Today was Katie's funeral. It was beautiful. Full of hope and memories, faith and renewal. I came home thinking about how fast my emotional well is drained these days, and how the funeral of my dear cousin filled it to overflowing. Funerals are places where heaven congregates with earth.
Though there was one moment, a small fraction of time, where I did look around at the attentive audience and thought to myself What are we doing on this earth? Here we all are just trying to make sense of this experience. Some of us are hoping for ideals, feeling faith in the afterlife. Some of us have no sense of our position and wonder if it is really sandwiched between a pre and post earth life. And about how much of our daily activity really gets us closer to where we want to be? Does Heaven laugh at our ignorance?
But then I remembered the concept of prophets. Many religions believe in the calling of prophets by God in ancient times. We Latter Day Saints believe God still calls prophets today. The very purpose of a prophet is to tell people God's will. In return, it is entirely up to the people to accept this message or not. The message usually shared is the answer to my initial question, What are we doing on this earth?
According to the prophets--both who have lived in ancient times and our prophet today-- the answer is love. To learn how to love, to accept love and feel love. Somewhere in all that experience of charity there is clarity. Our path is made even brighter. We know what to do and how to do it. I know this and yet, I have so much to learn. Everyday I see a little more of the importance of this life . . . this mortal-wrinkly-smelly-painful earth life.
And I am happy knowing that Steph will have a second chance at it.
If you would like to join us Latter-day Saint women around the world in a little inspiration and filling-of-our-wells we'd love to invite you to our General Relief Society Meeting this Saturday evening. It is always uplifting and encouraging. My sisters and I usually go together with our mom. Read more about it here.
September 25, 2008
Fetching My Pail of Water
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106 comments:
I always love reading your posts--you have such a gift with words.
What you wrote today reminds me of a Jack Johnson song I just posted about where he writes:
""Love is the answer at least to most of the questions in my heart. Like why are we here and where do we go and how come its so hard."
I'm rooting you for and your family!
How I look forward to this Saturday where we will all sit at the feet of our beloved leaders and have our cups "filled". As women, we thirst after this--we need this. How blessed are we that each day, we come and sit at your family's feet and we are able to receive daily doses of inspiration as we watch your family teach us how not to just deal with adversity, but how to overcome it. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Interesting that since Stephanie's body has been in a state of rest while she is recovering, I feel that I have been awakened from a deep slumber. I feel revitalized. I feel so incredibly alive--it's joyous. I love being home with my children, folding laundry, making yummy bread for them when they come home school. I love to do it because I can, because I am blessed in this moment to be alive, to be healthy, and because I choose from now on to SAVOR every single second I will be given on this earth. Life is simply too short to waste it on anything else. I don't have a sister, but if I did, I would want her to be exactly like you.
I saw two elderly ladies hug today and I don't know why but the tears just started to flow. I was sitting and reflecting about all those life ???'s and when I saw them embrace, the answer came to me. And you said it here so beautifully... "To learn how to love, to accept love and feel love. Somewhere in all that experience of charity there is clarity" I have a testimony of this. I saw and felt it tonight!
Thank you for continuing to share with us the love you have for your family & friends and bloggers!
I can't wait for Saturday. Fill! Fill! Fill!
Misty Kiley
Another wonderful post! Thank you! I especially love the picture accompanying it. I too look forward to Saturday's meeting. My mom and I will be attending a dinner before and dessert after. It should be a fun, enlightening evening! I hope you enjoy yours as well.
xoxoxoxo
Another amazing post. Your plate is certainly full but somehow you manage to keep on blessing the lives of countless others. Thank you for being such a great example.
Charity is certainly the pure love of Christ. And, it is that clarity from which charity gives us that lifts our souls, softens our hearts, and give us strength to count our blessings throughout our deepest trials. "Do not be discouraged, God is over all."
C Jane- Your love and service is being felt around the world. You are leading and motivating myself and others to be a little kinder and pray a little more. Thank you. I cannot comprehend your daily service and worries. But, I pray for you, C&S, and the children. May the tender mercies of the Lord soon overwhelm your soul with joy. All of you deserve that. I am praying and praying and praying...
