DAY 41 --- Living What I Know

It is amazing to see the days left slowly going down and the upcoming June 9th getting so much closer.  Forty-one days left until our ultimate goal.  Just a little over one month.  It is impossible to try to envision what is coming beyond that.  Where will we be, and what will we be doing?

Yesterday since it was the fifth Sunday our bishop taught us.  He asked this question, "What is the hardest thing you have to do?"  I pondered for about one nano-second and knew how I would respond.  I would have, didn't but would have said, "Living what I know."

I know so many things.  I know about faith.  I know about the resurrection.  I know about hope and charity.  I know about positive attitude.  I know about Father's love of me.  I know how I should be living, using the principles I know and hold dear.

But living what I know is so difficult.  If I could live what I know, I guess I would be perfect, for I know about enduring to the end, I know about loving my neighbor.  I know about service, I know about having a prayer in my heart constantly.  I know that Father is aware of us and is in control.  I know all these things, but then what about the sins that do so easily beset me? (That is quoting from the Psalm of Nephi.)

I guess this is just mortality, struggling with living what we know, but that is my ultimate goal, to live what I know so well, to live what the Spirit and my earthly parents as well as my Heavenly Parents have taught me.  Oh that I could live what I already know to be true.

DAY 42 --- More Info. I Love Sunday.

Saturday, yesterday, Bonnie and I went for a long walk.  We discussed the waiting game we are playing.  We discussed our upcoming mission.  We shared with each other our feelings, our visions, our goals, and we are very excited to be going together.  I know that we shall have a glorious mission together, growing together as one, united in many more things than now.

I know the wonderful feeling of serving 24/7 with our Savior touching our minds and hearts what we can do every day, all day long in His work.  We both shed tears of upcoming joy we shall feel on the mission.

We also recalled that when my parents were waiting for one of their calls, (they served four) they were touched as we are with this one. They went through a time of waiting, anticipating, hearing so many others promise things, say it was coming, inferring certain happenings, etc, and they continued to wait and wait.

In the reality of waiting, years from now it shall not matter these waiting days, weeks we are waiting without knowing knowing anything about the 'when".

Last night we went to a High Priest's party. Saw the bishop there and he said that he had been in contact with the Headquarters about us.  The system is he sends in our papers and the headquarters checks out all things.  They have the need to sort of approve us BEFORE the stake interviews us, according to the bishop.  After all is arranged between the bishop and the headquarters, THEN the stake president calls us in to interview us and assure we are worthy to go.  So according to the bishop, everything is "good" with the headquarters and soon we shall be called in to the President's office.  Then within a week or so, we shall have our call.

At least  that is the up to date word from the bishop as of right now.  We are ready, and things ARE progressing.

Today, we get to go to church and let things move forward at their own pace.  I thoroughly enjoy our time at church, seeking inspiration, comfort, and direction.  I love Sundays.

DAY 43 -- A Dream/Direction from Father

Yesterday we came up with the idea that perhaps there are things we need to do before we get our mission call.  So, we started thinking about what we may need to do.  Still thinking.  What has to be done by one of us that no one else can do.  Then there is always the idea that we have not learned a lesson we need to learn.  So we strive to be more in tune to be taught.  Or we need to be more patient, which is a given...

Then we thought about the idea that perhaps we are doing something we should not be doing and need to repent to be ready for a mission call.  Then on the flip side,  perhaps there are things we SHOULD be doing that we are not doing.  So our we continue to think, ponder, analyze, and try to figure out what is going on.  In the long run, or better said, ultimately, it is in Father's hands and when He wants us to go on a mission, things will progress and we will go.  And who's to say they are not progressing right now, even though we know not of how they are progressing.

I had a vision, idea, or just a dream last night.  I felt that before we going on our mission, I need to have a PPI or an interview with my kids and their spouses.  It is something that I feel I need to do.  I am not sure of the particulars yet, individually, jointly with the two of them or what, but I shall be asking and seeking further direction. Should both Bonnie and I do them?  I will seek further inspiration.

I believe it to be a great idea before we go.  I hope that I can find out how it should be done from the one who gave it to me in the first place.  Just trying to follow dictates. 

Bonnie said the other day the same thing I have thought all along.  Perhaps this is all a dream.  Perhaps we have been imagining going on a mission.  Did we really fill out paper work?  Did we get medical attention and pay over $2500 to get ready, or was it all a dream?  Are we really waiting for something?  Or is it a joint (I guess you could interpret that as a smoke, a pot or something that gives us hallucinations?, isn't that what a joint is?) dream that we both share? 

It is certainly interested what activity our minds are going through.

DAY 44 --- Not My Will, But His Be Done

It has been almost two weeks since we were interviewed by our bishop.  When telling others, they keep asking why it is taking so long.  We keep saying we do not know, however, there must be a great reason.  We strive to live by faith. Father often does things, makes things happen without telling us the reasons why.

Bonnie was telling me this morning about this other couple we know.  When they first filled out their mission papers, the sister stated in no uncertain terms that they would not go to Russia.  Of course when the mission call came, it was a call to Russia.  She stated that she would NOT go to Russia.  Their mission was changed and they went to another location.  

They  had a good mission and returned home.  After a time, they decided to go on another mission.  They filled out the paper work and again stated that she would not serve in Russia.  Once again the call came back that they were called to serve in Russia.  After some soul searching, the sister decided that they would go to Russia. 

As they arrived in Russia, they met with their Mission President.  He assigned them to go to a prison and see if they could do any missionary work in that prison.  As they began, she was surprised to meet her son.  (Don't stop reading here, and close your gaping mouth, and read on...)  The two senior missionaries had thought he was dead a long time earlier and were surprised (to say the least) that he was in the prison they were assigned to.

I don't know any more than that.  But you can imagine the shock, the realization that if they would have come their first mission, they would have discovered about their son much earlier. 

The Lord knows what He is doing, where missionaries are called, when they are called, and why they are called to certain places.   I know that He will call us where He needs us.  I am quite certain that we will not discover we have a son in prison in some certain country.  But I am also certain that there will be reasons why we are called, and when we are called, even the interview with the Stake President will come according to His dictates.

Throughout our papers, though we put down a few desires, we also put down that we would serve wherever He calls us.  It is sad to realize that at times when we rebel from His wishes, He will permit us to rebel, but at times blessings are withheld when we feel our will, our desire, our plans are more important than His.  He will force no man, but He will award blessings as we follow His chosen leaders. We will go anywhere, even to Russia.

DAY 45 -- The Other End Of The Stick

Bonnie made a comment that I totally agree with.  She said that this waiting is part of our mission.  Filling out the paperword, submitting it, getting medical attention, all of these things, even the waiting for the interviews are all part of our mission.  If is as if we are serving right now. 

