Wednesday, November 30, 2011

DAY 192 -- Goals Continue To Add, What We Need To Do

When Bonnie and I were sitting with our bishop on Sunday, he stated, "We need to get you two out of here."  He smiled and said that he would support our desire to serve a mission.  He is a new bishop and has not had anyone from his ward leave to serve a full time mission.  At least he has not had a senior couple leave to serve, and he assumes Bonnie and I will be the first.

He mentioned that there were others in the ward that were also looking to serve a mission, but he was very concerned about their knowledge of the gospel and their spiritual preparation.  Then he paid us a big compliment and said that he felt we were very prepared and would be great missionaries.

I respect my bishop and can understand his feelings.  I also know that there is much we can do in the last six months to prepare spiritually.  As we finish reading the Book of Mormon by December 31, Bonnie and I are going to read it once more by June and when we read it this time, we are going to discuss it between us. 

We have been reading it every six months for the last few years.  But this time we shall discuss it and see what we both learn as we read it.  I am hoping that doing this together will help prepare us for our mission.  There is always space to improve, deeper thoughts, and lessons to be learned to prepare to be the Lord's missionaries.

As we continue to plug along, there seems to be additional goals that we need to work on to be ready.  If I listed them, I would get depressed, for there are so many things, many of which I do not know about.   

Just a comment.  Today, I heard from a brother who deals in LDS books that since the Church is going to teach Book of Mormon in Gospel Doctrine next year, there might be a way for us to earn a bit of money for our mission by reprinting or e-booking my two Book of Mormon Insights, the two volumes.  So we have another window of Heaven opening.  Now let's see where it goes, whether it gets slammed in our face or it may help earn a bit more money for our mission. 

As I observe that number (192) slowly dropping, I can see and accept that it is getting closer. I am excited, yet fearful, for it is certainly coming and am I ready?

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

DAY 193 -- One Step At A Time

If you want to eat an elephant, you should take one bite at a time.  If  you want to move a mountain, do it one shovel full at a time.  That is unless you want to move a mountain as is reported in the Book of Mormon by just using your faith.  If you want to swim the ocean, then  you would start out with one stroke at a time.  If you want to be a millionaire, then save one dollar at a time.

You get the idea, right?  Using that idea as my standard, then since we want to serve a mission next June, we need to plan each step.  One bite at a time, right?  In two days, we will have bitten off the following steps:  June, July, August, September, October, and November.  Six months.  Six left to take.  Referring again back to the Book of Mormon, in Ether where it says that the Brother of Jared commanded the mountain Zerin to be moved, and it was.  It is reported in that great chapter about faith. 

I guess if I had that faith, I would say, before I finished eating this elephant, be thou consumed and we would go tomorrow on a mission.  But I am not that faithful I guess.  In Helaman 10 Nephi is given a blessing from God telling him that his calling and election was made sure.  He was promised that whatever he asked in prayer, it would be given him, for it continues, "for thou shalt not ask that which is contrary to my will."

Now again I am paraphrasing but he said that whatever Nephi asked, would be granted.  I want to become like Nephi and never ask anything that would not be Father's will.  If I was the same as Nephi, I doubt I would command all our obstacles to be removed like the mountain Zerin.  For I am not sure that the obstacles we have are not for our benefit.  Father knows best.  We must learn from and over come our challenges.  Due to those challenges, there are a certain number of bites, steps we must make to realize our dream of a mission. 

There are many smaller goals and dreams.  Time will tell if we ever realize those along our path to June.  But whether we do or not, I need to recognize that we are making progress, taking one bite at a time and moving forward.  With all those bites put together, then perhaps the mountain Zerin will be removed from being the obstacle that is preventing us from our mission today. We hope that by June, this mountain will be gone, the elephant will be eaten, and we will have realized many, if not all our dreams in preparation for this mission. One step at a time.

Monday, November 28, 2011

DAY 194 -- Father Knows Best

When I was a young kid, much younger than I am now, there was a series on television every week called, "Father Knows Best."  It was one of those shows where father was always making decisions and they always seemed to end up being the right decision.  Some times it didn't seem  like it at the time, but before they ended the show each week, everyone in American was sure that father does know best. 

Another series was entitled, "My Three Sons."  This one was also a series that preached the unity of the family, and the challenges they family entered into because of those three sons.  Then there was one called, "My Favorite Martian."  There was one called, "The Donna Reid Show" and "The Partridge Family."  (Now why would I bring that one up?)

There was Bonanza, The Rifleman, Maverik, Dennis the Menace, Lassie, Leave it to Beaver, etc. Television in those days was surely tame compared to television today.  I owned a bowling alley in Brigham City up until about two years ago.  I went to great lengths to make sure that there was television available for the patrons.  I had the Olympics shown during bowling hours. I had some Jazz games shown during some bowling hours.  I just calmly turned on the TV and went about my business.

I had always tried to advertise that we were closed on Sunday and we were a Family Safe Place.  Well, one night a troubled lady came up to me and started complaining because I had the televisions on.  I was shocked.  I replied, "All we are doing is showing a basketball game, one that someone requested."  She said, "I know that, but did you see the last advertisement that showed a partially naked woman."

I understood what she was saying, realizing that the commercials at times should be rated also, X, PG-13, and R.  I turned off the television and almost never turned it on again.  The world is changing from what it was when I grew up to where it is now, and where it is going.

 As my thoughts return to the early television shows, my mind remembers that Father knows best.  But more than a television show, if we can, if I can get it into my mind indelibly printed that Father does know best in my life, as He tries to teach me, train me, and prepare me, then I will be much better off.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

DAY 195 --- Father

Since I talked yesterday about the "Science of Money" and presented the idea that Father uses money to teach many important Eternal Principles, I sat today before church started wondering how Father was feeling about me.  He has been tutoring me for  62 + years trying to get me to learn and grow.  He has been "blessing" me with financial challenges and teaching me to exercise faith in His care and His control of all things in my life.

I sat there, closed my eyes and tried to imagine Father standing, or sitting in front of me.  I knew I would see a never-ending love in His eyes as He looked at me.  I knew He was smiling at me.  I figure that He was pleased with the lessons I have learned, the testimony I have, and the desire I have to do His will.  I know He would tell me of the many, wonderful blessings He has in store for me to be given me one day in the future.

I know He would commend me for our goals and dreams of serving a mission in seven or so months.  I know He would explain to me that there are yet lessons to be learned in Mortality, and He was sure I would struggle, yet overcome.  I know He would express His confidence in my faith of Him and His tutoring, His effort to bring to pass my Eternal Life.

