In the fall of 2008, there was an unusual high school football game played in Grapevine, Texas. The game was between Grapevine Faith Academy and the Gainesville State School. Faith is a Christian school and Gainesville State School is located within a maximum security correction facility.
Gainesville State School has 14 players. They play every game on the road. Their record was 0-8. They've only scored twice. Their 14 players are teenagers who have been convicted of crimes ranging from drugs to assault to robbery. Most had families who had disowned them. They wore outdated, used shoulder pads and helmets. Faith Academy was 7-2. They had 70 players, 11 coaches, and the latest equipment.
Chris Hogan, the head coach at Faith Academy, knew the Gainesville team would have no fans and it would be no contest, so he thought, "What if half of our fans and half of our cheerleaders, for one night only, cheered for the other team?" He sent out an email to the faithful asking them to do just that. "Here’s the message I want you to send," Hogan wrote. "You’re just as valuable as any other person on the planet."
Some folks were confused and thought he was nuts. One player said, "Coach, why are we doing this?" Hogan said, "Imagine you don’t have a home life, no one to love you, no one pulling for you. Imagine that everyone pretty much had given up on you. Now, imagine what it would feel like and mean to you for hundreds of people to suddenly believe in you."
The idea took root. On the night of the game, imagine the surprise of those 14 players when they took the field and there was a banner the cheerleaders had made for them to crash through. The visitors’ stands were full. The cheerleaders were leading cheers for them. The fans were calling them by their names. Isaiah, the quarterback-middle linebacker said, "I never in my life thought I would hear parents cheering to tackle and hit their kid. Most of the time, when we come out, people are afraid of us. You can see it in their eyes, but these people are yelling for us. They knew our names."
Faith won the game, and after the game the teams gathered at the 50-yard line to pray. That’s when Isaiah, the teenage convict-quarterback surprised everybody and asked if he could pray and he prayed, "Lord, I don’t know what just happened so I don’t know how or who to say thank you to, but I never knew there were so many people in the world who cared about us." On the way back to the bus, under guard, each one of the players was handed a burger, fries, a coke, candy, a Bible, and an encouraging letter from the players from Faith Academy.
What an incredible act of Christian witness and kindness and goodness that was. Proverbs 11:17 says, "Your own soul is nourished when you are kind." Proverbs 3:27 says, "Do not withhold good when it is in your power to act." Be kind to someone this week. Be kind to every person you meet. If you feel inclined, forward this link and share this message with a friend. Perhaps it will inspire them to do an act of kindness too. And, you might be amazed at what God will do with a simple act of kindness.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Thoughts and songs!
So we are a week out from General Conference. Today in Gospel Doctrine Curtis Austin talked about Conference and do you think I could think of one thing that was talked about? Well I actually did think of one talk and how much all the women loved Elder Scott's talk. But as I just listened to the highlights from conference it brought by so many of the feelings I had that I am anxious to get started on listening and reading them.
I remember going to bed that night and feeling such peace in my heart. There is so much happening in the world right now. We can't turn one way or the other without hearing about some sort of issue that is happening or about to happen. I believe almost each area in life is under attack. It is a scary world we live in right now. It is as if we are in a tiny boat and the waves are 1000 ft high. But while listening to Conference I was once again given a testimony that the Lord is at the helm of the world. He knows what is happening and has everything in control and that gives me great peace.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang a few children songs and this one touched me to my very core.
I had in my phone calendar to go back this following week and read and get to know Pres. Uchtdorf's talk "
I can't wait to remember why I felt it to important to put that into my phone calendar so I can't wait find that out again.
I know that the more we listen and apply in our lives what we are taught in Conference we will keep that peace in our lives. And as the world swirls in heartache and disbelief we will have that sure knowledge that all if okay. Today I thought about the feeling of comfort and peace and the value it is to me. No earthly money, treasures or thing could ever replace or come close to replacing the comfort peace plays in my life.
