A Spark of Creation

This email is named after a song from a wonderful musical entitled Children of Eden. Great music, great message. Anyway, I was listening to this song this week while I was studying the Book of Mormon. I was reading in Mosiah, a somewhat irrelevant fact, but this song came on and my mind was kind of whisked away into thinking about our souls. Here on the earth we have been given a sport of Spark within ourselves: a spark to be better, to think bigger, to create things, to be innovative, to be productive, to be good. Over time we, for some reason, lose that spark and instead of turning our spark into a blazing fire we let it simply sputter and go out. Let me quote some of the lyrics of this song:

"I've got a hunger burning inside me that cannot be denied.
I've got a feeling that the Father who made us, when He was kindling the pulse in my veins, He left a tiny spark of a fire smoldering inside, a Spark of Creation.
I see a mountain and I want to climb it, I see a river and I want to leave shore, where there nothing let there be something, something made by me...there things waiting for me to invent them, there worlds waiting for me to explore."

These words are truly inspired, as our beloved Heavenly Father has distilled in us this desire, this hunger. We are here on the earth to learn and to grow, to utilize this spark or smoldering coal to its ultimate potential. We can place lots of kindling, lint, etc. in their place and then use our spark to create something truly extraordinary. The lyrics of this song reflect this need, to make this fire get bigger and to make it all it is. It makes me think about my potential, my ability to kindle this tiny smoldering fire into the blazing bonfire it cam become. I know that we have so much potential with this one little spark that we often do not realize what it is that we can do. If we put all of our mind, might and strength to fulfill a dream or a desire or a wish of ours, we can accomplish whatever it is that we want to accomplish! We are amazing! And we have amazing help, divine help always right behind us, pushing us and helping us become better.

Music is a fantastic inpiration and can help us all to pick ourselves up and get back into the happy swing of life. This particular song helped me to be more positive this week, and as a result, 2 of the families that I have been teaching are got baptized (and we should be baptizing 3 or 4 more this week)! I am really excited. I am also learning more Miskito daily and have been presented an amazing opportunity to study with the University of Kansas Miskito study abroad classes on Wednesday and Friday morning. That is going to be very interesting, especially because the teacher is from San Diego, is liberal, and has already started with the Polygamy jokes. Yay. Strike one for her on the Bolton count. 

So despite all the crazy things that have been happening lately, I am doing well. I am working on communicating better with the people around me, especially the 5 other missionaries that i live with. BYU was a piece of cake compared to this, habitation wise obviously. Somehow my parents were miraculously able to instill in one so free spoken a hesitation to speak his mind. I am grateful for that gift because I have been able to save myself from many situations that many other missionaries cause by opening their mouths. Whenever I want to make a "commentary" or open my mouth and say something that could possibly incur an argument or tense feelings I remember the pearl of wisdom my parents gifted me: it is better to remain a fool, then open your mouth and remove all doubt. Now, that does not explicity say anything about tense situations, but you catch my drift. Hahaha. People who just speak whimsically make me almost sad inside because they have not learned that important lesson my parents taught me so long ago (it did take time to apply).

Well, I love you all. I also love my new edition of the Liahona with all of the General Conference addresses in it...in ENGLISH. Love that miracle. I hope you all can enjoy your lives, recognize the miracles around you and enjoy the wonderful music of the world that surrounds us. Have a great week, stay positive. Keep calm. Carry on.

Love,
Elder B

P.S. Mom, I played some of the sitar music I have on my iPod this week and now everyone I live with won't let me play any music, for they fear that I will put it on again. So now I have to sneak in my weekly doses of Ravi Shankar in private. :)

Linda's Computer

Myrna wrote: Linda Garrett could use some help with her computer. I told her that you might be able to help but that I was not able to do so. She downloaded a computer program that was supposed to protect her computer. Now it keeps telling her that her computer is in danger from viruses. I told her that I thought it was the dumb program. Anyway, she tried to trash it and it will not be trashed. Any ideas. This is Spaz's mom. Jim Garrett. I think  she may be your facebook friend.


Todd wrote: What is the name of the program she installed? What type of machine is she using?


Linda Garrett wrote: 
Myrna, I had an advertisement come for something called Mackeeper. I downloaded the trial, but it seemed to slow my computer down. I read the reviews and I am not so sure I want to purchase it. Sounds like they don't have the bugs worked out of it yet. What is your take on it or have you had any experience with it?


Todd wrote: Looks like one has to be familiar with the terminal window to get rid of the application. 

http://applefanatic.org/macbook/how-you-uninstall-mackeeper-t47091.html

Myrna wrote: Thanks Todd, I appreciate that and so will Linda. You could friend her on facebook. She has been a good friend to me for years and years.

To Nancy

Leonard wrote:

Nancy: 

I guess it was not to be that we should talk to each other. Nevertheless, I should write to you. For the past month we have not been home. We stayed at Julie’s for two weeks while she recuperated  from having  baby boy by C-Section. She could not lift anything over thirty pounds. It was a lot for her for three little girls and a husband who was in one of the busiest times of year for a bee keeper.

