Giving service down under

Elder Palmer is returning home, after serving honorably, to American Falls, Idaho.  He has been our District Leader since we arrived in early November.  He's quite shy and would have preferred to sit in the background.  Yet, when called he rose to the occasion and did a wonderful job.  Yesterday, during our District council he taught about what Jesus Christ has done, who he is, and what it means to us. The primary answers were written down, individually, rather than a collective discussion.  It became a time of serious reflection and a moment to ponder.  Thanks Elder Palmer! The temperature soared to 108 yesterday and today is supposed to be as hot.  The real problem is that another bush fire has ignited and is threatening a large portion of the Canberra Stake.  People are being asked to have an evacuation plan in place and to watch the news.  President Stuart, and others, have been posting updates on the internet and there are several fire...

Evelyn had travelled to Arizona in January of 2016 to be "grandma" while Adam and Tiff took a vacation.  She loved being with the grandbabies and I was busy with making a big mess during the remodel of our home in Freedom.  The original "cabin" had wood paneling on the walls, both the vertical surfaces and the sloping, upper walls.  It was so 1970's and dark.  The sheetrock that had been installed, behind the paneling, had not been completely taped and there were a lot of very rough surfaces that would need to be mudded, sanded and prepared before a new coat of paint.  Up against the beams there were several places that would need several coats of mud.   It was very cold and being January 30th there was a lot of snow.  I had brought inside, one of my large extension ladders, the day before so that there wouldn't be any water or ice to make things slippery.  I've climbed those ladders thousands of times in the construction and remodeling of homes...

This afternoon, I don't feel the urgency to write as a journal but rather the impressions of gratitude which are filling my heart.  It is our son, Adam's, birthday and I have been thinking about his birth, life and what he has brought in to this world.  It's actually been drawn out because yesterday, here in Australia, was the 28th, which is his birthday, but the dateline is different in the states so they are celebrating at this moment.  I've teased several people that I can tell them what their day is going to be like because we've already lived it.  And yes, I do recall reporting on this odd fact before. I'm grateful for all of our sons.  I'm grateful for my sweet wife and that she agreed to be my eternal companion way back in 1975.  I'm grateful that I was willing to listen to the spirit when it whispered that she was the one.  We'd only known each other for less than a month when I proposed.  It must've not been just my good looks and abun...

Yesterday was celebrated, here in the land down under, as National Australia Day.  I wasn't certain if it was held in the same category as Americans with the Fourth of July and I'm not certain if I have an answer after experiencing the date, but I enjoyed myself.   Because it was Monday we announced the Family Home Evening would be held at the Lake Ginninderra Park.  Evelyn had discovered that there were cooking devices at the park, similar to the barbeques in the States.  These are really nice and they are powered by electricity so no need to take briquets or propane.  However, they are flat surfaces so it's not a typical "grill".  Joseph Stubbs is an amazing part of our leadership here in the Canberra Stake. He was one of the first young people we'd met and he's been a constant source of quality information.  When I told Joe that we were wanting to celebrate Australia Day he said that we should cook it their style.  We purchased beef "sausages"...

The title doesn't mean anything "extra ordinary" it simply is identifying a Sunday afternoon where I realize there is so much to record of the last four days and I'm not sure if my fingers can come close to keeping up with my mind and heart. We arrived back at our flat, this afternoon at 3:30 and Sisters Smith and Heridas pulled into the driveway as we were stepping out of the car.  Sister Heridas had called yesterday and asked for a blessing so we knew they were coming.  Sister Heridas is going home after this next transfer (about 7 more weeks) and I think the Zone Conference on Thursday was a bit of a wake up call that her turn is next.  She's one of the most amazing missionaries and her love and joy is always visible.  It was almost overwhelming to place my hands on her head and pronounce a blessing.  Truly, she is a powerful daughter of Heavenly parents. We had a beautiful drive home from Merimbula where we attended church.  It's a little over 3 hou...

We're waiting for the young missionaries to come over and have a "cookie bake" with Sister Weber and we've just watched one of the biggest hail storms of our life.  I actually sent a Marco Polo to the family while it was happening.  We seriously wondered if we'd have a window break out.  All is well now with a little more rain falling.  Every drop is such a blessing to this dry country. The title to this post is because it's the anniversary of my fathers' death.  I was so blessed to have him as a dad.  I know that people's memory has a tendency to remember the good and diminish the bad but anyone that knew him, at any point in his life, would agree with my assessment.  I've met wonderful people in my life and been in the presence of prophets but my father stands at the top.  His ability to see what mattered most and his respect for others, particularly my mother, was always before my eyes.  He wasn't loud, except when cheering for me, and y...

