Saturday, November 30, 2013

          It is 66 degrees and raining.  Amazing!

          Well, your holiday week-end is winding down and the long treks back home will soon be underway.  We are praying for your safe travel and hope to hear from you when you reach home.     

           All the family tradition we have created over the years was a comfort as we reminisced, thought about the great times we’ve shared, and missed being with all of you.  However, our loving Heavenly Father has certainly apportioned to us a multitude of blessings, and we’ll never get to the end of that list because it just keeps growing. 

          With grateful hearts we send our sincere thanks to family and friends for your love, support, and prayers.  Your prayers are especially important and we feel them every day.  There is a possibility of violence and fall-out from the recent elections, and all of the missionaries here in Honduras could use extra prayers.  Maybe nothing at all will happen, but extra prayers never hurt.  We’ll keep you posted.

          Enjoy your Sabbath; may it bring you spiritual nourishment and renewal.

Friday, November 29, 2013

          Today’s weather was still cold and windy—so out of character according to our assumptions.  I will never complain about it being cool, though. 

          I spent part of the day in the roperia; and when it wasn’t busy with baptisms, I read more conference talks from the November Ensign.  The messages sound similar to things we have heard before; but the depth and application, counsel and warnings are so current and profound if truly studied and considered.  All the concerns that we face are addressed and answers given as to how to manage our challenges and plan for the future.  The authors of these messages were truly inspired and the articles merit multiple readings—at least for me.

          Black Friday is nearly over and I hope it was a bright spot in your holiday week-end.  Keep enjoying the left-overs, playing games, and loving the time you have to spend together wherever you are. 

          It is 59 degrees and raining in the wind in Tegucigalpa!  Amazing!    

Thursday, November 28, 2013

           It was about 60 degrees today and windy.  Who would have thought it could be that cold here in Honduras!  I cut my walk short by a couple of laps.  The cold wasn’t bad, but the wind was.

          There is a nice organ in the chapel in the temple and it is programmed to play hymns.  They play all day—over and over again.  The music is mellow and doesn’t really feel repetitive unless you work at the front desk next to the open door to the chapel.  I noticed a change in the sound this week and realized that a Christmas menu has been selected and we now have Christmas hymns playing all day and it feels good!

          Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  It was a great day except for missing family and not being with loved ones to celebrate.  However, I watched the Macy’s parade on TV and later Glade saw a couple of quarters of football before we went to the temple to face a busy schedule.  It was a relaxing, feel-good day; and we have so many blessings to be grateful for.  I hope your Thanksgiving, wherever you spent it, was wonderful, and that you created memories to recall with happy hearts.   

The "Trunchbowl and Miss Honey" from the Musical Matilda

The little girl who sang was so great.  I loved her accent.

Of course, the Rockettes lived up to their reputation.

I don't remember which group this was, but they were fun to watch.
When I was growing up, watching the parade on Thanksgiving morning, with eggnog in hand, was a strong tradition; and we watched right up until football started.  Then we turned off the TV and found other fun.
There were no football fans in my family.  

Happy Thanksgiving!

We are  headed out to the temple.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

          Glade was a little under the weather today and spent the afternoon at home instead of in the temple.  He felt a little better tonight, so maybe tomorrow he’ll be back up to speed and able to go back to work.

          The weather here took a turn from the usual summer-y 80+ degrees and showed us another side.  The wind blew again and was accompanied by a cold front (which I didn’t think existed here!) and it was actually quite cool—maybe 66 degrees or so.  Cooler weather always seems to be really hard on people here who are used to the heat.  They really bundle against the cold while we are still in “shirtsleeves” and enjoying it. 

          All of you travelers should be nearing your destinations or maybe have already arrived.  I would love to know that everyone arrived safely and that all is well.

          Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!  We will be thinking about each of you--love and miss you!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

          Attendance was very low at the temple today although there were two groups who came for baptisms.  The slow times come now and again.

          We didn’t hear much about the elections or any related problems.  Anything could have happened, though—we just aren’t in a position to hear about it.  We hope everything was as peaceful as it seemed.

          There just happened to be an Ensign in English at the desk in the temple, so during a little down time today when it was slow, I was able to do some reading.  The articles were excellent.  I had more time to think in depth about the messages and was rewarded with a rich feast upon the words.  It makes me hungry for more.  The messages can help us see our way through the calamities to come and give perspective to our choices and our trials.

