This, I know

Last Sunday, Randy and I spoke in church.  My topic was "Testimony".  I knew what I wanted to say, but while I was pondering, I was lead to other more Gospel founded truths, which I thankfully used, instead.
Since then, however, a memory I had while preparing, seems to keep coming back.  Part of my talk was about how your spiritual life experiences can be kept in your "duffel bag" of knowledge that can be unpacked and reflected on again and again to validate your testimony over and over.
Today is Julianne's birthday and since the story is about her, I'll fill you in on one of the most spiritual experiences I have ever had.
We went with her on that beautiful Sunday morning in her high school days, to receive her Patriarchal blessing.  President Myers greeted us and we followed him to the front room.  After getting to know her a little better, he led us all back to his study.  This was a big deal for Julianne, but it was also a big deal for me.  My firstborn.  Now grown into a beautiful, worthy, and spotless girl.  She sat in front of him with her arms folded, bowing with faith, as he stood behind her and laid his hands on her head.  His voice was soft and peaceful.  I tried to soak in every word.
I closed my eyes and as I tried to concentrate,  a thin veil surrounded me ,filled with the Holy Ghost.  As President Myers words turned to background, the words I heard so clearly were, "You do love her, but I lover her more."  With the veil still thin, I could feel the difference between my sweet love for her, compared to His much deeper love for her.  I then knew He did indeed love her beyond my earthly understanding.
I can't deny the feeling.  It was mine to treasure.  This I know.  Heavenly Father is real and we are spiritual sons and daughters of Heavenly parents who love us more than we really know.
When I think about that experience, the peace and validation comes back to me just like it happened a minute ago.
This, I know.

The Good Night that Never Ends . . . (Repeat)

A few nights ago, I was preparing for a talk, sitting at the computer in the quiet of the early evening.   Pete had been asleep for an hour or so, and Emmie had gone down just after that.  It was peaceful.  As I typed away, I heard a flutter from Emmie's room.  I turned my head to see her standing there so quietly, hoping for my attention.  I held out my arms with a smile.  She smiled back and tiptoed quickly to my side.  Her little voice was soft and sweet as she pointed to her collar.  "Grandma," she said, "my pajamas keep coming undone."  I couldn't help but notice her top two buttons, open to her shoulders.  I carefully looped each button back into its hole and smoothed her PJ top straight, again.  I put my arm around her and held her tight, caressing her little freckled face and smoothing her beautiful hair.  I was hoping the clock would stop.  Then I heard the sweet words, "Grandma, I love you.  I sure am going to miss you when I go back to Nebraska."  Tears welled up in my eyes.  I was in heaven.  I told her how much I loved her, too and reminded her how much fun we had had.  I knew that if I held onto her any longer she would see my tears, so I pointed her towards the bedroom door and with a pat, watched as she floated back, which gave me a chance to dry my eyes a little.  When she got to the door, she turned and stood there quietly.  I wanted to squeeze her tight when I noticed one last thing. . .  Her top two buttons were open to her shoulders. . .(repeat).