Happy Halloween!

Nora N'Updates

The Working Man's Word

Oct. 14-20: Flapjacks by Hunter Schenewark

I started the week off right by playing "ultimate cabbage," Monday for FHE. This is a game like ultimate frisbee, except it's played with a cabbage. This is thrown around and the game continues until all the leaves fall off of it. Quite fun! (not as fun, picking up all the discarded leaves from the field after we were done.)

At work, in an effort to promote collaboration and unity, the company pays for you to go to lunch with a co-worker, and this can be done on their dime once a week. Generally, I'm 100% content with bringing in my lunch (and spending time reading on the balcony.) It's geared more towards the California office anyway as they occupy various buildings and have about 65 employees. In Utah, totaling 14 employees, we all know each other pretty well, especially since I was one of the first. This Wednesday though, we decided to go out and eat. Of course, everyone wanted to pile in the minivan, so we did and headed off to Chipotle. It was a fun change of pace. I crack up, seeing how much everyone loves to 1. ride in a minivan 2. learn that I drive a minivan.

This picture below is of Robert and Hailey. They were sealed for time and all eternity on Friday. I went to their reception that night in American Fork. They have both been good friends and set great examples. Robert will start his PhD at Princeton next year, and I hope to join him on the East Coast before he finishes.

Sunday, around 11 am, I received a message from Pres. Young asking if I could make it to his house at 4 pm and assist him in giving a blessing. I remember well a story that Pres. Packer tells of a man who received a call from President Harold B. Lee asking if he could meet him in Salt Lake City the next day. Of course, the man discovered that his business would be taking him to Salt Lake the next day, though many miles away. The rest of the story is well worth reading, but needless to say there is a principle there, and I was honestly more than happy to make the trip up, postponing our family dinner until 6.

I met a woman there, who I'll refer to as SKM, who had served as stake relief society president while Pres. Young was stake president. We had an enjoyable time conversing for about an hour, and then I anointed and Pres. Young sealed the blessing. I'll simply say here that it was a blessing unlike any I've ever participated in. Truly special and SKM's example was inspiring, and the magnitude of her faith apparent.

The main reason that Pres. Young had asked me to assist was to meet her, as she had been a judge in Utah, having been appointed in her early 30's, and later taught at BYU Law School.  We were able to set up a time this coming week to have lunch together, providing me an opportunity to ask questions about law school.

The Youngs have been great to me. After SKM left, we talked for another half an hour and I left feeling uplifted and with some food for later to boot.

These good old goobers were waiting for me when I returned. Dinner was fantastic, the chili turning out great. We played a rousing game of Settlers of Cataan, and Porter "Sheep Baron" Schenewark pulled out the win in the end.

There is a saying I quite like, "No matter how thin the pancake is, there is still two sides." or something like that. And it's true. The reason this has been on my mind, is because of the blessing with Pres. Young.

Regardless, and applying the principle in a different way, it is important to be patient and listen to what others have to say. The other comes in Let us be kind, extend the benefit of the doubt, let us not seek simply for justice but be willing to extend the hand of mercy to those around us.

The Working Man's Words

Oct 21-27: Freedom and Fun by Hunter Schenewark

Tanner bought a World Series TV pass, and I've enjoyed catching snippets here and there. My money is on the Astros, but my heart is with the Nationals. (Update: Nationals won!)

For home evening on Monday, our group gathered and for the activity we told scary/funny Halloween stories. I enjoyed listening, and while all the stories were good, there was also one Bigfoot account, so it was a perfect night.

Wednesday was a busy day. First, I left work to have lunch with Judge McCleve at Thai House cuisine. Its located in downtown/historic American Fork and was in an old house. Excepting Panda Express, I generally don't lean towards Asian entrees. However, this ended up being quite good, and priced extremely reasonably. I had some spring rolls, sweet and sour with chicken and some soup. We talked about what law school was like, how it has blessed her life, and what my future plans are. At the end, she also procured some further references that I could talk to. It was very kind of her to meet me and offer to help.

That night was our ward activity at Cornbelly's, which is part of Thanksgiving Point and includes a giant corn maze and other fall activities. It started at 6:30, and was only 1/2 mile from my work, so I elected to stay late rather than going home only to drive straight back. Alas, when I went to head over at 6:30, my car was completely dead. I hadn't left anything on (I was pretty sure,) so I did what I always do. Called my mom. We talked through a couple options, and then I rang the Bach's. He was sure, from my description, it was the battery. Some kind strangers from a neighboring company used their F-150 and gave me a jump, starting it right away. From there, I had a decision to go home, or head to the still ongoing ward activity. I was struck with paralysis for a moment, completely unsure of what was the right decision. Ultimately, I headed towards Provo, reasoning it was essential to get the problem fixed. I stopped by AutoZone and tested the battery, but they said the reading came back with no problems. Crossing my fingers, and hoping I had actually left something on earlier, I went home. The post Cornbelly's pizza party was still going on, and I attended, before heading to the gym. The car started at once to go there, and so I thought no problem after all. 

