An Increase of Peace

Why does it often feel easier to stress over things than to just let things run their course as God would have them.  I have been so worried, stressed and troubled over our impending move.  But I'm beginning to feel a sense of peace about it.  Boise appears to be our new landing spot.  At least both of us now feel inclined in that direction.  As I was contemplating going there I felt a sweet warmth and a growing lack of worry about leaving our California family.  It seems right.  I'm also more inclined to let the house sell when it sells instead of conjuring up in my mind the "ideal" time to let it go.  Now I'm more willing to let things flow.  It is in the hands of the Lord and I think I'm finally prepared to let it unfold as God would have it.  This increase of peace is so much more pleasant than my often stressful state.

We had our usual monthly get-together with our local family last Sunday.  It was sweet, as usual, and wild and chaotic.  I love it.  Later in the week I took my daughter-in-law Dorothy out to lunch for her birthday.  We talked for quite awhile, just the two of us.  As much as I enjoy the family gang, there is lots to be said for one-on-one conversation.  I love the feeling of soul to soul connecting that I felt with my Dorothy.  I think I will try harder to set up more one-on-one time with the rest of the family.  I often feel at a loss as to how to instigate communication that is meaningful with others.  When it happens it seems to be out of my control; almost accidental.  I'd love to know how to influence it to happen more often.

Ben and Jessica's youngest, Jonathan, taken last Sunday.

Sunday get-together with family celebrated Dorothy's birthday.
Here she is with her youngest, Bruce.

Cliff and Audrey froze a collection of ice cream stuffed
cupcakes for Layne at our family Sunday celebration.
They wrapped each cupcake separately for freezer
storage so he can stretch them out as he desires.  He
loved it!

Some of our  Sunday gang, witnessing the birthday
kids, Layne and Dorothy, opening their gifts.

Our honored birthday duo, Layne and Dorothy.

I had several more deep conversations this week.  One was with a lady that I visit teach for the Church. Ellen is a non-member married to a member for several years.  Every time I talk to her about a gospel subject there is a rush of tenderness and sweetness that emerges between us.  She is meant for the gospel.  I can feel that.  I had the very same experience with my old Fremont neighbor, Jeanne, on Tuesday.  I told them both that they needed to learn more about the gospel; that it was meant for them; that the Lord was calling them; that it was the Spirit of God that sang between us when we spoke of spiritual things.  Doing this was a bold step for me.  But it felt good.  I think I'll try it more often.