February 28, 2010
Today, we had our Stake Conference. The theme was the "rescue". Do you remember the General Conference when President Monson referred to Joseph Mallard William Turner's painting "Life boat and Manby going off to a stranded". This painting the prophet renamed "The Rescue". I am sure you can see the many symbols depicted in this painting. We spend many minutes discussing the symbolism in this painting one Stake PEC Meeting. Look at those on the shore not being able to particpate in the rescue, those in the boat going out in harm's way, and the light shining from the storm itself. We came up with great suggestions for these meanings. What are your interpretations?
Anyway, we went to the temple this week, (another rescue). We went out for a couple hours visitng those in the Stake that might need a visit, yesterday. We had leadership session talking about why visitation are so important and these resuce principles. We had the traditional adult session as well as the regular session, on Sunday. The Mt.Hood Ward sang in both sessions with their choir. It was so beautiful. I got to sing with the tenor section since they were a little short. It was so fun to be with the YSA! Our Stake President basically threw out his talk during the Sunday session and went with the spirit talking about what we need to do as families to get back to the basics. He said he had such a good talk, but isn't it so much better when the spirit whsipers to go in another direction? (I definitely would have trouble with that!) He trully was speaking from the heart directly for our Stake for a good 25 minutes!
Can you imagine what you would say, if you had the keys and mantle for your Stake. It was not anything new: Stay to the bascis : Prayer, Scriture Study, FHE, Serve, and magnify your calling. ...Fathers lead out! Mothers tend to your children. Children prepare for the temple and don't let anything get in your way to stop you from that goal! So there it was in a nut shell.
We love you and so much enjoy the telephone calls, the special FHE at Cindy's ( WE are meeting once a month and talking about family stories and answering questions of the children). WE can do FHE ovver the internet if you have any questions out there for grandpa and grandma Hill. The technology is so great. We even had a three way converstion on the telephone today with mom, jen , and missy! Thanks Melissa on telling me how to hook up! The days are going so fast!
WE are planning on having Jake's friend over to help get the kitchen prepare (Eric). Kyle, once again... Thanks for getting us started. We would never of had the heads start without your early lay off. Kyle, did you get your clearance to be on the base yet? Mandy, how is the baby coming along? Your early morning sickness is past thanks goodness! Mom, has not been able to shake this sickness. She emailed her doctor to gets some antibitics. She got a blessing yesterday, so she she be on the mends. Guy is coming March 10 and will be leaving the following Monday. We hopefully will have a family dinner for all who can come on Saturday (Dad and MOm have already penciled in the date). Maria how is the house closing coming along? Melissa is loving not having the dog to clean up and that goes with that. We are hoping to get the a new kitchen soon (Spring Break). We got our taxes but still are a little short so everthing will be coming soon since our contract has finally settled (almost 90% correct on that part). We will be getting some back pay from the contact that should have settled a year and half ago. Also, I will be teaching credit recovery for the next couple of months after school on Thursdays (8 WEEKS), so the kitchen money is coming along. The temple is so fantastics on WEdnesdays nights. Just love it! ...Go to the temple, if you need extra blessings (WHO DOESN'T NEED EXTRA BLESSINGS!). It is so neat to be there with dad on his same shift. We were able to work on both sides of the veil last week. So neat, what a pay day! Mike, hope your studies are going well! Can't wait till the grandchildren come in a couple weeks. Mom is already planning activities. We live for your visits and time together. It comes so far and few as we get so spread out. All the more important to plan those trips to come home now and then! ...or should we plan a reunion in Utah this summer? Got to keep the juices and creativity going, so we can keep this family close if not in body; then in spirit, at least! This summer we will be PARTICIPATING in the Hood to Coast at the end of August. Keep your training going. Mike is up to 7 miles per day when he is able to get out. You go boy! Guy say he needs to get started training for his 26 mile marathon in Nashville, TN around April 24th weekend. Wow, Guy what numbet of marathon is this for You, anyways? Way to go! Jake is working again around Kaizer near Salem. JP, how is your foot from last week's run? Scott& Donna , Dad and Mom, and ourselves will be meeting at AppleBee's tomorrow for dinner. We enjoying getting out with family once a month.
Well, got to go!
Love you all,
Dad
