 | |||||||||
| |||||||||
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Emma's Getting Baptized
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Melanie Provides Helpful Information
Melanie wrote: Our trainer from LDS Seminaries and Institutes told us that the Church's stand at the time we were teaching was to teach that Joseph Smith said many things and wrote many things that were never fully documented. Brother Chapman told us to explain that when President Monson travels, he talks to many people and may say things to them that aren't recorded, except by those people in their personal histories. He also told us that much of the Church's early history was taken from many people's journals, as well as from Joseph Smith's journal, and can't be counted as complete.
There is also another source of information on the White Horse Prophecy. It gives some interesting insight to what many people, General Authorities and other Prophets have said over the years. Susan Easton Black discounted the prophecy, but BYU has made an interesting finding. With that, I think it will be up to us to have the Holy Ghost testify to the truthfulness of what we believe to be true. I don't see why there would be such a fuss made about it's not being true. Brother Chapman, our trainer said that he believed that things would follow the direction talked about in the Doctrine and Covenants. That truth would be had for naught. Section 84:114-120 talks about how Boston and New York needed to be told about the destruction of their cities. He asked us about what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah and why. Gives one something to think about, with both cities being the lead in Gay/Lesbian marriages.
The whole of the Doctrine and Covenants is a warning. D&C 1:4 "And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days." The Lord also tells us in verse 5: "And they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have commanded them." The best section of scripture to read about what will happen in the last days is D&C 88. If you have access to the Church's Encyclopedias of Mormonism, there are several references in there about these things. (I have them, but can't find them in the attic...I looked. I am just not sure which box they ended up in.)
Here is an article that we were told we would find useful in making our decision. There are multiple prophets quoted at the end of the article.
http://www.utlm.org/onlineresources/whitehorseprophecy.htm
As to the answer to the other question, I am still looking through my notes. When I find the answer, I will let you know. It has something to do with our lives are so quick, we fill our days with so many things that the days seem shorter, and the seasons seem to come more quickly than they seemed to for our ancestors.
Melanie
Myrna wrote: Thanks for the information. I do appreciate the time you have taken from your busy schedule to answer my questions. Jim is having a bad bee year and is worried that he will not have much honey. He asked me if I thought the seasons were being confused. I honestly cannot find anything about that. I have heard that people will only know one season from another by the leaves on the trees. I can find nothing about it at all. I think that must just be something that we LDS say but we do not have a foundation for it.
I love you!
How is the house selling going? I am praying that it will sell soon so that Mikaela's life will be settled. (And yours, of course.)
Melanie wrote:
I did find something that Brother Chapman told us about. It is in D& C 121:12. "And also that God hath set his hand and seal to change the times and seasons..." and Dan 2:21, "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding."
Brother Chapman said that because of the way that we fill our days, we won't have time for the things the Lord has asked us to do. Our lives, seasons of time, will feel like they will be going by more quickly. He also said that the signs that we need to have are in the scriptures. The main ones are outlined and some have all ready come to pass. Things will be so subtle, that even the Saints may be confused. That is why Jesus Christ will be able to come like a thief in the night. Even the church members need to be vigilante and watchful.
I am sure the Lord is even mindful of Bee Keepers.
Melanie
There is also another source of information on the White Horse Prophecy. It gives some interesting insight to what many people, General Authorities and other Prophets have said over the years. Susan Easton Black discounted the prophecy, but BYU has made an interesting finding. With that, I think it will be up to us to have the Holy Ghost testify to the truthfulness of what we believe to be true. I don't see why there would be such a fuss made about it's not being true. Brother Chapman, our trainer said that he believed that things would follow the direction talked about in the Doctrine and Covenants. That truth would be had for naught. Section 84:114-120 talks about how Boston and New York needed to be told about the destruction of their cities. He asked us about what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah and why. Gives one something to think about, with both cities being the lead in Gay/Lesbian marriages.
The whole of the Doctrine and Covenants is a warning. D&C 1:4 "And the voice of warning shall be unto all people, by the mouths of my disciples, whom I have chosen in these last days." The Lord also tells us in verse 5: "And they shall go forth and none shall stay them, for I the Lord have commanded them." The best section of scripture to read about what will happen in the last days is D&C 88. If you have access to the Church's Encyclopedias of Mormonism, there are several references in there about these things. (I have them, but can't find them in the attic...I looked. I am just not sure which box they ended up in.)
