I have been doing a lot of reflecting on the consequences of choices. I have gone through the repentance process and experienced the amazing joys and peace that is brought by the atonement. However, once repentance is complete, all consequences are not removed. At times, there are eternal consequences for our choices. These consequences that are natural in this life, effect us personally, and often the eternal lives of those we love the most. Consequences allow us to experience both sorrow and joy in this life.

This evening, I got a reminder that there are consequences of eternal nature for all choices in life. I received an email this evening from a young man named Cameron Hiler.

I met Craig,  on a hot July day in 2000, after a long day of tracting.  He was the only one home at the time, and had us confused with the Amish. Hard to believe considering my long hair that obviously was styled. We taught him about Joseph Smith, and the Book of Mormon on his porch step, as well as our belief in electricity. Unfortunately, his wife, Olivia was out jogging at the time. We scheduled an appointment to return later that week. We had a less active ditch us the following day, and decided to drop in on the Hiler family, we really wanted to teach a lesson. We arrived to find the entire family at home, Craig, Olivia, Cameron (4 years old), and Rachel (2 years old).

I stand amazed that I was able to witness the conversion of Craig and Olivia. They felt the Spirit of the Lord and progressed to baptism thru false teachings of a baptist minister, personal injury, loss of all income, and every type of anti Mormon propaganda. From the moment we met them the adversary was doing all he could to keep them from the Gospel. The Lord was in charge, and placed the correct people in the correct place, at the correct time. Even bringing a sister from Temple Square to our area on the exact day we needed more knowledge of the stars on the Salt Lake Temple. The Lord is in the details of life.  I am grateful the Lord trusted me to deliver the message of the Gospel, and witness the conversion of these two great people. It was not an easy road. The adversary truly did not want them to receive the Gospel. Craig took to the Gospel like fire! He asked me all the time, "where were you 10 years ago?" Olivia took a lot more love, guidance and time.

Craig and Olivia were baptized on October 1, 2000. They took out their endowment and were sealed as an eternal family in the Michigan Detroit Temple in October 2001.  Many of the missionaries that were blessed to be yoked with the Lord during their conversion were there to witness the amazing event. Unfortunately, I was in Hawaii and did not have the money for a flight to Michigan. Craig noted later that there was a single seat left in the session, I ached to be there.

In the course of the years, I stayed in touch with them. Life lead them from Michigan to Idaho. They visited me here in Arizona once in 2007. In October 2010, I went to spend the week at my families ranch. I began calling Craig, as we had planned to try to meet up. It had been too long since I last enjoyed their company.  I was at the airport, on my way, each time I called no answer. This was highly unlike Craig, he rarely did not answer. Some how I missed two calls back from his number. However, it was his wife who left a voice mail. I worried, but did not want to think the worst. Upon arriving in Idaho Falls, I learned that my dear friend Craig had passed away unexpectedly of an enlarged heart.

Instead of trying to arrange meeting up, I was trying to attend a funeral. His funeral was an eye opening experience of choices in life. I was reunited with my companion, one of the Elders in my district, the member family that helped fellowship, and met many of the people in Craig's life.

His funeral was a moment of recognizing the eternal consequences of choices made, and the rippled effect. It wasn't long before Olivia pointed Sister Meyers and I out as their missionaries. We soon found ourselves being approached by strangers telling us how Craig had hunted them down on more than one occasion to tell them to get back to church. Many had been reactivated because of the love and consistency of Craig and his testimony of the Gospel. The stories of the work he was able to accomplish made it more apparent why the adversary fought so hard to keep him from the Gospel.  I left in awe of this amazing individual that the Lord trusted to use me an His instrument, and how important it was that I was being obedient on my mission.

After the funeral, I went to dinner with the other missionaries and the member family. It was wonderful to remember the moments that bonded us together more than 10 years ago. We all expressed concern about what would happen with the family now. Olivia struggled, and Craig was the anchor in the Gospel for the family. We were especially concerned for Cameron (15) and Rachel (11). We would do our best to stay in touch and support them in the Gospel the best we could.

It is now almost 3 years later. I miss my dear brother in the Gospel greatly. The last conversation I had with him was in August 2010. He had called to talk because he was concerned that he was going less active. Which caused me concern, as we talked, he revealed he felt he was less active because his scripture study was the least effective it had ever been. That was it, less effective scripture study.  He lived the Gospel to the fullest.

Cameron Hiler turned 18 years old today. He emailed to tell me he has his papers, and is working on getting them submitted. He hopes to have his mission call by August. My heart leaped with joy, and I did a giddy little happy dance! How proud his Dad would be of this decision. I am so proud of his decision.