When we used to go away for the weekend, go on a vacation, or just go do something out of the ordinary, Bonnie insisted that the planning was almost more fun than the actual doing.  Planning a weekend away from home, from kids, from work, from those things was a great "high" for her.  She loves to plan, organize, cross every t and dot every i.  Everything has to be planned, organized, and "spritually" created before we can go.  I quietly watch her do her preparation, enjoy her efforts, and be excited as if we are already doing it.

Well, I guess this preparation for a mission should be the same thing.  The preparation is part of the serving.  Filling out papers, going to doctors, getting interviewed are all part of the mission.  It is as if we are already serving our mission.

Though it seems that a day cannot go by but we discuss the "why's" of this, the reasons of that, and especially the waiting.  But if this is part of our mission, we just need to chill, sit back and watch miracles unfold.  I can recall many times in my life, in our lives when we have done all we can do, and now it is time to just sit back and wait and leave it all in the Lord's hands.  He knows what He is doing.  We do not. So we live by faith, knowing that He knows that we know that He knows.

That is a lesson for us to learn and remember, especially in the coming 18 months.  We do all we can do, and then leave it in His hands.  It should be comforting. We do all we can, pray and tell Him we have done all we have been inspired to do, and then wait.  If there is anything more we should do, tell us, but we await His direction, His decision, His action.

I have heard it said that when you pick up one end of a stick, you also pick up the other end.  By filling out paper work, by doing the preparation, we are picking up one end of the stick.  The other end of the stick I think is stuck in the mud and won't come free.  It will one day, but until then, we have to be grasping onto our end of the stick. 

What will the other end of the stick teach us?

DAY 46.5 --- Feel Joy Today

This morning I asked Father to please bless me with patience, positive attitude, hope in our future, and joy.  I mean, after all, man (that includes women and all) is that he might have joy.  I came to work and, as always happens when one prays for peace and comfort, everything was in turmoil.  I had to dive right in and strive to resolve all the headaches, and be worthy of that joy I sought.

Well, it took me a few hours, and then I felt a joyous feeling descend upon my heart.  Nothing has really changed.  We are still waiting for our appointment with our Stake President.  We are still where we were before.  But, Father has seen fit to bless me with joy, with peace, and with faith in Him and His management of our lives.  As I wrote a minute ago, nothing has changed, but rather than dwell upon the frustrations that still beset me, I am feeling a joy, a peace, and the love of an Eternal Father.  He knows me, He loves me, He is managing events, circumstances, people, and problems I have.  It is such a peaceful feeling. 

It is up to me.  I have to seek it, want it, and then be worthy of it.  I have to watch for it, and recognize it and nurture that feeling of faith in Father and watch for witnesses of His love in my life.  Too often I feel, not depressed, sad and lonely, but dwelling too much on things I cannot change and wishing for things that I want, no matter Father's time table.  Too often my  mind is not where I want it to be, but floating around in the mortal events of life.  Too often I am unaware of the many blessings I enjoy every day, my eternal and mission companion, and what is in front of us.  All too often I am in the attitude of depression rather than the attitude of gratitude, for the attitude of gratitude invites the spirit of peace, comfort, and hope in today and tomorrow. 

Thanks for the peace, hope, faith I feel strongly today.  I must work on keeping it now, nurturing it and retaining it, for all other things are insignificant when that happens.  I feel joy!

DAY 46 --- WAITING

As I read the Book of Mormon, so many things happen in one verse.  Often in the matter of a few pages of this book, hundreds of years pass.  Then in another place, the verses tell a story, specifically, almost minute by minute.  It is interesting.

As I am now reading again about the war chapters in Alma,  it is interesting that in one chapter, often we are told what happens and then we are told one whole year has passed away. Some times in one verse, one year passes.

In one year there are 365 days, or 8760 hours.  One verse covers 8760 hours.  I am sure there were many who lost testimonies, many who were baptised, many who died from battles, and many who were born during that one verse.  I am sure there were many prophets who preached on walls of cities, many who left the church, many who were stones, many who participated in secret combinations, etc.  But we are not told anything about what happened during those 8760 hours.

The Lamanites and Nephites were engaged in battles for many years.  I am sure there were many things that happened that we are not told about.  There were many hours, days, and perhaps even years of waiting.

Bonnie and I are waiting for an interview that must happen before our papers are sent to SLC.  We assume it may happen before the final 46 days of this blog, before June 9.  But if it doesn't and we have to wait until then, or even longer, so be it.

As we live in this mortality, we are controlled by the clock, by that second hand that slowly crawls around the numbers on the dial.  We have one on our wrist, or contained within our phone, Ipod, or whatever "I" things people have these days.  We have schedules where we NEED to be somewhere at this time.  We need to have this done by that time.  If this doesn't happen, the world will end.  If that doesn't happen by this time, everything will be destroyed.

As we wait for our interview, and then after our papers are sent into the Headquarters, we will wait again.  Then when we get our call, we will be waiting again.

We are all surrounded by waiting.  A woman waits for nine (often longer) months to have a baby.  A man waits on his boss for a raise, or a compliment.  We are waiting for the traffic light to change.  We wait for promised blessings mentioned in our Patriarchal Blessing.  We anxiously await a special anticipated event.

If waiting is so common and surrounds us all the time, then why can't we (ME) learn the lesson of patience, of waiting with style, of knowing all things happen in His timing, and be happy, pleasant, and joyful through our waiting. (His timing is never late, for all  happen according to Eternal Time)   I, for one, have not learned that lesson.  And if I continue after June 9th things with this blog, I am sure this will be a theme that I will constantly be affronted with.  Wish I could learn it NOW.

DAY 47 --- What Could Prevent This Mission

What could get in the way of our serving a mission?  What event, circumstance, fact, mysterious cloud, or pebble could prevent us from serving a mission?  We have the desire, we have filled out the papers, we have done all we think we need to do to serve a mission, now we wait.  But as we wait, these thoughts keep going through my mind.

I guess if one of us woke up one morning with a very serious health problem that would require chemo therapy, amputation of a foot, mental incarceration, a ingrown toe nail, or the loss of an eyeball, or something like that, it would probably preclude us from serving. 

Of course if the Stake President (Assuming one day we will talk with him) finds one of us unfit for a myriad of reasons, I guess that would put our mission off for a time, or forever.  If he felt in his interview that there was another reasons why we should not serve right now, that would also delay or eliminate our mission. 

I guess another reason to delay or eliminate our mission would be the lack of support of others.  You see, we will be serving this mission presenting the opportunity to others to receive blessings from Father for supporting Bonnie and I on a mission.  (We are firm believers of the blessings of supporting missionaries.)  If for some reasons the funds were not available, then we would not serve.

