5-Years Later...

Phillip was set apart as a Bishop in June of 2008 of the Redwood City First Ward. Noah wasn't even two-months-old. It was scary, overwhelming and difficult to say the least, but as we served our family grew, literally with Isaiah being born, and spiritually as we learned how far we can stretch and how good God is to His children. He never once left us alone. We had struggles, but He was always there to provide a way for us to accomplish what He desired us to do.

I had the privilege of attending the temple session two nights before Phil was released. It was such a beautiful night and I felt such a peace about the change that we were excited for, but which also left us feeling a little lost and sad. 

 The next morning Phil was privileged to spend one last trip with the youth as the Bishop. It is these faces and these experiences that leave us feeling lost and a little sad. To have the opportunity for Phil to be an instrument in the hands of God to help families grow closer together and make and keep covenants that will help them here and in the eternities was such an incredible journey. Difficult, exhausting, frustrating and lonely at times (for me with the kids on my own), but I am now reflecting and recognizing the many, many ways the hand of the Lord was evident throughout those five years. Those years are sacred and amazing. I am thankful that I had the faith to let God's will align with mine as He helped me become a better wife, mom, daughter and disciple. I am amazed when I think of the many things I did on my "own" realizing now that He was there, sending angelic help to accomplish the many things I did while Phil was busy helping others. Phil always put God first and family second which is why it always worked. I could go on forever. I could relate stories, miracles that our family was witness to but I will save those for another post. Suffice it to say that I feel immensely blessed and eternally grateful for those five years.

This is what we looked like the day we went to church and they announced Phil as the new Bishop (above). Below is what we looked like the day he (we) was released of this call. It was an AMAZING day. I felt the spirit so strongly and I will forever treasure these two days and all the days in between as some of the most incredible of my life.

 This Gospel truly does bring happiness and true joy. It is not easy. It requires sacrifice and love of God, but that is true with many things in this life. I am so thankful for all of my blessings. I am most thankful for this Gospel and for my Savior and because of this Gospel I know how precious this family of mine really is and how we can be together eternally.

 This is a cute young man that joined the church while Phil was Bishop. Each time I see him I am reminded that God knows us. He has a path for each of us. This young man was taken in by a family in our ward and one Sunday, before joining the church, he shared his testimony that he has always felt welcomed and loved and wanted here and that he knew that this was the place that he should be.

 Well, after a day like that what does one do? Have a family costume party, of course. :)

 The men.

 The kids.

 Everyone was so happy and we had such a great time. I was so thankful that John and Sharma and the kids came down to be with us. I feel so blessed to have them in our lives.

 These cousins are growing up :( and each and every moment we have to drink in the love we do.

 They sang I am a Child of God in honor of Grandparents day.