He will help my family be eternal

Since about spring of this year, we (collective members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) have known our prophet, Russell M. Nelson, was coming to Safeco Field to speak to saints living in the Puget Sound Area (three missions: Tacoma, Everett, Seattle).

Ever since I knew this event would be happening, I had this worry that something would deter me from being there. As far as I can remember, I have never been in the presence of the prophet at a special meeting. I have been to general conference a few (like maybe three) times, but this event was specifically for my Puget Sound Family!

With the help of many facebook posts and reminders of "an event coming up", I kept track of when tickets would be handed out. I properly reserved tickets for my girls and I to attend (I individually asked each of the children if they wanted to go). On Sundays, I am firing on all cylinders as primary music lady and I forgot to pick up my tickets two weeks in a row! Luckily, the Sunday before the event, I had a reminder in my phone and I walked a different route to the primary room so I'd remember to get those tickets.

Saturday arrived
and I stayed busy all day. As the departure time approached, my girls had all kinds of snacks prepared (one which I discovered two days later -- was a big Tupperware of rice, seaweed, and NO utensils) for this was the best kind of church meeting for me, one where we could have a big back of snacks, a blanket over our legs, and NO toddlers to chase/share snacks.

Once we got to the bus stop (I later found out I wasn't parked in Microsoft Parking, so my car technically could have been towed. Let's just call this Miracle #6), the girls and I raced over to the bus stop. We made it and saw our two friends R and T Calvert sitting there happily waiting for the bus to take them to the same event. I'll call their presence my first miracle. We ended up being with them for more of the night than the actual devotional. They brought to my heart immense amounts of peace, comfort, and friendship.

Just before boarding the bus, R cheerfully called out, "Does everyone have their tickets?" I started going through my purse. . .surely they were in my purse. My purse, of course, was brimming. I had three water bottles, plus my regular purse contents, and two knitting needles (large - mismatched) and a big bunch of red yarn - you just never know when you might have an opportunity to knit.

I spent the next 20 minutes or so, going through the purse, while standing on the bus. Thankfully, there were a number of families heading over to the event - obvious because of their apparel and I  recognized one family from my ward already on the bus. Seeing familiar faces made me happy.

After some time, R kind of yelled up to me (he was in the back of the bus - this is a city bus, mind you, not every single person was going to the event, LOL), suggesting I call Friend A who might not have left. I called her, she'd already left and suggest calling Friend N, so I did and she'd already left too. I mentally scanned my neighborhood trying to think of families that might not have left. I called Friend M, no luck. I left messages on two other friends' phones. Then, I called friend W -- score!! She hadn't left and would happily pick up my tickets. PHEW!

In the meantime, I had also been texting my cousin G who'd arrived just after 3. He waited in the very long line for the doors to open (4:00). I asked if he might check at the gate to see if a picture of a ticket would suffice. I held out hope. Now other people/new friends on the bus, LOL, knew of my peril and gave me their opinion which was mostly that the tickets say on them that a person can't be allowed into Safeco without a physical ticket.

My counter to this was that the event was free. I held out hope.

We got off the bus. Oh, yes - you need to picture my girls. We were all in dresses. Callie had a backpack on her back that looked enormous because it held all (and I mean a lot) the snacks AND a denim blanket. I had my bulky purse. But, we all, and I mean EVERYONE, had big smiles on our faces. This event was massive! It was evident from the very moment we reached the stairs and could see hoards of people just standing in line.

We joined the throng. We walked, where the usher (all volunteers from area churches) told us to go. I  asked an usher about the possibility of my picture-of-tickets being accepted vs a tangible ticket. He thought it might be.

Waiting in line was fun because of being with friends R and T as well as the other family from our ward who had ridden the bus with us. We talked about books we like, we talked about R and T's kids (just earlier that day, their son, whose family was also coming to this event, had his car broken into and wife's purse stolen -- which had their event ticket, so they were also counting on getting in with just a picture). Early in the line-waiting, R said to me, "someone will be hawking tickets, you just wait and see." I told him there's no way a person would be hawking tickets for a religious devotional in Seattle.