It is hard to imagine the reasons that would prevent us from going on a mission at this point.  We have prepared, anticipated it, and dreamed about it for about forty years.  We really got serious last June and set this blog, goals, and dreaming on schedule to do it now.  We have been praying about it for about that long and feel that we need to go and do His will somewhere.  Our bishop blessed Bonnie with a blessing a while ago, and said that we were going to go.  We have almost all things ready so we can go.

What could get in the way of us serving a mission?  It is very difficult to imagine anything that would really prevent us from going.  I guess the bottom line, the real ultimate reason would be if Father directed us, inspired us that now is not the time to go, for His reasons, then we would not serve.  Other than that, let's get the President in a position so he can PUSH THE BUTTON and get our papers into Church Headquarters.

DAY 48 --- Socks on the Floor

I can envision that time in the not too distant future where we will be serving somewhere, totally absorbed in the work of our Savior.  There won't be any remembrance of these days when we are anxiously awaiting our mission call.  No, not just waiting our mission call, but awaiting the interview with the Stake President.  Our call is waiting for something, for our papers won't go in until the Stake President pushes the button and sends it into the Headquarters.

I am sure there are reasons, but now that we are ready to go, are doing the things to prepare, we have filled out the paper work, and it is out of our hands, I can't help but question why the delay.

Today in Family Relations class, (Bonnie and I have been asked to take that class to lend old people's perspective) (Or we are taking it to improve our marriage, who knows?)  they were saying that 70% of all men's socks were found on the floor, irritating the wife.  I guess I have never been one of those 70%.  Anyway,  our teacher said that socks on the floor does not have any significance in the Eternal Scheme of things.


Well, considering our waiting, me learning patience, I guess that in the Eternal Scheme of things, this waiting for our mission call does not matter either, and we won't even remember it later.  I guess that is the gist of learning patience.  Evaluate the things we are waiting for compared with the Eternal Scheme of things.

So I continue to wait patiently? for our Stake President to call us in.  I am excited.  We are excited to see where we will be called to serve.  We are excited to go and serve twenty four seven in His work, leaving behind so many mundane, insignificant things, things like socks on the floor of the bed room.

DAY 49 --- Being a Forty Niner....

I have always said I was a forty-niner.  I was born in 1949, not 1849.  I love the San Francisco Forty-Niners, since their starting quarterback is from my Alma matter, the University of Utah.  I was once forty nine years old, so many moons ago.

There are now forty nine days until M DAY, or the day when we are celebrating our fortieth year together.  I started this blog counting down one year ago on June ninth and now I am forty nine days from the anniversary.

Some time when I try to remember forty nine years ago, I was only thirteen years old, I don't believe I was alive that long ago.  It was the time of the Viet Nam war, turmoil everywhere, sort of like today.  It was about the time when Kennedy was assassinated  and I remember where I was when he was.  I was in seventh grade, is that about right in timing?  It was quite an experience.  Girls were crying in the halls of school, we all thought the world would end having the President of the United States killed while in office.  We were all lost, questioning, worried, and fearful.

Today we get to renew our covenants at Church.  The men of Bonnie's choir get to sing in Sacrament Meeting "Ye Elders of Israel."  What a rousing, uplifting hymn.

As I saw a plane winging it's way overhead today, I wondered where a similar plane would be taking Bonnie and me in a few months.

We watched an hour long special created by the church about the saints in Nigeria and South Africa.  It is amazing what those righteous saints did while not even having the Priesthood. In some cases, there were groups of thousands gathered together living Mormonism, without the Priesthood and without direction from Priesthood leaders.  So many righteous saints even before missionaries went to their country.  It made us want to go to Africa.  Yes, that is one of the desires we put on our papers.  Time will tell and we shall see.  I feel comfortable that the brethren who decide will be inspired by Father where we are needed, or where we need to go to learn what He desires to teach us.

DAY 50 --- Only Seven Weeks

As we sit and ponder, questioning why it is taking so long for the Stake President to call us in, we of course strive to figure out what the delay is.  Of course, that is a worthless exercise, but I would assume you would understand why we are doing it.

Because of the economy, because of our lack of financial backing, because of Father's wishes to teach us financial lessons, because of many reasons I do not know at present, we are not able to serve a mission with just our income.  Thus we have asked our family to assist us, and our bishop said that our ward would also help.  One of our thought-out reason may be because the Stake President is questioning if our bishop's ward taking on that responsibility is out of line?  Another possible reasons is because the Stake President has only 16 wards to take care of.  Another reason is I am being taught the lesson of patience again.

No matter the reason, we are still waiting for our Stake Presidents interview before our papers get sent down town.  We will strive to be patient and wait patiently until we can talk with him.  Our availability date is July 15, after our two new grand sons enter mortality.  Our future call could change that, sooner or later, who knows.

Bonnie's brother finally received his call after seven and one half weeks of waiting.  There were many obstacles, but they seem too be all resolved at present and they are excited.  I guess for us to wait seven and one half weeks would be a challenge, but we could, would do it.

Everything is so complex, yet simple and beautiful.  It is so complex when we strive to understand it through mortal eyes, mortal understanding.  It is so complicated since so many items enter into the formula.  However, if we just exercise a tiny bit of faith, that of a mustard seed, we can see it differently.  We see it, knowing that Father does know what He is doing, and especially the reasons for the timing.  It is beautiful for there are Divine reasons why things happen, when they happen, and of course seeing it through "hindsight" we can see the beauties and give thanks that He is indeed in charge.

Fifty days.  When I started writing this blog, I hardly imagined that we could be within 50 days of our goal, that being June 9, our 40th year of being wed.  A bit over seven weeks.  They will be the longest seven weeks, yet the shortest. 

DAY 51 --- FRIDAYS

It's Friday.  Paul Harvey, a newscaster who I listened to while I was growing up, used to greet Friday with that statement, "It's Friday."  It was a statement that the whole world knew and appreciated.  It's Friday.  What does that mean?

It signifies the end of a week, the opportunity of not going to work tomorrow.  It means that tomorrow we could sleep in.  It means that tomorrow we can do things that have been waiting to get done.  It means that we have time off and time we don't have to worry about nor think about the thing that earns us money.  It is sort of like a mini-vacation every week's end.  It is Friday.

When we were getting married, we were counselled to hold Friday Night sacred.  Every Friday night we should go on a date.  We should get away from kids, obligations, and enjoy each other, talk with each other about things that we were holding during the week to talk about.  It was to be a time when we could enjoy each other without other influences; kids, screaming, fighting, doing dishes, laundry, etc.