I never ceased to be amazed at how the Lord works. I know that if I had not been obedient, I would not have been prepared, nor would I have been blessed by the Lord to experience witnessing the conversion of this family. There were so many sacred experiences shared within the walls of their home, and to think the Lord trusted me to be there.  He saw within me someone He trusted to be led by the Spirit because I was being obedient. If my companion and I had not prayed to be directed to the street we should tract that July day, we would have missed them.  If we had not been doing what we should when we should, how would life have been altered. I am so grateful for the Lord allowing me to experience such blessings. The Lord is in the details. All choices have consequences. I am so grateful for the atonement, and for the Gospel.

Taught by Little Ones

We had an amazing Sunday. This morning, we awoke and got dressed for Church. Kaelani loves to go to Church and loves nursery. We were all dressed and had 2 hours before Church started. Not sure what Mom was thinking, Gizzy was ready to roll.  When I told her it wasn't time yet, she started to cry and collapsed. I asked if she wanted to go to the Temple. She jumped right up said, "ayes" and pointed to the garage door. We loaded up and headed to the Temple.

Upon arriving at the temple we spent several minutes walking around the gardens. She loves to look at all the flowers. I snagged a few pictures of her there in the gardens.

 She began walking towards the visitor center. I asked if she wanted to go see the statue of Jesus. She responded with her single nod and an "ayes."  We entered thru the back doors. It has been several months since we have gone to the Temple. Last time we went, we had everyone with us. As we entered the doors, there was a senior couple sitting at the desk. Kaelani pointed to the "God's Plan for the Family" exhibit, and began jabbering to me and the couple. She pointed to the rock and then "fell" to the ground. I asked if she wanted to see it, she said "ayes" and kept jabbering. I wish I could understand. You could tell she was telling us, the missionaries and I, something about that exhibit. I said we didn't have time, and asked if she wanted to go see Jesus. "Ayes"

 We wondered to the front of the visitor center, and sat on the benches. A sister missionary came and asked if we wanted to hear the audio presentation. I asked Kaelani, "Do you want to hear Jesus's words?" "Ayes." The sister missionary started the audio presentation. Kaelani sat with her arms folded staring up at the big Christus statue.

Just before the end of the presentation, Kaelani started babbling again. The lifted her hands wiggled them, jabbering all the way and pointed to Jesus. I said, "Does Jesus have hands?" "Ayes." She then lifted her feet, pointed to them, jabbering, and then pointed to Jesus. I said, "Yes, Jesus has feet too." She then looked down at her dress, ran her hands along it, still jabbering, and again pointed to Jesus. I acknowledged and said, "Yes, Jesus has a robe on like your dress." The presentation ended, and Kaelani signed, "more" several times. She wanted to hear Jesus's words some more.

It is amazing how much she understands. I fought back tears the entire time.

 We left, attended sacrament. Then, went home to see if mom could get the world wide training on Hastening the Work on Roku. I was able to, which was great because Kaelani could play and mom could take notes.

I love this picture because she always sits on my foot when I cross my legs. And, it shows her little single freckle on her right hand.

 Midway through the Church broadcast Kaelani came over, grabbed my hand, and pointed to the garage. I asked, "Do you want to go?" "Ayes." "Where do you want to go?" She pointed to her dress on the couch, and then pointed to the garage. I asked, "Do you want to go to the Temple again?" Her eyes lit up and she said, "Ayes." I entertained and watched the rest of the amazing broadcast, and then we loaded up and went back to the Temple.

 We wondered around the Temple grounds for a long time. Then, we went back inside the visitors center. She again stopped and jabbed at the God's Plan for the Family presentation, we went ahead and watched it. Then, up to see the Christus, she climbed onto the benches and folded her arms again. She has such a great spirit, and I stand in awe. I definitely needed the time at the Temple grounds, but probably would have not made it down there today once let alone twice if it weren't for her.

 After the presentation, we went back outside to the grounds, she walked up infront of the Temple, turned around looked at me and did "Cheese."  I asked if she wanted her picture taken? "Ayes." We had to go back to the car for the camera.

I am just grateful for the peace that has been given to me because of the trip to the temple grounds today. I am grateful for her sweet giant spirit to still have the ability in the innocence of a babe to teach me. I wish at times I could talk with her and know what it is she still remembers and knows. I think she has an amazing spirit to have chosen to get this body at this time with this set of challenges. 

Wildflowers

Play dough time

We had so much fun after nap time playing in the play dough! We made snakes, balls, and nests. we pinched, pulled, tore and squished till our heart were happy!  We smelled the green play dough! (Mama is gonna have to do some smelly dough like she did for her preschoolers.). We held the orange play dough to our face. We pulled snakes apart. We squished the dough back into their containers! We named each color as mom got it out! We said pink, clear as day, mom thinks!! We rolled the dough! We tried to use the dough scissors to cut the dough! We uses cookie cutters to make shapes!

We had lots and lots of FUN!!! 

Before we were done, we opened and closed ... And pulled very very silly faces trying to get the dough out!! 