I feel hope...peace.
I can't help but think how much this experience your family is having to endure is for the good of so many. Thank you for all you write.
This morning I lie awake thinking of the dear one we are expecting. Today is the much awaited day to know what the sex of our baby will be. And to make sure he/she is healthy and strong. My thoughts keep turning to Nie as I think of my baby. And I can't help but think of her every time I hug or tickle my daughter or she helps me in the kitchen. I am cherishing those moments more now as I think of how much Nie is missing with her precious ones.
Thank you for sharing your talent of writing and inspiring. You do an amazing job of it amongst everything else you're doing.
Much love and prayers for your family.
You face so many challenges with such grace and perspective. Thanks for your inspiring words, yet again.
I have been reading your post for some time now. I had many sleepless nights immediately after hearing about the battle ahead for your family.I felt as if I knew Nie Nie personally. She has such a gift for writing and so do you. However, I think the blogging world was so emotionally involved with Nie Nie because she had such a kind, loving heart. She used her blog to demonstrate the pure love of Christ. I believe she was teaching us all how to love. What an amazing family you have. My heart ached for your family once again as I read about your sweet cousin's battle. I know how thin the line is that an addict walks. I know what a battle it is for some of Heavenly Father's children to carry the cross of addiction in this life. I have watched my sweet son battle addiction for 10 years now and know how quickly our lives can change by one phone call. I have been a quite observer for quite some time but when I read your invitation today to attend Relief Society General Conference I just had to write and say, "it is amazing that in the midst of your families trials you can think of reaching your arms out to the women of the world to share this wonderful invitation to come and feast with the women of the church. You are so incredible and selfless. Stephanie is so lucky to have you for a sister as are we the Sisters in the blogging world and the sisters in Relief Society. Your family has been such an example to the world of Christlike love. You must have amazing earthly parents. Tell your mom, one fan said, "way to go mom, and hang in there." Love, Melinda
Thank you so much for posting this. Absolutely amazing.
I love the title of this post. We all need something at this time on this earth (love how you described it).
I'm sure the funeral touched many people and has given them time to re-evaluate their lives.
Thank you for taking the time to let us know about Stephanie and Christian. It is wonderful for us but never feel obligated to do so especially when you are feeling drained.
I so enjoy reading your posts. Lately I have been coming to your blog for my daily dose of perspective. Thank you.
I will be watching by satellite saturday (from Kentucky) and anyone else who follows this blog that wants to attend saturday from afar can absolutely do so if you have satellite TV. Look for the BYU channel.
You're an amazing human being Courtney. I will continue to pray for you and your family.
When I joined the church almost 10 years ago, I knew it was true because I was finally given the answers to my biggest questions. Where did I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going? This mortal life is hard and often when I am on my knees my Father reminds me of these very true and very powerful gifts. When I look in the eyes of my children I know exactly what I am doing here. It takes work to keep the focus where it needs to be and not allow the world to overtake us.
I am praying for your family. You have helped me to slow down even further and appreciate this life here and now. I snuggle my kids closer and let the dishes wait. Every night when I tuck my little boy into bed he asks me what kind of stuff I have to do. I usually answer with a laundry list of chores, lately I crawl into his bed and say that all I need to do is cuddle him to sleep.
I look forward to this weekend and the recharge to my battery. It is truly a gift this life, it is an even bigger gift that while we are living it we have so many answers and clarity available to us.
Love and prayers from Florida
this was a beautiful, testimony-filled entry and I loved it!!! Keep sharing your beliefs and knowledge with this world that so craves comfort. Keep it up and be ready to fill your emotional pitcher to overflowing on Saturday night... hang in there sweetie... "this too shall be for your experience"
Every day I visit your site hoping to read positive news about your sister and her husband. I am across the country from you and lead a completely different lifestyle, but your family inspires me everyday with your openness and love. I know it is so hard to see someone you care about in such a state, but your strength is evident in your every word. Your sister and her husband and children are so lucky to have such a wonderful family. I think of you often and send you my best wishes and hopes for recovery.
