I walked outside today and the Boy Scouts had placed flags on our front lawn. I’d completely forgotten it was Flag Day but was grateful they had taken the time to remind us of this important day. In fact, it prompted me to look Flag Day up on the internet and find out more about it’s origination.
I wanted to take a photo of the flag on our front lawn so you could see how much snow has melted in the mountains since just two weeks ago. It still isn’t super warm–the weather is just perfect (70s during the day and 50s at night). The wind wasn’t blowing so this is kinda a boring shot:
Look how much the snow has melted in just two weeks!
So today has had it’s ups and downs. Here was the best part of my day:
Sage and the Hewlett girls selling homemade cookies completely made on their own!
Sage stayed at my dear friend’s house last night. Ann Hewlett set Steve and I up and was a missionary in Scotland with me. It’s so fun that our girls are cute friends. I went to pick Sage up and the girls were standing on the sidewalk wildly waving the arrow sign. They had made “Ann’s famous chocolate chip cookies” completely on their own. I couldn’t resist buying all the cookies that were left (several dozen). They earned $29.74 and split it four ways. They were thrilled–not bad for a day’s work 
!
Now for the not so good. I visited for an hour with my dear friend, Betsy. She can no longer respond verbally and is confined to her hospital bed at her home. However, we spoke heart to heart. I held her hand and talked and cried with her. She was able to slightly wink and squeeze my hand a few times in response to some simple questions. I told her how much I love her and what her friendship has meant to me over the years. It is really hard saying goodbye–one of the hardest things I’ve faced thus far in my life.
I’ve been crying all night over the situation. However, isn’t it funny how God puts things in our way that help lift our burden. My burden was lifted through a Donny Osmond song I just heard today. Donny has a missionary for our church serving in Paraguay at this time and the song was directed a little to him. However, it’s a beautiful message about how much our parents love us and how much a loving Heavenly Father loves us even more than we can imagine. Please take time to watch this video and listen to the words. I promise it will lift your spirits too. And it’s perfect to watch just before Father’s Day–it reminded me so much of my Dad. It’s called “Whenever You’re in Trouble.” Please let me know your thoughts on the message of this song!
I’m off for our annual Lake Powell trip so I won’t be writing for a week (no cell phone or internet connection there). I’ll be sure to share photos later on next week.
With Love,
Lisa
So sorry to hear about Betsy. One of my brother’s passed away this last December. And one of my other brothers said, “In my head I know the Plan of Salvation. And I know where he is. But my heart just hasn’t caught up yet.” That was exactly how I felt. And I think that’s true no matter how many people we have to say goodbye to.
This song is a great one to help us get through that time before our hearts catch up with what we know in our minds. Thanks for sharing, Lisa.
The song is beautiful. Fantastic message.
I loved the message and it was beautiful!
Thanks for sharing,
Trish May
Logandale, NV
I love Robin’s comment and what a wonderful way to explain our sorrow. We know all is ok but never want to lose our loved ones. God Bless.
I don’t understand death and dying, but know without a doubt our Heavenly Father will never leave us or forsake us even when we’re about to pass into eternity. Thank You, Jesus, for Your gift of eternal salvation and the hope of once again seeing those who will and have passed on before us. Sorry, Lisa….:(
Loved the message and song by Donny–perfect for this post!
Hope it’s a great time spent with family and friends at Lake Powell this next week. Y’all always have a blast no matter what the weather has in store! Enjoy the lack of cell phones and technology for a short while–it’s all waiting for you when you get back.
Us too!!!
Lisa,
You are truly a wonderful friend. A little story….When my mom was dying of cancer she was very annoyed that her friends didn’t continue to invite her to things or come and see her. She said (back in 1994) people ‘think’ Cancer is contagious – meaning….they didn’t want to be connected to a sick person. I think she was partly right.
You are very strong and loving to sit with your friend. I know it wasn’t easy but you know she appreciated the time you spent with her…especially in her hour of need. God Bless.
Now I must go look at cutie pie Donny’s song.
