So you think you can teach seminary?

Most of you know how much I wanted to help out my Mom and Dad when they were so ill. We asked for a transfer and ended up at Orem Institute. We were shocked but felt good about the assignment. It meant I wouldn't be giving care to my parents, but at least we could make monthly visits. First Dad died of old age. Then Mom followed, two years later. With them gone, I have become the patriarch of my family here on Earth. What a lousy way to obtain a stewardship. I have missed them terribly and I have wanted to council with them so many times. Now, I must count on God as my Counselor. Maybe that's why Christ is called by that name by Isaiah. The same thing happened to him: lost his parents. Yet, my beloved children have become so wise. They don't need a lot of direction from me. Just a word here and there. Jean is so grounded and secure in her testimony of Christ, I never worry about her spiritually. Physically, she is pioneer stock. But she has a gene or two she could do without. Breast cancer runs deep in her family. Most recently, her mother and sister. We pray she got her dad's genes there. But he suffered Alzheimer's disease. Bad gene number two. Her mom's side doesn't have that problem. The reason I titled this post "seminary..." is because I made a leap of faith to teach at this level. And we finish the school year on Friday. It was an amazing experience. Harder than heck. But self-fulfilling. Right now I'm ready to retire. I'm tired. But I made it through one more year. Maybe I have 6 or more in me. More and more I become dependent on the Counselor. He must love me. Lord, help my unbelief. I am so prone to wander. I love my dear family. Please be patient with my less than polished patriarchal ponderings: pitiful.

talking to Elder Eric Stone

I must say that Eric the boy has turned into Eric the man. What a great accent. He said he had spoken only Spanish for 8 straight months. Talking to him on Mother's Day was wonderful. He is 100% obedient and is reaping the spiritual rewards. He is fully committed to the Lord and we were all inspired by talking with him. May the Lord continue to watch over him, keep him safe, and bless him with his Spirit.

Born in '54; Turn 54; May 1, 2008

The planets have aligned and all who were born in 1954 are turning 54 this year. My day was greeted by white frosting on the lawn. Thanks, Mother Nature, for remembering my birthday.