Marissa is Set Apart

It's Monday night.  As a family we ate dinner at Noodle and Company.  It's one of Marissa's favorite places to eat.  We had a wonderful time chatting and talking away.  Around 7:35 we went to the bank to get Marissa her travel money and then on to the Stake Center to meet with President Day for Marissa's setting apart.

At 8:00 President Day took Marissa back into his office for an interview.  Later they opened the door and invited Mark, Betsy and Robert into the office to council and talk with us before her setting apart.  He review some of the things they talked about, and shared his testimony of the importance of OBEDIENCE.

We also talked about Devon coming home in just less than three weeks.  It's a shame they miss each other, but they are both very happy with where they are and what they are doing.  The Lord will bless them for their sacrifice.

Mark and President Day laid their hands on Marissa's head and bestowed a beautiful, personal and power blessing upon her as she was set apart to serve in the Utah Logan Mission.  

Later that night, Marissa went to have ice cream with Tori Simpson and Isabel Watkins.  They are two of her closest friends.  Marissa has missed Isabel since August, because they went to different colleges.  Marissa will miss both of them.

When Marissa got home we stayed up getting her all packed up and organized.  It was so fun helping her prepare.  

Worst Day Ever

Today has to have been one of the worst days ever!!!

Today I was accused of doing and saying things I don't ever remember doing, or saying and even worse, can't ever see myself doing or saying anything like that.

I know I have several faults:

I try to do everything the best that I can - not a 100% perfectionist, but something like that
I speak directly, with sprinkles of fluffy words instead of the other way around
I over book myself with service for others as well as having my own responsibilities
I stay up too late
I don't get enough sleep
I am rushed and short on time which makes me multitask as much as possible
I sometime focus on getting the job done, and now the feelings of everyone involved
I believe everyone forgives and understands like I do, but I realize they don't
I forget to tell people things, etc.

Well, today I was repeatedly told a list of offenses that I had done to people I love.  I was in shock.
First, I was in shock that they were keeping a list
Second, I was in shock that they took offense to some of the claims against me
and Third I was shocked at some of the things they accused me of - being guilty of some, and not of others.

I love the counsel of Brigham Young, whom stated something to the effect that we should not take offense - even if it is intended.  Offense divides and breaks families apart.  He goes on, but you get the idea - we are at fault if we take offense, because 9 out of 10 times somebody didn't mean to offend the other person and therefore, doesn't even know that they have offended anyone.  Second, he says we shouldn't take offense even if it is intended, because knowing the offense can help us be a better person.  We chose if we are offended or not.  I make a concerted effort not to be offended by others.  I honestly believe MOST people have no intention on offending someone, especially a friend or family member.  I also believe we need to respect each other's differences.  Devon taught me that!

So they said a lot of things, I cried a lot!!!

Things that just didn't make any sense - still don't make any sense - seem to be

Devon - week 101 Cindy Hick's Funeral

Hey guys.  I am again sorry to tell you that I cant write much.  

Today I went to a funeral for my old Bishop’s wife, Cynthia Hicks.  It was so good to see familiar faces of friends from KY. The familiar faces gave me a glimpse of what it would feel like to return home, except without the funeral part. It was a great funeral.  The spirit taught us all.  Many people cried. She was a good lady that served so many people and made them feel appreciated.  

I have thought about Faith this week. Twice this week I taught about it and heard it taught at church this week.  Never underestimate the power of faith.  It is so powerful. 

We have done a lot of service in this area, which is good.  

Honda Odyssey breaks down on way home from Awards Ceremony

After the awards ceremony, Mark and Marissa left in the Honda.

They were on Covered Bridge Road when the car just stopped working.  Mark had to pull over on Sleepy Hollow, just after the turn off from Covered Bridge Road.  

Mark broke out the owners manual and read what to do.  He turned off all electrical items, let it sit a bit and then tried to restart it.  It worked!!!

He drove it straight to the auto repair shop.  While he was stranded on the side of the road with Marissa, they called me.

I was still at the award ceremony for Seniors with Robert, while Robert had to play prelude music.  Just as Robert finished the music and was getting his things from the guitar room, Mark called.  Robert and I drove to the auto repair shop to meet Mark and Marissa.

We are now down to 1 - ONE - 1 car.  UGH!!!

Robert Receives Book Award at NOHS

Tonight was a special night for Robert.   Tonight was the underclassman high achievement awards.  Robert's guitar class was playing the prelude and postlude music, so he had to be there by 5:15.  The award ceremony started at 6:00 p.m.  

Robert was the recipient of the Spalding College Book Award ... a book entitled, A Pearl in the Storm written by the college president.   He was not expecting the award.  He was very happy and excited.

Robert also received the top student award in Physics.  What a great night for Robert.

Week 100 - Crain Family

I don't really have that much time to email.  Some exciting news is that they are changing the mission boundaries on July 1st.  Three of my areas will be in the Nampa mission and the 3 other areas will still be in the Idaho Boise mission. Right now is allergy season and iI have some allergies, not to bad I only used up 8 tissues in church.  