We came home for a day and then we flew to Ohio. That is where Todd lives. His oldest son graduated from high school. We were there for a week. We then flew to Melanie’s for a week. Ben also graduated from high school. We flew home on Monday. Kirsten called on Wednesday a.m. and asked me if I could come and help her for a week. So I drove to Colorado Springs for a week.

The birthday party is still in progress. The church has been reserved since the first of January. Either Jim Dixon or Kirsten will will do the DVD. As far as refreshments we will have family members bring some sheet cakes. We will have a punch bowl.  Concerning the invitations, I will do what I can to notify people.                                                                                               

Love, Uncle Tim

Myrna's 50th Class Reunion Photo Link

Saundra wrote: Following is a link to photos taken at our 50th reunion by Don Landavazo.  If you have problems opening the link, please let me know.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/64254129@N02/sets/72157627001369198/

 

 

Sadly, we have lost yet another classmate.  Word was recently received that Dorothy Franco Lucero from East Carbon passed away on May 15, 2011.  She will be missed.

 

Please take care of yourselves, everyone.

 

Saundra

Myrna wrote: Thanks for the link to the photos!!!! I really enjoyed them. 

I wish the fun news did not have to also include bad news. I guess that is the age we are now. Did Dorothy have cancer or was it something else that caused her death?

Saundra wrote: Have no idea of the cause of her death.  Her son contacted Don Butler about two weeks ago to let him know of her passing.  If he told Don anything else, he did not share it.

Shawn's Birthday on July 10, 2011

yes, he got your card, thank you very much

 

we also got our anniversary card, and thank you very much for that, too 

Sent: Sunday, June 20, 2010 9:11 AM
To: Kimberly T

Thanks for sharing!!!!! And a happy all day to you, Shawn. I can't tell, but I hope our card was there. I mailed it on Wednesday, so it should have been. Love to you all. Love, M

---

From: trauntvein@comcast.net
Subject: Shawn's Father's Day
Date: Sun, 20 Jun 2010 08:45:14 -0600

Enter message here...

These photos were sent from Adobe(R) Photoshop(R) Elements 3.0. Find out more: http://www.adobe.com/photoshopelementswin

Strange People

This week I have been able to meet and deal with people who are, in my opinion, just bizarre people. I must add a little bit of a preface to this email just so that all may understand: the people here are fantastically warm, charismatic, charitable and overall amazing, yet they are frankly a strange and bizarre race. Now that all of that has been formally anounced, I shall be moving on with the stories.

So all of my baptismal possibilities fell through for this week, and I was rather upset until I received a reference from another missionary. My companion and I went to contact it and we found a really cool, big family, we'll call them Family Grisi. Well, Fam. Grisi was rather interested in the church as their daughter, age 14, was baptized without their knowing about a year-and-a-half ago. They are unmarried and have a total of 5 or 6 kids. I was surprised and super excited. We set a wedding date and a baptismal date and set an appointment for the next day. I ended up going on divisions with one of my zone leaders and we went to go teach the family together, and even though he knew thatthey hadn't been taught very much he did a baptismal interview to see if there were any serious sin-related problems in the family. As it turns out the husband in Fam. Grisi used to be what? A hit man. Yes, and even better....we were asked by our mission president to ask the man what the circumstances of the murders were and if the man felt any sorrow for the sins he had committed. The circumstances were ridiculous, and what was even worse was that the man felt nothing! He said that what he did was justified for the needs of his family and other reasons. In interviews that I've had with men that have killed people they generally cry like little children when I ask them if they feel remorse for what they have done.

We left that lesson/house with a variety of feelings, and the main one was lament. It is sad as a missionary to see how spiritually dead some people are, and how spiritually inept a whole entire race can become if they choose to follow the beliefs and traditions of men rather then the words and wonders of a loving Heavenly Father. The people here trust more in their parents and pastors than the Bible, the very book that they profess to read, believe in and cherish. The most sad thing of all is the attitude of the people when they know that the Church is the Church of Jesus Christ, but because of their fear of their families or pastors they reject the truth and seek the recongnition of men rather than that of  God. As a missionary this makes one reflect and think: what will become of these people, or how can I change this people?

Even in their own language they seem to confuse the very core truths and essentials of the Gospel. I think one of the biggest lessons that I learned this week has been that I truly recognize the power of and the simnpicity of the Restored Gospel. While other churches and pastors may be good, they are not authorized of God, so indicates the Bible. In all reality, our Church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the only most logical church on the face of the earth this day and I know it is the true church of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know that we have a prophet on the earth today and that he leads us and guides us by revelation and inspiration. Many people do not understand that God loves us and still communicates with his servants...that is a sad fact.

Well, there have been lots of other strange people, like a band of drunk men and a few other random Miskito men who either want to kill us or save our lives depending on the day. I love this people and I love my time here. 

Have a great week! Choose to be happy no matter what happens in life, and choose to be charitable. You never know when you might need help from others, so DISH IT OUT while you can and accept it when it comes.

Love,
Elder B

Father

Father

by Edgar A. Guest

My father knows the proper way

  The nation should be run;

He tells us children every day

  Just what should now be done.

He knows the way to fix the trusts,

  He has a simple plan;

But if the furnace needs repairs,

  We have to hire a man.

