Great times!

So for a date one night we decided to get a bunch of people together to carve pumpkins! It was too much fun! Wilbert was my date and this was his first time carving pumpkins in all of his life, he had a hard time comprehending that it was alright to "play with your food." He was pretty insistent that our pumpkin was the best though, I guess it was because he had just been baptized and wanted to keep on the perfection thing. I drew a moon on our pumpkin and he said it looked like a banana so he made me erase it and start all over... It's all good! It was so much fun!

Jenn, Justin, Emily and Ian Pearson

I know a few of you are now following the story of my friends, Jenn, Justin, Emily and Ian Pearson. They really are amazing people. This post is a call to action for all of us. If we all give a little, it will add up to a lot.

There is an account for Ian at Wells Fargo Bank that I'm personally asking all of you to put some money in. Give as little or as much as you want, I ask simply that you give. You can go into your local Wells Fargo branch and write out a check to Justin Pearson (Ian's dad) and ask them to put it in the Ian Pearson donation account. If you end up needing the account number, let me know. If you're already a Wells Fargo customer, you can even do it online -- what could be easier?

For those of you who know Jenn and Justin, this will be the easiest $10 or $20 or whatever that you ever give away, but for those of you who don't know them, trust me when I tell you they are the salt of the earth. I've been searching for something more tangible than prayers that I can do for our friends, and this is what I've come up with. Please... give.

Wilbert's Baptism

So an Elder from my mission lives here in Pocatello and always used to go out with the Spanish missionaries, well he is now engaged and doesn't have much time to help them out so he gave them my phone number. I have been able to help them teach on a few different occasions and it has been a great experience. About three weeks ago they introduced me to my now great friend, Wilbert. He entered the waters of baptism this past weekend and it was SO GREAT! I have been dreaming of the mission ever since. I have learned so much from Wilbert over the past little while that I have known him. We have grown pretty close. The night before his baptism I was so sick, throwing up and everything. Well he came over to my house and took care of me all night long, putting cold, wet wash clothes on my forehead and just making sure I was alright. How sweet! He truly has a great heart and is a great example of a Latter-Day Saint!

General Confrence

For General Confrence we had a full house! It was so good! For all four sessions we had people come over and watch conference with us! I loved it! One of the talks that touched me the most was by President Julie B. Beck, WOW! I walked away from this confrence with a greater desire to become more like my Savior Jesus Christ. I have a lot to work on!

Tender Mercies!!!

How GREAT is the goodness of our God! I have these two friend who have been great strengths and examples to me since I joined the church back in High School, their names are Jenn and Justin Pearson. They have been experiencing a very difficult trial for the past little while with their little boy who has been having heart complications since his birth back in May. They have remained unshakable in their faith and devotion to our Father in Heaven. Their little boy had his second heart surgery last week and it didn't turn out as well as we all hoped for. For all of the complete details click on the "Jenn" link under my friends. It became necessary for Ian to be placed on the list to receive a heart transplant. This past weekend there was a MULTITUDE of people who joined in fasting and prayer in behalf of Ian and just today Jenn and Justin received information letting them know that they had found a heart for Ian and he would be undergoing the transplant today. Amy, Jenn's sister, just called to let me know and the tears have flown freely ever since. I am so grateful for a loving God who hears and answers prayers. I have been think about all of the tender mercies that our Father in Heaven pours out upon His children daily. I would have to say that some of the sweetest tender mercies that I enjoy would have to be the amazing people who he has placed in my life to be examples of what true Latter-Day Saints should be. I have learned so much from so many of my friends, especially from Jenn during this whole experience. Jenn has said "I don't know what our little boy's miracles will be, but I will accept them, even if it means a miracle for someone else." What faith! What determination! What dedication and discipleship! I have learned from her of the importance to make the will of our Father in Heaven our will rather than bossing our Father in Heaven around the universe until we get what we want. When we completely humble ourselves to accept the will of our Father in Heaven, that is when the MIRACLES happen! I know that a miracle has been wrought in my life through this experience as I have grown closer to my Father in Heaven as I have exercised my faith in prayer and fasting in Ian's behalf. I would invite you to pray for Ian as he undergoes this surgery today! How GREAT IS THE GOODNESS OF OUR GOD!