We also had a fantastic Bishop's Youth Discussion tonight and we got to go because Kieren was on the panel of the 5 RM's that answered questions that had been submitted. It was very fun, funny, amazing and just all round awesome to be there. Everyone had such different but similar experiences. Austin, Kiana, Lauren, Kieren, Miranda.
So this past week we had the Mountaineer have a really loud and odd noise. As I tried to listen I could not tell where it came from, but in the way the sound acted, I believed it to be something with exhaust and not the internal engine. Hoping it was reasonable I took it to a shop for a diagnosis. They found the noise internally in one of the three catalytic converters. I thought there was only one! And I know they are not cheap. Estimate? Over $1300. Die on the spot!
So there is no way I can do that, so I return home tail between legs. I research and find I can get the parts for around $500. So I think, well if they will do the work I can get the parts and save $4-500. So I call them the next day and discuss it, but they really won't do that. They don't want to risk with other's parts. So I figure, well, I can make this happen. So I set to work, I get underneath the car and get out my long breaker bar and all. I put it on the bolts form the manifold to the exhaust and tuuuuuuuggggg. Not a thing. It won't move at all. I spray it with PB blaster, wait an hour and uuugggghhhh. Nothing. No budge at all. Once again tail between legs. I hate it when something gets the better of me. I take it back to the place and see if they will just break the 4 bolts at the manifold. The rest I can get (all the O2 sensors or the muffler bolts that I know I will just cut off and replace, but the manifold ones you can't do that to). After some pleading and talking, they agree to just work the 4 bolts. I leave it overnight, and the next day they call. "We got the lower right bolt but the rest won't move. And we don't want the liability of we break the bolt off in the manifold". So I am stuck again.
So here is the parable. I bring it home and set to work. The bolts are so rusted in place, and are hardened and impenetrable. They won't let anything inside and refuse to change. For nearly a week I went out and sprayed them with PB blaster, and then used an impact wrench and breaker bar on them. Each day I did this 3 times (before work, right when I get home, and right before bed). After two days I got one of them to budge. I think "oh, no, I just broke it", but no, it actually moved. And I get it off. What did it take? Patience, constant effort, faith that the PB blaster and the constant movement would eventually loosen the nut. The next day one more, and then 2 days later the last. I felt like a champion! But this process took time, patience and a willingness to keep trying even when it looked like it was doing nothing. I just had to believe and keep at it.
And the 2nd analogy, it's the PB blaster. Even when something looks and acts impenetrable when you have the right tools and patience, anything can be penetrated. That hard and crusted rust, no matter how bad it looked, eventually allowed that PB blaster to work it's way in and slowly loosen the elements. Little by little allowing penetration to loosen years of build up and eventually free the nut.
You can let your mind race with additional details. But it was insightful to me.
I hope you enjoyed the picture of Alan, we had such a nice time seeing him and his family. After we had been at their house for some hours on Saturday, the Elders called and needed help fixing a bike they could not ride. So I picked them up, got their bike, and in only 15 mins had their bike fixed and tuned up. Amazing what tools and knowledge does.
We had such a great time listening to Kieren's talk today, what a wonderful use of principle woven with stories to illustrate and witness to back it all up. Thanks for the great message Kieren!
Gavin, We hope the baptism went well, and that you really love seeing people make their lives better through Christ.
It was so fun to see Skjelse and Jeff at church for a little while. Since I missed them at home earlier I was glad to see you.
Work hard and learn all you can this week. The glory of God is intelligence!
Love you forever,
Dad
3 John 1:4
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