Email from Elder Johnson #19

 2-1-21

The Atonement❤

Made by Kameron

This email is gonna be a bit different than the last couple. A bit more serious. This last week has been something of a learning experience for me as my study of the Atonement of Jesus Christ continues and I wanted to share with you all what I've learned. It's long I know, haha, but please read it. It's worth it. I promise. I love you all so much and I love my Savior and my Heavenly Father. God is real. His grace is sufficient. You are never too far gone to be forgiven. He's waiting for you. Give yourself to Him. 

What I've learned is this; the power of the Atonement of Jesus Christ redeems, but it also enables. We were given a talk from the Atonement packet to study in our district called, "In the Strength of the Lord" by: David A. Bednar.  Take some time to read it cause its meta. But what I wanted to pull out was this quote, "It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us. That is fundamental and foundational to the doctrine of Christ. But we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His Atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to live in us—not only to direct us but also to empower us." 

It is really easy to get discouraged with the idea of perfection. It seems so far away from us and therefore makes it out of our reach, unattainable and discourages us from even trying. Do not let this be a discouragment because it isn't. Heavenly Father knows that we can't reach it on our own. That is the purpose of the Atonement. This definition of perfection isn't never doing wrong; it's the process of being redeemed and then striving each and every day to try harder. To be a little better than we were yesterday and when we fall to ask for forgiveness and to keep stepping forward time after time in faith because of the enabling power of the Atonement.  The redeeming and enabling power of the Atonement are two things that work in harmony rather then separate. 

Elder D. Todd Christofferson says, "To have effect, the gift must be accepted: “For what doth it profit a man if a gift is bestowed upon him, and he receive not the gift? Behold, he rejoices not in that which is given unto him, neither rejoices in him who is the giver of the gift (D&C 88:33).

Thus it is not that we earn these gifts but rather that we choose to seek and accept justification and sanctification. Since the Savior paid for our sins and satisfied justice for us, we become debtors to Him rather than to justice. We must therefore meet the stipulations He has established for forgiveness and cleansing." 

Because of the redemption of the Atonement we are relieved of the debt to justice and we are in debt to Him. So how do we fulfill this debt? Diligence, obedience, and love. This is where the enabling power comes in. He wants to live through us, direct us, and empower us to give us all the tools to stay on the straight and narrow path because we know that, "Everyone in the Church who is on the straight and narrow path, who is striving and struggling and desiring to do what is right, though far from perfect in this life; if they pass out of this life while they are on the straight and narrow, they are going to go on to eternal reward in their Father’s kingdom...Now is the time and the day of your salvation, so if you’re working zealously in this life—though you haven’t fully overcome the world and you haven’t done all you hoped you might do—you’re still going to be saved."

This life isn't easy, it isn't picture perfect, and isn't every fairytale that we read about as kids. It's hard. It sucks. It feels like we freakin own the struggle bus, not just riding it. There's hills to climb one right after another. Trial after trial and we just get weighed down with high expectations, anxiety, stress, depression and we feel like we can't take any more. But we can, because we are never given something that we can't handle. 

There are a lot of reasons why things are so hard but I want to point out two. The first one is this quote from Elder Jeffery R. Holland, "Missionary work (or life) is not easy, because Salvation is not a cheap experience." Let that sink for a bit. Think about the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us. And the sacrifice Heavenly Father made to give us his only begotten son to save us. Reason number two, because we can learn from it all and it will be for our good.

To quote parts of D&C 122:7&9, when Joseph Smith was going through hell, and he turns to God and asks why him, why now, why all of this. Questions I'm sure all of us have asked ourselves at times in our lives and this was a part of the answer that he received, "...know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good...fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever." He was told that all these things give us experience, opportunities to learn and grow more then we ever could before. It will all be for our good. God will be with us forever and ever.

Though we may never reach true perfection in this life, we owe Him to dang well try our best. As President Richardson has told us in a zone conference, "Give the Lord your all, whether that be 5%, 50%, or 100% give him all you have and leave nothing on the table." At the end of each day of our lives, and at that time when our final day has run its course, we can say we have given Him our all. 

As Enos said, 

"And I saw that I must soon go down to my grave, having been wrought upon by the power of God that I must preach and prophesy unto this people, and declare the word according to the truth which is in Christ. And I have declared it in all my days, and have rejoiced in it above that of the world. And I soon go to the place of my rest, which is with my Redeemer; for I know that in him I shall rest. And I rejoice in the day when my mortal shall put on immortality, and shall stand before him; then shall I see his face with pleasure, and he will say unto me: Come unto me, ye blessed, there is a place prepared for you in the mansions of my Father."

So we push ourselves every day, refocus on why we are here at this time, and what we want to learn from it in the end. Our Savior has the tools and He wants to give them to us and all we have to do is ask for them and the windows of heaven will open and pour out upon us. That through Him we can be empowered to do more then we ever thought possible. To endure hard things, to be a greater version of ourselves, and to be converted. 

Because of that enabling and empowering part of the Atonement we will achieve great things, personally, physically, spiritually, emotionally, or socially. As a friend, family, counselor, church leader, co-worker, and disiple of Jesus Christ. We will have the capacity to lift where we stand. To be diligent and obedient to the things that have been asked of us and to be loving to the sons and daughters of God all around us.  To be empowered in our work of the gathering of Israel. Letting God Prevail in us and being instruments in his hands. 