After maybe 45 minutes, we were nearing the front of the line, and a lady kind of materialized in front of us (lines merged at a couple of points, so I guess that's when she suddenly became right in front of us, oh, and when the lines merged, R and T took careful care to make sure I went with them). She was wearing heels and I thought how uncomfortable it must be to wait in such a long line with heels. This brings me to another random point - preparing for this event was a little hard because wearing a dress or skirt in a baseball stadium on a cool September evening, with church shoes getting me to the stadium, wasn't exactly a warm and fuzzy thought.

But, back to the lady in front of us. We had plenty of time to talk and she let us know her son wouldn't be able to make it. R was kind enough to ask if she had an extra ticket, which she did and promptly handed to me. I had one physical ticket, three digital tickets and we were nearing the front of the line. I guess this could be called Miracle #2.

There was maybe one group in front of us, when R pointed out a lady just standing outside the metal fencing. We could see she had a big smile on her face and a fistful of tickets. R said, "Go ask her, she is going to give you two more tickets." Just before I put my purse on the metal detector, I asked her and sure enough, she handed me two more tickets!!

After going through the detectors and the gate attendant, who, btw, barely even looked at my tickets and I definitely could've gotten through with just one physical (but, on that note, Cousin G had his ticket ripped in half when he went through so I think different gate people may have been more strict, G also asked if a picture would suffice and was told it would not). Also, at this exact moment, Friend W was calling me to tell me she was in line and that I could come get my tickets.

R and T were very excited for me to be through the gate and said enthusiastically, "See, that lady just came down from heaven, she's not even there anymore (she actually was still there :-))." R went on to say, "That was my mother, she came down to help you get to this devotional". We can call that Miracle #3.

Needless to say, it was kind of entertaining. Once inside, my kids and I practically ran to the section where Cousin G and family were sitting. They had three empty seats behind them. And, their seats were practically right on the field!! I'll go ahead and call that Miracle #4. G and C hadn't been specifically saving the seats, they were just still open! We sat four rows from the bottom. We probably could have thrown a baseball to the prophet, we were SO close. Are you grasping the enormity of this event?

Look at this website - 31 pictures, you will catch the excitement and genuine spirit of love: https://www.ldschurchnews.com/leaders-and-ministry/2018-09-16/president-nelson-shares-5-lessons-life-has-taught-me-with-49000-in-safeco-field-47997.

An engulfing feeling of peace and comfort came over me, being there with my cousins, and daughters, and seeing the name of the church in huge signs all over the stadium.

Just a few months previous, I had been in that very stadium (with Friend W -- she's a good one), watching a Red Sox/Mariners game. I have very happy memories at SafeCo: baseball games with Uncle McKay, my parents, Friend W, my Carson and a friend, and now this tremendous event.

We didn't have very long to wait, it seemed like. But, there was long enough to grab a snack :-). My girls made sure of that. I also did some knitting :-). Cousin G offered me some very delicious tomatoes from his garden. I loved visiting with these special cousins. The seating couldn't have been better, we were right behind them!

Now for the messages: . . . .. .oh, wait! I must describe how it felt to have the prophet of our church walk out. One news reporter described it this way: "the field at Safeco became sacred ground when the prophet walked out." We all stood in reverence and collective love for this man, 94 years old, who was foreordained for this day. 

Let me explain the incredible sense of love in this stadium. With the use of technology, we had been seeing peoples' twitter posts live up on the big screen, before the meeting started. We kept recognizing our friends. It was awesome. Then, when the choir started singing, we continued the "oh look, there's . . . " recognizing ward and stake members. One of the organists plays in my stake sometimes. Even though there were 49,089 of us in that stadium, it was as though we were in our own stake conference. 