          We are praying for safe travel for all of you who are on your way tomorrow for a Thanksgiving holiday away from home.  For those of you who are staying at home, we hope you have a fun and memorable holiday, too.  We love you!  

Monday, November 25, 2013

          Our Thanksgiving dinner today was great!  It was our “P-day” and the temple presidency and senior missionary couples each provided a part of the meal and met in the comedor at 1:00 for a “feast.”  The food tasted good and it was nice to socialize a little and share something we were thankful for.  I made the raspberry pretzel salad (had to pay dearly for the only package of frozen raspberries in two stores) and an apple crisp.  Glade ordered three dozen rolls from our bakery (the owner actually delivered them fresh to us at noon) and that completed our contribution.  We were happy that we had left-over turkey and pumpkin pie in our fridge so we could enjoy those tonight.

          After the dinner, we went to the lounge and watched “Ephraim’s Rescue” and loved it.  It was full of courage, commitment, sacrifice, heartache, and miracles. 

It was a very nice day and certainly sufficed for a Thanksgiving celebration.  Thursday morning we will be able to see the big parade on network TV and Glade might even get part of a football game before we start our temple shift at 1:00 p.m.

          Good luck with all of your varied holiday plans this year.  Be careful traveling and I hope you all have a wonderful time sharing and building more tradition.  Love you all so much!

           

 

You can see Glade at top right, but I forgot to give the camera to someone to take a  picture of Glade and me together--oh well--next time.  :)

Sunday, November 24, 2013

          As mentioned already, the temple was closed yesterday, Saturday, for the national elections here.  While Glade was walking an exercise lap with President Ocampo about 7:00 a.m. they came around the corner to head downhill and saw, to their dismay, a large bus just entering the compound at the guard station.  Pres. Ocampo said, “Oh, no; this is not good.”  A group on an excursion from San Pedro, about four hours away, was just arriving for a day in the temple and were about to be disappointed that it was closed.

          The message about the closing went out to all stake presidents who were to send it down the line to bishops who would see that their ward members were aware of the schedule change.  One bishop was working with ward conference meetings and somehow didn’t get the communication.

          We felt so bad knowing what sacrifices people make to come to the temple.  There was nothing to be done, however.  They disembarked from the bus and spread out over the grounds stretching their cramped legs, enjoying the ambiance, the beautiful landscape, and the grand view from the location’s vantage point.  At one point some of them—kids and grown-ups together—gathered for a photo in front of the temple.  They were all smiles and seemed to be enjoying themselves.  I won’t pretend to know what their feelings were, but after about 20 minutes or so, we watched them as they made their way to the bus, climbed on board, and started their journey back home.  We waved as they drove by and enthusiastic waves from the bus windows were returned.

          Since we had the day off, we made it our own personal Thanksgiving Day.  I made pumpkin pie and roasted the Butterball turkey we found at La Colonia.  The efficiency ranked about a 2 on a scale of 1-10 in our tiny kitchen with almost no counter space and it took me forever!  The only white granulated sugar we could find was very course and the one time I baked cookies with it found that the crystals didn’t dissolve during the baking.  So, being worried about the pie not turning out well, I put the sugar in the blender and make “powdered sugar”!  Then I didn’t know the ratio of granulated to powdered and had to guess.  Anyway, it turned out fine and once the baking started, the aroma made it feel just like home—not only like home in Garfield, but home when I was a little girl and it felt so good!  The turkey turned out great, too; and Glade was able to watch the BYU football game so that made it feel like Thanksgiving as well. 

          While Glade spent time on the computer, I turned on some Christmas music, took the Christmas tree we bought out of the box, read the instructions, and assembled it, fluffing all the branches and making it just right.  Then the lights and decorations went on and it now looks and feels like the season.  It was my only chance to decorate in order to have any time at all to enjoy it.  So we are a little ahead of the game, but that’s okay.       

The pies!

The turkey!

The football game!

The tree--

Getting Started!

One trunk section wouldn't fit into the next, so I found a metal
fingernail file and Glade filed away at a ridge until it fit.  Needless to say,
the file won't do for fingernails any more!!

Our six-foot tree all assembled!

