Thankgiving Week

This week I hope each of us focus on all we have to be grateful for.  We are so abundantly blessed and we need to remember that.  With all of the tragic news reports of terrorism, bigotry, wars and attack on the family, there is still so much we have to be thankful for.  Switch off the TV and open your scriptures, where we can learn so much and focus on hope.  I think there is no better time to share my favorite scripture than now:

Take time to study your favorite passages in the Book of Mormon this week, and be thankful that we have them.  We can also be grateful to have a living prophet here on earth at such a time of unsettling circumstances.  I always am grateful that I never hear a message from any Conference that invokes fear.  All of the messages delivered are positive and up lifting.   Not to say that we receive warnings, but with every warning there is good news by being obedient.

This week we were greeted by a wonderful surprise.  Jared had gone to Arizona last summer and purchased some heifers to rope and breed for a business venture.  On Wednesday, when he was going to feed, he saw a pile of something in the corral.  As he neared, he realized that it was an animal.  Fear touched his heart, as he thought one of his dogs had been trampled by the cows.  Much to his surprise, he found this calf laying there, moments after it's birth.  Soon we were over there, to see this precious creature sent from heaven, wobble and try to stand.  He was knocked over a few times by his Mother, as her interest had turned to eating, after her labored afternoon.  The miracle of life is so amazing!  Each day as we will watch this baby grow, we are reminded that God is near and he blesses us just with the breath of life.  Let us not take life for granted.  We know we are not here forever, so we must live our lives as Our Savior, Our Exampler did, in the service of our fellow man.  Thank you so much for your generous contributions over the past few weeks.  They are much appreciated.  I would like to share a message I received this past week:

Thanks to all the women who have helped Jennifer and her 9 children.
One woman had 10 folding chairs and that is perfect so they could all sit down together for meals,

So many donated; kitchen items, a recliner, even food, laundry soap, paper towels. I can't itemize everything, but I just want to let you all know that Jennifer is grateful and said to say Thank You!

Right now she's trying to figure out how to have a job and shuffle children to schools and one son to a job. She a very determined woman and I know she'll make it work.

Thanks again to all the Relief Society women who have responded.

Sincerely,
Pat Trujillo

Remember, we are always being watched.  Let us not get caught up in the chaos of the world, as the holiday approach.  Take time for the smallest of moments.  Laugh with children, forgive your enemy, and be quick to help others.  It is my blessing to still be in this Ward and serve as Relief Society President.  Know I truly do love each of you and pray for you daily.

Much love, Connee