The meeting started with the area authority conducting. I've since learned some of the obstacles he faced when asked to find a place for this devotional. Safeco wasn't available initially. I love seeing things from the other end of all the scheduling and arranging (and praying). The Lord's hand is in this work.

• President Eyering, second counselor spoke first. I loved his counsel. It appeared to me, he used no notes and we couldn't see a teleprompter. 

• He spoke of the importance of integrity/honesty and how that can be the greater trial, in some cases, compared to physical trials (referenced the Teton Dam in Rexburg and all of the damages incurred in relation to filling out financial aid forms for tuition).
• He spoke of the nature of our God being omniscient, knowing what we will face in the future. We need to inquire of God and receive our own revelations. Particularly, he spoke of the danger of "reckless confidence" in leaders. The way he explained this was to relate how leaders need their followers to be able to sustain them. That sustaining witness can best come from personal revelation. I just really liked that thought -- leaders asking questions, seeking opinions which ultimately helps followers sustain and support their leader. 
• Finally, my take-away from President Eyering was that sometimes what we learn from a talk, isn't actually spoken but felt by the Holy Ghost.

Sister Nelson

I've thought of her comments a number of times this past week. She was so articulate and seemed to be able to read our minds as to what sort of things we might wonder about living with a prophet of God.

 She talked about how he receives revelation in the night and wakes up, writes down notes. At times, she knows she needs to leave the room. 

•        One of my favorite parts about her talk was when she referred to how President Nelson, at age 94, is becoming his true self.
• She said, even compared to just a month ago, she has seen him speak clearer and look younger, at the pulpit

*I love this thought in regards to my own parents. The last two years have brought about forced change, in a way. Yet, the change was that they both became something more holy, more kind, more patient, and truly the symbol of love and gratitude than we as children could have ever known.*

• President Nelson
• He started out talking about being "one of us" because he was bestowed an honorary surgeon of Seattle by local doctors, years ago :-). President Nelson smiled and engaged as though he were truly enjoying talking with us. The love he has for his people was palpable, even among so many. 
• He referred to the many waters of this area and then went on to talk about a rafting trip he took many years ago (to get his daughters to break away from their boyfriends). At one point in the rafting trip, capsizing seemed inevitable and he naturally thought to hang on to his daughters. This was to his detriment. He needed to be hanging on to the raft. He compared this to our challenges and considering the gospel/word of God the raft in our lives. 
• He testified of the Book of Mormon. He delivered a powerful witness to this book and indicated we will be immunized by reading EVERY DAY.
• Eternal Life is God's greatest gift - honors of men will fade. 
• He shared a (very scary) experience of riding in a two-propeller plane in Southern Utah years ago, when one engine quit. He could see his life pass before him and realized right away that all that mattered to him was to know he was sealed to his wife and family. 
• He made reference to the consuming allurements of our occupations, a point I haven't heard before and makes me self-evaluate and think about how I use my agency to serve Jesus Christ.
• Official point number 4 was that the Lord uses the unlikely to accomplish the impossible. He shared some personal stories that illustrate how only after "his" (President Nelson's) best thinking, best effort, most fervent prayer, the Lord does His own work. This point was powerful because I understand President Nelson to have been a phenomenal student and perfectionist surgeon who expects the very best of those around him. What I am saying is that his BEST is really good. 
• Lastly, he iterated how the church's objective is to gather scattered Israel. We need to continually prepare for our temple endowments. We are happiest when we think of others. 
• The point I got the very most from President Nelson is that the Lord will help my family be eternal. This effects me profoundly and gives me a great sense of hope and gratitude for the mercy of a loving, All-Knowing Heavenly Father.  (Miracle #5 - to consider this statement a reality in my life)

It seems to me as though my parents would want to hear all these details and feel so glad I could be in attendance. This event will be one I will always think back upon as a touchstone in my life. 

