Dear Elder Schenewark,
I so appreciate your letter last week. Sometimes the phone calls don't work out as long as I'd like, or at the best moment of the day, meaning I'm distracted picking up your sister, etc. But to be able to go back later and read a few words from you, appreciate your humor, and see your smiling face - priceless.
What a glorious conference! Spring and spiritual treats - my favorite time of the year. President Nelson wanting to have speakers from different areas of the world was inspirational. This is a worldwide church, more so every day. The pandeic is a global pandemic. and the entire world has suffered. The entire world is in chaos. What peace the world would have listening to those leaders speak of Christ this Easter Sunday. And in our prophet's plea to gather Israel, how wonderful to have a visual as well as musical picture of Israel. This week was busy.
Miller had a track meet at Granbury Middle School, including GMS and Aledo. Only having three schools versus last week's five or six, made the events go so much quicker. Almost too much so. Miller was scheduled to do the high jump third, meaning 7th girls and 8th girls are ahead of him, and 8th boys after. While he was in the middle of his jumps, he got the final call for the 100 yard relay, and running events take priority. So high jump was paused, he ran over to the track, watched the girls run, then he ran with his mates. They got first. He ran back to high jump, and with one jump won the event at 5'2", but because he had no misses he got to keep going. He had already tied the school record last week at 5'4, but jumped 5'4",jumped 5'6, and jumped 5'8. He wasn't able to quite get over 5'10, but after having the bar fall on top of him, falling off the corner of the mat, both which caused his knee to hit his head, he was a bit shaken. He ran over to the long jump, where 7th grade boys were the last to go, and he was a jump behind. His first attempt was 18'3", which was his best of three, and a first place jump. He then ran over to the track, to line up for the 100 yard dash. I think he placed second, and then he ran back to the track for the 200 yard relay. They lost their teammate last week due to an injury so I'm not sure how they placed. He was happy to come home and watch some NCAA March Madness while working on his homework. All in a days work for Miller.
Thursday was Sawyer's basketball banquet. It was scheduled at Warren's backyard 6-8 p.m. Coming out of Dallas I thought for sure I would miss the Grump's dinner and catch the banquet, but I missed it all. They literally were clapping and saying goodbye when I walked in the door. Sawyer was awarded co-MVP with a senior player, and the Fighting Heart award. I think he placed second in free throw percentage, highest scorer, three points, and rebounds, so being the heart of the team was very apropos.
Friday Dad and I were walking after work and found out it was Tanner and Hunter's BYU Law School Virtual Barrister's Award Ceremony. Hunter, out of 120 first year students, and seven first year awards, was given the Meritorious Achievements and Distinguished Service Award, and Tanner was given one of the J. Reuben Clark Law School Distinguished Clinical Practice Awards.
Although all these achievements by your brothers this week are impressive - they are of dust as compared to the work you are performing.
Saturday Dad and Breyer visited the fish store. As their was only one fish and one frog that have survived, bringing home four new fish was big news. By this morning one fish had passed away and placed in the Boston fern. Breyer is of the firm belief her deceased pets are responsible for the growth of the plant I don't disagree.
She pushed me to let her decorate eggs, which I had planned by having your father purchase white eggs. But she woke up so excited to do this today. The dye was a more natural dye but when it was purchased I didn't know it wasn't as suitable for coloring eggs. It just happened to be the only one left in the store. The entire gel based dye of each color was squirted into the cups, and it was still very difficult to dye the eggs. Breyer resorted to using markers and gel pens, even glitter, to make them festive.
In my journal I found, and had forgotten about, the notes I wrote when you were being set apart as a missionary. Of note, your father was able to stand in with the stake president. That you are the first to have your father participate, and the first to be on a mission during the pandemic, as well as the first to be stateside, all speaks to how unique your mission is:
I bless you as a full time missionary and I bless you with the rights, keys, and blessings you need to perform. I bless you with the gift of tongues given to special sons and daughters, to hep communicate the will of the Lord. I bless you to hear and understand what is said, to know through the spirit if not the words. Remember this gift comes from a willingness to depend on righteous obedience through your willingness and in your studies. I bless you with the gift of discernment, particularly a of great importance for you as you seek out the wealthy or poor, to see as Alma saw, to find those who are seeking to make covenants. Remember the Lord seeth fit to call at this time and place, through our prophet, to bring the elect back to church. Increase your time and enjoy your time spent on your knees in prayer, especially when you are frustrated. Let the powers that be distill upon your soul, especially as you are older and wiser than your companions. I bless you with the gift of charity that shows you how to be a perfect counselor. You will be a leader like your father . You will remember the great examples of your family. Call upon them with your thoughts. The power of Elijah is strong, that of family being bound to ancestors. I bless you with the power and gift of knowledge, whether from parents or Heavenly Father. Share liberally but humbly.
Elder Schenewark, the work is hard. Remember these words, and that you will be protected by angels. I bless you with the gift to focus on what is most important because of your willingness to serve."
Love,
Mom
No comments:
Post a Comment