To Our Children and Missionaries the Greatest Generation in the History of the Church

24 May 2015

Beloved Missionaries and Children,

This may be long, but it is something I felt I needed to do and I hope you will take the time to read and discuss this letter.  Please feel my love for you as you read this letter.  I write to my children and their spouses and to our missionaries and their spouses, for you complete each other and together become whole.

Today I was asked to speak in our ward Sacrament Meeting on Elder Ballard’s recent conference talk that he gave in the Priesthood session called, “The Greatest Generation of Young Adults.”  In his talk, he referenced the talk that impacted each of our lives during our mission, “The Greatest Generation of Missionaries.”  I felt that I was asked to speak on this talk because of what we witnessed on our mission firsthand seeing how the bar was raised and how those of you on the mission and those of you preparing to serve responded to this call to rise up and become the greatest generation of missionaries in the history of the church.  It brought back a flood of tender memories.
You remember the call from Elder Ballard in 2002, ““What we need now is the greatest generation of missionaries in the history of the Church. We need worthy, qualified, spiritually energized missionaries who, like Helaman’s 2,000 stripling warriors, are “exceedingly valiant for courage, and also for strength and activity” and who are “true at all times in whatsoever thing they [are] entrusted” (Alma 53:20).”

A few other quotes from this landmark talk that changed the church:
“Brethren, today we are fighting a battle that in many ways is more perilous, more fraught with danger than the battle between the Nephites and the Lamanites. Our enemy is cunning and resourceful. We fight against Lucifer, the father of all lies, the enemy of all that is good and right and holy.”

“These are “perilous times.” We battle literally for the souls of men. The enemy is unforgiving and relentless. He is taking eternal prisoners at an alarming rate. And he shows no sign of letting up.
While we are profoundly grateful for the many members of the Church who are doing great things in the battle for truth and right, I must honestly tell you it still is not enough. We need much more help. And so, as the people of Ammon looked to their sons for reinforcement in the war against the Lamanites, we look to you, my young brethren of the Aaronic Priesthood. We need you!”

“Many of you are already on this track, and we commend you for your worthiness and determination. For those of you who are not, let tonight be the beginning of your preparation process. If you find yourself wanting in worthiness, resolve to make the appropriate changes—beginning right now. If you think you need to talk to your father and your bishop about any sins you may have committed, don’t wait; do it now. They will help you to repent and change so you can take your place as a member of the greatest generation of missionaries.”

These are a few quotes from this great talk that you may want to read again.  Just because you were a missionary or preparing to be a missionary at this time was not a guarantee, It was a call that required a choice, effort, diligence, humility and seeking the spirit each day.

We witnessed a mighty change in our missionaries, mission and the church.  How was the bar raised?  It was through the individual efforts of each missionary or pre-missionary and through the collective efforts of families, wards, stakes, missions and the entire church.  We watched you go to the Lord asking as it says in Ether 12 to show you your weaknesses and the things you individually needed to change.   We saw you seek and follow the spirit through daily patterns of prayer, scripture study and acting on every prompting.  We watched you rely on the mercy and grace of the power of the atonement to work changes in you and we watched you become the greatest generation of missionaries.  We watched our mission focus go from; Obedience and each of us obeying with exactness, to each of you making sacrifices, what could you personally give up in order to be better, and then to consecration as you strove to give your all to the Lord and let Him make of you the missionary you were born to become. The world says “Be all that you can be,” God Says, “Give me your all and let me make you all that you can be.” That is consecration, giving him not only your mission, but your life.

 This was an extraordinary task but you are extraordinary ordinary people saved to come to earth at this time.

We watched as Parents, Bishops, Stake Presidents, Mission Presidents, and the entire church was infused with renewed hope and energy from your efforts to become what an Apostle of the Lord called you to become.  They went to work themselves with renewed energy in this battle for the souls of men.  You gave me greater hope and great joy!!!  I still marvel at your goodness and greatness.
I find it interesting that 10 years after this talk, the missionary age was lowered.  I believe that shows the bar was raised and I commend you for your participation in this historical time in the church.
Now 13 years later, Elder Ballard again speaks to your generation and gives a new call. “ If I may paraphrase what I said to missionaries 13 years ago, what we need now is the greatest generation of young adults in the history of the Church. We need your whole heart and soul. We need vibrant, thinking, passionate young adults who know how to listen and respond to the whisperings of the Holy Spirit as you make your way through the daily trials and temptations of being a young, contemporary Latter-day Saint.”