It feels like so much has happened since I last wrote, and indeed, much has.  We spent Thursday in Cowra with the Christensen's.  What a delightful couple and they are doing such a great work.  They have been called as Member Leader Support missionaries so they have become well acquainted with the community while they serve in the Branch leadership.  Evelyn went with Sister Christensen to a wool spinning group of women.  They spent a couple hours and Evelyn learned a great deal about wool.  I think she also discovered that spinning wool isn't going to be a part of her pastime in the future.  I went over to the their flat and read the Book of Mormon with Tony, an older fellow who can't read unless it's enlarged on a computer screen.  Elder Christensen took his time, while reading, to explain and teach.  While we were teaching it began to rain.  Not just a few sprinkles but a downpour that lasted nearly half an hour.  It was beautiful...

On Sunday, Evelyn gave a talk (I spoke of it in a previous post) in which she told the story of being able to perform "magic" on her grandkids, in Wyoming, by stopping the 4X4 at different places along the trail to make the distant trees change in their "numbers".  Her experience was a great way to point out that things can "appear differently" because of where we are standing.  That happened yesterday because of an individual seeing something from a different perspective. A parent called, from one of the local wards, and wanted to meet with us.  When we asked why they wanted to visit with us the answer was enlightening.  "Well, you are the Stake Young Adult advisors and my child is one of your young adults and I need your advice".  It's hard to argue with that.  We had a delightful experience sharing the concerns of a parent whose child is standing at a crossroads.  I am hopeful, and prayerful, that we might be an instrument in helping thi...

It was a good weekend and there was much to be grateful for but it's one of those reports where I have to admit that the results were different than desired.  Saturday morning we went over to the Lyneham church and helped with the setup for collecting items to be distributed to those who were suffering from the bush fires.  It was a relatively easy time and several people were there to help.  At one point, I walked across the street and introduced myself to an older fellow who was trimming his bushes.  His name is Alan and he's a widower who has lived in that home since they built it over 60 years ago.  He practiced law and they raised three children in the home.  He spoke of his wife and children with great affection.  His wife planted every tree and shrub on the property.  Alan referred to his home as a "sort of Eden" and I agreed. We attended church, at 9:00 in the Black Mountain Ward in the hopes that Sam, our friend from the lake, would att...

Do I really have faith in Jesus Christ?  Do I accept Paul's testimony that he can really accomplish everything through Christ?  Is it possible to do everything I can and then stand back, cheerfully, and watch for the Lord's arm?  Am I willing to "go and do" anything that is asked of me?  Is Jesus Christ really my strongest supporter?  Is he really loving me in the midst of my sins, which do so easily beset me?  Will Father really welcome me home when so many of my rebellious natures are known? I read the Psalms and I ponder the Proverbs from the Old Testament.  I read and reflect on the profound writings of ancient and modern prophets and I try to pray, "all the day long" but it's amazing how the mortal weaknesses, and Satan's influence can cause me to doubt.  As soon as I type that word I hear, "look unto me in every thought, doubt not, fear not", however, the reality is, for me, doubt enters in.  It's not the doubt that has me wonde...

It's such a beautiful sight, to be able to look out on the patio and see sunshine!  The conditions are so much better, today and yesterday, compared to Sunday.  We're actually able to see clearly enough to identify cloud formations.  My eyes are not irritated and my throat, and lungs, don't feel as weighed upon. Last night we held FHE for the young single adults here at our flat.  What a joy to have them back after a few weeks absence.  There were only about a dozen but they were wonderful.  We had a lesson around the teaching of Elder Uchtdorf and the premise of a great adventure.  What a great time of year to recognize the opportunities that are within our reach if we but seek and strive.  Afterward we played a game of "have you ever done" (that's the title I'm giving it) and it was fun to see the kids acknowledging life's adventures.  They stayed until after 10pm and the place was filled with laughter and love.  Sharfel, Conner, Jos...

Sunday afternoon and it would be a truth to title this, "the day the sun didn't shine" but I'm sure it's not as bad here in Canberra compared to hundreds of other communities.  We received a call, just before church, from the young sisters and they had been instructed by President Runia to evacuate the area and travel to Sydney.  I found out a few minutes later that the young Elders would also be heading out.   I've never awakened to such a sight as I saw this morning.  I'd been awake since 2:30 in the morning when I realized how smoky the flat had become.  I turned off the evaporative cooler and tried to return to sleep.  That wasn't going to happen so I awaited the sunrise.  It never came.  It was as nearly as dark at 7:00 as it had been at midnight.  The smoke was eerie.  President Runia called and talked with Evelyn and they discussed the pros and cons of our staying here in the city.  We decided to stay, wear our masks out...

It's over 100 degrees outside.  Even with the smoke outside it is hard not to smile because of the goodness in people's hearts that has been manifested.  We have had some experiences in the past 24 hours that I hope to never forget.  This morning began with a District Council Meeting at the Lyneham church.  It was wonderful to hear Sister Haridas lead the young missionaries in a discussion about growth.  She had found a picture of every one of us from before our missions, posted them on the board and then asked us each questions.  There was laughter and love in that little room!  Elder Palmer will be returning home in a few weeks and Sister Haridas will be returning to Singapore on the next transfer.  Elder Palmer had notified us that there was a service project to participate in after the meeting so we drove over to Gungahlin by 11:00.  Through Facebook it had been announced that people were gathering food, water, toiletries and other suppli...