Saturday, January 16, 2010

Beatitudes

I have prepared a talk on the Beatitudes for Ward Conferences this year and have written a poem to summarize the talk. It is as follows:

Come Unto Christ

Being poor in spirit is much like a child
Allow the Father to mild and to guide
Pruning our weakness-allow us growth
Patience and love are the results of most.

Mourning with family and with friends
When tragedy strikes and feels no end
Our hands are the Saviors as we assist
Bringing comfort through the tears that mist.

Meekness is obedience to the laws of God
Helping us hold on firmly to the iron rod
Being gentle, patient, forgiving and sweet
Often will bring answers while we sleep.

Righteousness involves work, sacrifice and pain
But reflect on all the blessings we can gain
Through temples, scriptures, study and prayer
Our hunger for the spiritual is answered with care.

Mercy brings mercy to those who are kind
Judgment tempered with sacrifice is not blind
Forgiveness, the condition of a generous heart
Know that a loving God to us grace imparts.

Purity in all the areas of our life
Always will bring peace instead of strife
Virtue garnishing our thoughts most oft
Will allow us eventually to see our God.

Peacemakers, oh what a balm they bring
They're seeking and making peace to ring
With friend, church and family near
They are a blessing to all we hold dear.

But those who sacrifice for righteous sake
have brought us the gospel for us to take
For they are tried and true to the very end
A witness of Christ is the message they send.

Patricia A. Weston - January 2010

Monday, January 4, 2010

Welcome 2010

It is a new year and we have a lot to be thankful for. We enjoyed having four of our eight children here during the holidays and enjoyed every minute. We also talked to our other children - Todd, Amy, Russell & Michael who were in other areas for the holiday season. We missed them, but feel grateful for the wonderful children and their families.
Be began the new year with some changes; Malcolm is new Exec. Secy. for the Gridley Stake and will do an awesome job as he is so good with details and loves people. I am still serving as the Stake Relief Society President and will be speaking at ward conferences during January and February. We are planning a Stake Relief Society Activity in March with four great classes and perhaps a speaker with a nice lunch.

New couple picture

This is our new picture for 2010. We had copies made for our family for Christmas. It has been years since we had a picture done at a studio - it is now 46 years together!