Weekly Email - 11/8/21

Hola Elder Salsa,

Another week has gone by and it feels like it is so quick nowadays.  Dawn said that Devin has been out for 15 months and that is astounding to me.  I know he left before you, but it doesn't seem like it was that far before you.  I guess perspective is everything.  Speaking of perspective, I have some for you.

President Henriquez was released today.  I guess it has been 5 years that he has been serving in the capacity of Branch President.  He has done a wonderful job and I have seen the branch really prosper under his leadership.  He is a very loving example of the Savior, and I know his testimony, his devotion to the Lord, and his desire to serve those around him have made him the leader he is today.  I am happy for him as I know this calling has been taxing.  But I am sad for him as well.  This calling also brings blessing and perspective like no other.  I will miss serving with my friend.

Last week, I forgot to tell you something that I found to be utterly amusing.  It was the week prior to Halloween, and I was going out hunting each morning and evening.  It was getting old.  I told your mother goodbye and as I pulled away from kissing her, she said, "Come home bloody."  It was a rather startling thing for her to say and I was taken aback.  But it was funny and memorable.  I didn't come home bloody that day, but was able to successfully harvest a nice, but buck on the last morning of the hunt. (pic included) Now, I am as sore as I have ever been in my life.  Lots of muscles being used to do things I haven't done in 2 years.  The deer is hanging on the play structure and I hope to get him all processed before early afternoon tomorrow.  We'll see how far I get.

JJ's team made it to the quarter finals, and they lost to North Eugene 1-0 on Saturday.  The refs weren't calling much, and it was an aggressive game.  For the most part, the team held their own.  The lone goal was scored on the aftermath of a penalty kick that wasn't a penalty and I felt like going up to the refs after the game and congratulating them on all they did to win the game for the Highlanders.  Calmer heads prevailed that day.  Now both Jenelle and Zerrick can focus more on their schoolwork and look forward to next season.

Today was a first for me at church.  I was supposed to be elk hunting, but since there is still so much to do with the deer, I decided to wait until I am done with that and then possibly head out.  In planning to be gone, we decided we needed to ask Josh Fewless to run the zoom sacrament meeting from someone else's computer.  He was ready to do that, so even though I was there, I did not run the zoom meeting.  I thought it would be a relief, but I still managed to worry and stress over things.  I don't know that I'll ever get away from the worry of logistics and be able to fully focus on worship.  I am hopeful that it will come natural to me and I can focus more on the reason for our meetings, rather than the logistics.

There were a couple of things that were shared in testimonies today that stood out to me.  Firstly, I feel like we should all document our conversion stories.  The history of how we came to our Savior is a truly beautiful thing, and we need to have that documented for our progeny.  One of the testimony bearers, shared that he always knew one of his parent's conversion stories, but not the other.  One was very vocal and the other was more private.  When he asked them to share their story, they did and he learned things about this parent that he had never known before and felt that it would have been helpful to know as he struggled through his teenage years.  So, I will make an attempt to document how I came to the knowledge of my Redeemer and will encourage you to do the same.  You might find it instructive, and I am sure your future generations will as well.

President Harding shared his testimony and what I took away from what was said is that we need to do our best to act upon even the smallest of promptings.  I am sure there are things that occur to us that we rationalize away and seem trivial.  What we need to realize is that we are the hands of our Father in Heaven and he has entrusted us with his work.  We need to be willing to do that work, even if it isn't the hardest or most grand thing to do.  Sometimes a text to someone letting them know you are thinking of them is all an individual needs for the day.  Sometimes, that simple act will talk them off a cliff.  So, listen to the still, small voice and follow.  Your life will be blessed and so with the life of the one you are serving.

Lucy starts the home MTC tomorrow.  I think she is excited.  We attended the open house the Mortensen family put on for her.  There was lots of advice and farewell congratulations shared.  She is very excited to serve.  She has such a kind, fun-loving spirit and I can't wait to hear about her experiences.

Well, I hope you have a good week.  We are looking forward to talking with you on P-Day!

Love, Dad