I believe this new talk is not just a sequel to a best seller talk given 13 years before because it did so well the first time.  I believe that Elder Ballard has a vision of the future and what kind of disciples it will require.  I was reading in Preach My Gospel yesterday and read Alma 7.  I think I have to add this chapter to my list of favorite chapters.  It seems that Alma was much like Elder Ballard today.

 Alma had given up the judgment seat to go out and preach the gospel.  He had just spent time in  Zarahemla where he had labored hard to bring the church back on  course.  Now in chapter 7 he is preaching to the people of Gideon.  I would like to share a few verses that speak to my heart.  Because like Alma, This is my hope for each of you:

….and the Lord in much mercy hath granted that I should come unto you.
 3 And behold, I have come having great hopes and much desire that I should find that ye had humbled yourselves before God, and that ye had continued in the supplicating of his grace, that I should find that ye were blameless before him, that I should find that ye were not in the awful dilemma that our brethren were in at Zarahemla.
 4 But blessed be the name of God, that he hath given me to know, yea, hath given unto me the exceedingly great joy of knowing that they are established again in the way of his righteousness.
 5 And I trust, according to the Spirit of God which is in me, that I shall also have joy over you; nevertheless I do not desire that my joy over you should come by the cause of so much afflictions and sorrow which I have had for the brethren at Zarahemla, for behold, my joy cometh over them after wading through much affliction and sorrow.
 6 But behold, I trust that ye are not in a state of so much unbelief as were your brethren; I trust that ye are not lifted up in the pride of your hearts; yea, I trust that ye have not set your hearts upon riches and the vain things of the world; yea, I trust that you do not worship idols, but that ye do worship the true and the living God, and that ye look forward for the remission of your sins, with an everlasting faith, which is to come….
18 For as I said unto you from the beginning, that I had much desire that ye were not in the state of dilemma like your brethren, even so I have found that my desires have been gratified.
 19 For I perceive that ye are in the paths of righteousness; I perceive that ye are in the path which leads to the kingdom of God; yea, I perceive that ye are making his paths straight.

Alma felt great joy that the people of Gideon were walking in the Lord’s way.  However, he still felt to speak to them of the vision he had of the future and cry repentance and teach them how to rise up and be better and prepare for the coming of the Savior.

Alma’s vision or the WHY:

7 For behold, I say unto you there be many things to come; and behold, there is one thing which is of more importance than they all—for behold, the time is not far distant that the Redeemer liveth and cometh among his people.
 8 Behold, I do not say that he will come among us at the time of his dwelling in his mortal tabernacle; for behold, the Spirit hath not said unto me that this should be the case. Now as to this thing I do not know; but this much I do know, that the Lord God hath power to do all things which are according to his word.

Alma’s CRY to repent

 9 But behold, the Spirit hath said this much unto me, saying: Cry unto this people, saying—Repent ye, and prepare the way of the Lord, and walk in his paths, which are straight; for behold, the kingdom of heaven is at hand, and the Son of God cometh upon the face of the earth….
15 Yea, I say unto you come and fear not, and lay aside every sin, which easily doth beset you, which doth bind you down to destruction, yea, come and go forth, and show unto your God that ye are willing to repent of your sins and enter into a covenant with him to keep his commandments, and witness it unto him this day by going into the waters of baptism.

Alma teaching how

 23 And now I would that ye should be humble, and be submissive and gentle; easy to be entreated; full of patience and long-suffering; being temperate in all things; being diligent in keeping the commandments of God at all times; asking for whatsoever things ye stand in need, both spiritual and temporal; always returning thanks unto God for whatsoever things ye do receive.
 24 And see that ye have faith, hope, and charity, and then ye will always abound in good works.

