Stake Conference

On Saturday night I spoke at BYU-Idaho 3rd Stake Conference. The topic that I was given was the eternal nature of families. While doing research on my topic I came across a great talk given by Sherry Dew at a devotional here in 2004 (for the text of her entire talk go to the school web site and search devotional archives). I had been there when she gave it orginally and it was great to hear and read it again. I shared this quote toward the end of my talk and I post this today as a reminder to myself of important things.

"We...made premortal commitments, among them surely being a willingness to come during this “eleventh hour” (see D&C 33:3). Surely we followed our Elder Brother’s example. Perhaps we said something like this: “If you need someone who will have the courage and determination to face the world at its worst, here am I, send me. If you need husbands and wives who will be faithful to each other, raise their children in the admonition of the Lord, and defend the family, here am I, send me. If you need men and women who will see through the lies of the world about family and gender and intimacy, and who will never confuse being tolerant of others with tolerating sin, here am I, send me. If you need men and women who can think straight in a confused, twisted world, here am I, send me. If you need men and women who will be fearless in building the kingdom of God, please, here am I, send me.”

California Dreamin'

On Saturday we drove down to Salt Lake and first attended Ian's baptism, which was wonderful. He is so mature and we talked about baptism, mission, scouts, etc. It was so nice to be with Tami and Steve and their kids.

Then we drove down to Orem for a San Jose 24th Ward reunion. There are so many of our friends that now live in Utah that Bob and Linda Browne decided to get us all together for a feast and a look back at years gone by. We had some food, lots of hugs, and finished the night with a viewing (on Bob's very big projection screen) of "On Golden Pound." Oh what fun it was to see all of our kids in the winning road show. I love my Pointer Sisters and Yuppy Puppies! 

We finished our weekend with going to the choir broadcast this morning. We got there early enough to sit on the front row of the tabernacle. It was incredible to be so close and feel the spirit in that historic building. It was nice to get away for a couple of days and see so many that we love so much!

Angel Food Cake

Okay - not exactly angel food cake - all of the associate VP's dressed up on Friday and marched around the administration building handing out candy. Bruce was the HIT of the day when he paraded out of his office in this get up! Is it type casting?

Me on the other hand - at the doctor's office (eye docs of course) we all were Phantoms of the Optical. Can you even pick me out?