Sabbath Day

Today I had a great time leading a discussion with the youth in the Ward. The adults met for 3rd hour and covered Sabbath Day observance and I met with the youth to talk about the same. Just different angle. I really appreciated that Ty and Lys rally led out in helping to start the discussions and commented early and often. Thanks!  And so did I think over half of the youth. They had great insights and such a deep understanding of the doctrine behind the Sabbath and are far beyond just a lost of do and don't. 

As Elder Dallin H. Oaks has taught us: “It is not enough for anyone just to go through the motions. The commandments, ordinances, and covenants of the gospel are not a list of deposits required to be made in some heavenly account. The gospel of Jesus Christ is a plan that shows us how to become what our Heavenly Father desires us to become.”

The Sabbath is really about becoming, and claiming our blessings that are part of the perpetual covenant of the Sabbath that He has put out there for us. There is so much we can learn as we study the Sabbath Day and deepen our commitment to make it a real restful and delightful day. 

I started with the history of how we got the Sabbath and then moved to Elder Keetch's talk/story about the horseshoe bay in Australia with great waves. Great for surfing. He encountered a group is US surfers who we frustrated and angry. I paused at this point to see who might remember this story from last conference. I was shock-ed and amaz-ed but pleased that every single youth, over 50, all shot up their hands. They are amazing. We know that the surfers didn't like the barrier where the big waves were. It had destroyed their vacation, or to quote a movie "it's ruining our lives-a" :). But then the local surfer showed them the Sharks feeding beyond the barrier, and what they first thought was ruining their fun, was actually the thing that was saving them from "being devoured."  See what analogies you can carry from that story to Sabbath Day observance. It sure helps us to see and know that #youareloved by Him above. 

Now look who I found at our house tonight!  See the picture. 

I spent the first part of the week in Orlando at the annual AHR convention. Worlds largest for air conditioning, heating and refrigeration. I have never been before so it was very educational. Tons of things outside of what I usually deal with so that was good. I saw Emerson people but also some that had worked for Emerson and now work for a competitor. Luigi Zamana. (Pic)

I also thought of Kieren when I passed by the Brazil entourage. (Pic)

My feet hurt so bad both days as I spent all day from 8-6 or 7 on my feet with no sitting down. Oh how they ached. I was Jealous of Gavin's Ecco shoes and knew they would be better. 

I loved talking to Kieren and hearing of her day, then trying to start taxes again this year. 

Then later I got to talk to Skjelse for a while and learn all about her plans and thoughts for work and career. This certainly is the decade of decision for you and Jeff!  So many choices so little time :)

Please recognize that He knows you perfectly and when we trust Him, remarkable things can improve our lives. I love a perspective I heard tonight as someone misread my handwriting. I wrote the infinite atonement, but they read the intimate atonement. How perfect they are together. For it really is all reaching and yet personal for each of us in the way just that we need. 

Love you forever,

Dad

3 John 1:4