I can almost hear Elder Ballard’s voice in Alma’s words.  I think like Alma, Elder Ballard has a vision of the days ahead.  He may not have all the details nor did Alma, but the spirit has told him to cry unto your generation to rise up and become the “Greatest Generation of Young Adults” in the history of the church.

“In many ways the world today is more challenging than it was 13 years ago. Our young men and young women have many more distractions to sidetrack them in their preparations for both a mission and a future happy life. Technology has expanded, and almost everyone has access to handheld devices that can capture the attention of the human family of God for both great good and unconscionable ill.”

Elder Ballard’s teaching how

 “please ponder in your heart your answers to these questions:
1. Do you search the scriptures regularly?
2. Do you kneel in prayer to talk with your Heavenly Father each morning and each night?
3. Do you fast and donate a fast offering each month—even if you are a poor, struggling student who can’t afford to donate much?
4. Do you think deeply about the Savior and His atoning sacrifice for you when you are asked to prepare, bless, pass, or partake of the sacrament?
5. Do you attend your meetings and strive to keep the Sabbath day holy?
6. Are you honest at home, school, church, and work?
7. Are you mentally and spiritually clean? Do you avoid viewing pornography or looking at websites, magazines, movies, or apps, including Tinder and Snapchat photos, that would embarrass you if your parents, Church leaders, or the Savior Himself saw you?
8. Are you careful with your time—avoiding inappropriate technology and social media, including video games, which can dull your spiritual sensitivity?
9. Is there anything in your life you need to change and fix, beginning tonight?

Elder Ballard’s CRY to repent:

“ I hope you answered each one of these questions honestly and thoughtfully. If you find yourself lacking in any of these simple principles, then I urge you to courageously repent and bring your life back in line with gospel standards of righteous discipleship.”
Notice Elder Ballard did not say he hoped you answered these questions perfectly.  Rather honestly and thoughtfully, letting the spirit guide you to know what changes you need to make to rise up again and take your place as part of the greatest generation.

He goes on to say, “Please use the skills you learned on your mission to bless the lives of people around you every day. Do not shift your focus from serving others to focusing exclusively on school, work, or social activities. Instead, balance your life with spiritual experiences that remind and prepare you for continued, daily ministering to others.”

Elders and Sisters I like Alma have great hope that each of you are using the patterns learned in the mission that bring the spirit into your life of prayer, scripture study individually and with your young families, EVERY DAY, EVERY DAY, EVERY DAY!!!, that you are teaching your little one the importance of partaking in the sacrament each week.  I know as you do these things the spirit will guide you through the daily tasks of temporal life.  Somehow through the daily struggle of life we become refined and who the Lord needs us to become as we walk hand in hand with God.  This comes through seeking Him each day and following His guidance.

Elder Ballard’s WHY or the vision?

Be strong, brethren. Keep the commandments of God. The Lord Jesus Christ promises that all things we desire to do in righteousness will be ours. Church leaders are counting on you. We need every one of you young adults to prepare to marry, to serve, and to lead in the days ahead,”
I quote a return missionary from our ward, “IF it is true, SINCE it is true, we are willing to do things we would not normally do, EVERY DAY!!!”

I do not know what the days ahead will hold, but I do know that you were saved for this time.  You were part of the Greatest Generation of Missionaries and now you have been called to be part of the Greatest Generation of Young Adults.  I do believe the battle for the souls of men is intensifying.  I marvel as I consider the power of not just 2000 stripling warriors, but of an entire generation rising up.  I marvel to consider the type of homes, families and marriages you are creating and I marvel at the why.  We feel a hastening and we long for the return of our Savior.  You were saved for a time such as this and with the Lord’s help, you can answer this call from an apostle of God.  You will become the greatest generation and you will lift me and my generation with you as we too strive to do these same things.  It is thrilling imagine the impact on your children raised in your powerful homes.

We can become greater disciples of Christ, which will require greater spouses, greater parents, greater grandparents, greater Young Men and Young Women leaders, greater teachers, greater leaders.  We can each do our part individually each day and collectively we will become and be prepared for the “days ahead.”

