Youth Program 2024

 One thing that I love that Jake does as Bishop as the youth do a program each year. The youth each write their own parts (this year we have a copy because it is being translated into Spanish as well).  I am profoundly touched by music and I felt my heart swell listening to the youth sing and seeing my boys up there. I have learned the music we learn in Primary teaches us the fundamentals. I do not recall many lessons but I recall the principles taught in song.

Dec 8, 2024 Bartlett 2^nd Ward Youth program

Intro-The youth theme this year comes from 3 Nephi 5:13, which states: “Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.”.  What does this mean to you?  As we share some of our thoughts, maybe you reflect on your discipleship as well.

Savannah Young- The meaning of disciple is “a follower”. I try to follow Jesus by making Him a part of my every day. I try to be Christ-like even though it may prove to be very difficult. Going to seminary isn’t easy to do every morning but with that thought in mind of how much better my day will be with Jesus, I manage. Being a disciple of Christ will never be easy. There are so many things you are constantly improving on. Being a disciple may be hard, but it also means you have Christ with you to help you with all your difficult challenges. I am a disciple of Christ and strive to become more like Him every day. Although it may be hard, I am grateful to live my life with Him as my guide.

Lucas Ransom- To be a disciple of Jesus Christ is to be a follower and a teacher of His teachings.  I am a disciple through my actions. I try my best to be nice to everyone I meet. In seminary last year, we had to memorize a bunch of scriptures. One of these scriptures says, “faith without works is dead”. Now I looked at this at face value and reasoned that God can help you all He can, but without your work to get what you ask for, then you will never get it. I can believe all I want, but without me acting on these beliefs, I cannot truly claim that I have faith.

Emily Packard- Being a disciple of Jesus Christ to me is being a good example to others of how to turn to and be more like Jesus. It is staying calm and being kind to others even when they aren’t.

Scotty Marshall- I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I try to say personal prayers and do my best to read scriptures. I try to keep in mind those who are going through troubles. At school I stick up for anyone who is being bullied or having a hard time. My Papa is an example of discipleship. He is always sharing the gospel with others so they can learn about Jesus Christ and his example.

Sam Nelson- My family is very spiritually active. My great grandpa was bishop for the same ward three times and his son was caught in a flash flood with his scout troop. He was able to find shelter because his faith and prayer. So, by being a disciple of Christ, I follow in the footsteps of great men.

Dallin Seaman- Being a disciple of Christ is important to me because my family, my friends, and everyone important to me are striving to be a disciple. I loved going to FSY where my goal was to come closer to Him. Reading my scriptures, praying, and bearing my testimony all help me become a disciple of Christ and feel the Spirit.

Jonah Donald- I am a disciple of Christ by trying to be a good example to me friends. One time a friend shared something that was irrelevant and just wrong. I asked him to stop things like that and he has. I hope you can try this and I can follow y’alls examples.

Jasmine Jones- Being a disciple of Jesus means following his example of love and thoughtfulness. I try to treat others with respect, help those in need, share His message with friends, and I seek to be kind and compassionate in my everyday life. Through prayer and learning from the scriptures I grow in faith and live a life that reflects His teachings. It’s not always easy but I believe that living like Jesus brings peace and happiness in my life.

Song: Peace in Christ

Chris Farrell- 2 Corinthians 5:7 states “For we walk by faith, not by sight” is a great way to describe how we can be a disciple. With all the world being so chaotic, we have to stay believing in Christ to survive and return. He will give us strength. For example, whenever my friend has a bad day or something like that, I always stay positive because I know we can survive. Christ helps us survive as well if we have faith.

Chloe Boston- Being a disciple of Christ means to me what we are. With Him no matter what, he chose us to be His people. And to me that is the best things. Being a disciple of Christ helped me through a lot this year. He loves us and is here for us in our struggles.

Marcus Simmons- I am a disciple of Jesus Christ by being an example to others. I try my best to show others how to follow Christ. I am also a disciple of Christ by being kind and caring. I try to show Christ-like love to others. I comfort those in need of comfort, I help those in need of assistance, and I also stand as a witness of God in all times, in all things, and in all places.

Mariah Marshall- I can be a disciple of Jesus Christ. At school I always say hi to people in the morning or check with people to see how they are doing. I always want them to know they matter and they that I care because when you do this, it makes a difference. Another way, I am a disciple is waking up and going o seminary. For me this is very hard but when I go it makes a big difference in my day. I can tell that when I do go to seminary, I have a better day or can think more clearly at school. Being a disciple of Christ is important to me and has made my testimony grow.