Here is an article that we were told we would find useful in making our decision. There are multiple prophets quoted at the end of the article.
http://www.utlm.org/onlineresources/whitehorseprophecy.htm
As to the answer to the other question, I am still looking through my notes. When I find the answer, I will let you know. It has something to do with our lives are so quick, we fill our days with so many things that the days seem shorter, and the seasons seem to come more quickly than they seemed to for our ancestors.
Melanie
Myrna wrote: Thanks for the information. I do appreciate the time you have taken from your busy schedule to answer my questions. Jim is having a bad bee year and is worried that he will not have much honey. He asked me if I thought the seasons were being confused. I honestly cannot find anything about that. I have heard that people will only know one season from another by the leaves on the trees. I can find nothing about it at all. I think that must just be something that we LDS say but we do not have a foundation for it.
I love you!
How is the house selling going? I am praying that it will sell soon so that Mikaela's life will be settled. (And yours, of course.)
Melanie wrote:
I did find something that Brother Chapman told us about. It is in D& C 121:12. "And also that God hath set his hand and seal to change the times and seasons..." and Dan 2:21, "And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding."
Brother Chapman said that because of the way that we fill our days, we won't have time for the things the Lord has asked us to do. Our lives, seasons of time, will feel like they will be going by more quickly. He also said that the signs that we need to have are in the scriptures. The main ones are outlined and some have all ready come to pass. Things will be so subtle, that even the Saints may be confused. That is why Jesus Christ will be able to come like a thief in the night. Even the church members need to be vigilante and watchful.
I am sure the Lord is even mindful of Bee Keepers.
Melanie
Monday, July 25, 2011
Healthy Ice Cream
Source: Courtesy of A. Haas
I originally saw the idea for this healthy dessert on The Today Show. I'll admit, I was skeptical that blended frozen bananas could taste anything like ice cream, but believe it or not - they do! Once blended, they take on the consistency of soft serve ice cream. For a firmer ice cream feel, just pop the blended bananas in the freezer for 15 more minutes.
My favorite way to serve this tasty treat is with a touch of agave nectar (or honey) and peanut butter blended in and with chocolate syrup on top. But the sky's the limit - add in chocolate chips, toasted nuts, butterscotch chips, you name it, and enjoy!
Ingredients
4 ripe bananas
2 tsp agave syrup or honey (optional)
2 tbsp peanut butter (optional)
chocolate syrup or caramel (optional)
Preparation
Cut the ripe bananas into 1-2" pieces and freeze for at least 1 hour.
Place the frozen bananas in the bowl of a food processor, along with any optional ingredients you choose to use (agave nectar/honey, peanut butter, chocolate chips, etc). Pulse until the bananas start to break apart, then switch on and blend for 2-3 minutes, scraping down the bowl, if necessary. The bananas will first break down into a sandy texture, before taking on the consistency of soft serve ice cream.
Top with any desired toppings, such as chocolate syrup or caramel. Enjoy!
Amanda Haas is a cookbook author and founder of the website One Family One Meal, which provides free recipes, menu plans, and shopping lists to parents who want to cook healthy meals their entire family will love. Her recipes and kitchen wisdom are currently also being showcased by Pottery Barn Kids. Cooking in Everyday English, her latest cookbook writing project, will be released in October of 2011 (pre-order at Amazon).
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Friday, July 22, 2011
Quote Sent by Todd
Todd wrote:
Read this today. Really liked it. Sent to my BCC list (Best Contact Considerately). By: http://www.kirkweisler.com/t4d
Our family devotional today was focused on “character” what it is, when we know we are building it, compromising it, and why it’s so very important to us individually and to our society. So today I want to share a couple points of our discussion with you.
It’s more important to have character than it is to be one. Being a character is easy…having character can sometimes be hard. But the results of compromising our character can be hardest of all.
The other day I read a quote that said something to the effect that… “The real character of a person is revealed when they come into a great deal of money or when they lose a great deal of money.”
