Joy

"Men are that they might have joy", I listened to a devotional today that talked about Joy.  It's importance in our life, the potential we have for a fullness of joy some day, the source of never ending joy.  President Nelson in a recent conference address said there was one thing that we would need to survive the world in these latter days, and that is joy.  Obviously this joy is a very different thing than fun, or even plain old happiness. It is a deep and abiding peace that comes from obedience to God's laws, from a knowledge of the fact that we are His heavenly children, and from the power of the priesthood and covenants and eternal progression.  When the great plan of happiness was presented we shouted for joy.  Not shouted with joy for the great news but for joy, for the possibility of the eternal joy that is enjoyed by our heavenly parents. For the joy we felt knowing we could become like them. 

This has been a sad and long week.  It's been really hard with Zach's passing.  Suicide is like the flu, it's contagious. We have had a lot of kids crying and upset. This morning I was checking in the kids who were late.  One boy reached out to type in his number and I saw 20ish slash marks on his wrist that were red and angry. I wrote down his name and alerted his counselor.  The kids have been finding out more details about the suicide, which is a new level of upset with each revelation.

In other sad news Khloe is in the hospital.  She can't move her legs.  The doctors are saying she will likely not make it to Easter. Which is also hard.

Riky, Tatum's hamster passed away yesterday, and Ms Robbin's dog Duke is dying.  All these things and more are hard.  Life is a hard thing, by design.

In the middle of the challenges and hardships we can still find peace, peace and joy don't come, and can't come, without challenges and sorrows.  It's an eternal law.

Thankfully while the hard and the ugly is happening there is also good and light and joyful happening.  

Cora and Ruby, what a delight their little smiles and sweet voices are.  I talk to them on the phone and they exclaim "Mimi, Mimi!!", also they shriek and cry but I don't care.  Grand children are the.best!  I love talking to all of them.

Grace got a letter for band. Today Belle came over after school and the girls hung out.  The weather is perfect and we have a long weekend coming up! All great and happy things.

Last night the pep band decided to play at the basketball game. In honor of Zach. A mix of sadness and joy.