The next two days are a mixed bag for mom and I. We are glad Skjelse will get married given the options, but it is a great disappointment as to where and under what authority. The rest is great. But it is a big hole being left.
I had the chance to visit the Kettering ward and do part of a presentation on the work of salvation. Because I am over missionary work from the high council they asked me to come and present the stake plan and to share other thoughts from the book "the power of everyday missionaries". I shared Elder Perry's comments on how this time is the most remarkable the church has had. Comparable to events such as the restoration, the first vision, and the translation of the Book of Mormon. Then I used the "crossing the sandridge" picture and related it to how the missionary force is stronger than ever before, and the members have to hitch themselves up to make the work go forward in reaching out to those who need to come closer to Christ in any way.
Then I shared the stake plan which is pretty simple.
Stake Mission Plan
1. Invite all to come unto Christ – invite people to do something
2. Leaders set the example in the work of salvation with full time missionaries
3. Every ward/Branch and family have a “Work of Salvation” plan (fit on 3X5 card)
4. 100% of lessons taught with members present (in member’s homes preferred)
I tried to share how easy it is to just do things in your life that are normal and natural, and just help in the work. Don't make it a "program" or anything.
I shared some ideas from the book, on making it a natural part of our lives, Then also shared some concepts about being a people that God can trust to help others. If he cant; trust us to take care of them, then how can we expect Him to put people in our path or to send them to us?
Mom said I did not discuss as much as I could have, so I will continue to try and get better at that. I often try to cram in too much info in one setting. I need to listen to her and keep working to get better.
We had a great birthday for mom, very fun time. I got her a journal and her favorite perfume (which she bought so it would be the right stuff). We also unwrapped some gifts that have a strange story. We got an iPad and an iPad mini, the most expensive ones (128gb, latest releases). About 2 weeks ago someone came to the door (I was not around) and had these two wrapped gifts. He asked if Dan or Val was there, mom came to the door and he said "are you Valerie?" She confirmed and he said, "Merry Christmas". Mom asked "who are these from?" He just said Merry Christmas and ran away. We have no idea who it was. God truly watches over us and even provides things we don't even need or really had even been wanting. He just provides for us through the earthly angels that listen to him. Through paying an honest tithe, we get subtle but significant blessing in our lives.
We had cake and berry with cream, like Mom likes it. It was a great day. I think everyone liked their Christmas gifts that Mom and I had planned for them.
Dave and Carol and family are here for the wedding, it was nice of them to come so far.
I have loved being off work, and just spending time at home. I have been working to enclose the washer and dryer space in the boys room so it looks nice and does not look like a wash room. But int he process our water heater went out, so I had to replace that, then we by accident put a screw through a water pipe, and had to shut down the house water and electricity and tear out the wall to fix it. Then the boys faucet leaked. It was a 1 2 3 punch. But we got it all fixed and better than before. I am still working on the boys room but it is going slowly. But we will get it done and it will be nice for them.
Christmas is a great time to remember that the Savior lives, that we can come to him if we choose, and when we do, all things wrong in this life can be made right through the Atonement.
3 John 1:4
Dad
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