I remember being taught that character is best defined by what a person does when they don’t think anyone is watching. Thinking about politicians in this context can start to drive you nuts. (Sorry - but if you can’t be loyal to your spouse and family then I can’t trust you to be loyal to me and my fellow tax payers. My vote must go elsewhere regardless of your political or populist pedigree). Character requires that we choose what is right over what is popular and convenient… it requires that we stand up for principle and that means that we may often find ourselves standing first, standing out, and standing alone.
Character is developed, strengthened and refined through adversity and trial. It is weakened through the compromising of principle which is often associated with peer pressure, insecurity and the desire to be well thought of. Interestingly in our attempts to please and appease the masses doesn’t gain us more respect but less. Now that the masses know we are willing to “give in” they will want us to give in again and again. At the same time since they know we will give in…they also know they can’t trust us to stand firm. So they will use us to get what they want until we have nothing left to give…then they will find someone else to exploit. Their is no loyalty when there is no character. Lacking in this said scenario is trust and respect for self, for others and for truth.
Unfortunately, for those who wish it did not…truth comes with some absolutes, some lines that cannot be crossed. Honesty, Integrity, Accountability, Responsibility are all words we associate with men and women of character. (Notice perfection is not one of those words) We do not have to be perfect to have character. But we do need to have a desire to do and to be the best we can…and to be willing to live in a manner that places the importance people and principle before our own self interest. Character is selfless and an essential ingredient in the spirit of the servant leader.
My wife shared this quote with us this morning…
“Character is revealed…in the power to discern the suffering of other people when we ourselves are suffering; in the ability to detect the hunger of others when we are hungry; and in the power to reach out and extend compassion for the spiritual agony of others when we are in the midst of our own spiritual distress. Thus, character is demonstrated by looking and reaching outward when the natural and instinctive response is to be self-absorbed and turn inward”. ~ David A. Bednar
Then she closed by saying..
“The true character of a man is revealed by what he does at home.” Rebecca Weisler
Thursday, July 21, 2011
BYU Planetarium--Let's Go!
BYU Planetarium
   |
January 1, 2010 - December 31, 2011
Days of the Week: FriEyring Science Center Planetarium
BYU, Eyring Science Center, Provo, UT 84601
801-422-5396
Hours of Operation: Shows at 7:00pm and 8:00pm
Price: $2
Days of the Week: FriEyring Science Center Planetarium
BYU, Eyring Science Center, Provo, UT 84601
801-422-5396
Hours of Operation: Shows at 7:00pm and 8:00pm
Price: $2
Learn about the stars and other things in the sky at the BYU Planetarium.
The Planetarium provides outreach shows for community groups, gives weekend shows for the public, and holds University classes. As a service to the community, the BYU Planetarium provides a few outreach shows for school groups, scout groups, youth groups, and others for a discounted rate of 50 cents per person. These shows are given at regularly scheduled times. The outreach shows are given by reservation only.
The shows start promptly at 7:00pm and 8:00pm.
Tickets are $2 and will be on sale at the door from 6:30pm to 7:00pm and again from 7:50pm to 8:00pm.
There is no food or drink allowed in the planetarium.
Because it gets very dark in the planetarium, the shows may not be appropriate for some young children.
Map data ©2011 Google -
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Quick Email
We had a big Zone activity today that took up most of my time...so I'm going to send a quick little email to let you all know that I am alive and that I have had a fantastically crazy week. I baptized another family, a family of 4 this week. The other family needs more time, possibly. We'll see what happens this week. I hit 80% retention this week. In 3 weeks we have accomplished what missionaries counldn't do in 4 or 5 weeks before! I was so excited. But that was put off by the lack of people at church this past sunday. Our attendance dropped 100! It was crazy going from 250 to 150 in one week, but that happens out here a lot. I just wish it didn't.
The baptism was crazy because there was no water in the church, so we went to a river in my area to baptize (instead of going to baptize in the ocean because they have some crazy fear of the ocean water). I will send the photos with the other email tomorrow. :)
Love,
Elder B
The baptism was crazy because there was no water in the church, so we went to a river in my area to baptize (instead of going to baptize in the ocean because they have some crazy fear of the ocean water). I will send the photos with the other email tomorrow. :)
Love,
Elder B
In a River
We prepared our families, had them interviewed and everything, and we thought everything was all dandy for Saturday. Until MB, one of my investigators, decided to run away Saturday morning and have his wife lie to us. Just an FYI, Miskito women are bad liars, they think that they are fantastic liars because they do it all the time, but they do not lie well. She said that she didn't know where her husband went, but that he went to work. We knew he works construction so we asked her where the house he's helping to build is located. She looked all around and said with a puzzled look, "I don't know. Over there." Where? There's nothing around us in like all 360º of view! Oh well. Then they didn't come to church on Sunday, so we'll see what's going on with that family today. Oh, and apart from that, there was NO WATER in the church because the water pump broke, so we had to baptize my family in a river. That was crazy. We had to walk forever and then some, but it was worth it. It was so beautiful and clean out there!