The next morning, Thursday, with some trepidation, I turned the car over, and nothing. My roommate gave me another jump, tested the alternator, which checked out okay, and let me borrow his cables for the day. I tried starting it repeatedly throughout the day, and it started a few times without issue. And then, at 5 when I went to leave, it was dead again. Another jump, and I decided to go to Wal-Mart and buy a battery. The wallet $66 lighter, I left, and found my car needing another jump. So it was on to Autozone again, where they tested the battery again, confirmed it was dead, and jumped my car so I could go home to change the battery. Impressively, the dead battery appears to have been the original, meaning it made it for 15 years. I attended my LSAT class, and at 10ish went to battle. Holy moly. I've changed one other battery, and it took all of 10 minutes. This took 80 minutes, with me dousing all the corroded parts in baking soda and finally putting it back together again. Concurrently, a party was happening a block away, blasting loud, inappropriate music. Outside in the freezing wind, I had had enough, and ended up calling in to report the disturbance and had the police go over to shut the noise off. What. a. long. day.

Nevertheless, the battery is in, the car is back to purring again, and I am much more thankful every time I get behind the wheel.

Friday I left work a little early and headed to Sleepy Ridge at the invitation of Kevin, and played 8 holes on his pass. I birdied the last hole, and took off to go see Tad Callister speak at BYU as part of the Sperry Symposium. His speech was entitled, "What is the Purpose of Suffering?", attempting to answer why it happens, what is its purpose, and how we can best face it, among other pertinent questions. I arrived right at the start, and was fortunate to have my friend William saving me a seat in front. My biggest takeaway was the idea that the cure for all suffering is an ETERNAL PERSPECTIVE.

After, we headed back to my place as William has been wanting to learn to make pizza for some time.

Logan Page arrived unexpectedly, and I invited David Kaiser over. We all enjoyed pizza and varied conversation. Lately, I've really appreciated hearing people's favorite scripture or something they've learned recently from the scriptures, and asked all of them to share.

http://www.schenewark.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/VID_20191025_235821952.mp4

Finally, this happened. The culmination of much headache, worry, and weight. Now to be no more. I paid off my student loan. I don't think it was coincidence that Friday and Saturday were some of the best sleeps I can remember. Because they were government loans, there was a 6 month grace period before the interest kicked in. I made it with minutes to spare. No interest for you, Mr. Debt Collector. (Alas, I found out after that for the payment to be processed same day, it needs to be submitted by 8 pm CDT. So there was $1.70 in interest.)

Saturday was a blast. The LSAT practice took up the morning, and then I picked up Kimball and we headed into the canyon and went to Midway to play Soldier Hollow Golf Course. Mark met us there, and I can honestly say it was one of the most fun rounds I've ever been a part of. What a blast! Mark hasn't come within 10 strokes of me before, and while I didn't play poorly, he played inspired, and edged me out at the last.

With All My Love

Dear Children!

How are you? I'm sitting at work with a thousand thoughts running through my head.

Breyer, Moriah and I worked together on a dress for Miss B. The official flower girl of the wedding highly anticipated. Porter has agreed to wear his costume, with a willing partner by his side. It's a good thing we got on the business of ordering the dress. If we had waited much longer I don't think it would have been ready in time.  We also ordered a Snow White costume, hoping it gets here today in time for the trunk 'n treat at the church tonight.

Breyer spent last night having me get down the bins so she could decorate. She worked on the table and the fire place mantel. She'll probably do more today on her own. She does love to light candles and bask in the glow. We've had a fire in the fireplace the last two evenings. One of my favorite things in the world! It was so nice to come home to that, on a chilly evening, dinner ready. Nothing like hot food for the belly and hot fire for the soul.

Knowing Sawyer would be a little restless with nothing to do on a Friday night, I gave him my Home Depot list that's been accumulating: filter for the furnace, chlorine tablets for the sewer, logs for the fireplace. That kind of stuff. He also picked up the new Spider Man movie at Redbox. And spent the rest of the evening and night feeling ill. Miller must have shared.

Miller's two days, not just one, of throwing up over his top bunk bed spot, took most of my free time this week. He not only hit his bed, rails, floor, but got Miss B's as well, vaulting her out of bed so quickly it made me laugh. Several stuffed animals were involved, a foot hassock, and a mermaid sparkly blanket. By day two I was done and called in reinforcements by the way of carpet cleaning. They look and smell wonderful. It was already going to be rescheduled, just done a bit sooner. Miller's been sleeping in the guest bedroom as his stomach is still off, for which Miss B and Sawyer are grateful.