The Atonement of Jesus Christ is all encompassing. That because of him we are redeemed, but that through him we can be empowered, and endure to the end so that we can comfortably say, we left it all on the table. 

Friends and family. Be empowered. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable and brave that discomfort. Endure it well. For all these things shall be for OUR good, and give us the tools to be unwavering in our faith in Christ. For not our will but His be done. 

I love you all. I know the capacity you all have to be a force for good in this world. To do a great and marvelous work for your God and our God. He has a plan for you. And He is counting on you to do it. So act like it. 

1. Elder Gardner

2. Best Memes Squad🤑

Love ya'll❤

-Elder Johnson

Winter Book Reviews 2020-2021: Part 1

 1.) The Twelves Dates of Christmas by Jenny Bayliss

After reading Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson I really needed something light-hearted and enjoyable. Christmas is fast approaching and I wanted a Christmas book of some kind. This book was recommended on the podcast From the Front Porch. 

From Goodreads:

When it comes to relationships, thirty-four-year-old Kate Turner is ready to say "Bah, humbug." The sleepy town of Blexford, England, isn't exactly brimming with prospects, and anyway, Kate's found fulfillment in her career as a designer, and in her delicious side job baking for her old friend Matt's neighborhood café. But then her best friend signs her up for a dating agency that promises to help singles find love before the holidays. Twenty-three days until Christmas. Twelve dates with twelve different men. The odds must finally be in her favor . . . right? Yet with each new date more disastrous than the one before--and the whole town keeping tabs on her misadventures--Kate must remind herself that sometimes love, like mistletoe, shows up where it's least expected. And maybe, just maybe, it's been right under her nose all along.

Christmas in a charming English village and a cute romance...yes, please! This was just what I needed. I enjoyed the cast of likeable characters and the cozy setting of Blexford village where Christmas with all of its sparkle and fun was still happening and blissfully COVID-free! There was funny banter between the characters and funny moments on the twelve dates. But the best part was that this novel was a treat for the senses. You could see, hear, taste, and smell all of the delights of Christmas. It was so festive and it definitely put me in the holiday spirit. I didn't want my time in Blexford to end.

My Rating: A fun Christmas read!

2.) A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

This was our book club pick for December 2020. I was pretty excited about it because I had never actually read the actual story written by Dickens. I have seen many adaptations of it... movies and plays... so I was intrigued to read the original.

From Goodreads:

The story of Ebenezer Scrooge opens on a Christmas Eve as cold as Scrooge's own heart. That night, he receives three ghostly visitors: the terrifying spirits of Christmas Past, Present, and Yet to Come. Each takes him on a heart-stopping journey, yielding glimpses of Tiny Tim and Bob Cratchit, the horrifying spectres of Want and Ignorance, even Scrooge's painfully hopeful younger self. Will Scrooge's heart be opened? Can he reverse the miserable future he is forced to see?

It was wonderful! It is an atmospheric Christmas ghost story. So good!! The writing is fantastic. Victorian England comes to life with all of its joys and sorrows in Dickens vivid descriptions. His characters are so bright and memorable...even the minor ones. His storytelling is delightful in this sentimental and nostalgic tale. I especially loved several of his funny little quips that he sprinkled throughout the story. I was not expecting that! There are also many memorable quotes and phrases that have stayed with me for years and now mean even more after having actually read them. 

“You are fettered," said Scrooge, trembling. "Tell me why?"
"I wear the chain I forged in life," replied the Ghost. "I made it link by link, and yard by yard; I girded it on of my own free will, and of my own free will I wore it.”

"Business!' cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again. "Mankind was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business. The deals of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!”

“I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. I will live in the Past, the Present, and the Future. The Spirits of all Three shall strive within me. I will not shut out the lessons that they teach.”

This is a wonderful Christmas-time read. A story of second chances and redemption. The message that "No one is irredeemable" and that the importance of human kindness is timeless.

My Rating: Excellent. Truly a Christmas Classic.

3.) A Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis

This was my next selection in the Chronicles of Narnia. I had forgotten a lot about this book and how it reads more like folklore or a fairytale. Three of the Pevensie children make an appearance in the book which takes place during the golden age of their reign but the bulk of the story takes place outside of Narnia.

From Goodreads:

The Horse and his Boy is a stirring and dramatic fantasy story that finds a young boy named Shasta on the run from his homeland with the talking horse, Bree. When the pair discover a deadly plot by the Calormen people to conquer the land of Narnia, the race is on to warn the inhabitants of the impending danger and to rescue them all from certain death.

Every book in the Narnia series has a different vibe. Shasta, Aravis, and their talking horses are on a quest. They are escaping their lives in Calormen and racing to Narnia in this adventure story. 

Aslan is, of course, the best part!

“I was the lion who forced you to join with Aravis. I was the cat who comforted you among the houses of the dead. I was the lion who drove the jackals from you while you slept. I was the lion who gave the Horses the new strength of fear for the last mile so that you should reach King Lune in time. And I was the lion you do not remember who pushed the boat in which you lay, a child near death, so that it came to shore where a man sat, wakeful at midnight, to receive you.”

