The Weekend Started off Good - then Things Switched

Natalie Hancock, Larry Nelson, and me

Larry Nelson, Annie Christensen, and me

I was asked in June to present at BYU's Conference on the 30th Anniversary of the Proclamation on the Family. The conference was presented by Religious Education, the School of Family Life, the Wheatley Institute, and the Law School. No pressure!

I presented with Natalie Hancock and Larry Nelson. Our topic was finding joy and confidence in the family proclamation. I spent weeks and weeks studying and reading articles and praying about my assignment. I think it went well. I spoke about how the proclamation helps me create a Christ-centered home. I talked about inviting Christ into our homes, working together, and creating and maintaining traditions that work for you. 

It was interesting how things went together. Larry spoke after me, and talked about when he was tasked with teaching a class about the proclamation, and when he got to the chapter in the textbook about taking care of temporal needs (housing, food, clothing, etc.) he thought "this is home economics stuff." He said he almost skipped the chapter, then he looked for examples of people taking care of the home in the scriptures. He found a place in the Book of Mormon where the Lamanites and Nephites were compared, and one difference listed was housing, clothing, and the food they ate. It was a moment of change for him. Very interesting that he shared that right after I had spoken on the importance of home. It went together well. 

Annie Christensen, a former TA, came, and we grabbed lunch together. I stuck around long enough to hear one of her favorite religion professors present. Brother Goodman shared some great points. I then went home and CRASHED! I napped, then watched TV. I had no idea how much I needed to rest from the assignment. 

After attending the Thursday morning session, I went to a funeral for my colleague's parents. Chelom Leavitt's parents passed away in early September, one day apart. Natalie and I went to their funeral. Ashley Fraser and Ashley Gibby were there, as was Loren Marks. There were so many beautiful musical numbers. They played the song "If Ever I Would Leave You" from Camelot as the caskets were brought into the chapel. After the funeral, I came back to work and helped my students make their French pastries. Then we had a dinner for the participants in the conference, followed by the keynote address by Sister Amy Wright of the Primary General Presidency. It was a really uplifting conference. I'd been sad that i hadn't been recognized this year in faculty meeting, but I think being asked to participate in this was a huge honor. 

Mady Bowden, me, Gabby Bowden, Amy Bowden, Sierra Trump, Halle Bowden

Saturday I went to clean the church. I like to get there early and vacuum. I put in my airpods and listen to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. while I work. I then went on a walk while talking to Kristen. We had a nice chat. Then I went to American Fork for Gabby Bowden's baby shower. Way back when, Maria Trump, Amy Bowden, and I did dinner group together. It was fun to see the Bowden girls and Sierra Trump, all dinner group kids. Those were great years...dinner group...I had 2 wives who cooked my dinner every week. 

I then met up with Jen and Debbie at Pine Needles, a fabric store in Gardner Village. I had to get a couple more prints for my Halloween quilt. We found some cute stuff. I'm excited to get started on it. They treated me to lunch. We shared a wedge salad and turkey, bacon, avocado sandwich 3 ways. Jen got a bowl of soup and Deb and I shared the sandwich. We all ate the salad and fries. The witch decorations were out, and the place looked so cute. It was nice and warm. A perfect afternoon. 

Mel came over and we played Yahtzee, then I took a nap. 

I woke up in the middle of the night to see posts about President Nelson's passing. He died yesterday at the age of 101. He will be missed. He did so many innovative things for the church - home worship, temples, women as witnesses, age modifications for advancement in YW and Aaronic Priesthood, changes in temple ordinances, and so much more. 

Just as I got to church, I received a text from Sarah and Cam telling me they had heard about what happened in Michigan, and that they wanted me to know I had their support. I had no idea what they were talking about, so I googled it. A man crashed his truck into a chapel in Michigan. He then shot at people and set the building on fire with gasoline and explosives. 4 people plus the shooter are confirmed dead. They fear more victims, as they haven't been able to assess parts of the building. 

What is going on? All I can say is that I'm ready for General Conference. I'm also fully prepared for the US to go crazy now that our prophet is a lawyer who talks about the Constitution and religious freedom. Yikes. 

Here's what I wrote on social media: 

I woke up to news that Russell M. Nelson, God's prophet on earth, passed away yesterday at the age of 101. He was a kind and loving leader of my church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a girl dad and it showed in the way he encouraged the sisters in the church. He taught us all to be peacemakers and to "think celestial," while reminding us that "the Lord loves effort." Later this morning, I received a text about the horrific shooting and fire at a Michigan church. Loved ones wanted to make sure I was ok and to offer support. Be kind to each other. I'm looking forward to our semi-annual General Conference this weekend, where I can hear inspired words from church leaders. In spite of it all, God is good and I can find peace through Him and His Son.