Happy New Year

Great news, Elder M. is now allowed to drive the mission vehicles, so our elders aren't totally dependent on bikes and members giving them rides.  That's great because people have been telling me how sad it looks to have the elders walking or riding their bikes all bundled up when it's so dark and cold.  I had a bit of a disappointment yesterday.  The elders have a limited number of miles in a month that they are allowed to drive, so there are times when they will still ask me for a ride or ask me to pick them up from an appointment. I love the chance to help them.  It gives me a chance to find out what they are up to.

Well yesterday I missed an opportunity to help the elders and I'm kind of sad I missed it.  The mission had a mission conference where Elder Russell M. Nelson (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) was the speaker.  One of the advantages of being a missionary during the holidays is that the church does cool stuff for their missionaries.  The elders asked if I would take them to the meeting, mostly because they didn't know for sure where they were going.  Sadly I had to work a twelve hour shift so I couldn't help out.  I did give them my gps unit to help them and I guess they found their way okay.  I had heard from the elders a week ago that they would be hearing from Elder Nelson and I was totally jealous!  I kept teasing them that they need to get me an invitation to attend the meeting.  President Miller- if you're reading this blog, I would sure love an invite to the President Packer devotional.... (Not so subtle hint). 

Next Sunday our stake will hold fast Sunday and have asked all the members to fast for an increased desire for success in missionary work and to get more members to serve missions.  They will include asking for senior missionaries to serve both in the Temple and in inner city type of missions.  What a great opportunity to get out and serve the Lord.
My oldest sister is not in our stake, but she is totally in the category of people the stake presidency is talking about.  She has a daughter who is married to a U.S. Army Officer living in Germany and her other daughter just bought a house.  She has no children at home and no debt (her house is even paid off).  My brother-in-law is still working, but I am sure that he and my sister have enough savings that they are perfectly suited to go out and serve the Lord.  It would be awesome for them because they are still young and have lots of energy and have a lot to give.  What a powerful missionary force there would be if more people in their situation would serve.  (KAREN I am calling you out).  I am also inviting anyone who is an empty nester to seriously consider talking to your bishop.  You will have the opportunity to work side by side with some pretty AWESOME youth both men and women who are totally dedicated to serving the people in their area and serving the Lord.  I tell you now in all honesty:  We have nothing to worry about with the future of the church and the nation if all young men and women are of the quality of the young men who have been living in my basement for the last year and a half.  Get to know the missionaries in your area, they are great.  Get motivated to be a missionary yourself.

The Church is true, God loves YOU. 

Continue to pray for our missionaries, they need the support.  Elder B (you know who you are)  I am waiting for your return!  God bless you.
Be awesome this week.
Thanks for reading my blog.