Julia's Baby Shower

We love having Julia & Austin close so they can come down for fun events, like to Sydney's musical the first part of May. Vivi, Ondalynn and I took advantage of the time that Julia would be here, and planned a fun Baby Shower for her. Although not many were able to come, it worked out so nicely. She was "showered" with so many lovely gifts. Those in attendance who have had a big impact on Julia's life were; Cindy Hansen, Cathy Hansen and her mother Carol Clark, Alice Lyle (her piano teacher), Tracey Carsner (YW leader) and Mary Lindhorst (YW leader). Seth's family came up to, and they helped to do yard work while Tiffany attended the baby shower. Then everyone went to Vancouver to enjoy Sydney's excellent musical, "42nd Street." We are deeply thankful for this miracle baby for Julia and Austin. Many, many prayers and fasting for this special couple to be blessed with a baby.

Bronson Graduates with his Masters

We are so proud of Bronson graduating from BYU with a B.S. & M.S. in Information Systems. He has worked so hard, giving his studies his most devoted effort. It definitely was a joint effort. Emily was a supportive, encouraging wife. We're grateful she had a good job over the last two years to help support him. Bronson worked part-time all through college, to make ends meet. He also had some good scholarships. They have been a good team. They always found time to have fun, too. They made an effort to get outdoors on the weekends, no matter the weather. They toured many beautiful sights in Utah before their move to Wisconsin the end of May.

Pres. Russell M. Nelson becomes our Prophet

We are so happy to sustain our new prophet, Russell M. Nelson during the April Conference. He has had a special place in our hearts as my parents were close friends with him and his wife, Dantzel, when they were both attending the University of Minnesota. My Dad was receiving his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry and Pres. Nelson was doing further surgical training and earned a Ph.D. where he worked on the research team developing the heart-lung machine. My oldest sister, Meredith, was babysat by the Nelson's so my parents could go on a date, and then they would take care of the Nelson's daughter so they could have an evening out. They enjoyed fishing trips together, picnics and water skiing. It's so interesting to have these acquaintances early in life and then to see where some of their friends end up.

In September of 2000 when Crismon was serving in a stake presidency with Pres. Watts, Elder Nelson at the time visited our stake. The Watts invited us to their home so we could meet him personally. It was very exciting for us to be with him. I told him I was Gill & Phyllis Smith's youngest daughter. Quoting from an email, Sept. 18, 2000 that I wrote to me Dad, I said: "Elder Nelson asked about you and how you were feeling. He then said, "Your mother was a queenly woman." And he said it with such feeling. That was very special to me." Then Pres. Nelson wrote a nice letter when my Dad passed away. It's a wonderful to have these sweet connections, although small incidences. 

April Conference - Solemn Assembly

We love visiting our beautiful Johns family in West Jordan. It's a treat when we can coordinate our visit with General Conference, too. We flew to Salt Lake City, Thursday, March 29th, to sunny, clear skies. The rest of the weekend was so beautiful. Sunny and warm for all the Conference goers.

Friday morning we visited with Grandma Julia, then on to meet up with Emily & Bronson at their nice apartment, then to lunch. We toured the Museum of Art, and enjoyed many interesting, and beautiful paintings. I appreciated Emily borrowing a wheelchair from her work facility so I didn't have to walk so much. That was very helpful. Also, I'm using a wheelchair much more at airports now, too, and that is a relief, too. We topped off our afternoon with the Gardner's at the Creamery for some delicious ice cream! We will really miss having Emily & Bronson in Utah, as they move to Madison, Wisconsin the end of May.

We loved being in the Conference Center for the Saturday morning, Solemn Assembly, and standing to sustain, with all our hearts, our new prophet, Pres. Russell M. Nelson, and his counselors, Pres. Dallin H. Oaks, and Pres. Henry B. Eyring. We know the power and spirit of that meeting was felt around the world as members participated in their homes, chapels, or wherever they were to sustain our dear prophet. It truly was an incredible experience. The spirit was so strong in the Conference Center. It was wonderful to actually be there in personal and witness that sacred experience as the First Presidency, the Quorums, the Seventy, etc, the Melchizedek Priesthood bearers, the Aaronic Priesthood bearers, the Relief Society, the Young Woman, and then the entire body of the church stood to sustain our new prophet, Pres. Russell M. Nelson. While standing there to sustain our prophet, I received a powerful witness from the spirit that he indeed is called of God. I hadn't really been praying for that witness, but I realized that would have been good to do that, but I was grateful for the power of the Holy Ghost that witnessed to me that he was called of God.

I'm glad that Emily & Bronson could be with us for that session, and especially grateful that granddaughter, Kenna Johns, could join us, too. Having these experiences as youth is so helpful as you strengthen your testimony. She seemed to love being there as well.


Crismon & I have been reading Pres. Nelson's biography and it has been so interesting. He truly is a man of God, so gifted, so prepared to fulfill this role as our prophet. We sustain him with our prayers, fasting, and obedience.

