Hasn’t General Conference been a treat?!
On Monday, We joined Candace and her family via Zoom as they sang happy (36th) birthday to her. Later that day, we joined Jacob and Gracia via Zoom as Jacob blessed their baby, Jacob Antonio. It was wonderful to see all the love and support from friends and family. And our baby boy is growing up; he’s 26 and a father himself now! Wow!
After the baby blessing, I sent a text to Jordan and Jacob: “I’m glad you have a son; now you have some idea of how I feel about you!” Then I realized that Heavenly Father can say the same thing to me…and about me! I’m grateful for His divine plan, which centers on families.
I asked my father-in-law, Cecil Richardson, to check our yard — and pull up any goathead (vicious, thorny weeds) that he found; I didn’t want them to become seeds for plants to grow next year. He called me and told me that he didn’t find even one plant in the yard! It occurred to me that Heavenly Father has been watching over our belongings while we are gone. Heavenly Father took care of it before my earthly father (-in-law) needed to do anything. When we were set apart by Pres. Trejo, Heavenly Father promised, “Your family and belongings will be watched over and protected while you are gone.” Thank you, Heavenly Father! I have seen that over and over as we have served here!
I’m grateful for my in-laws: what a blessing they have been in my life…as has being married to one of the wonderful daughters they raised (Faye)! As I was praying with Faye this week, the thought came into my mind to express gratitude for Faye, who is a “wonderful travel partner in this mortal journey.”
Candace introduced us to 16 Personalities, which helps people understand their own (and other’s) personality. I enjoyed learning about mine, but have especially enjoyed reading about Faye’s personality with her. It has been fun to learn together about her personality! We are enough alike (especially in what is “really important”) to get along, but just enough different to keep things interesting and to help us grow. I’m grateful for Christ’s Atonement, which helps bridge the gaps in our personalities.
Our sweet granddaughter, Hannah, has a YouTube channel. Her videos are really good! After she shared her thrift-store-shopping experiences, she asked for comments on what she bought and suggestions on content; I responded, “My favorite “outfit” is my beautiful granddaughter’s adorable personality! More Hannah is my content request! I love you, Hannah! (I hope it’s okay that your grandpa is one of your biggest fans!)” Similarly, what the world needs from every one of you is more you. Nobody else can do it!
We discussed 3 Nephi 17 this week in our couple scripture study. That is currently my favorite chapter in the scriptures because Jesus heals their sick and ministers to their children one-by-one. If I were there, I would have brought Ashton! That thought brings me to tears! Even though I could not bring Ashton to personally be healed by Christ, it gives me great comfort to know that Ashton – and I – will be judged by the same Being Who performed all of those miracles with the people in the ancient Americas.
In a recent training by Elder David A. Bednar, he commented that apostles are sent all over the world to visit stakes, wards and missions. He said something like this: “As important as that administrative work is, I try to always remember that I am there to represent Christ, who never missed an opportunity to minister to ‘the one.'” I’m grateful to have been ministered to by one of Christ living apostles, Elder Renlund, when he came to Lima in 2018. I feel very much that God is mindful of me and my circumstances. I had to go to Peru to visit with one of the apostles (also from the US) who had recently spoken on the subject of suicide. I have no doubt that the Lord put everything into place so we could meet with Elder Renlund there. I felt like I was “the one” that day.
I listened to some training by Elder Weatherford T. Clayton, the Seventy over Missionary Medical. He mentioned that the earth, the Church and missionary work is experiencing a “divine reset,” giving us an opportunity to re-assess priorities and practices. One example of an improvement because of the pandemic is this: previously, when general authorities would conduct mission tours, they were not able to meet personally with very many missionaries. Now they can only conduct virtual mission tours, which allows them to interact with many more missionaries.
I participated in two mission health councils this week: with the Samoa Mission and the Vanuatu Mission. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the missionary numbers in Vanuatu has decreased from 160 to 29, with 4 over-stayers (they can’t get home because their country’s (Kiribati) borders are closed) and 5 locals assigned there temporarily until they can travel to their permanent assignment. It has been challenging, but they have been able to help connect some over-stayers with My Path and English Connect, which has the potential to bless their lives and their families’ lives for generations to come.
Because there are less missionaries in the area, my workload had decreased. I’ve tried to spend that time in productive pursuits, including family history. I have been writing down my own life history and researching the conversion stories of my ancestors. In April General Conference, President Nelson said this, “I promise that as you increase your time in temple and family history work, you will increase and improve your ability to hear Him [the Son, Jesus Christ].” I humbly report that I have witnessed that in my own life.
I love this quote by Abraham Lincoln: “I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.” That’s one of the purposes of adversity, isn’t it — to allow us to choose to turn to God for His strength, wisdom and comfort?
I declare that Jesus Christ invites all of us to come unto Him and His Church, to receive the Holy Ghost, the ordinances of salvation, and to gain enduring joy.