Happy Birthday!!

We celebrated Kaelani's Birthday a day early! We had lots of friends and some relatives come (becuase of invitation hiccups, some only received 24 - 48 hour notice).

Kaelani has developed a love of dancing, and she also loves a little Disney Princess named "Sophia the First."  Kaiya got a video from the Easter Bunny, and Kaelani will often find it, drag it out, and point to the T.V. She loves to dance around to the music, and when there is no music she plays her own things.
Trying to think of a party, we strolled into the toy aisle and there was a "Sophia the First" section. Kaelani got so excited, she jumped and squealed. We had to convince her to leave the toy she had at the store.

Mom decided that would be the one thing that Kaelani would love for her party theme. Little did mom know, there was ZERO Sophia the First Birthday party stuff available locally! All mail order!! So, we had to figure out how to do it without ordering cause overnight shipping fees was not an option.

It all worked out and it was a great party!! We did things backwards!! Kaelani was smitten by the gifts! So, we opened gifts first!! She got so excited when she opened Grandma's books for her! Loved her toy little people car from cousins. We almost have an entire state of little people!!

Afterward, we had cake and ice cream! Kaelani was so cute blowing out her candle that mom lit it three times!! She just would get so excited and happy to blow it out! We are grateful that everyone humored us as we kept lighting it over and over again!!

It was lots of fun! We are so grateful for everyone that was able to come, and that rearranged their plans to be here, especially on short notice!!

Lighting her candle the second time - she is signing MORE

Asking to light it again! 

Blowing it out 1 of 3 times! 

Happy 3rd Birthday, Gizzy Girl!!

On Saturday, June 16, 2012 we celebrated the most loving and amazing day (at least of my life), the day our Gizzy Girl joined us! You came in a frenzied rush, after Dada complained that it was too calm the night before.  I'd hoped to be able to hang out with Dad in the hospital, talking, joking, anticipating, and watching as things progressed! Dad wanted excitement!! You listened cause we gave him a run for his money, siren like moans and all!! He got to drive in the left hand turn lane to go straight, and nearly drive into the hospital  lobby when I asked him not to park far away. 

I love him and you! 

Your arrival was not free of errors, both on my part or others, all of them unintentional.  Most IMPORTANTLY, it was a day filled with LOVE!  My sweet precious girl, you weren’t born into a perfect situation, however you were born into amazing love!! I love your Dad with all my heart! He has an amazing love for me, and makes me feel so special! He adores me, your sister, and you! The day of your birth, was the most amazing day of my life because of the love that surrounded you and your entire family.  No matter what, you can go thru your life knowing that you were welcomed into this world by people who loved you so much far before you arrived. You arrived to parents, with their flaws, that love each other more than words could describe, and love you even more! You arrived to a big sister who melted and became your instant protector and best friend.  

Our First Family Photo

After your arrival, we were flooded with visitors there to simply express their love for your Dada, sister, and of course YOU!  Our time in the hospital, just the 4 of us was like a slice of heaven. That room was a bubble filled with an overwhelming feeling of love and peace. I wanted desperately to remain there for as long as possible, and wish I could rewind  and go back to those sweet precious moments of your arrival and the initial hours after, and just remain forever, protected from the business of life outside those walls, with the people I love so much! Just be us, your Dada, me, your sister, and you! Together we are perfect and happy! 

My love and my little love! 

UPDATED for JUNE 16, 2013!! Your arrival has brought so much happiness to everyone! You brighten a room, and bring joy to everyone you meet. You are the BIGGEST entertainer! You have a giggle that is infectious! You are so super duper smart, and catch on to thing so quickly! You love animals, and always ask to see more (well, except for cats . . . you shake your finger at them and say, "No, no, no"). You are so much love wrapped up into such a cute little body, with the biggest blue eyes and adorable smile!! You are so expressive, and with no words at all draw everyone into your stories!! You command a room, with your signaling of the hand to come here or patting the floor to sit. You can be so stubborn too (we can discuss later if you get that from Dada or Mama - maybe a good dose from both). You adore your big sissy and haven't figured out yet that you aren't quite as big as her! 

Precious Girl

The past two years have been difficult, the most difficult of my life. There is so much I want to give you, and thru imperfections, you do not have all that you deserve and all that I wish for you, and all of us!  You deserve your family,  together forever. Oh that I could give you all that is in my heart for eternity, I would do it in a heartbeat!! Wrap your Dada, Kaiya, you, and I up for eternity as a family. We are so grateful for our Father in Heaven sending you to us, and trusting us with you. We are by far no where near worthy of your sweet precious spirit, but we will all do our best to love you!! Love you Gizzy Girl!!  Happy 2nd Birthday!!

Our little loves! 

Our  Family

**Originally Posted June 16, 2012 - Reposted June 16, 2013.