How Firm a Foundation

August 13, 2011

One of mom's favorite songs is How Firm A Foundation.  She told me the lyrics brought such comfort to her in facing some of the hardest trials in her life.  This morning, I got a couple of hymn books out of the closet in the dinning hall, and Leslie and I sang it to her.  Even in her weakened state, she mouthed the words as we sang, and asked us to sing it again.  Later in the day, her room filled to overflowing with children and grandchildren, we sang to her again.  Terri Beth accompanied us on her violin.  The spirit was so ever strong as tenor, soprano, base, and alto voices blended together.  Uplifting and beautiful music spilled over in the halls of the Nursing Home.

One of the aids told me "your mother is so lucky to have the family she does."  She then said every time she walked by the room, she paused, listened and lingered, and got goose bumps all over.  Oh... the spirit affected this young aid, too.  I told her our mother taught us to love and that "we were lucky to have her!"  

How Firm a Foundation

How firm a foundation, ye Saints of the Lord.  Is laid for your faith in His excellent word!

What more can he say than to you he hath said, Who unto the Savior, for refuge have fled.

In every condition - in sickness, in health, In poverty's vale or a bounding in wealth.

At home or abroad, on the land or the sea - As thy days may demand, so thy succor shall be.

Fear not, I am with thee; oh, be not dismayed.  For I am thy God and will still give thee aid.

I'll strengthen thee, help thee, and cause thee to stand, Upheld by my righteous, omnipotent hand.


It's our 17th Wedding Anniversary today.... couldn't focus on anything other than mom.  Love Dave for understanding!

A banjo, flute, and drum

Dave has been sending home some pretty neat stuff from Afghanistan. Pictured here is a banjo, flute, and a drum. The banjo is made out of a copper pot. The handle and turn keys are made from wood. The flute and drum is made out of wood. He is sending more wooden guitars and drums home. Now, the challenge is displaying them with justice. They are so cool!

Farewell Meriam

This was an absolutely wonderful Sabbath Day. Meriam gave her missionary farewell talk in church today. She is prepared to serve the Lord! Meriam is the 24th missionary in the family. Out of the family, Fourteen missions were served in foreign lands and Eleven were served in the states. Mom and Dad has served two missions. What an amazing example they have set for their children and grandchildren and for generations to come!

After Sacrament meeting, Steven and Ann treated us to a fabulous lunch. All the kids performed beautiful works of music on the piano, violin, and guitar. They don't know this, but when Thomas played A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief and Raelynn played the last piece of the day, I was moved to tears. Good, inspirational music has a spritual and profound effect on my heart and soul.


Terri Meriam Susan