Happy Anniversary

Because of sacred temple ordinances, families can be together forever. Since Grandma and Grandpa were sealed for eternity in the Manti Temple on August 24, 1968, today we celebrate the first 41 years of their eternal marriage. We also look forward with faith to their reunion and an eternity of family togetherness. I am grateful for "...choice parents, who saw the wisdom of going to the temple so that (I) might be brought into this world under the temple covenants, so that (I) belong to eternal family that will go for many generations..." I am grateful to "...have been raised under the influence of the gospel by (my) parents, and taught its principles..." Grandma and Grandpa have continued a legacy of obedience to temple covenants started by our pioneer ancestors. They have given us the necessary teachings and example, that we might continue that legacy. May our eternal family truly go for many generations. This is the responsibility that is now ours.

Families can be together forever,

Through Heavenly Father's plan.
I always want to be

With my own family.
And the Lord has shown me how I can.

The Lord has shown me how I can.

What a blessing to know that ours is an eternal family. Thank you, Grandma & Grandpa, and Happy Anniversary!

From our 40th Anniversary Celebration

Memory Monday #14

I spent a week in Southern Utah a couple of weeks ago with Jeron, Jadee and Davis. Nothing like a venue change to stir up a whole new set of memories! Davis and I had the opportunity to drive to Richfield from Panguitch to have dinner with Stacee and Jamie. This stretch of 89 the Heywood kids know very well. We travelled it often on trips between Fayette and Panguitch. I haven't driven that road for...well, a VERY long time. Can't remember the last time... This time, as I headed through Circleville, made a sharp right, then a sharp left through town, I was reminded of one of the great faith-promoting experiences of my youth.

Grandma had a lot of faith. She knew that Heavenly Father lives and she had all the faith in the world that He hears and answers prayers. On one return trip from Fayette to Panguitch, Grandma forgot to gas up before we left. We were just miles north of Circleville when she realized that she was running on fumes. So, she did what you're not supposed to do when you're running low on fuel and you're only a few miles from a gas station: she pulled over and turned off the car. Her faith was great. She believed that if she reverently and respectfully prayed, she would be able to start the car and make it to her destination on the fumes. So, we all bowed our heads, folded our arms and Grandma prayed that we would make it. She started the car back up and headed toward the nearest fuel source. Of course, her prayer was heard and answered and we made it without a problem.

Isn't it interesting the experiences we remember from our growing up years? What a blessing to have a mother with faith, a mother who never missed an opportunity to teach her children by her example that God lives, loves us and answers our pleas. As usual, I have many faith promoting experiences I could share about Grandma. How many times did she ask us, "Would you like me to fast for you?" And then there are the countless times that she prayed for us for every reason under the sun. So, please share an experience of Grandma and faith.

"...yea, they had been taught by their mothers, that if they did not doubt, God would deliver them.
And they rehearsed unto me the words of their mothers, saying: We do not doubt our mothers knew it."

Alma 56:47-48

I do not doubt my mother knew it.

Note: This picture is driving south on 89 at about where I think we probably were when Grandma realized she had no gas!