, nearly a foot taller than I am, he does feel like a Giant to me, but he is also very Gentle. He is soft, kind and quiet. He goes through what seems to be more than his fair share of struggles privately. Yet he is so willing to help. Two years ago he moved to our home. I loved seeing my then, three year old, snuggled up in his lap as he shared a show on his phone with her. All my older children remember him as the fun Uncles, the one they preferred, even though their other Uncles are all fine men and fun in their own rights. He has too many talents to count from Computer programing, cooking, woodworking, repairing all sorts of things … but one of his finest talents may be his ability to not judge others. No matter what he endures as part of the insanity that is our home, none of us ever feel judged by him. We all know he is likely the smartest one here, the most diversely talented, and oddly one of the most judged in his own life, yet he does not judge others, he just helps. He helps us to accomplish our dreams, to fix that which is broken, to care for those people and things that need care. In so many ways he reminds me of the Savior I hope to meet again someday. When we talk about running into the Saviors arms, I can picture that just as I could find shelter, safety and protection in my brothers arms. He is my Christlike Hero

West of Eden

Monday, December 14, 2020

Sing a long

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

Christlike Hero

Tuesday, December 1, 2020

December 1, 2020