A long time ago we would decorate the Stake Center with lights. It was an awesome sight to see and was quite the draw for many people all over. Anyhow the first night the lights were turned on a guest speaker was invited to come and speak and would give a short devotional and then they would flip a switch and the lights would then come on. It was an exciting night for all. One of those times it was Bobby Bowden. He talked about having Christ in our lives. He told us that he required his football players to attend some type of church. If they didn't have a church to go to they could go with him. He told us that in his years of coaching he found that when people/youth get into trouble (drugs, sex, violence, etc) it is because they are searching for something to fill a void in their lives and the thing they are searching for is Christ. Most not realizing that was what they were searching for. This left a great impression on me and I have thought about it through the years and you know he was right. We fill our lives with stuff -take your pick big or small- drugs, sex, food, money, entertainment of various sources or any type of addiction- and we do use it to fill a void somewhere in our lives. These things hold temporary happiness but before long you are looking to fill that darn void again. The only lasting filler is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know this to be true. The more I strive to live how I should, the freer I become from the chains that bind me to this world and unhappiness. The more I give to the Lord the more liberated I am from the world.
I remember going to bed that night and feeling such peace in my heart. There is so much happening in the world right now. We can't turn one way or the other without hearing about some sort of issue that is happening or about to happen. I believe almost each area in life is under attack. It is a scary world we live in right now. It is as if we are in a tiny boat and the waves are 1000 ft high. But while listening to Conference I was once again given a testimony that the Lord is at the helm of the world. He knows what is happening and has everything in control and that gives me great peace.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sang a few children songs and this one touched me to my very core.
"I know that my Savior loves me."
| Waiting on the Road to Damascus |
I know that the more we listen and apply in our lives what we are taught in Conference we will keep that peace in our lives. And as the world swirls in heartache and disbelief we will have that sure knowledge that all if okay. Today I thought about the feeling of comfort and peace and the value it is to me. No earthly money, treasures or thing could ever replace or come close to replacing the comfort peace plays in my life.
A long time ago we would decorate the Stake Center with lights. It was an awesome sight to see and was quite the draw for many people all over. Anyhow the first night the lights were turned on a guest speaker was invited to come and speak and would give a short devotional and then they would flip a switch and the lights would then come on. It was an exciting night for all. One of those times it was Bobby Bowden. He talked about having Christ in our lives. He told us that he required his football players to attend some type of church. If they didn't have a church to go to they could go with him. He told us that in his years of coaching he found that when people/youth get into trouble (drugs, sex, violence, etc) it is because they are searching for something to fill a void in their lives and the thing they are searching for is Christ. Most not realizing that was what they were searching for. This left a great impression on me and I have thought about it through the years and you know he was right. We fill our lives with stuff -take your pick big or small- drugs, sex, food, money, entertainment of various sources or any type of addiction- and we do use it to fill a void somewhere in our lives. These things hold temporary happiness but before long you are looking to fill that darn void again. The only lasting filler is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I know this to be true. The more I strive to live how I should, the freer I become from the chains that bind me to this world and unhappiness. The more I give to the Lord the more liberated I am from the world.
I know He lives!
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I will follow faithfully.
My heart I give to Him.
I know that my Savior loves me.
Friday, April 1, 2011
Mail Call
So this is a new concept for me. I was reading Kristen 's blog and copied the idea. I liked it so here it goes!
Dear Mike: While I appreciate your great job I miss having you at home. I appreciate all you do for me to keep me safe while you are gone. I am sure the messages you get every time the alarm is set and unset drive you crazy yet they probably keep you up to date of my comings and goings. I just wish those comings and goings were with you. I will say it is easier to have you gone now then when we had little kids oh so many years ago. I only have to take care of myself now. Anyhow, this part of our lives can be over anytime now and I will be happy. I miss our mini vacations we took 2 or 3 times a year. We have much catching up to do and more places to explore so hurry home.
Dear Mother Nature: I think you have the most amazing earth. I love the colors you use each day. But your killing me with your pollen! Can you please tone it down a notch or two? Oh and by the way... thanks for amazing beaches and the sound of the ocean. They are my favorite!
Dear Mr. Postman: Your weird! Quit opening my mailers and sticking my mail inside of it... I'm thinking that is a federal offense.