 

I also loved this quote from Edmund:

"But even a traitor may mend. I have known one that did."

My Rating: Good.

4.) Nothing Like I Imagined by Mindy Kaling

I love Mindy Kaling and her humor. I have read and loved all of her other books. She is my favorite comedy writer. I couldn't wait to read her new collection of essays.

From Goodreads: 

In this hilarious collection, Mindy Kaling considers her new role as single mom, the perks of not having a husband, and her struggle with social anxiety. In between, the beloved actress, writer, and Hollywood power-bruncher gets Kanye West'd at her best friend's birthday, thwarts an "only in LA" crime, and learns what it means to have it all.

It was as enjoyable as I thought it would be! She tells some hilarious stories about motherhood and life in Hollywood and even religion. I love her self-deprecating humor and I enjoyed laughing and cringing along with her stories. This book is a lighthearted and fun read yet it was often thoughtful and vulnerable too. I loved every minute of this delightful book! I will continue to read (and watch) everything she writes.

My Rating: Great!

5.) The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis

I am working my way through a reread of the Chronicles of Narnia. It has been a pleasant diversion in 2020. In this novel Lucy, Edmund, and their cousin Eustace are pulled into Narnia and onto the ship the Dawn Treader and meet up with their old friend Caspian.

From Goodreads:

The Dawn Treader is the first ship Narnia has seen in centuries. King Caspian has built it for his voyage to find the seven lords, good men whom his evil uncle Miraz banished when he usurped the throne. The journey takes Edmund, Lucy, and their cousin Eustace to the Eastern Islands, beyond the Silver Sea, toward Aslan's country at the End of the World.

This wasn't my favorite book in the series as a child and it isn't as an adult. I don't love books that take place on ships generally speaking. Then throw in the dreadful Eustace and the absence of Peter and Susan and it just had less of an allure for me. That said...I still liked it.

This is an adventure story on the high seas. There is mystery and magic on the water and on the fantastical islands that are discovered by Caspian and his crew. C.S. Lewis is a master at world-building. Each mystical island has its own intrigue. Plus there is Aslan and Caspian who I so enjoy. 

The writing, of course, is great. There are some fantastic one-liners such a the first sentence of the book:

There was a boy called Eustace Clarence Scrubb, and he almost deserved it.

One of my favorite parts this read through were the hilarious little asides about Eustace and his parents. Those are some serious gems. I also enjoyed the camaraderie of Caspian...now King Caspian and King Edmund. They were great and then there is the lamb and the bittersweet ending. The theme of redemption runs through this novel as well as the previous ones.

"It isn't Narnia, you know," sobbed Lucy. "It's you. We shan't meet you there. And how can we live, never meeting you?"
"But you shall meet me, dear one," said Aslan.
"Are -are you there too, Sir?" said Edmund.
"I am," said Aslan. "But there I have another name. You must learn to know me by that name. This was the very reason why you were brought to Narnia, that by knowing me here for a little, you may know me better there."

My Rating: Good.

6.) Get Out of Your Own Way by Dave Hollis

I love Dave Hollis! I think he is great! I found him by first following his wife (now ex-wife) author Rachel Hollis and then I ended up preferring his outlook on life and personal growth to hers. Dave is super relatable, likeable, and has more life and business experience. I think he has an interesting perspective on the business world and leadership. I follow him on social media and think he is funny, pragmatic, and insightful. He's a great follow.

From Goodreads:

Dave Hollis, CEO of the Hollis Co. and husband of #1 New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hollis, refutes the lies people believe but don't talk about, keeping them stuck in a rut, and points the way for readers to finally start living the best versions of their lives.

Very little of the ideas and information presented in this book was new information to me. Dave talks about nearly all of it on his various social media platforms and podcast. But the book did go into more detail which was great. Unfortunately the book is already a bit dated by December 2020 since his wife asked him for a divorce earlier in the year and so much of the book is about their relationship and that ship has sailed. Reading about their relationship and all of the growth that he did trying to save it and knowing that it didn't work out was sad. Still, this is a deep and thoughtful book on several levels. Dave presents great information and gives you tangible ways to grow both personally and professionally. I especially enjoyed reading about his time as a VP at Disney.

This would be a great January read for anyone wanting to set some realistic goals for the new year. I particularly resonated with this quote:

You are what you focus on.

This is also a great personal development book for skeptics and those who aren't internally motivated which is not the usual audience for personal development books which was quite refreshing.

My Rating: Good. I will read whatever he writes. He is great!

7.) Fear Is Not the Boss of You by Jennifer Allwood

I follow Jennifer Allwood online. She is an entrepreneur and business coach. She has great info for creative businesses and she comes at it from a Christian perspective which I really like. 

From Goodreads:

This book is for any woman who has ever been overwhelmed with indecision, paralyzed with fear, or just plain stuck. With no-nonsense biblical truth, Fear Is Not the Boss of You is a loving kick in the backside that will catapult you into ACTION. Successful entrepreneur, business coach, and girl next door Jennifer Allwood is your guide to show you why you can't stay stuck, teaching you how to get out of your own way and get on the road to fulfilling the life of your dreams--even if you're afraid. Whether you're thinking of launching a new business, adopting a child, writing a book, or competing in a triathlon, Jennifer will motivate you to move from paralyzing fear into courageous obedience and action.