We have tried to do that through the years.  Our kids all know that mom and dad go away  on Friday Night.  We still do that, or try to do that every Friday.  Even when we were unemployed, once in a while we would go and just purchase an order of fries and share them.  That was our date, eating fries.  The important thing was talking, not what we were eating.  It was a time to renew commitment to each other, talk about unified goals, and plan for our future.

I am looking forward to tonight.  With our mission coming, I believe a mission is a time for a couple to have Friday Night Dates every night of the week.  No worries about purchasing french fries, for we will be with each other constantly.  And the main subject while we are going here or there, is the work of the Lord.  What an enjoyable time we shall have. 

It is Friday.  Soon we shall have weeks and months, and even a year and one half of Fridays.

DAY 52 -- Lessons of Patience

I have always been taught that I need to learn patience.  My companion-good wife, she will agree that I am definitely impatient when I drive.  I have always lived my life in the fast lane, fourth gear, hurry up and run, why take your time, why go so slowly?  Yes, of course that has gotten me into mounds of trouble, but I am always impatient. 

Now, of course we want to go on a mission.  We are "patiently" awaiting the appointment with the stake president so he can interview us, then push the magic button to send our papers to the church headquarters.  It has been a time, and we still wait.  Our President has 16 wards, and thus is very busy with running a stake so large.  I guess we are not important, he is too busy, or something, but it is definitely trying to teach me patience. 

I also want to lose a few pounds.  So I am exercising more than I have for years.  I am eating better, and I not eating as many sweets, and I am trying to cut down on the amount I eat.  Nope, I have not lost anything, another lesson in patience?  In fact, through all the efforts of dieting, exercising, etc, I am not losing, I am probably gaining.  Is that a lesson in patience? 

As I further the pondering of patience, I realize that patience is everywhere.  I need to be patient with myself also.  Not just with others, but with myself.  I am not perfect, I am not walking on water yet, I am not ready to enter the Celestial Kingdom, nor ready to live a Zion-like society.  I am still striving to perfect myself, and become better.  That takes patience with myself.

Note:  I am improving.  This waiting for our interview with our stake president is not as hard as it once was.  I wanted everything done immediately, our papers, interviews, physicals, etc.  But now I know that there are reasons why he is delaying our interview.  They are divine reasons.  I am reminded of 2 Nephi 2:24, where it bears witness that all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things.  There are reasons for delay.  There are reasons for all things.  I just need to keep in mind that He is in charge, even of the timing of our mission, especially in the timing.  For we shall see those reasons as time goes by, and will be grateful for them.  I hope I can remember to comment on them as I see/learn them. Maybe even I am learning patience?  Shocker...

DAY 53 --- Satan is Alive and Well, And Trying

As we draw closer to our mission, as we await our interview with the Stake President, it feels like time stands still.  There is not much we can do.  Everything sort of depends upon where we are going, and when we are going.  Of course all those things are sort of on hold until we pass the final interview and he pushes the button to get our papers in front of those who make decisions.

In the last few days, I have felt an unwanted guest, or an intruder in my life.  Satan has entered.  I find myself not being myself.  I seem to be more impatient.  I don't seem to be as outgoing as I feel I am.  I seem to be shorter, no not by height, but I feel "short" as I deal with others.  I am not as patient.  I find myself saying things, following thought ideas further than I should, thinking of things that detract from the Spirit, like weaknesses I have, why someone isn't doing what they should be doing, criticizing and speaking evilly of others.

Recognizing that he is present, or his influence is around me in the actions and comments of others, I guess is the first step.  Knowing that he is trying to channel my thoughts, my ideas, and my quiet pondering moments gives me a start, a warning to draw closer to the Spirit.  I am sure drawing closer to that Sweet Spirit will rid myself, my life of his influence, for I cannot feel the Holy Ghost as I "see" Satan's influence.  And just as truthfully, I cannot feel and experience Satan's influence if I am walking with the Holy Ghost as my companion.

I guess that just goes to show you that lately I have not been where I should have been walking with the Divine Influence in my life.  I have let that evil one make inroads into my life. 

Thoughts are where it starts, and if I can rid myself of those devilish thoughts, replace those thoughts with Spirit influenced thoughts, then my path will be better, the bounce in my step, the way to love and treat others, even strangers will return a smile to mine and he will no longer have any influence in my life. 

It is interesting that he subtly entered, gave me tiny little things that I did not "see" and then expanded to the place where I felt awful, and thus recognized  his influence.  It starts small, insignificantly.  I need to work on throwing up a barrier sooner when he is near, or tries to enter the sacred halls of my mind. Another lesson learned.  I guess we could say that is a miracle that I saw, recognized, and then learned.  Right?

DAY 54 --- Are Lessons - Miracles?

Since Bonnie has been out of town until yesterday, Monday, I had a lot of free time.  I read the Ensign.  What a great read.  I loved the inner articles.  They were mainly on the atonement, resurrection, and changing ourselves. I loved them.  Rather than asking Father in prayer to change the circumstances, the challenges, the difficulties I am enduring, I need to ask for a blessing to help me endure, learn from, and grow from them.  Father, help me learn to change myself rather than the circumstances.

Elder Bednar brought up many examples in the Book of Mormon showing that we need to endure better, learn how to cope and learn from challenges.  Often He does not relieve us from challenges, but He wants us to change ourselves to fit and learn from those challenges. 

And as we do this, we will grow closer to Father and become more serviceable to Him.  That is what we need, to be more serviceable to Him no matter where we are called to serve.  There are lessons all over right now.  I guess we could call them miracles.  Are lessons miracles?

After I wrote that, I left this post to consider that question.  Are lessons miracles?  Most would immediately decide that they are two DIFFERENT items.  And as I think more and more about it, I am deciding that I am getting a headache.  Maybe, we need a good definition about what a lesson is.  To me, a lesson is a concept, a principle, a teaching, a part of the gospel that is taught through a trial. 

Some "lessons" could be as follows:  Administrations are not all unto healing.  Prayers are not always answered when we want them to be.  Father is no respector of persons.  Often suffering can be a blessing.  Father knows all and is not surprised with any event or happening.  All things have been done in His wisdom. Faith is not a perfect knowledge of things.  The atonement is not only for relieving sins, guilt, and changing a life.

Miracles are events that are difficult and often impossible to explain in our present existence.  Are they the same, perhaps not.  Then why is my mind trying to find a correlation between the two? Maybe there isn't one?

DAY 55 -- Three Months Until We Are Available

Three months from today we will be "available" for our mission.  We put on our papers we would be ready and available on July 15.  Less than two months from day, we will be celebrating our anniversary.  Less than one month from today, we will have our papers in to the Church Headquarters. 