A Very Near Kindred

While studying the missionary efforts of Alma in the Book of Mormon, I read of Amulek last night. Amulek was, as Elder Bednar detailed at the beginning of his most recent General Conference talk titled, "Meek and Lowly in Heart": 

Amulek was an industrious and prosperous man with many kindreds and friends.4 He described himself as a man who was called many times but would not hear, a man who knew the things of God but would not know.5 A basically good man, Amulek was distracted by worldly concerns much like the rich young man described in the New Testament. (Elder Bednar began his talk by talking about the rich young man unwilling to give up his riches to come unto Christ).

Amulek goes on to host (give water and shelter) to Alma, then subsequently becomes converted and a powerful missionary. 

While reading, I wondered what softened Amulek's heart enough to feel and allow for the thought of hosting Alma (thinking of modern day revelation of ministering from current prophet President Nelsen). I see in the scriptures that Amulek was visiting a very near kindred ("As I was journeying to see a very near kindred"). 

This detail of Amulek's heart being open to, essentially repentance, is valuable to me because I have seen good things come from visiting "near kindreds" in my own family. I'm grateful for the Plan of Salvation which allows for the potential of the sons and daughters of God.

Being able to connect with "kindred" seems to be a sort of anchor/lifeline back to Heavenly Father. Family relationships and friendships in life are essential to helping me become who the Lord wants me to be.

I am Home

Christmas 2016 was incredibly special and unique for my little family. Early in the season, perhaps early November, we decided to spend our Christmas vacation in Idaho, planning to leave just as soon as the kids got out of school.

We drove straight through Monday morning December 18th, hoping to be there by Tuesday to give my dad leave to attend a funeral or some type of event Tuesday morning. We arrived after 8 pm. The kids already knew Christmas this year would be different. We left presents under our tree here in Redmond. We took our stockings to fill in Idaho. I told them Christmas would be rather quiet and that Grandma might not even recognize us.

I didn't expect Mom to be awake when we arrived and couldn't have asked for a better homecoming than seeing Mom and Dad in the living room in their "seats" (Dad in his and Mom lying on the couch).

Mom recognized and happily welcomed us all. She listened to our stories and interacted with each of us. It was glorious. She was alert and awake. I couldn't have asked for more. 

Each day that week, Darren planned very fun activities with the kids. The first day, they went ice skating in Logan.

The second and third days, they went downhill skiing (first time) at Beaver Mountain Ski Resort in Logan. The fourth day, cousins were out of school :-).

This picture shows the adventurers after one of their fun days, telling Grandma all about the fun.

I relished every minute with my mother, any drop of water she would accept, I wanted to be there to minister to her needs.

The first two days, she was strong enough to walk a little, down the hall. She ate very little. Pain was managed with a hydrocodone pain patch on her precious back. When she was alert, I stayed right by her side, reading to her from her autobiography. I also brought along a musical CD with songs by her brother Montie. She seemed to really enjoy listening to him sing. She ate and drank barely anything the entire time I was there.

The Fuller Family Christmas party was scheduled for Friday night that week at Don's house. I had a hard time transferring over to party mode honestly. I couldn't think of anything but my mom's needs. Janie did such a good job with the party and made it memorable and special for all.

Human Nativity

Cute boys

New Grandpa with his darling Oakli Fae

Darren patiently teaching his girl how to play pool

Saturday, we all decided to go bowling. The Pop N Pins venue hasn't changed in 25 years and probably not 25 years before that :-). I had VERY good luck bowling and am sure the bumpers were only a psychological boost 😉

I felt a little sad leaving Mom and Dad even for a minute, even for fun memories. Dad was worn out physically. His shoulders, hips, and back were so worn out, he couldn't bend over to put his shoes and socks on. By the end of the week, my back ached and I felt discouraged with thoughts of leaving Dad to do this on his own. Sunday, Christmas Eve, was the lowest I saw Mom's health. I lay near her sleeping, and worried.