Dear Pres. Monson and others: I love it when you come into my home and give me counsel on what I need to do to become a better daughter of God. I am thankful for the many reminders you give me. I am truly thankful for the spirit that comes into our home. I love you!
Dear Calling: While I love listening over and over again to General Conference talks I do not enjoy trying to merge 2 amazing talks together and teach them in 20-40 mins. Hello who does that? Okay me but still it is a hard task to ask of anyone.
Dear Netflix: Thank you for keeping me company at night! I appreciate it!
Dear Wii Zumba: I enjoying your dance moves! Thanks for not laughing at me when I can't follow you.
Dear Murphy: I miss you my furry friend!
Dear Mike: While I appreciate your great job I miss having you at home. I appreciate all you do for me to keep me safe while you are gone. I am sure the messages you get every time the alarm is set and unset drive you crazy yet they probably keep you up to date of my comings and goings. I just wish those comings and goings were with you. I will say it is easier to have you gone now then when we had little kids oh so many years ago. I only have to take care of myself now. Anyhow, this part of our lives can be over anytime now and I will be happy. I miss our mini vacations we took 2 or 3 times a year. We have much catching up to do and more places to explore so hurry home.
Dear Mother Nature: I think you have the most amazing earth. I love the colors you use each day. But your killing me with your pollen! Can you please tone it down a notch or two? Oh and by the way... thanks for amazing beaches and the sound of the ocean. They are my favorite!
Dear Mr. Postman: Your weird! Quit opening my mailers and sticking my mail inside of it... I'm thinking that is a federal offense.
Dear Pres. Monson and others: I love it when you come into my home and give me counsel on what I need to do to become a better daughter of God. I am thankful for the many reminders you give me. I am truly thankful for the spirit that comes into our home. I love you!
Dear Calling: While I love listening over and over again to General Conference talks I do not enjoy trying to merge 2 amazing talks together and teach them in 20-40 mins. Hello who does that? Okay me but still it is a hard task to ask of anyone.
Dear Netflix: Thank you for keeping me company at night! I appreciate it!
Dear Wii Zumba: I enjoying your dance moves! Thanks for not laughing at me when I can't follow you.
Dear Murphy: I miss you my furry friend!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Fabulously WICKED
Alyse has wanted to see Wicked for years. She had the music and would put it on for me to listen. It didn't make much sense to me and seemed quite confusing. This past summer we were going to try to go to NY and I thought I might surprise her while there and see it. My friend told me she had a coupon to get tickets earlier and maybe even a bit of a discount and that I could go see shows in Orlando. Since this was the beginning of Dec I thought that possibly this might make a cool Christmas present for Alyse. So I talked to Mike and I purchased the tickets and bought amazing seats on row B! I held on to them until her birthday in Jan. She was so excited. Since I had bought a pair of tickets that meant she could invite someone. I wasn't sure I would be able to go. I also wanted it to be her choice. She chose Bryan since he was the one that turned her on to it. As life sometimes happens he couldn't go so she asked me and I could go!
So the weekend came and we both took Friday off and down to Orlando we went. One thing I really love about Alyse is her constant desire to be in the temple. We left Tallahassee dressed for the temple so we could go straight there. I am so glad we did that. We had a marvelous time in the temple. We stayed for over 3 hours and we both walked out beaming with happiness at our experiences.
We woke up and got ready for the day. Our showing of Wicked was at 2:00. We shopped and grabbed a bite to eat, changed out clothes and we were off. After driving around for a bit we finally pulled over and asked someone where the Performing Arts Theater was. We drove right to the venue and I thought Alyse was going to burst out of the car. We took pictures before we went in and as a final gift I bought her the updated souvenir book they sell. We found out amazing seats and settled in for the ride.
So I am here to tell you that Wicked is an amazing show to go and see. It was everything Alyse had hoped for and since I wasn't sure it was a smash hit with me. So all in all it was a WICKEDLY GOOD WEEKEND!