I love each of you!!!  I believe in each of you!!!!

Sheri Marie Bennett

The Miracle of Aunt Jeannette

There is a movie called, “Pay it Forward.”   The premise is that people do kind things and we can not always pay them back, but we can do something kind for someone else, or “pay it forward.”  The impact of this can be amazing.  I witnessed this yesterday as I spoke on the phone with the Relief Society President in Aunt Jeanette Bennett Miller’s ward in Dallas, Texas.

We discovered that my husband, Curtis, had an Aunt Jeanette about six years ago when we began tracing his family history.  He knew almost nothing about the Bennett side of his family because his father left when he was about five-years-old.  However, Curtis  did know that his father had a brother, John, so he found his phone number and called him to ask some family history questions.  John did not know the answers to many of the questions and finally said, “you should really call Jeannette, she knows the most about the family.”  “Who is Jeannette?” Curtis asked.  “Your aunt,” John replied.  Curtis was stunned to discover he had an aunt living in Texas.  We called her and talked for hours, this was the first of many long phone calls and we developed a long distance relationship with Jeannette.  She was very interested in helping us with the family history and sharing stories that she remembered of different family members.  After many months, I sent her a book with all the research, records, photos and stories we found about the Bennett family. She was delighted. 

I specifically remember a phone conversation we had when sweet Jeannette said, “Sheri, promise me I will meet you and Curtis before I die!”  She was in her 70s at the time.  I promised her we would make sure that would happen.  I don’t make promises I cannot keep and every year we would look at our schedules and try to fit in a trip to Texas to visit Jeannette.

A few years passed without going to see her, then in June of 2012, I noticed that Southwest Airlines was having special rates and flights to Harlingen, Texas reasonably priced.  I called Curtis and asked him to help me pick a date so we could go and visit Jeannette.  We decided we could go later in the year on November 10th.  I called Jeannette to ask if that date would work.  She was so excited for us to come and we talked for a few minutes.  Then Jeannette told me that she was worried about her husband, Max Miller, and thought he was in the process of dying.  We spoke on this more serious note and I was able to help comfort her.

The next morning, Jeannette called and told me that Max had passed away during the night.  How providential that I had called the day before so she knew she was not alone and had someone to call and help her.  I saw God’s hand in the timing of all of this and his love for Jeannette so she had family to turn to for comfort.  We kept in close touch, which was good because Jeannette fell and broke her knee and had to move into a 24 hour care facility.  It was again providential that the care facility was right next to the LDS chapel.  We felt helpless being so far away and not able to help Jeannette, so we asked her if we could send the Mormon missionaries to help her since they are required to do service each week.  She was receptive so we called the Mission President in Texas and he sent missionaries to help her.  We thought a few days of service would be the end of the story, however these were great missionaries and they not only came over to check on her and help her, but also began to teach her about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.  We had no idea they were teaching Jeannette.

Weeks passed by and one day I was talking with Jeannette on the phone checking on her to make sure she was dong okay.  She mentioned that the missionaries would wheel her in her wheelchair to church each week from the care center.  She explained that the care center was next door to the LDS chapel.   I was so happy!  As Jeannette's knee healed, she was able to return to her assisted living center home.  The missionaries continued to serve and teach her and helped her moved back to her

President Thomas S. Monson-Prophet

apartment.  In September, she mentioned during one of our phone calls that she was just fascinated with much of the doctrine of our church and that she was finding answers to many of her lifelong questions.  She said she was particularly fascinated with the doctrine of a living prophet upon the earth and was looking forward to General Conference so she could hear the prophet, President Thomas S. Monson speak.  Curtis and I were amazed and delighted and completely surprised. 

A few weeks later the missionaries in Texas, called Curtis and told him that Jeannette wanted to be baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on November 11th and wanted Curtis to do the baptism.  This was the Sunday we would be visiting Jeannette in Texas, the date we set up in June.  We were amazed at the goodness of a loving Father in Heaven who reached out to Jeannette and gave her the opportunity to learn of his plan and to become a member of his restored church.  We saw His timing and goodness orchestrating this process.