We are so blessed to know that we will see our loved ones again. I'm glad that you were able to feel that love at your cousin's funeral and have your cup filled. My father died a couple of years ago after years of struggling with illnesses of the mind. I remember that many who came to the funeral expressed to us afterwards how happy the funeral was, and they wondered why. I was so grateful that they felt the spirit there as I did, and I'm glad that you were able to too.
You have a beautiful way with words. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and testimony with people all over the world. Have a wonderful time at the broadcast tonight, sharing that hour with sisters all over the world!
I am constantly amazed by how strong, brave and positive you and your family are. You truly are inspirational. You say that you appreciate reader comments, but it is us the readers who really benefit from reading about a family which such a strong bond and amazing outlook such as yours.
I just thought you would enjoy knowing the influence you and your sister have had on my life. I started reading the blog a few days after the plane crash. Since then, I've learned to enjoy each moment more, and not to complain or fret about glitter being dumped on the kitchen floor, drawers of towels put into a full bathtub of water, crayon markings on the wall. Yes, we correct the little offender, but I'm not crying "poor me, why can't I have a perfect house?" Seeing how much Stephanie enjoys her children makes me a better person. Thanks, Kathy
That second paragraph is exactly what I think about on a daily basis as I'm sure most people do....but ESPECIALLY that last sentence. So true. Love you CJ!
I echo the sentiments that your family has made a huge difference in my little world. I too make the dishes, the phone, the laundry, wait a little longer these days.
As I feel my frustration rise with my 2-year-old as he has yet another meltdown over something I consider silly, I find myself thinking, what would Stephanie do in this situation - take a deep breath, and try again. So, I do. I try to speak kinder, softer, more lovingly - I strive in actions to make sure my children understand they are cherished.
Know that someone in Texas is praying very hard for the return of wonderful parents to their incredible family.
Em
Another beautiful post. "if there is anything virtuous, lovely, or of good report or praiseworthy, we seek after these things.". Thank you once again for all of the above.
Blessings to your family. I'm sorry for the loss of your cousin. I can't imagine having a close family member pass away, and not know where she went and what's happening to her now...
So grateful for the gospel.
Hi Courtney-
I've been meaning to comment for a while. So what happened with me is that I hadn't ever read Stephanie's blog before and one day I found a link to it somewhere that I can't even remember. So I linked to that post and was like, that's cool, I love her! So I went to the current page of the blog and it was the Monday after the accident. Then I started reading all about the situation via your blog. Since I liked Stephanie so much, I went all the way back to her old blog from like three years ago and started reading from the beginning, all the while keeping up with the current heartbreaking situation. It has been a bittersweet situation for me to discover her blog at this time. As I'm reading through past posts I am constantly thinking of all kinds of comments I would make and questions I would ask her, but then I can't since she's not there to get them. It's been hard to get to know her through her blog and to come to care for her all the while knowing about her injuries. On the other hand, you and your family have been a big inspiration as well. I'm really glad you're keeping us posted and just yesterday I was thinking that it is great you are still writing about her kids especially because someday she can go back and read about her kids and not be so sad about missing out on this time in their lives, which I'm sure will be heartbreaking to her to think about once she is back to herself. I keep thinking especially about her two year old and how fast they grow and change at that age and it is making me so sad that she is missing it. Being a mom and sister myself it has been really emotional for me to read about. I think what you guys are doing for her kids is amazing, sisters are the best thing in the world. The fact that you are stepping in as surrogate mothers and treating them as your own is a big inspiration in itself. The other thing I have been thinking is that there are so many people who are being exposed to the the gospel who wouldn't normally be from reading about your family, so Stephanie's missionary work continues. She is an amazing person and I feel lucky that I ever heard of her.
Anyway,thank you for keeping us posted and of course you are all in our prayers.
Elisabeth
A brilliant assessment of our human experience.
You explained the question "Why are we here" and "What is my purpose" so eloquently.
Although I know the answers to these questions, the way your words were versed together allowed me to see it in a different perspective. To love is something I tend to forget as a purpose and reason for mortality.
I am very glad as well that Stephanie and Christian have a second chance....
