Father's Day & More

As I was sitting in church yesterday, I began to think of all the wonderful men who've touched my life.  I will forever be grateful for their influence and love.  I first thought of my dad who was married in the temple to my mom.  He fell away from activity when I was very young, but he always made sure I went to church, and let me know there was no way to get married except in the temple.  Though there were many challenges in my home, I grew up feeling secure in his love for me. 

With the challenges in my own life, I've found solace in the gentle care and concern of brothers in my ward. I feel so appreciative of men who honor and uphold their priesthood.  They've been by my side so many times when I had a need or concern.  Whenever I've needed a helping hand they've been quick to respond.  I'll always be grateful for them, and the example they set for me of righteousness.

I also wish to express my love and gratitude to my sons, and sons-in-law!  They've always been by my side when I have questions or concerns; and available to fix or help with things I didn't know how to handle.  Being single and on my own has been a wonderful learning experience for me, but there are many things I've had questions about and needed personal advice.  I'm ever so grateful for their love and support!

Most of all, I wish to express gratitude to my Savior and Heavenly Father.  As I listened to the messages of yesterday's church meetings, I just kept reflecting on how amazing it is to know they are there and the "sure anchor" in everything I do.  I've experienced, on a daily basis, their presence and feel their love.  I cannot imagine a life without that knowledge and peace. This also make me think about the prophets, apostles, and my ancestors who went through so much so I could have these blessings.  I feel so small when I think of my efforts compared to their great leadership and devotion.   I hope that I too, can leave a legacy of love and testimony for my family and those around me.

I want to share a little more about Plano and the wonderful sister I'm living with here.  The city of Plano has four large high schools.  Marjean teaches Physics at East Plano High School which had a graduating class of 1500 students this year.  She received her master degree in teaching when she was 40 years old, and was in accounting until that time.   She also teaches online classes to 30 students in the summer, as well as many during the school year.  She has 2-3 students she tutors almost every evening during the school year.  She is now teaching summer school!  All of this on top of being the YW President!  She is a bundle of energy, and one of the sweetest people I know.  It has truly been a blessing to learn from her dedicated example.

I told her a few weeks ago that I'd love to see where she works, so she took us this week.  She's a bundle of energy, and one of the sweetest people I know.  It's truly been a blessing to learn from her dedicated example, and be able to stay in her home.  One of the big projects she has her students do each year is to build a guitar.  They are told it should have a theme i.e. a song or movie, but it has to be something she would know.  They are supposed to be able to play it on the guitar and give a presentation on why they chose this theme.  She asks them if she can keep the guitar's in her classroom until they graduate from high school.  Her classroom is so cute with all of them displayed on upper shelves around the room.  It's fun to look at them and guess what the theme was.

The following guitar had a special meaning to me and will to most of you.  This young man chose "I Am a Child of God" as his theme.  When he gave his presentation he told everyone that the pictures represent the hero's and things that are most important to him in his life.  Marjean said she was standing behind the kids when he was talking.  She said,  "His testimony was so strong that I was crying, and several of the kids in the class we tearing up too."

We met with the RS. Pres. again today and she gave us a list of sisters to visit in Plano 4th.  We've seen about 12 sisters this past week that the bishop wanted us to visit.  Many of them were in apartments and were not at home.  We will continue to do our best to help.

Two sisters we've visited have quickly become special to us.  One sister has been a member for 4 years now, but she rarely comes out to church.  She is suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder.  She suddenly lost her parents and an uncle to cancer a few years ago.  She then got cancer herself and had to go through all the chemo.  She has a son that does all her shopping for her.  When she does come to church it's only to Sacrament Meeting.  She comes in late and leaves early.  We could tell she was nervous when we stopped by, but she agreed to have us come each week and share the scriptures with her.  What a hard life for her!  She is receiving counseling and hopefully it will help.

Another sister, Marky Forrest, has been a long time member but only comes occasionally.  We became instant friends with her.  She lives in the cutest little house .... it reminded me a bit of my home in Redmond.  She is 70 years old, divorced, and has a son living with her.  We had such a good time talking with her.  She filled us in on all the site's in Texas we should see.  We were so thrilled when she came to church yesterday.  She sat with us during the all the meetings.

I just love having experiences like these!  It helps me feel the real purpose of serving in the church, and having this opportunity to be on a mission!