I know He would want me to express my frustration, my evaluation of all the trails I have right now, but I also know He would just smile His fatherly smile and nod His head and tell me to keep trying.  I know He would tell me that He will always be near me and will never leave me no matter how I struggle, question, and worry about the coming challenge of many things.

I could also imagine that He would step close to me, put His hands on my head and bless me to learn the lessons He is teaching, and ultimately bless me to know that I will overcome and will receive my innermost goal of obtaining life with Him one day.

I miss my Father and Mother in Heaven.  I know they are there and aware of me.  I know they see everything I am going through, and are proud of me.  They know the inner desires of my heart and are pleased.  As I say goodbye to my Father and open my eyes, I mention to my Father that I will talk to him constantly every day, as He will listen constantly to my feelings, my goals, and my dreams, and help me learn and grow..

DAY 196 --- The Science of Money

I have written many books, published a few and have always wanted to write at least two more.  One would be entitled, "That We Might Have Joy," and the other would be entitled, "The Divine Science of Money."  Through my many lustrums of life, I have watched Father teach many important lessons in my life and in the lives of my family.  I have witnessed him teach lessons as He has granted unto associates of mine much money and I have quietly watched those individuals change.

Please understand that I am not the guru, the master teacher, nor the interpreter of these lessons, it has just been very interesting to me to watch His loving teachings proceed using the tool we use as money.  Many people I know have been broken.  Many have been built and grown.  Many have gone into depression.  Some have been carefully taught the principle of Zion.

Bonnie and I were out yesterday discussing my goal of having $50,000 in the bank at the time we leave on a mission in 196 (give or take) days.  I have often commented to Bonnie that I seem to have a road block in front of me when it comes to money.  I dream up great, wonderful, promising ideas that should be very successful, only to see them die, fail, and (again) teach lessons.  I join with others who have great ideas and dreams, only to be taught lessons once again.  I envision methods to create success not only for me but many others, but again see those ideas crushed.

In the scriptures, it says, "...there is enough and to spare..." but it is His to give, to manage, and to use as a tool to teach lessons.  It is His to bless when, and if He deems it in our best interest, in our schooling.  It is His work and glory to bring to pass our Eternal Life.  If He blesses us with riches, with success, it will be for our benefit.  If He blesses us with the days, weeks, months, and even years of financial struggling, it will be for our benefit.

I must keep that in mind as I dream about somehow realizing the goal of having $50,000 in the bank as we leave as missionaries.  It is not beyond His ability, "..there is enough and to spare."  It is not beyond my ability to listen to His inspiration to tell me how to do it either.  I know with His direction, His help I certainly can earn that amount if it is in His blue print and His plan to teach me what I need to know for Eternal Life. 

I just need to remember this concept, not only as we rush forward toward our planned mission in a little over six months, but in all things pertaining to our mortality.  I know that He uses the "Science of Money" to teach faith, patience, endurance, love, understanding, service, gratitude, compassion....    The list could go on and on. 

I need to be grateful and remember we, and especially I am in His hands, financially as well as every other way.  I will continue to try to dream dreams, as Elder Holland counseled, and strive to realize that goal, but in the end, leave it in His hands.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Day 197 - 198 -- We Are As Clay

Yesterday we left early and returned home late.  Because of the events of the day, I was unable to sit down and record thoughts, and such blogging at this computer.  My aching back would not let me record such blessings experienced and remembered yesterday.  I haven't missed but one other day since I started.

Yesterday was a day celebrated with almost all my family.  There were games, fun, food, and great memories made for later remembering.  I paused during the day and quietly observed as the grand kids played with each other.  They enjoyed such fun and what a joy to see my kids play with each other and their kids to play also.  That describes the enormous joy that family gives when they get along, enjoy each other, and even hate to leave each other.  I am sure that Father feels the same as He sees His children get along, enjoy each other, play with each other and hate to leave each other. 

How often do we talk about the future?  It is interesting to hear Bonnie and I talk about our future.  We, as other families, plan our schedule for the holiday season.  It is fun to listen to Bonnie and I talk about next year.  We talk about it and realize that we have no idea where we will be.  We have many of our kids with us this year during Thanksgiving and Christmas.  We commented last night on the way home that next year we won't be here.  We are grateful that they are with us this year, and next year we won't be around. 

It is so great so know that our mission is coming and we are mentally planning on being "somewhere" serving our Savior.  Wherever we are, we will be creating memories also.  We will be with beloved brothers and sisters.  We will be celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas in a different location, different traditions, different experiences, and different memories will be created. 

The enjoyment of serving a mission is just that, serving.  Mankind will be our business.  Serving friends, members, strangers, making a difference, strengthening others, touching others with our testimony, etc.  Our life will change.  Our living conditions will change.  There will be many changes, but we will be together. 

Bonnie and I will tackle anything, everything and will grow from every situation.  This morning I read a devotional  mentioning that we are as clay in Father's hands.  He knows what He is doing with me personally.  He knows what He is doing with Bonnie, and He knows what He is doing with us both. 

It is His work and His glory to prepare us for Eternal Life.  An integral  part of that is our daily experiences, molding this clay into what He wants us to become.  He can do that today, tomorrow, next month, and whenever, and wherever He wants. We must take His molding of us according to His desires.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

DAY 199 --- Who Should I Touch?

As I have thought about it today, what does it mean that "Mankind should be our business?"  Well, as I finished my work the other day, I was sitting there, pondering my place in the eternal scheme of things.  Of course I had no idea what I was thinking but I was wasting time.  I needed a break from my job and started thinking, or perhaps not thinking, but just sitting there.

Then I thought that I had some time.  I remembered that we are told in the scriptures that we shall be judged on how we use our time.  I know that often when we are consumed with any one thing, it is very important to once in a while escape from that work and get your mind elsewhere. That is what I was trying to do, escape.

Then as I thought about making others, mankind my business, I realized that I could either sit there, ponder about "things" and do nothing, or I could in reality make others a priority.   I mean that escape I was needing could just as easily been used to touch someone else as it was used to close my eyes and ponder my place in Eternity.

So today, instead of pondering, doing no good, I decided to text a few people, telling I loved them and I was thinking of them.  One sister in Brigham City sent a text back to me and expressed that she was so impressed that I would think of her and wish her well, especially when she was having a difficult day.  I decided to contact another person, a brother, and tell him I was thinking of him.  He called me and said he appreciated it and we talked for a few minutes. 

I quietly closed my eyes and asked Father who else I should contact, who else needed just a short note of "Hello".  I came up with only one additional name and contacted them, or tried to.  I couldn't get a hold of them, thus that one was not as successful as the others.  However, just trying made me feel good, make me realize what it meant, at least for those few minutes, to be about someone else's business. 