Enjoy the broadcast. I know I will.
Have you ALWAYS been this strong? Your faith is amazing.
I, too, can't wait for Saturday night.
you rock. i've stalked long enough. i love the way you write about matters that are so close to my heart. i love how much you love others. i love that tough questions make you think but don't (appear to) rock you.
i so appreciate the huge influence that you have had on my life in such a short time, and i am just one of many. it excites me to see the possibilities for inspiration that ONE person has for so many others by sharing her strength.
Thank you for your sweet post! How I look forward to Saturday! To mingle with others, have a nice dinner together and listen to such uplifting talks. It's funny how this only lasts for a few hours...but is amazing what you take home with you in the sense of feeling nourished. I didn't join the church until I was 35. I had a totally different outlook on life, on raising children and my purpose for being here. I can honestly say that I have found true happiness by becoming a member. I have learned to slow down, love everyone for who they are and to tap into my natural talents as Heavenly Father's daughter. Stay strong Courtney, you are in my prayers along with prayers for your sister and brother in law. You are such an important part of their children's life right now. Being stable and feeling loved is so very crucial. Take care of yourself and as exhausted as I am sure that you are....enjoy little chief!
Thank you for that little reminder. I needed it today. It puts everything back into perspective.
Thank you for filling my well a little higher today. Our prayers remain with you and your family. We too experienced a tragedy in our family as a result of choices that led to consequences because of serious addiction...I lost a brother about 3 years ago. The Lord loves us all.
I too look forward to the woman broadcast. It will be refreshing to all the woman around the world.
I read your blog everyday and am always so inspired by your words. Thanks for your example and the reminders of what really is important in this life!
so looking forward to saturday night. i feel so grateful to be a part of this world wide sisterhood ...
love this post.
Your post today reminded me of something I read in the Book of Mormon last night. Quite obviously you have built your foundation upon Jesus Christ, and have found the strength that Helaman mentions to his sons.
Thank you for continuing to be an amazing example to me.
Helaman 5:12
"And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall."
http://scriptures.lds.org/en/hel/5
I love the photographs you have been posting the past few days of your sister- she is absolutely beautiful; even more so now knowing what she is fighting.
Wonderful post and again, so sorry for your family's loss.
Elegant and articulate! I want to draw from the well your community has created for you. You may feel empty sometimes, but from this side - your bucket is full to the brim, sloshing over the sides, spilling out. I feel lucky to get a taste of the overflow.
Through this experience with Christian and Stephanie I have felt an overpowering sense of how much our Heavenly Father loves each one of us. Although we must endure the trials, pains,and sorrows of this world, we are not alone. He is there every step of the way to strengthen us and comfort us. He has not left us alone here on the earth. I look forward to the next two weekends when I can gain strength, hope and courage from a prophet of God. I too will join with women around the world to be uplifted this Saturday. Please also join us the weekend after when our Prophet will speak to the entire world. What an amazing time to hear God's words through the mouth of a prophet.
The most important commandment
Matt 22:37-39
“‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
It the THE hardest thing we are called to do - LOVE - it comes naturally to those who are easy to love: our families, our spouses, our children - and it is a challenge to love those who a) don't exibit love and b) hurt us, cause us pain etc... but it is the most important thing we do from the moment we arise til the moment we close our eyes for the evening... expressing love through kindess (simply allowing someone who has their blinker on to change lanes :) ) expressing love through forgiveness, expressing love through devotion and prayer.
You are right.
I read once that dogs live shorter lives because they serve their purpose faster - they are on this earth to show people how to love unconditionally. I always think about that - in everything we do, if we can show love, God's love, walking in the footsteps of Jesus - we might just be able to bring each other as much happiness as a newborn baby or a sweet loving puppy. HA - that's an odd comparison... but one on which to ruminate.
Thank you Courtney - you continue to show the world God's love - both through your faith as an LDS woman, and in general - if one person comes to God by your words (even if it is not through the church specifically) - then your LOVE has worked miracles.
C,
I am in such awe at your ability to share the Gospel and invite all to come unto Him. I know that Heavenly Father is watching over you all and I know you know it to.
