Random Memory

 A random memory from my past has kept crossing my mind this week, so I thought I would share it here on my blog.

This memory goes way back to my ninth grade year at the Jr. High School. Although 55 years has passed, my memory has not faded (much) over the years. I remember being in the gym after gym class was over, but before heading to the locker room, I decided to try to make a half-court shot with the basketball.

Low-and-behold, I made the shot. I remember thinking "if I can make it once, I can make it twice" so I lined up at half-court and did another granny shot and made the basket. Little did I know that the boys basketball coach was watching. He came up to me and said "I bet you can't do it a third time." Not backing down to the challenge, I once again went to the half-court line and took the shot. Amazingly, the ball swished into the net for the third time.

The coach was amazed and he said "see you at basketball practice after school." Of course, I knew he was joking, so I didn't really take him serious.  I was so proud of myself that day and couldn't wipe the smile off my face. 

Reaping the Harvest - or Peaches, Peaches, Peaches

 We have two peach trees and this year we had an abundant harvest from both trees.

Although we thinned out our peaches, this tree was so laden with fruit that Alan had to pick many of them prematurely to prevent some limbs from breaking. 

The peaches have been big and beautiful and delicious.

We have more than we can use, so we have been blessed to give many of them away to family and friends. Everyone mentions how delicious they are. One said it was like eating candy.

We have been able to can 28 jars to use throughout the year. Peaches are my favorite fruit, so I'm sure looking forward to busting open a jar now and then this winter.

We would can more jars, but the rest are not ripe enough yet, plus we won't be around to do so because we leave for California in 3 days to welcome Grandchild #8 into the family. She will be born by c-section on Friday, September 22nd. This will be Cheryl and Parker's third child. Adding grandchildren to our family tree is a very special blessing. This new baby will be the best thing we could harvest this fall - much better than peaches.

Believe In You Like I Do

 I was watching a reality tv show of a cabin make-over competition the other day and one of the male contestants was wearing a bracelet that his mom had given to him. On the bracelet was an inscription that said "Believe in you like I do."

I love that saying. What a great gift from a mother to her son. Being a mother myself, I wonder if my own children believe in themselves like I believe in them. I hope they do. All of my children have proven that they are very capable of reaching great heights. Their potential is unending. 

I imagine my parents believed in me more than I believed in myself. Being a shy, reserved person, I have often lost confidence in myself, especially when it comes to public speaking or being in a social situation where I don't know the others around me that well. I have slowly come out of my shell somewhat over the years, but I can still find it hard to open up and carry on meaningful conversations when I'm among strangers.

Our heavenly parents know our potential. I like to picture them whispering to me before I left my heavenly realm to come to earth saying "believe in you like we do. Don't worry, we will be by your side every step of the way. We know what you are capable of. You can overcome any obstacle that comes your way and you can return to us triumphantly. We believe in you." That thought really brings me comfort. and joy. I know that they are my biggest cheerleaders on the other side of the veil. I also know that I just need to endure to the end and do my best to keep my covenants and keep the commandments and then I will be a candidate for His kingdom. That's my biggest desire in life. Endure, endure, endure and great things will come to pass.