Feeling a little nostalgic

So, I spent a little time this morning looking over some of my previous blog posts.  I wish I would have kept up on it better. It was fun reminiscing a little over our fun and mishaps.  So, here is a little post for today.  We got Emily a bucket of plastic beads that you put together on a template and then iron them to keep them together.  So Anna, Brian, Scotty, and Emily have been putting together their creations non stop since Saturday night.  It has been fun to see them working together.  It reminds me of the many hours they have spent making Lego creations.  Today is Martin Luther King day so the kids are off.  It's so great having an extra day off during the week.  

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

I listened to this book on my way to Utah to pick up Maren from BYU. This is not a book I would recommend.  I feel like my sister correctly described it as a glorified teen sex book.  If the sex scene were removed and the language removed I may have enjoyed it more, but I felt like the whole book was leading up to that moment.  I felt like the author made it seem like it was okay because both of the characters were dying.  It was very thought provoking though, especially with my sister being diagnosed with cancer a year ago.  I felt like the author was pretty spot on with the feelings described by the main character in the book.  I've heard the movie is pretty good but not as emotional.  I read this after my girls read it and it did lead to some good discussions, but I feel like it is a book I could have done without.

Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson

We listened to this book on a trip to Idaho.  It was a great book to listen to on a long trip.  It kept me very interested.  I thought it was well written for teen literature. It is written in the future at a time when superheroes of taken over the world.  It is about the struggle of the ordinary person to take control again. There is no bad language (as we know it) in the book because the author created his own curse words.  This bothered me a little because I didn't feel like it was necessary.  With the words being made up, you don't know what the "severity" of the word is supposed to be, so when my kids started quoting the words, I felt it wasn't necessarily appropriate.  I did like it well enough that we also bought the book and I'm looking forward to reading it in the future.  It is the first of three books in the set and the others have not been written yet. 

Our second missionary!

Maren was called to the Gilbert Arizona Mission.  She left on May 28th and will be returning on Dec. 10, 2015.  She is having incredible experiences.  You can follow her on her blog: Sister Maren Lightheart. We are so happy for her and her decision to serve the Lord.

The False Prince

I really enjoyed this book.  Jonny and I listened to it on Audible on our way back from Idaho last week.  I don't know how it would be reading it, but I liked it so much that I want to buy the book and read it also.  It is yet another young adult literature book but I thought it was very well written and unique.  It is an "Anastasia" story but for a young prince instead.  It is the first book in a Trilogy and I'm excited to read the next book.  After Jonny and I listened to it, we probably spent about an hour talking about it.  The book kept our interest the whole time and there were quite a few surprises throughout. 

Matched

This was a fun, quick read.  It is a mix between The Giver and Hunger Games.  It is a story about a dystopian society which centers around the marriage match between two teens.  I think if it were my first book I read of this kind, I would have liked it more.  I remember when I first read The Giver how thought provoking it was and how the concept of not being allowed your own choices could affect so many things.  I would recommend this book if you have some time to kill and want an enjoyable read.  I still haven't started reading the second book in the series and it's been a few weeks (if that tells you anything).

Elder Jonathan Lightheart

I started a blog for Jonny's mission.  He will be leaving November 7th to the Mexico Villahermosa Mission.  We are all excited for him! Here is his blog: elderjonathanlightheart.blogspot.com.

Jonny's Sacrament Meeting Talk 7/17 given to the branch in Maine

Jonathan Lightheart
Priesthood in my Life

Boyd K. Packer once said, “Some think that unless a power is visible it cannot be real. I think I can convince you otherwise. Do you remember when you foolishly put your finger in that light socket? While you did not see exactly what happened, surely you felt it!

No one has ever seen electricity, not even a scientist with the finest instruments. However, like you they have felt it. And we can see the results of it. We can measure it, control it, and produce light, and heat, and power. No one questions that it is real simply because he cannot see it.

Although you cannot see the power of the priesthood, you can feel it, and you can see the results of it. The priesthood can be a guiding and protecting power in your life. Let me give you an example.

