Happy New Year

The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die...
Ring out the old; ring in the new. Ring, happy bells...
The year is going. Let him go...

Ring in the valiant men and free,
the larger heart, the kindlier hand
Ring out the darkness of the land;
Ring in the Christ that is to be.
Ring out the darkness of the land.
Ring in the Christ that is to be.

--Words by Alfred Tennyson
Hymn: Ring Out, Wild Bells


I've never been fond of that hymn. It never made sense to me. How does one celebrate the new year, when the tune is in a minor key. When usually we are lighting fireworks, and celebrating the freshness of the new year, I never found joy in the somber tones of this hymn. But this year, it makes sense.

I'll honor the past, the year gone by. 2010 will forever be a year that I talk about in somber tones. If I had to pick a music background, a song in a minor key would be rather appropriate. I'll close this year with honor and respect for a time that has included so much soul searching and heart ache, and yet, had so much peace and love.

I'll never forget 2010. But I hope I never have to repeat it either.

The year is going, let it go. Gladly, I'll let it go.

Ring in the larger heart, the kindlier hand. The valiant and free. Ring in the Christ is to be. It is with joy that I look forward to 2011, a year that includes Christ as my pilot and Savior. Who knows where this year will take me, but with the Savior as my guide, I look forward to the future. I am grateful for the freshness of a new year, and for the gospel's message of hope and love.

To those of you who have been a shoulder to cry on, a kind friend, and a support, I will be eternally grateful. I love you all.

Happy New Year.

Tender Mercies

Miracles happen. Every day.

Some people get the miracle they pray for. That is a miracle. And everyone knows that God heard their prayers.

More often, the miracle is imperceptible to anyone except the recipient. "Tender mercies," really and the scriptures say the purpose of these tender mercies is to strengthen our faith. Perhaps strengthening our faith is an even bigger miracle than healing the sick.

So today I recognize the little miracle -- the tender mercy. A love note from heaven, really. My son bore his testimony and said he was grateful to be "here" in church. If he only knew what it took for that to happen.

Thank you, sweet boy, for being sensitive to the spirit, and using the words the angels whispered in your ears. My faith was strengthened by your specific words.

Those words, your words, tell me we're on the right track. And we'll just keep on going. Those words echoed in my head and in my heart, when the house was too quiet and and too empty. They soothed my heavy heart.

Tonight I know that God heard my prayers, and the fervent prayers of a supportive, and faithful family.