Family Matters TMM

What a wonderful week we had in Utah! Not all of our grandchildren were able to be there, but that is the only thing that could have made it better. All seven children were together, and we were able to get pictures for the first time in many years. Sean and his family are in-transit to live in Malaysia and only get to visit every 2-3 years. Our grandchildren are growing up, and not all could break away from their lives to join us. We love them, anyway.

Yesterday one of our young sister missionaries (Sister Yanez) asked if I would like to help her play prelude music, so I accompanied her on the piano (only a small electric one in that building) while she played the cello. We played from the Children’s songbook for about 20 minutes. It was a spiritual treat.

In the evening we met with the YSAs for Family Home Evening. Beto gave the lesson on President Oaks’ recent devotional talk to BYUH (June 11, 2019). It was a great lesson and discussion. In the discussion one of our YSAs told of an experience he had this week in hanging out with an old friend from high school. As they talked, William invited the other young man to attend YSA FHE. The young man replied that he could not because he was a satanist. William told him that was okay, but the man insisted that he would not because he was a satanist priest. William explained that he held the priesthood of Jesus Christ, the Melchizedek priesthood, which gives him great power. What shook William was that the other young man replied that they knew very well how powerful the priesthood of Christ was and that he knew that it was the true priesthood. That was shocking to William, who joined the Church two years ago. He then bore witness to all of us how very real the war for the souls of man is. It makes you think—these aren’t people who are deceived or naïve. They have chosen Satan’s side with full knowledge that the power of God is very real! So thankful for a living prophet of God! So thankful for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We are thankful for this mission and for the opportunity of studying the New Testament (we are learning so much as we concentrate on the COME, FOLLOW ME lessons! We love it!), the Book of Mormon (daily study with Cameron—just finishing it for the first time this year; it is true!), the Doctrine & Covenants (it was a great experience to teach it every day and twice on Thursdays), and now to teach the brand-new course for SAINTS, The Standard of Truth. We love reading that book and teaching it to our institute class! We love you all and invite you study the scriptures, attend the temple, and pray. The time is near! Much love!