With the help of three other women in the house that afternoon (Janie and Tawna), we convinced Dad to call the home health/hospice nurse Diane. It was after Diane came and administered to Mom's needs that I realized sadly, Mom would never be leaving the house again.

Christmas Eve was wonderful. Curt and Tawna made it really special with a dinner and program about our Grandma Fuller and specific details (from her life history) of the Christmases she had. Then, we went up to the cemetery to light candles, sing, and honor our ancestors.

A few of us came back for games afterward, this one is Family Feud

Christmas Day was really special. My Moss family did presents and stockings (they hadn't seen the surprise packages I was able to fit in the car). Dad didn't get up until much later.

The kids were great sports and it was all just wonderful. Mom stayed in bed all day, but the part where she was awake, I took all the dolls (I had given to my girls -- all doll things, knowing how much Mom would love seeing the dolls) back to Mom's room to show her the spoils of the day. Mom touched each dress and talked about the pretty things and how much she wanted to play dolls with me.

Driving home to Redmond was no easy feat. Saying goodbye to my mom was the hardest by far, of any previous goodbye, and they've all been difficult. I stayed in her room and just let the tears fall. She was sleeping. I think she opened her eyes when I kissed her.

Mom passed away January 14th, 2018, 1:55 a.m. Dad, Marci, Melissa, and Janie were in the home, though none were in the room at the exact passing, coming in just minutes after (we think). They called me (as requested - the evening before we each gave our preference as to how we wanted to be alerted). I was so groggy I couldn't pick up the phone but saw the message then tried to go back to sleep, which I definitely couldn't do. So, I called and mostly listened to them all. Everyone was in such a state of extreme relief and happiness that Mom's battle was complete.

The plans we'd been making for many months easily fell in place. Melissa and Tawna took care of immediate details (so grateful) and by the time Jess and I arrive, it was just special memories, one after another. This will be a time never forgotten.

Thursday, someone had the idea to have us all go to the temple together. My dad felt he needed to reserve his energy for the big weekend ahead. Being with my siblings was just incredible including Raq, Tawna, Kenzi, and Greg too. In the celestial room, when we were all together, it must have really been heaven.

Outside of the temple, we asked two ladies to take our pictures. We had talked with them inside briefly (they saw us all together and knew it must be really special). Anyway, it turns out they are my friends from Roy!! Sarah and her husband are whose places Darren and I exactly took in our ward callings (RS counselor and EQ pres) and Lacey and Tyler Knotts were our neighbors. Yes, I remembered them after they started asking how we looked familiar.  Cool huh?!

We enjoyed such a fun lunch at Juniper Takeout. We were all laughing and enjoying one another's company. The conversation naturally turned toward the funeral and we shared a little of how we expected things to go, hoping one another weren't sharing the same memories. That evening, we all gathered in our parents' home, going through things, much laughter and happiness. There was such a beautiful feeling there in that home. Everything was so natural and everyone at ease. Our Clifton community took our big Fuller family under their wing and loaded that house with food. As a family, we were just together.

Dad is at the far end, going through letters exchanged between he and Mom

Friday morning the sisters plus Raquel, Tawna, and Kenz went over to the funeral home to get things ready, including dressing Mom. Again, I felt such a huge wave of relief that Mom was no longer battling cancer. She seemed so natural to me, peacefully sleeping, just as she had so often during my visits. Raq and Kenz did her hair and it was so fun seeing her hair curled again, just as she always curled her hair. Dad had been taking care of her for a long time and he did her hair in his comb-over way, which also brings to mind such feelings of tenderness and caring.

So many cute little grandkids

The viewing that evening was beyond anything I could have imagined.
So many nice people, kind words, and so much love. The first ones through the line (nearly the first), were my dad's brothers. How special it was to see these fine men, supporting their brother. They stayed most of the viewing. There were so many people that came through, each bringing a feeling of warmth to me now as I reflect back. Our parents' friends from near and far, friends who Dad coached, friends and relatives - so many relatives, our own friends. When my mom's sisters came through, the tears just flowed.