All decorated now!  I found this snowman at Price Mart on one of our first trips
there several months ago.  Not knowing how many decorations would be available nearer the holiday, I bought it--just in case!  He fits in quite well I think!!

blog de 23 de noviembre--GP

Tomorrow the Honduran national elections take place and for three days we are advised to stay in our confines, eat our food storage, put up our Christmas tree, eat our food storage [and turkey and pumpkin pie] and watch football.

Both major parties and their candidates for President are corrupt and one supposedly is backed by the drug cartels.  The losing one will probably react with violence.  Today the temple was closed and tomorrow all of the wards and branches in the country will only meet for Sacrament Meeting.

While exercising this morning around the confines of the compound, I noticed two ladies approaching me wearing Nike and Adida attire.  One looked to be about 40 the other 20.  I talked to them for awhile and learned the mother and daughter are not members of the Church but live close by.  They usually walk in a park that is part of a military base and considered safe but dangerous to get to.  It was closed today like quite a few places and one of their neighbors suggested they walk here. 

They mentioned they used to watch me make the rounds outside the compound.  They were grateful the guards let them in and they really enjoyed the smooth unbroken sidewalks, beautiful gardens, and temple.

Sometimes the temple President, who is Honduran, joins me and, as we walk, he practices speaking English.  I introduced him to the two walkers.  Sunday I will refer the sister missionaries to meet them.

Every day in the temple I see and feel the great blessing the temple brings to the members.  As I see and talk to the non-members who are drawn to this beautiful place, I realize that the temple is a real beacon of light and goodness to a people subdued and smothered by evil and corruption in their native countries.  The Spirit bears witness to me that the Lord’s Plan of Happiness is true, evidenced not only as I help the members receive their temple blessings but also as I witness the hand of the Lord preparing his children in darkness to receive the Gospel and begin their journey to the temple.

I’ve got to go now. The turkey is done, the pumpkin pie is waiting, what a wonderful Cook I married. She just finished decorating a beautiful tree.

          Love  Dad/Grandpa

Friday, November 22, 2013

          The crowds from yesterday spilled over into today’s schedule and it was busy again.  We love it when we see people coming all day and then returning the next.   Glade and I led two sessions yesterday, and the last one of the day was the biggest one here that we know of.  All participants were doing family names and there was a wonderful feeling coming from those participants.  One sister wept as she showed me the name she was taking through the session and said it was her mother.  I hugged her, and she hugged me back tight--and then moved on into the session leaving me with my own tears of joy for her.   

Thursday, November 21, 2013

          Today is my mom’s birthday, and she is honored on my November “thankful” tree.  It always seems easier to recognize the great qualities of someone close to you as years go by and you have a chance for greater reflection. 

She was an amazing mom and I owe her credit for providing me opportunities to learn and grow—both the ones I enjoyed and the ones I didn’t J  Her little children were always well dressed, neat and clean, and had hair fixed and in place even for every day wear.  She was rather task oriented so I learned to be organized, take care of details, and make sure everything was done as well as possible. 

I learned to unpick seams that weren’t sewn straight; to weed the garden thoroughly; to practice my music pieces over and over through the rough places until they smoothed out; to sweep the floors after every meal, to carefully clean the tops of the fruit jars so they would seal; to work for an “A” grade in school; to practice dance steps at home between lessons as a little girl; to labor over bread dough at age 12 kneading and kneading; to always do dishes right after a meal and never go to bed with dishes in the sink (except for Daddy’s late-night ice cream bowl); to “use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without,” to prepare well in advance for everything from company dinners to talks and lessons for church; to retire to my bed early and arise early—always!

          The list goes on and on, but any good qualities I developed were founded in the example and teachings of my parents, and this is just a dent in mom’s list.  I will be eternally grateful for everything she taught me and for the things I was able to pass on to my children.  Happy Birthday, Mom.  I Love You!   

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

          There was nothing new in our routine or our work today.  We enjoyed our time in the temple and are grateful to be here, grateful for the things we are learning, and grateful for wonderful people who touch our lives.  Many people sacrifice in ways we can’t imagine just to get on an old bus and travel for hours and hours with their families to be here and participate in the temple.  We love them and know that the Lord loves them and will bless them abundantly. 

  Tuesday, November 19, 2013

          Our friend Gina, the mom of the two little girls who performed at the dance recital last week, told us about a learning experience her girls had; and it impressed me, and I wanted to share it. 