I too look forward to Saturday. It is one of my favorites of the year. So uplifting and fulfilling.
Don't you just want to shout when you think of how blessed we are to have a prophet? A living and breathing prophet in our day? It's so amazing to me. We are so blessed to live in this day.
Here on your blog I find my pail being filled everyday. I pray that yours will continue to be filled.
I don't know if you will read this, but I think I recall you giving thanks for each individual comment.
I spent the last little while reading a blog of friend filled with doubt, negativity, cynicism. She has everything she could want in life and yet she continues to spend her time finding fault.
Thank you so much for sharing this experience. It brought me tears of relief to read the optimism you have in spite of your trials. Thank you for having the courage to share your joy in the gospel.
For a laugh, it took me awhile to realize your name was Courtney and not Jane. So to me you will always be Jane, and you will always represent goodness, kindness, and above all hope. Today I really needed hope.
Thank you again.
Courtney,
I have been following the blog for sometime now, but felt impressed to tell you today how moved I was by your words and what an example you are to all of us - sharing your knowledge and testimony of the Gospel, being an instrument in His hands. It has touched me profoundly and I am grateful. Thank you.
Christian and Stephanie are in my every prayer.
SamanthaLee
My favorite lines were:To learn how to love, to accept love and feel love. Somewhere in all that experience of charity there is clarity. That is so true. I really needed to hear that, thank you as always for your words to uplift and inspire us.
Heaven just got a little prettier.
I am sitting at my computer and the tears are flowing. You,C Jane, and your beautiful Nie Nie have made me remember the simple things. Have made me remember that happiness is a choice.
What a choice spirit you are for doing what you do. Who knew I could feel the Spirit so strongly on a Friday morning, in a bathrobe, eating Honeycomb cereal. But your post today was lovely.
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers!
Clarky-
love u!
I love reading your blog. You have such a way with words that inspires me. I get to go to the Conference Center with my sister and mother-in-law on Saturday. I look forward to hearing from our leaders. I was SO inspired last year! I can't wait to hear them council us again.
Courtney, I just found your Blog and your sister, Stephanie's last night or was it early this morning?!! tee hee I am a night owl! I'm sorry for you today hurting in your heart for the loss of your cousin Katie. We will all understand this smelly painful life better some day! YES! Love your neighbor as yourself. Just this morning my neighbor was at the bank and fell, she is home now probably crying because she is still mourning her husband who died last December. She has just about given up, I don't know what to do for her but be an ear for her troubles, a hug here and there and many prayers.Please keep her in your prayers, her name is Violet Lowther. Thank YOU! LOVE is the answer and from LOVE comes care. I will be sending a card and donation. Your sister's Blog is sooOoOOO vibrant and all the pictures, such JOY! Yours is too, I'm sure, when I have more time I will be reading yours more to learn more about your lil chief!!! Love and prayers, Cinda (((((Courtney Jane))))
I know Stephanie's story from a friend in our ward who is friends with Stephanie and along with the rest of what seems to be the whole world have kept up with it. I have even involved my husband in the blog world and now he comes home telling me the newest update (as if I had missed it.)
I thank you and your family for reminding me daily what is important. Thank you for making me realize that my petty trials that I bring to Heavenly Father are trivial and I really should be thanking him for what I DO have.
I always have to make sense of things...even if it only makes sense to me. How can someone so beautiful and loving have such a tragic thing happen? But in my sense making world I have come to the conclusion that your gorgeous sister is reminding us thousands of readers of what is important in this life. Putting things back in perspective (if you will) even if its for a short time. And she is a beacon of light for our church, probably bringing hundreds of families to that light. What an amazing job, what an amazing purpose. I think many sisters will come together this Saturday and feel an even closer kinship because of your family's story.
I appreciate your willingness to communicate it to the world and we have truly grown to love your family like it is our own.
As always our family prayers are to your family.
Thank you Thank you. I almost forgot about saturday.
I take great comfort in knowing that there is a true and living prophet on the earth today, Thomas S. Monson. He will guide and directs us to happiness in this life if we heed his council. Stephanie has a rock solid testimony of a living prophet and I add mine as well.