That is what a mission is about, being involved about others needs and wishes.  I need to do more of what I did when I tried to contact another with a smile, a greeting, and a note of cheer.  There is so much I should do, but often I am too self centered and do not look beyond myself into the lives of others, AND when I take the time to enrich someone else, I am enriching my own life.  Giving to someone else certainly brings a fulfillment back to me, and perhaps a better outlook when I am considering my place in Forever.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

DAY 200 -- WHAT ------ Should Be Our Business

Two Hundred Days.  Two hundred days ago, it was May 6.  Two hundred days from right now, it will be June 9, or Mission Day, or M Day.  Why do I want to go on a mission so much?  My boss asked me the same question.  I quickly thought about it and replied, "Serving the Lord 24/7, constantly is a joy beyond explanation."  I continued, "I can remember like it was yesterday that wonderful feeling constantly thinking about His work, and forgetting the other insignificant fru fru that crowds us every day.  Being involved in Eternal Things is what I would love to do all my life."

Along the same line of thought, I recall one of my favorite movies.  It is a Christmas movie, one that Bonnie and I will have to watch in the months coming.  It always makes us both cry, and gives us a sweet feeling about the season, and puts music in our mind.  I am talking about none other than, "Scrooge" with Albert Finney.

As I sit here and think about that movie, one statement comes to my mind and stays there.  It is a statement from the dead and gone Marley, Scrooge's partner in life.  Scrooge was telling Marley what a great business man he was and the dead and wiser Marley said, "Mankind should have been our business."

When I get involved with, wrapped up in the thick of thin things, when I seem to be struggling with things that Eternally matter not, then I recall the statement that I too, should be realize that Mankind should be my business.

That compliments my desire to be on a mission with Bonnie.  Besides giving all our time to the Lord as missionaries, we would also be about His business, or the business of mankind, for each person of this human race is a daughter or son of Father. 

(By the way, Bonnie had her doctors appointment and they told her that she is getting old, just some indications of old age.  Not that I would ever accuse her of getting old, but that is what the doc said.  At least it wasn't something serious, thanks be to Him who knows all.)

As I strive to Spiritually create each day before I live it, I need to remember that "people" should be my business, even before we go out and give our all to the Lord. If that is true and I strive to do that daily, I need to take joy in cheering up others, smiling at others, talking with others realizing that they may be depressed and need someone to smile at them.  I can let others be my business without a mission call.

Monday, November 21, 2011

DAY 201 -- The Real Beginning of this Dream

"We must take every opportunity to learn and to grow, to dream dreams and see visions, and work toward their realization.  If we must rest on our swords for a bit, we must get up and continue... "

Since December 17, 1970 I have been dreaming.  I remember the plane descending from the skies and slowly dropping to the earth to land in Houston.  I had been emotional leaving Mexico behind me.  For the previous few hours, I was remembering the wonderful saints I just left.  I "experienced" so many wonderful memories on the trip home.  I thought of so many who had been instruments in helping me learn and grow, struggle and cry, and feel joy and love. 

As the plane came to rest in Houston, I was home.  I had to get off the plane and get on another one on the way to Salt Lake City.  But I was back in the United States.  I tried to shove the memories of Mexico, the people, the experiences out of my mind since I was on US soil once again.  I remember getting off the plane and walking into the terminal.  I distinctly remember two things more than any other.  One:  The girls with blond hair.  In Mexico there weren't any girls with blond hair.  That amazed me.  Two:  The water.  In Mexico, it was taboo, for it gave missionaries all kinds of diseases, like it gave me hepatitis.  I found a drinking fountain and must have consumed most of the water in the tank, perhaps even in Houston.  I might have drank about sixty gallons of it, (paid for it the next leg of the trip, living in the little cubical they call a bathroom, or rest room, or whatever.) 

As I walked off the plane in Salt Lake City, no one was there to pick me up.  I beat the letter telling my parents I was coming home and when to be at the airport.  I didn't have any US money, thus I was stuck there.  I remember very distinctly walking around the airport remembering the previous two years.  It was then and there that I committed to return to the mission field with my future wife.  I remember being out of Mexico for only a few hours, but missing my mission and all it entails so much that I planned to return to the mission field. 

So, this blog really started 41 years ago, almost to the month.  Of course this dream wasn't as vibrant as it has been lately through all those years.  But it is alive and well.  I remember sitting in Perry a few years ago thinking of serving and became so emotional that the tears wouldn't stop.  We sang "Called to Serve" and I ached for that experience again and to share it with Bonnie. 

So Elder Holland, after 41 years of working toward realizing that dream that started long ago, I hope we can say that we are only 200 days away from it.  Though I have been resting, as Elder Holland mentioned, it is about time to get up and fight again.  Dream dreams and see visions.  My dream is to get on a plane once again, leaving Salt Lake, going where Father wants us to go and serving as missionaries.  It is almost time...

Sunday, November 20, 2011

DAY 202 -- Another Goal To Work On

What  a joy the Sabbath is.  It is a time to forget the cares of the world, or the trials, or the challenges, or the obstacles, or the afflictions, or the worries, etc.  Or is it?  It is a day of rest, rest from our labors we experience throughout the week.  At least it is a day when the Savior rested from the creation of the world and counseled us to rest from our labors.

So, we rest from our labors.  We don't work at our careers.  We don't work where we are receiving money.  However, there are circumstances where that those rules cannot be hard and fast. 

Now getting back to the challenge of our resting from afflictions, etc.  My son just this past week was fired from his work.  It was a shocker.  He was well thought of, well liked, respected by all, or so we thought.  So when we heard that he had lost his job, especially at this holiday season, it was hard to take.  The company seems to be doing well, so why lay him off? 

So, since today is a day of rest, I proposed in the first paragraph that we should forget our trials and challenges.  However, today, being a day of rest, possibly is a day when we should not forget our trials and difficulties. Perhaps it is a time when we renew covenants and rededicate ourselves to our testimony, or belief system.  Maybe we should not forget our trials and burdens, but it may be a time to look at our afflictions in a different light.  Rather than dwell upon the trials, we should analyze if we are learning from our trials.   

As we partake of the Sacrament, as we are reminded of the gospel of peace, perhaps we should evaluate they way we accept our trials, the way we tackle them, the way we strive to learn from them, the way we endure them.

The Sabbath, a day of rest, could be a time to pause, think, ask ourselves if we are growing as we should, if we are learning the lessons we are blessed with, if Father would be pleased with the way we are learning from our trials.

