Lots has happened in the last two weeks.

 General Conference was so great.  I am so glad we can listen to the talks over and over again.  Thought the little cartoon was funny.  I love the First Presidency message this month by Pres. Uchtdor, "Finish with your Torch still Lit."

 In ancient Greece, runners competed in a relay race called a lampadedromia.¹ In the race, runners held a torch in their hand and passed it on to the next runner until the final member of the team crossed the finish line.

The prize wasn’t awarded to the team that ran fastest—it was awarded to the first team to reach the finish line with its torch still lit.There is a profound lesson here, one taught by prophets ancient and modern: while it is important to start the race, it is even more important that we finish with our torch still lit.

Solomon Started Strong

The great King Solomon is an example of someone who started strong. When he was young, he “loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of David his father” (1 Kings 3:3). God was pleased with him and said, “Ask what I shall give thee” (1 Kings 3:5).Instead of asking for riches or a long life, Solomon asked for “an understanding heart to judge thy people, that I may discern between good and bad” (1 Kings 3:9).This pleased the Lord so much that He blessed Solomon not only with wisdom but also with wealth beyond measure and a long life.Though Solomon was indeed very wise and did many great things, he did not finish strong. Sadly, later in his life, “Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and went not fully after the Lord” (1 Kings 11:6).

Finishing Our Own Race

How many times have we started something and not finished? Diets? Exercise programs? Commitments to read the scriptures daily? Decisions to be better disciples of Jesus Christ?  How often do we make resolutions in January and pursue them with red-hot determination for a few days, a few weeks, or even a few months only to find that by October, the flame of our commitment is little more than cold ash?   One day I ran across a funny picture of a dog lying next to a piece of paper he had shredded. It read, “Certificate of Dog-Obedience Training.”

We are like that sometimes.

We have good intentions; we start strong; we want to be our best self. But in the end we leave our resolutions shredded, discarded, and forgotten.  It’s human nature to stumble, fail, and sometimes want to drop out of the race. But as disciples of Jesus Christ, we have committed not only to begin the race but also to finish it—and finish it with our torch still burning brightly. The Savior promised His disciples, “He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” (Matthew 24:13).

Let me paraphrase what the Savior has promised in our day: If we keep His commandments and finish with our torch still lit, we will have eternal life, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God (see D&C 14:7; see also2 Nephi 31:20). 

The Light That Never Dies

Sometimes after stumbling, failing, or even giving up, we get discouraged and believe our light has gone out and our race is lost. But I testify that the Light of Christ cannot be extinguished. It shines in the darkest night and will relight our hearts if only we incline our hearts to Him (see 1 Kings 8:58).  No matter how often or how far we fall, the Light of Christ ever burns brightly. And even in the deepest night, if we but step toward Him, His light will consume the shadows and reignite our souls.  This race of discipleship is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. And it makes little difference how fast we go. In fact, the only way we can lose the race is by finally giving in or giving up.

As long as we continue to rise up and move toward our Savior, we win the race with our torches burning brightly.

For the torch is not about us or about what we do.

It is about the Savior of the world.

And that is a Light that can never be dimmed. It is a Light that swallows the darkness, heals our wounds, and blazes even in the midst of the deepest sorrow and unfathomable darkness.  It is a Light that surpasses understanding.  May each of us finish the path we have begun. And with the help of our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, we will finish joyfully and with our torches still lit.https://www.lds.org/liahona/2015/10/finish-with-your-torch-still-lit?

Here are some pictures from two weeks ago when we didn't have Internet  

 Brody got an assist in one of the games   Brady has not been playing since he has hurt his knee again.

 Conference weekend Britton brought his bed to the family room to watch conference, and he never quits eating.  Conference was very enjoyable, all the kids watched it pretty good, I guess that is
                                               

                                           
                                               

 Britton getting homework done,  7th grade has been a real adjustment for him.  Its hard!

 It was Homecoming this last week and we got another sign for Bronson.   

 After we all had gone to work and school, dad had to come home to get his keys that he forgot and this is who he found in the kitchen.  What a fun surprise, he then came to the school to surprise me and Hollie,

Brady checked all the kids out for lunch, They all were pretty excited to see him.  The next few pictures are of them going to lunch and visiting Aunt Rialeen's grave.

 Best Surprise ! 

 Grandpa Berry got a riding lawn mower, maybe the kids will be out of a job now.

 Brady and Crystal at Family night at Grandpa and Grandma Parrish's

 Brody and the BUYH soccer team running in California

Got this picture of Lance and Kimmee with Lou in New York.

 We headed to St. George on Wednesday after work to see Brody.  It was the longest ride for the kids, they just wanted to get there to see him.  Feel bad I didn't get any pictures when Brady came to the school to see Hollie,  She was so funny and so surprised, and a little emotional.

 Brody had run from his hotel to the rock and back.  He is in great shape, and looks great.

 This is at the crack, the team went there and Brody did go through it.

 On our drive down, dad was Jamming out.

 After we got to St. George we went and picked up Brody, then went back to Kelly's and found grandpa asleep on the front porch.

 You can just imagine the wrestle between the two.  Brody can't believe how big Bronson has gotten.

 And how tall he has gotten. 

 Kofi was in St. George, he got home last week and looks really good.

Brody going into the game.

The player taking Brody out.

 After the game

Everyone who came out to watch the game and see the boys.

 Cousins!

 Brent is still the super fan at the school.  He had the best games at the tail gate party before the Homecoming game. 

Homecoming and Senior night on the same night! Lone Peak won big over Lehi.

 Bronson's homecoming date,  Wendy Free. Sure glad I had to work or I would not have a picture of him.  Bronson hates pictures.  He had a great time, he danced all night.

 Saturday morning bright and early Miriah played hard and made the first goal.  Her team ended with a tie.

After the games on Saturday, it was Work Day!

Dad and the boys built new shelves in the garage.

 Hollie mowed the lawn.

Ben came to see us, since he is leaving for 6 months to go to South American backpacking.

Miriah thinks he is pretty funny.  Good luck to Ben and hope you have a safe trip.

Also, Sunday Dad got a new calling.  He is the first counselor in the bishopric.  This is going to be a new adventure for all of us.  Dad will have to get out of his comfort zone, but I know he will do a great job.  I have already seen a change in him the last couple of days since the call was extended.  Mark Van Wagoner is the bishop and Brother Krout is the 2nd councilor, and Mike Long took Brother Tracy's place.

Britton was pretty excited, he guessed it would be Brother Van Wagoner, Bronson had guess dad would be the 1st counselor.  Pretty Funny kids.