Courtney,
Thank you for weaving this colorful tapestry of hope on days when the pallor of hopelessness could so easily drain the jewel toned hues of anyone's faith.
Charlie Hall has a new album out entitled Bright Sadness. I think the idea of Bright Sadness is an appropriate interpretation of these days. How lovely that you can appreciate the purpose of the sadness even in the midst of it.
Way to invite! I hope many of your readers, especially those not of our faith, tune in on Saturday. I always look forward to the General Relief Society meeting. I'm so impressed by the way you testify in the midst of your suffering. Look at you carrying on with such grace in the midst of trials. Well done, Courtney. You are an amazing woman.
I've been a lurker mostly reading updates on Steph, Christian, and their children. Your posts always move me to try and do better, be better and share my own love for my family with my family and other loved ones around. And then to carry it forward to others whom we may not even know.
Thank you.
You are the best writer, every word is beautifully put together. I love how you share your testimony as well! You are reaching so many people, it is wonderful. That is what I try to do on my blog as well. Sherri Dew said at Women's Conference last year to start a blog and share your testimony! I know it can be used as a wonderful missionary tool. How awesome it is!!
Your words lately have been filling my pail. Thank you.
Thanks for the perspective. Another wonderful post...
can i just say that you are the ultimate missionary!!! everyday i ready and think man what an opportunity you have EVERY day to bear testimony and share the gospel, thank you for making me proud to be who i am :D
Thank you for the beauty of your family that inspires others. I truly am drawn nearer to my Father. My prayers are with you.
i love what Harmony says in the first comment, the Jack Johnson quote. i love that song and that particular lyric always makes me smile (and sometimes cry depending on the day!)
I have to tell you, I live in a community where there is a very strong mormon presence and I've never really had very good experiences with mormons. the ones who have approached me seemed so pushy and intense and i turned away whenever i saw the missionaries walking down the street. but after reading your blog (and Nie's), i think I am getting a much better sense of the faith, and i really see how much it makes your lives so much... brighter and meaningful. while i don't know if it's the path for me, i do know now that i desire a stronger sense of faith in my own life and in my family. i've always thought of myself as spiritual, but i want more than that. i want to feel connected and i want to feel that sense of ultimate love you speak of. thank you as always for your inspirational words! i will try to tune in on saturday :)
I live in Utah and I'm a mom and quilt blogger. I have watched and participated in the efforts for your sister and her family. I'm always touched by the sincerity and love in your posts and marvel at the good that can potentially come out of this very sad and painful event. I think that in life that is the most important part. We all have stuggles and issues, and problems but looking for the good and creating good out of bad - is the challenge. That is where the love comes in. Helping others, too, to see the good in their issues.
What a great missionary you are. And what courage you show. I admire you deeply.
i'm glad you are finding light.
Do you remember how you almost ended your blog not long ago? Then you felt inspired to keep going by that article? Do you know how glad I am you listened? God uses a willing heart, and I feel closer to God lately when I read your posts. You are doing so great...keep it up!!!
I love reading your testimony. What a wonderful missionary you are!
I don't even you and yet I adore you.
Love this post. From someone who is always wondering "why"... :o)
I am not a religious person. I consider myself an atheist. I will say that I wish your S and C all the best in their recovery and that I admire the strength and positivity of your family. You have been able to view the positive in this and band together for a great cause. As for your last post, I also believe that love is the answer.
You're a great missionary. I really admire you for that.
What an insiring and beautiful post! You have a true gift of words...thank you for sharing your life and testimony with all of us...
You have such an amazing ability to reach upwards and retrieve a handful of heaven to share with the rest of us. Thank you.
Prayers and best wishes are being sent to you and your dear family.
You write beautifully but what is more important, is the beautiful content. My prayers are with you and your family.
When I was a missionary in England, one of my favorite things to do was to teach the people about prophets. I am so lucky to know that there is a living prophet of God on the earth today. It has been so comforting to read his word through these hard times with my sister Stephanie and brother-in-law Christian. I look forward to attending the meeting on Sat. night with my mom,sisters and nurse Stacey. I know we will all feel comforted with the words spoken by men of God! The church is true!!! I love you Court!
