Week 19

It has been such a quiet week that I hardly have anything to write about! I guess that sounds odd with New Year's Eve and Day in the middle of the week, but I didn't really celebrate. I just didn't want to venture out with the drunks and the questionable weather, so I chose to just hunker down in comfy sweats and leftover Christmas treats. 

At the suggestion of a friend in Eagle, I'm going to occasionally share stories of my ancestors - which of course are yours too! Since I don't have a lot of news today, I'm going to tell you a little about my great-grandfather, Douglas Archibald Swan. Today is his birthday! He was born January 5, 1849, in Edinburgh, Scotland. He came to the United States with his mother and five younger siblings. His father stayed doing missionary work in Scotland and came a year later. They crossed the plains and came to Salt Lake City in a covered wagon. He was only 14 years old. After finishing his apprenticeship as a carpenter, Douglas worked on the Salt Lake Tabernacle. For the first six months he did nothing but rip 2x4s with a hand saw. Douglas married Melissa Coray, the only daughter of William and Melissa Coray.  After his marriage, Douglas was called to be a missionary to Australia, and opened the mission in Tasmania. You can read his missionary journal in his Memories page on FamilySearch. He worked for the railroad and as an accountant, and he became the cashier for the First National Bank in Provo. He also served as auditor and assistant treasurer in Salt Lake City. In his obituary it says, "His home life was ideal in every respect and his public life was beyond reproach. For many years he was prominent in public affairs, holding offices of honor at various times in banks, railroads, and in the public service. He had the respect and confidence of the people and was honored and loved by his friends." So there you know a little about Douglas Archibald Swan!

I love my sweet family! It's a blessing to fast and pray with them today. I'm so grateful for their examples of faith and testimony. I know that our Heavenly Father blesses us in so many ways and answers our prayers as we pray for each other.

Mosiah 2:41 "And moreover, I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God. For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it." --

Caryn's Favorite Scripture