Thomas Young- I think an important part of discipleship is ministering to those around you. It amazes me how often when I find myself needing support, I have a friend text or call me.  I know this is a way the Lord helps me out, and in return I try and reach out to others. Often, I am amazed about how often I hear them say they had been feeling down, and me reaching out to them was helpful. This is just one of the numerous blessings from discipleship and most often happens in my life.

Makenna Stone- The blessings I get from being a disciple of Christ is I get ___ why because I can go to my Savior for guidance in my life and He can guide you to Jesus. For example, if someone is mean to you, think and act how He would, how Jesus Christ would act towards someone in life.

Gretchen Seaman- Discipleship is what gets me through the day. I have come to learn the blessings of being a disciple of Christ. Through daily life to the hardest challenges, I’ve gone through, I have learned being a follower of Christ makes days easier. I truly can say I do not know where I would be without the guiding hand of the Lord. Discipleship isn’t just coming to church, praying, and reading, even though those are vital. Discipleship is wanting to be like Christ in every way. Discipleship simply could be being a friend. I love the Lord, my Heavenly parents, and the Holy Ghost. I love them with my whole heart and a being a disciple is just one way I show my appreciation.

JJ Jones- Being a disciple of Christ, is hard, but it is always worth it. When we do what the Lord wants us to, He doesn't leave us to do it by ourselves. He grants us the power to do what we need to do and gives us blessings to reward us for doing it. Now that I am going to public school, I have a lot more problems and pressure, but I also have a lot more opportunities to be a disciple of Christ for my classmates. I am a disciple of Christ by being a smiling light to those around me, by helping people wherever I can, and I constantly notice the Lord helping me, with school, and by multiplying my efforts to help people.

Song: Disciple of Christ

Kaitlyn Stone- I am a disciple of Jesus Christ by committing to Him and living His standards. A disciple is being dedicated to a mission of Jesus. I have been blessed from being a disciple by God and Jesus helping me through all my trials in life. They help me think better about myself. I continue to be a disciple of Christ when I am challenged by people at school and by people in public when they say bad things, or He isn’t real. I keep Him in mind.

Jake Farrell- I am a disciple of Christ. To be a disciple of Jesus Christ means to pray with a sincere faith and align your will with God’s will. I can continue to be a disciple of Christ by shining my light on others through service, prayer, and church attendance. 3 Nephi 15:12 says; “Ye are my disciples; and a ye are a light unto this people…”  An example of when I was a disciple happened just a few weeks ago whenever someone asked me to personally pray for them at work. They had a surgery come up, and they believed in the power of prayer as I do. The surgery was successful, and they thanked me. This shows that trying to be a disciple is also a successful way of life because it results in you showing kindness to others and yourself. Something I can work on trying to be a disciple is my honesty because I have a lot of trouble with it somedays, but I know through Christ I can change that.

Jace Packard- I can continue to be a disciple of Christ by reading my scriptures daily. I have been challenged by praying each morning an evening.

Jared Nelson- I have noticed that I strive to be a disciple of Christ through my daily scripture study, prayer, going to seminary, attending church, and participating in my ward activities has helped me to feel the Spirit, have more joy throughout my day, and to find some humility and patience.

Samuel Young- I am a disciple of Jesus Christ by going to seminary, even though I am tired and do not always love it, and by serving. For example, I give my sister “shotgun” every morning. I find peace going to the temple and attending the temple is a way to be a disciple

Derek Simmons- I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. One of the ways I show that I am a disciple is by serving others, whether it is as simple as holding the door for someone or as massive as helping my sister clean her room…it gets bad. But regardless serving others brings me joy and brings me closer to Christ. I testify that as we strive to be a disciple of Christ we will be blessed. I know the scriptures are true. I testify that power comes from attending the temple regularly- it has changed my life

Emmeline Young- I am a disciple of Christ because I felt His love and teachings transform my life through His example of service, compassion, and humility. I have learned the importance of following Him and striving to become more like Him. As a disciple, I seek to live the commandments, serve others, and share the gospel, knowing that in doing so, I can bring light to the lives of those around me. I testify the Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world and as I follow Him, I find peace, joy, and purpose in His name.

A first 1/2 marathon for a Tennessee Farrell

Yesterday was a crazy busy day but one I would not change.  The morning started with Jake and I getting up, dressing warm, and headed downtown to watch Ginny run in her first (and maybe last or so she says) 1/2 marathon.  She has been training for a few months for the St.Jude Marathon with some others from church.  Jake and I were at 4 places and then the finish line.  I am so proud of her for leaving her comfort zone and trying something new and hard.  At the finish line, I got a little nervous as I saw her friends come through but no Ginny- they had been together at each interval of the race and the last interval we were at was between mile 10 and 11.  I even went and added the only friend I knew the last name of to the tracker to see if it showed them crossing the finish line or if delayed.  It showed they had completed the race. About six minutes later, I saw her and felt so relieved and my anxiety subsided.  She worked and trained so hard for the race.  One of my most favorite things about was seeing so many spectators cheering runners on, isn't that what life i s about....cheering each other on. 

