Family and the Gospel

This past week has given me a wonderful reminder of how lucky I am to have the family I do and to have the gospel play such a large role in my family and in my life. I spent the last weekend at my family reunion. We rented this great place in Fairview, Utah down by Manti and spent 4 wonderful fun filled days with 40 plus members of my extended family. It is amazing to see just how much our family has grown over the years, and so much fun to have so many little babies in the family again. But the most amazing thing is how close knit our family remains even as we grow bigger and spread out even more. Sometimes I worry I'm just a little too prideful of my family,but generally I think my pride is justified. :) I have rarely met anyone who is as close to their extended family as I am to mine, and I honestly couldn't imagine how different my life would be without those relationships. I am truly so grateful for my grandparents and the family they have build and to my aunts, uncles, and cousins for being such amazing family members and friends.

The wonderful experience of the reunion was followed by an even more amazing experience as my new cousin Emmali was sealed to Jon and Kim in the Bountiful Temple. There were so many family members there to support them, and the Spirit was so strong, the feeling was truly indescribable. It was such a touching experience to see their family together in the temple and know that because of gospel covenants they will be together forever. I can remember all the years of praying on their behalf and the experience in the temple was a testament to the power of prayer.

I am so grateful for my family and for the gospel and only hope that I can do my part to pass on the legacy when I have my own children.