Hello my name is Jonathan Lightheart and today I am going to speak on how I have felt and seen the results of the priesthood in my life. Up to this point in my life I have not been able to use the full power of the priesthood. However, I am extremely grateful for what I have been able to use so far. I really enjoy passing, preparing, and blessing the sacrament most every Sunday. I am glad that I am able to represent our brother Jesus Christ and bless the members of my ward and this branch
My favorite experience however is not the sacrament. Just this last April my family was able to go to the Conference Center and watch conference. In addition to the amazing conference I was able to baptize my little brother Scott. It was a very spiritual experience. We held the baptism in Utah so my grandparents and relatives could come. Both my grandmother and grandfather spoke on the importance of the ordinance and it helped me realize the importance of what I was doing.
Even though I extremely enjoy my experiences with the Aaronic Priesthood, I cannot wait to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood. My father has been a good example to me of the powers of the Priesthood. He always keeps the priesthood present in our home. He will often use his priesthood to bless my siblings and I when we face trials. At the beginning of every school year he gives us father’s blessings. He also gives us father’s interviews at the beginning of every month. I really look up to my father and will surely use his example when I hold the Melchizidek Priesthood.

The first thing I will do when I receive this priesthood is go on a mission. In the talk I previously quoted by Boyd K. Packer he shared this story.

After President Wilford Woodruff joined the Church he desired to serve a mission.
“I was but a Teacher,” he wrote, “and it is not a Teacher’s office to go abroad and preach. I dared not tell any of the authorities of the Church that I wanted to preach, lest they might think I was seeking for an office” (Leaves from My Journal, Salt Lake City: Juvenile Instructor Office, 1882, p. 8).
He prayed to the Lord, and without disclosing his desire to any others, he was ordained a priest and sent on a mission. They went to the Arkansas Territory.
He and his companion struggled through a hundred miles of alligator-infested swamps, wet, muddy, and tired. Brother Woodruff developed a sharp pain in his knee and could go no further. His companion left him sitting on a log and went home. Brother Woodruff knelt down in the mud and prayed for help. He was healed and continued his mission alone.

Three days later he arrived in Memphis, Tennessee, weary, hungry, and very muddy. He went to the largest inn and asked for something to eat and for a place to sleep, although he had no money to pay for either.

When the innkeeper found he was a preacher, he laughed and decided to have some fun with him. He offered Brother Woodruff a meal if he would preach to his friends.
A large audience of the rich and fashionable people of Memphis gathered and were quite amused by this mud-stained missionary.

None would sing or pray, so Brother Woodruff did both. He knelt before them and begged the Lord to give him His Spirit and to show him the hearts of the people. And the Spirit came! Brother Woodruff preached with great power. He was able to reveal the secret deeds of those who came to ridicule him.

When he was finished, no one laughed at this humble holder of the Priesthood.
When I go on a mission I will certainly draw on this example. I will strive to become a humble holder of the priesthood. As well as this example I will learn from my father, grandfather, even uncle how to use this priesthood. Today my cousin Evan will receive the Aaronic priesthood. He is just beginning this marvelous journey in the priesthood. I hope he too will have a great understanding of the priesthood.

Bear Testimony
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen

Maren's Sacrament Meeting Talk 7/10 Given during our last sacrament meeting in 6th Ward

My Talk…
Preaching the Gospel

When we have something that we really love, something that brings us a lot of happiness and joy, our first instinct is to share it with others. We want them to also be able to attain that joy so we spread it everywhere. The gospel is the perfect example of this. Think of how many blessings the gospel has brought to our lives. Why would we not want others to have it too? Today I’ve been asked to speak on preaching the gospel and I would like to address that in three main points: teaching by example, teaching with service, and teaching with Christ’s light.