The book discusses the fears that hold us back in life and business, moving out of our comfort zones, getting unstuck, trusting in God, discerning what He is calling you to do, and then being obedient. I found this book to be motivating, encouraging, and insightful.

My Rating: Good.

8.) The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis

I'm almost through with the series. There is just one more book after this one. I forgot what a weird book this is... all of the underground stuff made me feel super claustrophobic! But... as always... kudos to Lewis for his vibrant world-building. He does such a great job in so few pages. He's amazing.

From Goodreads: 

Eustace and Jill escape from the bullies at school through a strange door in the wall, which, for once, is unlocked. It leads to the open moor...or does it? Once again Aslan has a task for the children, and Narnia needs them. Through dangers untold and caverns deep and dark, they pursue the quest that brings them face to face with the evil Witch. She must be defeated if Prince Rilian is to be saved.

Eustace is back but this time he is more mature and enjoyable. It feels like he is almost a completely different character from The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. As always the time jumps in the Narnia books are jarring. This time 50 years have gone by since Eustace was last in Narnia. Sadly, the beloved Caspian is now an old man. That was bittersweet. Caspian is one of my favorite characters. I liked the new character of Jill although I always wish for more Pevensie kids. She is a good new addition as is the charmingly pessimistic Puddleglum, the Marsh-Wiggle. Together Eustace, Jill, and Puddleglum set out on a quest to find Caspian's missing son Prince Rilian.

There are some great quotes too:

“Crying is all right in its way while it lasts. But you have to stop sooner or later, and then you still have to decide what to do.”

“I'm on Aslan's side even if there isn't any Aslan to lead it. I'm going to live as like a Narnian as I can even if there isn't any Narnia.”

This is a great book. I especially...during these chaotic times in our country... enjoyed reading a story where good overcomes evil and justice is served. 

My Rating: Good!

9.) The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis

This is the last book in the Narnia series. I enjoyed re-reading this series over the last few months. But I have complicated feelings about this book. I remember really loving it as an elementary school kid who was not at all religious. I didn't love it as much now reading this as a religious adult.

First, I really disliked the language used to describe the army that the Narnians were battling. I realize that this was written in 1956...but still. I couldn't get past it. I had also forgotten how weird this book is. I realize it is biblical allegory of The Book of Revelations. I get the symbolism but it is still weird. I wanted more from the characters we love and less from new characters and unlikeable characters...Shift and Puzzle.

Published in 1956 and awarded the Carnegie Medal, The Last Battle, chronicles the end of Narnia. Jill and Eustace return to help save Narnia from invaders and a False Aslan.

Most of this book is my least favorite part of the series.. The ape. The donkey in the lion's skin. Narnia in shambles. No Pevensie kids until the end. No Susan. I don't love what becomes of Susan. I really disliked how her storyline ended and I don't think it is believable. I also never liked the tragedy that occurs for the characters to return to Narnia. I feel like there are too many loose ends to the series that don't get a satisfactory wrap up. And is it awful to say that I wanted more depth to the Pevensie kids by Book 7? But I did!

I liked how Lewis described the end of Narnia. Watching that world end gave me the same awestruck feeling as watching how it all begin. I also loved how Lewis describes the afterlife and what Heaven could be like. I loved the characters being greeted by family and friends. I love Aslan. 

Favorite quotes:

“I have come home at last! This is my real country! I belong here. This is the land I have been looking for all my life, though I never knew it till now...Come further up, come further in!”

“And as He spoke, He no longer looked to them like a lion; but the things that began to happen after that were so great and beautiful that I cannot write them. And for us this the end of all the stories, and we can most truly say that they all lived happily ever after. But for them it was only the beginning of the real story. All their life in this world and all their adventures in Narnia had only been the cover and the title page: now at last they were beginning Chapter One of the Great Story which no one on earth has read: which goes on for ever: in which every chapter is better than the one before.”

My Rating: Good.

10.) Share Your Stuff. I'll Go First by Laura Tremaine

I loved this book! I enjoy Laura Tremaine's podcast Ten Things to Tell You and following her on Instagram. She asks her audience deep questions and then asks them to share their thoughts with the people in their lives or in their journal. I love the introspection. I love thinking deeply on a subject and then talking and/or writing about it. I think deep conversations are the spice of life. This book is all about sharing our stuff. I thought it was excellent.

From Goodreads:

In spite of the hyper-connected culture we live in today, women still feel shamed for oversharing and being publicly vulnerable. And no matter how many friends we seem to have, many of us are still desperately lonely. Laura Tremaine says it's time for something better. Openness and vulnerability are the foundation for human growth and healthy relationships, and it all starts when we share our stuff, the nitty-gritty daily details about ourselves with others. Laura has led the way in her personal life with her popular blog and podcast, and now with lighthearted self-awareness, a sensitivity to the important things in life, and compelling storytelling, Laura gives you the tools to build and deepen the conversations happening in your life.

