Utmost Assurance

Often in life things just don't seem to work out in-spite of my best efforts.  Here is a promise I was reminded of in reading a conference talk today.  Elder Robert D. Hales, quotes President Monson and Joseph Smith, saying "'Sometimes we are too quick to judge the effect of our successes and failures'.  May I add, don't look at today's trials as eternal.  Heavenly Father does His work in the long term.  'There is much which lieth in futurity,' the Prophet Joseph Smith said, Therefore,..... let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and his arm to be revealed.'”  D&C 123 15,17

Auna & Ronald get back from the Philippines today.  They had a busy two months full of mostly service but also some fun and wonderful experiences.  In addition to helping with the charity that performs club feet and cleft palate surgery they also helped distribute humanitarian kits.  Ronald's dad helped them do some vacationing.  They got to swim with dolphins, (I have to admit I'm quite jealousy about this) feed tigers, and do a host of other unique and fun things!  Here are some pictures from their time across the world.  Kylee, Ryan, Shalayne, Caleb, and most of the youth young adult cousins are on a cousin trip to Lake Powell this weekend.  Oh things you can do!

Heather has some of Auna & Ronald's wedding pictures on her blog!!!!! Check them out at: heatherlorraine.blogspot.com.  Words can't express my appreciation for all the help that was given to us by our family and friends.  Auna thought it was a perfect day, my only regret is that I didn't get to spend anytime with anyone.  Many of you came so far and I hardly even got to say hi!  I'll enjoy the next family wedding where I'll get to be helping but not be in charge and then I should have time to enjoy all of you!

An update from Texas!  We are into our little apartment that is actually in Richmond, not Katy Texas.  I’ve unpacked the last BIG box but still have lots of little detailed organizing to do!  I’ve already taught two Kindermusik classes and Daenon will be going to another scout camp on Saturday.  The ward was just split and they have a big primary but a small mutual.  Dover is one of two Priests.  There are quite a few Deacons though.  The bishop told us he’d been praying for our family to move in, how do you respond to that! Dover was immediately called to be the second assistant in the Priests Quorum.  He was given a powerful blessing when set apart.  Heavenly Father definitely understood the battle raging in Dover’s heart.  Hannah (Dover’s heart throb-see his face book page for more details) gave him some great advice.  I believe his heart is starting to find understanding and acceptance that Texas is now home.  Our new address is:  7115 S. Mason Rd, #2414, Richmond, TX, 77407.

We never want to move again!  Moving is a tremendous amount of work and stress!  But I don’t want to be in an apartment forever so at least one more move is inevitable!  

These are pictures of Dover and his friends hanging out at Grandma and Grandpa Dover's. To say this move is hard on him is an understatement.  Experience like this help us grow and become who we should be, but it's not a pleasant process for anyone involved.  My heart hurts for him and I understand his hurt and longing more than he knows! I left my parents behind in Gilbert.  During my married life I've never lived close to my parents.

“Life's challenges are not supposed to paralyze you, they're supposed to help you discover who you are.”
Bernice Johnson Reagon

“Opportunities to find deeper powers within ourselves come when life seems most challenging.”
 Joseph Campbell

“We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.”
 Joseph Campbell

“Challenges make you discover things about yourself that you never really knew. They're what make the instrument stretch-what make you go beyond the norm.”

Cousins!

Mia's treat, she insisted,  slurpies after the game!

Shalayne and Allie

The Saturday before leaving Arizona Shalayne got to come and visit!  She was in town for a soccer game with the Utah Starzz.  She was able to spend a little time with Ger & Kim’s children and Mia came with us to Shalayne’s game.  She played great and it was so fun to see her!  

More Scout Camp!

Daenon was selected last night for the "Order of the Arrow." He took his code of silence very seriously, and wants to reach the highest membership in the Order.  Yesterday he kept asking about putting his name on a list to work here at camp next year.  I told him that was fine, but that we would need to research similar camps in Texas in case getting him to Phoenix was a challenge.  He LOVES his jacket.  Last night after prayer, it was so nice to see him sitting at the table diligently working on his merit badge homework.  He had such a serious, focused expression as he did a LOT of writing to complete the assignments.  It's hard to express, but with how much of a battle we've had for years to get him to do anything like that, it's very gratifying to see a glimpse of maturity.  I bought him the 100 year commemorative knife and will surprise him with it at lunch.

At a multi-troop campfire last night a flag was retired.  The military and the Boy Scouts retire flags when they become too worn to be flown.  The ceremony was reverent and special.  I'll want to search for the script when I have a faster internet connection.  The flag is cut into the iindividual stripes, and the stars are kept in one piece.  A symbolic explanation is read, and first the red stripes are put in the fire with about a 30 second pause between each stripe.  Everyone stands at attention with the proper salute.  Then the white flags.  Then the stars.  It was an incredible experience.  At our campsite prayer, each of the scoutmasters gave what's called a "scoutmasters minute."  We each talked about what America means to us.  One of the other leaders fought in Vietnam.  I asked the boys to remember the image of the flag being raised and lowered everyday at camp, because someday they will understand it better, and they will need to decide if they are going to stand for God and freedom as powerful forces continue their assault against both. For my "minute" tonight I have a roll of 50 pennies that I'm going to distribute.  Each boy will get three, so they can keep one and pass two along.  Bet you can't guess what I'm going to talk about... :-)) 

Note:  On every penny are the words In God We Trust, Liberty, and E Pluribus Unum (out of many one).  To understand their significance to America you can click HERE to watch this U tube video.