The Weeks Are Full

Diane and I went on a drive to the very south end of Juneau.  That is about 6 miles south of Downtown Juneau.  These pictures came from the end of that road.  I had to get one of the cheeky Ravens that seem to be everywhere.  Their cawing could ruin a good evening in a sleeping bag in the woods. 

 

It has been exciting to watch our new Relief Society Presidency take ahold of their callings.  Attendance has gone up on Sundays and at Home Evenings and at Institute and Friday Activities.  The new Elders Quorum Presidency and Branch Mission Leader have also lengthened their stride.  We had 20 at Institute last evening.  Several of them attended for the first time.  Our discussion was again centered on the teachings of Paul.  We discussed at length how we grow from our infirmities and afflictions.  After all, the Lord chastens those whom he loves. 

Today in our Adult Institute class we discussed the Light of Christ.  We had 12 in attendance today.  A couple who has recently returned from Malaysia attended for the first time.  They added greatly to the discussions.  I am feeling better about finding the principle of the gospel and taking it to learning the application in our lives as I lead the discussions. 

The Missionary Prep class went well on Sunday.  We have 4 regulars and they are a delight to be with.  I have been helping them to tell the Joseph Smith story as a missionary would.  They are learning well. 

This is the Governor's Mansion located in Juneau, AK.

 

One morning in seminary some of the kids, a few from each of the three classes, rushed into the church kitchen and expected to fix French toast, McDonalds type sandwhiches, and pancakes and get to class in less than 10 minutes.  I had to ask them to go to class and not use the kitchen in the future.  That incident came as a surprise.  They responded they weren't aware of the "No Cooking, Only Warming" policy in the buildings.  It was a chore to get them to clean up.  I think we have the problem fixed.

There is one of our seminary students who is very troubled.  He really has no friends and he isn't treated well by peers and even by his family.  He came to seminary this morning but avoided going to class.  I was able to find him and we sat together and chatted.  He was surprisingly willing to open up to me.  He is a bit of a 'gloomy Gus.'  We talked a lot and he answered any question I asked of him.  I tried to let him know he was loved by his seminary teacher and by me.  Especially I wanted him to know he was loved by the Savior.  We talked about the power of prayer.  We even had a prayer together and asked that he be able to find some happiness in life.  He committed to try to make that a pattern in his life.  I hope this kid can get a hold on being comfortable with life.  I hate to see someone feeling unloved and inadequate. 

 

We had a large number of YSA at the home evening on Monday.  And Margaret Sikona gave a beautiful lesson on the gift of the spirit of the Holy Ghost.  Margaret just graduated from BYU Hawaii and hoping to get a job here in Juneau.