Peace be with you….
I am so sorry to hear of your friend. (((((HUGS)))) I am so glad you shared that song on this post. My dad passed away last summer and this Sunday will be my first Father’s Day without him. I am missing him terribly. But I know that he is with our Lord and Savior. This song gave me comfort. Now I have to stock up on kleenex. Thanks again, Lisa!
So sorry to hear that about Betsy. You are an amazing friend. Have a blast in Lake Powell, and oh the pics of the tags look great on your last post. Sure do love you. Let’s get together when you get back.
Thanks Lisa…I really needed to hear this today. In two days time I will be putting down my cat of 9 years. 9 years ago I was told I couldn’t have children, so adopted my Bella who then became my child. She has only 20% use of her kidneys now and there is nothing the vets can do for her. I know I need to do what’s right for her and was dreading taking the step on Saturday but this song has really helped me understand that she will always be in my heart no matter what. Thanks Lisa
Betsy knows how much you care. Thank you for sharing your hardest as well as easiest times with all of us. Most of us don’t know you but what we learn from you is priceless.
Thanks for the song. Just love him.
Enjoy your time away.
Having lost my dad this past year,and being the mom of 4 boys(one of whom has autism) this song hit home…..and I let the tears flow.Donny is a great example of a true gentleman and a great father.You Lisa,are a great example of a true friend.God bless Betsy…..
It is so hard when we lose someone special that has touched our lives. I feel your sorrow and your pain. Embrace your family and your loved ones around you.
Thank you for sharing the song – just beautiful. God Bless and have a wonderful time away.
WOW the song is beautiful!!! My heart aches for Besty’s family. I lost my sister-in-law not so long ago in this same way…breast cancer….that then moved to her brain. Its not a easy thing to go through. I miss her terribly, she was not just family to me but also a best friend. My thoughts are with you and Betsy’s family…God Bless!!!!
Thank you for pointing out the vide from Donny. It is so beautiful. I grew up a huge Donny O. fan so I enjoyed watching him again. Have a nice weekend.
Lisa,
I listenened to this song and had tears in my eyes. I have lost many friends and am a card angel to kids with cancer.. I so want to go out and get this CD for the song. I love it and Thank you so much for posting it..
Have a great weekend..
Terri
I have loved Donny since I was a little girl and would watch the Donny and Marie Show every week. I had all of their albums and when Donny had some hits in the 90′s I was so excited. I really love this song and it really is so emotional and touches you. He sings from the heart. Love it!
Lisa, PLEASE TELL ME YOU HAVE SEEN THIS! LOLOLOL!! You’ve been highlighted in Get Crafty with Cleetus episode done by Elizabeth Kartchner’s husband Collin. I nearly died from laughing!! He talks about how he met you at a CKU, SO FUNNY!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OceQv8BGw4
Couldn’t help shedding tears. I lost my favorite Aunt Mary sixteen years ago to brain cancer also. It’s so very hard to see someone suffer and being a can-do person, it’s so very hard when there’s nothing you can do. Heaven is a comfort, but the parting and waiting to be together again is so very hard. I went through 4 1/2 years of infertility help to have my only child. I was expecting him when my aunt was ill, and she did know he was coming. He was born after she had died and I like to think they met as she entered and he left Heaven. You and Betsy are in my prayers tonight.
Lisa,
I am so very sorry for your loss. That song touched me so much. I cried. My brother passed away May 5, then my sister passed away Oct. 11, 2010 (7 mos. before my brother. My parents have buried 3 of there 4 children. I am the only one left. My parents are in so much pain. I am a huge Donny Osmond Fan.
I also lost one of my best friends and her sister in a car accident 3 days before Christmas and my dog Pickles of 14 years.
One of my dreams is to meet Donny and Marie.
I have met you and that was something I wanted to do in my life. I hope to see Utah one days.
Hugs and Blessing,
Colleen
Thank you for making this world a better place. As I said once before, if you ever make it to houston I will be happy to give you a massage