A couple of days a week I go over to my friend Lyssa's house so that she can watch Lexi while I run. When I get back, I then watch her children so that she can run. It works out Perfect! This morning I pulled a random book off of her shelf while she was out running. The book was
Prayers That Bring Miracles by Stephen M. Bird.
My intention was not to get enlightenment but to fill time. It is a miracle to me that a thought, a person, or a simple little sentence causes me to stop and ponder and feel. It is as if Heavenly Father places little "time stoppers" in my day to day routine to let me know 'He is there'. To you, the reader of my blog, the sentence that touched me so deeply might not be a big deal. That is what the miracle is. Was it just by chance that on this day I grabbed that particular book and turned to page 2 of the introduction and began reading? Or was it controlled by another force that I do not yet fully understand? I am blessed indeed to know that Heavenly Father is real. He knows me and He knows my heart and my desires. This
is a spiritual experience we are having in this life.
If you are going to take the time to read my blog I will take the time to throw out a challenge. I challenge you to look for those "time stoppers" in your daily lives. Our days are
usually filled with
monotonous tasks and duties. Daily miracles are all around us. God's love is endless. Feel it and be aware of it. Keep your spiritual eyes open.
This is the simple little statement that caused me such contemplation. It stopped time for me today. All of a sudden my laundry could wait (as it always can) and my errands didn't seem as important.
"Miracles are natural experiences, for we are really
spiritual beings. Our essence is spiritual, and we wear our bodies like a garment."
Jared and my dad in the middle of an intense finger football game. They have a championship game once a year. The winner writes his name on the bottom of "The Good Soldier Award" trophy. Jared has won 2 years out of the 3 years they have been playing. Practice up Dad!
What is Thanksgiving day without watching a little football? The guys taking full advantage of Dan's man cave (Chris, Dan, Robert, Clayton,Scott, Dad)
From playing finger football to watching football...nothing compares to doing the real thing. This is Jared and Dan on their way out to play a little football on Thanksgiving morning. Jared came back pumped for the day. Dan came back with a few aches and pains. His aches didn't slow him down too much though. A short rest then Dan was out the door for a 5o minute ride on his road bike to his parent's house for a nice turkey lunch.
We are lucky to have not only a great Bishop but a great friend as well. Bishop Tolbert worked hard at developing a relationship with Jamie before her baptism. I don't think he ever missed an opportunity to say 'hi' or give a high five or a hand shake to Jamie when he saw her. Thank you for going out of your way to make her feel special! (The second picture is on her Baptism interview day- she got a little nervous and cried so her dad got to sit in on part of the interview)
Dan, Christine, Janet, Lori, Lisa, and Scott
Grandma (Lecy Stephens), Jared, Carlee, Jenna, Mema, Lexi, Amber, Papa, Jamie
Yes Jared is at that age were he likes this kind of stuff. He could not wait until halloween night so that he could pump his fake blood through the mask. It lasted about 30 minutes and then the blood leaked out all over his arm and legs. he begged and begged for this mask.... at least he got to enjoy it for a little bit. 
This is our friend Dave! He stayed behind and passed out candy. 