My father, in a day or two

  Could land big thieves in jail;

There’s nothing that he cannot do,

  He knows no word like “fail.”

“Our confidence” he would restore,

  Of that there is no doubt;

But if there is a chair to mend,

  We have to send it out.

All public questions that arise,

  He settles on the spot;

He waits not till the tumult dies,

  But grabs it while it’s hot.

In matters of finance he can

  Tell Congress what to do;

But, O, he finds it hard to meet

  His bills as they fall due.

It almost makes him sick to read

  The things law-makers say;

Why, father’s just the man they need,

  He never goes astray.

All wars he’d very quickly end,

  As fast as I can write it;

But when a neighbor starts a fuss,

  ’Tis mother has to fight it.

In conversation father can

  Do many wondrous things;

He’s built upon a wiser plan

  Than presidents or kings.

He knows the ins and outs of each

  And every deep transaction;

We look to him for theories,

  But look to ma for action.

some idea of what is happening

Mom,

I arrive at 4:30 on Wednesday. We are checking Ben's luggage. Because of the timing of the BYU orientation events, we have decided to stay at Ann Marie's for the few days that those events will be happening. Ben and I have a breakfast at 8 am on Thursday. I don't know if Mikaela will be coming down with the Howard's when they come to your place on Thursday...I will check with Ann Marie when I get there tomorrow night. 

I also haven't talked with Ben about his schedule. I know he has meetings on Friday and I have a parent's meeting on Saturday. We also have to buy his books and plan on moving him in to his dorms. He was gone all night, and I had to take care of Young Women (I still have one of my callings). 

I will call you when I get to Ann Marie's tomorrow night. It will probably be around 7 pm, due to getting the luggage and dealing with rush hour(s) of traffic. 

Thanks Mom.
Mel


I have talked with Julie. She is bringing the truck over. I am not using it on Wednesday. I will be renting a car for a few days, just because of logistics. I need to stay at AnnMarie's for a few days. Ben just told me five minutes ago that he needs us to be to an orientation breakfast on Thursday morning at 8...then he told me we had two meetings to be to on Friday and Saturday. I asked him the time...he said he didn't know and left the house. I don't know any more right now. 

I will be arriving at 4:35 tomorrow afternoon. Ben is on a different flight, therefore the timing is a bit off and I don't want someone to wait around the airport for several flights to some in and for all the baggage to arrive. 

We will be down on Sunday, for sure. What is happening in between, I really don't know. I am sorry, but the plans aren't really set yet. I have been so busy with painting and cleaning and packing up all the closets that I haven't had time to plan or think about what will be happening past the flight times. 

Mel

Another One Bites the Dust

Another week full of stories and another digital page that makes me feel that my words just cannot express to you all what has happened to me this week. I have been learning, growing, doing, being, stretching, trying...so many different things! One week flies by so quickly, then the months start adding up. I've started to realize that life is not just the mission. I've realized this week, with a few of my friends having gone home already, that there is life after the mission, like this will all end and I will be starting a new chapter in life. It is rather strange to be on your mission and realize that life is going to be different. I assume that it is somewhat like life after kids have grown up and moved away from home, after all one gets quite accustomed to the routine: bedtimes, making meals, brushing teeth, praying/reading scriptures as a family, sporting events, music programs, church, church activities, etc. The list could extend forever, but my intention is not to bore, rather to uplift and inspire.

 

So, Where is Elder Bolton really going with this story?

 

This week is when I realized that I am doing something extremely important in my life. I am becoming. I am forming lasting habits, ones that will help me in my entire life to be the father I want to be, be the best husband I want to be, be the leader the Lord would have me be, and be the son my Father knows I can be. I am reading my scriptures daily and learning new and amazing things. I am praying meaningful and heartfelt prayers so many times during the day. I am filling my head with thoughts and ideas of how to help others, how to be a better missionary, and how to be a better companion to my companion. To me this is all miraculous: from such small and simple changes life becomes amazingly more significant and one can truly become who they are supposed to be.

 

Even though life may be difficult I know that it is possible to make it through tough times. This week was rather difficult with the families we're teaching, with the zone, overall lots of things went wrong. However, I am still happy and I had the opportunity to experience some cool revelations (kinda personal...to be shared at another time).

 

One Saturday night Elder Lundquist and I were left making Tang for an activity; well, making it and putting it into about 500 little plastic bags to hand out to people with 500 pieces of bread. We stayed up SO late preparing this litte treat for the members that I ended up sleeping like 3 1/2 hrs and working the next day, Sunday, the toughest day of the entire week, for 15 1/2 hrs straight. Talk about tough. I only got super tired like once during the day. It was at my weak point and it was pretty fresh outside sitting down while talking to a family. I was starting to doze off and then my companion indicated to me that it was my turn to teach. Hahahaha. That was pretty funny. I must have looked high...I was out of it. But after that I was fine! It was rather amazing. I was able to realize some ways to improve my missionary work, ways in which I can teach better and help people with their difficulties better.

 

Well, I am super happy and excited to have more successes and top learn and grow more this week. I have run out of time, as it is getting rather late. I do want to to know that I love you all and hope that you are happy. Follow your inspirations and your paths in faith and you will receive blessings for your obedience.

