Week 26

Well, if you do the math and know that a year has 52 weeks, then you can quickly figure out that I reach my half-way hump this week. It's all downhill from here! Actually I don't really feel that it has been uphill at all. I've loved serving a mission and being at the headquarters of the Church. There is a wonderful spirit here and many wonderful people. I'm so grateful for the prompting I received and that I acted on it to serve a mission. It has been a special growing experience. I've learned so much from some amazing people who have become good friends. My testimony has strengthened as I've been blessed to focus more on reading the scriptures and been exposed to so many great resources that have been shared.

Yesterday I attended a stake Relief Society event across the street from my apartment. I'm not really part of that stake, but the Temple View Branch where I play the organ is. Also my good friend Sister Susan Temple whom I work closely with in the mission office invited me to go. They live in the City Creek apartments, and it's part of her stake. Sister Susan Gong (Elder Gong's wife) was the speaker. She gave a great talk about sisters all over the world that she had met through her travels with Elder Gong. It was so inspiring to hear of sacrifices because of the faith of amazing and humble people.

Today was the branch conference at Temple View. The stake president gave a really good talk - directing it to the (mostly elderly) people in the branch. I guess I'm elderly, because I really thought it was good. He started by saying that this life is not a waiting room for the next life. He used the example of Joseph Smith, who first repented of his sins, and THEN was given the revelation. He said that we need to repent so that we will be able to receive the revelation that God is waiting to give to us. He said that building on the principles of the gospel will bless our lives and allow that revelation to come. We are spiritual beings having a human experience, and our role model is Jesus Christ. He quoted Alma 12:34 "Therefore, whosoever repenteth, and hardeneth not his heart, he shall have claim on mercy through mine Only Begotten Son, unto a remission of his sins; and these shall enter into my rest."

One more thing - I hope I'm not to preachy today! As I was reading the Come Follow Me assignment this week, I had underlined one of the scriptures because a couple of months ago it was our mission scripture. It's 2 Nephi 25:26 - "And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins." I'm so grateful for the example of my children and their partners who are doing such a great job of teaching their children these principles! I know that you're reading the scriptures together and bearing testimony often to each other. I'm grateful for my sweet, wonderful grandchildren who are learning these principles and participating in these chances to study and learn together. Parents - don't be afraid to preach of Christ! Children - listen to and follow the examples of your parents! This life is not a waiting room for the next life. It's the only time we have to prepare for the life we know we can have as an eternal family. I'm sure you can all feel Papa's influence and eagerness to have us all there together!

I love you all SO much!

MOM/NANA

Picture today: Elder & Sister Gordon's daughter Rachel played the cello at the branch conference, and I accompanied her. She reminds me so much of Brian's sister Anna! She's a really sharp girl and very talented!