Friday, December 12, 2014
Re: Letter 3 of 3
Dear Riley:
It’s been a wild week already and here it’s only Friday. We sure enjoy hearing from you and about you. Members of our Ward are quick to report when they run into you. They always remark on what an extraordinary young man you are, and what a great missionary you’re going to be. It makes us pleased. T B really appreciates being on the email list and numerous members are following the mission blog.
It’s 6:00 AM, and to be honest, I should have gotten up an hour and a half ago because I wasn’t sleeping. Wednesday night was the Bishopric Christmas Dinner for widows and Singles over 50 years old. This is a big investment of time and energy, but probably the best way to extend our love to these dear people during this already busy Holiday season. It’s a sad and lonely time for many of them, so this is an opportunity to do something really nice, meaningful, and a cut above average. There are 58 individuals in this elite club, and 32 indicated they would be attending. An additional 8 opted to have a meal brought into their home. The Ts are a new family living in the K’s home and they accepted the assignment to be the “general contractors” so to speak. They did an amazing job of organizing, delegating, decorating, etc. Everything looked amazing! We utilized more help from our youth and youth leaders than we ever have in years past and felt well positioned to pull off a 1st class event.
Today I performed a civil marriage which is a first for me. Given the hostile political climate and the social pressures at work, one can imagine what the future may hold. In the future, LDS bishops may not be allowed to perform civil marriages. I’ve heard of bishops who never conducted a funeral or performed a marriage during their time as bishop. I spoke to one bishop who only filled one welfare request in six years. I suppose this is a fairly unique Ward which provides opportunities to exercise all bishop duties. This wedding was for MM and SL. R and SM were standing by with the rings on small pillows. Five minutes after I started speaking, R just passed out and hit the floor pretty hard. This rattled me a little and it was a somewhat difficult for me to verbalize the counsel I felt to give them. Oh well, it was ok in the end.
We’ve really been enjoying this weather and I’m trying to take advantage of the window to organize the garage and install shelves. It’s just that each week is as packed and busy as the last. This Saturday I have a leadership meeting for half the day. I can’t complain, I guess, the blessings that flow my way are substantial and undeniable.
Well, got to get this in the mail. The gospel is true and there’s no happiness like obedience and discipleship. I just wish more members applied these principles enough to really believe that life doesn’t need to be as difficult as they tend to make it. We sure do love you and pray for you daily. Keep your chin up!
Love,
Dad
P.S. We only have a limited amount of space for your scripture on your missionary plaque. If we need to shorten the scripture, I plan on going with Alma 26:12. Let me know if you prefer otherwise.
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