After the race, Jake and I worked the Bartlett Christmas parade together and then attended my work Christmas party at the zoo.  I enjoyed holding his hand and looking at all the Christmas lights at the zoo.  He is my guy!

Thanksgiving 2024

 Thanksgiving fell on the last week of November this year so it was late. My siblings and their families all made it to Jackson for a few days. Eva, Charity's stepdaughter, and Aubree were the only two who did not make it.  I was a little sad that Aubree did not make it and even more sad that she was alone until that evening because she was on call at her CNA job.  The company was great and the food delicious. The kids LOVE Nana’s macaroni and cheese. Before the girls headed to the movie, it was a hayride time. Mom & dad bought bells for everyone so we sang Jingle Bells. 

It was crowded (38 for Thanksgiving day and the couple days after) but my heart was happy. Aubree & Eva would’ve completed it.

Farrell sibling adult cruise

This past week (11/21-11/25), we had the opportunity to go with Jake's parents and all his siblings/spouses, except Megan, on a 4-night cruise.  The first couple of days I was a little dizzy most of the day but had an enjoyable time overall.  There were a few moments that I were not happy for me, one of which was on the top deck the last night and my mind turned to Robert (Charity's ex-husband) and the emotions he must have felt one evening on their cruise when the unthinkable happened.  It took effort to withhold tears.  There were 2-3 other small instances but those are probably most connected to my insecurities around Jake's family, which is crazy because we have been married over 20 years.  He wishes as I did not get stressed, as do I. There is one of the sister in laws that I feel we get along well with when it is just us but when other members of the family are around, my perception is she often tries to correct me or talk down to me.  I try to remain silent and take it to not cause a scene or cause more negative feelings about me.  There have not been many times when I do not feel part of the group by the brothers but I did once this time, however, I really feel it was unintentional and me most likely reading into things.  The last incident happened near the end of the trip which was also silly but my feelings get hurt when to little time or effort is made to spend time with us when we make a great deal of effort when we visit.  We took the late flight out to spend the day off the boat with everyone but everyone seemed to split up, which is fine, and to be less inconvenience with an airport trip, but in hindsight if I would have known, I would have booked an earlier flight. 

On a different note, one morning I was reading my scriptures in Ether where Orihah becomes king after his cousins and brothers had declined.  The thought occurred to me that maybe he stepped up because id he did not want whom the alternatives might have been.  He may not have wanted to be king but if he did not accept and step up, then it could have been an unbeliever.

On a different note, Ginny rocked taking care of the boys. My heart was happy to receive pictures from them when my phone received text messages off the boat. My kids and Jake are my everything. At one point when I was feeling glum yesterday, I contemplated if Jake would be happier and enjoy his family more with me not around (I think there would be more inclusiveness and he may even live closer to them) and that me be the case but my kids, my kids would not be in a better state. Truth be told, I do not want to imagine my life without Jake or my kids in it...even at times, it may be selfish. They make me better and motivate me to try to be my best self.

Foot ran over by car

 "These are your children", followed by "I'm not sure if I am the father" are text messages back to back I received from Jake Wednesday afternoon.  He was referencing their clumsiness.  Will was working the drive thru at Chick-Fil-A, nearing the end of his shift when a vehicle pulling off ran over his foot. He had texted me at 12:48 wanted me to order him food to which I responded maybe after school when you have your brother since I knew it was a longer day for me at work with interviews.  At 1:23, he called 3x in a row, which is not unusual when he wants something , as he is not the most patient. I texted that I could step out if an emergency, thinking it was most likely to ask about food again, but he responded "EMERGENCY" then immediately "A car ran over my foot and you need to check it", so of course, I stepped out to call him.  Fortunately his foot is not broken but bruised. I know it had to hurt and that made me sad for him. Within moments of getting a doctor to see him, Aubree calls, then texts, that she is locked out of her car and the spare key is locked in there too.  I felt it was quite the busy afternoon with our children and chuckled when I received those texts from Jake.  I am by far the clumsy one between the two of us.  That evening, he and I did a dating activity/lesson with the older (15+ age) youth at church.  Overall, it went better than I would have anticipated.  Jake is a phenomenal speaker. 