I love a book about friendship, relationships, having better conversations, and deepening those relationships. The structure of the book is personal essay. The author asks 10 questions, shares her thoughts on those topics, and then asks you to share yours. The book is part memoir and part personal growth. Tremaine writes in such an easy way that it makes you feel like you are having a good conversation with a friend. I loved that! I loved her personal stories, questions, writing prompts, and lists. There are some fantastic journaling prompts. I think this would make a great book club book. There is so much to discuss. The topics are great conversation starters and also make you think and dig deep. Again, I love this kind of book.

Laura Tremaine is funny and candid. Her personal stories are heartfelt, vulnerable, and relatable. I think she is an interesting person. She grew up in a small town in Oklahoma and moved to LA where she eventually married a movie director. She has some famous friends and I found her life and marriage fascinating. Her book kind of reminded me of blog reading back when it began and no surprise there because she got her start as a blogger. I wanted the book to keep going. There is power in sharing our lives and our stories with others. 

“I believe that asking good questions is the key to connection with others and to our own personal growth. I believe that craving deeper relationships is natural, that our secrets and shame are killing us, and that sharing our stuff will bring us out of the dark and into the light.”

She discusses similar contemplative topics on her podcast and Instagram account but it never felt like I was getting a repeat of all the same information. I like books that cause me to be reflective and self-examining. I really enjoyed this insightful book.

My Rating: I loved it.

11.) The Duke and I (Bridgertons, #1) by Julia Quinn

I enjoy a good historical romance. This is the first book in a large series that comes highly recommended. So many people love these books and there is a Netflix adaptation that is also popular.

From Goodreads:

In the ballrooms and drawing rooms of Regency London, rules abound...A proper duke should be imperious and aloof. A young, marriageable lady should be amiable… but not too amiable. Daphne Bridgerton has always failed at the latter. The fourth of eight siblings in her close-knit family, she has formed friendships with the most eligible young men in London. Everyone likes Daphne for her kindness and wit. But no one truly desires her. She is simply too deuced honest for that, too unwilling to play the romantic games that captivate gentlemen. Amiability is not a characteristic shared by Simon Basset, Duke of Hastings. Recently returned to England from abroad, he intends to shun both marriage and society—just as his callous father shunned Simon throughout his painful childhood. Yet an encounter with his best friend’s sister offers another option. If Daphne agrees to a fake courtship, Simon can deter the mamas who parade their daughters before him. Daphne, meanwhile, will see her prospects and her reputation soar. The plan works like a charm—at first. But amid the glittering, gossipy, cut-throat world of London’s elite, there is only one certainty: love ignores every rule.

This book is set in Regency London and that is my preferred brand of romance novel. The first book in the Bridgerton series tells the story of Daphne Bridgerton and Simon, the Duke of Hastings. The best part of this series is the outstanding cast of characters. I loved the boisterous Bridgerton siblings. I absolutely enjoyed the whole Bridgerton family dynamic. They are hilarious. They made the book for me. I also loved the snippets from Lady Whistledown. If I hadn't already seen the Netflix series I probably would have rated the book a little higher.  Yes, there are a couple of steamy scenes (it's a romance novel) and one is quite controversial and could be a trigger for some readers. 

Unfortunately this is one of the rare cases for me where I liked the tv adaptation better than the book. But be warned that what are steamy love scenes from the book are definitely TV MA in the Netflix adaptation. The tv show is very graphic and open door. The book is less open door than the tv show. But as far as the plot goes... I definitely liked the Netflix series better. The book plot is fairly mild and typical for a romance novel. The tv series probably combines some of the elements from other books in the series and the show writers definitely added things to the plot to make it more interesting and dramatic. Some of the plot changes I really liked.

My Rating: A little disappointing but still entertaining.

COVID-19 Quarantine: Days 321-325

Day 321: 1-28-21 (Thursday)

We woke up this morning to blue skies and bird song! That actually took me by surprise. What a gift in January!

Ailey has finals right now and it has been very stressful for her and there have been a lot of tears. Junior year is rough; especially distance learning and in a pandemic.

Tyler had his follow up cardiology appointment today. He couldn't have a visitor go with him. It went well. He is to keep exercising and to stay on his same medications for now. He has another appointment in June and they will reevaluate his medication.

I got an unexpected check in the mail for the sale of a piece of property (the final piece of property) that sold from my grandparent's trust that my mom was a part of (along with her siblings) and we are her beneficiaries. I look forward to not having anything more to do with my grandparent's trust and their executor. Now if we could also finish up with my mom's trust that would be swell.

It was vendor night tonight. I was part of the most hilarious texting thread with my brother and my cousin Paul. They had me laughing all night! We picked up Crumbl cookies (yes, it is a problem) for the girls while they study. I came home and did a peloton ride! Much needed.

Day 322: 1-29-21 (Friday)

Another day of finals and Ailey is feeling the pressure for sure. I worked on stake primary items for most of the day. I have to do a training with my ward's primary this Sunday. My dad got his first COVID vaccine today. Tyler and I walked at the park and facetimed with Reilly. Hunter's work continues to be a COVID hotbed. So no Reilly and Hunter for Tyler's upcoming birthday nor for our family Valentine's Day celebration either. Bring on the vaccine and our family being able to be together again.

For date night tonight we went to Liberty Lake. We got teriyaki and stopped for ice cream at an ice cream shop that is owned by one of Tyler's friends. We did a little more valentine shopping for the kids and then came home and binged a couple of tv shows.