First, being a good example can help others receive the gospel in many ways. When we are acting righteously, others can see and feel the gospel’s change in us. It makes others want to have that happiness too. While speaking to a friend the other day she told me how when she meets members of our church she can tell because they are generally very nice and welcoming. It is this sort of behavior that can help us lead others to the gospel. We all know the scripture that was recently our youth theme from first Timothy that states “Let no man despise thy youth but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.” When we work hard to be an example to others they will truly be able to see the gospel in us and we can bring them closer to the light. I believe that being an example is a huge part of teaching the gospel because we cannot teach others the rules of the game that we do not play. When we are not acting our part others cannot see Christ’s example in us and often we could mistakably lead others to a misperception about our religion. Youth, we have a wonderful gift of being surrounded by hundreds at school that could receive the gospel. We need to take the initiative and invite our friends to activities, seminary, family home evenings, or dinner with the missionaries. Giving them a glimpse of the gospel can help them see what they are missing. Even just being a good example and standing up for what we believe can bring others with questions about our church. Though we may not be able to convert them right away, it still gives them a taste of what they are missing and may lead them to the gospel later in their lives and help them to be more willing to accept it because of the example you have shown them.

Second, service is the perfect tool to aid us in spreading the gospel to the world. It is like in the story of the sons of Mosiah when each son goes on a mission to the Lamanites. Ammon first serves the people and softens their hearts in the process. He then had much success in preaching them the gospel. Another one of his brothers dove headfirst into preaching and ended up in jail. While diving headfirst isn’t necessarily a bad tactic, service is a preparatory act to allow the gospel to really touch the hearts of those around us. Christ was the epitome of service and often served those around him. The apostles were often confused at the idea of the master serving his servants, but Christ needed to be an example for us. Service could be the one thing a person needs that allows them to open their hearts to the gospel. Missionaries give two years of their lives to preach the gospel, which by the end becomes a small number because of the blessings they receive and how many they were able to effect because of their service. Generations will be blessed because of the people who were converted.

Third, when we are preaching the gospel, we need to do so with Christ’s light and the Holy Ghost’s direction. When we are acting through Christ, we can tap into a power that allows us to show others how important this gospel really is. We can touch, soften, even change hearts if we use Christ’s example while we are teaching the gospel to others. Reaching out in friendship or kindness, service or longsuffering can help bring those to the gospel that may not have received it before. Also, if we use the guidance of the Holy Ghost, he can teach us what we need to do and say to fully help others receive the gospel. This way the Holy Ghost will also be able to speak to those we are teaching the gospel to. When they are surrounded by that feeling of warmth and comfort, it is telling them that what they are hearing is true.

I love having the gospel in my life and I really don’t know what I would do without it. It has definitely touched, softened, and changed my heart. Even lightened it I guess you could say. I would hope that I am living my life worthily enough that I can be guided to those who need to hear the gospel. When it is the most precious thing in my life, the one thing that can bring me happily home to my father in heaven, I would like to share it with everyone I love. Because that is what I truly desire with all my lightened heart, is to be with everyone that I love most, forever. The gospel brings me knowledge that many do not have, and I don’t know how I would get through life without it. I urge you all to share the gospel. It changes people’s lives. I have a few extended family members who are not living within its light anymore and it breaks my heart to see it. I want everyone to be able to share the same happiness that the gospel brings me but it takes all of us to do the work to make it that way. Preaching the gospel is the work we were sent here to do and is the most important mission in heaven. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Jonny's first Prom

Jonny decided on Wednesday that he wanted to go to prom on Friday. We were gone Thursday and Friday so I scrambled to help get him ready. They had a great time. I'll post some more pictures when I get copies. We luckily pulled up just as he was leaving. Jonny took Mariah Hassell and joined up with a bunch of friends from cross country. They first had dinner at the Barry's. Jonny said it was great. After pictures at the Barry's, they went bowling. Jonny said it was a lot of fun bowling in their prom clothes. They then went over to the dance. He said they had fun just dancing in their group. They waited for royalty to be announced and then came home. He was actually home by 11:30! He had a GREAT TIME!

