Ogden Mission Blog: Week of Thanks -- thru December 2, 2013

Lynn in full caramel corn mode.

Our week, like many of you, was filled with preparations for Thanksgiving. We had visits with many less-active people, sharing our cranberry bread and love with them. They are always happy for the bread, and it helps us make friends.

We enjoyed our regular FHE group in Murphy. Whenever possible, we catch some of the BYU games on BYU-TV. (Many people out here like the programming on BYU-TV, so it's well known.)

Laurel remembered her Dad on his birthday Nov. 25. He would have been 93. She also remembered her sister, Carma Joy, on her birthday Nov. 30. She would have been 57. Sometimes it's hard to believe our loved ones are not in the other room. Oh wait! They are!
Guess that's why our hearts don't ache like they might otherwise. What a blessing!

We have been visiting someone who is incarcerated. We mailed him a couple of Ensigns and a Book of Mormon. At our last visit, he said he gave it away since he already had one, and that we could send some more. Imagine that! Doing missionary work in jail! Reminds us once again that there is good in everyone and in unlikely places.

On Thanksgiving Day we hosted several who would have been alone. There were nine of us: Murphy Elders, Blairsville Elders, Buzz Blazek, Gwen Fink, Pam Voyles, and us. We enjoyed good food, games, and fellowship. We all felt very thankful for each other. Sister Fink kindly brought us gifts she had made--a basket for Lynn to keep his etc. stuff in and a pair of seed bead earrings for me. She sells many things at the Farmer's Market.

It is distressing to find too many people who have left activity in the Church because of hurt feelings, sometimes even perceived offenses. Laziness is also a common excuse. Often people say, "I'm just too lazy to get up and come." We pray each of us will remember the joy and testimony of the gospel we once felt and allow it to restore and direct our lives.

We found a decorated Christmas tree and a couple of wreaths in the attic here. The Elders helped us put everything up, so we are in the Christmas spirit! :) We even had a SLIGHT
dusting of snow a few days ago. Laurel was hoping for enough to make snow angels, but there wasn't even enough to write our names in it. :(

Lynn has begun his annual caramel corn blitz. We'll see if he exceeds his record of 40 gallons from last year. So far we've produced 67 loaves of cranberry orange bread to give away, but the supply keeps dwindling somehow. Oh yes, it's because we give it away! :)

We are pretty healthy, happy, and very blessed. Thank you for your prayers. We certainly feel their influence.

XOXOXO