Abide With Me


As the Hymn sweetly states in "Abide With Me"  I need Thy presence every passing hour; What by Thy grace can foil the tempters power. Who like Thyself, my guide and stay can be? Through cloud and sunshine Lord abide with me. I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight and tears no bitterness; Where is death's sting? Where grave, thy victory. I triumph still if though abide with me  Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies, Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, In death, O Lord abide with me.

I have been blessed to have had many people in my life that I know the Savior, Jesus Christ has sent. I would like to dedicate this post to Bishop Glenn and Lynnette Judd. I grew up from the time I was 8 knowing these wonderful people. Bishop Judd was our home teacher for years, and his sweet wife Lynnette came with him.  They lived just up the block and around the corner from us. I also grew up knowing their sons and daughters, as well as their grandchildren. They are the kindest family and I have a huge part of my heart within those connections.

They have slowed down, their bodies tired, but their testimony's as strong as ever.  Two weeks ago my Mom called and told me that Sister Judd had passed away. My heart ached for her and her sweet husband and family.  Just after the family prayer was offered the day they laid her to rest Bishop Judd knelt down and kissed her one last time on this earth, he then sweetly whispered, I will see you in a couple of days.  He passed away nine days later. They were married 71 years.  Whenever I saw them they were holding hands and always happy.  They helped me through boys, dating and heartbreak.  They also taught me the most important relationship is with our Savior, Jesus Christ.  It is comforting to know that the Savior assured Bishop Judd that he would not have to wait long to be with his loving wife Lynnette.

Through life and now death, their testimony's continue to teach me.  I want that sweet and tender love in  my life.  Someone who will go through this life with me and into eternity.  I pray every day that one day when my Father in Heaven will have found that person for me, that I can experience the love that I know the Judd's had for each other.

I loved every minute of General Conference. I love the leaders of our church and the examples that they are to me.  I am thankful that the Lord knows who I am and sends such special people into my life that I call friends.

I am grateful beyond measure for this Easter season and for the true meaning of Easter. I am grateful for the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  I am thankful for the atonement that He bore for me.  I am humbled at the sacrifice He bore as hung on the cross for me. I have a strong and steadfast testimony of these truths. 

There are so many sweet and tender people in my life that have left imprints forever in my heart.  I believe the imprints and people in my circle of family and friends are a direct gift and an eternal blessing.

I am grateful for a loving Father who blesses me, when I struggle to understand why certain burdens are placed upon us. I know that I need to push forward with a steadfastness in Christ and endure to the end as we have learned in the scriptures.  I believe in miracles, I believe in timing and I know that the Savior knows me.

So as we will say Goodbye on Saturday, for Bishop Judd, I will have a prayer in my heart for the miracle he and his wife Lynnette have always been for me.  For their family and the blessings that have come into my life through my association with each of them.

God be with you til we meet again.

Karley