Jeannette and Curtis united at last.

Jeannette and Curtis in their white baptismal clothing.

The missionaries, Curtis and I with Jeannette before her baptism.

We flew into Texas and drove to Jeannette’s apartment arriving at her home at 1:00 a.m. on November 11th.  She was waiting outside for us and we were all so happy to hug and visit and finally meet in person.  We talked for a while and then went to bed so we could wake up a few hours later and be at Jeannette’s baptism at 9:00 a.m.  What a joyful day!  To be present at her baptism and for Curtis to be able to be the one to baptize her was so sweet.  It was so fun to meet the amazing missionaries who had taken such good care of her over the past few months.  Jeannette was so darling and so happy to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Her ward members were so supportive and kind.  We spent several days with Jeannette in Texas getting to know each other better.  She shared stories and pictures and we cherished every moment together.

Jeannette in our home.

Curtis, Jeannette and Sydney at the Bountiful temple.

Bennett family at temple square in Salt Lake City.

She flew home with us for Thanksgiving and met more of the Bennett family. It was such a delight to have her in our home. She was able to attend the Bountiful temple with us and to do baptisms for some of her ancestors, something she truly enjoyed. We told her that she could go through the temple the next year and planned for her to come back to Utah for the next Thanksgiving so we could all go with her when she went through the temple for the first time.

Bountiful temple

Jeannette returned home and enjoyed going to church and the members of her branch were so welcoming to her.  As time passed, her esophageal cancer returned and her health declined.  Soon she decided to move to Dallas to be close to her son, Ty Thomas.  She felt she wanted to spend as much time as possible with Ty if this was the end of her life.  It became apparent that she was not well enough to fly to Utah for Thanksgiving, so Curtis and I and his sister, Laura and her husband, John McCleve decided we would fly to Texas to go to the Dallas temple with her.  We called her Bishop in her new ward and he had someone teach her about preparing to go to the temple and gave her a temple recommend.  We flew to Texas and Ty picked us up and drove us straight to the temple where we met Jeannette.  We were able to be with her as she received her endowments in the temple and was sealed to her parents and her first husband, Clarence Alvin Thomas.  Again a joyful day!  We spent a couple of days with Jeannette and Ty and then returned to Utah.


We continue to keep in touch with Jeannette and she is nearing the end of her life.  She is at peace and has made the needed preparations.  However, we are still far away and cannot be there to sit with her and to help.  Once again, her Bishop and the members of her ward are doing what we cannot.  We called Jeannette last Sunday and her Bishop and others from the ward were there visiting her.  We asked her if she wanted us to fly out there and she replied, “Whatever for?”  We had one detail we felt we had not taken care of; Jeannette did not own temple clothes.  Mormons who have been through the temple are buried in their sacred temple clothing. 

Yesterday I called Jeannette’s Relief Society President to discuss temple clothing for Jeannette and how we could arrange to have them purchased.  The Relief Society is the women’s organization of the church and it will be these sweet sisters who will dress Jeannette’s body for burial.  The Relief Society President’s name is Hollie Gardner and she told me that a member of the Bishopric and his wife bought Jeannette temple clothes that very day.  They wanted to do this for her!  My heart was warmed by their kindness and generosity to our dear aunt.  The Lord had provided the necessary things for Jeannette through the kindness of this couple.  I was humbled, grateful and full of joy in the goodness of a loving Father in Heaven who is so interested in the smallest details of our lives.  This couple acted as His hands on the Earth as they followed a prompting to help Jeannette.  We cannot pay them back, they don’t want us to do that, but we can look for ways to, “pay it forward” and serve His children around us. 

Since that day, the hospital chaplain called us and told us that the members of the Mormon church in Jeannette's ward are visiting her often to bring her flowers til her room is like a garden.  The young women in the ward gave Jeannette a "heart attack" covering a wall in her room with paper hearts.  The support they have given to Jeannette, someone they did not even know til she moved into their ward in November is amazing.  We are so grateful!