21 Years

Ken and I just made a trip out to Brookings for our anniversary. He had some pharmaceutical presentations to give to some of the doctors out there so I got to come along for the ride. I was able to go to his presentations with him. It's great to see him "working" and be reminded how great my husband is. He is really good at what he does. Either he was given the name Lightheart to go along with his personality and profession or it's just cool how it all worked out. It has been a great 20+ years of marriage. As of yesterday, I have been married for the same amount of time that I was not married. Twenty one years before the start of the best part of my life and twenty one great years since!

Easter Egg Hunt

Our friends, the Christensens invited us over for an Easter Egg hunt on the Saturday before Easter. The kids had a great time and the Christensens prepared a yummy breakfast. The Jensens, Cannons, and Sykes were also there.

Our trackster Jonny

Jonny is looking a lot better this year in track. Last year he was recovering from a two-month long illness so didn't do as well. It has been fun to see him improve. Here are some of his stats for the season. He decided to try out the 800 also.
800 meters: 2:14
1500 meters: 4:35 (improved from 5:01 at the beginning of the season)
3000 meters: 10:30

Great job Jonny! Running a mile in under 5 minutes is not even in my realm of possibilities.

Pear Blossom Festival

Each year, Medford has a Pear Blossom Festival. It is held the second weekend in April and includes a street fair, a parade, and the Pear Blossom Run. There are four different runs. There is a 5K and a ten-mile run (hopefully next year I will up to the ten-mile - Ken and Jonny ran it last year). There is also a 1 mile and 2 mile walk/run called the Mayor's cup. For the 1 mile and 2 mile runs, the schools have a contest to see which school has the most participation from the students in the run and receive awards at the Mayor's Award Ceremony before the run. They also have a contest for the t-shirts printed for the Mayor's cup. This year, Brian won the contest for the t-shirt drawing. He was so excited. It really was a cute picture. There were over a thousand entries from the different elementary schools in the area. At the Mayor’s Awards Ceremony before the 1 mile run, Mayor Gary Wheeler presented Brian with a framed picture of his artwork. Brian also received a gift certificate for a free pair of running shoes from Rogue Valley Runners, a free party from the YMCA, and free t-shirts for himself and his family.




Hoover school receiving their award


We all ran in the one mile race. Jonny placed second with a time of 5'10". The rest of us at least completed the race. They don't have official times for the one or two mile, but it was still fun!

We found the Jensens and the Sykes at the parade. I had just told Elise Sykes the day before that there was no way we would see each other at the parade - too many people. It just happens that we ended up sitting right by them.
Brian, Emily, Scotty, Sam Sykes, Addie and Lily Jensen, and Hannah Sykes

Jonny and Anna were both in the parade with their school's marching bands. Jonny plays the saxophone for North Medford High School and Anna plays the oboe for Hedrick Middle School. Since they don't have oboes in marching band (the reeds are too brittle), she got to play the cymbals.

Savvy and Scumble

Savvy and Scumble by Ingrid Law

Okay, call me juvenile but I really liked these books. These books are written in present day and are a fun twist on fantastical powers. A savvy is a special ability that certain families are inherited with. The kids "get" their savvy on their thirteenth birthday. A savvy can be anything from being able to control the weather to going back in time 15 minutes every time you sneeze. These two books are about two thirteen year old cousins that have to learn how to "scumble" their savvies when they turn thirteen years old. They are quick reads - not real deap but fun. They make you happy from reading them - which is always a plus.

Brian - our Boy Scout

Brian and his friend, Nick Spencer



Can you believe my second son is a cub scout? Next year he will be in Young Men. Is he really old enough? In March, he received his arrow of light and became a boy scout. Congratulations, Brian! You are a great kid!

Pine Wood Derby!

Scotty got to go to his first Pine Wood Derby! He was so excited. He wanted to paint his car like a snake. He named his car "Kwan" after Brian's ball python. Ken helped him get the car ready while we were in Springfield for spring break and Maren helped him paint it. He had a great time. He came in second place on each race.