What a wonderful day the Sabbath is.  Are we getting out of it all we should?  I know I am not, thus I need to get better at it.  Alas, another goal to work on.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

DAY 203 --- PEACE

I am at peace today.  There are over 203 days until we will feel ready to ask our bishop to send in our papers.  I know there are obstacles still to over come.  I know that we will not fly smoothly toward that ultimate goal.  I know that there are still many mountains to climb, still lessons to learn, still burps to live with and endure, and even blessings to witness.  I am at peace.

I don't know how we shall overcome some of the obstacles we have.  I cannot see the path clearly in front of me.  I know that perhaps we won't arrive at some of those preset goals and dreams we see today, those that we are planning on today.  I know that there are and will be questions of why along the way.

But I know today, for some reason, that Father is aware of our goal.  He is watching over us and directing us every step of the way.  I know that He will lift us up when the fiery darts of the adversary try to beat us down.  I know that we will overcome when the winds of pain and blindness try to push us off our track. 

Even today, I question many things, many goals, the hows of many things.  But I also feel His presence directing us, giving me a peace that all is well in His wishes of things that need to happen in our life, lessons, learning, blessings, directions, and peace.

I am grateful tonight for Father letting me know of His awareness of me as His son, Bonnie as His daughter, letting me know of His approval of our goals.  I am at peace tonight.  I know that tomorrow I will feel of that peace again as I attend meetings.  I am at peace.

Friday, November 18, 2011

DAY 204 --- Burps or Bumps, Whatever

It is interesting that when one has a dream, plans for it, works toward it, does all he can do to progress toward it, and then all of a sudden, out of the blue come a burp.  I guess it should be called a bump, a bubble, an obstacle, a road block, a catastrophe, slip-up, or just plan something happens that looks like it is going to throw your original dream/goal for a loop, for a delay, or for a process to rethink and re-plan said goal.

This last week, we had a burp in our progress toward our goal.  I don't know why we didn't anticipate this burp, or bump in the road as we started.  But, as we see today with these spectacles, our progress toward our dream will have to be modified. But we didn't see it coming as we should have.  Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fat.  (Just a saying we always use)  Thanksgiving is upon us and for some reason working is postponed, cancelled, delayed, and thus so is our planned income over the holidays. 

When I explained this burp to my wife, she just calmly said that we would have to put off our mission for a time.  Our original thought of going this coming June (in 204 days) would be delayed.  It was just an unplanned obstacle toward our goal. 

It is interesting, no matter what the goal or dream, there always seems to be those burps that delay, or slow down the progress toward said goal.  I have seen it happen many times, and I am sure it will happen again and again as we continue toward June 9.  Some are small, some are larger, and some could be devastating. 

But this small tiny burp in our progress won't matter. For just as sure as burps are in any one's progress toward an important dream, so are miracles dissolving any burp or obstacle.  Often it depends how fast they come, or how fast they disappear based upon our faith.  He can certainly remove any burp in our path.  So, we continue toward our ultimate goal of our mission, no matter what type of challenge just appears, no matter how many burps. 

Thursday, November 17, 2011

DAY 205 --- Samuel's Prophesy

I just read 3 Nephi chapter one.  It contains in it the scripture that I wrote a book about entitled, "On The Morrow."  It is when the bad guys said that on a certain particular date, if they did not experience the promised sign of Samuel, that of a day and a night and a day with no darkness, they would all be killed.  Five years earlier, the Lamanite Prophet Samuel said that this would be a sign of the birth of the Savior.

For years I have wondered how it would be to be threatened with death if a sign from the prophet didn't happen.  I can imagine that they were wondering when exactly Samuel promised that the sign would happen within five years.  I would imagine they questioned if it had been exactly five years, were they certain of his words, were they certain of the five years, etc.? 

I wonder how the believers felt.  It records, "..the people who believed began to be very sorrowful..."  Wouldn't we?  As the sun went down every night and it slowly got dark, what a trial of faith it must have been.  Would we have remained faithful because of a promise from a Prophet from the land of the Lamanites?  It would have been a challenge, I am sure.

I wonder if the same type of things will happen before the Second Coming of Christ?  I have heard a few church leaders promise that Third Nephi prophesies of the events before his coming to this world was a sample of what we would experience in the Second Coming.  Will we become sorrowful fearing that something might have gone wrong, was He really coming, and would He come to save us? 

I can imagine fearing, being concerned as the sun goes down every night, wondering if we could sacrifice our life, or would we be saved?  Many will lose their lives, but death is not to be feared, for if we do lose our life, we will still be involved with the Second Coming, say the prophets.

If we are prepared, we should not fear.  Father is in charge, right?  I just often ponder how it would have been to be alive during those days, threatened with death based upon the words of a prophet, even one from the nation that has most often been their enemy.  Interesting! One day I will ask the Prophet Nephi how it was, what they did, if many left the church because their testimony was not strong enough, etc.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

DAY 206 --- In Trouble Again, Better Keep Trying I Guess

When I said that dreaming about being nude, what I meant was Bonnie often says, "Running naked in the streets" when she doesn't think anyone is listening to her.  That is what I meant.  I had to clarify that or I would be in deep trouble.  And let me tell you that being in trouble with your future companion, one you spend all time with and even sleep with, you better get out of trouble fast or else. 

It is interesting how fast one can get in trouble when they do not watch what they say, or even don't say.  It was an innocent statement when I said Bonnie loves the nude dreams.  That could mean a lot of things.  But now you understand. 

I promise there are times when you just shouldn't say anything. Especially since we are going to go on a mission together, I need to learn that lesson very well.  Of course I would never admit to saying this, but I cannot hear as well as I used to hear.  So, that is one excuse I can use when trying not to get into trouble.  I can just confess that I cannot hear too well and I did not hear her question.  Often it is better to not say anything, suffer the consequences rather than say something that will get you in trouble no matter what you say.

I guess that means someone, like perhaps me, should think what I am going to say, and what might be the results, or the reaction of what I say among those I love BEFORE I say it.  That would surely help me stay out of a lot of hot water.

Maybe that is another goal I should adopt, not to say anything without considering what it is going to do with others and how others will react. 

Oh well, I have a long way to go to prepare for a mission, not only financially and all those important things, but what I say, what I do, and what I think without thinking.  With so many goals, am I ever going to get there?  My Bonnie is getting close, but I seem to be getting further away from June 9.  Try, try again, I guess!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

DAY 207 -- Where Do Dreams Come From?

Dreams can be so frustrating.  No, not the ones Bonnie and I have agreed to work toward our mission. Instead I am talking about the dreams we dream at night.  Last night I dreamed a great dream.  I remember in the dream thinking that what I was dreaming about would be a great topic to talk about tonight.  I even remember waking up, being so proud of myself that I remembered what I thought in the dream, and deciding that I would write on that tonight.  Then as I woke up for good, I didn't have the faintest idea what I was dreaming about.

