Mother Eve

A couple of Sundays ago, Dave and I went to my sister's ward for church. In Relief Society, our lesson was about the Fall, but mostly centered on Eve. This morning, that lesson has been replaying in my head, and I am feeling nothing but gratitude for Eve and her courage and faith.

During the lesson, many of the sisters in the ward were asking questions and making comments about Eve's decision to partake of the fruit. I'll admit, that as that discussion took place, a bit of frustration grew within me. I feel that too often, and especially in the Christian world, Eve and her decision to partake of the fruit are misunderstood.

I feel that in most depictions, Eve as portrayed as a naive woman who unknowingly ate of the forbidden fruit simply because she was "beguiled" by the serpent. Yet, I feel that Eve was a much wiser and much stronger woman than many people see. I do not think that God's work and glory was started by a woman who naively followed the temptation of a serpent.

I believe that Eve was as so many other women in this world -- she was smart, strong, faithful, and willing to do anything for her God and her family. As a woman, she was already a mother with the instincts of one. I believe when she partook of that fruit, she knew what she was doing and why she was doing it. She understood her divine calling to be a mother, and that the commandment to multiply and replenish the earth was the greater commandment. She understood her purpose in God's eternal plan and she expressed great courage in making sure she fulfilled her divine calling.

Just as we are all indebted to our mothers, we are indebted to Eve for her great sacrifices in moving the plan of our Heavenly Father forward.

Happy 60th!

Yesterday was Dave's step-dad's 60th birthday. Although a day late, we had a surprise party for him and most of his kids, step-kids, and grandkids, all came to Blanding to celebrate. It was a special gathering as Steve is an incredible father, step-father, father-in-law, and grandfather. Devon and Storm did a great job of planning the surprise and putting together a video of pictures of Steve and his family. It was good to be with family today and to feel the strength and love of the "BS Ranch."


Dave and Belle waiting to surprise Steve:



Steve arriving to his big surprise (just after getting out of the hospital for knee surgery):


The family all gathered together watching the video. (This is only part of the big bunch.)


Cute little Belle having fun in the rope swing in Grandma and Grandpa's front yard.