Wedding Bells Are Ringing

 


The highlight of the past few weeks (and there have been a number of highlights) had to be our youngest daughter's (Rachel's) wedding to Jake Beverley on December 2nd in the Draper Temple. She met him at church and they were friends long before he ever asked her out on a date. Though the weather was cold, the sun was out and it was a beautiful day for a beautiful bride. To make things even more perfect, we were able to be with all of our children and their spouses over the weekend and spend time with them, which was much needed.

The night before the wedding, our son Dan and our two other sons-in-law Victor and Kimball went up to Park City to see Tommy Emmanuel in concert. He was his usual brilliant self and it was fun to introduce Victor and Kimball to his genius. If you ever get a chance to see him in concert, it is well worth the time and money.

On the mission front, Anne and I were able to attend two different leadership conferences, one with Elder Gerritt W. Gong and another with Elder Neil L. Anderson, both Apostles of our church. Both men are humble, loving, intelligent and wonderful examples of discipleship of the Savior Jesus Christ. Each is called to be a special witness of the Savior and bears a powerful testimony of His divinity, mission and Atonement. It was a blessing to be with each of them.

I was moved by the following teachings by Elder Gong:

  • For spiritual power to exist, one must be in alignment with the source of that power, the Savior Jesus Christ.
  • Fight the pressure to deal with administrative matters and focus more attention on "ministrative" matters.
    • Fight the urge to do things as they have always been done and do what is needed and how it is needed to be done.
  • The gathering of Israel is to help others to enter covenants thereby yoking themselves with the Savior.
  • Delegation takes more work, but blesses the lives of those we invite to help us.
From Elder Anderson:
  • This Christmas season, let us speak of Christ.
  • What moves you to follow Him as opposed to just believe in Him?
  • The traditions of our fathers will not hold us firm in the faith in the days to come; we must have a steadfast conviction in and of the Savior Jesus Christ.
  • We need to be more open with our spiritual beliefs and experiences.
  • Eternity is a long time; the lessons of life are often taught over many decades.
Anne and I are being blessed daily 

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