It still seems a foggy-vision, hard to realize that we are progressing toward the blessed time when we will be serving the Lord full time.  My companion is my Eternal Companion.  I try to envision where we will be, what we will be doing, and who will be working with us, and I cannot.  I guess this is an example of living by faith, knowing that we will go where He wants us to go.

I had another miralce/revleation today.  I was sitting in Sacrament Meeting today thinking about our mission.  I remembered putting on our papers how much we had to donate to our mission.  I recalled that the Bishop said that the ward would supplement whatever we did not have.  I have been feeling....  I don't know, just not too prepared, since I don't have sufficient to provide for our whole mission.  I let comments by the bishop flow through my  mind telling me that he would feel it a honor to have his ward help support us.  Of course, I wonder what if they won't.  What if.... then I realize that is just Satan getting into my mind.

Today in church, I looked around at the members there and realized a bit of what the bishop is telling me.  There are many in that ward who would love to help support us on a mission.  (I know that I would be one who would immediately help support another on a mission if my bishop asked...)  Therefore, I realized, through the Spirit, that there are indeed many in my ward who will feel it an honor to help support us.  They will see many blessings, enjoy the confirmation from Father, and be overjoyed with the opportunity to help us out serving. (I would.  Can I expect less than that from fellow, good, righteous members in my ward?)

Our bishop promised the other day that our "preparation" for our mission were the trials and experiences we have had in our most recent business failure and other things in our lives have been preparing us for this mission.  He said that when we get out there, we will know and bear witness to the truthfulness of that statement.  I felt Father's assurance of that fact and that the ward members here would be richly blessed in helping us go and serve. 

Fifty five days only.  It is coming.

DAY 56 --- Myriad of Thoughts for Sunday

It is interesting to me how preparation for a mission is only preparation for life.  I mean the things we are doing to get ready to go on a mission we could be doing preparing in our personal life as well.  For instance, preparing and living by a budget, getting things done that should have been done long ago, checking out our health and making sure that we are physically, mentally, dentally, visionally, and totally healthy, getting more active and exercising, creating habits that will help us live closer to the Spirit, being directed by the Spirit, reading the scriptures seeking more meaning out of what we read, preparing for the future, etc. 

All of these things, whether we go on a mission or not are important things to do throughout one's life. 

Today as we go to church, I look forward to the "recharging" to my Spirit I always get in church.  I enjoy hearing the testimonies of our Sacrament speakers, those who teach in Sunday School, and of course my lesson on High Priests, the lessons I have learned while preparing to present to all those OLD men.

As I listen, as I look, as I ask and then ponder, I feel His Spirit, or the Holy Ghost whispering thoughts into my mind.  I feel confirmation of truths I have known in the past.  I feel little snatches of love notes from Father, telling me that He is there, is aware of my life and my challenges.  I feel confirmation to ideas and thoughts that come into my  mind.  And especially, I am more aware of my blessings that I see all around me.  Perhaps it is just being aware of the blessings that surround me when I often ignore those blessings?

Our Father is constantly aware of each of us.  I feel His eyes on my soul, being in control and in charge of things in my life.  I do not understand His thoughts of why, when, and lessons of certain things we are experiencing, but knowing that He is aware of them, using them to teach through those whispers, and is in control of "things" in my life, this gives me comfort.  I guess you could call this living by faith.

Faith that He is aware. Faith that He is in charge.  Faith that nothing happens that He is not overseeing.  Faith that all "these" things will work together to teach me, prepare me, and show His love for me. 

Oh that I could keep these things in my mind in the middle of struggling with an unwanted circumstance.  There is much I need to learn and know, and I have faith that Father is the master of my soul and is molding it where He needs it, for our mission, and for our mortal life.

DAY 57 -- When Will We Leave?

People keep asking, "When will you leave."  I guess they truly want to get rid of us.  My boss keeps saying that I will be gone soon.  A co-worker asked to day, 'When will you leave?"  Again, I said I didn't know.

Our papers are in no mans land.  They are sitting in cyber-space.  My bishop sent them out to float around Venus and when they return they will be with our stake president.  Since Bonnie is in Colorado until Monday, he won't be interviewing us until at least next week.  Then he will send them around Pluto, or some other planet and then we wait  until they arrive in Church Headquarters.  Then they will go before the missionary committee.  I am sure they will evaluate them, find out what we CANNOT do and then give them to the decision makers.

Timing? I surely don't know.  I can't speak with any knowledge or hope.   I have heard too many horror stories about the timing of anyone getting a mission call.  Are the young men the same as the OLD men?  Do seniors get priority, or are they put on the "wait table" at Headquarters?  I don't know.

Bonnie's brother is still waiting and it has been seven weeks.  Will we be waiting that long?  Who knows.  But we will wait and keep telling everyone that we are patient and will accept it when it comes.  When will we leave?  I will post it when I know.

DAY 58 -- No Earthly Experience is Wasted, There is Purpose in Them All

An apostle of the Lord will take a hold of our mission papers.  They will already have gone through many tests and evaluations.  On the top of the papers will be any locations where we should not serve. (Don't  know of any.)  There will probably also be the list of places we decided we would love to go and missions we would love to do.  I would assume he will look at our names.  William and Bonnie Partridge. 

He may even have a list of places that are pleading for senior couples.  All of these things will float through his mind and he will call out a location.  His secretary, or whomever is there with him will write the location down next to our name.  He will call upon his inspiration to send us where Father wants us to go. 

It is nice to know that we will be sent to the location where Father mandates.  It is nice to know that Father knows Bonnie.  He knows me.  He knows our talents, our testimony, and our commitment to the work.  He also knows what He has been teaching us these past few years.

In our Bishop's interview, he said that he knows that the trials that we have experienced through the last few years were in preparation for the service we will be giving through the next 18 months.  He said it will be interesting to watch where we go, and what we will be doing using the lessons we have and are learning now.

Joseph Smith taught that there is no experience, no trial nor affliction that is not necessary for our Eternal Progress.  Joseph said that he had to go through every challenge he went through, including his martyrdom to be worthy of the Celestial Kingdom.  And since God is no respecter of persons, the same can be said about each one of us, our trials, tests, and struggles. 

So, I can't wait to see how the last few years of our life has been preparing us for the next few years of our life in service, knowledge, experience, etc.  Will let you know when I know.

DAY 59 -- First Interview

Well, we had our interview with the bishop.  He had received, reviewed and approved of our papers.  We sat and he questioned whether our teeth would fall out, if we could get out of bed in the morning, and whether we could get  along for 18 months.  Of course those were the joking questions.  Then we got serious and he questioned whether we were worthy of being missionaries, and whether we were really ready to leave life, give it all up and dedicate ourselves to the Lord. 

