Today I relate two stories that have taught me (again) about the source of hope and lasting peace. I was raised in a Christian home and have long been a believer, but I have witnessed again the strength (in myself and others) that can be found in trusting God and staying with your faith—especially as you process unexpected and tragic events.

This is the champion intramural flag football team comprised of 2nd year dental students from the University of Washington. My son, Clark and his good friend, Tyson are standing together in the second row, #2 and #3 from the right. Five days after this photo was taken, Tyson was killed along with eight other members of his hunting party in a plane crash near Chamberlain, South Dakota.

He leaves behind two young children and Jessica, his wife who is expecting their third this spring. You may have heard or read about this accident.

There is a memorial fund set up to raise money for four young widows affected by this tragedy: Jessica Dennert, Alexis Naylor, Chelsie Hansen, and Hannah Hansen. You can also read the Hansen Family Legacy page on Facebook.

My son, Trey who is currently serving a mission also lost a good friend to a tragic accident. Pete Louthian passed away on December 2nd after sustaining a life-threatening injury in an automobile accident. Sadly there were unfortunate decisions made at the scene such that law enforcement was not alerted and Pete did not receive the emergency medical care that he desperately needed. Thankfully, his family has chosen not to focus on this discouraging fact, but on the fact that Pete was able to donate 7 life-saving organs through Organ Donation. We have great memories of Pete and Trey together and will miss his positive energy and free spirit—he was always willing to help anyone who needed it and many memories were shared at his Celebration of Life last weekend.

Give Love, by Andy Grammer is a song with a fantastic message. It’s one of those that I crank up in my car and sing at the top of my lungs. I open today’s message with it, because of the influence of mothers, who are sunshine soldiers in so many ways and especially at this time of year. Andy remembers his mother full of love and eager to share it. This Christmas season, more than any other in my lifetime has exposed me to the heartbreak, discouragement, fear and doubt in people close to me and not only through the stories I share today—there is much suffering we can help to alleviate by simply listening and loving.

In this episode, I also play snippets of O Little Town of Bethlehem, on The Ultimate Christmas Collection album and I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day, by Sarah McLachlan from this album.

I share some thoughts that Elder Dale G. Renlund shared in this talk, given at Brigham Young University on December 3rd. His words were exactly what I needed this year and later that same week I watched a broadcast Christmas Devotional which also strengthened me .

My favorite speaker was Patrick Kearon. Go to 1:17:37 to watch his full message.

I’m so grateful for the opportunity to serve and love others. The older I get the more I understand the mystery that turning outward is one of the best ways to grieve and to heal. I love the quote, by Spencer Kimball, “God does notice us, and he watches over us. But it is usually through another person that he meets our needs.” I pray that God will bless you in whatever your experiencing this year and that you can feel the lasting comfort, peace and JOY that come through the gift of his son, Jesus Christ.

Thank YOU for listening and visiting.
🎄 Merry Christmas!