BELIEVE

A high councilman from the stake spoke in church this past Sunday, it really touched my heart.  He spoke of the desire to have his children believe and that he is reminded about his belief and the journey he took to get it, by a Christmas bell, from the story The Polar Express.  Following church, the missionaries came to practice teaching to our kids and Paul participated.  I think he felt that was the reason they came anyways.  One of the sisters challenged him to really think about what he believes and continually asked him why he didn't want to know. I know that Paul doesn't want to know because he doesn't want to change. He is fine with what he 'doesn't' believe and that is comfortable with him.  It is easier to not believe, therefor have no responsibility to live a different way, or to hold a calling, pay tithing, go to church, have a commitment.  It is work to be a believer.  It is easy some days, harder other days when the world takes over.  It is even harder to live in a house of not necessarily ALL non believers, but with one adimant one and many immature ones.  I truly know in my heart that as long as our house is divided, it will fall, whether that be in this life or the next.  I feel just a tiny bit of the sorrow that Mormon felt when he had to lead a very wicked people. He is better than me.  He loved them as Christ would have him love, and I at least am only concerned about people that I love.  Many days I wonder, 'is this the path I am supposed to be on, or the one I need to make the best of because I chose it. I need to have Mormon's heart.  I pray for a heart like his.  I need to be a strong leader just as he was, even if they all choose not to live what I believe.  Mostly, I pray that they will BELIEVE.

On the Path

Last night I read part of the first chapter of Becoming His to Paul.  I felt peace reading of Christ  and how to start on the path of discipleship, "...toward becoming what our Heavenly Father desires us to become." Elder Dallin H. Oaks
I desire us to become an eternal family, but I know there are (baby steps. in Paul's words) to that actually becoming a reality.  I have been on the path of true discipleship for almost 16 years, and I still have so far to go. Still in the process of letting go who I was and becoming who the Lord knows I can be.  I wonder if he reports to the Father, "so much potential, still needs a lot of work."
Ezra Taft Benson encouraged, "men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can.  He can deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, strengthen their muscles (oooh Paul will like that), lift their spirits, multiply their blessing, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace."  Now who couldn't use more of all that.  What a blessing.
I think I am going to really love this book.
Thank you Emily for being more.

My Biggest Fan

Katie called me yesterday to let me know that her father had died suddenly from complications of cancer.  She also wanted me to know that he was my biggest fan when I played volleyball at Utah.

I am so grateful that I was able to talk with him in December at the boys basketball game against Skyline, (his grandson's team)

He was so excited to see my boys play.

It is comforting to know that up there is by biggest fan.

Here is to you Mr. C!

Obituary

Richard Lee Christensen

1937 - 2013 Richard Lee Christensen, born of goodly parents, A. Lee Christensen and Rosetta Widtsoe, came into this world September 5, 1937. He died on January 29, 2013 after a valiant second but swift battle with cancer. Dick graduated from Olympus High School afterwards serving an LDS mission to Norway. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Business from the University of Utah where he enjoyed his affiliation with the Sigma Chi Fraternity, making many life-long friendships. He was lucky to marry Suzanne Holt on December 21, 1961 in the Salt Lake Temple. They enjoyed 51 years of 'getting used to each other' while raising seven wonderful and loving children who kept them guessing as well as laughing. He had a strong and abiding testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ, the gift of the Atonement and the power of forgiveness. He served with his whole heart and loved those he served. Much more can be said of this great man but the most important would be his loyalty and unwavering love for his wife and his fiercely loving devotion to his children and grandchildren. Dick is preceded in death by his parents and his eldest son, Scott. We know that they welcomed him home with open arms. He is survived by his sweet wife, Susie, their children; Lisa Rider (Creighton), daughter-in-law Monica Christensen, Jim (Patti), Mike (Piper), Kim Cronin (Tom), Katie Rice (Laurn), Kelly Vorwaller (Nate) and two sisters Susan Larson (Douglas) and Rebecca Johns (Craig). He will be fondly remembered as 'Bompa' by his 18 amazing grandchildren and missed by his 10 grand dogs. A viewing will be held Friday, February 1st at Larkin Sunset Lawn from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. located at 2350 East 1300 South. The funeral will be Saturday, February 2nd at the Olympus 7th Ward Chapel located at 4500 South and 2700 East. There will be a viewing from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. with the service following at 12:00 p.m. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park. Published in Deseret News from January 31 to February 1, 2013