The Blacks' Mission Report

Over the past week we have been blessed to assist our Sister Missionaries as they have contacted two young men who seem to be anxious to learn more of the Church.  They have been reading the Book of Mormon, though one of them only has a 3rd grade education.  He reads slowly, but he reads well.  We have been to his apartment to read the Book of Mormon with him.  He has been reading on his own, but he likes help too. He has prayed on his own without help.  When we went to his home last week, there was another young man who kind of inserted himself into our conversation.  He was excited to read the Book of Mormon and participated in the discussion.  Both of these men agreed to come to church on Sunday, and confirmed even Saturday afternoon, but for whatever reason they did not show up.  The Hermanas will contact them to see what happened. Today we attended the temple and we will do so again on Friday. Beyond these marvelous missionary experienc...

Dale and Maxine – The In-Laws Dale and Maxine fell in love in September Of 1950 and began their family that we all remember. It was the beginning of every-day family life. There was great joy, and love, and very little strife. There were cats, dogs, birds, and even some fishes. Poems were written while the kids washed dishes. There were Proms, Scouts, Church and school. And there were jobs to do, little time for the city pool. There was Little League, Band and oh-so-much going on. Eight children to raise, feed, clothe, and so on. Through it all, Dale and Maxine let their love grow vast. The children were growing and leaving the nest. Four of the children were called by the Prophet to serve, Which pleased Dale and Maxine, though it took much nerve. Money was tight, but it was enough – to make it all work. Each child knew he was loved and had great worth. Some of their children also have children in this story. 21 grandchildren to expand Dale a...

There comes a time in each of our lives when our bodies are worn out, our minds are weak, our children are grandparents and our spirits long to go home. For some of us we long to see and again associate with our spouse who has already passed away from this life and perhaps with children who have passed before us. When this time comes the children worry, the grandchildren wonder, and our friends morn our impending passing.  As our friends and associates pass away we wonder why we are still here. Such is the case with my favorite Mother-in-Law, who is in the final stage of her life.  We don't expect that she will live very many days longer.  I have known her for more than 50 years.  She was just 35 when I first met her and her oldest child.  These days are stressful for her children as they struggle to know just how to treat their mother.  She doesn't respond much now, but she sees spirits from the other side and can describe them. At such times we ma...

I have learned a few things in my life.  Some of them I've had to learn more than once.  For example: 1.  I learned early in my life that Jesus is the Christ, the very Son of the Living God.  I have never forgotten and I will not. 2.  I learned early in my teens that I am not indestructible.  I have to relearn that sometimes.  It seems that every year I am given more opportunity to realize that I am still mortal, and that my body can still be injured. 3.  I learned, when we were married, that women do not think about the same things as do men.  Moreover, they don't think the same things are important as do we.  Additionally, they are generally right. 4.  I learned, as we received children into our lives, that each one is an individual.  Each has his/her own personality.  Each one has different talents.  Each of them has to make his/her own life.  It is hard to understand that I am unable to live their lives ...