There is a family in Bentwater, whose mother is from Brazil. Breyer loves her little classmate, from last year, and continues to associate with her and the family. They were on my mind in July when all the boys of Brazil were going to be home, and I had wanted to have a Brazilian dinner with her and her family. I'm hoping to do that again in December. When we had the missionaries over for dinner last week I shared my thoughts of her, and my plan, and asked for their input. They're always very sweet and excited but left it all up to me and the Lord. This past Sunday in church a newer move in of Granbury and the ward, who also is from Brazil spoke, and my prayer was answered. She will be the key I know she needs.

Quoting Rich, quoting Elder Christofferson, "Recognize each day the hand of the Lord in our lives."

Love,

Mom

The Working Man's Words

What a time! Uncle Rich said the choir did great, way to go Sister Bach!

Cars are not my forte....especially mechanical issues and backing up in driveways. On Wednesday, after finding my car dead I jumped it, and left work going straight to Autozone. They tested my battery, and said it was at 96%, At this point, I began to wonder if maybe i did leave something on, and thats all this was. I made it home, and a few hours later used the car with no problem.

At 7:30 on Thursday I went to start the car with some trepidation, and sure enough, nothing. My roommate jumped me, and he tested the alternator which checked out fine. So I went to work. An hour after arriving, I went to my car and tried starting it. No problem. Five hours later, a little problem, but it still started. When I went to leave, it was dead again.  Another jump, (and another technique to do it) and I made it to Wal-Mart. I bought a new battery, and in the 10 minutes that took, my car was dead again. You see where I'm going here, another jump (I took my roommates cables that morning, figuring I'd need them.) From Wal-Mart it was back to Autozone. they tested the battery again, this time it came back as toast. And sure enough, even though I had just driven twenty minutes, after being parked for 5, it was another jump. Then to the house.

After the LSAT class, I went to switch the batteries. The old one was so corrroded. The one time I've switched a car battery before, (last summer on the great white hope) it took ten minutes. This time, it was an agonizing 80 minutes. Everything was so corroded and the screws stripped. It was the original battery (15 years isn't too shabby.)

And this morning, no problems at all. Sometimes its the little things in life. Haven't ever been consciously grateful for a working battery before. Always taken it for granted. No mas. Thanks for the advice and support. I was almost looking on KSL for a horse, so its good this is now taken care of.

Love to everyone,

Hunter

Nora N'Updates

Freshmen Fun

Sophomore Scene, Jr

Granbury ISD and Tarleton State University Educational Scholarship Collaboration

A Family Affair

‘A new movement’: Pray for the country, its leaders, church official urges Latter-day Saints

By Sarah Jane Weaver  Oct 20, 2019, 8:41pm MDT

WORCESTER, Mass. — President M. Russell Ballard urged members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New England on Sunday evening to “join a new movement” by inviting their neighbors, colleagues and friends on social media to pray for the United States, its leaders and its families.

“Our nation was founded on prayer, it was preserved by prayer and we need prayer again,” said the acting president of the church’s Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. “I plead with you this evening to pray for this country, for our leaders, for our people and for the families that live in this great nation founded by God.”

Speaking to an estimated 12,000 people gathered in the DCU Center, the senior church leader reminded the congregation that “this country was established and preserved by our founding fathers and mothers, who repeatedly acknowledged the hand of God through prayer.”

Sophomore Scene

Princess Power

With All My Love

Dear Children,

How are you? I hear about your adventures in little snippets of conversation we have, or from one of your siblings, but am anxious, as always, to really know.

That Porter got called out of the stands at the women's BYU soccer game, for the fourth time, makes me shake my head. When I asked what he had to do to get chosen, made me understand a bit more. That he's always making the shots doesn't surprise me. That they're always trying to short change him makes me a bit angry. And that he finally got to bring home the ball - made my night. Such little successes in life are fun. Especially when they came with a free doughnut. Times as many as you want.

Porter and Cooper were both notified this week that they were recipients of scholarship money that either had been unclaimed

The boys are loving the ping pong table they were able to buy at the community garage sale. It's now inside the living room tucked in a corner. Lovely. What I do to make boys happy.

Love,

Mom

The Working Man's Words

October 7-13: Stille Nacht by Hunter Schenewark

Do you hear that? Ah yes, Silent Night is playing. Tis the season. As birds instinctively know when to head south for the winter, my body knows when it is time to play Christmas music. And it hit this week. What a time of year? (Except for Oct. 31. Can you imagine what our puritan ancestors would have thought celebrating such a "holiday"?)

