Thought for the week:
"Life is a continuous battle. It doesn't matter how many battles you've won or lost. What matters is that you fought, learned, and survived."
"Change of attitude starts with a change of perspective."
"Some wounds mend better alone. You don't need people who keep pinching the bruises."
This week has found us battling cold weather and then enjoying 52 degrees on Saturday. Can't decide wether to put away my winter boots and gloves or wearing a sweater instead of a coat. I'll take the warmer weather to the freezing cold.
Last Monday we went to dinner with the Dallings in Burlington at a wonderful Italian restaurant. I know we eat out way to much but love getting out of Dodge (Nauvoo) for a change of pace.
Our numbers are still low at the temple, but we always have someone come so we don't cancel sessions. I've really learned to love working in initiatory since I serve there a lot lately. When you really listen to the words you realize what special blessings we have in store if we keep our covenants and stay faithful.
Yesterday was the annual Pioneer Exodus from Nauvoo. It was a beautiful day with warm temperatures and a lot of supporters. Rudi and I had to work the early shift at the temple because we got to go last year and many missionaries haven't been involved before. This year was nothing like last year with sub zero temperatures. Last year was a lot like when the Saints left back in 1846. We felt grateful that we did get to take part in last years reenactment.
Special weekend in Nauvoo with a lot of visitors here for seminars, dinners and of course the actual exodus.
Today was another special experience in Canton. Our first couple,the Deppermans, will be coming to the temple on Friday to take out their endowments and be sealed. Sister Depperman has asked me to be her escort and Rudi will be Bro. Deppermans guide. He's asked the missionary who taught them the gospel and baptized them to be his escort. We feel so privileged and so excited for them to mark this big step. Bro. Depperman is in a jazzy and his health is constantly compromised. They are so excited to finally take this big step, especially since he's about passed away many times. This is a crowning experience in our missionary opportunities. We have some very tender feelings for these special saints in Canton. Hopefully the other five couples will follow shortly behind them. We also found out that Kendra Hohvath is getting baptized on February 28th. This little branch is really starting to catch the vision and the gospel is rolling forth at an increased speed. It's really going to be hard to leave them and hope and pray they continue with their goals to get to the temple. So glad the Dallings will continue to watch over this wonderful flock of people. Pres. McArthur was really inspired when he asked the temple missionaries to lengthen our stride and go to the small branches throughout the temple district. We have personally been blessed and hope the people we've served have felt our love for them.
Today in our lesson we discussed the reason why we want to go to the temple. Elder Boyd K. Packer said:
"When we come to the temple and receive your endowment, and kneel at the alter and be sealed, you can live an ordinary life and be an ordinary soul--struggling against temptation, failing and repenting, and failing again and repenting, but always determined to keep your covenants.... Then the day will come when you will receive the benediction: 'Well done , thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things; enter into the joy of thy lord'. (Matthew 25:21)
This is what it's all about. These words really touched me and made me love my mission even more.
We hope and pray that our children and grandchildren will follow in our trembling footsteps and enter the mission field. There are special blessings awaiting you. Our temple service has been wonderful and the cherry on the top is our service in Canton.
Our days may be numbered but we intend to work our hardest right to the last day and not leave with any regrets.
May The Lord keep you safe and continue to bless each one of you with a desire to be better each day.
Have a wonderful love filled Valentines. We continue to love and miss you but know all is well.
Rudi and Kathy
This week brought snow and low temperatures. We're so jealous of the Utah weather.
Ellie and Ethan in Park City. Sixteen and fourteen look good on you two kids.
Our kids and grandkids sent us Valentines this week. They made these cute streamers to bring the Valentine Spirit to grandpa and grandma. We love it and feel your love. Thanks bunches!
Our replacements the Dallings, in Canton today. They're temple missionaries and dear friends of ours. Canton will be blessed to have them, and they'll love the branch.
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