Many Hands

We had the annual church spring cleanup yesterday. I was a bit worried that we would not have people there to help. But many hands make light work. We had a large number from Kettering and Centerville and it looks great. We cleaned up a bunch, weeded an amazing amount of junk from the beds all around including around the trees, and spread mulch from a monster pile. We ran short of mulch though and still have to get more. Then we removed the weeds in the back that were taller than many of the primary kids. It was a great service job by all. 

Last week the AC was out in the building. It turned out to be a bad leg of 3 phase power and DP&L had to replace it. While drilling the new line they broke the water line so we were then also without water on the mutual nights. They got it working but we were still under a boil advisory. This continued through Saturday until the service project was nearly over when the water people gave us the all clear. 

In church we had the 5th Sunday about having a missionary mindset while we go about our normal and natural lives. It's about distinguishing between full time work which is to teach, baptize, etc. and member work which is to live our lives in such a way we hope to share principles that bring us joy, and to extend an invitation to help other further their steps to Christ. In what ever way that step may be. 

I started it off talking about my lapel pin of the Norwegian flag. Why I wear it and what it reminds me of. It really is the most frequent question if get whenever I wear it. So it opens a lot of doors to just simply explain it is where I served my mission. Then some ask more questions, some don't. But at least I get to share. 

I remember in many cities I would play basketball on P-day often, and that always gave us an opening to talk to others why we were there in Norway. It was a great time to play, as well as to open doors of understanding.  

I finished putting the storm door back on the back door so it is all back together again. New door, same storm door. 

I took the opportunity to do an extra fast today. I am really trying hard to be one the Lord can trust in His interviews and I just feel I don't know enough. So I fasted for extra help today as I had many interviews. True to His support today was a wonderful day. Some surprises, some not, but I felt His help as I talked to people about all sorts of different circumstances and was able to guide them to make their own personal choices about how they can move forward. So many times thoughts come to my mind of scriptures, stories, or talks that illustrate a principle that could help them. I know that doesn't come from no where. I have things brought back to my mind at the very moment I need them. He is really good to me. 

Gavin, we love your letters and pictures. It is such a pleasure to read them each week. I am so pleased with your thoughts and desires and attitudes. 

Skjelse, we are happy you found a place to make your home for now. We hope to see more and talk to you soon. 

Kieren and Gavin had friends over for a Saturday movie party down on the patio. I believe they had fun. It was so late and I was so tired I was laying in bed. 

And Alysia helped Kieren teach at the mini-MTC. Ty was at that while mom and I helped with the spring cleanup. 

In Bishopric meeting the spiritual thought was about husbands and wives and how the complete each other, not compete with each other. The hand book says it this way:

The nature of male and female spirits is such that they complete each other. Men and women are intended to progress together toward exaltation.

Sis. Burton the General RS president said it this way after talking of the handbook statement:

Please note that it does not say “compete with each other” but “complete each other”! We are here to help, lift, and rejoice with each other as we try to become our very best selves.

I know mom sure completes me. But she has had to work hard and continues to do so to make me more of who I can be. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4