RANDOM THOUGHTS - Being Friendly

I value good friends. Not because they agree with me all the time but because they know how to share their differences without getting all huffy and unreasonable. They know how to celebrate with me when times are good or help console me when times get rough.

My best friend is my husband. He knows how animated I can get if I am excited about something. He doesn't need to say much. He knows my heart, what matters most to me. He loves me and cares for me. I value this far above the price of rubies.

I have lots of friends. So many that I don't remember all their names. I admit, most of them are members of my church. It happens. When you move to different communities and you go to your new church building, you make new friends. I have moved a lot. Let's see, I have been a member of 2 branches and 17 wards, if I add my mission experience in Arizona.

I have taught countless children in various Primaries. I am now serving my third time as a Cub leader. I love to teach the children. They look up to you, count on you, and teach you right back! I understand why the Saviour said "Suffer the little children to come unto me, for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven".

Yes, children can be naughty. But they are much more teachable than us adults. They know right from wrong quite clearly. I tested my class on that today and they passed with flying colours. It was part of today's lesson actually. It's too bad that in growing up they face such a changing world, one that is full of un-Christlike behaviour.

Our kids need to be strong if they are to withstand the pressures of our day and remain the good people they really wanted to grow up into. Their best defense is provided by parents who take the time to be a postive role model, spend time with them collectively and individually, and provide for their basic needs.

I have friends that are amazing role models to their teenage counterparts. I love their youthful exuberance. Last week the young women in our ward held a mock pep rally. It was so much fun to be there as a parent to my youngest daughters, young teenagers themselves now. They know that they are daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves them. This knowledge strengthens them when they are challenged in making right choices.

I love my friends. They come in all ages and sizes. We support each other, we grow in wisdom and knowledge together. What more could I ask of my friends.

BEAUMONT BUZZ - Museum update

In order to save the St. Jacques family home and turn it into a museum/visitor's center we will need to do some serious fundraising. We need to be able to pay for:

1. Moving the house
2. Construction costs for the foundation
3. Costs to bring utility services to the home
4. Costs for any necessary upgrades to the home

Anyone interested in making a financial donation to the project or providing in-kind services, please let us know. You can reach me at 780-929-8031.

RANDOM THOUGHTS - We Need Real Snow

I've been listening to the weather reports for B.C. lately. It has to be frustrating for the organizers to have all this warm weather right now. I like a warm winter, but right now it's just not the time!

The whole concept of artificial snow seems to work for the ski resorts so that they can stay busy. But it just may not be enough for the Winter Olympics in 2010. I am hoping some real winter weather blows in, and soon.

We had the Olympic torch visit us in Beaumont on January 15th. The school chosen for the official ceremony is right in front of my home. I went outside with my video camera about 45 minutes before the torch bearer was expected to arrive. People were already starting to line the street.

When the school kids came out to get into position along the ring road my camera was busy filming the excitement. When our special guests finally arrived the crowd that had gathered roared in delight. I had to step out into the roadway to try to take any more pictures. Everyone was craning to see where the torch was.

The speeches by our elected officials were impossible to hear over the crowd. But I did get some good pictures. And when it was all over and the various torch runners were reunited with their families, I learned that none of them were from Beaumont. I heard our chosen local representative will actually be doing their run in B.C. If I was them, I would stay there to watch the games.