He is so excited to be in cub scouts. He loves it. He also looks so cute in his cub scout uniform. It's so fun seeing these kids grow up and being able to be a part of their lives. What a wonderful plan our Heavenly Father has prepared for us. I am so grateful for these incredible opportunities we have while here on the earth.

Scotty's Baptism

Scotty was baptized on Saturday, April 2nd, in Salt Lake City in between the Saturday morning and Saturday afternoon sessions of General Conference. We drove as a family out to Utah on Friday. We stayed at my parents' condo right across from the Conference Center. After the first session on Saturday, we went over to the stake center just down the street to have his baptism. It was a great experience. Just before the baptism, Emily asked, "Mom, where am I going to be baptized? . . . I want to be baptized at Grandma's house just like Scotty."

It was great to have family there. Mark and Stephanie and their kids - Andrew, Michelle, Chelsea, and Sam were able to come. They had been to a Jazz game the night before and stuck around to come to the baptism. Jean was there with Quinn. Ken's sister, Teresa and part of her family were there also - Alan, Seth, and Abby. Our bishop from Medford and his wife were also able to make it over between sessions. Bishop Merrill conducting the baptism service. Anna and Uncle Mark offered the prayers. Maren gave the talk on baptism (and did an exceptional job). Grandma gave the talk on the Holy Ghost. Scotty chose the music. We sang "Follow the Prophet" for the opening song and "I Like to Look for Rainbows" for the closing song.

There are shining moments in our lives that are unforgettable such as marriage in the temple, the birth of your children, and sons receiving the priesthood. Jonny was able to baptize Scotty. For me that was one of those moments. It was such an incredible experience to see two of my children participating in such an amazing ordinance. When Jonny was baptized, I believe it was Anna that asked, "Mom, is Dad pretending to be Jesus?" It truly is a great experience to act for God and perform an ordinance such as baptism. Jonny did a great job. He was nervous, but he was so gentle but at the same time confident. I am so grateful for happy, obedient children who desire to do what is right.

Scotty was BEAMING! He was so happy. He had been counting down the days to his baptism for about the last six months or so. He is such a fun kid, full of personality. He is a joy to have around. Grandma gave him a set of scriptures with a scripture bag. He was so proud of them.

The spirit at the baptism was amazing. I am so grateful for spiritual experiences in our lives that bring us closer to heaven. It was a great experience for our family and I am grateful we were able to have his baptism in Utah with family. It made it very special.

After the baptism, we had lunch in the church. Grandma had put together sack lunches for everyone. It was so perfect. It's amazing how things work out. We felt the Lord's hand in guiding us where and when to have the baptism. When we were in the planning stages, we would work something out and then it wouldn't seem right and we would go to plan B. It worked out so well to have it at the stake center. The bishop of the ward there was so gracious and helpful. He went and filled the font for us so it would be ready for us on time and then stuck around to make sure everything was okay. We so appreciated that. We had originally planned on having the baptism at Marilyn's stake center after priesthood. It was a good thing that didn't happen though because come priesthood session, I had come down with the stomach flu and wouldn't have been able to be at the baptism. Our Heavenly Father does care about little things in our lives. It was another manifestation to me of his love for us.

After lunch, we rushed over to the conference center to attend the Saturday Afternoon session. Mike was able to get 5 tickets for us. Ken, Jonny, Brian, Scotty, and I were able to go. It was SO great to be there. Scotty was still beaming. The session was incredible as always. It is so neat to feel the spirit of being in the conference center. I was glad my boys were able to experience it as well.

As we were returning through the tunnel back to the condo, we were able to shake Elder Perry's hand. Scotty's comment to everyone after that was, "I got to be baptized, shake an apostle's hand, and be in the conference center ALL in the same day."

It was a great day. I truly am grateful for the gospel in my life and for the blessings it brings to me and my family. Thanks to all of you that participated and added to the spirit of that beautiful day.