Solitary Walk

Walking around the DATC yesterday, I observed the morning sun
slowly rising above the mountain tops, peeking through scattered,
wispy gray clouds. Its rays illuminating the mountains across the
valley creating pockets of gold where the light rested. Shadows of
purple surrounded the brilliant gold where the sun had not yet
reached.

The sun's morning rays slowly drifted to the valley floor chasing
away the fading darkness of night. Such a beautiful sight to see
as I walked noting how the sun's rays brought light and life to
everything.

It wasn't long before I, too, felt the comfort and warmth of the
rising sun upon my back chasing away the frosty morning air.
It felt good to be alive, to watch the sun lighting up another day
and seeing people hurrying on their way to work and school.

As I started my second round at the school, I could hear the
distinct honking of the Canadian Geese. Looking upward I noticed
them, flying in formation, coming from the ponds or bird refuge
to the school where they would spend the morning feeding and
resting in the fields behind the school.

Walking and observing this beautiful morning I felt such gratitude
for living where I do, for the beauties that surround me and for
the great neighborhood I live in. I have a great ward family and
I'm thankful for their strengths, faith, examples and friendship and
for their caring attitude toward one another. I was grateful for the
blessing of participating in our special ward fast Sunday for
members who were in need of our prayers and faith in their behalf.

It was a spiritual feast to participate with my ward family at the
church to close our fast late Sunday afternoon. The bishop offered
an incredible prayer beseeching the Lord in each individual's behalf.
The spirit in the room was amazing and I knew the Lord was mindful
of everyone there as we united in prayer.

How grateful I was for my solitary walk, to be able to reflect upon
this beautiful area and the great people surrounding me.

The Rising Generation

As I was reading my scriptures the other morning one particular verse
caught my attention. I've read this verse many times, but for some
reason this time it struck me with quite a bit of force. The
words "rising generation"seemed to jump out at me
and I realized this was church members children that were
being spoken of.

Mosiah 26:1,3 -- "Now it came to pass that there were many of
the "rising generation" that could not understand the words of
King Benjamin, being little children at the time he spake unto
his people; and they did not believe in the traditions of their fathers.
And now because of their unbelief they could not understand
the word of God, and their hearts were hardened."

I pondered these verses I had read during the day and again
thought how important it is that my grandchildren be given
a firm foundation, that they understand the principles of the
gospel, that we continually teach and be good examples in all
we do. It is important that we keep our family home evenings
going and that we teach simply, yet clearly, the principles
of the gospel so that they are planted or written with
an "iron pen" upon their hearts. I must strive to always be a good
example and show continual love and appreciation for them.
They have so much more to deal with than my children, their
parents did, or for that matter, than I did.

Later in the day, I was surprised as I opened the "Ensign" to
review the Visiting Teaching message I was to give that
afternoon to note the title "Nurturing the Rising Generation".
We were reminded that it is our duty to nourish, strengthen
and be a good influence in the lives of these young people.

We live in critical times where our children are being pulled
in many directions through the influence of friends, cell phones,
the internet, TV. movies, music, etc. Where good is evil and
evil is good, where many are "deceived with flattering words".

Later I happened to tune in to Dr. Phil and was saddened and
almost sickened to see the program he was airing. I seldom
watch him or similar shows, but this caught my attention
because of the influence, persuasion, and pressure of
young people's peers. I was surprised--well, maybe not so
much--at the pressure that is being placed on young people
to participate in things that are immoral. It was interesting
and yet disappointing to me to see how they justified their
behaviors and actions. (Just like some kids have been doing
here in the school district) It made me think all the more of
this scripture and the influence the adversary is having on
our young people...actually, all of us. How careful and
mindful we must be!

I hope and pray that I will always take advantage of
opportunities that come my way to influence the
rising generation( my grandchildren and others) in righteous
actions and choices. We must teach with clarity and persuasion.
I worry about them and pray for them constantly for they
are some of our Heavenly Father's choices spirits.

I know this rising generation is strong and many have
a much better understanding of the gospel than I did at their age,
but we musn't and can't allow outside influences
to pull them away from the gospel, to minimize standards,
to question the prophet and neglect their scriptures and prayers.
We must instill in them the importance of family (not TV's families)
and choosing friends wisely. We must help them to have a
testimony of the Savior and His Atonement. It must come line upon
line, precept upon precept so that it becomes an integral
part of their lives so that when the winds and storms of life
come, they will not waver, that their foundations will be
strong and enable them to stand.

We must continually teach, love and nurture this
rising generationso that they will remain
true and faithful and fulfill the great mission that is theirs.

Fall Is In The Air

This morning I headed out early for my walk. The air was a little
crisp, you know, the crispness that comes from fall. A slight
breeze played about me. The sky was a clear, brilliant blue and
the sun had not yet peaked over the mountain tops. It felt good
to be out after not walking for over a week because of a blister
received from new walking shoes! Ouch!

As I headed east I couldn't help focusing on the mountains and
the beautiful colors. There is still a lot of green down low, but
I know that will change in the next few days. I love it when all
the colors mellow out and the mountains like a multi-colored
carpet.

The coolness of the morning helped me keep up that
brisk walk and get the old heart pumping. However, on my
return trip I slowed down to observe the Canadian Geese that
pass through our area each spring and fall. They fly over early
in the morning and I love listening to their "honking" and
observing them as they glide to a soft landing in the fields east
of the DATC. They are so busy checking out the fields for
food that will sustain them as they continue their journey. They
do stay here for quite a while and sometimes I just take their
early morning and evening flights over my house for granted
until suddenly I realize they are gone! I miss that "honking"
that tells me morning has arrived and it's time to get up and
the evening "honking" that tells me day is winding down and
soon it will be bedtime.

Picking up my speed once again I observe the sun beginning
to chase away the mountain shadows as it climbs above the
surrounding mountains and spread its warming rays over the valley.
I try to see if I can beat it home before the sun's vista spreads to my
area, but I didn't. Just had to bask a little in it's warmth myself.

Even as the leaves are changing in the mountains I couldn't help
but notice the changes that have taken place here at home.
It seems that suddenly the Ash in the back has taken on that
golden hue and the vines on the fence are no longer green, but
Autumn Red. Even the neighbors Maple has turned a brilliant
red. How I love nature's palate of colors.

I love the changing seasons especially fall because I know it's
time once again for soup, warm bread from the oven, and
nice, thick, comfy blankets on the bed. Even my energy levels
seem to pick up and I find myself wanting to do more. Perhaps
I'll get those 4-generation books completed, quilts I have
started piecing finished and histories written now that there
isn't so much to do outside.