HELLO OCTOBER . . . and Happy General Conference Weekend. The talks were all so good, but to me, the overall theme was that we need to strengthen our faith and testimonies in Heavenly Father, in our Savior, and in the restoration of the gospel, AND we need to strengthen our families.  

 Jonathan and Kate mentioned  Elder Brown's talk from Saturday morning.  This was one of my favorite talks also. His enthusiasm was catching, and he inspired me to be a better missionary.  I love this thought from him, "Take charge of your testimony... I bear witness that the power is within you.  No one can choose for you. No one can take this gift away. You can choose to believe."

Cory pointed out Elder Stevenson's talk about being a peacemaker.  That couldn't have been more timely, considering what our country has and is experiencing right now. Elder Stevenon said, "Peacemaking in communities grows by seeing one another as children of God. All are invited to take part in a one-week, three-step peacemaker plan: 1. A contention-free home zone. When contention starts, pause and reboot with kind words and deeds.  2. Digital bridge building: Before posting, replying, or commenting online, ask, 'Will this build a bridge? If not, stop. Do not send. Instead, share goodness. Publish peace in the place of hate.' 3. Repair and reunite: Each family member could seek out a strained relationship in order to apologize, minister, repair, and reunite."

Kim mentioned Elder Amos' talk from this afternoon.  I loved his southern drawl and that he started his talk referencing recipes.  In closing, he said,

When someone needs to invite Jesus Christ into their life, they can follow the steps that President Nelson taught about receiving personal revelation: find a quiet place they can regularly go to, humble themselves before God, pour out their hearts in prayer, and turn to Heavenly Father for answers and comfort.  Thanks to Jonathan for the visual effects! 😂

Chris commented on Elder Matthew Holland's talk about the mercy the Savior offers us when we repent. He used Jonah as an example of someone who resisted a call to serve, his willingness to help others, surviving a storm, being swallowed by a fish, accepting a call to preach, and saving a city, but he resented the mercy shown to his enemies.  As Elder Holland said, "God patiently teaches Jonah that He loves and seeks to rescue all of His children.

Adam said he really enjoyed Elder Johnson today, and also. Elder Godoy.  Elder Godoy has always been one of my favorites.  He came to Colorado Springs on one of his first assignments as a General Authority, with Elder Holland, when they reorganized our Stake.  I loved his depiction of the Saints in South Africa.  They are humble, faithful, and willing to sacrifice so much for the gospel. He said, "They find joy despite their challenges. They have learned that our relationship with the Savior enables us to approach difficulties with smiling faces and grateful hearts."

Dad said one of his favorite talks was by Elder Kearon.  He talked about new beginnings -"To each leper, blind man and adulterous woman; to the lame, the deaf and the dumb, to every grieving mother, desperate father and mourning widow; to the condemned, the shamed and the suffering; to the dead in body and the dead in spirit, what He did was offer a new beginning."  

Earlier in the week, Angella forwarded this post that is so true - 

Looking back at the succession of prophets, we can see how the Lord truly calls men who are prepared both spiritually and professionally for the unique challenges of our time.

President Gordon B. Hinckley (1995–2008) was a master communicator. In a time when the Church needed to expand its voice to a global audience, he oversaw a dramatic increase in temples worldwide and used media to share the gospel like never before. His skills in communication were exactly what the world and the Church needed.

President Thomas S. Monson (2008–2018) was a veteran and a man of compassion. At a time when the world was facing wars, displacement, and humanitarian crises, he taught service, kindness, and ministering to the one, reminding us that charity and love heal the wounds of conflict.

President Russell M. Nelson (2018–2025) was a world-renowned heart surgeon. At a time when the world would endure the COVID-19 pandemic and rising health crises, the Lord raised up a prophet who understood life, healing, and the power of both physical and spiritual wellness. He even lived a hundred and 1 before he died!

President Dallin H. Oaks, next in line of succession, is a distinguished judge. In a world filled with political divisions, moral debates, and questions of justice, the Lord has prepared a leader who is skilled in discernment, fairness, and standing firmly for truth.

The pattern is clear: God is at the helm of His Church. He prepares and calls prophets who can meet the world’s challenges—not by chance, but by divine design.

I love the gospel, and it is amazing to be living during these times, even though some days it can be very difficult.

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ADAM this week!  Adam will turn 40-something on Tuesday, and can I just say that he has brought 40-something years' worth of joy and fun into our lives.  

   We love you Adam ❤

KIM AND I made it to Week 6 of our classes!

  Only two more weeks to go 😀

                                            YAY!!!

WEEKLY UPDATE; 

This has been a busy but good week.  Dad continues to heal from his surgery.  He is finished with the first phase of his physical therapy, and starting tomorrow, he will be going to the Colorado Springs Center for Orthopedic Excellence for the remainder of his PT.  

Ken and Ruthie were in Modesto this week to visit Francie.  Ruthis said she was so happy to have company.  They looked through lots of old photographs, and Ruthie sent these.  Jenny said her speech and memory are declining, which makes me so sad.  Dad and I are planning for a November trip to see her -

This is a photo of Francie at a skating competition. She is on the right.  Mom had all of us girls take roller skating lessons 😃

 And this is a photo of me (notice President and Sister Kimball in the left part of the picture).  I think this was taken not long after Kim was born, and we went to a convention in Sun Valley. 

Shannon will be staying at Lark Springs despite having had a couple of incidents last week.  They have adjusted her medication again, and even though she was super sleepy when we went to visit her yesterday, the workers there said she had a really good morning, and she had eaten all of her lunch. I will keep you all updated ~

Jake kept us occupied (and entertained) all day on Friday.  He didn't have school, so he brought his soccer ball and tested him on his "goalkeeper skills".  He showed me how to open our garage door because I was having trouble with it.  I love it when he says, " Grammie, you just aren't doing right - I help my Dad all of the time - see, this is how you do it 😃.  And of course,  it worked for him, so I obviously was doing something wrong.  We met Sammi at Jimmy John's for lunch (that is his favorite place now), and then came home, and he patiently waited for me to take an exam for my class, and then we went outside for more soccer practice.  I couldn't help but think how nice it is to spend unhurried time with these wonderful grandchildren I love so very much!  

Sammi came by twice this week for lunch and a nap, and one day for just a nap. She is such a busy girl - but doing great things!

Hollie called me Friday evening to check on us to see how we were doing.  What a sweetheart!  We are hoping to get together next weekend.

I also talked to Emma, and we are going to have lunch this week.  It has been such a long time since we have seen her 😢.

Max called earlier in the week - he was driving home from work, and he looked so handsome!!!  He sent me some photos that he took while in Chicago last weekend.  He was able get a close-up view of an aircraft with a friend who is a United Pilot.

COLORADO SPRINGS IS BEAUTIFUL THIS TIME OF YEAR!  Dad was a little sad we didn't get to go up in the mountains to see the changing leaves, but I saw so much beauty in our neighborhood, I don't think we needed the mountain visit. 

LOVE YOU ALL SO VERY MUCH!❤