We said of course, that is what we have been preparing for.  It was a good interview and I believe we passed it.  He now will send our papers to the Stake President for our second interview.  Since Bonnie is going out of town tomorrow morning to go and see her brother in Colorado, I will be a bachelor for a few days.  That means our next interview will be postponed for a few days, I would assume.

The bishop discussed with us our finances.  Since we are getting out of debt and will be totally out of all debt by around June, and since we have wonderful children and sisters, we are going.  Bishop said he would consider it a blessing to his ward to let them help support us serving.  Now of course we   have no way of knowing how much our mission will cost per month until we get the call, but at least we have represented to the Headquarters that we can go wherever the Lord wants us to go, not limiting it because of money.  This is another miracle we are seeing as we approach the next 59 days.  Of course that will bring us to our anniversary, and we should have our call before that date, but who knows.

When young missionaries are called, they are told by the headquarters and also by their bishop and stake president, they are required to write a letter home each week.  Our wonderful bishop said that since we do not have parents that are waiting for our weekly report, we are to consider our bishop as our parents and he will want a weekly report. 

So weekly, we will write:  Dear Bishop/Dad,  each week.  Yes we are excited and we continue to plan our mission.  Many things to do, but progressing daily. 

I would imagine that as we get in the mission field, I may consider keeping this blog going to report our mission.  Have to ponder about that one though.

DAY 60 --- The Absence of a Sign is a Sign?

We are still waiting for our appointment with the bishop to be followed by an appointment with the Stake President.  THEN our papers will officially be "sent in."  I still feel it is in His hands.  It is certainly interesting how the mind plays tricks with you.  Every time we hear someone say something, we guess where we will be going.

I heard someone the other day speaking in Spanish and I knew we would be going to a Spanish speaking country.  Then we heard someone talking about an experience they had in India, and thus we were going to India.  Then I read something in the news about New Zealand, and I knew were are going to be called to New Zealand.  And since my daughter is currently in Georgia, we are going to Georgia.

All these events are "signs" trying to tell us where we are going.  But then we could always quote a well known movie quote, "Perhaps the absence of a sign is a sign."  And in reality, there is no such thing as a sign? Or is there?

You can imagine how the mind plays games with you.  It is exciting to await the location of our mission for the next 18 months.  Then on top of all that, we continue to get people asking, "Where do you want to go?"  That is hard to answer.  But it brings back into my mind the many "signs" trying to mix my thought process up.

I guess I could take it as a sign.  This morning I was reading Alma 32 when Alma was preaching to a group of people.  Then a poor group approached him and he immediately turned himself around and talked to the poorer people because they were prepared to be ready to receive the word.  As I read it, I felt that perhaps we would be going to a poor country, where would be talking, living with the "poor" people of the world, those prepared for the gospel. 

The mind gets excited when it receives any input which may be directing our thoughts and the location of our mission.  It is hard, but required, not to think about it, and leave it in Father's hands. But each day we receive more "signs."

DAY 61 -- Prophets, Poets, Our Own Words

With 61 days to go, there are so many things that have to be done.  We cannot plan on when we leave, for we just don't know.  I keep telling Bonnie that perhaps they will call and say they need us NOW.  She says that when we put our availability date, they will not expect us before that date.  As I said in a previous post, there are stories when the Headquarters need someone immediately for certain reasons.  But time will tell.  (Our availability date is July 15, right after our two daughters, Rebecca and Melissa, have their babies.  Of course we cannot be available before we welcome in two new spirits from the Pre-Mortal Life.)

I guess in reality, 61 days is a lot of days.  It is almost two months.  Many things could happen in two months.  Miracles could happen, changes could take place, the Lakers could lose their remaining games and the Jazz could win their remaining games, I could win the lottery, even though I never purchase tickets for the lottery, and many other things.  Father in in charge and I bow to his management of the world, and especially management of Bonnie and me and especially the timing of all things pertaining to our mission.

Tuesdays have always been special to Bonnie.  She wrote a song about Tuesdays, the day when she takes comfort, guidance, direction, and inspiration from the prophets, poets and "their own delicious words."  How true.

There is guidance, inspiration, and comfort from many sources if we but look, open our hearts to hear it and receive it. 

DAY 62 --- Timing is in His Hands

Yesterday was such a beautiful day.  I can easily imagine that Christ was resurrected on a day like yesterday. It was warm, sunny, a slight breeze blowing through my hair.  (Yes I still have my hair, though it is getting thin.)  I can joy in the feeling that many had after His resurrection as many of the people saw and greeted many relatives that we long since departed.  Wouldn't it have been a surprise but a welcome one to see dearly departed members of your family walking around resurrected.  It would have been wonderful.

Also, I can't imagine the feeling Mary Magdalene would have felt as she was kneeling by the tomb and then Jesus Christ uttered that word with such feeling, love and compassion, "MARY."  I can't imagine the feeling the eleven had to find out that Christ was truly alive and walking among mortals once again.  I can see why so many felt the same as the early days of the church when Joseph Smith was martyred when they figured that it was all over and the end had come.  "I  never imagined it would end this way...."  Then to have Him resurrected.  What joy, happiness, and enlightenment filled the earth following His resurrection. 

One of my tiny little grand daughters was so overjoyed to show me the little picture of Christ the she colored.  She was enthusiastic and so very excited that she had colored Jesus.  Oh that the adults would have half the joy and excitement as the little ones in celebrating the resurrection of our Savior.  "Except you become as the little ones..."  Touch challenge, but worthy of the effort.

Yesterday our bishop asked us to come and see him during Sunday School  for our mission interview.  Sadly, we could not.  Bonnie was practicing singing for RS, and I was "playing" Limhi to a primary class.  I felt frustrated, yet comforted that Father is totally in charge of the timing of our call, and where we shall be called to go.  I felt frustrated cause I am sort of impatient and wanted to get it done, but as the bishop said he would do it this next week, knowing that Bonnie would be out of  town half the week, I felt this calm feeling bear witness that it was in His hands.  My will cannot, should not overcome His, and this delay is according to His master plan of timing.  Maybe one day I shall know the reasoning of His timing delaying our bishop interview, perhaps not, but I leave it in His hands.

DAY 63 --- April 6 and Easter

Easter.  The birth of Christ.  The Resurrection.  Conference.  Spring.  New Beginnings.  The Atonement.  The organization of the Church in this dispensation. 