Saturday's funeral and viewing beforehand were again, beyond my imagination. We tried to push through the line so quickly. Can you imagine how we felt to see our good neighbors (kids we grew up with) from Clifton, come to support and show love? The number of first cousins that came is unreal, some even flew from states away. I have come to realize that over that weekend, some of the very best friends I have in this whole world were there to support me. These things propel me to new heights, I must do better, I must be better.

The funeral program itself was beautiful. I've listened to it twice, read over the notes Jess took multiple times, and thought of the memories my siblings shared. Even just this morning (Feb 26th), I reflected on the image Curt shared of our mom racing out on the football field when West Side won the state championship in 2010. I also keep thinking about Dan's message of how our mom wasn't perfect yet always tried to be better.

Honoring our mother, that's what happened and it was incredible. President Dax Keller spoke at the end and gave such an inspiring message of faith in our savior Jesus Christ. He specifically referred to our mom understanding her identity as a daughter of God. He talked about how we can't go around this reality of our mom's passing, we must go through it and in doing so we become what our savior wants us to become.

Coming home, I wanted to feel the same feeling. Over the first few days, my best consolation were the little children I work with professionally, so guileless and loving. They just want to give me a big hug and then play a game. I think that might be a good message from my sport-loving mom, "get back in the game".

Mothering SOAP notes

For my work, I write a lot of SOAP notes. Basically, I describe different aspects of the clients I see. These kind of notes are used by many health professionals. I'm sure you've had SOAP notes written about you :-).

The other day, and especially after a particularly strife-filled couple of days, my brain switched into a different mode. Instead of having hurt feelings, I emotionally separated myself from the situation and mentally compiled SOAP notes for my family member. It worked so well, I tried it a second time for a different family member!

This isn't exactly what I came up with that day, but will give you a good idea. 

S (Subjective -- what kind of state a person is in): Met with Carson today in our home, highly agitated upon greeting; health seemed compromised by allergies and reported sore throat

O (Objective): He yelled 3 times; stomped out of room 2; scratched his own face and back under duress: 4 times;  offered apology 1; used calm voice to solve conflict: 1/4 

A (Assessment): yelling behavior is consistent with previous weeks; scratching has increased; offering apology -- progress noted (self reflection evident); using calm voice -- consistent with previous weeks

P (Prognosis/Plan): Continue to love Carson, encourage him to listen to music every day as soon as he gets home, Be patient - always patient, Forgive

I found myself not looking at family members as the enemy in battle but more as though each person can be seen as a whole person and consideration of other factors might help me not focus in on the one little thing that might have hurt my feelings. 

The End

This last week, I finished the Book of Mormon again. I think it has taken me just over a year this time (my children and I finished it together last April for Callie's baptism, I think I started a personal study of it after that).

The last two chapters of Moroni really struck me as I pictured a man, all alone in charge of preserving a record for me. The world around him was terrible, in every sense of wickedness I can imagine.

How grateful I am for his faith and steadfast desire to give us the words which would be most valuable. I believe this message (the Book of Mormon) to be true. I believe these prophets prayed for their people just as my latter-day prophets pray for me, as do my local leaders. I feel a sense of communion with Mormon, who compiled the Book of Mormon from many ancient records. He must have felt an incredible duty to "get it right".

I have been using a companion study guide book which Marci, my sister, recommended:

https://www.amazon.com/Book-Mormon-Made-Easier-Cover/dp/1555177875/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1496667386&sr=8-2&keywords=david+ridges+book+of+mormon+made+easier

(my mother-in-law gave this to me for Christmas, thus I am posting the link for the 3rd book in the series). I loved having scholars research added to my reading. David Ridges (author of study guide) points out the message of mercy which bookends the Book of Mormon. I would like to continue pondering this message as I think, again, about the last two chapters where Moroni describes the state of the world. At times, I felt a bit depressed because so much of what he describes is as it feels today (general populace no longer recognizing/revering authority, lack of spirit).

