May 21, 2018

Elder Halvorsen's Orchids

Sea Glass Hunt on a Rainy Day

May 21, 2018

Monday we got the news that Grandpa does have shingles in his eye.  He is improving a little each day.  He is such a trooper and never complains.  We are praying for his full recovery.  I have started a project of reading all of Russell M. Nelson's conference addresses since he became an apostle.  It has been a very interesting read.  So thankful for a living prophet.

We attended Fox Company's graduation on Tuesday and got to talk to Chantry.  He has been a faithful member of our branch.  He is married and his wife is expecting their first baby any day.  Military spouses sacrifice a lot so their husbands can train and serve our nation.  We emptied several boxes at FAM.  It is nice to see we are finally making some significant headway with our sorting.

Wednesday I got to help train a new volunteer at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.  The Society is only able to function because of the generosity of volunteers.  The people who participate come from a wide range of backgrounds.  The new volunteer is a young navy nurse and will volunteer on her day off.  Her husband is a deployed marine--a dedicated couple.

We missed going to San Diego on Thursday.  There was a break in the action and there was no graduation this week.  After working at the Thrift Store, we delivered a beautiful plant to Lindsey Colman who is recovering from surgery.  She was a bit lonesome so we stayed about an hour.  She is a brave woman who despite numerous health issues is determined to be the best mother possible for her four children.  

We celebrated a six-year anniversary at the Addiction Recovery Program with one of our members.  As he shared his story, he said this is the second time he has reached the six year mark and then he relapsed.  It is discouraging to realize addiction is a life long struggle that will never end for these wonderful people.  One spouse in her share said that her attitude changed when she stopped thinking of herself as an innocent victim and realized Jesus was always an innocent victim.  When she grasp that concept and clung to her faith in Jesus Christ's Atonement, she was able to start making progress.  One brother told how he had buried two of his brothers due to addiction but at the dedication of the last grave he was impressed that those who die with addictions will have the chance to overcome them in the future--that is why we have temple work.  The facilitators for the Addiction Recovery Program--James and Teri Kennedy have helped so many face their struggles and progress to overcome them.  

Friday after working at the San Onofre Office we mailed our last box to Wisconsin.  Heidi and Craig were able to secure a home in Eden Prairie and will move the end of June.  When they were having trouble finding a house, as a family they discussed whether they should try and stay in Waukesha.  The boys all said they wanted to move and see what it was like in Minnesota.  Heidi was relieved to know they were all onboard with the move and then things fell into place for the house.  God is in the details of our lives and is there to bless us.  We corresponded with Allison Halvorsen and she said this week our contractor was walking our lot and preparing to start building.  That was exciting news.

Saturday I woke up with the urge to go to the beach and hunt for sea glass.  I should have looked out the window first.  I didn't realize it was a real Grey May Day and it was raining.  But, we went to the beach in a drizzle anyway.  There were a few sprinkles but we had a great walk.  Didn't find much glass.  We realized we need the sunlight to illuminate the glass so it will sparkle in the sand.

We attended the evening session of Stake Conference.  Elder Hallstrom was the visiting authority.  The conference was centered on ministering.  President and Sister Clark were among the speakers.  One of their daughters has a new baby who is very ill.  They have sacrificed much to serve as the mission president of the California, Irvine Mission.  We are so thankful for their dedication and the love they share so abundantly.  They are great examples to us.  

It was my turn to make breakfast for the marines.  Elder Halvorsen suggested I make a healthy baked oatmeal casserole with strawberries and apples.  It was a good plan until Sister Richards surprised us by bringing four dozen Krispie Kreme Donuts too.  The marines each ate 5 or 6 donuts and loved every bite.  So much for adding to their physical health.  At least we gave them a nice helping of spiritual food. At Stake Conference, Bro. Hallstrom discussed the Doctrine of Reverence--the profound love and respect of deity.  Our lives and actions should reflect our love of God and Jesus Christ. We had a guest speaker at our Fireside--Kevin Anderson.  He had some great WWII stories about his father who had earned a Purple Heart, a Bronze Star and a Silver Star.  However, he was a humble man and didn't share his heroics.  Instead he focused on knowing who he was--a Child of God and instilled the desire in each of his children to never forget who they were. When his father died, he received a letter from his commander saying what a great example of integrity his father had been and that meant more to Bro. Anderson than the medals.  Bro. Anderson told a great story of setting a trap as an eight-year old child to punish a bully.  The trap was laid with boards and long nails under grass.  Unfortunately Kevin tried out the trap, fell and one of the nails went through his foot.  He knew his dad was going to be very angry at him but Kevin cried out for him in pain.  After rescuing Kevin his dad hugged him and told him how much he loved him.  The father said he knew Kevin would never do that again and he left it at that.  Kevin said that was his first insight into how a loving Heavenly Father treats his children.  Even though we do stupid things and punish ourselves, our Heavenly Father is there to love us and help us to move forward.  He challenged the marines to remember who they are--marines, children in an earthly family and a Child of God.  It was an outstanding talk.  

We got home and received a text that Eric had been injured this weekend cutting down some dead trees.  He separated a rib from the cartilage connecting it to his sternum.  He will have a 4-6 week recovery.  Made me think of Bro. Anderson's talk and wish we could take away Eric's pain.  We have such amazing children who know who they are and we're so thankful to have them in our family. Praying for his quick recovery.