I am a novice in many ways to all the latest technology. Trying to teach this old woman the new ways is both challenging and rewarding. So, here goes.

I was reminded today of the Lord's hand in my life in so many ways and I felt impressed to share some of those thoughts that they might inspire, uplift, or just remind some of you that the Lord is watching over each of us all the time. As I was sitting in church today, the speaker was sharing stories of the Mormon Pioneers and the faith they needed to have in order to endure both the physical and spiritual challenges that would await them. Most of the early pioneers were drawn to the gospel for various reasons and made the choice to follow their hearts and solidify their testimonies of the Savior through obedience. However, it was their faith in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, that truly made the difference in their lives. This is my story of faith.

In June 1975, my family had the opportunity to travel half way around the world to unite with my father in Seoul, Korea who had already been deployed for 18 months.  My sweet mother was left alone to raise six children ages 16 to 6. (Need I say more!) As I have pondered the circumstances surrounding my family's adventure, there is no doubt in my mind of the Lord's hand in leading our family to this faraway land. My father was given an opportunity to command a battalion and accepting this command meant his chances for a long-term deployment decreased significantly. However, the thought of leaving my mother and six children for another year was not something that either of my parents desired. I don't know all the details, but normally the military would not send an officer's family overseas for only a year, let alone one with six children. However, my father was able to plead his case and with encouragement from the general, our family was off to the Land of the Morning Calm.

Shortly after our arrival, the battalion compound that my father commanded was holding a special prayer breakfast and one of his servicemen arranged to have a special performance by a group of American young men and an all girl singing group known as the New Horizons and Tender Apples. All I remember about this day is how I felt when I heard them sing and the excitement my parents felt as the youngest girl in the group touched my parents with her enchanting smile. At the end of the performance, they sang a beautiful song I had never before heard, "I Am a Child of God."  A seed was planted that day and I did not even realize it.

Over the next few months, my parents investigated the possibility of adopting this young girl who spoke no English other than the words she sang, but had such an infectious personality. They were informed that the young lady belonged to a children's home and that the likelihood of adoption was slim since we were not of her religious faith. What was this faith you ask?  It was The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. At the time I only ever remember hearing this name once before when two young men knocked on our door in Woodbridge, Virginia and after listening to their message, my parents thanked them and sent them on their way. So, what was different this time? The Lord's timing. Over the next six months, my family listened to the missionaries (16 different ones I might add), attended what was called Family Home Evenings many times at the Tender Apples Children's Home, and began attending church. I thought this would be a challenge since it would now be for three hours, not one. Again, another seed was planted.

Then, on a bitter cold winter's night at the Mission Home, most of my family was baptized. This special night also commemorates the birth of our Savior. Yes, that's right, December 25, 1975. And so, my journey of faith began. So, what does all this have to do with the Lord's hand? My family was granted the opportunity to travel to Korea when we should not have been, we attended a prayer breakfast at my father's battalion compound to hear a beautiful message and were introduced to a sweet young girl named Kim Ok Jin which pricked my family's heart and knew she needed to be part of it, and met many young men who were willing to sacrifice two year's of their lives to share a message dear to their hearts with us. Coincidence some may say, but for me, it was the Lord's hand preparing, guiding and directing our family to a place and with individuals that would forever change our lives.

While my faith continues to be tested, nurtured, strengthened and renewed each and every day, I am reminded of these days not really so long ago that gave me a strong foundation on which to build my life. Faith is something each of us must seek for and discover for ourselves and trusting in our Heavenly Father to guide us and direct us and recognizing His hand in all we do. There are so many individuals over the years that helped that first seed to grow and aided in my personal recognition of the Lord's hand in my life--Heather, Sean, Brown Sisters, Mary Perriton, Rhinda Bennion, Lisa, Kelly,Teresa, entire Springfield Ward gang, among many others. My sincere love and gratitude to each of you for the part you played in building my faith to where it stands today.

The Lord's hand is in everything around us, family, friends, rainbows, sunshine, a newborn child, or lost loved one. When we learn to open our eyes and truly seek His hand will we find it.