 

Love, Elder B

About Dad's Day

Kimberly wrote:  The Dance Review is Monday, June 13th 6pm Davis High School, Saturday, June 15th 12:30 pm Syracuse Founders Day, 1500 South 1900 West in Syracuse.

Myrna wrote: OK, the review is this Monday, right? Dad will be in Colorado and I will have the truck because he is taking the car. Could I come to your house (if I can find it on my own) and ride up with you?

Kimberly wrote: Yes, we are going  up early. Or you could go with Shawn.  Let me have him call you.

Myrna wrote: 
RE: Sorina/Zoey Dance Performances:

I think that I am going to have to bypass the review. It breaks my heart but I am snowed under with the newspaper. Rebecca was supposed to go to all of my meetings for me while I was gone but she did not. She did go to a couple but not some of the most important (school board, county, court). It was the end of the school year for her kids. I have been listening to tape recordings and trying to get things put together but I am not doing well. Then we had more drug arrests and a trial that I need to get taken care of. I have missed so many of the kids things this last couple of months that it makes me sad. I didn't get to any of the Howard's recitals or concerts either. I also missed Mary's program. (I did get to two graduations, however, and a funeral and helped with a baby.) I think that I am getting too old to keep this newspaper stuff up. I really need to quit the paper but that is my grandkid money so I hate to do it. Also, I have not helped you with your move at all. If there is something I can do this Friday, I would love to come up and help out. Our shift does not work on Friday during the pageant. I will go to the temple alone on Saturday.

Please, please forgive me and send photos. Thanks.

Kimberly wrote: You are always forgiven.  It’s just me and Sorina on Friday.  Dane leaves for Trek Thurs-Sat, and Shawn and Toren go up to BS Camp on Friday (that sounds funny).  We have a baptism to go to in Layton on Saturday, and Dane to pick up, and my dad’s birthday party.

We still have a lot of our stuff in storage at Jim/Julie’s.  I don’t know what Shawn has worked out with that.  It’s a slow process getting things put away here.  We’ve had a lot of back and forth to Layton these past few weeks.

AnnMarie and Brandon and kids came and helped us unload twice.  It was very nice of them.  It was while you were away and I asked AnnMarie not to tell Jim we were moving those days because I didn’t want him to come all the way up to Layton to help us move.  (He had told Dad, he’d come up and help us, and we thought that was too far, and he is always so busy, and they just had a baby, and I still have the present sitting in my room) .

Also, we could come down Sunday.  Are you planning a special dinner, and is so, could we help?  We are out of Church at 2 pm.


Myrna wrote: We are planning a dinner and Melanie, Ben and Mikaela will be here. You are welcome. Dad was thinking that he would like me to make meat balls but I don't know if that will be best or not. Let me know what you think.


Kimberly wrote: Whatever you make will be fine. I can bring a salad of some type, a desert—lemon meringue?


Myrna wrote: A salad would be wonderful!!!!!!!! Who is coming and who is not? I usually don't worry about it.


AnnMarie wrote: I wonder if Kim wanted everyone to see the entire string of emails between the two of you.  It has her telling me not to tell Jim about the move.
I'll reply separately.
AnnMarie

Myrna wrote: SHOOT! I am sorry. I thought that I had erased all of the beforehand stuff. Looking at it, I did get most of it. RATS!!!!!!! Sorry everyone. I am just going to go somewhere and cry. I think that all of you should just bypass me with email. Forget that I am part of the family!!!!!!  I want my mommy.


AnnMarie wrote: Well, I had intended on being subtle.  I think we call that reaching the tipping point, Mom.  Now would be a good time to turn off the computer, put in an old movie, pop some popcorn and remember the good old days when the most stressful thing was washing clothes for 10 people, feeding them all, cleaning the house, working, cutting articles and measuring them, school activities, preparing a lesson for church, PTA fooferah, and making random trips to the hospital.  That isn't relaxing?  Well maybe it is perspective then.  You've handled worse stress, this too will be handled--and handled well.
Ams


Kimberly wrote: At least 5 of us.  Unsure about Brigitta.

Well, hopefully I didn’t say anything bad…

Love all of you.  Hope I’ve been in the family long enough that everyone will put up with my talking out of turn and quirks.
Kimberly

I Am Ready for the Jacket!

I am already nuts, but, I am getting worse. Soon I will be the whole nut TREE. Some of my high school friends, however, tell me I have always been like this. We work together at the temple. I suppose they should know. They have known me longer than Dad has.

Melanie, Jim and Julie want you to use their new truck that seats six rather than rent a car. I thought I was going to use their black truck and that you could then use our truck but I was wrong. You will use their new truck. NOW I really do need to know when you need to be picked up at the airport.

Shawn, we have a dumb new cellphone system. Apparently it hangs up on people and then, when they try to call back, it just goes right to voice mail.  It doesn't beep us or anything. In addition, it won't call back. Jim and Julie signed a family contract until October and then it is gone.

