Thirty five years ago today, Michelle married her first husband. As you can see from the photo, fashion was not his strongest suit. Somehow Michelle saw beyond the blue corduroy, bell-bottomed pants and hung on for the ride. And I am so grateful she did.

Our 35th anniversary falls this weekend. We had a great day together, including dinner, a movie, and a ride in the kayaks. We were well on the other side of the lake when Michelle said, “Let’s explore the shoreline.” I hadn’t heard her say that before in our kayaking outings but it sounded interesting so I paddled near her, along the west shoreline. She then stopped at the shore, where we had never stopped before, and said, “Let’s get out here.” Now this did seem a bit odd. But, of course, I said, “Sure.” It ends up that Michelle had packed a picnic breakfast in the hull of the two kayaks, carefully hidden from view. We had a delightful meal together, along the peaceful shoreline of Lake Jacqueline. I am most grateful for Michelle. She is a true gem.

In one of the paradoxes of life, we receive the most when we give. Through the LDS church, Michelle and I have a responsibility to give service in the Pathway Program. Through this inspired program, formal education is made available to many throughout the world. Students gather locally, once a week, for a special meeting but do most of their school work on-line. Through the Pathway Program, several BYU-Idaho associates and bachelors degrees are available to students who continue their “normal lives” with family and work, while achieving their educational goals.

In the few short months we have been serving in this program, it is clear that it not only brings the blessings of formal education to many, but is also a great blessing in other ways. Through the Pathway Program, strong friendships are forged, commitments are renewed, life’s dreams are realized, and the strength of God is expanded in the lives of all who participate. Michelle and I are blessed for our role in this visionary program. As we give, we also receive much.

The events surrounding our Christmas celebration this year were unusual. We traveled to a small town in West Texas named Big Spring. Michael is here, fulfilling his duties as a newly hired fire fighter. Michelle, Richard, Alan, James and I arrived to unite our family during this special season of the year. The memories of dear David are close to our hearts and I have prayed he would be allowed to participate in some form.

Our society often demands celebrations filled with light, noise, movement and other stimuli. Costly gifts are often the expected norm. But we have enjoyed a few special days together- days filled with simple activities and conversation. Just hanging around together has been a treat.

I am learning to be more fully grateful for these precious times with my family. And the spiritual feelings of the Christmas season have renewed my soul, again witnessing of the reality and divinity of Jesus as our Savior. My heart is thankful.

It is Thanksgiving Day. We are all grateful for our families and for other blessings bestowed by God. Right? In younger years, I would have parroted these Thanksgiving thoughts. But as God and life’s experiences have tutored me, the importance of family now emanates from the deep recesses of my heart. I am learning to have true joy in my family. I am so thankful for my dear wife and five sons. I am thankful God’s restored authority on earth allows us to be sealed together beyond this mortal sphere. I feel very blessed.