The balance of blessings.....

One of the most memorable talks I have heard in Stake Conference was a talk about trials and blessings by Pres. White, our first Stake President in Syracuse.  Reading parts from his journal from May and June of 1978, he interwove a trial (their toddler daughter had an illness that eventually led to her being brain damaged) and the story of a friend whom he had baptized who was African-American.  If you are a history nut, you will realize that June 1978 was when the Blacks received the priesthood.  Pres. White was able to give him the priesthood after the prophecy was announced.  Then he talked about how during trials, blessings are being pour down upon us to strengthen us and give us hope.  We need to look for them.  The more difficult the challenge, the more the blessings are there.  The trick is to look.

I believe that to be true.  I have seen it so many times in my life.  I know that our Heavenly Father provides us sufficient "succor" for each and every day and some of that succor are direct blessings in other areas of our lives.

Sunday, November 8 was a perfect example and it was in fact literally a blessing--the blessing of sweet Scarlett by her dad, Scott.  Scott and Chantel had wanted to have Scarlett's blessing at home with just family.  A few days before they called to say that Sunday at 6:30 was the day and time.  It was a very sweet moment to see my son bless his beautiful daughter.  In the circle with her dad were both her grandpas and her Great-Grandpa Giberson, her Uncle Austen, and all three members of their Bishopric.  Scarlett did great as well as her dad.

Pictures:  (You probably have seen them on Facebook but this is my personal record which will be a hard copy.)

Chantel with Scarlett

The Hall side of the family
Jena, Judy, Gary, Great-Grandpa Giberson and Karla/Nana, Chantel, Scarlett, Scott, and Great-Grandma Hall

Dad Scott with Scarlett

How cute is this picture.  I love it!

It was a sweet end of a difficult day.  How great is that! Perfect.