Kirsten, show this to Dad. I don't know what is happening with Auntie's party. I thought Nanci was doing everything except for getting the church. Apparently I was wrong. Auntie Eva called a talked to me for an hour. She is quite concerned because I have not sent her the photos Jim and Carma need. She doesn't think they will have time to do it now. It took them eight-months to do hers. Also, I got a facebook post from Nanci and she wants to know what we have done.

For all the Utah kids, Dad will be home for Father's Day. I think that most people coming will be here after their churches let out but just when, I am not certain. Does anybody want to tell me that and I will know when to feed people. Eric works until 4 p.m.

For all those coming to the family reunion on the Fourth, we have the campground from Friday through the Fourth. Fireworks in Nephi will be Monday evening but they will be at a different location after they set a field and a driveway on fire last year.

Anniversary. Dad and I are surprised and happy that we survived together for nearly 50 years. Our actual anniversary is on September 9. We are not so worried about a party. We are just happy to still be together. 

If Dad goes first, I will manage to live alone and will not need to be babysat. When I get too old, put me in a home. Dad says the same goes for him.

AnnMarie, Dianne and Shirl are likely no longer my friends. They think that Eric was arrested falsely and that the charges against him will be dropped because he was only with the ones selling and was not selling himself. She said the newspaper, meaning me, made him look like a criminal. If she is right, I will, of course, print that. I have been collecting the sentencing records from the first 50 arrested. Most of them were sentenced to prison but then the sentence was reduced to somewhere between 160 to 240 days in the county jail with work release. Is that the common sentence?

AnnMarie wrote:

My reply:

We will be coming on Sunday.  We get out at 2:00.  We can bring a side dish or rolls or something else.  Maybe he would like some funeral potatoes.  I could do a couple batches.

 

I wouldn't worry about the Nichols yet.  See what happens in the process.  If we are unable to prove our case, then something can be done in print to follow up.  I imagine it is very difficult for them.  I am sorry they are going through this.

Sentences are as varied as the people themselves.  There is an entire matrix to determine what the sentence will be for any given defendant with many components including whether someone is on probation, prior felony convictions, prior misdemeanor convictions, what level of crime is being sentenced (felony 1, 2, or 3, or misdemeanor), and the list goes on.  It is common for a judge to impose the statutory sentence of prison for felonies, and then suspend it and order jail time, probation, fines, drug assessment (if applicable), and other sanctions.  Also, I would double check the sentences on the first 50 -- I think it is not common for them to have work release.  I was told that no one has done work release for two years, but don't quote me.  I am fairly certain that a few went to prison, but don't quote me.

 

AnnMarie

Not to Brag

Maxine Gordon wrote: I don't want to brag or make anyone jealous or anything, but I can still fit into the earrings I wore in high school.

Myrna wrote: Lucky you! I used to wear clip-ons and then I had my ear's pierced. I can't wear the same earrings. I can now officially say that nothing I wore in high school still fits not even my class ring.

RE: More About Oil‏ at Fish Lake

Pitts, Alan R 
6/01/10 


Myrna:

I trust that you had a great holiday with much of your family.

This informatiopn regarding oil near Fish Lake was interesting because My Father took me fishing there several times. We were not fishermen but we did row the lake, swim and had a fun time. We cooked our meals over an open fire which dad was good at there was a very small store near wshere we camped.

Thanks again
Love you
al

I sent an article entitled: "Sigurd's wells prove Utah is oil country," which was written by Lee Benson in the "Deseret News." Al's response was interesting because it is about his father, brother of my grandfather, Tom.

"SIGURD, Sevier County — About three miles south of this farming community of 430 people, on the way to Fish Lake and, beyond that, Capitol Reef, the oil wells stick out like, well, like city people.
"You couldn't miss them if you tried. It's like you turned the corner and there's Houston.
Welcome to the first oil boom in Utah in at least 25 years and the first in Sevier County since the dinosaurs died. Over the course of the past two years, the Wolverine Oil & Gas Corp., a Michigan-based company, has struck it rich with seven wells now in operation, another three ready to come on line and who knows how many more after that.
"Upwards of 15 tanker trucks a day leave the Covenant Field Wells loaded with upwards of 3,000 barrels of crude. By the end of the year, as the new wells begin producing, that figure could be up to 4,000 barrels and beyond.
That'll run a lot of tractors.
If you drive by the new landscape, however, know this: You cannot fill up at the factory.
I found this out the hard way when I pulled up in my Subaru and asked Tony Cook, the products foreman, if I could fill my tank right there at the well. By avoiding all the middlemen, who knew how much a person could save."

The article continues but I will not quote it further.

Listen to hear about LHT.‏

Myrna wrote: Tonight on BYU Classical 89 radio at 8 p.m. on Marcus Smith's show, John Bennion is interviewed. He pays a tribute to Leonard Trauntvein as a great educator. We were told about the program by Marcus and listened to the first broadcast this morning.

Thanks to all!

Emily Trauntvein wrote: cool!

Tyrone wrote: Thanks.


Charlotte Kilfoyle wrote: Wow! Thanks for sharing and what better compliment to a successful educator!

Miracles

Howdy family! How y'all doin this fine week? I have been doing very well! I hope that you all had a fantastic week this past week.

