Our new Nativity Scene

This year I really wanted a new Nativity Scene.  I have one that is like the one my parents had growing up - ceramic figures, with a wooden stable.  It is cute, but not really my style, and a lot of the pieces are now broken, so it is on its last leg. I didn't really know what kind of Nativity I wanted - but I felt when I saw it - I'd know it was the one.  Well, I saw it (and if you know my house at all, you are well aware of the metal theme...dinner table, huge clock, etc...) and immediately knew I had to have it.  Here is the Nativity Scene I got (except mine has a few more pieces in it than what is shown in the picture).  Isn't it just gorgeous?!  I absolutely love it!  I got it from Bishop Built - they do all sorts of metal items - one of my fave companies!

The Plan of Salvation, a.k.a The Plan of HAPPINESS

Today I was able to attend the viewing of a friend of mine, from Oklahoma, who passed away last week.  When we lived there, I was able to serve in the Relief Society Presidency with her, side by side for many months.  Her name is Diana Hawks, and she was a friend to many.  Non-judgmental, caring, uplifting, just a wonderful lady.  In fact, I think she was one of the first people to introduce herself to me when we first moved to Claremore, OK.
Diana and her husband, Ralph, just recently moved to Utah - just 3 weeks ago. He retired from his lifelong occupation and now works for the Church. I was able to talk with Ralph today.  He said the most comforting things.  The first thing he said was that he *knew* Diana's urgency to move to Utah was so he could be close to his family during this hard time.  All of his daughters live here, so that was a great blessing to him.  He would have been all alone in Oklahoma.  The second thing he said that made a huge impression on me was - when asked how he was doing by one of his daughters, he simply answered "I'm at great peace".
What a blessing it is to KNOW that he will see Diana again.  That she is in a far better place than here - doing what she loves best - serving in the Church.
I, too, am so grateful for the knowledge of heaven and that there is a loving Heavenly Father watching over our every move.  He has a perfect plan for us.  I see the little miracles happening in the Hawks family, and know that they are tender mercies from Him.