"I have decided to keep a journal because I believe that my life is important not only to myself but also to others. Perhaps I can stimulate others in my family to do likewise so that the family may be strengthened through deeper communication. Only that material which keynote the central themes of my life and its experiences will be recorded. Certainly it will not always be serious because I enjoy a sense of humor and do not take myself serious enough to think that everything that happens to me is earth-shattering. In fact, I enjoy a good laugh with others when my antics and habits are in review. It would be more than I could ever hope for, if my wonderful and choice family – those now living and those yet to embrace life here upon this earth – would read my thoughts and come to understand me as I desire to understand them. Then a love would develop in all our hearts for our God; for one another; for life; and for the quest for eternal life together. And so whenever a record is being made I pray that the Spirit might be with me that it will be felt by those who read these words in the spirit of truth. Only the decisions that pertain to our relationships with our Father in Heaven and the Savior are important. All other decisions will be of little consequence."

Wednesday, December 26, 1973

Dec 26, 1973



We tried this year to cut down on the giving of presents and instead give the money to a needy family. This we did. As a family we gave $200 to a family that has recently lost their husband and father and now find themselves in a markedly changed financial condition. We were indeed blessed. Carol came up with the idea that we be assigned a given name of someone in the family and make a present for them. The presents were wonderful. It is evident that there is a great deal of talent in this family. This was the best and most exciting part of our Christmas and we excitedly plan to do it again next year. Jane brought presents to each of us from Spain. I showed all the family what we had accomplished in our genealogy work and told them that it was necessary for the Farmer children to come to know the Anderson, Evans, Holm, Southwich line of the family because we would be intimately associated with them on the other side of the veil. I was greatly pleased about their response. We certainly have the Spirit of Elijah with us in regard to the living and now I feel it will become more developed for those who have gone before us. We need them as advocates to guide our family in the troubled time ahead.
President Badger (Stake President) called on Christmas day to tell me of his love for us and how he valued our friendship and also that he regrets that we do not see much of one another. I am really amazed by this because I hardly even see Pres. Badger. My church position never really calls for me to see him except at High Priest Quorum meetings once every three months. I certainly feel a great respect and love for him and sustain him in his position as my Stake President. I hope that the time will come when we can continue to be as and more productive but will be able to savor and enjoy our relationship with others to a greater extent than we do now. I am grateful that others care about us.
This Christmas was also special because Norma gave Eric a present which was her personal life history. This means so very much to me because now I can make copies for all the children. There is no greater present than this – giving of oneself and sharing the precious moments of a special life.

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