My companion and I were going to baptize 3 families this weekend but they all fell through and some of them do not really even seem positive anymore. It is a sad thing when people allow themselves to be influenced so much by those around them that they do not make the decisions that they KNOW they need and should make. We were a little upset because we weren´t able to baptize, yet we were given the opportunity to teach and find some new really cool families. Counting successes and lessons learned instead of failures helps me to stay positive and animated about this amazing work.

This week I was able to experience some miracles in my work. I did divisions with one of my ex-companions (considering there are now a total of 4 missionaries in my zone who have been my companion) and we went and worked in his area after doing two appointments in mine. We had some really spiritual lessons in both areas. My investigators were uplifted and so I was I. It was interesting to be with one of the companions that I did not necessarily get along with super well and having some really great experiences with him. I was able to teach with the Spirit and feel a change in my investigators, and I was also able to see some miracles. Now, I have to be honest, when people don't respond to questions that I ask them or they just act rather rude to me I get irritated. I know that I shouldn't get upset but sometimes I just allow myself to be weak and act in such a manner, yet that night I was talking to some of that Elder's investigators and I was able to actually take advantage of a gift that I have: I was able to discern other's needs, concerns, doubts, problems, etc. all based on Spiritual revelations. I was able to look a man in the eyes and say that I knew what problems he was having in his life, that God knew and that God would bless him if he did certain things. I was able to promise, with amazing clarity and power, blessings to this man in the name of my dear Savior. In all reality I have no idea if that man will continue to be an investigator, but I hope that in that moment he felt the power and conviction in my heart.

The sad thing is that normally when such amazing things happen we find out later on that these people no longer desire to investigate the church. It is quite odd and sad, but at the same time it is very true. I had some truly remarkable experiences and my words do not suffice such spiritually fortifying and uplifting moments.

We should be seeing some miracles in Puerto this week, starting off with the announcement and commencement of a SECOND CHAPEL here. We will see if that happens this week or not, regardless, this week we are looking at baptizing two other families, I really want to baptize them! We are also preparing two activities this month for District Puerto Cabezas. We will be trying to have more activities for the branches and the district over the next little while to help keep people involved in the church and help them get to know each other better. I am also working on developing Christ-like attributes. I realized that I need to progress daily and become the servant the Lord needs me to be, so I have decided to work daily on becoming more like my Lord and Savior. I want to become a better future husband, father, leader, etc. and the best time to start is now! I mean, if we recognize something is wrong in our lives, why take such a long time to change something that we can change now? It's quite ludicrous. Anyway, I have set that as one of my new goals.

I am really happy for these experiences that I am given daily to learn and to grow, to change and become better, to be tested and tried. I am grateful for all of the people I have baptized on my mission and for the wonderful friendships that I have forged with members, missionaries and my mission president. I know that these two years are two years of my life that are almost like tithing on my life, and they are going to be unforgettable. Thank you all for your constant love and support, prayers, thoughts, letters and packages. Sincerely, these things make me so happy and help me stay focused on passing the love you have given me around to all these people I teach here.

Make good choices. Be obedient. Keep calm. Carry on.

Love,
Elder B

Cousin Diane

Hi Myrna,  My internet situation is a bit shaky.  Anyway Ticaboo is 13 miles north of Bullfrog at Lake Powell.  I live here.  It is such a beautiful place!  If you are ever down here, be sure to visit.  Phil has a yacht at Halls Crossing so we go back and forth between the house and the boat.  We are simply enjoying life.  Hope all is well with you.  Take care, Hugs, Diane (Pitts Morrison)

Eva About Helen's Party

Eva wrote:

HI, HON,
     I CALLED LAST NIGHT (TUESDAY) AND AGAIN TWICE THIS MORNING
I DO NO KNOW HOW TO GET HOLD OF YOU.
NANCI SENT ME AN EMAIL; SHE IS DESPERATE TO KNOW DETAILS
ABOUT HELEN'S PARTY.  SHE HAS BEEN  IN THE HOSPITAL WITH
A PHYSICAL BREAKDOWN.  SHE HADN'T TOLD HER MOM YET WHEN
SHER WROTE ME.  SHE SAID SHE WILL BE HERE WEDNESDAY AND
WILL  DO WHATEVER IS NEEDFUL.  SHE HAS BEEN UNABLE TO GET
HOLD OF YOU. SHE ASKED IF I COULD CONTACT PEOPLE OR WHATEVER.
PLEASE GET BACK TO ME ASAP; I AM NOT SURE DICK EVEN KNOWS
ANYTHING ABOUT IT.  
HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU SOON.  
LOVE YOU,
EVA

Myrna wrote: We have been away on our family reunion and at Alyssa's farewell concert. I have sent numerous e-mails to Nanci.

Erin Wrote

I love yall most. my therapist is a total dweeb. ask megan i told her in email. Do you have her email? Well if you dont hereit is: funsize.meg97@gmail.com.  i told her all bout it. i feel sheepish even after that last visit a week ago!I love yoou bye.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!

No-Bake Cookies

Tropical Orange and Coconut Balls

3 1/2 cups vanilla wafer cookie crumbs

2 cups powdered sugar

1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped

1/3 cup frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed, undiluted

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut

1. In the mixing bowl of your stand-type mixer, combine the

cookie crumbs, powdered sugar, and chopped pecans. Mix

in the orange juice and melted butter. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes.

