Elevation: 11,929 Feet

 During our first ascent of the North Peak of Mt. Nebo almost exactly one year ago, we were already talking about "next year." This time around, we were a little older, a little wiser, and we gained a hiker.  Karson, who was living in Germany last year, joined us for this climb.

 We made better time this year, but we stopped on this same log for our morning banana break.

 The sky has been somewhat hazy as a result of all the wildfires in the west these last few weeks, but the beautiful rainstorms early in the week cleared out the atmosphere and our view from the first lookout was magnificent.

 After we crossed Wolf Pass it was time to tackle some major elevation.  Bring it on.

 For some reason, I expected it to be easier this time around.  It was not easier.  But it was every bit as awesome.  The summit was breathtaking - and not just because we were out of breath.  We took off our shoes, sat on the not-so-comfortable rocks, warmed up in the sun and ate lunch.  Up above the treeline, we saw hawks, mountain goats, and thousands (literally) of ladybugs.  We felt like we were on top of the world. 

 At 11,929 feet, the North Peak of Mt. Nebo is the highest in the entire Wasatch Range.  We could see all the way past the Point of the Mountain in Northern Utah County.  The sense of accomplishment coupled with the splendor of God's creations made standing on the peak and surveying our surroundings an experience to remember.

As with last year, our party boasted the youngest hikers on the trail by far.  Several other hikers commented on how impressed they were, or how crazy they thought we were.  Regardless of what anyone else thought, at the end of the day when we looked back and saw how far we had come, our hearts were filled with satisfaction and gratitude.  We live in such a phenomenally beautiful place.  Our bodies are healthy and strong and allow us to do so many things that we love.  We get to enjoy and accomplish things like this together.  There is so very much to be thankful for. 

Soccer Stars

 My knowledge of soccer is about the same as my knowledge of quantum physics - pretty much nothing.  So when the recreation director asked if I would be the assistant coach for Isaac's soccer team for the second year in a row, I felt bad for the poor kid.  Since soccer skills are not going to be genetically bestowed on him, any chance of success is going to be somewhat dependent on a capable coach. 

 Regardless of coaching, Isaac was not incredibly enthusiastic about soccer.  This shot was taken mid-game, and unfortunately was not all that abnormal.

 The good news is, we had a good time, and at his age I think that's what it should still be about.

 While Levi was playing, the concession stand was usually more interesting than the game for these brothers.

 Levi takes sports a little more seriously than Isaac, and all of the rest of us for that matter, so it was great news when his team won the championship for his league.

 Levi likes to work hard and play hard.  He likes it when his teammates do the same.

 We were thrilled to have our friends the Reyes' as his coaches. 

One day when I dropped him off at practice, I told Levi to "work hard."  His coach said, "You can't tell him to work any harder than he already does."  We were happy that hard work paid off at the end of the season for this soccer star.

FHE

 Each Monday night, a different member of our family is in charge of Family Home Evening.  We just rotate through, so every six weeks, everyone has a turn.  The person in charge chooses the topic, activity, dessert, the works.  The running joke is that every time it's dad's turn, he teaches "The Value of Hard Work." Last time it was dad's turn, though, he took us on a family horseback ride.

 We love riding together.  It's something we can do that we all enjoy.

 Titus rode behind me, and we were only in the saddle for about an hour when he started saying, "Let's go back to the trailer, mom."

 A few days before our FHE ride, we saddled up with Titus behind Isaac, which worked out great too.

One night for FHE, the home Grandma Mary lives in invited all the families over for games and dessert.  We were so glad we got to go visit.  We are glad they take such good care of Grandma there.

We're far from perfect, but we do make an effort at having Family Home Evening.  Titus usually leads the music, and last week, right when Daisy was bearing a sincere testimony about the Sabbath Day, he was screaming and throwing a fit about playing with his toys and got sent to his room.  Far from perfect.  Daisy even said, "This is awkward" as part of her testimony since he was so disruptive.  The good news is, we love being together, and so we'll keep trying. 

Some Things I Know: Obergefell V Hodges

I've learned that it is no accident that each of us face incredibly difficult challenges in life.  These challenges oftentimes help us to learn necessary life lessons that shape our character and determine who we really are.  Some of my personal challenges have come and gone, one-time events that I can reflect on.  Other challenges I face seem to be infinite, though I have hope that they are not, things that I am constantly struggling with or trying to overcome.  Understanding that every single person struggles with challenges of one form or another has motivated me to be less critical of anyone for whatever challenge he or she is dealing with.  I realize that many who deal with same gender attraction would not choose to have the feelings they do. Realizing that challenges in life take on all different time frames, names, shapes, and types has helped me love all people regardless of their challenges.  I hope that others love me in spite of mine.

When I heard the announcement of today's Supreme Court ruling, which has been predicted and anticipated, my stomach felt cramped and sick.  I cried.  And then I prayed.  And then, like I do when I am trying to sort out complex emotions, I decided to write.

I don't understand all of the implications of today's decision.  But there are a few things I know, things that I am completely certain of.

I know that today is a historic day.  This will be a decision that will be read and discussed and referred to over and over again in classrooms and courthouses and conversations everywhere.

I know that "no one is predestined to receive less than all that the Father has for His children" (D. Todd Christofferson, Ensign May 2015, 52).  I know that God truly loves all of His children, regardless of their religion, mistakes, status, or sexual orientation.  As one of His children, I have felt of His love.  Some of the most profound and humbling times in my life have been when I have felt of His real and changing love for me in the face of my enormous imperfections.

I know "that in the last days perilous times shall come.  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection..." (2 Tim 3:1-3) and that God knew we would be "tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine" (Ephesians 4:14).  I know this is why He has given us living prophets and apostles to guide us through the "shafts in the whirlwind" (Helaman 5:12). It amazes me that even the court admits that it's decision was based, at least in part, on rapidly changing public opinion.  "Well into the 20th century, many States condemned same-sex intimacy as immoral, and homosexuality was treated as an illness. Later in the century, cultural and political developments allowed same-sex couples to lead more open and public lives. Extensive public and private dialogue followed, along with shifts in public attitudes. Questions about the legal treatment of gays and lesbians soon reached the courts, where they could be discussed in the formal discourse of the law." (NPR.org).  I am troubled that the highest court in the nation is basing our constitutional rights on rapidly changing public opinion.

I know that "man's laws cannot make moral what God has declared immoral" (Dallin H. Oaks, Ensign November 2013).  How incredibly thankful I am, especially in times like these, for living prophets and apostles to guide us.  Their words of truth bring me comfort and courage.

I know "that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God" (The Family: A Proclamation to The World).  I have been memorizing The Family: A Proclamation to The World this summer.  As I have read and recited and practiced saying those words, their truth has been confirmed in my heart over and over again.

I know that marriage is sacred.  I know that today's events are merely a fulfillment of prophecy.  I know that as I follow the prophet, I need not fear.  I know that God loves all of His children, and that with His help, I too can love His children, even those with whom I disagree.  I know that His perfect plan provides a way for all to return to Him through His Son Jesus Christ.  How thankful I am for these things that I know.