Keepin' It Real: Summer 2014

One week ago, school was officially out for the summer. Natalie has pink eye, Sadie has the flu, The Price is Right was interrupted by President Obama addressing the nation concerning an extremist group, ISIS over taking an oil refinery in Iraq. It is 11:56 AM and I've already eaten my lunch and I'm still in my pajamas. Ahhhh...summer!

Aside from feeling like a sloth, we have had some great moments in the past week. Of course, Sarah graduating from high school and Maxwell from middle school was a highlight. But eating at I-HOP to celebrate graduation twice in one week is similar to having an all-you-can-eat competition in your high school lunch room! Oh, my stomach hurts just thinking about it.

Max left on a flight on Saturday with his friend, Christian to attend EFY, a youth camp sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has kept in contact with us through texts and it sounds as though donuts and chocolate milk for breakfast are the best part of his day!!

My sister, Shannon and her family have graciously allowed Sarah to accompany them on their family trip to Lake Powell, UT. It's nice to have family that can provide entertainment for your children!! Both Sarah and Maxwell will spend some time with their Smith cousins after their separate Utah adventures.

 

Scott and I attended a meeting at the Oakland Inter-stake Center last night. Clayton Christensen was the speaker. He is a professor at the Harvard Business School among other numerous high profile accomplishments. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he related his experiences sharing his love for the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Anna has spent the last two days up at the barn in Danville. It is her haven and heaven. I'm so grateful for Heidi Cowley and Jamie Cheney mentoring Anna in her dream job.

"We love The Lloyds, Happy Summer! Love, The Picketts" (The fence drawing is hieroglyphics for Pickett!)

 Although, we have "kept it real" the first couple days of summer---we are looking forward to brilliant times ahead! (Fingers crossed---no trips to the ER!!)

NorCal Homeslice: Ordination Outlook

NorCal Homeslice: Ordination Outlook: Like many women that belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I've been pondering the topic of ordaining women to the ...

Ordination Outlook

Like many women that belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I've been pondering the topic of ordaining women to the Priesthood. https://www.lds.org/topics/priesthood?lang=eng

And in all honesty, my heart hurts.

 I know the reasons are many and are not black and white for those desiring ordination for women to the priesthood. I also understand and believe that questioning is a part and even essential to our spiritual growth. I am an advocate for equality and civil rights. But ordaining women to the priesthood is neither.

The bottom line is: this is Christ's church. He is at its' head, not men, not a man, not a woman/men, it is His church and His doctrine. President Gordon B. Hinckley explained that it was the Lord, not man, “who designated that men in His Church should hold the priesthood” and that it was also the Lord who endowed women with “capabilities to round out this great and marvelous organization, which is the Church and kingdom of God” (“Women of the Church,” Ensign, November 1996, 70). When all is said and done, the Lord has not revealed why He has organized His Church as He has. ("Let Us Think Straight," Elder Ballard, Aug. 2013) http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=2133

And that is why faith is paramount to our belief system. We don't know why...But I have faith that the Lord knows better than I do. And our Father in Heaven has our best interest at heart. I look at earthy fathers as an example. Primarily, our earthly fathers desire what is best for us. Yet, our earthy fathers are susceptible to blunder and can disappoint. However, our Heavenly Father is omnipotent and omniscient and every other "omni" good thing out there! God is good and loves His daughters and sons equally and perfectly. His kingdom here on earth is lead by His son, Jesus Christ. The prophet here on earth, Thomas S. Monson speaks on behalf of God and Jesus Christ. I will listen to His prophet and His apostles. And so....until His prophet says it's time to ordain women to the priesthood, I am happy to strengthen my faith and remember "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord." https://www.lds.org/scriptures/ot/isa/55.8?lang=eng#7