          When the girls first started with the dance company, Gina had to sign a paper that stated she would be okay with and support any costumes that were chosen for the performance.  No signature—no dance.  Their family members are strong and active members of the Church and Gina has taught her girls all about modesty—even at their young ages of about 7 and 10. 

          The costumes chosen for the girls’ dance were cute and colorful, but looked like what a “genie in a bottle” would wear—completely bare midriff from a knot at the sternum to a band low on the hips.  Well, Gina had signed the paper so couldn’t complain to the teacher.  However, her girls chose to wear their black leotards under their costumes so they were covered.  The teacher allowed them to dance, but put them on the back row where they would be less conspicuous.  They looked great!  Gina was so proud of them for “choosing the right” and living what they had been taught.  The next time they have to make a decision about living an important principle, it will be easier because they have already established a pattern.  “Out of small and simple things proceedeth that which is great.”

          

Monday, November 18, 2013

          It was a major grocery shopping day to not only stock up on a low inventory of food items, but to prepare for our part in the FHE Thanksgiving dinner that is planned for our group next Monday on our P-day.  Of course, we will be working in the temple on Thanksgiving Day.  Everyone will contribute to the meal and it will be in the cafeteria downstairs so we will have plenty of room.  There are seven couples—the temple presidency and four missionary couples—four of whom are North American.    

         There were actually a few frozen Butterball turkeys in La Colonia—our 14-lb. bird cost about $35!   But we bought it anyway to bring the season home and smell it cooking in our own apartment.  The turkey that Pres. and Sister Cazier purchased for the FHE dinner cost them $65 so we didn’t feel so bad.  We also found a little canned pumpkin, which means we can have dessert as well.

          Perhaps I have mentioned this already—sorry if it is a repeat—but the Honduras general election for a new president is this next Sunday and it appears to be a heated competition and a close race.  There are lots of negatives on both sides and it seems to be a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils.  Anyway, there are concerns about violence and all the missionaries are confined to quarters for three or four days on the week-end.  The temple will be closed on Saturday and there will only be one hour of Church on Sunday.  We have been told to stay in our apartment and to not go anyplace which means today we had to stock up for a couple of weeks since we can’t go shopping next week-end. 

          We decided to do a little decorating for Christmas and found a tree and a few lights and decorations at our grocery store.  English Christmas music was coming from the speakers and it made the shopping tempting.  Originally, I was just going to skip the decorating part, but I realized it would be a nice change of pace and create a taste of home here.  This next Saturday when the temple is closed for the election will be a perfect time “deck the halls”!     

Sunday, November 17, 2013

          Thanks for the energizing birthday greetings, calls, emails, and messages.  I loved the connection to everyone, and the warm feelings will keep me going with a brighter smile and a lift to my step.  It was a great day for a birthday and I send you all my love.

          Choir practice started at 8:30 a.m. and the conference started at 10:00.  Today’s experience was very different from yesterday’s.  The chapel filled up early followed by the cultural hall.  The meeting was broadcast in several overflow auxiliary rooms and it was a thrill to see so many attend.  The meeting started only15 minutes late and seemed to be an excellent meeting—well organized and well prepared. It would have only been better if I could have understood the talks. 

         The choir did great again and it was rewarding to play for them. Someone brought fresh donuts and fruit drinks for refreshment during our short break between the practice and the meeting.  

          There was a rehearsal for the music class recital this afternoon and when I entered the chapel, a sweet lady who had heard it was my birthday, gave me a gift—a souvenir she had purchased on a trip.  It was difficult to accept, because it probably meant something special to her; but it would have been so ungrateful to refuse, so I just gave her a big hug and thanked her profusely.  She works in the temple several days a week and is a faithful and dedicated church member who always has a beautiful smile.

          I am grateful today for goodly parents and their legacy of hard work, dedicated service to Church and community, integrity, and love of family.  I pray that this legacy will be passed on to my children and grandchildren.  I am so grateful for their marriage, their commitment to each other, and for giving me life and a solid foundation to build upon.  I am truly blessed!

Saturday, November 16, 2013

          The crowds today made up for yesterday and any other slow day last week.  It was unbelievably busy and Glade manned the front desk alone for hours and could have used at least two assistants!   The youth just kept coming and coming for baptisms.  There was even a group who came—unscheduled—and wanted to be worked in some place.  The “passes” for the 2:00 and 4:00 o’clock sessions were all given out in the early morning and there were a few disappointments because the sessions just filled up too fast.  

