"The fight for freedom is God's fight.
So when a man stands for freedom he stands with God.
And as long as he stands for freedom he stands with God.
And were he to stand alone he would still stand with God.
A man will be eternally vindicated and rewarded for his stand for freedom."
--Ezra Taft Benson

Wednesday, September 28, 2016

Tender Mercies


Even though this trial is hard Dave and I have been so blessed to know that we are a forever family and that we will be together someday soon.  We are grateful for the blessings and tender mercies of the Lord.

I want to share with you about one of our biggest blessings, which is our 15 year old son, Brett.  Brett has always been his daddy's little boy.  Ever since he was a litle boy he wanted to go whereever his daddy was going.  He would always walk around the house wearing his daddy's shoes. He shares alot of the same things that his dad enjoys, sports, aviation, riding horses, hunting and camping.  His dad taught him so many things.  He misses his dad tremendously but at the same time he is trying to make his dad proud of him.  He is trying his best to be a great helper while his dad is gone.

I have been so impressed with Brett lately.  He amazes me with his strength and courage everyday.  Every day he talks into his phone and is able to save what he says into a word document.  Then at the end of the week he prints out what he said and mails it to his dad every Monday.  He wants to make sure his dad knows what is going on in his life.  One day I read one of his letters.  I was thinking he would just tell him the basics like I went to school, went to football practice, ate dinner and went to bed.  But I was so impressed with his letter not only did he inform his dad on what he was doing but he shared scriptures with his dad and gave his dad a wonderful sermon about having stregnth and courage to carry on and not give up.

He watches over our little three year old and makes sure he tucks him into bed everynight.  He helps me with all kinds of different jobs and tasks.  There are some days that he might hesitate in wanting to help but he always ends up helping.
 
Another example was last week when our eight year old sons flag football team lost.  Brett was actually the referree for the game.  Brett could tell that his brother was discouraged and having a bad day.  So as we were headed home to have dinner Brett says, "well lets go get ice cream."  I told him, "we can't because we have dinner waiting at home."  Brett said, "Mom when I was Bronco's age dad would always take me to Dairy Queen to get ice cream before we came home to you for dinner."  So I better do what dad would want me to do.  Not only did we all get ice cream but Brett totally paid for all the ice cream with his own money.

Yesterday, as we were driving home from the fundraiser we stopped to get a bite to eat.  Brett helped his little brother with his plate and everyone was busy eating.  I looked over at Brett and he had his arms folded and his head down and was praying before he ate.  This made my heart swell.  What a great example Brett is not only to his brothers and sisters but also too dad and mom.

God has blessed us and has sent us some tender mercies through our son Brett.   There are so many times that Dave and I feel so badly for our children.  We feel that they have been robbed of experiences with their dad and also have to suffer during this trial.  For instance, Dave wasn't here to take Brett on the deer hunt.  He hasn't been able to help him train his horse. He isn't here now to watch Brett play football and cheer him on.    But I can honestly say that our son Brett is following in his dads footsteps of becoming a fine gentelman and that is one way of how God is blessing us during this trial.  I am also amazed at how coruageous all of the children of the Political Prisoners are.  They have such strong faith and they know that their daddy's and grandpa's are good men and God will bring them home soon.



 
 
 
 
 
 

10 comments:

  1. what a beautiful post!! your son is a great example not just to your family, but others as well. thank you for sharing!! i might have to read this for family night. very VERY inspirational. love your example. i can't compliment you enough. :) thank you. :)

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    1. Thank you for commenting. I want you to know that I feel that you are very inspirational to me. I have watched you and your husband and your children take in these sweet children and love them as they are yours. Your family is an inspiration with the biggest hearts. So I am so grateful to get a compliment from you. Because you are simply amazing.

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  2. PRAISE HOD FOR THE AMAZING FAMILY YA'LL HAVE. I WISH MY FAMILY WAS AS STRONG & FAITHFUL & LOVING AS YOUR FAMILY. I SEE WHY YOU ARE A STRONG FAMILY. YA'LL APPRECIATE ALL GODS BLESSINGS. THE GIFTS YOU HAVE RECIEVED ARE MAKING THE BOND GROW EVEN STRONGER. THIS MAY BE A TEST...IM SURE YOU WILL ALL PASS WITH FLYING COLORS. MY THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU & YOUR FAMILY DAILY. IM SOOO PROUD OF YOUR SON BRETT. YOUR BLESSINGS GROW MORE EVERY DAY. GOD BE WITH YOU & GOD BRINGS MIRACLES IN TIME OF NEED & IN FAITH. I FEEL YOUR PRAYERS WILL BE ANSWERED... IN GODS TIME..NOT IN OURS.

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    1. Thank you for your wonderful comments. I also believe that our prayers will be answered but we must be patient and trust in the Lord. I am grateful for our family. We are blessed.

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  3. I am sure that you have a lot to do with the way Brett is taking things. He sees how brave you are and how much you love his Dad. Put that together with what he remembers of his Dad and the result is for sure. Love you MaryLynn.

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    1. Mary you are so nice. We have been blessed with wonderful children. I try to be a good example and I am grateful that he is able to learn so much from his father because he is amazing. Thank you for your support.

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  4. Thanks for sharing such special times. I think it shows what a good job you both have done in raising a compassionate and strong son. Steve and I are praying and trusting the Lord to use Davey and the other political prisoners in His plan. We love ya.

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    1. Thank you for your prayers and support. I also know that we must trust in the Lord and in due time the truth will prevail. Love you too.

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  5. What an inspiring young man! A lesson my Dad taught me was..if you ever think you're having a really bad day ...go to the hospital, There you will find many many men,women,children that are having a worse day than you. And when you see a firetruck or ambulance go by you...well..those people are probably having a worse day than you also. Cowboy Up!

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    1. I agree. There is always someone else that is struggling more. Everyone has trials. I know we have to learn how to endure them.

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