Then I dreamed one of those dreams my wife loves, running around nude in the middle of the city.  That one I remember too well.  Why can't I remember the other one, the one that has such wisdom, such value and motivation.

I mean of the two, I would like to remember the inspiring one, not the 'other' one.  Oh well.  Guess we can't always choose our dreams nor what we remember of them. 

I remember a few months ago dreaming about Edward Partridge, the first bishop of this dispensation.  I even remember what he looked like, what he did in the dream, his face, his mouth and his crooked teeth.  I remember others in my dream with Elder Partridge, also.  It was an interesting dream and I immediately got out of bed and wrote it down at 3 in the morning. 

I guess I should have gotten out of bed at 3 last night and written down my inspiration.  I knew I would remember it, but then didn't.  Dreams are so frustrating.  You can't choose your dreams.  You often can't remember them.  You can't direct them, you just go with the flow, no matter where it takes you. 

People appear in your dreams you have not thought about for many, many years.  Then someone enters who is unbidden and you don't know where they came from.  I think I will ask the Government for a million dollars to research dreams, where they come from, and their meaning.  I would settle for $50,000!

Monday, November 14, 2011

DAY 208 --- Progress Toward Our Ultimate Goal

One day at a time we are slowly counting down to "M DAY" when we hope to be in the process of being called to be missionaries.  It is now only a bit less than seven months.  We are still on track to realize our goal of being out of debt.  We have this financial plan and feel confident we shall arrive there without owing anyone.  What a wonderful dream come true. 

Since I started this blog when we wrote down a grundle of goals to work toward, to accomplish before June 9 next year, I have added many additional goals.  One of the new ones was to have $50,000 in the bank to support us as we serve.  Another new one was  just made a few days ago.

This new one is to get my body, my back, my  neck, and all places of my body that are weak strengthened.  I have started doing neck exercises, back exercises, and with the help of Father, and the blessing I received a little more than one week ago, I am starting to pursue that goal also.

Perhaps I need to go back and review all the many goals I have just to be sure I haven't forgotten any.  There are many things we need to do to be better missionaries. 

Bon and I are continuing to read the BOM daily.  We shall end this December 31 and then start over again.  We shall end it again in June.  Due to the "visitation" of Elsie Schaubel who died in about 1959, we have many names to do in the temple.  Our ward is going to help us finish all those names for Grandma Elsie within the next few months. 

We will both continue to serve where we have been called.  We will continue to be what we can be with our grand kids. We will continue to pray for and support our children.  We will continue to dreams dreams and see visions in preparing to be missionaries.

Bottom line, it all depends upon support, inspiration, and confirmation from Father.  So onward for another 208 days.

One thing I feel I could do much better is have a positive attitude no matter what befalls me during each day.  I find myself dwelling upon the negative, or not dwelling upon His love and support. That could be improved upon.  But we are moving forward.  Thanks be to Elder Holland for his statement about the correctness, appropriateness of dreaming dreams and working toward visions. 

Sunday, November 13, 2011

DAY 209 -- A New Insights About the Second Coming.

What a joy it was to teach Christ today.  I had all my High Priests focus their minds on the path of Christ, from his birth, through his life, through the events directly before his crucifiction, to this death to his resurrection. I walked them through the 33 years of Christ's life.   Then I had the HP's read scripture after scripture describing his Second Coming.  Then we all shared what we thought about it, how we looked forward to it, and how we were going to assure we were going to be ready for it.

As I pondered about teaching on this subject, I could actually almost envision His descending from the heavens and coming to save us all.  I could envision the burning all of things corrupt on the earth and the beginning of the Millennium.  I can't wait until the Savior comes and reigns on this earth among all of those righteous who endure His coming.

It is interesting to me how there are so many varied opinions of His coming.  Many are afraid of it, perhaps because they consider themselves not ready for it, or maybe they think they will be burned at His coming.  There are many who do not believe it will ever happen.  I mean they figure it just to be a figment of some one's imagination.  There are some that anxiously await it, wanting to meet Him in the clouds when He comes.  There are many who can't wait to see all corruption destroyed.

Today while I was teaching to these High Priests, we discussed a bit about the "when" and "how soon" part of it.  Then the Spirit whispered to me that it really didn't matter.  Whether we are alive in this mortality or whether we have left mortality, it is an event that all will be excited about, participate in, and be aware of, live and even those already departed will be anxious for it to happen.  If you consider it, it is one of the most important events in the history of this earth. 

I promised the brethren, in the Spirit, that they would all be involved in the events of the Second Coming.  I felt that inspiration bearing witness of that truth.  It is now a part of my testimony since the Spirit bore that witness to my heart while I was teaching, listening to His voice.  All who have lived on this earth will be a part of it, the final scene, the start of the millennium, and when Christ will be on the earth and His work will be rapidly worked on for 1000 years, which will influence everyone who has lived here. What does that mean beyond the small room where I was teaching.  I know what it means to me, how about you?

Saturday, November 12, 2011

DAY 210 --- Learn More Than You Teach

Part of a call to teach a class is a call to learn, to prepare and to benefit more than any one who listens to what you teach.  I have had the privilege of teaching to many different groups. I have taught Gospel Doctrine for about 8 years.  I have taught institute to the Young Adults for many years. I have even taught those in the Utah Prison. Now I am blessed to be able to teach the High Priests in my ward.  In each calling I have learned so much more than I ever taught to those attending my class. 

Tomorrow I get to teach about the Second Coming.  What a glorious opportunity to teach about His return to the Earth.  As I have done research on the Second Coming, I again get a special feeling about Christ coming and what will happen right before He comes and what will happen when He comes.

What a glorious event that will be when He comes again.  I don't know if it will be in my life time or not.  There are many things that have to take place before Christ comes according to many prophets.  It could be done before I die, but who knows.  But whether it happens within the next forty years or not, it does not matter.  What matters is the glorious nature of Christ coming and ushering in the  Millennium.  Whether or not I am in mortality doesn't matter, for I will know of it and participate in it. 

I am excited about the Second Coming of Christ.  The scriptures say that we will be praying for Him to hurry His coming.  It says that he that is prepared has no need to fear. It says that many will greet Him in the air as He comes in glory.  It says that all will see Him when He comes.  It says that the wicked of the earth will be destroyed.  It says that there will be much destruction before He comes.  It says that Satan will be bound for many years.  It says that He will complete the first resurrection. 

The event of His Second Coming will be an event that all righteous will be awaiting and preparing for.  What a glorious experience it will be to teach about this promised even that is indeed coming.  Oh that it would be in my mortal days.  It will be quite an event and I want to be  here.