So the weekend came and we both took Friday off and down to Orlando we went. One thing I really love about Alyse is her constant desire to be in the temple. We left Tallahassee dressed for the temple so we could go straight there. I am so glad we did that. We had a marvelous time in the temple. We stayed for over 3 hours and we both walked out beaming with happiness at our experiences.
We woke up and got ready for the day. Our showing of Wicked was at 2:00. We shopped and grabbed a bite to eat, changed out clothes and we were off. After driving around for a bit we finally pulled over and asked someone where the Performing Arts Theater was. We drove right to the venue and I thought Alyse was going to burst out of the car. We took pictures before we went in and as a final gift I bought her the updated souvenir book they sell. We found out amazing seats and settled in for the ride.
So I am here to tell you that Wicked is an amazing show to go and see. It was everything Alyse had hoped for and since I wasn't sure it was a smash hit with me. So all in all it was a WICKEDLY GOOD WEEKEND!
Thursday, March 3, 2011
Family pets
Who figured that animals can/could make such an impact in our lives. It's odd to think we let some furry animal stay in our homes, eat food we buy for them, clean up after them, sweep up the hair they shed, give them baths and hope our houses don't stink like dogs and grow to love them just like they always belonged in our families.
Some people say they don't get animals because it is too sad to say goodbye but all the years of love and happiness so out weight the sadness when we have to say goodbye.
Kristen, Rob and I found ourselves at the mall on Saturday afternoon and they asked if we could play with one of the puppies in the pet store. We walked in and saw our little furry beagle and it was love at first sight. We played with him and in decided to bring him home. He wasn't cheap but he was sure cute. Mike, Bryan and Alyse were working the concession stand at FSU. We brought him home and he loved Molly instantly. She on the other hand hated him! As you can see in the top picture. They had a few good years together and I don't think Molly ever really learned to like him. She just growled as he would walk by each time. But he loved to torture her any way he could. It was pretty funny to watch.
Years later we had to put Molly to sleep. She was old and had arthritis so bad, we had a cold snap and it was more then she could handle. She could hardly move and cried when she did. It was a sad day for our family. We all felt a hole she left even Murphy. We would ask him where she was and he would run and look for her.
Murphy was an interesting dog. He always looked at you when you talked to him. He had the word INK on his hind leg. His coloring was amazing. He was hit by a car when he was a pup and his back paw always turned in a bit after that. He loved veggies and just about anything else we ate. Although he never did get into salad. He was a great friend to have around. The years went on and I always thought of him as a pup but he was getting old and cranky but hey so were we. I knew the day was coming when he would finally have to leave. But I didn't think about it too much since I knew it was in the future, the far future. Mike started to travel and I always felt pretty secure at night since he was my extra set of ears. He barked when someone came to the door and he generally was a great companion. He also was a great secret keeper. I told him many things and he would just look at me and listen.
So came Feb 22nd. I got up and let Murphy out of his bed. He found something to chase outside and bark at. I had to keep telling him to be quite since it was 6:00 am. I left for work and Alyse came by and let him out for lunch. I arrived home and greeted him as I always did... Hello Murph Murph! How as your day! I let him out of his cage and he walked out all to slow. As the night went on he grew sicker and sicker. I was just about to call Bryan and ask him to come up when he walked in. I knew Murph was in bad shape. Lance and Kristen came up and we determined we needed to take him to an emergency pet hospital. We called Alyse to see if she wanted to see him just in case this was not something that could be fixed. She came up and the 3 of us were off to see the Vet. Out of his character he laid wrapped up in the blanket we put him in.
Bryan carried him into the building. It was the hardest thing I have ever done is to watch him try to breath. The Dr. came in and told us that she tested him for internal bleeding and it was positive. Alyse and I were crying (okay short of sobbing) which left Bryan to be the non emotional one. We called Mike who was in Ca and had him on the phone as we talked about the decision that needed to be made. It was time for us to say goodbye to our furry friend. Mike said his goodbyes on the phone and then we called Rob. Thankfully his goodbye was funny but the laughter was all to short lived.