The members over here are great but a lot of them are struggling to do missionary work. Except for one family, the Crain’s, they have a family of 6, but one of their family members have already moved out.  The family has like 5 people for us to teach. It’s awesome.  It would be so cool if the whole ward was like that.  

gtg bye

Robert has a Car Accident

Oh what a sad day, night really.  After Robert had soccer practice at the Indoor YMCA, the boys threw their soccer coach a cute baby shower.  They had a great time together.  Unfortunately, the weather has been raining for days (nonstop), that's why the boys had to have soccer practice indoors.  Well, the roads were wet and Robert was going around the corner of the ramp to get onto Interstate 71, when the car started to spin (hydroplane).  He actually spun all the way around, the back bumper hitting a lamp post on the side of the road, then spinning another 180 degrees sliding down the grassy hill until the car came to a stop.  The air bag never deployed, he probably wasn't going over 40 miles per hour, but the back tires slid out in the wetness of the concrete. 

Robert was scared to death, I think he probably thought he was going to die.  Luckily, he wasn't hurt at all, and no one else was in the car with him.  I was at the baby shower so I was only a few minutes away when he called me to tell me what happened.  When he called, I thought he was going to ask me to go back to the YMCA to get a lost ball, or cleats that were left, or something like that.  I'm so glad I didn't assume what he was going to say, but just listened.  

I didn't drive that night - my dear friend, Maureen Green drove to the shower.  She drove me over to the ramp where the accident took place.  Robert was shaken up pretty bad.  He hugged me and I hugged him, as long as he needed.  At the time of the accident, his soccer buddies were in the cars (2 of them) behind him, so they pulled over to make sure Robert was okay.  They were on the scene when I got there.  Maureen called the police.  The cops and EMT showed up and checked Robert out.  There was no ticket or charges.  We called insurance - a tow truck will take the car to the repair shop.  What a crazy night.  Poor Robert.  

To make matters even more complicated, I have to pick Mark up at the airport tonight at 10:00 pm.  

This was the last time the Gold Malibu was driven.  It was a super good car!

Week 99 - My Plan

Hey guys I don't really have that much time to email this week because I am doing "My Plan." It is a post mission project that missionaries have to do. it asked me two questions but just so you know it only gives you 400 characters to write.

What are the most important spiritual truths the Lord has taught you?  

There are many examples in my mission of the power or the influence that God has on each of his Children.  Often times we don't recognize all that he does. There were specific time that I remember when I felt and knew that God was helping in lessons and talking to people.  Thoughts would come to my mind of what I needed to say and I knew they were not my thoughts but the Lords. Revelation is real.

I learned a lot more about our Lord and Savior.  I had great Knowledge about our Savior, but on my mission that knowledge changed from just a mind knowledge to a heart and mind knowledge. With both parts I understand more in depth about our Savior in all his aspects.  His Mission, Character, Grace, Mercy, Justice, Love, Atonement, Repentance is real.  His Grace is Real. He is Real.  I Love Jesus.

I have Learned how strong and real Opposition is.  The more we want to do good the more the adversary fights back. This is very annoying in life but it strengthens my testimony of the Gospel. In order to fight this opposition we have to have strong faith, desire, and work hard. If we have this Jesus will aid us in our fight even if that requires miracles.  God is a God of Miracles. I have seen it.

The Doctrine of Christ is in all that we do, on the mission and in life. Faith in every step we take. Change or repentance as we progress on the Journey. Covenants show us all the progress we have already made. The Holy Ghost as our guide. Keep pressing forward as we endure to the end.  The Doctrine of Christ is how we apply the atonement in our life. It is gift of God that usually is under used.

What Christlike attributes has the Lord helped you develop?

On my mission I feel like I have really had a lot of opportunities to develop and use patience.  Patience is a gift and valuable tool. 

Charity is one of the most important attributes. The Lord has defiantly increased this in my life and especially on my mission.  I wish to increase it even more. Remember that charity is not just to Love people but to Love God as well.  Charity is basically the first two greatest commandments.

I believe that the attribute that I have had the most impacted by my mission and grown is selflessness.  I remember watching the Character of Christ talk at the MTC.  That talk changed me and I hope that it will have changed me forever.  Jesus Christ was the most selfless person that every lived.  He never had a selfish thought.  He always looked outward to help others instead of himself.

Tennis vs CAL - doubles with Aiden - WIN

What a great match.  This is the last match of the season for Robert before Regionals.

Robert and Adian are playing doubles against CAL.  The game goes very well.  It's up and down a bit.  They are good competition, but Robert and Adian are better.

The game comes to an end, 8-4 win!  Great job Robert!!!!

game against KFJ

Terrible game.    So today Robert had to play against his old team, KFJ.  Robert did a great job.  I was so proud of him.  He won the ball in tackles and drove for shots on goal.  Their goalie, Aaron did a great job.

There was one play were Ben Leveck kneed Robert right in the thigh even though Robert didn't have the ball.  What a bad play.  Robert was hurt but kept playing.  

Our defenders didn't play close enough to their players and got burned.  We lost 5-0.

Week 98 - Family History

I got my departure papers :( this week.  It tells me when I get home and it gives me all my airplane info.

We had a really good week.   Lots of good stories that I don’t have time to share.  Things are going really good hopefully at the end of the month we will have 6 investigators.  

I did some family history this week found a name and I am excited to take it to the temple.  

gtg … See you next week