So many things have happened in April through the years, those years that influence you and me.  These things, their meanings will be taught to millions of people throughout the world.  They know not of them, the significance of April 6th.  Many worship the cross, the suffering of the Savior.  Many don't know of, nor appreciate the resurrection and the joy felt at His rising.

During the past two weeks, our stake has put on "The Savior of the World".  My son and my grand son have parts in that play.  We have been three times.  What a blessing it is to have something like this play to remind us of events that happened long ago, yet are so important to us today.  You can't help but vicariously feel the feelings of Mary and Joseph, of Mary Magdalene, the apostles, and so many who lived at that time.  What a special event, the birth and thirty three years later, the resurrection. 

I can't help but pause and "feel" those feelings, wonder what it would have been like to be in the field and have angels come and announce the birth of the Savior.  I can't help but consider how Mary and Joseph felt to realize that the Savior of the world would be born in such humble circumstances.  I can't help but wonder how Joseph felt when he found out that Mary was with child.  This play has enlivened such feelings and thoughts, making this Easter weekend so special.  Yes and even Friday, April 6th to recall what happened that day.

Yes, bishop I am thoroughly ready to go out into the world and proclaim the truth of these things.  I feel like Alma in Alma chapter 29 sort of wishing I were an angel where I could shout from the roof tops about the truth that I know and hold so dear.  But as Alma, I sin in my wish, for I ought to be content to plow my own field I have been given and not wish for more.  (I sort of took liberty in stating that concept, I am sure you know.) 

I love my Savior.  Often I feel Him walking near me, whispering things into my soul.  I just pray I can listen, always recognize His voice, and follow His directions, for that is what matters most in my life.  I am so excited and anxious to go and do as He wants me to do with my beautiful companion.

DAY 64 -- Will You Lock The Door, When I'm Sixty Four?

A few months ago, Bonnie turned 64.  If she read these blogs she may be a bit (understatement) upset that I told the world, or the two who read this, that she just turned 64.  Yep, you guessed it, the house was ringing with the Beatles "When I'm 64!"  Will you still love me, will you still want me when I'm sixty four.  It was ringing through Sam's house all that day.  It is till ringing through my mind, when I'm sixty four.

My body feels one hundred and sixty four, but I am healthy.  Every morning when I crawl out of bed, I feel another, different ache that wasn't there yesterday. They seem to come every day.  I guess that occurs when one is either 64 or approaching 64.  Today we have 64 days until our M day, or June 9th.  Sixty four days..... that is not very many days. 

I am thoroughly thankful that we can still crawl out of bed, get going and DO things when we are as old as we are.  I know there are many who cannot at our age.  It is certainly a blessing that we can qualify for a mission at this advanced age.

A young lady at a social event yesterday was watching a performer and she said that the one in question was old.  She should be younger, like a teenager.  She was so old.  When asked how old she was, she replied, "Well she is probably at least 30."  If she is OLD at thirty, then what am I?

I remember when my father turned 50.  We held a surprise party for him.  He hated it.  I remember thinking as we were getting ready for his party that we should probably go together as children and purchase him a casket.  He was going to be needing it in a few days.  He was OLD.  Of course at that time I was about 23 years old. Now I am 12 years older than he was then.  Maybe I should be asking for a casket for my birthday?

I guess "OLD" is determined by the one who calls someone old.  A new born baby can look at his/her parents and think, they are old, really old, when in reality with my ancient-hood, I can look at those same parents and think them babies, having babies, since they are only in their twenties or even teens.

I guess some may even call me a baby compared  to those who are approaching the century mark.  I guess it is just from where you look, your location as you look at others who are either younger or older than your present state.  What is OLD?  I am NOT!

DAY 65 -- Hawaii, Siberia, or Where?

When you get to this stage of our mission preparation, funny things happen.  Our preparation has been completed.  At least the paper part of preparing and putting it all in someone else's hands.  Now we wait for interviews, the Brethren deciding where will will go, and when we will go. 

During this waiting period, we have so much to do.  Before, the things we had to do were figure out when we had this surgery, that medical condition, and onward and so forth, and scooby do.  That being done, now we have to plan what else needs to be done and start moving forward toward those things. 

The other day I was talking with my bishop telling him he would have all our required paperwork in his hands in the coming few days. He said that now is the time we need to decide if we really want to go.  I sort of laughed in my mind, of course we want to go.  But he said that we need to realized the things we will miss, not be doing for the coming months, etc.  I think we have been doing that for a long time, but as we continue it will be interesting if that compounds itself in our minds.

Now those "funny things" I was telling you about.   Every time I tell someone we are going on a mission, or we have just submitted our papers, everyone has a story.  And they are very intriguing stories.  One couple put on their papers that they could not go anywhere that was cold for the sister had a condition that would be very serious if they did.  They were called to Siberia.  Another couple was called and started preparation and the Headquarters called them and said they were changing their mission call from being a missionary couple to being a Mission President.  Another couple was called, without requesting any location or type of mission to Hawaii.  (Tough mission/vacation, right?)  Perhaps we will have one of those "funny" stories???

The stories keep mounting up about what "could" happen to us now that we have our papers in.  Again, I reaffirm that we will go where He wants us to go and be happy.  Whether it be Siberia, Hawaii, Tooele, or even Salt Lake City.

Yes, we are ready, and yes we are ready for almost any situation or funny occurrence in our path to our mission.  It will be interesting.

DAY 66 -- Lessons Learned

It is interesting that we seldom talked about our mission the first two hundred days or so.  We talked once in a while about it.  Then the last 100 days, we have been talking about it perhaps once a day, still quite a distance away.  Now, with less than 70 days to our mission, (or at least our anniversary) we talk about it almost constantly. 

Now that we have our papers in, the frequency will diminish as we wait for our interviews.  But as we continue to count down the days, we are going to feel pressure because there is so much to do.  Besides the excitement to know where we are going, we feel pressure to get it all done.

Never left on a mission before, at least with my wife of forty years.  At least we can do these things together and not have to do them alone, as I once did long ago.

I feel a relief not worrying about all the things they ask for before submitting our papers.  It is now all recorded and in the hands of those with stewardship over us.  It was a large task to think of all those things we needed to do, but it is now behind us.

Isn't that true about any goal or dream?  I remember when we moved to Brigham and started to run a restaurant and snack bar.  I asked Bonnie to be the inventory lady.  She would count what we had, what we needed, order what we needed from suppliers.  I remember like it was this morning she approached me and said NO.  She felt she could not do it.  It was just too difficult and she knew she would get it wrong and then everyone would suffer.  Well, within about one week, she was a master at it.  I never had to worry about it and knew it was getting done.  She even did cost analysis of the prices we were paying.  She was perfect. But to start, it was ugly, scary, and she did NOT want to do it. 

