Each Day Is a Gift

A very special day!  Elder Todd D. Christofferson of the quorum of Twelve held a special Stake Conference this morning.  He along with Elder Maynes and the Area Seventy, Elder Terry, were holding a regional leadership meeting (for stake presidencies and bishops) on Sat. and were asked by Pres. Monson to pick a stake to hold special conference on Sunday.  He chose our stake because his first cousin, Pres. Brad Christofferson is the counselor in our stake presidency.

Yesterday, we received a phone call from Bob Murphy, the stake executive secretary, that Elder Christofferson wants to shake my husband's hand prior to the start of the conference.  He asked the stake presidency if that could be arranged without making too much of a commotion. 

They reserved a parking spot as well as front row aisle seats in the Alpine Tabernacle in AF for us.  We arrived at 9am (the conference starts at 10) and greeted some friends, stake high councilmen, and stake presidency as we entered the tabernacle to our seats.  At 9:30am Elder and Sister Gene R. Cook came in and took their seats by us.  It was so wonderful to see them.

At 9:50am Elder Christofferson walked in as the congregation stood up respectfully and took his seat on the stand.  Then he and Pres. Lyman walked down from the stand and came towards us.  He lovingly shook Larry's hand and embraced him.  He expressed his love on behalf of the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve to Larry and told us that they continue to pray for him and are aware of the burden he's carrying.  He then shook my hand saying:  "and your burden is even greater as you care for your sweet companion!... "  Then Larry introduced him to our son, Steven, who was so excited to shake an apostle's hand.  The whole exchange took less than 5 minutes but it was the most tender and loving gesture coming from an apostle of the Lord.  We felt a sure confirmation that the Lord has not forgotten us and it gave us much peace, hope and comfort.

That sweet spirit abide with us throughout the meeting and the entire day and into the evening as we watched the First Presidency's Christmas Devotional.  We are so grateful for the greatest Gift that our Father has given to all mankind, His Only Begotten Son!  He is the source of true peace and of everlasting life!  I know He lives and He loves us.  May we remember Him always! 

Nice running weather, mid 30s, clear blue sky, calm.  We ran east to Hollow Mitchell Park via the Dry Creek.  I did walk a few yards at the top of the hill.  When we turned north and west on SR 92 and MCT, I wanted to pick up the pace; but the unspoken rule of running with friends is the slowest runner dictate the pace.  After we reached the 600E access, Wendy started to walk and was having breathing difficulty; she insisted that we leave her and she could walk home.  If I wasn't in a hurry I'd walk her home.  I'm such a rotten friend.  Thankfully she did make it home safe.

Another great running weather morning, partly cloudy, low 30s, calm, could see a bit of hazy fog in the valley.  Karen, Leslie and I ran west then up on rail trail.  Karen's soreness from the scooter accident is really bugging her today so we took it easy; plus there were heaps of traffic this morning.  After I ran them home I ran for an extra 1.5 miles at a bit faster pace.

28F clear blue sky calm.  Ran with Karen and Leslie on MCT east to tunnel by Dry Creek, west to 1500W bathroom for drink.  After dropping them off I added another mile and half.  AP: 9:27 (9:55, 9:50, 9:37, 9:24, 9:21, 9:05, 9:05, 9:02) 

39F (10 degrees warmer than yesterday morning) gorgeous sunrise, calm.  Ran with Karen, Leslie and Wendy for a short run since we all had to be home by 8:30.

Went to the temple with my long-time friends for our monthly "temple dates".  Then we had our traditional Christmas luncheon at one of their homes, ate and visited, laughing and crying all afternoon.  We've done this for nearly 30 years.  There are 8 of us; but this year, one is serving a mission with her husband in Perth, Australia.  She sent us an email and we read it and missed her terribly.  Last year my hubby and I were so busy preparing for a mission wide Christmas Conference; we did not decorate our mission home nor send out any Christmas cards.  Now we miss our friends in the Australia Sydney South Mission terribly.  Our hearts are just torn in both places!

48F, calm, blue sky with spatters of bright white clouds.  Ran with Wendy and Leslie on MCT east to tunnel by Alpine Hwy.  Had to walk up Dry Creek both ways.  Drank and gu'ed at Mitchell Hollow Park.  Wendy peeled off at 600E access for home (she only had time for 9 miles).  Leslie and I continued west till her watch said 10 miles then turned back to run her home (mile 11+) where I gu'ed and drank.  Then I went back out to 300W down to 2100 N and west to the rail trail.  The trail was broken up at the construction site at 1200W.  I ran around at the construction site hoping to connect on the other end.  When I got there it was all fenced off so I turned back running around the construction site again till I reach the future road and got back on the trail.  Stopped to drink at the 1500W bathroom (mile 14.75) and took off my shoes and socks to clean off the dirt/pepples.  That last mile took 11+ min.  Got home at mile 17.5 and saw hubby walking back so I ran to him and walked home.  Would've run 18 but short on time because we planned to skype our sister missionary and her husband in India at 11am.  HAPPY feeling the whole run and morning! :)  My last half of the run was faster than the first half! :)

It was wonderful to be able to skype with Sister Penumaka (now Sister Seerapu).  We can't wait to pick them up from the airport on Tue and have them stay with us.  They will be sealed in the temple on the 19th. 

We had a very special luncheon visit with Elder and Sister Cook at the Thanksgiving Point Harvest restaurant.  We love being in the presence of these two great disciples of Christ.  We always learn a lot and feel their powerful influence and wonderful example.  What a blessing to have their friendship.

35F breezy, cloudy, wet road.  Easy solo recovery run on MCT before the Ward Christmas Breakfast.  Legs are pretty fatigued AP: 10:09.  So glad to have gotten 50 miles this week.  Next couple weeks will be pretty busy.