Clawson Connection two

We had our second "Clawson Connection" and it was good to see everybody again. The only problem with big gatherings is that you don't usually get to talk to everybody and those you do get to talk to you don't get to talk about much important.
I was able to corner Uncle John about who I should vote for for Governor and being the wise politician he never really told me but he did give me some insight on both the candidates.
I thought you might enjoy seeing this picture of my sister Kathy in the pool with her wine. We love to tease her!(the other person is Michael's wife) Callie (Stephanie's little girl) was so determined in her red life vest! In this picture that is Chuck looking on!
I'm also including this little video of Tommy and Logan swimming "around".

Fireflys

I love this time of year in Virginia! A couple of weeks ago we saw our first "lightening bugs" of the season and now they are everywhere! It is always a thrill to see them as darkness is coming, twinkling near the grass and in the bushes. I have fond memories from my childhood of chasing,capturing and setting free these wonderful twinkling bugs. Somehow it makes me feel that everything is really ok with the world. It always makes me appreciate God's small creatures and His love of beauty and humor in our lives. Fireflys just make me smile!

Let Freedom Ring

This week at SVU there was an education conference and I was able to go to the opening speaker on Friday and most of the speakers on Saturday. It was a great conference with very qualified people that gave insight into the situation in the world today regarding feelings from both within and without our country about America. Some gave stirring remarks about our country and rekindled feelings of patriotism. Others raised the voice of warning about the unrighteous state of the people and challenged us to speak up for righteousness. I came away with a better understanding of D&C 88:81
as I came to know that I indeed have been warned.
I purchased a book by one of the speakers, Douglas F Brinley, called America in Peril, Ten stages in the destruction of the promised land.He is a professor of Church History at BYU and gave a very thought provoking presentation. After he had written the book the publisher said "we would love to publish it but isn't there any GOOD news?" He then added the final chapter "America's Hope". I'll let you know how the reading goes! I am so grateful that I can live here and have access to all these wonderful avenues of learning.