Day 323: 1-30-21 (Saturday)

Today was Bryn's day of fun! The day for her to pick and choose what she would like to do with our family. She was slightly more ambitious with her special day than Ailey. LOL. She wanted to go for a family walk (Beverly included) at the park. Done. Then she wanted to get petit fours from Huckleberries. Yum. I love those! She then wanted to go to Old Navy. Both Ailey and Bryn need new jeans and leggings and Ailey needs some workout clothes before in-person school and dance team. After that she wanted to wander around in Home Goods. Right now Bryn is very interested in home decor and design. She spends a lot of time playing decorating games and on Pinterest. Maybe she will be an interior designer? She requested Panera for dinner and Crumbl cookies for dessert. I know! But those cornbread cookies were fantastic!

Day 324: 1-31-21 (Sunday)

Tyler's birthday is this upcoming week and Tyler and I have something special planned so we decided to have our family livestream church this morning to cut down on any extra in-person activities. We want to be able to celebrate! It worked out well because the girls didn't have any 2nd hour in-person meetings today just a Zoom BYD meeting. My stake primary training meeting went from being in-person to Zoom too. Sweet! I wish going forward that all extra *meetings* would be online! Online meetings would have been so nice for all of the years that I had 7am ward council. LOL.

We opened our Yum box today. This month was The Netherlands. It was okay... but not the best. Too much black licorice. Who knew licorice was such a big deal in The Netherlands? Apparently it is.

We tried:

Sour Cream and Onion Chips: Bland

Caramel Stroopwafle: Bland

Dutch Candy Cars: A cross between a Swedish Fish and red licorice. Not good.

Sour Watermelon Candies: Delicious. They were sour like a Warhead and then gummy inside.

Aged Gouda Crispies: Bland

Soft Licorice and Fruit Gummies: These were gross. Half black licorice and half fruit gummy. 

Sour Violet Candies: Good! We all liked these.

Chocolate Covered Kruidnoten Cookies: Chocolate Covered Spice Cookies... Good!

Dutch Speculaas Cookies: Spice Cookies. Good.

Hazelnut Cream Milk Chocolate Bar: Delicious.

Dutch Black Licorice Bites: Revolting but Tyler loved them.

Cheddar and Raspberry Cheese Crispies: These were delicious!! Best thing in the box!

Day 325: 2-1-21 (Monday)

The kids don't have school today because it is semester break day. I talked to my dad. He's doing okay. Bryn found out that track is going to happen this spring and she is stoked!! Reilly found out that the owner of their apartment is putting it up for sale. Their lease is up in May. They were planning on moving in May anyway but now they have to do showings for prospective buyers.

It's Kirk's week at the lake so we stopped by to check on the place. It was fine. We grabbed take-out Chinese and video chatted with Kam and the family in the parking lot before driving home. Tonight we had a follow up family meeting about *expectations*. Things didn't improve as much as we had hoped this week. We got out our old FHE Family Journal, blew the dust off of it, and started using it again. That way all of our current expectations are listed and we can have some accountability each week. The last time we used it was like 2016. Some of our earliest entries of "family business"  were hilarious. They were from when the older kids were really little and before Bryn was born.

Email from Elder Johnson #18

1-25-21

-20° Who?😂

Me being weird.

Ayeee I'm still alive. Don't stress. Ya boi is survivin and thrivin out here in Minnesota. I wanna shout out my lil sister Bryn for absolutely killing her talk in my home ward on Sunday that I had the absolute privilege of watching out here in Minnesota! You did soooo good Bryn! I'm incredibly proud of the young woman you're becoming! If y'all need a public speaker she would kill it all I'm sayin...

Me and the comp.

As for me, transfers happened almost 3 weeks ago and I'm still here in Blaine! It is such a good time haha! Besides the piercing wind and snow everywhere (which isn't as bad as I thought it would be) I'm still giving the Lord all I got! The blessings I've seen from it have been numerous! He really does know exactly what we are going through! 

This transfer I decided to take the advice from a really good friend of mine that I made out here to focus my studies on the Atonement of Jesus Christ. The impact it has had on me and the growth I've seen in my personal conversion has been truly remarkable. There are some quotes I would like to share from a talk I read that really made a lasting impression on me:

“We don’t need to get a complex or get a feeling that you have to be perfect to be saved. … The way it operates is this: you get on the path that’s named the ‘straight and narrow.’ You do it by entering the gate of repentance and baptism. The straight and narrow path leads from the gate of repentance and baptism, a very great distance, to a reward that’s called eternal life. … Now is the time and the day of your salvation, so if you’re working zealously in this life—though you haven’t fully overcome the world and you haven’t done all you hoped you might do—you’re still going to be saved.”

It just really helped me realize that this worry that I would constantly have that I've gone too far to make it back and that this end goal of living with my Heavenly Father again was out of reach because of the mistakes I've made. But because of the Atonement that isn't the case. His sacrifice and His grace covers everything. All I need to do is stay the best I can on the straight and narrow path. To live my life the way He has asked us to live and to give my all to Him. 