Jeannette Bennett Thomas Miller

Jeannette has not yet passed away, however her body is growing increasingly weaker.  Her spirits are high and she is full of joy.  She has done all she needed to do here on earth to return to Heavenly Father and she is looking forward to that reunion.  She has promised to look out for us from the other side.

My faith grew stronger in hearing of the good people in Dallas who were caring for our aunt.  I love the goodness of so many people all around the world who are looking for ways to serve, comfort, care for and help those around them.  I love how no matter where we go, we are home and have family in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

10 penny miracle! Not Going to Sochi

Curtis and I have been looking forward the winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia for several months.  Our visas are tucked nicely into our passports, ready for the trip.  At Christmas our excitement grew when Omega Watch Company sent the itinerary of the events we would be attending along with a miniature, traditional, Russian felt boot.  They explained that a custom pair of boots would be made for us in Russia.  We could hardly wait!

The past few weeks several people have asked us if we were worried about going to Sochi.  We were a bit nervous, but mostly blissfully looking forward to the experience.  However, last week another jeweler that we met at the London Olympics sent us an email asking if we were still planning on attending in February since there were so many safety concerns.

She explained; "I was wondering if you and Curtis have any thoughts you could share regarding all of our safety on the upcoming trip to Sochi.
I've read every article that's been printed on the subject in the past week.
I've read the Department of State's warnings. 
I've registered with the Travel Advisory of the Department of State so they know who and where we are, and so that while there,
I can get emails of any warnings coming out of the US Embassy in Moscow. (STEP)
I've read the Bible.
I've talked with close friends in my Bible Study Group. 
I have been going back and forth about it up until 2 weeks ago.  It was then that we decided that we were still going to go.  Since then, more has come up about "real threats" and US politicians have been stating that they would not bring their families there. 

My friend’s faith inspired me to think perhaps I needed to remove my head from the sand and pray about this upcoming trip.  So I knelt down and prayed, telling Heavenly Father we were planning on attending the Olympics and if that was not His will to let us know that we should not go.  Ten minutes later, Curtis called me to tell me that corporate did not want us to go to Russia.  It was interesting, before praying, I would have been so disappointed, but instead I felt peace and knew this was the answer to my prayer.

I sent a quick email to our friend, “It looks like we are not going to Sochi, Corporate is concerned and does not want us to attend.  However, Omega Watch Company, the Official timekeeper at all the Olympics, said they are making every precaution for safety.  I am disappointed most of all to not see you!”

Later that night, Curtis and I were talking about the turn of events and how the Lord was so kind to answer our prayer.  We talked of how we hope nothing will happen and everyone will be safe, but recognized the peace we felt by staying home.  Then I realized I had watered down the experience for my friend.  She was willing to share her journey of faith with me and I kept mine private.  I quickly sent her another email:  “So I have to thank you for sending your email and sharing how you were reading and studying and taking the decision to God about the Olympics.  I had not thought enough about the concerns until then.  I decided to pray about it and ten minutes later Curtis called and told me that corporate did not want us going.  I felt peace even though we will miss seeing you.  I thank you again for your inspiration and faith.  I know that if you feel good about going, it will be the right decision for you.”



The next morning she emailed and told me that, Whenever she attempted to sit and pray about Sochi and whether to go or not, she could not focus.  She was all over the place (near panic attack) and now she realized that was the first sign that they need to not go to Sochi.  Then she listed eight concerns she had about the trip


1.  Terrorists HATE Putin and hate the fact that the Olympics are on their land.
2.  The Olympics were projected to cost 12 billion dollars and instead they are costing 59 billion due to all the bribery... What would stop "them" from bribing someone to plant a bomb?
3.  If something was to happen to us and we are hospitalized, what type of care would we receive?  Would I have to pay a bribe or get neglected in an inferior medical facility?
4.  I registered with STEP at the Department of State.  Do I really want to go on a trip that I have to check my emails for warnings of life altering threats every hour on the hour?
5.  The 3 Black Widows are still out there.
6.  I would be a wreck from the moment we landed in Sochi till the moment we were out of there. 
7.  On the news they showed a map of Sochi and then highlighted in red all the terrorist camps or communities surrounding Sochi - Oh my goodness, 90% of the territory around Sochi is occupied by terrorists!
8.  One politician at Homeland Security spoke on TV and said - "knowing what I know, I would not let my family go to Sochi."

