We taught our usual classes the past two weeks. Attendance at the Tuesday evening class in Mt. Shasta has tailed off a bit. Hopefully we can build that back up now the high school basketball tournaments are over. We do have several YSA married students that were attending but now have jobs that they work in the evening. A good thing for them. We drove home in the snow on the 5th which is not a fun experience on that twisting mountain highway.
Friday Forum on March 9th: We asked Elder and Sister Tipton - the Sr. Couple serving as "Member Support" in Red Bluff - to be our speakers. One of their sons, Wesley Scott Tipton - was a policeman for the Phoenix PD when he was severely wounded - multiple shots to his chest at point-blank range. Scott survived and was able to record his memories of the incident. You can read his whole story on LDSCops.com.
The Tipton's message was "Faith Precedes the Miracle." There were so many miracles associated with Scott's survival. One of the officers who responded to the "officer down" call was a Priesthood holder and gave Scott a blessing. Although Scott felt a calmness after the blessing, because of the severity of his wounds, instead of being air-evacuated he was transported to the hospital by ambulance because no one thought he would survive and they weren't authorized to expend the additional cost of air travel. The officer who was dispatched to tell Scott's wife of the accident felt inspired to not tell her Scott would most likely die. It is a miraculous story of faith and survival.
The young gal, Deseree, who was baptized in December, received her Patriarchal Blessing on the 3rd. She doesn't have her own car so she frequently asks us to take her to church. We did on the 3rd and then she came back to our apartment to wait until her appointment with Patriarch Lowry. She was so excited and when we took her home she was still excited. It's fun to be part of the really happy times in the lives of these young single adults we are serving.
Elder Bednar's CES Fireside address was broadcast on Sunday, the 3rd. Kent and I were able to live-stream it here at the apartment. We also showed it on Monday for Family Home Evening with the Branch.
Yesterday, March 9th, was a mission-wide conference. We drove down Friday afternoon after Frida Forum. Brook booked us into the Courtyard Marriott about 3 miles from the Stake Center were the Conference was being held. Very convenient. Apostle Neal L. Anderson spoke to the mission for about 2 1/2 hours. What a wonderful experience that was. We all had the opportunity to shake his hand and just see him in a more casual setting. He was very spontaneous and candid as he talked to us and answered questions. One funny thing he said, "I know you all have at one time probably thought "how did I get myself into this? - and how do I escape?" But, being the honorable person you are, you pressed forward with faith." I, Nan, admit there have been times when I wondered if I could fulfill this mission. Some days are harder than others - but all days turn out just right.
Elder Anderson spoke about how the Lord has a plan for each of us and to be patient in following that plan. He talked about the Atonement and how it changes our lives and the lives of those we teach. He emphasized that we should always testify of Christ in our teachings. Nan noted when he said that words do not, cannot, explain spiritual things. He explained his ordination to be a "Special Witness of Christ."
Had a little trouble with the car Saturday evening. We went out to dinner and when we started the car to go back to the hotel, it made a "klunking" sound when put into drive. Then it was as if we had put the car in "neutral." After a few seconds it started to move, but slowly. We called Gordy and he suggested Kent check the transmission fluid. Kent did - he bought and added some fluid - and the car seems to be working just fine. We do, however, have a 7:30 a.m. appointment at the local Ford dealer tomorrow, the 11th, to have the problem looked into. Hopefully nothing too expensive!
Today, March 10th, the Branch Presidency of the Young Single Adult Branch was reorganized. The new Branch Presidency seem to be very good men. The President and 1st Counselor were counselors in the Redding Stake about two years ago. Having been in those positions, they well understand the programs the Church has for the YSAs and should be able to get support from Ward Bishops.
It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood - about 81 degress when we came out of Church at 2 p.m. We look forward to hearing from anyone reading this blog. Love to all -
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