Blessing Day

Most religions bless their babies, including ours. We chose to bless three-and-a-half-weeks-old Jack Friday night when our families were still in town. His blessing was very neat and we'd like to extend a thank you to everyone who came. 

I think Grandma Roberts (Tyler's grandma) definitely called dibs on the baby or something because even when I'd pass him off to someone else, I'd turn my head and Grandma Roberts had him again! I guess the first great-grandson is a big deal...

Tyler's family:

Grandma & Grandpa Roberts, Tyler (with Jack), Todd Jones (Dad), Grandma & Grandpa Jones

Alie's Family (minus my brother and his family who weren't able to make it):

L-R top: Mackenzie, Brian, Tammy (Mom), Ben, Dale (Dad), Grandma Ginos, Alie (with Jack), Tyler, Rich, Courtney

Bottom: Sadie, Morgan, Madelyn, Afton

 Alie's Family:

Dale (Dad), Tammy (Mom), Alie (with Jack), Tyler

Tyler's Family:

Aunt Stephanie, Amy, Jonathan, Tyler, Alie (with Jack), Roy, Daniel 

Alie's Family (My parents with the grandchildren, minus a few):

L-R top: Benjamin, Dale (Dad), Afton, Tammy (Mom)

Bottom: Morgan, Sadie, Jack, Madelyn

Tyler's Family:

L-R: Grandpa & Grandma Jones, Kendall, Alie, Tyler (with Jack), Todd, Suzy, Olivia, Ben, Irwin, Aunt Kelly

Religion

Though it's been all over the news and media, I haven't really felt the urge to talk much about my personal feelings about President Packer's talk at our church's annual General Conference. I thought instead I might share with you another blog that uplifted and made me grateful for the blessings I have in my life.

This man (anonymous to the world) isn't afraid to share his story. He has an entire blog dedicated to it, with thousands of readers. He is a worthy, temple-attending member of the church who has same-sex attraction. He's had it since he was twelve (read his bio), and because of it has struggled in the church ever since. I have so much respect for him. It can't be easy living a Mormon life with a secret like that. I'm sure he's afraid people will judge him—especially members of our church. (That makes me a little upset.)

But because of his struggles, he has been made a better person. He is positive and uplifting. I am grateful he is taking the time each day to share with the world his inner feelings and how he deals with what he is going through. Just because he struggles with this doesn't make him a bad person. Hopefully because of this, more people will be respectful of those with same-gender attraction. Our church may not believe it is right to act upon those feelings, but we still need to be respectful to those with other lifestyles and beliefs. After all, they are God's children, just like us.

Have a question about our church? We encourage you to visit the new mormon.org website. It's fantastic and will answer ANY questions you have about our beliefs and our values.

Good Things to Come

I love this uplifting video put out by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that reminds us that though times can be hard now, it will be all right in the end. This makes me excited to watch General Conference on tv this weekend.

"...Don't you quit. You keep walking. You keep trying. There is help and happiness ahead."

"Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don't come until heaven. But for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come. It will be all right in the end. Trust God and believe in good things to come."