In 1 Corinthians 2:9 it reads, "...Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, nor entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared for them that love him." I have truly loved this scripture since I heard it which led me to memorize it so I can always be able to recite it. God wants to give us the kingdom. All He asks is for us to love Him and keep His commandments.

So my friends and family love Him with all your heart. Do all He has asked of you and through His grace and our commitment to keeping His commandments, repenting daily, and giving thanks back to Him in all things, we will receive all that He has prepared for us. 

I love and miss you all! I hope things are going well for each of you and if they aren't reach out to me and I will do what I can to help:) Keep killin it, don't get the rona, and know that there really is a God above that loves you, and I love you too.

-Love y'all

Elder Johnson (Boom clap)

 Some of the District💯

The District Gang👾

Pday Shenanigans😤

The Zoo Squad👀

This is Hermana Opheikens🔥, if you haven't met her yet you should cause she's fetchin hype.

COVID-19 Quarantine: Days 316-320

Day 316: 1-23-21 (Saturday)

We had a bunch of errands to run today...Costco/grocery store...the typical Saturday. Tyler, the girls, and I also ran into TJ Maxx and Target looking for Valentine's Day items and a birthday present. We are letting Bryn go to an "outside" birthday party for her good friend Micah. They will be ice skating downtown and having a bonfire in Micah's backyard with everyone wearing masks.

Tyler, Ailey, and I dropped Bryn off downtown at the ice ribbon and then walked over to River Park Square... the downtown mall. We haven't been in there in almost a year. It is hard to believe. So many stores and restaurants have closed and are out of business. It is incredibly sad. We were all looking for workout clothes so we shopped around at Athleta and Nike and wandered through Nordstrom. Today I found a couple of things and a bunch of stuff for Tyler. He got two new pairs of shoes and some joggers. Unfortunately, nothing for Ailey. It's hard to know what exactly she will need for dance team if/when it ever starts up again.

We grabbed dinner to go from Miso and Ailey got ice cream from Ben and Jerry's. On our way back to the car we watched Brynnie ice skate for a few minutes before heading home. She was having a blast!

Tyler and I watched a couple of episodes of the Joanna Gaines cooking show. I love it! In sad news...

My dad's son-in-law passed away today. That is three members of Gayle's family...including Gayle who have passed away in less than 6 months. Heartbreaking. This son-in-law had been battling pancreatic cancer.

Day 317: 1-24-21 (Sunday)

Today was an extraordinary Sunday!! Our whole family was at church *together*! That is my love language! A full bench at church! Today we were a full *virtual* bench and it was wonderful!! Bryn was asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting. This was her first official talk. Her topic was The Importance of Agency in the Plan of Salvation. 

Ailey and I were in the chapel in person and Tyler, Reilly, Hunter, and KAMERON were all watching the livestream and cheering her on. One of the things that I love most about our kids it that they SHOW UP for one another and they CHEER each other on! They come to concerts, recitals, sporting events, church functions... you name it... they come out in force. Since our ward livestreams over Facebook even Kam was able to watch live and sent her the sweetest message. Bryn had no idea that Kameron was watching her but she knew that Tyler and Reilly were so when she was done speaking she gave the camera a huge grin! 

Picture taken by Kam from the live stream.

One of the legacies that Tyler and I want to leave with our four kids is that they always love and support one another and continue to be each other's biggest cheerleaders. This is something that Tyler and I have felt a lack of in our own sibling relationships. Quite a bit of Bryn's talk was about Kameron and he had no idea. Tyler sent me screen shots of the sweetest messages going back and forth between Reilly and Kameron after Bryn finished speaking. They were full love and pride. Cue my happy tears! We have some freaking awesome kids!!

Bryn's First Sacrament Talk:

The Importance of Agency in the Plan of Salvation

 

My name is Bryn Johnson. I was asked to speak on the Importance of Agency in the Plan of Salvation.

In 2 Nephi 2:27 it says:

"Wherefore, men are free according to the flesh; and all things are given them which are expedient unto man. And they are free to choose liberty and eternal life, through the great Mediator of all men, or to choose captivity and death, according to the captivity and power of the devil; for he seeketh that all men might be miserable like unto himself.”

Agency is a huge part of the Plan of Salvation. It is the freedom to make our own decisions and to act for ourselves. Part of our life on Earth is to show Heavenly Father what choices we will make. We are responsible for our own choices and actions and their consequences… both good and bad. If we were forced to choose the right Heavenly Father would never know what choices we would have made on our own. We are also happier when we make our own choices. Agency is a great gift from Heavenly Father.

My brother Kameron has been a good example to me of using his agency to make good choices and decisions. He made the decision to serve a mission. This wasn’t an easy decision to make even though he always said that he wanted to be a missionary because he wanted to go to college with his friends. He had a great girlfriend. He had a good job. He also found out when he went to get his missionary physical that he had a heart condition that he didn’t know about. He had to have a heart procedure and then be watched by his doctor for several months. This made him have to wait almost a year longer to submit his mission papers. It was hard for him. He could have decided not to go. Instead he made the decision that he still wanted to go on a mission and he worked two jobs and saved a lot of money.