          This was our early day, in the early week; and I was up before 5:00 a.m., worked a full schedule at the temple, stopped by our apartment to change clothes, grabbed my music and a granola bar, and headed to the church for choir practice and a conference session. 

We started practicing at 1:30 and ended just before 3:00 p.m.  The conference was scheduled to start at 3:00, and as that hour approached, I kept looking around for all of the people.  There were only a few sprinkled around the chapel, the technology set-up was still in progress, and no presiding Priesthood appeared anywhere. 

Well, I started playing prelude (no one asked me to play, but it seemed appropriate since no one else was there to do it) about 2:55 and I kept playing and playing and waiting.  Gradually a few more people came, but the chapel was slow to fill.  More than 45 minutes later, the meeting finally started!  I know that this culture has an abstract perception of time, but that was a little crazy to start a stake conference meeting 50 minutes late!  Coupled with the rehearsal, that is a long time for bones to be parked on a piano bench.

Of course, it was all in Spanish, but I felt like it was a great meeting.  There were several video clips, reverent audience participation, and talks that weren’t too long.  There was lots of music and the choir did great.  The meeting adjourned close to 5:30 instead of 4:30, and then preparations were underway for the Priesthood meeting.  I was so glad to go home and can’t remember when I have been so tired.  (That’s not a complaint—just a statement of fact.  I am so happy that I had the chance to play.  It’s my only way to participate outside the temple.  My poor old self is just running lower on stamina than it used to.)

We heard that it snowed in Rigby, Logan, and Kaysville.  Enjoy!!  Good night! 

Friday, November 15, 2013

          It was a slow day in the temple with few patrons, at least this morning when we were there.  This afternoon I went to the chapel and finished preparing the music for the conference sessions, exercised, and have just been winding down tonight.  Tomorrow will be busy again with temple work in the morning, choir rehearsal at 1:30 p.m., and the conference at 3:00 and the Priesthood meeting some time after that.  It is good to be busy and have lots to do--just hope we don't run out of energy!  

          Love and thanks to all of you who pray for us and support us.  We feel the blessings every day.      

Thursday, November 14, 2013

          It was a super busy day.  The missionary couple we stayed with in San Pedro a couple of weeks ago came here today to bring a missionary to meet his brother, who is serving in Tegucigalpa, and allow the brothers to go to the temple together before the older missionary goes home.  They hadn’t seen each other for two years and the younger one still has sixteen months to go on his mission.  The mission president gave them permission to have this little bit of time together.  Glade and I watched them during the session and you could just read their feelings.  They were so happy to see each other and what a blessing that their meeting could be in the temple.

          We had Elder and Sister John come to our apartment for lunch after the noon session—which Glade and I led and the Johns attended with the missionaries.  I prepared everything yesterday so it would be fast to get ready and put on the table.  Dinner actually turned out pretty good and we had such a great visit.  We really appreciate and love these new friends.  Then they were off on their errands and Glade and I were off to the ballet!

          The temple president’s grand daughters were in a ballet presentation at a theatre downtown.  The girls’ mother, Gina, who is also a good friend, invited us, purchased our tickets, and had seats saved for us.  President Ocampo drove and gave us a ride with him and his wife.  It took about an hour in heavy traffice to reach the theatre.  

We waited outside in line another hour—luckily in very pleasant weather.  We had great seats in a main floor balcony tier with plenty of space and a great view. 

          The first half of the program featured dances from Swan Lake and the second half, where the little girls danced, included the third act from The Nutcracker.  There were “zillions” of dancers, their costumes were absolutely beautiful, and the music was loud and excellent.  The theatre was unique and very old, but pleasant.  We were very grateful for a night out, and are ready now to rest.   

The line outside the theatre going in one direction

The line going in the other direction

Gina and her mother, Sister Ocampo--Mom and Grandma to the dancers

Notice the police guards in the center right

Two of the three barbershops across the street
The buildings could use a paint job!

The other barbershop

The outside of the theatre

Now is the time

A dancer getting last minute make-up

The dancers' little brothers

 This is from Swan Lake and represents less than half of the dancers.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

          Today, I’m going to share a letter we received from a missionary couple in Cebu, Philippines.

