Week 57: S & P

Pine boughs strewn about the parking lot

Lots of S & Ps this week -- I'm not meaning Salt & Pepper.

Weather has been dry -- but cold. Not complaining though because we've had clear, blue skies. Had a lot of wind one night that did a number on the Pine (or fir) trees all about us. Trees blew over in several places, but we just witnessed lots of pine tree debris all over in our parking lot and covering the streets.

Sister in the middle is about to leave the mission

This week was "Mission Tour." Elder Steven E. Snow and his wife Phyllis, spent Tuesday, Wednesday, and half of Thursday in our mission. I spent much of Monday preparing agendas and materials for meetings.

Elder Hadlock and I were able to attend the meeting held for the Northern Zones on Tuesday at the Bremerton Stake Center in Port Orchard.  That evening we attended a special fireside here in Tacoma. Two recent converts shared their "stories" and testimonies. Both were incredible. Elder & Sister Snow then spoke to us.

On Wednesday morning, Elder Hadlock and I took one of our Sisters to the SEATAC (airport). Because she has a brother who leaves for his mission in a week or so, she was able to go home just a few weeks early. Wednesday afternoon was filled with dinner preparations. Sister Harward and I fixed dinner for President & Sister Blatter, Elder & Sister Snow & the mission office staff. There were just twelve of us so we were able to have it at the mission home. It turned out to be a relaxing and pleasant evening. We enjoyed a delightful visit with the Snows.  I liked the Caramel Apple Pie that we had for dessert.

E Hadlock, Jr with convert and his wife -- she's from Roosevelt

Hump Day package

On Thursday, Elder Snow met with our Mission Leader Council. Sister Harwood and I helped prepare part of the lunch that was served after that meeting. It's just always a blessing to be with the young missionaries.

Friday and Saturday were a little less Stressful. Did some catching up on work at the office and at home.  More cooking on Saturday though. Our ward here (Sunset Ward) had their annual Soup and Bread dinner. Everyone brings there favorite soups. They also bring their muffin tins and fill each cup with a different soup. Great way to sample many Soups.

Thought I'd share a principal that stood out from Sacrament Meeting and scripture study this week.

An Arkansas spider

Alma 33 tells of Alma's teachings to the Zoramites. He is recounting what the prophet Zenos taught about prayer and how to worship. There are many times, places, and reasons to pray. The fact that God hears us and is merciful is referred to several times in verses 4-11. Why is He merciful? --"it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me . . .; for thou hast turned thy judgements away from me, because of they Son." (v 11) . Then verse 16 really struck me: "...Thou art angry, O Lord, with this people, because they will not understand thy mercies which thou hast bestowed upon them because of thy Son."

Alma is trying to convince the Zoramites (and us) that it is "because of the Son" that all things are possible. All mercy, all goodness is because of Him. God hears us because of the intercession of the Son. Jesus Christ truly is our advocate. We need to let His gospel, His atonement, His mercy and grace work for us and in us.

Heavenly Father must get frustrated with us when we don't accept and take advantage of the gift of His Son. It is a huge gift born of much sacrifice on the part of the Father and the Son. They just want us to use the gift and follow the plan laid out for our happiness.

This was reinforced in Sacrament Meeting today when the Primary did their program. One of the songs they sang was He Sent His Son:

"How could the Father tell the world of love and tenderness?

In a sombrero

He sent His Son, a newborn babe, with peace and holiness.

How could the Father show the world the pathway we should go? -- He sent His Son to walk with men on earth, that we may know.

How could the Father tell the world of sacrifice, of death? -- He sent his Son to die for us and rise with living breath.

What does the Father ask of us? What do the scriptures say? -- Have faith, have hope, live like his Son, help others on their way.

Our son with Brother Floyd, a great friend to missionaries

What does he ask? -- Live like his Son.

The message of this, and so many of our Primary songs, is Simple yet Powerful.

The words of the scriptures are often Simple and Powerful. I am so thankful for them. Why don't I let them Sink in and Produce results more often?

While I continue to ponder these things, I think I'll fix some popcorn with a little salt and ...... you guessed it -- lots of Butter!

Life is mostly swell. Life is always precious!

Disclaimer: Some of this week's photos really have nothing to do with what I'll write about. It was such a busy week that I really didn't think about taking photos.  Thought I'd share some we recently received of Elder Hadlock, Jr.