Emily & Bronson tended the Johns children on Sunday afternoon so Alice-Anne & Gary could attend that session with us. It was also another powerful session. Pres. Nelson announced that there would be no more Home Teaching and Visiting Teaching, it would now be called Ministering, and we heard several talks explaining more about what that meant. Seven new temples were announced. Dallin & Janelle were so very excited to hear that there will be a temple built in Richmond, VA, two hours from them. When the choir sang, "Let Us All Press On in the Work of the Lord," I was truly overcome by the spirit, and I had to cover my mouth to hold in my emotions. I couldn't hold back the tears. I was so overcome by the powerful spirit of the Holy Ghost that attended the conference. The choir sounded absolutely amazing! I'm sure angels were singing with them.

We're glad that Alice-Anne & Gary were able to go on a little get-away on Monday and Tues. Spencer got sick in the night, so they delayed a little in the morning so Crismon & I could go to the Jordan River Temple Open House. What a beautiful temple! The paintings were especially lovely.
Alice-Anne got to snow ski for the first time at Alta. They attended the Draper temple before returning late Tues. afternoon. It was so fun to have my sister, Meredith, come down from Ogden to visit with me and wish me Happy Birthday. She was so sweet. I received two cards from her as she couldn't decide between the two of them. Also, she informed me that chocolate was essential everyday so she gave me a bag of chocolates. She's so fun and I'm so grateful she's my sister!

Sadly, the stomach flu made it's way through the Johns family. That delayed the Johns from leaving on their Spring Break trip to Moab by a day. Dad was sick with it, too, on the day as we returned home on my birthday. I'm so thankful I didn't get sick.

This month has been very busy, especially for Crismon as he and his counselors have spent many hours making the necessary changes with the Elder’s Quorum Presidencies. We spoke at a Singles Adult fireside, attended the temple each week, enjoyed grandchildren’s school concerts, hosted Seth & Tiffany’s family one weekend, and hosted Tiffany & her Dad another weekend while they were here to go skiing. We had a lovely evening with our Patriarch and his wife in our home for dinner and then to view the training video for Patriarchs as a reminder of his duties and the Stake Pres. responsibilities. We love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the opportunities to serve, and the blessing our family brings to us.

 

 

Our Visit to Colorado

Danielle has been working very hard preparing for what most likely will be her last major recital as a student. Although she has already received her Master's in Violin performance from UofU, She furthered her abilities by taking lessons from Linda Wang at the Univ. of Denver. Also, she is graduating with the Suzuki Certificate where she is trained to teach on all 8 levels of Suzuki. She played incredibly well. It was an amazing performance. She has spent hours and hours of intense practicing to accomplish this outstanding ability. We were so happy to be there to join in celebrating this special occasion. 

We arrived on Tues., March 6th in Denver. Crismon picked us up and we went back to their apt. in Boulder and then back to the Univ. of Denver for the recital. Danielle's parents were there, Scott & Laurie Swain. Also, she had a good turn out of friends from their ward and friends from of both Crismon & Danielle from school. There were at least 50 in attendance and then a nice reception afterwards, with yummy treats. We're so thankful we could be there for this special day.

Dad took some early morning walks toward the Boulder campus and snapped some beautiful pictures. We enjoyed attending the Denver temple, and one day drove to Colorado Springs to see the US Air Force Academy. I toured the Visitors Center with everyone, but waited while they walked to the stunning Academy Chapel that soars 150 feet in the air. We drove through the Garden of the Gods, located at the base of Pikes Peak. This National Natural Landmark features incredible geological formations, rock climbing and nature trails. It was easy to drive through this park. One of the highlights of our trip was visiting Verlan, Katherine and their 3 beautiful children. They added number another girl one month later. What a treat to be with family. We had a great visit with Crismon & Danielle. We flew home on Saturday morning.

 

Stake Conference with Elder Hansen

Having a member of the Seventy come to our Mt. Hood Oregon Stake is a wonderful blessing. But this weekend, we had an added blessing to have Elder Richard K. Hansen as our visitor. He is not really a visitor, as he grew up in this area, his father has been a leader in the church, Elder Hansen use to be our Bishop and the Stake President before he was called to the Seventy. It was such a treat to feel of his spirit and be blessed by his inspired counsel. His brother, Paul Hansen, Crismon's 1st Counselor is his younger brother. It was also my easiest stake conference. I didn't have to host him in our home as he lives just 5 minutes away from us. It took a lot of pressure off of Crismon as well, to feel more relaxed around Elder Hansen, compared to someone we don't know. 

What I want to remember about this conference. Elder Hansen set the theme of "Conversion" and the "Sabbath Day" for our Saturday evening meeting. 

Pres. Paul Hansen counseled us to remember what we've learned tonight. Remember the things you learned that you did not hear.  Elder Bednar: Consistently being true to the Gospel is the essence of conversion. 

Shannon Richardson: Conversion is line upon line. Sacrifice is a sign of our conversion, true conversion. Keep your eye singled to God. 