Your writing is so beautiful and inspirational. This post captures the essence of my frequent thoughts: what is my purpose here on earth and then the moments of clarity and learning. Your sister's story and family have changed my life, and inspired me to be a better person. Thank-you for sharing. I pray for blessings upon all of you. Keep up the good work!!
I watched this fireside and thought of your family. You don't know me but i think about your trials often and hearing this fireside gave me such comfort in my life i know it can to you! also read D&C 121-123.
http://lds.org/broadcast/ces/0,7341,538-1-61-1521,00.html
awesome post
Once again, beautiful!
I love the way you write, I could read your post all day. I will continue to pray for your family.
I can't wait for the RS Meeting. I know that Stephanie would want to be there more than anything. I'm sure she will enjoy reading/listening to it in the future. It is such a blessing to have a modern day prophet speak directly to us at women, giving us guidance from our Heavenly Father on how to live. Those meetings are always inspiring and uplifting. I hope there will be many sisters who join us... maybe for the first time. :)
Thank you for being a missionary through your blog...You are such a blessing to so many. Still praying for Stephanie, Christian, their children, you, your little family and your extended family. I love reading your blog. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
I always look forward to this weekend, and the next. I gain such strength from listening to God's prophet and apostles speak of love and peace even in the midst of difficult times. We are all tested and tried, some more publically than others. And we can each gain strength and courage by looking to Christ for answers and relief.
I am grateful for my testimony of our living prophet, Thomas S. Monson. I know he teaches and conveys the will of the Lord. I am grateful for the peace, comfort and strength I feel when I hear, accept, and live his teachings. I have a testimony that if we will follow the prophet we will find happiness in this life, but more importantly in the life to come. As a part of the Clark family, I also want to express my love and appreciation to Courtney for her willingness to give and show love to all of us. She is a great example to me.
:) my heart always leaps when i hear about people sharing the gospel. my dad is the ward missionary leader in the Snowflake Arizona First ward he is a great example
I'm glad that you share the gospel throw blogging i'll try that
Hanna Caldwell
Age 13
Snowflake Arizona
I love, Love, LOVE reading your blog! I've been checking into it every day now for a few weeks. You are a fabulous writer, and I love your style! I am grateful to find other awesome and courageous LDS women who aren't afraid to be just who they are! I pray for you and your family. I think of you often!
I want to share with you one of my favorite quotes: "God gave us memories so that we could remember the June roses in the December of our lives"
I have been eagerly following your blog and your sister's reposts. I want you to know that I prayed for Steph and Christian in the L.A. Temple last night. They have both been heavy on my mind. I don't even know you all, but feel a kinship with your pain and am so impressed with the strength and support you all have been to your sister.
You are a beautiful writer. Someday, down the road, when the ending is more clear and happier, you will have to write the story.
I am Jewish and therefore have very, very different beliefs from you and the Mormon community. I want you to know that despite our differences, your love and dedication come through in every word you write. I may not believe in your Gospel, but I do believe in love and you are the embodiment of that - the way you love your child, your sister, her family, and your faith. You are reaching a lot of people with a lot of different beliefs and backgrounds and I hope more of us out here in the 'non-Mormon' world can let you know that you are doing an amazing thing. No matter what one believes to see a person taking what most people would view as a tragedy and turning it into a way to show love (while acknowledging the pain) is an amazing process we can all learn from.
C Jane I wanted to say I couldn't agree with Sharon (I think her comment while show up as the one just prior to mine) more. I'm not Mormon but I do believe that love is the reason we're here and when I look at Stephanie and her family and the love they shared, and the love that she has planted in the hearts of everyone around her, I can't help but be in awe. She and Christian and your whole family are in my prayers. God bless you Sister!
I am sure that Stephanie would be so proud of you right now. Look at you sharing your testimony to so many people around the world! It's beautiful! I love to read what you write, it is so Inspiring. I followed your blog a while back when you were dealing with Infertility, and totally understood because i have gone through all of that too. Now i have 4 beautiful Little ones!