They told us to take as much time as we wanted but it was too hard to see him suffer. As I petted him I looked at his once tan coloring now mostly white. He wasn't so young after all. But his ears were still so soft to touch and caress. We hugged him and talked to him as he was put to sleep. I will always miss my furry friend and recall how one little furry dog came into our family and filled it with so much joy, laughter and unconditional love. We told him to go find Molly and chase her around for a bit and to look up Grandpa as I was sure he would greet him warmly.
It has been a wonderful experience for our family to have pets. They have loved us as much as we loved them. I look forward to seeing them again and continuing our relationship on the other side but for now our two furry friends will run the streets of gold and chase all the rabbits they can find. That makes me happy!
Some people say they don't get animals because it is too sad to say goodbye but all the years of love and happiness so out weight the sadness when we have to say goodbye.
Kristen, Rob and I found ourselves at the mall on Saturday afternoon and they asked if we could play with one of the puppies in the pet store. We walked in and saw our little furry beagle and it was love at first sight. We played with him and in decided to bring him home. He wasn't cheap but he was sure cute. Mike, Bryan and Alyse were working the concession stand at FSU. We brought him home and he loved Molly instantly. She on the other hand hated him! As you can see in the top picture. They had a few good years together and I don't think Molly ever really learned to like him. She just growled as he would walk by each time. But he loved to torture her any way he could. It was pretty funny to watch.
Years later we had to put Molly to sleep. She was old and had arthritis so bad, we had a cold snap and it was more then she could handle. She could hardly move and cried when she did. It was a sad day for our family. We all felt a hole she left even Murphy. We would ask him where she was and he would run and look for her.
Murphy was an interesting dog. He always looked at you when you talked to him. He had the word INK on his hind leg. His coloring was amazing. He was hit by a car when he was a pup and his back paw always turned in a bit after that. He loved veggies and just about anything else we ate. Although he never did get into salad. He was a great friend to have around. The years went on and I always thought of him as a pup but he was getting old and cranky but hey so were we. I knew the day was coming when he would finally have to leave. But I didn't think about it too much since I knew it was in the future, the far future. Mike started to travel and I always felt pretty secure at night since he was my extra set of ears. He barked when someone came to the door and he generally was a great companion. He also was a great secret keeper. I told him many things and he would just look at me and listen.
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| Teen years! |
Bryan carried him into the building. It was the hardest thing I have ever done is to watch him try to breath. The Dr. came in and told us that she tested him for internal bleeding and it was positive. Alyse and I were crying (okay short of sobbing) which left Bryan to be the non emotional one. We called Mike who was in Ca and had him on the phone as we talked about the decision that needed to be made. It was time for us to say goodbye to our furry friend. Mike said his goodbyes on the phone and then we called Rob. Thankfully his goodbye was funny but the laughter was all to short lived.
 |
| The last picture I took before saying goodbye! |
They told us to take as much time as we wanted but it was too hard to see him suffer. As I petted him I looked at his once tan coloring now mostly white. He wasn't so young after all. But his ears were still so soft to touch and caress. We hugged him and talked to him as he was put to sleep. I will always miss my furry friend and recall how one little furry dog came into our family and filled it with so much joy, laughter and unconditional love. We told him to go find Molly and chase her around for a bit and to look up Grandpa as I was sure he would greet him warmly.
It has been a wonderful experience for our family to have pets. They have loved us as much as we loved them. I look forward to seeing them again and continuing our relationship on the other side but for now our two furry friends will run the streets of gold and chase all the rabbits they can find. That makes me happy!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Events that change us
So how does one change the every day get up, go to work, work and then go back home routine? Day after day we go through life just like robots. Just as if that is how life is. Then bam something happens and it wakes us up and changes our pattern for a bit.
Our family had one of those changes. First off I am ever thankful for Heavenly Father and his whisperings to me or someone in our family. One of the dreaded parts of being a parent is the call everyone will get at some point in life that says... Dad or Mom I've been in an accident. First- question back is always are you okay? Second- is usually is anyone else hurt? Then how does the car look?
