Getting Into Christ's Gospel

We went on a walk Tuesday.  We had the camera and took lots of shots of the beauty of the area.  I am going to just stick them in here so you can enjoy that beauty a little bit. 

Sixteen attended Institute last evening.  Dexter Wilkes was very complimentary and said that he always feels so well spiritually fed.  He really is an amazing guy.  He's 23-25 yrs. old and joined the church earlier this year.  He is as stalwart as they come.   He often gives insightful answers to the questions that are discussed.  He sang in the choir on Sunday and brought his Mother, who is not a menber of the church, to hear him in the choir. 

The lesson was centered around the Savior choosing His disciples and then the miracles the He performed.  They seemed to understand the reasons the Savior performed miracles; 1) He had compassion, 2) to show the faith those who were healed had, 3) these healings fulfilled Messianic prophecies 4) and they showed proof of His divinity, that being He was the Son of God.  We also talked about when miracles cease to occur.  What would be the reasons that would happen? 

When it came to discussing "New Wine in Old Bottles" they seemed to be stumped.  So I referred to my first mission with the Navajo Indians.  I told them how steeped they can be in the ancient traditions of their 'Fathers".  Some when joining the church grasp it and hold strongly to it.  However, some will join the church but still be attached to the older ways and customs of the tribe.  They will go to church but attend sings, or rituals.  They just won't let go of the old ways.  We talked about that and compared it to the Laws of the Old Testament being replaced with the New and Everlasting Covenant.  That it is important that once having accepted the gospel, to fully accept the gospel.  There is a difference between having a testimony and being converted.  Those who are converted keep the commandments and the covenants that they have made.  Conversion is displayed and evidenced when we go forward, never looking back on old habits and behaviors.

It is beginning to look like the Missionary Preparation Class will begin this week.  Pres. Olsen is getting committments from several of the YSA kids to attend.  Nia Ma'ake is going to be turning in her papers soon, so we really want to get going for her.  She is absolutely ready and on fire, but this class will further help her I believe.  Nia's older brother left a couple of weeks ago for BYU Idaho.  He was a missionary in Guatamala. 

A young man named Sean came for the first time last night.  He has expressed a desire to get going again and even take the Missionary Prep class.  He has a personality of gold.  He very easily liked.  He is the one who wanted to play dodge-ball at home evening on Monday.

Diane cooked up some chicken meatballs and salad and finger foods.  The kids scarfed it all down in a hurry. 

I scampered yesterday to make arrangements to go to Whitehorse in the Yukon.  We have a new seminary teacher we need to do some in-service with.  In the end, it works out that he cannot meet with us this weekend but is going to be available next weekend.  So we'll make it work then.  It will be cheaper to go by then because Diane will finally be 65 and the ferry rates are lower once you reach 65. 

We joined a health club yesterday.  We just have to do something or we're going to turn into jelly.  They have a pool that you swim against a current.  It is short.  But it works just fine.  There is lots of cardio equipment and weights and spinning bikes.  The manager was telling me to pick up a heavy handgun if I plan on doing any fishing.  Hmmm. 

The Malins will need a substitute on Oct. 1 for their Sophomore class in seminary.  I feel bad that we will not be able to do that for them.  We will be returning from Whitehorse, Canada, and will be on the ferry from Skagway to Juneau.