It has been quite a month with a 7.3 earthquake with the epicenter 30 miles away and then the super typhoon; but we are all well. The patron house is very solid and secure and sustained very minimal damage. The worst damage to the temple was the Angel Moroni.  During the earthquake He was dancing around and ended up pointing south.  The bottom was rounded off where it is secured to the counterweight.  When the winds came from the typhoon, it magnified the problem and any strong gust of wind would move it.  It went from pointing south to northeast, it moved about 130 degrees and then there was a water leak through the attachment of the statue.

            There have been several inspiring moments as we watched the relief efforts. Our stake was asked to build 5,000 hygiene kits and 1,000 food kits for the people in Bohol, where the earthquake was.  The enthusiasm of the Filipinos was incredible and even the children got involved in filling the bags and everyone was smiling at the opportunity to serve.

They combined the Sacrament meetings of the four wards that meet in the stake center which is right across the parking lot from us.  Two wards that meet in the morning combined and they canceled S.S. and R.S. and Priesthood meetings and then worked on building the kits. The afternoon wards did the same. Then we did the same thing this week, except we did 3,000 food kits and I'm sure we will be called upon to do more.

Then last night they brought in 60 missionaries, the first ones to be evacuated from the area affected by the storm [typhoon Haiyan].  Many had left everything behind, including their identification.  Several said they only left with their journals.  We fed them in the patron house. Sister Henthorn baked 8 dozen cookies and a couple of other sisters baked some also. Then we temple missionaries opened up our apartments so they could Skype or use Magicjack to call their families.

We helped them get new garments, we donated some white shirts that I had brought over and then put them to bed.  Sister Henthorn and a couple of other sisters washed about 10 loads of clothes while they slept and folded them for them as they left at 5:30 this morning to head to the area presidency in Manila where they will all meet with psychologists before being spread out to other areas.  

We got to bed at 4:30 this morning, then got a call at 6:30 as a sister missionary left her purse in our room.  Then our daughter called at 8:30, so now we're up for the day; we work in the temple this afternoon.

Several [of these young missionaries] said they saw many dead bodies with some hanging in the branches of trees—pretty traumatizing stuff.  But of 250 missionaries, the only injury was a snake bite and there were no deaths--basically pretty amazing stuff.  Many of them were more sad about leaving their friends and families in Ormoc knowing they were basically abandoning them.  These young missionaries are phenomenal!  We are expecting more to come in today.

            Thank you for your concern.  We did have some very strong winds, but the main part of the storm missed us [in Cebu] by 60 miles. We have another typhoon heading toward us this week, but much milder. Give our love to all!

            Keith & Rusti Henthorn

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

          Glade said the teacher in his High Priest Group gave an excellent lesson on Sunday from the Lorenzo Snow manual.  He created a very effective visual aid that I thought you might enjoy.

He displayed two jars filled with water.  The first one represented the life of a non-member and the other represented the life of a faithful church member.  Both were good men.

The teacher described the knowledge that the first man obtained during his life on earth and placed a few drops of food color into one of the jars creating a little shadow of color.

The next step was to add life’s temporal accumulations to the jars such as: 

·         A key representing a car—which is a good and necessary thing,

·         A key for a house—which is also good and necessary

·         A few coins—knowing we need “a little” money,

·         A hair clip—representing beautiful things

After the man died, he returned to Heaven.  The teacher took the jar and poured the contents through a sieve which collected all the “worldly goods” and left behind a jar of pale water representing what knowledge he would take with him.

Into the second jar, the teacher placed drops of color as he described the knowledge obtained by the Church member as he learned Gospel principles, participated in ordinances, made covenants, and received the blessings of the temple.  The water in this jar soon became rich in color—representing the knowledge gained in this man’s life. 

Then he added the temporal accumulations:

·         A key representing a car—which is a good and necessary thing,

·         A key for a house—which is also good and necessary

·         A few coins—knowing we need “a little” money,

·         A hair clip—representing beautiful things.

After this man died, he returned to Heaven, also.  The teacher took the jar and poured the contents through a sieve which collected all the “worldly goods” and left behind a jar rich in colored water representing the knowledge he would take with him.

The obvious message is that we need to look at our priorities and see if our jar is getting filled with rich color from the knowledge we are obtaining in this life or if we are focusing too much on worldly and temporal things that won’t last and that we can’t take with us.     