Our mission is one of the many steps that has to be be done before He comes, so our goals of seven months will be assisting in advancing the wonderful day when He comes again.

Friday, November 11, 2011

DAY 211 --- More Goals to Realize the Major One

Today, I left work early to go fishing with my son and two grand sons.  It was fun.  We went to Strawberry Reservoir.  After hiking a million miles to get to the water, we started fishing. 

As I climbed the small embankment, I tripped over a few loose rocks and wrenched my back.  Since many years ago I crushed my lower back disk, it has been tender.  And thus when I slipped today, it let that wonderful thing we call pain slowly creep into my aching body.  The rest of the night I pondered why I was up there.  Why was I fishing?  Why was I aching so bad that I questioned why I was trying to be normal and do what I needed to do when it comes to fishing, like walk, sit, set my pole, help carry equipment, etc.  (I guess it didn't help any when I didn't catch any fish. I had one hooked, but my line snapped.  Insult to injury, to losing my only fish...) 

I considered accepting the fact that I am too old, to infirm, too tender to go fishing any more.  I reviewed the many, many experiences I have had with sons, with grand sons, with friends, and on and on, and decided I should quit fooling myself.  I have many sweet memories fishing. 

I am old.  I am sore.  I am aching from injuries.  Why should I pretend that I am not?  As long as I don't have to climb mountains on my mission, as long as I don't have to traverse hills and valleys, we will be OK.

Then my sweet wife called me to repentance.  Sure I am 62 years old.  But I am not dead.  Sure I can't run marathons (never could) but I certainly can walk and walk fast.  Sure I can't do all I used to be able to do, but I can do.  It is my duty to strive to improve my health, overcome sore muscles and strengthen backs so that I can do some of these things.  She said don't accept, refuse to be old and shape up.  Quit accepting your sore back, neck etc, and work on getting them stronger.  Endure pain, set goals to be stronger and strengthen certain parts of the body. She is right.  Isn't it nice to have a wonderful wife who can see things as they really are?

Thus, I guess I need to set some more goals.  Little did I know when I started this thing that I would be adding so many other goals that need to be integral to the overall goal of serving a mission in 211 days.  One good goal deserves many others, I guess. Thus I need to think about new ones, and get on with it...

Thursday, November 10, 2011

DAY 212 -- Always Joyful, or Always Complaining?

It is surely interesting to be a witness to Father's tender loving care and at the same time see how He uses trials to teach lessons.  "All things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things."

It is a comfort to me to know that He is aware of all things, and they are done in His wisdom.  The key to these events is how we react to them, or how we don't react to them.  I know many people who react negatively to almost everything that enters their life.  They are miserable.  They can always come up with reasons to be sad and depressed.  It is hard to be around those people, for they want to share with everyone how difficult their road to travel is.

Then there are those who seem to cope well with anything and everything.  As I have watched those in these two arenas, it is interesting to me that often, at least in my opinion, those who are always coping better and accept anything and are glad about it, the things they receive to endure are more difficult than those who are always complaining.

It is good that I am not the judge, for I do not see all aspects.  That is only on the surface that I judge those things.  It is a comfort to know that "He who knows all" is the judge and will make righteous judgment and not me. 

Along these sane lines, I need to ponder and ask if others judge me to be in one of these classes of people.  Am I always complaining?  Do I consider my acreage to hoe as a hard one?  Or do others think I am mostly joyful no matter what I get blessed with?

I will have to question and analyze that tomorrow.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

DAY 213 -- Numbers - 213

Not long ago, there was a television show on about numbers.  I never saw it but I believe it was about this guy who was a professional with numbers, or something and he used numbers to solve mysteries.  Sounds sort of crazy to me, but there was enough backing to put this show in TV and pay how ever much it cost to produce it.

I have always been intrigued with numbers.  Christ was born on April 6th, died and was resurrected on April 6th, the church was organized on April 6th, and some say that He will come back for His Second Coming on April 6th, during conference?  The number seven, the number three, the number 12, etc.

Why do I blog about numbers?  Well today is a number that has significance for me.  No, not the date, but the fact that there remains 213 days to our planned realization of our goal.  I have always loved that number.  Some are asking why?

Well, often I play chess on line and I am known to other chess players as wnp213.  I have revered that number because it used to be the number that one of my favorite hymns was on.  It was the number for "The Spirit of God.."  It may sound crazy but that was the beginning of that number becoming sacred to me.  When I sang in the Temple dedication of Mt.Timp, as you know, we sing a version of that hymn.  In the dedication of the Jordan River Temple, while sitting in the temple during the dedication and during that song, I had a very special experience with my Father in Heaven.  Whenever I sing that song, I feel to stand and shout the part, "We'll sing and we'll shout... with the armies of Heaven"  I want to sing and shout with them one day.  It is also one of the only choruses I have remembered in Spanish of my mission over 40 years ago. 
It means many special things to me and my testimony.

The number 213 has always been special.  And maybe I just made it so, but today was a great day of success in my work, in feeling the Spirit, and in knowing that Father is in charge of both of us, no matter what.  I just felt His Presence with me today, on this special day of 213 until M Day.

(BTW,  Bonnie's meeting with the doctor was postponed for two weeks. But thanks for your prayers.)

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

DAY 214 -- Why Do I Want To Serve?

My boss asked me today why I wanted to serve a mission in about seven months.  I paused and thought about it for about one hundredth of a second.  Then I told him how much I loved my own mission when I was serving our Savior twenty four/seven.  I told him it was a total high, a dream to be able to serve again with all my time and talents doing His will.

Then I told him that Bonnie had never served a mission and I knew that she would thoroughly enjoy serving the Lord full time also, besides she would have a great companion.  He shook his head and said that he didn't think his wife would ever go on a mission with him.  I listened to him for a few minutes and then felt so grateful that I had a wife who would go with me and serve.  It is her goal as well as mine and we are united in it.

As I drove home tonight, I began to think again about what he said.  I know his wife and I know her to be one who loves to serve, who is dedicated to the Lord, and then I began to question why he would say that about his wife.  I questioned if he had ever talked to her about serving by his side as a missionary. 

I talked to another sister last Sunday and she has served a few missions with her husband.  We were talking about the upcoming 214 days and I asked her when she was going to serve again.  She said they were looking into that and would decide soon.  But then she told me that she was told by someone else that one of the main reasons why some do not serve mission is because they do not want to leave their cat or dog, or pet.  I laughed.  She was serious.  She said that some, of course, hated leaving their grand kids, but many more also would not go because of their pets. 

