With All My Love

 Dear Elder Schenewark,

There's not much news from home this week - last week's letter went out late - we spent two days watching conference - and then hit the ground running.

Miller had his last two track meets Monday and Tuesday.  Monday he competed at the district level for field events - placing first in high jump - 6'0". He tried to clear 6'2" but was not able. Tuesday he competed with his 4x200 relay and got last place. High and low - kind of like life's moments - there are a lot of ups and downs.

Monday night concluded this year's March Madness tournament with AnneMarie claiming top honors - and for those who won't see the engraving soon - look for AnneMarie "Alley-Oop" Schenewark.

What I loved about conference - from the beginning of Saturday through the end - was the emphasis placed on missionary work and the importance of missionaries. I hope you felt renewed listening to some of the thoughts shared over the pulpit. President Nelson began with his opening comments:

"We have the sacred responsibility to share the power and peace of Jesus Christ. His gospel is the only answer when many in the world are stunned with fear. This underscores the urgent need for us to follow the Lord’s instruction to His disciples to go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.”

"We have the sacred responsibility to share the power and peace of Jesus Christ with all who will listen and who will let God prevail in their lives.. Today I reaffirm strongly that the Lord has asked every worthy, able young man to prepare for and serve a mission. For Latter-day Saint young men, missionary service is a priesthood responsibility. You young men have been reserved for this time when the promised gathering of Israel is taking place. As you serve missions, you play a pivotal role in this unprecedented event."

Then came Elder Ballard. 

"The Lord knows you. When you are serving your mission, you will have experiences that will help you come to know Him better. You will grow spiritually in serving Him. In His name, you will be sent on errands to serve others. He will give you experiences with promptings from the Holy Ghost. The Lord will authorize you to teach in His name. You can show Him that He can trust you and can rely on you."

"I pray that you will see and know how missionary service will forever bless your life. May you know in your minds and feel in your hearts the power of the invitation the Lord gave to the great missionary sons of Mosiah. He said, “Go forth … and establish my word; yet ye shall be patient in long-suffering and afflictions, that ye may show forth good examples … in me, and I will make an instrument of thee in my hands unto the salvation of many souls.”

Anyway, I hope you get the idea. You're important, you're loved, you're thought of, and of course you're missed. Enjoy your time with the Bachs this week.

I love you!

Mom