2. Shape into one-inch balls and roll in the coconut.

3. Place the cookies in the refrigerator to become firm.

Cranberry Coconut Bars

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup brown sugar

1 1/2 cup quick rolled oats

1/4 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup sweetened flaked coconut

1/2 cup walnut pieces

1. Place butter in an 8-inch square, microwave-safe baking dish. Microwave until the butter is melted.

2. Stir in the brown sugar until dissolved. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Press the mixture firmly into the

dish.

3. Microwave for three to five minutes or until lightly browned. If your microwave does not have a rotating

carousel, rotate the dish twice during cooking.

4. Let the cookies cool and then cut them into bars with a sharp knife. Wrap them individually to pack in a

lunch.

Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookie Recipe

2 cups brown sugar

1/2 cup evaporated milk

1/2 cup butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cups peanut butter

3 cups quick rolled oats

1. Add the brown sugar, evaporated milk, and butter to a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium-high

heat, stirring continually, until the mixture comes to boil. Cook for one minute longer.

2. Remove from heat, stir in peanut butter, quick oats, and vanilla. Stir until the mixture begins to cool.

3. Drop the cookies by the spoonful onto a nonstick baking sheet or waxed paper. Cool completely in

the refrigerator.

How to Make Buckeyes

1 cup peanut butter

1/4 cup butter

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

6 ounces of dark chocolate wafers or other coating

chocolate

1. Mix the peanut butter, butter, and sugar together

adding more powdered sugar if necessary to reach the

desired consistency. Form little round balls the size of a

large marble. Refrigerate the balls until firm.

2. Melt the chocolate. Dip the peanut butter balls in the

chocolate using toothpicks as skewers to hold the balls.

Cover all but the top portion of the balls. Set aside until the chocolate sets. Store leftover buckeyes in the

refrigerator.

Baker’s note: This recipe was tested with 100% peanut butter, the kind that needs to be refrigerated after

opening. If you use shelf stable peanut butter, the buckeyes may not need to be refrigerated. We prefer the

100% peanut butter.

Cranberry White Chocolate Rice Krispies Treats Recipe

4 tablespoons butter

4 cups miniature marshmallows

1/2 tablespoon good quality vanilla

1 1/2 cup white chocolate chips

6 cups Kellogg’s Rice Krispies cereal or equal

3/4 cup dry cranberries

Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

1. In a large pan on the stovetop, melt the butter over low heat. Add the marshmallows. Stir until the mixture is

melted, hot, and smooth. Add the vanilla.

2. Add the white chocolate chips, rice cereal, and cranberries. Stir until the cereal is uniformly combined with

the marshmallow mixture.

3. Remove the mixture to the buttered pan. Evenly distribute the mixture and press it down into the pan with

buttered fingers, a piece of waxed paper, or a spatula. Let cool and cut into squares.

Baker’s notes: The white chocolate chips will melt in the hot marshmallow mixture.

Ready to relay: Remembering Garth Childs

Ready to relay: Remembering Garth Childs

Owen Olsen and his antique fire truck Jasper carry Garth Childs fire district chief to his final resting place at the Huntington Cemetery.

By By Diane Tadehara

Whether its fall, winter, spring, or summer, hunting season, fishing season or your favorite holiday season, having even one more season to share with those you love is a reason to fight cancer. It's Relay Season in Emery County. Join us as we celebrate Seasons of Hope on July 15-16 at Emery High School.  From the opening celebration of survivors, through the fun and entertainment of the evening that leads to the touching Luminaria ceremony where we can remember seasons share with loved ones who have passed and plan for future seasons with the survivors we love, Relay For Life has something for everybody.

We relay for a cure. We relay to show our resolve. We relay so anyone who hears the words, "You have cancer" can have a season of hope. We relay because we believe in a future where no one will have to hear, "you have cancer".

If anyone in your life has been affected by cancer, Relay For Life is for you. It's not too late to join us. For information go to www.relayforlife.org/castledaleut. It's the season to fight back against cancer.Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

This celebration begins about 12 years ago when a 47 year-old, wife and mother of four was diagnosed with stage II breast cancer. Her youngest, a son, was in his final year - expected to be the best - of high school. Her husband was deeply involved in the community on his local fire department, as an EMT, as a member of the County Jeep Posse, and very active in his faith. During her consequent surgery, chemo, and radiation, her husband stepped-up without question to see her through. The next five years would be years of Celebration for Alyce Childs and her family. She fought valiantly for the announcement that the cancer was gone. At her five year check-up and screening she was given a thumbs-up for a clean bill of health. Being aware of a niggling feeling, Alyce requested a pap smear be done six months later. The results returned abnormal prompting further testing. The diagnoses of stage III ovarian cancer was dropped on her. So again, Alyce's life was turned upside down with more surgery, more chemo, and more radiation. And again, Alyce's husband, Garth, was diligent in his care for her. She refers to him and his ability to take care of her along with all of his other obligations and responsibilities as, "amazing." Alyce continues to attend her screenings, but she does it without Garth.

