Oh the Trials

It is cold outside.  It is in the low 30's and high 20's.  The snow has backed up the mountain a bit.  But the air is nippy.  The puddles are icy in the mornings. 

We have our supervisor coming to do an in-service for the stake seminary teachers.  There is also Stake Conference this coming week-end.  I have no idea where we are going to do the in-service.  I was told we would be fine by the Stake Presidency first councilor.  But everything seems to be scheduled.  I am trusting it will all work out.  We are kind of in the air on our next visit.  We need to go to Yakutat.  The approval is slow in coming.  I'm sure it will work out. 

Our home evenings have been conducted by the young people themselves.  They are anxious to get together but these events are often very unorganized and not much happens.  We adults have kind of taken the bull by the horns and interjected gospel topics and themes the last several weeks.  When our family group leader was finished with the announcements last evening she mentioned that was all unless someone had a spiritual thought.  So I took the opportunity to dissect D&C section 4.  We have a few who want to go on missions but their attendance is sparse and their knowledge is weak.  A few of the returned missionaries picked up what I did and sliced and diced a few of their favorite scriptures as well. 

Sister Francis talked about the blessings that come from serving.  She used the 12 chosen apostles when Christ granted 9 of them to preach and teach until they became 72 years of age when they would return to their Father in Heaven.  Then she explained why the three Nephites were "More Blessed."  She did such a good job and the room was full of a peaceful spirit. 

We then had banana splits.  They really enjoyed that treat. 

One of the young ladies will be 19 in March.  She bore testimony of what she felt while attending General Conference and seeing all of the Sister Missionaries.  She mentioned she didn't want to be called to Temple Square.  I told her how wonderful that mission is.  She doesn't really attend regularly with the YSA branch.  I think she is attending the Tongan ward more than ours.  I asked her if she would like to join the Mission Prep class and she said she would.  So we have one more coming tonight. 

We loved talking to four of our kids on Sunday.  Matt had his 39th birthday.  It was so good to hear his voice and visit.  Gregg, Amy and Erik each spent some time with us on the phone.  These little visits really pick us up.  I tried to get ahold of our grandson, Max.  He turned 11 yesterday.  I had to settle for an e-mail greeting as no one would answer the phones. 

My sister, Shauna and her husband, Craig, took mother to visit with her remaining siblings in Socorro, New Mexico.  Her brother Paul and his wife Marolyn traveled from Kansas.  The pictures showed a wonderful reunion.  Those pictures really lifted me and brought back a lot of precious memories. 

We are well.  We exercise.  We stay warm.  The trick is to stay busy.  We work at that.