          A little good food for thought!

Monday, November 11, 2013

This is an update on the spiritual progress of one of the eight guards that I explained are reading the Book of Mormon and with whom I am having prayer.  

Arjeni, the one who asked me to pray with them, Sunday morning approached someone entering the church and asked how he could become a member of our church.  Of course the missionaries jumped right on that and are now teaching him.  When someone is ready for the Gospel, there is not a lot we have to do.  It’s the Spirit.

Sunday again

         

This is for today’s leaf on my “thankful tree.”  The thoughts came to me as I walked home from choir practice feeling so grateful for the music people in my life that helped me develop a gift.  I am grateful for:

·         Parents who provided me with piano lessons and a mom who insisted on regular and precise practice!

·         An exacting and technical piano teacher who helped me build a great foundation.

·         A calling as the Jr. Sunday School pianist when I was 11 years old.  This was my first accompanying experience.

·         A girl’s chorus in our ward when I was about 12 whose director gave all the girls who could play a chance to accompany the songs and learn to “follow the leader.” 

·         School teachers who asked me to accompany the fifth and sixth grade music festivals and the operetta (when I was in the fifth and sixth grades).  I practiced for hours and loved it.

·         Brother Brown, a Sunday School chorister with a beautiful and powerful voice that left me no choice but to follow him.  He customarily walked across the front of the chapel as he led the songs with artful individuality singing toward the windows, and I had to learn to play while I watched him—in my early teens.

·         John Thompson, an amazing seminary teacher (ninth grade) former tabernacle choir member, and Ricks College Program Bureau director who provided me with so many experiences in music including playing for his vocal solo and accompanying the Program Bureau.  He often asked me for impromptu help which increased reading skills and focus.  Working with him was an invaluable opportunity.  It also provided the “stage” where Glade and I met!

·         High school friends with beautiful voices who asked me to accompany them for everything from church solos to festivals and competitions.

Each opportunity built another layer of skill and experience that prepared me at an early age for a life-time of accompanying opportunities that could fill a journal.  This is only the first chapter in the music diary, but a critical one that laid the foundation for so many beautiful musical experiences with wonderful people. I will forever be grateful to a loving Heavenly Father for providing such a precious blessing.  

Sunday, November 10, 2013

           Glade gave an excellent talk in Sacrament Meeting today on The Blessings of Temple Attendance.  His Spanish is very clear and he is easy to understand.  He was well prepared and spoke with confidence.  Of course, I was very impressed—even if I couldn’t understand it all. J

          Choir practice lasted a full 2 ½ hours again today and my sitter is ready to stand!  There were about 50 people at the practice and everyone worked hard.  The Conference is this next week-end and the members of the stake have been asked to attend the temple on Saturday.  Their Saturday adult meeting (to which children have been invited) will be at 3:00 in the afternoon and the Priesthood Meeting will follow. 

The choir has prepared about ten numbers and I have no idea what the order is, which songs are for Saturday, or which are for Sunday.  This is testing the organization part of my brain; but I can wing it as long as 1) someone close by will show me which song to play, and 2) there is a good clear view for me of the director!  Reading body language is critical.  This really has been fun and I am so happy to be part of it and have something to contribute!!   

Saturday, November 09, 2013

          There were so many people in the temple today and they flooded the ordinance opportunities not only with their numbers, but with enthusiasm and high expectation.  When they travel great distances to be here, they try to do all the work they can for themselves and as many family members as possible when they are here.  It was a beautiful sight to see the baptistery packed with youth, sealing rooms filled with families, and endowment sessions that exceeded capacity.  The buses are leaving now, quiet rain is falling, and peace has enveloped the grounds as these excursions end.

Friday, November 08, 2013

          Long hard days with lots of steady work are the best and that is what today was like.  I love it when we can assist people all day and join them in one activity after another.  There is a beautiful connection at the end of the day.

          Another couple asked us if we would change shifts with them tomorrow, so we will be going early.  Have a great week-end everyone and pray for the people in the Philippines—especially the missionaries.  One of the couples we trained with in Salt Lake is serving in the Cebu Temple and they just weathered the earthquake last month.  

People were waiting to enter the temple this morning long before it opened.
Those pictured above were just a few of the many.  Great day!