You seriously inspire me to be a better person!
I am so PROUD and LOVE your family and Husband so much. That is alot to take on and you make it look Beautiful!
You are so brave. I tell you, every time my mind doesn't have something I need to think about it goes to your family. You have been the inspiration for many prayers. Your comments about love today were relevant to the political season we are in. It is such a time of division--I am going to double my efforts to not think divisively, when there is so much of that around. It is better for us all if we can love and accept and not emphasize the differences between us.
I don't think I have even seen you since high school but I couldn't read another post without saying hello. You probably remember my little brother Josh. I just wanted to say, your posts are amazing and insightful and give me perspective. Thanks for giving me a boost at a time when you most certainly need it more. You are a sweetheart and your charm and outlook are only matched by your sisters. I think your family is handling this difficult situation with so much grace and I hope you remember that during the times you must feel like losing it. Praying for you all. Melissa (Bingham) Nelson
just wanted to say that what you are doing is amazing. every part of it. with the kids, the blog, the fundraising, the telling , the attitude, the missionary work, everything. you are a great exampl.e your family seems so cool.
she is lucky to have you as a a sister and I hope i were to do half as great of job if my sisters needed me too. i pray for your sister and her husband.
i'm sorry about your cousin. man, it is pouring! but you are right, she is in heaven and that is cool we know that too. thanks for inspiring me when i am up in the wee hours of the night.
I am so sorry for your family's loss of dear Katie at such a young age. My prayers are with you all.
Thank you for sharing your story with us. I always look for updates and pray for them. I was reading a friends blog the other day and found a blog in a similiar situation to yours. Her blog is www.danielandmarie.blogspot.com. She lives here in AZ but the plane crash and her family are in Utah. I thought maybe you guys can provide comfort for each other in times of need.
Courtney, Chup, Lisa, and families,
You are incredible! I know the Lord is blessing you, because no one could go through all that you are being given to experience, without His strength, even if they didn't recognize it (as you do).
Thank you for your magnification of the 'gifts' He has given you.
I believe that our Father in Heaven gives us each certain gifts and places us here, in the era and location, that our gifts can be the most helpful to our own growth and for the benefit of others. It is up to us to do what we will with the gifts that He gives us.
You have such a beautiful, generous heart; as well as a wonderful gift of communication and portrayal of your feelings. You verbalize the inner-most thoughts of the hearts and souls of us, throughout the world, who don't know how to put our feelings into words.
May God bless you and uplift you, strengthen you and hold you!!
I am thankful that you would invite all of us, to the 'well' to have our buckets filled, members of the LDS church or not, to join with you tonight and next weekend for more feelings of strength and to be touched by the spirit of God.
Our prayers continue for each member of your family.
I am not a religious person. I am a mom of a four-month-old struggling with post-partum depression. And then I see your family on the Today show discussing the plane crash, so I look up your blog. I have read your posts, your sister's posts, and I have been inspired and moved to tears on more than one occasion.
This may sound crazy, but you have helped me love my son more and my life more. You have helped me appreciate all that I have. You have made me even want to find God again.
I am so, so sorry for all your family has been through. I will pray for you and hope my words help.
My condolences on the loss of your precious cousin; I hope she will be with you in a way she never could before. And thank you for needing your privacy - it's better to be a steady flame, rather than a candle that flares and burns out. It is so important that you preserve some sense of self and family, even as you serve others.
I followed your link to Carol Decker's story and told her a bit about my somewhat similar experience (posted in her comments). If I can be helpful in any way to you or to your family, even just for encouragement and understanding, please let me know.
Meanwhile, God bless you and your friends and family. I am so touched by your spirit and all those extending their hearts to you.
Every so often, fate gives us the opportunity to glimpse the human race and absorb some of its beauty. I know it's just a glimpse of what is out there, waiting for the opportunity to be amazing.
I echo what has already been written. i just wanted to add that I have always hated funerals--even LDS ones. The way you wrote about your cousin's touched my soul--changed my perspective--tha