God Bless America - Merry Christmas in Perspective

I had the opportunity to travel to India over this past week and the meaning of poor was really brought to light. There is no government programs unless you are willing to work. Mothers with babies sat alone the streets as they tried to complete the tasks that were given them as a requirement for a days food.

As I rode through the streets of Delhi, I kept thinking of scriptures that describe what I saw:

“Peace shall be taken from the earth, and the devil shall have power over his own dominion.”

“For in those days,” saith the Lord, “shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation.”

“All things shall be in commotion; … men’s hearts shall fail them; … fear shall come upon all people.”

For the most part, these people are without even the basics. There is no handout.

Maybe the purchasing and the making and the wrapping and the decorating—those generous and important expressions of our love at Christmas—should be separated, if only slightly, from the more quiet, personal moments when we consider the meaning of the Baby (and his birth), who prompts the giving of such gifts.

I feel bad that there seems to be little or no influence of the Savior in the hearts and minds of those how have never heard His name. We are blessed to live where the gospel has been restored and we know and understand what we celebrate this time of year.

Daryl Ward - Baptized on Dec. 3, 2011

This was a wonderful day for Daryl Ward. He joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on December 3, 2011. It was a beautiful winter morning for a beautiful baptism. He is a person who serves and is always delighted to do so. He had many friends attend--The Anderson, Carter, Nelson, Petersen families were there to support and be with him on this special day.

Mom didn't have to leave home to be a missionary. She fully supported Daryl and her prayers were answered when he made his decision to become a member. He was confirmed on Dec. 4, 2011. A dinner was held at the Coppermill in honor of Daryl. It was a happy event.This is Mom with Christene, Julie, (Mom), Gary and Pam after a delicious meal. This was a day to remember. Christmas is a beautiful time of the year for any celebration. Congratulations to Daryl Ward.

Aloha

When the sun if shining here and the sky is blue, it is inviting to go outside. But when the temperature is in the mid-teens, you always hurry back in. That's why its fun to go to Hawaii to play in the sun and sand. This is the view we saw from our room every night - looking towards the island of Lanai.

The view from our room - every evening. There were lots of people - couples and families that would walk the beach. Its a beautiful walk and it keeps you on you toes as you try and stay dry. Nothing like a barefoot walk on the beach.
And yes, another safe crossing of the Pacific... everyone is invited.

Last View of the Mountains He Loved So Much

I was looking up some information on Hyrum and dad's tribute from 8 years ago appeared on my screen. I thought it was appropriate that I post it here for everyone to see.

I still can hear is voice when he would call. What I wouldn't give for just 5 more minutes with him.

We rafted down this very spot with Dad in August of the year he passed away.

Thomas F. Anderson, 68, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away on Thursday, December 18, at his home in Hyrum from Gleomatosis (aggressive brain cancer). Tom was born February 11, 1935 to Ellis and Leone Jessop Anderson in Logan, Utah. Tom grew up in Nibley and graduated from South Cache High School in 1953. Tom married the love of his life and his high school sweetheart, Gloria Petersen on August 5, 1954, in the Logan LDS Temple. This August they would have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Tom provided for his family as a carpet layer and later owned his own business, Tom Anderson Floor Covering. He was well known in the valley for his great skill, dependability and integrity. What Tom should be most remembered for was his friendship to everyone he met. He loved meeting people and was so compassionate to everyone he knew. Dad had such a sweet and patient nature. He was so unique in this way. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife and family, which were his prized possessions. He enjoyed the creations of his Heavenly Father. The mountains in the fall, horse rides in the spring, the Tetons and Yellowstone. For the last 4 winters he lived in Yuma, Arizona and valued his close friendships he made while there. He made many memories by traveling with his family in the US and abroad. Tom was close to the spirit and was sensitive to spiritual things. He was a true patriarch to his family and was always caring for others more than himself. I love you was a regular expression of his kind nature. Dads memorable sayings were, Feels like Falls In the Air and You're Quite The Kid. Tom was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and set a wonderful example for his family. Tom served in many church callings and was a High Priest in the Hyrum 2nd Ward. From their marriage were born 3 children; T. Gary (Pamela) Anderson, Hyrum; Christene (Michael) Nelson, Nibley; Julie (Kevin) Carter, Riverdale, Idaho. Tom had 12 grand children and 2 great grandchildren of whom he was so proud. God saw he was getting tired, And a cure was not to be, So He put His arms around our Dad And whispered, Come With Me. With tearful eyes we watched him suffer, And saw him fade away, Although we loved him dearly, We could not make him stay, A golden heart stopped beating, Hardworking hands to rest; God broke our hearts to prove to us, Its time for our Dad to rest.

Pedro says....

Everyone in the Anderson family needs to start posting on this Andersonville blog.

Mom and Gary

This picture was was taken on November 29, 2011 on Temple Square in Salt Lake City, Utah.

It looks like a post card (of mother and the temple).

A Speical Day in the Salt Lake Temple

On November 29th Curtis, Jeannie and their family were sealed together for time and all eternity in the Sale Lake Temple. The day started off on a hectic note when Curtis and Jeannie discovered that they had forgotten that all important letter from the First Presidency. The letter, signed by each of the Presidents is required when they arrive at the temple. They were only to Brigham City when they found our that they had to turn around and go back home to get the letter. Curtis had planned far enough ahead that they made it to the temple with plenty of time to take pictures.

It was a beautiful late fall afternoon with temperatures in the low 40's. We took pictures around the temple of everyone. They kids were excited to enter the temple. It is the opportunity of a life time for a child that is old enough to remember. Kadison and Olivia were especially excited. The family had to be in the temple 90 minutes prior to the sealing. The kids were taken, dressed in white and preparations were made for the sealing to their parents.

The actual sealing was administered and conducted by Elder Neil L. Andersen, a member of The Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. He was so patient and gracious as he talked to Curtis and Jeannie. He explained that although the sealing keys had been given to him by President Gordon B. Hinckley, it was the power of the priesthood, the power of God that would seal them in mortality and beyond the veil. He gave a special admonition and promise to live righteously and if they did so, their children would follow and will be theirs through eternity.

After they were sealed as a couple, the children were brought in - dressed in white and wide eyed. Elder Andersen specifically talked to each of them about eternity. It was interesting that he had little Thomas stand up on a chair and asked him "how many Thomas's do you see?" Thomas looked and looked, moving his head back and forth trying to see into eternity.

This was such a special experience for our families.