Here we remember... just six short weeks ago another cancer story had a different ending. Garth's battle with cancer began six years ago about a year after Alyce won for the second time. He was 61 when diagnosed with prostate cancer. There was a biopsy and surgery that should have eliminated the cancer. They felt so let down and disappointed when they were told the surgery "didn't get it all." But it wasn't in Garth's nature to hold a grudge. His reaction was, "We are all human." By the time he was 62 the cancer had spread to the bone. Garth's oncologist told the Childs' that this was the "cancer from hell." It was very aggressive and rapidly growing. They were warned that it would be hard to fight. Garth started treatments that eventually included chemo, hormone replacement therapy, and five rounds of radiation that would last five years. Despite this overwhelming obstacle, Garth continued to work until he was 65.

Every position Garth held throughout his entire working career were centered on people. From the School District to Fire Chief to EMT and Chairman of the Board of Emery County Fire Chief's Association, his passion was to improve the lives of those around him. This shined through in his callings within his religion and his dedication to the acquisition of seven new fire engines for the county. His focus was honed over the last two years of his life as he helped design the fire trucks with the goal that "they would last 20 years!" The thing he hated in life was fire because it is so destructive. He had been known to say, "What fire didn't destroy, smoke would." Alyce watched as Garth took each fire personally. Always wishing he could have done more.

Doing more became a priority with his family. For two weeks during each of the last two years of his life, Garth shared a beach house in Depot Bay on the Oregon coast with his family. He simply adored his grandchildren. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather whose family all knew he wasn't afraid to do absolutely anything for them.

The only fear Garth had was that the cancer would render him incapacitated. He was at peace with his disease and aware of his mortality. He was not afraid of dying. His motto became to "do the best he could with what he had." Garth was a very humble man who loved people. He loved serving others and exchanging stories with people. "If you care about people it's what you do." Garth not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk. We remember the honor and dignity Garth lived.

We all have an opportunity to join the Fight Back. Relay for life and American Cancer Society lead the fight. Come join us in a fight against "cancers from hell." July 15, 2011 at 6 p.m. at Emery High School track.



Emery County Progress

Erin and Grammy

Well on with the good news first i am sooo happy julie ha her baby hes seems absolutaly adorable in your e-mail.Is he really blond?If sooo i feel really bad dad always calls me blond even though he knows im really not but now he has a nephew that really is blond ouch poor kid better run when my dad sees him JUST JOKING!!!LOL!!!!he seems small but adorable!!!!!!!!!!!When is kirsten gonna have her baby,is it soon?I hope so.Did the docters say what gender they thought it was gonna be?Well then here for the bad news.......I have found out that we cant go to wyoming that we are just going to utah to camp.That is a bummer I was really looking foward to coming he says it is a bad timing that wwe have to wait tilll caydin is a little bit older.plus he hasnt stopped the biting thing snd he is just as a stinker and nois maker as he ever was OI THAT BOY......i did get your other e-mail too and dad also told us bout the call he got we are all so sorry to hear such news.We hope you will be okay.And the loss we know is a great deal for you as you described in your e-mails they both were verey dear to you.But in times like these it is okay to cry it is okay to to yell and scream and it is totally okay to let depression get in your life.But it is also and always important to thing about good things so that the sadness and all does go away.All you do is  have to remember that even though these thins come and go we still have eachother and that it is best to move on.I know i do not help but at least i can try to speak truth in my own words. We hope you know we all are there for you.on days you want to cry cry on days ou wnt to screan yell and kick then scream yell and kick noone is stopping you.Just plz always evetually let love into your heart on the darkests moments you can and make it the best time you can.well back to some more good news ummmmmmm........lets see........Orchestra is big and grand though we dont get to have a spring concert sucks its totally okay with me.Towmorow i have to take me instruments back tthough.Today all the patroles including me got to go outside and we got to teach the kindergardeners how to jump rope it was fun though we asked all the kids in english if anyone only talked spanish all of them shook there heads.but at the end we were trying to get this one little girl to jump but she didnt even answere us later though we found out from one of her friends she only speaks spanish that was a really big SHOCKER!!!!!!!KIDS OH KIDS WHAT DO WE DO WITH KIDS!Counsellign is going great  my counselore is a boy though SHOCKER!!!!!!!Plus he wants me to start with truama therepy I don't know what to do abput that one.OH and mom is finally letting me read an adult book it really isnt that bad though i think it really is interesting there really isnt blood or anything like that in it and hardly any cussing either wich is a really good thing!We all love you and hope that you will be okay we all are thinking about you too!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Erin Lanora Trauntvein!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S.Rachel is totally right listen to her im sher shell cheer you up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Myrna wrote: We are here in Ohio. Michael just graduated from high school. He had a 4.3 grade point average and won a scholarship. Next we go to Boston to see Ben graduate and then we go home. We will be home on June 6.

I only cried and did not need to kick and scream. I was so sorry that Garth was in so much pain that I could not wish he would live longer. I will miss him but it will be OK. I will see him again.

I am proud of all the good things you are doing in school. I am also happy that your therapist is helping you. Always remember that there are a lot of people who love you and always remember that Heavenly Father loves you. Gramps loves you. I love you.

I will write more to you later.