"Here I Am"

Today we had a family fast for Dimitrios whose oldest son, Aris, was killed in a motorcycle accident last week. So heartbreaking! We prayed and fasted for peace for he and my mom and all of Aris' loved ones. In addition, Dimitrios, my mom, Dimitrios' sister and their other children fasted today. And my mom texted that "many people all over the states are following our lead in fasting and prayer today. It really helps. The grieving process is painful, joyful, difficult and beautiful."

What a wonderful gift we've been given in fasting. An opportunity when there's nothing we really can do to make things better or say when words fall short, we can show we care by fasting from two meals and unite our prayers asking for blessings -- in this case blessings of peace. In Isaiah, the Lord promises when we fast:

"Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee;...

'Then shalt thou call, and the Lord shall answer; thou shalt cry, and he shall say, "Here I am."
(Isaiah 58:8-9)

Dimitrios took this beautiful photo while he was in Utah over Christmas.

Remember when I didn't get a photo of Nick in his suit coat prepared to pass the sacrament? I got one today. Also, Nick invited lots of friends over to watch the Super Bowl. Kory, Claire & Collin came too. And Marge, of course. Oh yeah, and Kershaw made an appearance. With the incredible, unexpected ending and all the kids, it was quite an entertaining evening!