With All My Love

Good Morning, Elder Schenewark!

This week's letter comes from the land where mothers are being celebrated. Every one has asked me what I'm doing to celebrate. And my reply? "We celebrate mother's day everyday at my house." And I meant every word. My children have always been willing to help me, show love for me, make me feel like I'm wanted and appreciated. I don't need a day once a year for you to remember me. I have every day. To come home and realize we never made arrangements to speak with you was so sad. Everyone else has spoken with you. How could I not remember you could call me?

School obligations and events are winding up. I'm sure you too are in a little bit of a count down mode. I keep encouraging your siblings, as you, to finish strong. Cooper might have a small case of "senioritis." He hasn't been around at all. He went form school straight to his new job at Stumpy's Thursday, and came home while I was in bed. He went on his last WIT trip to NASA in Houston Friday, getting home Saturday evening, just in time to go to the stake dance. I never saw him come home. So here it is Sunday and I've really only seen him Wednesday night. He got invited to the senior awards night this Thursday, so we're keeping our fingers crossed in hopes of being recognized by the engineering / airplane division department heads.

My favorite Granbury neighbors

Your father spent yesterday at Tarleton's graduation. All day. His first summer class begins on Monday - I think all his summer obligations are on line. Breyer, Miller and I spent yesterday at the church, first for a baptism, and then later for three hours of piano lessons. I really am not happy thinking about these obligations, but once I'm there it's very enjoyable. I really am a pretty good teacher. My mother truly gave me a precious gift, that I have always tried to share with others when asked. The new baptism gift seems to be giant KitKat bars. The KIT for remembering your baptismal covenants are KAT: Keep His commandments, Always remember Him, and Take His Name Upon You. Very clever indeed. And of course there are always the gummy bears: Bear One Another's Burdens, Bear Your Testimony, and Bear the Name of Christ. And how appropriate I found a rainbow this week.

My favorite Granbury view

I've shared these spring type pictures with you as we really are in the throes of spring. Thunderstorms all week, lots of rain, residual flash flooding...no baseball, no mowing, no air conditioning. I do like the variety of weather out here!

Sawyer has a baseball banquet on Tuesday this week. Your father is excited as they're roasting a pig in the woods of AMS. And other such activities.

Tanner is in Australia, with a 15 hour time difference. We haven't seen him or spoken to him for almost two weeks but hear all is well.

Hunter is still looking for a job, using temporary agencies to work here and there, moved to a new apartment, and rebuilding after the life of a student.

I was reading Build a Fortress of Spirituality and Protection by Elder Ronald A. Rasband this week. He says that "“Christ-centered homes are fortresses for the kingdom of God on earth in a day when, as prophesied, the devil “rage[s] in the hearts of the children of men, and stir[s] them up to anger against that which is good.” People have built fortresses throughout history to keep the enemy outside. Often those fortresses included a guard tower where watchmen—like prophets—warned of menacing forces and coming attacks. But remember, our homes are only as powerful as the spiritual strength of each one of us within the walls."

He also quotes President Russell M. Nelson, who has taught, “In coming days, it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding, directing, comforting, and constant influence of the Holy Ghost.”

Rasband continues, ,"As the Lord’s living prophet, seer, and revelator in this day, the watchman on the tower of our fortress, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he sees the advances of the enemy. For our safety, we must build a fortress of spirituality and protection for our very souls, a fortress that will not be penetrated by the evil one.”

Your mission has been a fortress of spirituality and protection for you these past two years. Have you thought about what you must do to continue to be so protected? Your mission has also shielded our family as well. We love that you loved the Lord enough to serve him for two years and in so doing bless our family. Well done. Finish strong. Stay safe.

Mom