It is interesting to note here that Mike is always the recipient of the I've been in the accidents calls. I get all the other fun calls like Mom! I'm in love or Mom today was a crappy day at work!!! I have always like how that has been divided up. I have however gotten a few of the crash calls. I have discovered AFTER that I had a feeling something was going to happen. Almost like it is hanging in the back of my head yet I haven't honed in on that feeling in time to call our kids and say... Stay where you are for a bit. One morning I awoke to the sound of heavy rain. The thought came to me and I started to send out a text to the kids. Alyse's went first and as I was typing one for Kristen when she called. Mom I was just in a small accident. Awe that familiar feeling was correct yet again. I sure wish I could recall that BEFORE the calls come.
Mike has been flying to Ca every other week for the past year and a half. So every other week I am pushed to the front of "Everything is in your lap" line. Upon reflecting about this now my mind is called up to the biblical story of David and Goliath. I have learned a lot from that wonderful story. David wasn't just thrown into the ring with Goliath but he was given smaller opportunities to practice and to succeed which in turn gave him confidence in his new skills. David killed the lion and the bear before he got into the match with Goliath.
And so it is with us. Heavenly Father gives us smaller opportunities to try our hand in life and to gain confidence for bigger things to come. Kristen's accident was the lion or the bear for me. And upon hearing from Mike... "you did exactly what I would have done" I unknowingly gained confidence for future life issues.
So came Feb 9th. Michelle drove down to Shands for some tests and a chance of being admitted to the hospital for some issues she was having. I told Bryan I would pick him up and take him to work (they only have one car. We have been there ourselves with just one car many times so it was no big deal). Mike was in Ca and I came up with the idea of getting Mike's car out of the airport parking lot. I would drives the Highlander and I would let Bryan drive my car until the end of the week. We had done that before a few times. We both worked and I was on my way to pick him up from work. The director of our center's husband is in the final stages of cancer and so on my way to get Bryan from work I called the temple to put their names on the prayer roll. As I was doing that I added a few more names including Michelle's name. Just as I said Ladle a thought came into my head to add Bryan's name as well. So I did.
I picked Bryan up and out to the airport we went. We found Mike's car and I said to Bryan I'm starving lets stop for dinner. We did and had a great time talking. I had purchased some curtains that needed to be hung and Bryan was going to spend the evening helping me do that. So we left the restaurant and headed home. Bryan leaving right before me. I passed him in the turning lane. The whole way home I kept looking for him and wondering where he was. I would scan the cars looking for my car and to no avail I never saw it. I got home and was greeted Alyse. It was a bit of a surprise to see her but I am always happy when my children spend time with me and I thought great I have two kids to help me. But I now know she was up at the house for a more important reason then to help me hang curtains.
The phone rang and Alyse answered and came running to me saying- BRYAN'S BEEN IN A BAD ACCIDENT. She gets her emotions from me and was very concerned by what she had heard on the phone and her big brother was in a jam. She knew the questions to ask him... is he ok? Yes, Is the other person okay? He thinks so. How's the car? Not good.
As I drove away from the house I knew this was not the time to be emotional. But I felt a heavenly calm. Alyse was assigned to call people I thought needed to be there and to ask them to meet us at the accident. First on the list Devin (Mike's brother), Kristen and Lance. I knew I needed two priesthood holders there just in case. She went to call Mike and Michelle and I said NO don't call them right now, not until I know what is going on.
She called Bryan again and he said I have to go they are trying to cut me out of the car. Well that caused Alyse to burst into tears. I said Alyse he said he was okay this will be just fine.
My mind raced to how would be the quickest way to the accident scene without traffic. The accident happened in a very bad spot and those roads are always crowded. I knew it would be hard to get there without traffic. My mind was given the directions on how to go and I followed. Devin was the first on the scene. As Alyse and I parked and walked towards the red flashing lights Kristen and Lance joined us in our walk. Alyse said... I see Bryan and he is standing on the side of the road. As we walked up to the accident the air seemed to be filled with adrenaline and car crash smell.
