Since Monday was Labor Day and schools were closed, we didn't have to teach any classes on the 3rd. There are two other senior missionary couples in our general area. While we were at the 1/2 Mission Conference on 22 August, Elder Tipton suggested we "seniors" get together once a month for dinner and visiting. We three senior couples (Tiptons, Whitings, Barlows) planned to meet at the Tiptons home in Red Bluff (about 30 minutes from Redding) and then have dinner at a place of their choice. We went to a little Tai restaurant and then back to the Tipton's for dessert. We all told about our children and grandchildren and told some funny stories. It was a nice evening. We decided to get together in October, meeting here at our apartment. Kent and I have to choose the restaurant. That means we have to go out to dinner a few times this month so we can sample the food. Don't know what I'll serve for dessert.
We received said news on Tuesday, 4 September. Kent's Uncle Mayben died that day. He had been in declining health for the past few years so his passing is actually a blessing. Aunt Merna and her children scheduled the funeral services for Thursday, the 6th. Uncle Mayben was a strength to the whole family and he will be greatly missed.
On Wednesday, the 5th, I taught the Institute Evening class. The lesson was a general discussion about the Standard Works - when they were written, how they came to be, what good they are for us today. Not a hard lesson to prepare but a very hard lesson to make interesting. We had about 13 students attend. We're hoping attendance will increase in the next few weeks.
The kids played tag football for "Games Night" on Thursday so Kent and I stayed home in our comfy, cool apartment and did our own thing.
Friday Forum was a success (as usual). We have learned, if we feed them - they will come. We served taco salad with pumpkin pie for dessert. Yes, pumpkin pie - Brook loves pumpkin pie and she was in charge of buying the food. The guest speaker had to cancel so Brook showed a video of children answering questions about God, church, the Bible, the Book of Mormon, etc. It was really cute.
The sunday evening CES Fireside featuring Elder Holland as the speaker was great. Unfortunately, only 6 YSAs attended at the Stake Center. Now that church firesides can be viewed on the internet, over telephones, ipads, etc., the young people just don't bother going to the Stake Centers to view the broadcasts. We were hopeful most/some of the kids did use their electronic devices to view the meeting but when we asked around, no one we asked had bothered with it. Such a shame. I love Elder Holland. He has such a powerful way of expressing his feelings. When he has finished speaking one can have no doubt as to his feelings on the subject.
We still walk every morning (except Sunday) and enjoy that time of day when the air is cool and the streets aren't busy. We pass a gentleman every day. One day he stopped us and asked, "Are you going to be doing this when you're 87?" We both answered at the same time, "No." I asked, "How 'bout you? You going to be walking when you're 87?" His answer: "You bet. I'm coming up on my 88th birthday." We told him about Kent's mom still walking and doing exerices. He said "Good for her!" This guy doesn't look 87 (of course it is 6:30 a.m. so maybe my eyes are deceiving me) but he sure moves along at a great pace. I don't think I'll ever be as trim as he, but I plan to still be walking when I'm 87.
I'm still trying to find a way to make "Church History in the Fulness of Times" as interesting to the students as it is to me. I love history so I'm always excited to share what information I have. I just can't seem to infuse my excitement into the students. Kent has suggested using some of the Church video clips. I'm going to take his suggestion.
That's it for Week No. 8. The Church is still true and the Barlows are still happy.
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