Dad's papers

13-   4/24/23 - Missionary Work I listened to and studied Elder Cook’s talk from Conference this week, Safely Gathered Home. It went hand in hand with what I am currently reading in  The Millennial Messiah.     I feel an overwhelming gratitude and love for missionary work, and for all “our” faithful missionaries. Sadie, Seth, Emma, and now Miles, you have and continue to bless so many of God’s children. Miles we are so proud of what you are doing. This week Rubanita will be baptized, isn’t that awesome! The Holy Ghost whispered for Miles to talk to her as he road his bike by. Now look what our Heavenly Father has done for her… This week Emma shared a picture with us of someone she taught in Milan who just went through the Temple to be sealed with their spouse for ETERNITY. Think of the message you carry as a missionary! Think of the message we represent and can share as members of His Church. I am so grateful to be a part of it. Avery, Graham, and Lain...

 12 This week I came across the same scripture in 1 Nephi a couple of different times, and I felt impressed to share it with all of you. You often hear the quote that prayer is the way we communicate with God, and that the scriptures (living prophets included) are the way God communicates with us. Sometimes we find ourselves going through the motions of prayer. Other times we are sincere in our asking and seeking, but not completely confident we will actually get an answer, and then there are those times we really feel connected and both directions of communication are flowing. The difference in these experiences is the condition of our hearts as we go to Him. He is constant, His arm always steady, willing, and able, but we must come to Him.  1 Nephi 15:11 - “Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?—If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made...

11 Hello family, I wanted to share with you a journal entry I wrote this week of an experience that left me full of gratitude. We all have these types of experiences from time to time, but I feel very grateful for the timing of this one. It just strengthens my testimony that our Heavenly Father is keenly aware of each one of us. Invitation:  Look for ways to see His hand in your life Miracles  4/6/23 I’m writing this down today so I don’t forget any of the details. It feels a little mind boggling, but perhaps that is just saying something about my faith. The prophet said to expect miracles, but as you see them unfold so clearly, it still leaves you in awe.    I know one thing for certain, that He hears and answers prayers and really is just waiting for us to ask (seek) for His guiding hand. I will try to capture the detail, but what I can’t capture in words is the overwhelming feeling of His all encompassing awareness of each of us.  This past few days since Gen...

10   Good Morning Everyone, Sorry I am late this week. Conference was awesome wasn’t it! We are so blessed to have the Gospel in our lives! Last week I was studying Elder Christofferson’s October Conference address. It was about the Doctrine of Belonging. He talked about three unique ways belonging blesses our lives. If you get the chance re-read this talk, it is excellent. Here is the part that really stood out to me - Elder Christofferson - “A second facet of the doctrine of belonging has to do with our own contributions. Although we rarely think about it, much of our belonging comes from our service and the sacrifices we make for others and for the Lord. Excessive focus on our personal needs or our own comfort can frustrate that sense of belonging. We strive to follow the Savior’s doctrine: “Whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister. … “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Belonging...