However, there is hope, I know there is hope. We have leaders who love us and pray continually for us. We have virtues of faith, hope, and charity to which we can cling as though they are our lifeline. There is ALWAYS mercy which brings us to our knees in pleading to our Heavenly Father for strength and the ability to love the unlovable as well as feel loved, while we are unlovable.

The last two words of the Book of Mormon seem so final, "The End", yet I know is isn't so. I need to take what I have read (and read it again and again) and be the kind of person Moroni so desperately wanted to reach with his final message.
Keep on Diggin!
If you want a free Book of Mormon, order here. 

End of an Era

I blurred the kids for privacy, just picture cuteness.

My good friend Tania use to talk about how hard it was for her to not be in primary with the kids. I didn't understood that mentality. I had been serving in Relief Society at the time and the Young Women Organization before that. I enjoyed serving in different areas and just couldn't grasp such a strong pull as I detected from her.

But, I get it now. I've been serving in the primary organization for four years now. I have had kids in the older group (senior primary) and kids in the younger group (junior), and genuinely loved every group I had (normally each year the group of kids change, but I was given the same class for two years during my stint).

I don't know if there is an "average" length of time for a calling, but I think four years is longer than average. My time was probably up. Drat the luck. I needed those children more than they needed me. Some weeks listening to them sing during primary music time, was just what my soul needed to hear. Primary just seemed like a safe place. There were always people moving in and out of the ward, and last July the ward split. But, I was always safe, tucked away in primary and basically kept the same kids.

Today I was released from my primary teaching calling. I am genuinely sad to not be a weekly part of these kids' lives and will miss teaching very much. One of the boys, whose birthday is in October (I've made a deal about visiting each kid for their birthday) asked me as he was leaving class, "You're still coming aren't you?"

I could go on and on about the many lessons primary kids have taught me over the past four years (!!). One of the girls I taught in my first batch of kids gave a talk as a youth speaker today. Time marches on doesn't it? The class she was in (four years ago), I felt strongly about the scripture that talks about the sons of Mosiah and Alma the Younger, where they met up with one another after 14 years and find that "they were still brothers". I told her class they would stick with each other for the next 8 years of church life and someday feel the same way. I encouraged them all to "watch out for one another" and to "have each other's backs" as their friendship would be so valuable.

In one of the other classes, we had a visitor one day, share how he knew Heavenly Father loves him, which was that his dad was able to find a job.  I loved hearing these kids pray, especially when they included the children not present. One boy would say in his prayers, "Please bless our buddy, _____ that he can come next time." Another unforgettable lesson
 was when one boy shared a very scary near-drowning experience he'd had, concluding with the lesson: "We all need a rescuer".

One of the boys prayed today that I would do a good job in my new calling. Isn't that sweet? I had a big discussion with my class about being released. I asked the kids what they think I should have said when asked (by bishopric) to do a different assignment on Sundays. My faithful CTR class agreed I needed to say I would be willing to do a different assignment, even when it meant I wouldn't get to be with these good kids.

Life goes on, this has been a great run.

United We Stand

Tonight at Stake Conference, President Dudley shared a story from Aesop's Fables that made a great point on unity. He was specifically referring to having unity in ward councils as well as family council. This point can be applied in every group situation:

The Four Oxen and the Lion

A LION used to prowl about a field in which Four Oxen used to dwell. Many a time he tried to attack them; but whenever he came near they turned their tails to one another, so that whichever way he approached them he was met by the horns of one of them. At last, however, they fell a-quarrelling among themselves, and each went off to pasture alone in a separate corner of the field. Then the Lion attacked them one by one and soon made an end of all four.         www.oldhomesteadswanzey.com “UNITED WE STAND, DIVIDED WE FALL.”