We had a really cool lessons with some new investigators of ours, Judith and Franklin, and with some recent converts (too many to name right now). My companion, Elder Salmon, and I are having so much fun finding new families and teaching the all of them, and all of the recent converts their duties as Children of God. Really, it is like teaching Primary children all day long, but it is so much fun. I never get tired of telling people how important it is to go to church every Sunday, to pray (alone and in families), to pay tithing, to read the scriptures, etc. It never gets old for me; on the contrary, I learn new things and increase my knowledge of the Gospel. I love to hear new convert's growing testimonies, I love to see their progression and their hunger for the truth and light increase weekly.
We're basically done baptizing this month, if I baptize the other family, fantastic! Otherwise we're simply going to prepare for August. We've gotten the results I feel were needed for this month.
Well, I love you all! I love this work and I love all of the lessons that I am learning out here. I am grateful for your love, emails, prayers and letters! Keep sending them my way...;) Have a great week and be happy!
Love,
Elder B
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Retaining
This week was rather miraculous for my branch out here. Knowing that my companion has been dealing with retention for so long I decided to take advantage of his "expertise" in this area. We visited our investigators, we visited members, we went and did visits with members, we visited TONS of converts, and...we hit 74% retention. That's amazing. In two weeks we have achieved more than what has been achieved in a whole month by other misionaries! We also had 250 people in church on Sunday! I was able to sit and enjoy the sacrament, the talks, and enjoy the hard work I had done this week.
So I accidentally lied last week. My companion is not from Tooele, he's from West Bountiful. Oops. :(
My companion and I had so much fun this week teaching our investigators and doing the like 100+ visits that we did. We were able to chat about the zone, the mission, funny memories, I hastle him, he hastles me. He is rather hilarious. He also is a wonderful example for me. He is so kind and loving to everyone he meets, something that I need to get better at doing. I'm not always nice to everyone, especially when they're rude or just plain stupid. But he is so charitable. I am adapting and becoming better at it.
My companion and I have so many great things that we would like to achieve as a companionship. We want to be better missionaries, we want to have real success and be united as a companionship. So we are studying more together, we talk all the time. Yeah. So this next change is looking great. :)
Elder Lundquist and I are determined to help him start some kind of easy-up business when he finishes his mission. We are working out the kinks right now, slowly but surely and we're gonna see what happens when he gets back.
So, this week, if you're feeling rather charitable, could you all pray for a couple of the people I am teaching? First we have Luis and Judith. They want to get baptized, but the husband is hesitant. They didn't make it to church this Sunday, so I'm a little cautious as to what might happen when I see them tomorrow. Next is Marcelino and Carina: these two are fantastic, except Carina is just a little nervous about getting baptized again. We've been working with them and we are going to do all that we can to help them enter the waters of baptism this week! Coolest thing, they're both legally married. That is a huge surprise. We're trying to help both of these marriages rise from the ashes, as they are both struggling and want out of the hole they are slipping into.
Well, I love you all. Have a fantastic week. Don't worry. Be happy. Read your scriptures and say your prayers and everything will turn out all right.
With much love,
Elder B
So I accidentally lied last week. My companion is not from Tooele, he's from West Bountiful. Oops. :(
My companion and I had so much fun this week teaching our investigators and doing the like 100+ visits that we did. We were able to chat about the zone, the mission, funny memories, I hastle him, he hastles me. He is rather hilarious. He also is a wonderful example for me. He is so kind and loving to everyone he meets, something that I need to get better at doing. I'm not always nice to everyone, especially when they're rude or just plain stupid. But he is so charitable. I am adapting and becoming better at it.
