How Firm a Foundation

One of my companions on my mission, Sister Johnson, loved this hymn. In the past several days, it's been running through my head and I want to share some of the verses I find most inspiring:

Verse 3 "Fear not, I am with thee, o be not dismayed... for I am thy God, and will still give the aid. I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand upheld by my righteous omnipotent hand.

Verse 5 "When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie, my grace, all sufficient, shall be thy supply. The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design thy dross to consume, and thy gold to refine.

Verse 7 "The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose, I will not, I cannot desert to his foes; that soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake, I'll never no never...I'll never, no NEVER, I'll never, no, never, no never forsake." (LDS Hymnal, 85)

I've thought a bit about my pioneer ancestry, men and women of deep faith who gave all their worldly possessions to do what's right. I can't imagine facing the physical and emotional trials they did... but I am grateful for their sacrifice, that I might grow up in a free land, able to worship my God according to revealed truths. I know that God does not and will not forsake us. If ever we feel distant from Him, we have forsaken Him. I know Christ understands perfectly every trial we face, and I especially like the phrase in this hymn that His only design it to refine us. I know that to be true. I know in the past I've been overwhelmed by certain trials, but this knowledge -- that there is something to learn in any trial, and we can endure it well if we'll turn to Him -- has been a great strength to me.

So, if you're struggling, remember, He's there. He knows you better than you know yourself, and He will never forsake you or leave you comfortless.

Solids

Amy woke up today with ONE rosy cheek. It looked as if it were painted on, like a doll. Funny.

Our Muchkimoo

Ryan and I enjoyed our visit to the Canyon very much. We love being out in nature and it was great to take Amy on a small hike and to sit on my lap and swing.

My parents loved holding Amy and hearing her talk and giggle. It was great to see them. I'm glad they are back from China now to stay.

Amy's taken to trying to roll over in the tub. It's cute, but a little nerve-racking. I have to be very vigilant, since she can roll over quite fast.

Here's a little clip of Amy sucking her fingers backwards. I think it's really cute that she prefers them that way. The thumb is no longer the only cool one. All of the fingers are great. More often than not, she has all but her pinki in her mouth...upside down, of course.

Hiking

Ryan and I have been on vacation, a nice needed break for Ryan from work. It's been great. He had a LONG fishing day Monday and he and my Dad caught 5 fish. We've been 4-wheeling around the canyon, and hiking. It's been great.

Giggling

I love hearing Amy laugh. Ryan's better able to get giggles out than I am. Here's a cute clip.

Jack Attack

Amy and Jack got to coo at each other and play for a bit Sunday. We're on vacation visiting family. It's been great to spend time with our families. These two babies are so cute together.

Another Dress

My mother in law, Jan, gave me some maternity shirts when they came to visit, and this one didn't fit well, so I decided to make it into a new dress for Amy. She looks cute as a button in it.

Can you believe our little girl is 5 months old now? Crazy! She is really getting interested in food and we're having a hard time holding back from feeding her. We'll see how long we hold out.

Rolling over some more

Rolling Over

Amy took a while to roll over, so at our last visit I was afraid she was behind...but now she rolls both ways ALL THE TIME!!

Watching two Kids

My hat goes off to anyone with twins! I've never thought of Amy as being a jealous baby, until yesterday when I watched my friend's baby Michael. Amy was not too happy about me holding him or helping him. But, as long as I was giving her 60% of the attention (and after a good nap) she was able to talk to him at least.

Talking with our mouths closed

Our cute Munchki