No matter what the reason, either pets, grand kids, or just because one has never discussed it with their spouse, these are pretty lame excuses for not serving on a mission.  The prophet asked everyone to consider serving a mission, for the Church needs senior missionaries.  I wonder what our Father will say at judgment day when we present to him our reasons why we didn't serve.  No judgment on my part, but it will be interesting. I believe many more would serve if they would just discuss it with their eternal companion and many may be surprised by their response.  I believe that my boss's wife would serve with him.  But that is only my opinion.

Monday, November 7, 2011

DAY 215 -- I Know That I Am Nothing

I feel humbled today.  Alma 26: 12 "I know that I am nothing, as to my strength I am weak... for in His strength I can do all things..."  This is what Ammon said as they concluded their fourteen year mission to the Lamanites. 

I have always loved that scripture.  I really feel that I am nothing.  I am just like every other male OLD man on this earth.  There is nothing that makes me different from anyone else.  Father is taking each one of His sons and teaching us all what we need to know to receive one day all His blessings.  Alma 13 says that we are all on the same level, and I believe that.

Some He calls to serve here or there.  Some He tries with many challenges.  Some He seemingly doesn't give any problems.  Some He never stops giving any problems.  Some He blessed with many blessings that turn out to be trials.

But in reality, He is no respecter of persons thus we are all given the same amount of trials, challenges, afflictions to let us prove our worth to Him.  If we are blessed to be able to serve and share testimony, great.  If we are blessed not to be called to serve and strengthen our testimony without sharing it, great.  (At least sharing it in a public way.)

Since that special blessing yesterday, I have felt so humble, knowing that I can do all things in His strength,  His direction, and His timing.  But I also know that I am nothing.  I am just a single Priesthood bearer in this life striving to do all I can do to act as He would have me act, love as He would have me love, and serve as He would have me serve, and that makes all the difference. 

Yeah, I know I am nothing, but with my Father, I can do anything He wants me to do, or nothing at all.  I love my Father, for I know He loves me.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

DAY 216 -- Another Kind of Power

Yesterday I wrote about the power of the mind.  What we think about will determine how we cope with the rest of the day.  Today I thought about the power of another kind.

We went to Perry to participate in blessing Emily's second daughter, our 17th grandchild.  While there I had my sons and sons-in-law put their hands on my own head and give me a blessing.  No I am not going to die.

I guess one day I will, but that is not why I received a Priesthood blessing.  I have been struggling with my health.  One of the things I need to do in preparation for a mission is make sure I am in great health.  I need to lose a few pounds and be able to run and not be weary in giving my all to my God.  I need to overcome a few other pains and weaknesses that I have.

Well, since I have been struggling with some ailments for the last few months and years, I figured it is time to act.   I am prevented from doing what I need to do to lose weight and get in better shape.  So, since I have been unable to medicate myself and overcome a few "thorns" I have been blessed with, I decided that (with my wife's insistence) I would ask for a blessing. My kids were all there and it was a convenient time to do it.

The ancient Apostle Paul shared with us that he had been given a  "thorn" and one that he had been struggling with for quite some time.  He shared that he had asked that Lord to take that thorn away from him three different times.  But the Lord had refused to remove that thorn from him.

I told my sons that if Father determined that I was to live with these thorns in the flesh, I would do so.  But on the other hand, if it was correct and according to His will, with a blessing I would know how to relieve myself from this thorns.  Or He would do what was necessary, recognizing  the faith of those who where there and especially mine, and eliminate those thorns. 

Time will tell and I am willing to abide by His decisions about this matter.  But again I must do all I can to follow the original goals of preparing for our mission call coming in about seven months.  The prayer of the sincere follow of Christ availeth much.

Saturday, November 5, 2011

DAY 217 ---- The Mind is A Tool

I am impressed with the things we call our mind.  It is located somewhere above the neck and holds the eyes in place.  It also does many things, and that is what amazes me.

I conversed with the two people who helped me get into the debt I currently have.  When I let my mind dwell upon that experience, I get depressed, even a bit angry, for that is what is dictating that we can't go until next June.  So I won't let my mind dwell, or even think about that.  Instead, I accept what happened.  I don't agree with it, but that doesn't matter.  I accept it, will work toward paying off that debt and be joyful.

If I dwell upon the low pay I am getting at work and consider the experience I bring to the table and the work I do every day, I could get depressed. So I try not to dwell nor even think about it.  Instead, I think about the fact that I am getting some amount of money coming in which is working on that debt rather than what I feel I should be making. 

If I dwell upon the trails, difficulties, the thoughts and feelings of others, I could get depressed and sad.  However, if I don't think about those things, but rather think about blessings, about joy, then I am the master of how I feel, whether I feel joy and happiness, or depression and remorse.

I am the master of my own attitude.  I can decide how I want to feel and act.  I can decide how I want to react to anything that happens in my life.  I decided today to tell my wife how much I love her and the things she does for our benefit.  I noticed how much she appreciated my comments and how I appreciate her.  I noticed that I have not told her enough recently how much I realize how much she does for me, for us, and the influence she is among so many of our neighbors, in the ward, and what a great grand mother she is. 

I, in my mind, decided to make a difference in Bonnie's life, her attitude and her to desire to continue coping with me and my strange ways.  I did it.  My mind, my thoughts, my ideas, and my comments, my compliments.  All I had to do was open my mouth, let my mind decide to make a positive difference and not be self absorbed. 

When I struggle with things, I get grouchy and do not see nor feel the many blessings that surround me all day long.  I have decided that my mind, how I control it and manage it determines how I cope with things, what lessons I learn, and how I can touch the lives of others, often through just touching one.  My mind is powerful.  Man is that we might have joy.  But it is you and me who decides if we have true joy. 

Friday, November 4, 2011

DAY 218 -- What! Me Worry, Forget It.

Someone asked me today if I am worried about what those expensive doctors will tell me they see that no one can see within my wife's body.  I paused, considered, and said, "Only when I think about it."  So I don't.   Why think about possibilities that may never happen.  Why think of anything until more knowledge is secured? 

Besides, Father is aware of what is going on right now.  He is in charge.  He will dictate what we need to experience through this unknown.  So why worry about what could be?  Why get yourself in a great big tizzy wondering what will happen?  What a wasted worry or tizzy!

So instead of worry about tizzies, or anything like unto it, I decided that today I was going to just have joy.  I have so many things to be grateful for, why worry about things I cannot control.  I have the POWER of the Priesthood.  I have the support of my family.  I have a wonderful wife.  I have knowledge of Christ and His life.  I have so many other things that few people in the world have.  I even have so much more than most people in the Kingdom have.  First and foremost, I have a loving wife, righteous wife who is diligent in her testimony.

