Here are a few pictures of Chile in honor of the birthday boy today.
Watching paint dry
Happy birthday, Grandma Stewart
I woke up this morning dreaming about my Grandma Stewart. It would have been her 89th birthday today. I was grateful for a visit from her. I miss her.
Tribute I wrote about her HERE.
Religion Class
In my adult religion class this week, we had a guest speaker who taught us about the Tabernacle and the High Priest’s clothing. The teacher made these pieces himself, and wove the ephod fabric himself. I liked seeing the symbolism of these pieces and that he was willing to share. I have studied all of this before, but this class was unforgettable and touched my heart. I love a great visual aid.
Gold
Timothy did not enjoy having the piano stowed under plastic last week. He practiced on Daniel’s keyboard, but it wasn’t the same. Within a few minutes of removing the plastic, he was playing the grand piano. And I have found my new happy place.
Tim’s Great Game
photo credit: Dean Brockbank
It was a glorious morning on Saturday with sun, pleasant temperatures, and a great Frisbee game to watch. Timothy is fast and made some great catches. His position is like wide receiver in football. He runs down the field for the long passes and there is a lot of glory when he scores points.
When they didn’t contact us
I spent the week painting my living room and hallways.
The mission never contacted us to let us know Daniel arrived.
I just applied gallon after gallon of paint on the walls. It was a difficult week.
Post Update:
Personal Ministry
This little video made me think about my own neighborhood, and the messages I would like to send by my actions to my neighbors.
Bishop Brockbank, our previous bishop, talked a lot about personal ministries. This was many years ago and I was inspired by his words, and began doing things in my neighborhood, not connected to my church responsibilities. I have made time in my schedule for unlikely people. It has made a positive difference in my life, and in the way I view my neighbors. I give time, my talents, and my compassion. These acts are personal and real and treasures to me. You are also my neighbor, dear reader, and I hope you feel that when I write, I care about sharing real things, true things, and about you. Have a wonderful day.
Goodbye, green room
I was never a fan of this moody split pea soup room. Today I am supposed to be cool with Daniel flying halfway across the world without a send-off. In my cocoon, waiting to become yielded and still, I see that I must get rid of this color. Immediately.
Dear Friends
Our Relief Society presidency was released last Sunday. I have felt all of the emotions about this change in my life, but have landed on joy, and that is where I will stay. I have no ultimate regrets or concerns about things left undone. I know I served with all I had, and was strengthened by God to go beyond that. I have loved this calling, and have thanked my Father in Heaven often for the privilege to serve in such a deep way. Most of all, I have loved the relationships I have been able to build with the people in my neighborhood. My presidency has been ideal for me and for the season we served. Each was so needed in her role, so perfectly prepared by experiences, personal gifts, and goodness. I asked Paige to make a simple sketch of our faces, close together, that I could frame or embroider. I love these women!
Daniel’s last letter from the MTC
Elder Ross leaves for Chile on Monday. Usually in his letters, he shares funny quotes that he hears in his district and some spiritual thoughts. This was a fun letter. -A
Week 6 missionaries get colored dots for their nametags. We think it’s to show people that they hypothetically (on paper) should potentially-if they’ve been working hard-know enough Spanish to be somewhat competent in conversation. It’s actually impressive how much we’ve all learned.
We’re getting all our travel plans now. Monday’s gonna be a long day but I’m so excited!
Not much time this week, so a few quotes and then some Spiritual things. It’s kind of my job.
“In my free time from now on, I’m drawing mancaves.”
“No WAY you’re getting ME in the water with a catfish!”
Elder who mistakenly memorized 3 Nephi 3:7 [It’s worth your time to look this one up.] instead of 1 Nephi for the district goal:
“So, uh, I memorized that scripture, but I don’t feel like it’s the best approach. Are you sure we should tell people that?”
Goofiness aside, we really are having an incredible experience here. I’m learning so much about better study and how the spirit works.
This week I was rereading the story of Nephi and the ship and found it interesting that his brothers saw that “It was good.” This is the same language we see used in the creation as well regarding the works of the Lord. Nephi’s ship was built after the manner of the Lord. I remembered some verses in Moroni 7 (Worth a read) that explain what Good things are and how to recognize them. Ever since, I’ve noticed how that word is used to describe things in the scriptures and it’s been interesting. Not every case works, but it seems like quite frequently it could be used for things that are of God. Kind of cool.
I was reading in Matthew and 1 Nephi about Lehi’s vision and had a thought about the rod of iron, or the scriptures/word of God. The Savior was able to refute every challenge of the adversary with scripture. Satan even tried to use scriptures in some of his challenges, but mingled with garbage. It didn’t work. Satan cannot use the iron rod against us. Hold on to it, guys!
We also see in that scripture in Matthew that Satan’s main/recurring temptation or challenge was for the Savior to do ___ IF he was who he was and is today. This is exactly the same thing we see with Moses in the Pearl of Great Price. He attacks our divine nature and infinite potential as sons and daughters of God, and heirs to all He has if we so choose to live. Remember who you are! If you’re not sure, start studying the scriptures with that question in mind. Or if not that question, any question. You’ll get answers. I promise.
Ask for God’s help. Alma, Nephi, and Lehi (And lots of others) show us that it’s not enough to be called, set apart, righteous, and doing what the Lord asks. PROPHETS that got the strength or guidance or instruction they needed only when they humbled themselves and asked God for what they needed.
Out of time, unfortunately. Love you guys! Praying for you always. Keep doing those good things, and write questions for general conference!!!
Elder Ross