Since the car was flipped to it's side and laying on the drivers side and he had been t-boned on the passengers side Bryan made his escape through the sunroof. I was relieved to see my son with not a scratch on him. I felt as though I was looking into a miracle. The car looked totaled but Bryan was safe. I stood in amazement looking at my car.
It had been whispered in my mind at that time that he was not harmed because of the Temple Garments he wore. I thanked Heavenly Father over and over again as I stood looking at the accident scene. Bryan was told he could go so we all walked back to the cars. I asked that Devin and Lance give Bryan a blessing. Once again heaven interceded and everything was made right again. Devin took Bryan over to the Urgent Care. Now the interesting thing is I kept wondering why Devin was taking Bryan and not me to Urgent Care. But it seemed to be the right thing to do but odd. Alyse and I drove back home and we weren't back to the house not even 15 mins when I received a call from the tow truck driver telling me that our sunroof was still open AND it was raining and it would rain all night. If we wanted to spare any items inside I would need to come and close it. I told him we lived 30 mins away and he said he would for me. Alyse (by this time is my trusted wing man!) and I jumped into the car and drove down to the collision place to close the sunroof. We grab all of the valuables we could see at that time.
As my mind thought of Michelle who was down at Shands hospital dealing with her own issues and now Bryan who was just in a very bad accident, I said in my head... Why can't these two seem to cut any breaks? To which I was told- "They were tonight. I took care of Bryan during the accident." I said OH- repented for that thought and said another thank you!
The following morning as I was in the shower my mind was taken back to the previous afternoon as I heard myself calling the temple. I was given a prompting by adding Bryan's name to the prayer roll about 4 hours before his accident. I don't know if his name had made it to a prayer circle by then but I did know it was in the temple. It was then that I cried at all the miracles that had taken place and how thankful I was for the sweetness the gospel brings!
Our family had one of those changes. First off I am ever thankful for Heavenly Father and his whisperings to me or someone in our family. One of the dreaded parts of being a parent is the call everyone will get at some point in life that says... Dad or Mom I've been in an accident. First- question back is always are you okay? Second- is usually is anyone else hurt? Then how does the car look?
It is interesting to note here that Mike is always the recipient of the I've been in the accidents calls. I get all the other fun calls like Mom! I'm in love or Mom today was a crappy day at work!!! I have always like how that has been divided up. I have however gotten a few of the crash calls. I have discovered AFTER that I had a feeling something was going to happen. Almost like it is hanging in the back of my head yet I haven't honed in on that feeling in time to call our kids and say... Stay where you are for a bit. One morning I awoke to the sound of heavy rain. The thought came to me and I started to send out a text to the kids. Alyse's went first and as I was typing one for Kristen when she called. Mom I was just in a small accident. Awe that familiar feeling was correct yet again. I sure wish I could recall that BEFORE the calls come.
Mike has been flying to Ca every other week for the past year and a half. So every other week I am pushed to the front of "Everything is in your lap" line. Upon reflecting about this now my mind is called up to the biblical story of David and Goliath. I have learned a lot from that wonderful story. David wasn't just thrown into the ring with Goliath but he was given smaller opportunities to practice and to succeed which in turn gave him confidence in his new skills. David killed the lion and the bear before he got into the match with Goliath.
And so it is with us. Heavenly Father gives us smaller opportunities to try our hand in life and to gain confidence for bigger things to come. Kristen's accident was the lion or the bear for me. And upon hearing from Mike... "you did exactly what I would have done" I unknowingly gained confidence for future life issues.
So came Feb 9th. Michelle drove down to Shands for some tests and a chance of being admitted to the hospital for some issues she was having. I told Bryan I would pick him up and take him to work (they only have one car. We have been there ourselves with just one car many times so it was no big deal). Mike was in Ca and I came up with the idea of getting Mike's car out of the airport parking lot. I would drives the Highlander and I would let Bryan drive my car until the end of the week. We had done that before a few times. We both worked and I was on my way to pick him up from work. The director of our center's husband is in the final stages of cancer and so on my way to get Bryan from work I called the temple to put their names on the prayer roll. As I was doing that I added a few more names including Michelle's name. Just as I said Ladle a thought came into my head to add Bryan's name as well. So I did.
