The Blacks' Mission Report

Sister Black and I didn't get to spend much time doing our missionary efforts this week.  She has had such terrible back pain and needed to have an injection done to relieve some of it.  This is normal.  She does it quarterly, but this time she was way overdue.  We consulted with our pain management doctor and set an appointment for Friday to get it done.  She is doing much better today.  Her pain isn't gone, but it is reduced dramatically. I remember, when I was a young lad, perceiving what I thought was a spiritual light on church leaders when they came to visit our Ward and Stake.  People such as President David O. McKay, several of the then Quorum of the 12 Apostles and others.  . I remember knowing that they were speaking words directed by the Holy Ghost.  I remember thinking if I dared to open my eyes during a prayer, I might be able to see the light emanating from heaven to the person offering the prayer, though I have never done so....

Somehow, I have lost a week.  I'm not sure how, but I didn't write anything last Monday, so I'll write a little today. There hasn't been a whole lot going on.  A week ago we were both a bit under the weather.  I'm not sure of the reason, and we did a few things, but mostly stayed close to home.  We're feeling better this week and we've done a lot more of our chores this week, but I don't think it is over yet. About 3 months ago I noticed a little sore on my belly.  It itched like crazy so I thought I was having some kind of an allergic reaction to something.  I didn't and still don't know what might have caused it.  I ignored it.  It hasn't gone away.  Then about 6 weeks ago I noticed a sore in my right armpit.  It itched like crazy (and still does, for that matter).  I don't know what it is, but yesterday I noticed that it has hatched young-uns next to it.  My princess bride thinks it is just a rash, but I dunno.  I g...

This week's blog post is late.  I apologize.  There were extenuating circumstances.  I'll get to that eventually. During this past week I waited anxiously for Thursday to arrive so I could get the dental work promised by the Dentist.  He had examined my anchor teeth (for the bridge that came loose) and determined that I had to have a molar tooth removed, which meant I would have no molar surfaces with which to chew.  Then when the socket healed we would consider an implant or a partial. But... When we went in to get all that started, the dentist removed the bridge and found that the anchor molar was still viable and was able to clean up both anchor teeth and reinstall the bridge.  So no oral surgery after all.  Whew! However, neither Sister Black or I were on top of the world all week.  We did get a little work done, but not much.  We kinda felt like we let the Lord down.  We have repented and have worked pretty well last night a...

I am an equal opportunity pest.  I pester most folks with whom I have become comfortable, but mostly the folks that I pester are those who I know will pester me in return. A few years ago I came to know a couple, George and Anna, as I worked in the St. George temple.  I really enjoy visiting with them.  I have had a few experiences with them, some pretty good and some kinda funny, like the time I tried to sit on a chair that wasn't there.  We laughed so hard about that, and I wound up writing a poem describing that adventure. Over the few years we've known each other, we've shared our experiences with one another.  We've shared stupid things we've done, mistakes we've made, spiritual experiences we've enjoyed and just life itself. I've come to love George and Anna.  To me they are as the brother and sister that somehow were born to other parents.  Perhaps we were friends in the pre-earth life.  I'd like to think so. Now George is ailing....