For some, religion is a crutch, an unnecessary expenditure of energy and time. Yet these same voices might speak out loudly of the improtance of the family and the need to strengthen and help family units through these turbulent times. 

My faith is more than tradition or habit. It is a source of live-changing and life-enriching power that can be found in no other way. It brings meaning to the importance of family in this life and in the life to come. Because of my faith, I have learned to truly love and appreciate my family at a depth that I could not have known possible in my younger years.

I was impressed with a related teaching by President Harold B. Lee that was recently shared by Elder M. Russell Ballard.

“Remember another of President Lee’s insightful phrases—that the Church is the scaffolding with which we build eternal families.”

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, newborn babies can be given a priesthood blessing in which the name of the child is confirmed and words of blessing are pronounced. Modern revelation states the following: 

“Every member of the church of Christ having children is to bring them unto the elders before the church, who are to lay their hands upon them in the name of Jesus Christ, and bless them in his name” (D&C 20:70).

This beautiful young girl was blessed on Sunday. She was born to great parents and three wonderful sisters. From the blessing it was clear that she will have an important role in helping her family with their spiritual journey on this earth.

Richard sent this photo today (May 5th). What a great thing it is to spread a little cheer. This is one of those tidbits of humor that brings on the groans at first but deep down is appreciated by many. Thank you Richard for making our day a little brighter.

The caption with the photo reads: “Happy sinko de mayo”

Today marks the sixth year since the passing of my mother-in-law, Marian Baker. She is a most remarkable lady who still greatly impacts my life for good. Throughout her mortal sojourn, her deep spiritual gifts were many and her life was in close harmony with the Lord. She had a great gift for uniting people and despite her own significant challenges, she was constantly looking for ways to uplift and encourage the troubled and the downtrodden that were within her circle of influence. 

Elder Ronald Rasband recently shared a quote that encapsulates the life of Marian. He said: It is my hope and prayer that we will continue to bear nobly our burdens and to reach out to those among us who are suffering.

I am grateful for Marian Baker.

I am sometimes amazed at the talents of our children. They are able to understand and do and create things that are far from my own skill set. Where do they get these gifts and abilities? Several months ago we found a set of superhero drawings that David had published to an on-line gallery. They are fantastic. I am grateful for the talents that our children bring to our family and home.