Trent Westover: Example of the Zoramites in Alma 31. They failed to do the little things daily that draw us to God. Alma 32, Faith is an ongoing process, always nourishing our testimony.

Adrienne Malan: Preparation for the Sabbath Day is vital.

Julie Bullen: (wife of Mission Pres.) Repentance. See yourself as a beloved child of God.

Pres. Bullen: Grasp hold of the Iron Rod and stay on the path to the Tree of Life.

Elder Hansen: Referring to Elder Halstrom: "Being active in the Gospel, is more important than being active in the Church.  When we read: "As the Lord Liveth" you better listen to this. Alma 23, speaking of the converted Lamanites, "They never fell away.He wanted that to be said of him someday. There is more to the Gospel than just knowing that it is true. We need to be like Nephi, "I will go and do!" How can we increase our faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement? Through a revelatory process. That can be our blessing. We need to focus on keeping the Sabbath Day Holy. This is an eternal commandment. Our faith in God will increase as we do the little things each and every day; scripture study, prayers.

Sunday morning:

Pres. Crismon Lewis: We have rituals in our church through the Ordinances because we are a dual beings; the spirit and the body. Every commandment comes with a covenant. The promises from God are always in our favor. God binds us to Him and then He binds us with those we love. D&C 35, Keep all the commandments. I will cause the heavens to shake for your good. Story of the hail storm in Panguitich UT of his ancestors when George Deliverance Wilson commanded the storm to not touch his crop. The hail storm was fierce, but it built up around the fence posts, but it didn't destroy his crop. Covenants protect us and give us power.

Anne Anderson: Remember spiritual feelings we have. Build on the rock of Jesus Christ.

Pres. Steven Christiansen: Be still and know that I am God. Take time to be Holy. Mindfulness: Being one who is conscious of what is going on. We need time for our minds to rest, and be holy. Then he made promises to each of the age groups how we will have joy if we take time to be holy.

Whitney Kelson: Grew in appreciation of ancestors on her mission and the reality of the Atonement.

Pres. Watts: We sit at the feet of great men who have great authority. The temple brings us back to God.

Vivienne Lewis: I was called upon to share my testimony. I said I wanted to be like Abraham, to be called a follower of righteousness. This was a big surprise. You always think afterwards, "why didn't I say this, or that, but in the moment, I hope my humble testimony touched someone's heart. I had been praying for a spiritual experience in the conference. Didn't know this would be an answer to my prayer, if it was, but I felt I had been uplifted so much by the other talks.

Rich Monnie: Tender Mercies of the Lord, record them and remember them.

Cindy Hansen: We are who we are because of you. We have grown up here and you have taught us.

Elder Hansen: He keeps a picture in his binder that was taken by the Hubble Space Craft of the Deep Space - Black with spots of white, 10,000 galaxies and each galaxy has billion of stars. God says, "All things are numbered unto me, and they are mine." Brother Hinshaw's boating accident. "Jeff, get off the boat." He heard it three times. Jeff told Elder Hansen, I know God knows my name. God's children are without number, yet He knows our name. Doctrine of Christ: Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ, Repentance, Baptism by Immersion, the Gift of the Holy Ghost, Endure to the End. We get to repent. It's joyous! We participate in ordinances in the temple, once for ourselves and then always for someone else. When we take the Sacrament, we do it every time for ourselves. It is a sacred privilege we should always cherish. Experience of Home Teaching Bro. Wilford Stevenson. When asked how he is doing he said shortly after the death of his wife, "I'm so very lonely, I pray every day that I can live worthy to be with Reba again. Elder Hansen's mother died about the same time. When he asked his Dad the same question, his Dad had the same response. He was so very lonely and he had a great desire to live worthy of covenants to be together again someday. 

Before our Saturday evening meeting, we had a delicious dinner with all the Bishops and their wives, Elder Richard & Sis. Cindy Hansen, Pres. Jonathan & Julie Bullen, Mission Pres. and their daughter, Sarah, and the Stake Presidency. Alisha Christiansen did the food, (Pasta & Chicken dish, Caesar salad, rolls, fruit for dessert, with a homemade chocolate.) and Nancy Hansen did the flower centerpieces. We all helped in the kitchen before, but I did a minimal amount because of my lack of energy and strength. I have to be so careful. It's difficult for me to go over 5,000 steps a day. I really pay for it the next day.

It was really fun to sit by Julie Bullen and get acquainted. Turns out her sister is Lorraine Harris who was in my class at Sky View High School. I always admired and idolized Lorraine as she was so beautiful, kind, feminine, always with a single pearl necklace. She was very sweet. 

Our good Bishops and their wives are: Derek & Dana May (Walters Hill), Derek & Carrie Conklin (Tickle Creek),  Jeremy & Selena Kato (Sandy River), Pres. Trent & Sheryl Westover (YSA), Michael & Lisa Hulet (Powell Valley), Mike & Debbie Miller (Damascus), David & Deanna Hawkins (Estacada), Pres. Carlos Ibarra (Pioneer Branch). We are so blessed to associate with such great people.