Kids say the darndest things!

I laughed so hard when I saw this! Too, too funny!

One Year Ago

Looking back, one year ago today, we remember you: Thomas Nielsen.

Erin and I were at our ward's FHE at Anna's house when we heard the news that you passed away. We locked ourselves in Anna's bathroom and hugged each other. We sobbed, we used up half a roll of tissue for our sniffling noses, we laughed at memories like these, and we prayed. We remembered how much we were going to miss you and were sad. We remembered about the Plan of Salvation and were grateful. We were comforted.

Thank you.

Thank you, Tom. Thank you for all you have taught us. Thank you for your priceless example, and for helping us realize more than ever just how precious our time is here on Earth. Jeff and I got a flowers for your grave. Jeff liked the one that was dyed blue and he thought you would think it was cool. Erin wanted to come with us but couldn't, so the golden-yellow gerber daisy is from her. Blue and gold flowers! We thought it was perfect. You were a true Tiger, one Most Inspirational, indeed.

We went out in the sopping grass and rain to hunt for your grave. Luckily, Julia B. gave us pretty good directions, so it didn't take us too much effort. She is a wonderful friend! And Jeff got our beach umbrella out of the car trunk to help shield us from the downpour.
Your headstone (and also your brother's) inspired us. Thank you for keeping a journal so now we can see a few glimpses of your good and strong heart.

We love you, buddy.

Carried by Love

I miss being a member of LDC. Being married to Jeff is marvelous! I am so grateful that we are sealed forever and are working on building our lives together as we serve the Lord. But, the thing I miss most about being single is being strengthened through the power of 70 voices singing their testimonies about our Savior in harmony together. I miss learning and growing through music everyday, and sharing with others what I have learned through song. I miss being filled with the Spirit as truth is sung from our mouths in angelic melodies. Music is such a glorious thing! Though I miss LDC, I am grateful to still have the chance to hear them sing often.

LDC sang this song for this past Friday's devotional with John Bytheway. It is simple. It is beautiful. It describes each of us as we journey in this life, sometimes straying from the path of safety. It tells of how we long to always be in our Savior's arms, safe and sound. And when we repent, He gathers us in His arms and heals our souls. Click here to listen to its beauty as you read the words below.

Carried by Love

Far from the flock, far from the fold;
lost in the dark, frightened and cold.
Captured by fear, bound by despair,
crying for one to hear my prayer.

Search me and find me, lost and alone.
Search me and find me, carry me safely home,
safely home.

Out of the night, black as my shame,
I hear a voice calling my name.
Shepherd of Love, calling to me,
offering grace abundant and free.

Lifted by hands, gentle and strong,
into His arms where I belong.
Held by the one sent from above,
covered by grace and carried by Love.

Search me and find me, lost and alone.
Search me and find me, carry me safely home,
Carry me safely home, safely home.