Megan and Brexton

One Saturday in January I got off work early. I went to see Megan.

She was the teacher I worked with last year.

That is, until she had her cute little boy Brexton.

Now she gets to play with Brexton all day. (Instead of me)

I am so glad they get to be together even though I miss Megan terribly.

"Who da crap is that behind the camera?"

Gotta love those bottom two teeth!

Ruby and her new boyfriend.
Let me tell you, that spike on top of the head... it can really tickle a girl's nose!
(the little flirt!)

Brexton obviously loves to play with Daddy.

Bart is equally as wonderful as Megan.

After All These Years

At Bruce's Funeral

This group of guys were such good friends, and good people.

The only one missing here is Bruce.

Gary, Paul, Lee and Mike.

Just over a year ago, when Bruce's father died, he and I talked about getting our church group together. Most of us had been in the same church group our entire lives. That is, until graduation from high school. We were just a bunch of good kids that got along together. Bruce's funeral was the first time in 27 years we had all seen one another.

Be Still My Soul

Today is Monday. Last Saturday I found out that Bruce Jasper, childhood friend and neighbor passed away. The news had a strange effect on me. Others my age have died, yet never one so close to my personal life until now.

Saturday found me moping around, reflective and sad. However, when the alarm went off Sunday morning, the song coming across the waves was the most amazing arrangement of "Be Still My Soul" I have ever heard. It is one of my favorites. The beginning of the hymn is just one male voice, a capella, then others join in one or two at a time until there is over lapping harmony. Wow! I felt so calmed by the words and music that I was able to go to church and enjoy the spirit there.

During the Sacrament, I read and re-read the hymn. I have decided to post it as a reminder to myself and others that our Lord is truly there for us. He did not put us here to fail, or to go through trials alone. Life is hard, but we were meant to succeed in all we are given.

Hymn 124: Be Still, My Soul

Be still, my soul: The Lord is on they 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.

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.

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.

Bruce's passing made me face the reality that life is short. Sons, daughters, and friends don't always live to be old. However, it has also given me an opportunity to reflect on the testimony I have of our Father in Heaven, and his son, Jesus Christ. The blessings of the Holy Ghost as the comforter are wonderful. I am so grateful to know of this kindness bestowed upon me while I stumble through this mortal exsistence.