My companion and I have so many great things that we would like to achieve as a companionship. We want to be better missionaries, we want to have real success and be united as a companionship. So we are studying more together, we talk all the time. Yeah. So this next change is looking great. :)
Elder Lundquist and I are determined to help him start some kind of easy-up business when he finishes his mission. We are working out the kinks right now, slowly but surely and we're gonna see what happens when he gets back.
So, this week, if you're feeling rather charitable, could you all pray for a couple of the people I am teaching? First we have Luis and Judith. They want to get baptized, but the husband is hesitant. They didn't make it to church this Sunday, so I'm a little cautious as to what might happen when I see them tomorrow. Next is Marcelino and Carina: these two are fantastic, except Carina is just a little nervous about getting baptized again. We've been working with them and we are going to do all that we can to help them enter the waters of baptism this week! Coolest thing, they're both legally married. That is a huge surprise. We're trying to help both of these marriages rise from the ashes, as they are both struggling and want out of the hole they are slipping into.
Well, I love you all. Have a fantastic week. Don't worry. Be happy. Read your scriptures and say your prayers and everything will turn out all right.
With much love,
Elder B
Monday, July 11, 2011
BYU Beneath Your Feet
BYU Beneath Your Feet
 |
June 1, 2010 - April 1, 2012
Days of the Week: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, FriBYU Museum of Peoples and Cultures
700 North 100 East, Provo, UT 84602
801-422-0020
Hours of Operation: M, W, F: 9am-5pm; T, Th 9am-7pm
Price: Free
Days of the Week: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, FriBYU Museum of Peoples and Cultures
700 North 100 East, Provo, UT 84602
801-422-0020
Hours of Operation: M, W, F: 9am-5pm; T, Th 9am-7pm
Price: Free
Beneath Your Feet: Discovering the Archaeology of Utah Valley is BYU's Museum of Peoples and Cultures' (MPC) newest exhibition. This exhibition has a particular emphasis on the Fremont people who inhabited Utah Valley from AD 400 to 1300.
Featured prominently in the exhibit are many artifacts discovered around Utah Lake. Archaeologists, including those at BYU and BYU's field school class, have been excavating sites in Utah Valley since the early 1930s.
This is the first exhibition to focus solely on the archaeology of Utah Valley. All of the material in the new exhibition was put together by student employees of the MPC. This exhibit offers a new perspective on Utah Valley's history and the chance to discover the history that is literally beneath the homes, street, and sidewalks around us.
To schedule a tour, call 801-422-0022 or just come in on your own! Admission is free.
Featured prominently in the exhibit are many artifacts discovered around Utah Lake. Archaeologists, including those at BYU and BYU's field school class, have been excavating sites in Utah Valley since the early 1930s.
This is the first exhibition to focus solely on the archaeology of Utah Valley. All of the material in the new exhibition was put together by student employees of the MPC. This exhibit offers a new perspective on Utah Valley's history and the chance to discover the history that is literally beneath the homes, street, and sidewalks around us.
To schedule a tour, call 801-422-0022 or just come in on your own! Admission is free.
Erin's Primary Talk About Temples
This morning I’m going to talk about temples. Temples are indeed important to many cultures around the world. Such as the Incas, Mayans, Buddhists, Isralites and especially the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Temples are special for performing special rituals. In some temples they preformed sacrifices such as blood sacrifices from animals. And in some cultures they would even perform human sacrifices. In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints they perform special ordinances such as being sealed for all time and eternity and when you are twelve and have permission you can be baptized for the dead. And we do this for many people because they have never heard the name Jesus Christ.
People build temples so that they can be somewhere where they can worship their God. And I think that Temples are also special because Heavenly Father himself walks through every temple of the Latter-day Saints temples. Jesus Christ visits the temples of the Latter-day Saints.
Back in the time when Christ lived the Jewish people would abuse Heavenly Father’s way of life of performing temple rituals and when Jesus Christ was with them He told them and I’m going to read what He told them.
Doctrine and Covenants 45:18-19
18 And now ye behold this temple which is in Jerusalem which ye call the house of the God and your enemies say that this house shall never fall.
19 But verily I say unto you that desolation shall come upon this generation as a thief in the night, and this people shall be destroyed and scattered round all nations.
At the time of His crucifixion the Veil in the temple was ripped in half and the temple was destroyed.
