HAPPY THANKSGIVING WEEK!  To all of those who may get a break from work, and school, and more time to spend with family.  That is the best thing, isn't it?  To spend time with those we love the most! I hope you all take time this week to enjoy each other, some quiet time for just yourselves, and time to reflect on your blessings, where you are, where you want to be, and what Heavenly Father has provided to help you get there ~

Elder Matthew Holland was the visiting authority at our Stake Conference today.  In many ways it was just like having Elder Holland (the original) speaking to us - they sound so much alike and have the same sense of humor.  He gave a wonderful talk about having hope and faith - especially when you feel the blessings you need or are praying for are delayed.  

Also, the Mission President for the Colorado Springs Mission shared a story about a time when he and his wife were living in Idaho and they were helping at a special Easter display and program that the Church holds for the community.  He said an older gentleman came up to him and with tears in his eyes, pointed to a picture of the Savior and said he wanted to buy it.  President Kotter told him that the picture wasn't for sale and the man then asked if he would step out into the foyer so he could talk with him.  The man told President Kotter that he was so touched by the picture - that for years he had been distant from his faith - and that picture instilled in him a desire to become close to the Savior again.  President Kotter asked if he would like to attend one of our Church meetings on Sunday.  The gentleman said no.  President Kotter asked the man if he would like a copy of the Book of Mormon, and explained to him about the teachings of Christ that are found in it.  Again, the man said no.  President Kotter said the thought then came to him to ask the man if he would like for President and Sister Kotter to accompany him to the local Catholic Church the next week.  The man said yes, and so the following week, President and Sister Kotter attended the Catholic Church with this man and helped him make connections with the priests there.  President Kotter pointed out that we are taught to love, share, and invite.  We might not think of this as a great example of missionary work, but whenever we show love to someone that is exactly what we are doing.  President Kotter said the man keeps in touch with him regularly by email.

We said good-bye to Elder Ballard this week.  What a great man and what a wonderful legacy he left.  Just wanted to add the following thought - 

"In what will become his final resting place, on the headstone he shares with Sister Ballard, he left advice for all of us.

Remember:

• Think straight.
• Keep it simple.
• “Preach My Gospel.”
• Seek the one.
• Counsel together.
• Stay in the boat and hold on.
• Love and just serve.

This life, he said, is a “process of trying to prepare ourselves, a day at a time, to be a little better, be a little kinder, be a little more prepared for that day, which will surely come, when we shall pass back into the presence of our Heavenly Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

I leave you my witness and testimony that I know that Jesus is the Christ. He is our Savior, our Redeemer. He is our best friend.”

SO THANKFUL - 

My favorite hunters returned home on Wednesday - without meat - but so thankful they returned home safely!

For Ben's Amazon wish list - He makes me smile

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/34HBT4TPJIUAQ?ref_=wl_share

For Sayre's artwork

He calls this the Big Fat Chicken 😀

For Kevin and his patience

I talked Kevin into playing games with me twice this week.

One night it was Rummikub (moves too slow he says) and this past Friday we played Yahtzee - not his favorite.  Moving onward - He's been a great sport - but I'm not giving up!

For my new Stanley sticker 😁

Kim wins the Primary President of the Year Award!

Today, she had 3 of her 6 Primary teachers who couldn't come.  She had three siblings with autism, who usually don't come, show up, and she had one extra child who was visiting.  Kim's counselor, Leslie, and Blythe taught one class, her music leader took another class, and Kim taught a class.  When she got to class one of the kids got sick and threw up 😳

My best guess is she took a really good Sunday nap!

I have to say I am so thankful for each and every one of you.  You add adventure and love to my life and each one of you has a place in my heart forever 💖