She explained how these things were bouncing around in her head as she attempted to pray ...then she told me: “AND THEN I THOUGHT OF YOU AND CURTIS, YOUR FAITH, AND ALL OF A SUDDEN IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR ME TO HEAR WHAT YOU HAD TO SAY!”  That made me feel good, when we met in London, she told me she had never met a Mormon before (when we don't drink, people ask why and we explain it is because of our religion) and asked me to tell her all about our beliefs.  We had long conversations about our beliefs, she is Catholic, and truly became dear friends.

She then went on to explain how the Bible study she did while pondering her decision whether or not to go to Sochi was this:
Psalm 23...The Lord Is my Shepherd.  As part of the lesson, She was asked the following:
          DAY 4 Question:  Even in the most distressing circumstance, we are assured in Psalm 23:4 that we don't  need to be afraid.  God never said that we wouldn't face danger.  But He promised that He would always be with us.  This was His message to His people from the beginning of Scripture to the end.  Read the following verses, recording your thoughts below regarding the difference it makes to face what we fear with our Shepherd by our side.
Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrorized because of  them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. 
Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. 
Matthew 28:20 And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
Hebrews 13:5-6 Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said "Never will I leave you, Never will I forsake you."

So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can man do to me?

Well after reading those verses, she told herself, “Just go - nothing will happen, God will be at my side....don't let evil win, He will not leave me, etc...and then she heard from me and I said WE WERE NOT GOING.”
She discussed all of these things and decided not to go and take the chance. Then the next morning she put the TV on to hear the weather and immediately an ALERT came through with a picture of the Hotel that was just blown up in Cairo (Islamic terrorists) and She knew they had made the right decision.  She shared this with me:

"God gives us free choice, and He gives us a brain to think with, as well as a heart to feel with, 
 and as disheartened as I am about not going, I know it is best we stay home.
         
So disappointed  - it all would have been an amazing experience...and then I think of these athletes who worked so hard for so many years, and now have to worry about their families going and are encouraging them to stay home.

Interesting how after receiving my email, you were able to sit and pray about Sochi and almost
immediately Curtis called you with Corporate's decision.  I am sure God had me write you
because he saw how nuts I was and how I wasn't able to focus in my prayer. He let you do it for me:)  What a guy!!!!

 Anyway - as you can tell, this has consumed me for the past 5 days and I am very relieved the 
decision has been made and we are not going.

Now we just pray pray pray that nothing happens, everyone in Sochi is safe - and our Athletes WIN!  GO USA!!!!!

After reading her e-mail, I felt so much joy as I saw so clearly the hand of God in both of our lives.  It was sweet to share this journey of faith with my dear Catholic friend.  I was reminded how we need to work together to make the world a better place.  I had to share my joy that God is watching out for us with her so I sent her another email:

God is amazing!!!  I felt that your e-mail prepared me for the news from corporate that they
did not want us to go.  If you had not written and made me think this was something I needed to pray about, I would have been soooooo disappointed.  However, because of your e-mail, I felt it was an answer to prayer and felt such peace.  Heavenly Father sent a tender mercy through your e-mail to prepare me for the news.  Then HE used us to help you decide. 

My son Mason says that God is the great orchestrator.  He sets up situations for us in our lives to guide us and invite us to draw closer to Him.  We are the musicians who decide whether or not to play the music.

Interesting how joyful it is to see the hand of God in our lives.  I believe He is always there to help us each day.  Often we don’t even notice the miracles, but other times they are so clear it is easy to see them.  Either way I am so grateful that we don’t have to walk this journey of life alone.  The pennies I find on the ground remind me to look for the miracles.  By the way, I found a dime the day this happened.  This was a 10 penny miracle!