Also heard this week: destined, either, neither, derelict, glutton. Words pronounced wrong by me. Granted, glutton was a slip-up (I was talking about gluten in the same sentence...) but the others I fear have been mispronounced for years. Always makes me smile when I realize something like that.

Monday, for FHE our group did a "Just Dance" activity. This was my first time trying, and I have to say, I LOVED it! It was a lot of fun. Who walks like an Egyptian? This guy!

Pictured: Leftover hawaiian haystacks that I had for lunch. Didn't finish, but came close. Had to save some room for the banana cream pie.

Friday, my boss's wife, Noelle, was diagnosed with breast cancer. They're closer to 40 than 50, and my heart went out to them. So much uncertainty and difficulties in the days ahead.

The LSAT prep continues. This week I took my fifth practice test, scoring a 169, my highest yet. If I could, I'd lock that score in. As it is, my goal is to go up more. I'd like to be at 175 before taking the test, and that way if I perform worse in the actual test because of stress or it is simply a tough one, I'll still fall back to the 170 level. Fingers crossed.

After I finished the proctored practice, I headed to a quick MaeserLaser meeting. Methinks I'm going to be taking the newspaper back. Henry has done well in my absence but was quite eager for my return, and I think I'm in a better place to be able to handle the added responsibilities.

Saturday I was also able to go to the Provo City Center Temple.

Today, Kevin, Cooper and Porter came over after church. Which, by the way, church was so, so good today. I had a meeting at 9, but stayed and stayed, being there from 9-3:30, not because I had to, but because I didn't want to leave. For priesthood we divided up into 4 groups, and separated to have smaller discussions on Pres. Nelson's conference address from last Sunday, "Closing remarks." I led one of the groups and we talked about making our own plans to prepare for the next 6 months, and about the temple, the crown jewel of the restoration. Sunday is my favorite day of the week. Going back to dinner, we had whole wheat rolls, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, gravy, chicken legs, and veggies. Delicious. Having no stock on hand, I went for broke in making a gravy, no recipe in sight. I boiled a few cups of water, added two bouillon cubes, a little bit of cream, flour, tossed in some garlic salt, black pepper, poultry seasoning, rosemary, and BOOM! That stuff turned out delicious. I'll be making it again.

We played a few rousing rounds of bananagrams, and then I acted like they were missionaries, and asked who would be sharing a spiritual thought. Kevin went, guiding us to Romans 5:19,

For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.

He applied it well to us, and testified that one person can make a big difference, and we can be that one person.

I thought the idea was great, so I turned to Porter and he shared Pres. Eyring's Oct 2009 Conference address, "Be Ready." The point, prepare yourself and stay worthy to be ready to bless someone with the power of the priesthood for you never know when a call might come. For Porter, that call came this week, when he went and visited someone in the hospital. Cooper talked about Stephen Owen's talk which mentioned how a deer herd had been stranded by winter weather and had nothing to eat. Well-meaning humans left them straw, and while the deer ate lots of it, they were found starved, with their bellies full of straw. They ate, but were not food. Cooper applied it to us and said that there are many things, such as social media, which can use all our time, and leave us undernourished and starving. We need to make sure that we are spending time doing what really matters. I loved their insights, and will be asking everyone for more next week when they visit as well.

While Cooper had to head home, Kevin and Porter joined me at the nursing home where we sang for 40 minutes. Those boys not only have some good sized lungs, but can hit the right notes. It was a really good time. Someone asked if they were twins, to which they replied no, but indicated the familial relationship and then gestured towards me. I felt small standing next to the 6'7" and 6'4" giants.

Here's the thought I shared with the fam today after dinner. It comes from section 36 of the Doctrine and Covenants:

Thus saith the Lord God, the Mighty One of Israel: Behold, I say unto you, my servant Edward, that you are blessed, and your sins are forgiven you, and you are called to preach my gospel as with the voice of a trump;

And I will lay my hand upon you by the hand of my servant Sidney Rigdon, and you shall receive my Spirit, the Holy Ghost, even the Comforter, which shall teach you the peaceable things of the kingdom;

Referring to Edward Partridge, this revelation was given in December 1830. Nevertheless, the principle applies to us as well. Many times, we don't see the whole picture. When we are set apart for a calling, ordained to an office in the priesthood, or blessed, we see the human hand on our heads. As this scripture notes though, the Lord is laying his hand on as well. The priesthood is the power of God on this earth. Joshua 3:5 commends, "Sanctify yourselves: for to morrow the LORD will do wonders among you." As we work to purify ourselves and do the will of the Lord, we will experience miracles in our lives, and be tools to perform miracles in others.

BEVO's Bodyguards

Grammar Rocks and Miss Sha Na Na Noun

Luck O'the Lawyer

No luck involved - and four years strong!

Happy Anniversary!