What, me worry?  Forget it.  I need to just be as joyful and peaceful that I should be with all my blessings. Even if those parking soldiers at the doctor's office charge me too much for parking there, I can still be peaceful and joyful.  Why worry if the doctor charges me more than I have?  So what.  Why waste a worry for he may not charge me more than I have.  He may even forget the parking charge on my bill!

When I look around me, see the trials of others, see how others lose testimony, lose their way, I need to be so much more comfortable with the things that Father has allotted me, even not knowing what we cannot see within Bonnie.  No matter what is in there, it is there.  We will know soon enough, and so why delay joyful days until we find out the problem if there is one?  Why not act as if all is well?  For it may be. And if it isn't, we shall handle it.   No worries!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

DAY 219 -- I Shoud Have Been A Doctor

Well, health is certainly fragile.  No, Bonnie is not going to die.  But often things come up that cause concern, or require a doctor to evaluate the reasons why things happen. 

Earlier this Spring, I had a colonoscopy.  Well, I am past the age of having that done.  It is something that looks into places that no one can see.  Well, Bonnie has something that needs to be checked to see what is happening in a place that no one can see.  Whenever that kind of action is needed, it requires professionals who charge for everything.  I mean every doctor charges for standing on a scale to check your weight.  I mean come on.  I could check my weight at home.  They charge for looking in your ears and in your mouth.  Often they ask you to choke, or at least cough. Then they charge you for that.

I know they charge you for entering their office whether they ever even talk to you.  You see, they  have to pay the poor secretary and nurse for writing your name down on a piece of paper.  I am sure they pay them by the hour, so if you have a long last name, then you will be charged more than if your name was Zo. 

They charge you for sticking a needle in your arm.  They charge you for putting a sticky band aide on your arm after taking your blood.  They charge you for not paying the same day as you get all this detailed, complicated service. I believe they also have a parking lot attendant watching where you park and how long your car is in their stall, and then they add that to your bill when you leave. 

They, the doctors, all have it worked out.  They only work three days week, for the rest of the week they are on the golf greens and driving in their Mercedes to LA to see to their distant cousin who is having traumatic stress on how fast the train goes in Disneyland.  It is an emergency, thus they have to go, and we pay for it with these "needed" costs.

Because of all these things I have mentioned, Bonnie will go see one of these wonderful doctors next Wednesday to see how much they can charge her for just talking to her about those unseen places where something is happening and no one knows about it.  They will talk and I will pay.  They will suggest, and I will pay.  She will park in their lot and I will pay.  They may give her a very inexpensive pill, but even though they give her a pill, I will pay.

You see, that is why we may be waiting for another sixteen months to go on our mission.  With all those required, wasted, needed actions of the doctors and nurses, we may not be out of the debt we have for quite some time.

Those of my readers who know Bonnie, please pray for her next Wednesday, that they will decide what is going on inside where no one sees, and perhaps add a little glance upwards asking that the parking cost on top of the other fees I will be paying will be a very small added portion of my upcoming bill.  Thanks for that...

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Day 220 -- Where Did Humor Go, Too Busy Learning Lessons

I wanted to talk more about humor, joy and happiness.  But I am not going to.  Interesting how things happen to change my view of that.....   My sweet companion went into the doctor today to check out some things.  We were told that it looks like, at least, we will be spending about $3000 on a medical procedure that must be done.  It may be followed up with another one that would be much more than that.  But who knows.  We won't know until we do the first procedure, then we will have to cope with anything else that it finds.

Does that put a damper on our mission?  Does that give us pause and worry about the future possibilities?  Are we still anxious to go on a mission?  Will our planned mission in 220 days be delayed?

This is just another opportunity of growth, or another chance to learn from trials.  It is another chance to bend with the wind and not break.  It is an opportunity for us to show Father that nothing will stop us with our dreams of serving a mission, unless something does. 

Of course, out of the spectacles we see our future in right now, it will mean that we may have to put off our mission for a time.  We are on a tight budget to be totally out of debt in 220 days, thus put in our papers.  With this new "Unknown" it looks like it may delay us until we can be where we "envisioned" us to be if nothing happened to take us of that course.  Well, something is happening to take us off that course, at least today.  There are still seven months to see miracles, and Father is not limited in any of the miracles He may wish to send our way. 

The departure date has always been June 9, our 40th year anniversary.  With this new "experience" that departure date will change, at least looking at things as we see them today.  But Father is certainly capable of changing the glasses we are looking through today, of changing the scene we see today.  Just as our vision and goal of June 9th is now in question, He can change that also.

So, I guess this is a time to exercise faith and state firmly that we will endure whatever He wants us to endure.  We will continue toward our goal to serve a mission or five, but it is totally up to Father - if, and when.  No we don't feel forsaken, nor do we feel far from Father.  But we are concerned what these things we found out today will mean.  Faith, time, trust in Father, we will still offer our all to Him however and whenever He calls.  He knows more than we do, and will be willing to submit to whatsoever He blesses us with.  These things also will gain us experience.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

DAY 221 -- No Humor Tonight, Just Missionary Work on Two Sides of the Veil

My father died twelve years ago, and my  mother died ten years ago.  So I have been an orphan since then.  Well my sister does genealogy non stop.  My grandmother's name was Elsie Schaubel.  She was a little vivacious German woman.

Well, this past week Nancy was "visited" by Elsie Schaubel who died when I was ten years old. She asked my sister, "Why don't you do the Schaubel  line?"  Needless to say when grandma comes to my sister and says to do her work, she does it.  This morning I went to the temple to get the names Nancy had prepared made into cards.  I usually go every Tuesday.  Well last Tuesday, I felt that I needed to invite my ward to do temple work for the names Nancy had done.  So I did and they will the next few months.

Tonight our ward youth went to the temple as part of their yearly assignment.  Well, we did over 100 names, direct relative of Elsie Schaubel.  It was hard to do that work without tears for these ancestors who have passed on.  I assume mom and dad have been teaching the gospel to their relatives, and thus that is why Elsie asked Nancy to do their work.

Tonight, I was baptised for a man named William Schaubel.  Dad's name was William Schaubel Partridge.  It was a very special experience.  While mom and dad are doing missionary work over there, I was privileged to do the work for them here after Nancy was asked to help prepare the cards.

It was a wonderful experience, showing why missionary work is so important.  We get to team up with my parents getting children of God into the Kingdom.  There is no work more important.  That is the purpose of the creation of this earth, or at least one of them.  What a JOY it is to be involved in missionary work, even in the Spirit World I would imagine.  Though I don't know first hand, yet.

It was just another witness of the truthfulness of the wonderful way of life, the gospel of Jesus Christ.