The same things happened with our papers for our mission.  They are done and I would assume we could, would do them again.  Hopefully that won't be necessary.  But this is definitely a lesson learned about goals, dreams, insurmountable challenges, etc.  They are all surmountable.  But our inadequacies make us think there is NO WAY.  This is just one more small lessons learned in these days of preparation for our mission.

DAY 67 -- To The Bishop

April 4, 2012.  We are only about two months from the "M" day, when we will see the imagined goal, the initial goal of this blog, of this journey, of our dreams.  Almost 300 days ago, I began to dream of June 9, 2012.  It has been a slow process counting down 365 days until our 40th Anniversary. 

We have seen many miracles in the first 300 days. I am sure there are many miracles coming our way as we continue to prepare for our mission.  Miracles come from our own health. Miracles in the lives of our children. Miracles in the way others react when we tell them we are leaving to go on a mission.  Many miracles.  There have been many  miracles happen that we know not of as yet.  Father is good to us.

Well, last night, April 3, 2012 WE SUBMITTED OUR PAPERS TO OUR BISHOP.  Now he will review them, make sure they are correct and interview Bonnie and I to assure that we are worthy, ready,and all is in order. Then he will pass them on to our stake president and he will do the same.

After those two Priesthood leaders have approved of our representation of us, they will pass them on to the Church Headquarters. Then they go through many more examinations to assure that we are fit, healthy, a good possibility of being a great missionary couple, and even consider what we put in our preferences.

Our Preferences:  We listed that we would like to go to Africa.  We would love to go somewhere where I could use my Spanish.  We would like to go to a CES mission location.  Now we will see where the Lord wants us to go.

So now we wait.  There are many things that could happen before we get a call, but we won't talk about possibilities, we will just wait, talk about what DOES happen. 

We are excited.  It is now in the Lord's hands and we wait.

DAY 68 --- It is Time- Leave it in His Hands

Well, after conference, having those wonderful testimonies ringing through my mind, last night I was dreaming about our mission.  I was going over in my mind all the questions on those 54 pages of application.  I was reviewing the commitment that we are required to make on many pages.  I was reviewing the many medical appointments we had, and I was reviewing about the many talks with our family and our bishop.

I feel it is time.  We need to push the button.  I do not have all the royalty, the crowns in my head that I need, but they are in process, and thus the dentist will give me the report to be delivered, in a sealed envelope, to my bishop.  Then we push the button and submit our papers.  Then a few interviews later, they will submit their papers and we will be waiting on the brethren.

It is time to finalize the preparations.  It is time to leave it all in Father's hands, and thus we submit our papers and let others, ultimately our Savior decide where we will serve for the next 18 months.  We are totally excited, humble, and peaceful in leaving it in His hands.

There are so many miracles that have brought us to this point, to be ready to submit our papers.  Thanks Father for the many, many miracles.  I am sure we will see more as days get closer when we are able to leave and serve.

DAY 69 --- Conference, Last Day

Because of recent conferences, I was sure that the Prophet was going to announce another few temples.  He did not.  There are so many places in the world waiting for the coming of a temple.  I know there are many efforts being performed daily to prepare for upcoming temples, but now we wait until October.  Yes, I know that once in a while a new temple is announced outside of conference.

What a wonderful experience it was to listen to the Apostles, Prophets, and other leaders.  Each one had prayed and prepared for knowing what needed to be said.  Each one was blessed with the Holy Ghost as they presented it to us.  Each one "felt" their words.  I loved sister Beck.  You could tell that she was totally involved and sold on Relief Society.

I use conference as my battery recharger.  As I listen, I glean inspiration for me personally, what I should be doing, thinking, saying, and feeling.  I can't wait to go out into the world and put into practice the lessons I have learned today.  As this is read, (Monday) I hope I am involved in doing what I was inspired to do through the talks. 

As I sat through conference, I again received an insight that wherever we are going to be going is going to be where Father dictates.  I know there is a certain place that needs our testimonies and talents.  I know He is in charge, knows of us and the preparation we have had at His hands through the past years.  I am just impatient in learning where that is, and how soon we can go and do.

I am thoroughly excited about taking my companion with me.  We shall be one in the mission field.  We still have differences of opinion and things we discuss, but after discussion, we most often are on the same page and united.  I am looking forward to serving with this wonderful daughter of Father at my side.  We will do all that the Spirit directs wherever we may be.  We will be more and more unified as we go and have the same goals, dreams, and hopes.

Yes, leaving children will be hard, but finding new and beloved friends and brothers and sisters will be an enormous joy.  What a great blessing serving together will be, in only a few months. 

We will be pushing the button within about one week.  Of course then we have to wait until we go and interview with the bishop and stake president, and he will have to push the button also, then to the Church, and we wait.

DAY 70 -- Conference

It was a joy to sit and sustain the leaders of our church.  I feel it an honor to be able to raise my arm to the square to sustain the 15 prophets and apostles of our day.  When I do that, I realize again that there were many ages that did not enjoy the leaders on earth of Christ's church.  What a sad day that would be, without Priesthood nor leaders on the earth to lead us, comfort us, give us direction, and share the will of Father for His children.

I loved the music of the day.  Even in Priesthood meeting, we sung Ye Elders of Israel, and the closing song was Praise to the Man.  The hymns in the other two sessions were wonderful hymns that we all knew.  That is so great. Last week in Sacrament, we sang a song that no one had ever sung.  It was a joke.  I looked at the words, tried to sing it, and it was a total failure.   Many in the audience felt the same way.  I can't understand why so many feel that we need to sing songs of Zions that no one has ever sung.  I mean why not sing those songs that everyone knows and appreciates.  Why not sing a song that we can sign with feeling, understanding the meaning of what we sing, rather than be struggling to just try to sing the words to something we have never heard.

It was a wonderful conference listening to many leaders.  When Elder Uchdorph, or however you spell his name, was reading the names, it is sure apparent that we are a international church, and not just an American church.  It was interesting to hear him try to read some of those names.  I am sure they come from all over the world.

I love the fact that the whole first presidency speaks in Priesthood session, so we were privileged to hear from all three of them, and also Elder Bednar and a few others.  Tomorrow we get to hear (today, for I am writing this Saturday night) the rest of the twelve, six more. 

I love to hear those brethren share feelings testimonies, experiences, and encouragement.  President Monson was fun and inspiring in Priesthood.  I wonder if we get any new temples tomorrow, or not?  I can't help but wonder where we will be in six months.  Will we be hearing, watching, or missing the sessions of conference?  Will we be doing it in the middle of the night? It will be fun, no matter when.

Well enough for tonight.  Will write more tomorrow after the Sunday sessions.