I think that today Heavenly Father is proud to look down on us because we are doing what He wants us to do: to believe in the church and to follow His ways.
Eagle Project for the CJC
As many of you know, my office uses the Children's Justice Center in Provo to help preserve evidence of child victims. Even though they are not in the county where I work, they are very accommodating by putting child victims as a priority. They have a forensic medical staff who can give needed physical exams in a compassionate way, they have experts in child interviewing who do our videos of child interviews in decorated rooms, and they have numerous contacts for therapy and other professional services. I have watched scores of videos (probably nearing 100 over 15 years) of children who were interviewed in their soft rooms. There is no way for me to repay them for all they have done for the area in which I work. This is a small way, and we hope others will recognize this wonderful asset in our community whose purpose is to help children of crimes heal.
My son Kyle is helping the CJC for his Eagle project. His project has 3 parts: (1) collect much needed snacks for the children, (2) a specially arranged tour of the facility to promote community education, and (3) fixing-up the playground.
For those of you who can assist, he is having a day of service and has arranged a rare tour of the facility on Friday, July 9 at 5:00, service from 5:30-8:30. The service involves painting the playground and hopefully replacing the woodchips. He is accepting cash (to purchase paint and woodchips) any time. If you have any contacts who could help with donated paint or woodchips, please let us know.
The needed snacks and supplies are: Small juice boxes, bags or cans; commercial, individually-wrapped nonperishable crackers, cookies, or other snack items; bottled water; non-caffeinated soda; hand sanitizer; facial tissue; napkins; antiseptic wipes (for cleaning toys); and paper towels. Contact us and he will come and collect them from you.
The needed snacks and supplies are: Small juice boxes, bags or cans; commercial, individually-wrapped nonperishable crackers, cookies, or other snack items; bottled water; non-caffeinated soda; hand sanitizer; facial tissue; napkins; antiseptic wipes (for cleaning toys); and paper towels. Contact us and he will come and collect them from you.
Thank you in advance for your help. I know this is a very busy time for everyone, but any help is appreciated. Feel free to forward this to those who are interested in helping the CJC.
Thanks,
AnnMarie Howard
Remembering Garth
Ready to relay: Remembering Garth Childs
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
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
I want to help
I talked to Jana. For my party they got the cakes from Costco. They make really good cake. The follks from my ward all use theirs. I called them. They have chocolate and vanilla Their cakes make 48 pieces. I think that would be the best thing to do. I will be happy to help pay for them and I know Nanci will also. She could probably go pick them up. There is a fairly new Costco onthe corner in Murray at State St and about 5600 so; right across the street from the big new IHC Hospital. We ahave to order them in person, Nanci could probably go pick them up on Saturday. Will you folks be bringing Kirstin up to fly home? Maybe you could order them then or maybe Helen could do it.
I talked to Dick; he and Thelma will be coming but he doesn't know about any of his kids. Don's 16 year old son had Thyroid surgery last week; they did two incisions because he had a tumor they removed. They re waiting for the results to see if it was malignant- next week. Jim & Karma will come but they don't know if any of their kids will, maybe only kaitlyn. David & Eulale are hoping to. He has to perform a wedding for a girl in their ward that day and she couldn't remember what time. Barry & Jana will try. She is involved in a Youth Conference that day. I am sure Lynda will but Michael can't walk any more; she might bring Chris. I sent Jennifer an email and told her about it but they have Garth's wedding in Salt lake the next week so i haven't heard from her.
Thanks so much for doing the invitations and he video . I don't know if Nanci will be doing some kind of flowers. I think it would be great for everyone not to have to make and
transport cakes. If you need some cake server, I have two or three small ones; just let me know, OK? It should be a wonderful day for Helen.
Love you, Eva
Monday, July 4, 2011
From Sea to Shining Sea
The ocean this morning was super shiny and it made me really happy. I love gray skies and rainy days so much, and they are needed so much by the area and the people (as well as the missionaries) but there is something so rejuvinating by a bright, sunny sky filled with white puffy clouds.