One week after he got his mission call to Minneapolis, MN COVID-19 hit and we had to go into quarantine. He found out that his date to leave for his mission was five months after he got his call. He was disappointed to have to wait even longer. Then he found out that he couldn’t go to the MTC he had to train at home. He didn’t think that sounded very fun and was sad not to get to go to the Provo MTC. But he still made the decision to serve a mission and he ended up liking online MTC and it was really cool for our family to have our house be the MTC.

Then before he left for Minneapolis there was violence and riots there and it was kind of scary but he still made the decision to go. When he got to Minneapolis he found out that his mission wasn’t going to be like what he thought. He doesn’t get to go door to door to talk to people about the gospel. He doesn’t get to ride a bike everywhere. He doesn’t get to go into people’s houses. He sometimes doesn’t get to go to church. Sometimes he can’t even see other missionaries except for his companion because they are always in strict quarantine. Almost everything he does for his mission has been online.

He has been on his mission and serving the Lord and the people in Minnesota now for over 6 months. My brother has set a good example for me about making good decisions even when it’s hard because he chooses every day to stay on his mission and teach people the gospel. Every day he wakes up and chooses to serve the Lord as a missionary and he is experiencing positive consequences. He has loved his companions and the other missionaries. He loves the people of Minnesota. He loves the ward members. He loves the Savior and is learning so much about the gospel and the scriptures. He says he doesn’t even mind the cold weather which is huge because Kameron HATES the cold!

We talk to him every Monday night and he tells us what he is learning and experiencing. Kameron is a good example to me and shows me how important our agency is… when we make good decisions we are HAPPY even when life is hard! This has helped me to CHOOSE to be happy during COVID. It has been hard. Our family has had to be in very strict quarantine. I miss my friends, my school, and all of my activities and sports. I have had to CHOOSE to have a positive mind set, to be kinder to my family, and to have a cheerful heart. The consequences of my choices has been that I have had a lot of fun with my family and we have grown closer. I appreciate going to church more than I ever have. I can’t wait to go back to school and I won’t complain about it. I have prayed a lot and have grown closer to Heavenly Father than I have been before.

President Nelson said:

 “Your commitment to follow the Savior by making covenants with Him and then keeping those covenants will open the door to every spiritual blessing and privilege available to men, women, and children everywhere.”

I bear my testimony… Heavenly Father and Jesus loves us and that agency is a great gift that we have been given. They will help us to make good choices throughout our lives. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Day 318: 1-25-21 (Monday)

Today is a snowy and cold day. I talked to my dad. He said the closing prayer in Sacrament yesterday. His first public prayer in 44 years. He was so happy to do so. I love how much joy and happiness he is finding in letting God prevail in his life once again.

The best part of our day was that Reilly came over and we got to HUG her for the first time since Thanksgiving!! We all wore masks just to be safe but we hugged her! It felt great. Tyler helped her change the headlights on her car. We also video chatted with Kam and he is doing great! He also finally sent out an email. Good grief. It's been about 6 weeks.

Remember when I asked if anyone else's kids (like Ailey and Bryn) were wearing blue blocker glasses all the time just for kicks? Well... we have another one. He thinks he looks so cool in them and wears them so much now that he says that he "can't even remember what his face looked like before." We have weird kids. 

After that we had to have a family meeting and kick some butts about the girls not doing a good job with their chores, homework, and staying organized. The joys of parenting. After the butt kicking... we had an impromptu late night with the girls watching hilarious Jimmy Kimmel clips of "Texts from Moms" which then inspired the girls to read some of my texts. *Someone* has a flair for the dramatic in her texts. LOL. Then they read some of Tyler's. Equally hilarious. We were dying laughing! We made a batch of baked fudge and didn't go to bed until late...on a school night... and after we had just had a family meeting about "Expectations Around Here!" Oh well. 

Day 319: 1-26-21 (Tuesday)

Today we got more snow. Bryn had piano lessons. Online school and being home more has amplified Bryn's piano practicing and playing. She has really improved and is now playing more exciting songs which she enjoys. It is so fun to hear her play! It reminds me of when Reilly lived at home.

Tyler and I did a beautiful snowy walk this afternoon. I also did some buying for Sister Creed and found some fantastic items. Ailey did another rush hour drive with her Drivers Ed instructor. He says she is doing great! Good to know. So far Tyler is the only one who dares allow her to drive him around.

Tonight was book club. We are still meeting on Zoom rather than in person. It was such a fun night! I was the moderator which I love! We read The Mother-In-Law by Sally Hepworth and had such a great discussion. One of our best! It was fun to gather with friends and talk about books even via Zoom.

Day 320: 1-27-21 (Wednesday)

Today we woke up to a blizzard. We had another very snowy walk. It was actually quite pretty. My dad called to say that his bishop had gotten him an appointment for his COVID vaccination. Wow! That was so nice of him. My dad was having great difficulty trying to make an appointment. The online site was always down or glitching. His bishop just called him out of the blue with the appointment. Now... we need one for Tyler.

Tonight the girls had a YW meeting with the parents about goal setting and the new youth program. The girls and I snuggled up on our bed and watched. I kind of hope we never have to go back to all in-person meetings. LOL. After that we grabbed Tyler and watched another episode of Magnolia Kitchen. We love it.

And another picture of the cutest dog in the world:

Bev in a blanket... all the heart eyes!