I picked Bryan up and out to the airport we went. We found Mike's car and I said to Bryan I'm starving lets stop for dinner. We did and had a great time talking. I had purchased some curtains that needed to be hung and Bryan was going to spend the evening helping me do that. So we left the restaurant and headed home. Bryan leaving right before me. I passed him in the turning lane. The whole way home I kept looking for him and wondering where he was. I would scan the cars looking for my car and to no avail I never saw it. I got home and was greeted Alyse. It was a bit of a surprise to see her but I am always happy when my children spend time with me and I thought great I have two kids to help me. But I now know she was up at the house for a more important reason then to help me hang curtains.
The phone rang and Alyse answered and came running to me saying- BRYAN'S BEEN IN A BAD ACCIDENT. She gets her emotions from me and was very concerned by what she had heard on the phone and her big brother was in a jam. She knew the questions to ask him... is he ok? Yes, Is the other person okay? He thinks so. How's the car? Not good.
As I drove away from the house I knew this was not the time to be emotional. But I felt a heavenly calm. Alyse was assigned to call people I thought needed to be there and to ask them to meet us at the accident. First on the list Devin (Mike's brother), Kristen and Lance. I knew I needed two priesthood holders there just in case. She went to call Mike and Michelle and I said NO don't call them right now, not until I know what is going on.
She called Bryan again and he said I have to go they are trying to cut me out of the car. Well that caused Alyse to burst into tears. I said Alyse he said he was okay this will be just fine.
My mind raced to how would be the quickest way to the accident scene without traffic. The accident happened in a very bad spot and those roads are always crowded. I knew it would be hard to get there without traffic. My mind was given the directions on how to go and I followed. Devin was the first on the scene. As Alyse and I parked and walked towards the red flashing lights Kristen and Lance joined us in our walk. Alyse said... I see Bryan and he is standing on the side of the road. As we walked up to the accident the air seemed to be filled with adrenaline and car crash smell.
Since the car was flipped to it's side and laying on the drivers side and he had been t-boned on the passengers side Bryan made his escape through the sunroof. I was relieved to see my son with not a scratch on him. I felt as though I was looking into a miracle. The car looked totaled but Bryan was safe. I stood in amazement looking at my car.
It had been whispered in my mind at that time that he was not harmed because of the Temple Garments he wore. I thanked Heavenly Father over and over again as I stood looking at the accident scene. Bryan was told he could go so we all walked back to the cars. I asked that Devin and Lance give Bryan a blessing. Once again heaven interceded and everything was made right again. Devin took Bryan over to the Urgent Care. Now the interesting thing is I kept wondering why Devin was taking Bryan and not me to Urgent Care. But it seemed to be the right thing to do but odd. Alyse and I drove back home and we weren't back to the house not even 15 mins when I received a call from the tow truck driver telling me that our sunroof was still open AND it was raining and it would rain all night. If we wanted to spare any items inside I would need to come and close it. I told him we lived 30 mins away and he said he would for me. Alyse (by this time is my trusted wing man!) and I jumped into the car and drove down to the collision place to close the sunroof. We grab all of the valuables we could see at that time.
As my mind thought of Michelle who was down at Shands hospital dealing with her own issues and now Bryan who was just in a very bad accident, I said in my head... Why can't these two seem to cut any breaks? To which I was told- "They were tonight. I took care of Bryan during the accident." I said OH- repented for that thought and said another thank you!
The following morning as I was in the shower my mind was taken back to the previous afternoon as I heard myself calling the temple. I was given a prompting by adding Bryan's name to the prayer roll about 4 hours before his accident. I don't know if his name had made it to a prayer circle by then but I did know it was in the temple. It was then that I cried at all the miracles that had taken place and how thankful I was for the sweetness the gospel brings!
I stand all amazed at the love Jesus offers me- confused at the grace that so fully he proffers me- Oh, it is wonderful that he should care for me enough to die for me- Oh, it is wonderful- Wonderful to me!
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