Just Thinking - September 11, 2011

Today I've had a lot on my mind and thought I would share a few of the things I've been thinking about (which means, no pictures and just a lot of rambling):

September 11th.  10 years ago today I was a junior at the new BYU-Idaho.  Greg and I had just BARELY begun dating and I was getting ready for my first class of the morning when I heard about the first plane crash.  It was a very sobering day.  This morning as I was getting ready for church, I turned the t.v. on and listened to the names being read of those that lost their lives that day.  Slowly, one by one, my children began trickling into my room and I was amazed to see the two older ones sit on my bed and listen to those names. They would point out to me every time the name being read belonged to a fire fighter. We had a brief discussion about what happened 10 years ago.  I hope my kids will always appreciate why September 11th is an important date in our history.

A special message.  I've been looking forward to today all week because I knew I would be getting a little break from Primary (don't get me wrong, I LOVE primary, but attending Relief Society once every year or so is definitely a treat for us Primary ladies).  The special occasion was a visit from our Stake Relief Society President with a message from our Stake President.  They wanted all the women in attendance.  She spoke to us about Reverence and how we are supposed to revere important people in our lives.  The two main topics addressed were the importance of revering our husbands in the way that we treat them alone and in public, and revering ourselves through the way that we dress (modesty).  It's actually very sad that modesty has to be addressed amongst the WOMEN (not young women) of our stake.  But the tactful and loving way in which she presented her message was perfect.  It definitely gave me two things to think and ponder on and I appreciate a Stake President to loves us enough to make sure we are receiving these messages.  (It takes a brave man to send a message to a group of women that they may have a problem that needs to be changed! ;)

Good deeds.  The other day I read an article in a small magazine that our state Farm Bureau publishes.  It was about a man in our state that is being charged for killing a grizzly bear near his home earlier this year.  He has six children and some of them were playing in the yard when the bear was shot.  He immediately reported it to the Fish and Game department.  He simply was protecting his family.  He faces a potential fine of $50,000 and up to one year in jail.  When I read this, I felt so sad for this family.  I don't know any more about the story than what I read in this article, but I'm sure this family is frustrated, and fearful of what their future might hold.  The article went on to say that on a happier note, this man's daughter recently participated in their county fair where she entered a 4-H pig.  The pig sold for almost $20,000.  It was sold 15 times and then given back to the girl.  WOW!  What an amazing way for that community to show their support to this family.  This story reminded me how grateful I am to live in an area full of so many good people too.  And hopefully I can be considered a loving and charitable friend to my neighbors as well. 

Just a few things to think about.