Yesterday, we received work that Aubree's transfer credit for microbiology did not transfer (her original score was a D, which is not like her at all) and that her scholarship has been cancelled due to low GPA and low credits.  A big part of me wants to get a one-way ticket and fly out there and bring her home.  I fear she is going to question why we did not push harder for her to come back home when not in school.  Things have not worked out as she might have hoped in Utah thus far and honestly, I am surprised by her trajectory.  She has always excelled in school and was devastated if she scored below an A or B (in some things) on anything. It seems she allowed social activities to be a high priority her first year at school, leading to her lowest grades and having to repeat two courses. I fear she is making choices that she will regret and will have long-term effects.  She has now not been enrolled in classes at Utah State since June and cannot apply to the nursing program there with her current academic situation.  While I always want my babies near me, I understand school and was okay with her in school out there, however, while she is not in school, I do not think the wisest decision is for her to stay out there....she is not progressing towards her goal nor is she saving money. 

Tennessee Football

Will is a big Tennessee Volunteers fan. We are not 100% where the love came from but he has it, resulting in us wanting to be able to take him to a game.  The Vols are doing well this year, so tickets have been expensive, however the program manager in Knoxville has 3 season tickets, she was going to be unable to use this past weekend, so I purchased them from her. Will was so excited and has had a blast. Owen and Riley had tickets too but on the other side of the stadium, so we hung out ahead of time. I hope Will knows we made that trip for him and enjoyed the time with him.  While we were at the game, Ginny and Christopher went to Dollywood with Charity and her other kids. The game ended about 11:00pm and we began the trek home, after getting Ginny and Chris. We got on the road about midnight EST and arrived home about 4:30am. I drove most the way so Jake could watch Utes vs BYU game and get a little rest before church meetings (having missed a couple Sundays, then stake conference, we felt it important for him to be at church).  It was a good but quick visit to Knoxville  

Welcome November

 It is crazy for me to think that it is already November and another year is drawing to an end.  October ended on a high note for me with seeing Aubree, mini trips, and Halloween night, both Ginny and Christopher having friends over.  My heart was also warmed when I receive a text from Will stating he had the best sister because Ginny did his face make up to dress up a little for work.  I loved that he felt loved. I am still not certain what he was but he was happy.  November has been off to a good start as well. A couple of the highlights thus far this month are this past Wednesday, I was just plain tired. I had not been able to accomplish all the things that I hoped to in the evenings because I felt like I ended up doing things in the evenings unplanned.  Wednesday night, Ginny and I ran a quick errand and when we got home, I said I was going to shower and then come to her room to visit. When I made it up, she had the mood set. Let me preface by saying her room is exactly how she wants it.  She has dim white lights along 2 walls, her comfy chair (with a back massager when needed), a TV on the dresser, a kindle holder, and a kindle page turner so she can stay under the covers and turn the pages to her book.  When I got to her room, she had both her back massagers on the bed for us to use, the lights dimmed, a show on, and a piece of chocolate.  I hope to always remember that memory.  Then Thursday night, I took Christopher to a play in Collierville for a school assignment. I was not looking forward to it because we we were leaving for Knoxville Friday and I wanted to get things ready for that but I am so glad that I had that time in the car drive to and from with just him. On the way home after the play, he was asking me my favorite memories growing up, of Jake, and each of my kids.  I loved reflecting and sharing with him. The thought crossed my mind that I should compile them together or at least a couple about each of my babies, as I am certain as they continue to experience life, more will be added. I will include below the things I shared with him about he and his siblings. 

A few of my favorite memories about my babies: 

Ginny- as a toddler that she always carried a baby doll in a doll car seat, about the age of 4 she wanted to wear matching panties & bras, and currently she enjoys spending time with me. She loved to watch Jurassic Park.

Aubree-  as a young child, she always wore a tiara to church, her dream for years was when she grew up she wanted to be a mermaid, always enjoyed seeing her in plays, and I love hearing her play the piano and sing. 

Will- as a young boy he loved to ride his 3 wheel hot rod, he would pee anywhere (meaning he would open the van door and pee out the door or just drop his pants anywhere outside and pee), and he was a hider. 

Christopher- he is a mamma's boy and used to ask me out on dates from a young child (once he got dressed in his best Sunday clothes, got a bar of chocolate, and kneeled in my room asking me to dinner) and he would fall asleep anywhere whenever he was tired (I would get so worried because I did not hear him or could not find him and he would be asleep in the most random places).  

My life is filled with moments I cherish with the people I love most.  I love road trips together (even all of them harassing me in the car and making front of me), visiting national parks, Sunday family movie nights, holiday traditions (including decorating for my kids...I still do it for them), family dinners around the table (one of the best things that I believe we implemented), and watching them grow, excel, and be unique in their own ways.