Our January Miracle

Have you ever had those things happen in your life where you stand back and ask yourself, "How did that happen?" Those things that you never thought could be a reality... yet all of a sudden, they are. We had one of those experiences this past weekend. It was Chad's miracle. Chad's dad went to the temple for the first time in more than 30 years and his step mom Terry went through the temple for the first time. Miracle.

Fortunately, we were able to jump in the car on Friday afternoon and drive down to Vegas for the weekend so that we could be there. It was a great opportunity to spend the weekend with friends and family that we don't very often get to see. It was my first time doing a session in the Las Vegas temple and I was amazed at how beautiful it was inside. Every time I go to a new temple I'm always impressed by how unique, yet beautiful each temple is.

Chad's Dad and step mom Terry.

It was amazing to hear from Terry about her conversion to the church. It wasn't one, big monumental experience that encouraged her to investigate the LDS faith, but rather many little experiences. There were various people just living their lives, doing the things they normally do that had the biggest impact.

• There was a girl her son dated in high school who was a member and so he and Terry started looking into the church. Nothing came of it at that time, but it was the first exposure.
  
• When Brad and Terry got married 7 years ago, Chad's aunt Karen gave Terry a Book of Mormon with her testimony as a wedding gift. Terry said she didn't read it at the time, but the testimony let an impression.
• When the moved back to Las Vegas, Brad called the Elder's Quorum to come and help them move their stuff out of the moving truck, and they came! At this time, they were not active members, but that didn't matter, the Elder's Quorum was ready and willing to help.
• The ward mission leader in their ward brought a group of people caroling to their house two Christmases previously. Terry loved the compassion and love of service their ward members exhibited.

It was normal people, just doing their normal things who set the example for Brad and Terry. It was the little things. Moral of the story: You never know who's watching or who's life you influence day-to-day.

Being in Las Vegas, the entire Bennett clan had to join up for a yummy breakfast buffet. I love that even though we don't see Chad's aunts and uncles very often, when we do see them, it's as if no time has passed. They're a fun bunch of people to hang out with.

You gotta love family.