Thornton Mom

Michael had me make a truck. (I have to say I was impressed with what we created.)  Aunt Annelise brought us stuff to make Gingerbread Houses with.  It was so much fun.  Elizabeth got to use the frosting tools she got for Christmas. Samantha was able to put more candy in hers than anyone else. John Derek stuck as much candy on the outside as he could. Maddie's came tumbling down but she still smiled. Today as I was making my bed I was pondering on a statement that frequently runs through my head when I am depressed and frustrated. "This is not what I wanted my life to be!"  I was reminded of a talk I gave years ago after studying a lot about Christ.  I learned that life was not easy for Christ.  That even He didn't have the life that He wanted.  That He may have know about what was going to happen but He was not prepared for His Father's comforting spirit to leave Him.  But God knew He could do it and He had faith in His Father.  I need to

Happy Father's Day!!   Happy Father's Day to the best man in the world.  How grateful I am to have such a wonderful husband.  His love and dedication to our family and to the gospel is amazing and appreciated.  Our family is so blessed to have him in our lives. Also Happy Father's Day to my father's.  My Father who has taught me so much and loved me for so long.  He is an amazing example of one who is dedicated to the Lord.  He has been a true blessing to me and my life and raising me to love the Lord.  To my Father in Law who is so kind and caring.  His love and appreciation is continually felt.  Happy Father's Day to my Heavenly Father.  I am so grateful to Him for ALL He has given me.  The blessings and joy I have in this life are because of Him.  His willingness to sacrifice His son that I may return to Him someday, is so sweet and kind.  I am so blessed to know His gospel and to know that I am His daughter. Happy Father's Day to my brothers, br

Last night I was able to go to the Temple with my husband.  All week I had been trying to get an appointment but several things kept preventing me from making it.  Saturday morning I tried again unsuccessfuly, and wondered if Satan was trying to prevent us from going.  What a blessing it was when my husband told me that he had made an appointment and we got the last two seats!  I am so grateful for his dedication to this gospel.   The Temple was wonderful.  I had had some very special experiences earlier in the day and was looking forward to sharing them with Derek in the Celestial room.  As we were in the temple I felt the Lord's peace so strongly.  My depression is very heavy right now and I don't view myself in the best light.  But as negative thoughts would enter my head they were immediately rebuffed by my Heavenly Father, comforting me and telling me it was "okay," or "that is not the case," or "don't worry about

A very proud Samantha!!  Samantha has been running with a group called Girl on the Run.  It is a great program.  They meet twice a week and work toward the goal of walk/running a 5K.  So this year at the "Raindeer Romp" our whole family supported her and ran with her.  She was the first person in our family to cross the finish line in 49 min.  We were very proud of her. GOTR Team Family together even in the rain!!   Doctrine and Covenants, D&C 123:17 "Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed." The other day I was having a very difficult time emotionally. I opened my grandfather's journal and began to read a talk given by my grandmother Arda Jean Christensen.

Be Still, My Soul 31243, Hymns, Be Still, My Soul, no. 124 1. Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side; With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide; In ev'ry change he faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heav'nly Friend Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end. 2. Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake To guide the future as he has the past. Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake; All now mysterious shall be bright at last. Be still, my soul: The waves and winds still know His voice who ruled them while he dwelt below. 3. Be still, my soul: The hour is hast'ning on When we shall be forever with the Lord, When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone, Sorrow forgot, love's purest joys restored. Be still, my soul: When change and tears are past, All safe and blessed we shall meet at last. While hiking outside of Ashville we came across this beautiful butterfly.  I really wanted