This week two crazy things happened! First, three of the families my companion and I were teaching got baptized! Three families! I was so darn excited. It was cool having that kind of success after so much labor and stress. Second, my companion got transfered! He was taken out of our zone on Sunday afternoon. They have sent him to Ocotal, the main city in a mountainous region, in the department of Nueva Segovia. He was sad and all of his converts were very upset too; I did ty to remind them that I was still going to be there serving them, helping them and loving them, but they didn't seem too inerested. Interesting.
My new companion´s name is Elder Salmon. He is from Tooele, UT, has about 15 months on the mission, is one-fourth Mauri and is related to my old coworker Danny. Small world. I met him, whew, so long ago (last year at the mission house in the South mission when he asked to use some of my contact solution). Little did I know that he would steal my suitcase for three weeks--completely by accident--and then become a good friend and eventually my companion. Yes, this is the Elder that had my suitcase with all of my clothes in it, all of my shoes, socks, everything! He is still so ashamed of that whole situation. Rather funny really.
This week my goal is to find new families to teach and get to the "progressing family" status and baptize one to two more families (baptizing in the next 2 weeks, for then I can just focus on retention and finding). I am excited because I'm finally creating the machine that I've been trying and working so hard to create for so long. The Lord has truly blessed me with the desires of my heart and is helping me to be consistent and to attain the success that I crave.
I love these people out here. They have an interesting culture, but their quirks are what make me love them so much more. They really want to do the right things, they are simply tossed around like a wave of the sea: they believe anyone and trust most everyone. A strength and a weakness. I love the Miskiu class that I am taking here. I am able to learn on a new level, and converse with the teacher about the culture and the people so much. It creates within me a new love and hunger to study this people, to study people in general: cultures, languages, arts, beliefs, religions. So interesting. Done rambling.
I love this place, I love my mission. I love all of YOU. Yes, YOU. I hope that anyone reading this letter finds something to help you each week, if not, pray. read your scriptures.
Have a fun week, look for opportunities to serve, to bless the lives of others, and look for ways to BE HAPPY.
Love,
Elder B
This week two crazy things happened! First, three of the families my companion and I were teaching got baptized! Three families! I was so darn excited. It was cool having that kind of success after so much labor and stress. Second, my companion got transfered! He was taken out of our zone on Sunday afternoon. They have sent him to Ocotal, the main city in a mountainous region, in the department of Nueva Segovia. He was sad and all of his converts were very upset too; I did ty to remind them that I was still going to be there serving them, helping them and loving them, but they didn't seem too inerested. Interesting.
My new companion´s name is Elder Salmon. He is from Tooele, UT, has about 15 months on the mission, is one-fourth Mauri and is related to my old coworker Danny. Small world. I met him, whew, so long ago (last year at the mission house in the South mission when he asked to use some of my contact solution). Little did I know that he would steal my suitcase for three weeks--completely by accident--and then become a good friend and eventually my companion. Yes, this is the Elder that had my suitcase with all of my clothes in it, all of my shoes, socks, everything! He is still so ashamed of that whole situation. Rather funny really.
This week my goal is to find new families to teach and get to the "progressing family" status and baptize one to two more families (baptizing in the next 2 weeks, for then I can just focus on retention and finding). I am excited because I'm finally creating the machine that I've been trying and working so hard to create for so long. The Lord has truly blessed me with the desires of my heart and is helping me to be consistent and to attain the success that I crave.
I love these people out here. They have an interesting culture, but their quirks are what make me love them so much more. They really want to do the right things, they are simply tossed around like a wave of the sea: they believe anyone and trust most everyone. A strength and a weakness. I love the Miskiu class that I am taking here. I am able to learn on a new level, and converse with the teacher about the culture and the people so much. It creates within me a new love and hunger to study this people, to study people in general: cultures, languages, arts, beliefs, religions. So interesting. Done rambling.
I love this place, I love my mission. I love all of YOU. Yes, YOU. I hope that anyone reading this letter finds something to help you each week, if not, pray. read your scriptures.
Have a fun week, look for opportunities to serve, to bless the lives of others, and look for ways to BE HAPPY.
Love,
Elder B
Friday, July 1, 2011
Ready to relay
I have been involved in several Relays for Life events. They are very rewarding. I will make sure that this year, wherever I end up, I will enter a relay for May Bolton and for Garth and Alyce. Important people in our lives need to be remembered. Thanks for forwarding this article. I am going to put it in my family history folder on my computer.
Mel
Mel
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)