TRULY

Easter, with the emphasis of eggs bearing new life, and newborn lambs, (and even the symbolic abundance of bunnies) has passed.

I cannot let it finish until I share my own abundance - the feast of hearing prophets and apostles teach the doctrines of the gospel of Jesus Christ - and  hearing truths taught by leaders who love Jesus and testify of His truths. 

In April General Conference 1, Elder Thierry K. Mutombo of the Seventy 2  shared that “In some parts of the world, people use a unique and special way of exchanging greetings on Easter morning. The paschal greeting, also known as the Easter acclamation or Easter Day greeting, is a custom among many Christians.

“The greeter says, ‘Christ is risen.’

“The other person responds, ‘Truly, He is risen.’”

Elder Mutombo 3 then described a time of dark despair in his life. I have faced days of despairing darkness, feeling without hope – and completely helpless.

I add my own witness to that of Elder Mutombo. “Christ is risen.”

I can not reiterate this truth more succinctly than Elder Mutombo: “During this mortal life, each of us will face our own dark days, times when things are not going as hoped. …

“Sometimes things do not work out in mortality as we hope, and sometimes we need the faith in Jesus Christ that all will work out in the end. 4…

“When you face this darkness of sorrow, please remember that dark day when Jesus Christ was humiliated, bruised, abused, reviled, and lifted on the cross … .

“That day was filled with devastating, consuming sorrow that gnawed at the souls of those who loved and honored Jesus Christ. But the doom of that day did not last forever. The despair did not linger because, on Sunday, the resurrected Savior overcame the bonds of death. So no matter how dark your days are, please remember that Sunday will come … .”

I witness THAT Sunday did come! It came with hope, mercy and grace. When we turn to even glance upon the Savior, even as Moses begged his people to do when they were dying from the poison of ‘fiery serpents’ – to behold the serpent raised 5 upon that symbolic pole – to truly turn our minds and prayers to Jesus Christ, then – truly – we too can be raised out of the darkest days of despair.

Elder Mutombo continued his own witness: “Our Heavenly Father’s plan for us is happiness now and joy forever in His presence. He gives us laws and commandments and makes covenants with us to bless us. His desire, purpose, and glory are to have us return to Him … worthy of an eternity of joy in His presence.

“We know the adversary’s goal. He seeks for all to ‘be miserable like unto himself.’6… He is committed to our destruction. Satan’s program is often described as “play now and pay later.” He also tries to teach that there are never any consequences or accountability for our actions.”

I choose to focus this blog on the plan of a loving Father in Heaven for happiness and genuine lasting joy.

Although mortals, such as I am, eventually experience death (our own or that of others) we will rise from the grave to live as immortal beings without unfair misfortunes, without distress, woe, or sufferings.

Elder Mutombo reminds: “The Savior Jesus Christ confirmed the divine purpose of His Atonement, saying: ‘If ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life.7 Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.’8

"‘Come unto me’ is a divine invitation which means wherever you are now or whatever you are going through in your life, you can feel God’s infinite love manifested through His Son, Jesus Christ."

Truly, He lives.

1. General Conference 2026

2. Quorum of the Seventy 

3. Elder Thierry K. Mutombo, 'The Joy of a Covenant Relationship With God,'  

4. David A. Bednar, ‘Ask in Faith’ 

5. Numbers 21:6-9 

6. 2 Nephi 2:27 

7. 3 Nephi 9:14 

8. 3 Nephi 9:17

THE BOX BEHIND THE CHAIR

General Conference talks were inspirational. One of my personal favorites was by Dale G. Renlund.1 He told a story about their family’s tiny, black dog – a toy poodle named Lady.

He shared, “Lady was smart, energetic, and great at fetching a ball. She was willing to retrieve a ball anytime, anyplace, and for as long as anyone was willing to throw one.”

He explained how one day he threw 2 balls, a blue one and a yellow one. His story about the result provided a bit of a parallel to some of our experiences as we prepared for this mission, and felt like too many things demanded our attention too often, and for too much time. It seemed exhausting and a little overwhelming. And even now, there constantly seem many things demanding our attention - more things than humanly possible to accomplish within the time constraints available. 

We stored the majority of our possesions, and brought some things we knew we use regularly.

Elder Ames tells it this way:

Well, we thought we brought everything we would ever need; BUT once all the boxes were empty and put away, we started making lists.  Then we took those lists and went shopping.  We were missing basics like our salt shaker and pepper grinder – we brought the pepper corns but no grinder!  We went and bought the smallest can of pepper.  We needed a mandoline to prepare vegetables.  Surely there had been enough room in one of those boxes for a mandoline!

While we did not find all the list items, we did purchase a mandoline, and several other essentials. We unsuccessfully shopped many times for a good can opener. Although our apartment is furnished nicely the can opener had chips in a partially bent blade.

In truth we hadn’t yet found a can opener which would meet our standards when one evening Sister Ames asked me what was in the box behind the chair.  I responded knowingly that it was just another box of videos. (VHS tapes to digitize at no cost at the FamilySearch center, in our ‘spare’ time. We brought too many of those!)

However, I stopped whatever it was that I was doing and went and opened the box.  It was not videos. 

Right near the top was our super useful can opener. We also found the salt shaker and pepper grinder (we hadn’t bought one of those because the ones we found cost a lot and that’s a lot of pepper).  We found our mixer and all its attachments (that had not made it onto our shopping list yet.)  There were two turn tables of stuff everyone needs in the kitchen, and we now have two mandolines - we will probably use the old one.  We had purchased a mini muffin pan, that Sister Ames was already missing, and now have 3 - there were 2 in the box. 

Sometimes when I’m counting the blessings I ask the Lord to show me the ones I am missing – the blessings I have that I don’t even know that I have - like that box.  It had been sitting behind the chair for three weeks full of stuff that we needed, or need, or will need.  Now, I look around to see what I might see and think about each thing and about how it might be a blessing. 

I wonder if there are other missing boxes - boxes which I need to open.”

Elder Renlund sympathized: “I cannot add more time to your days or eliminate the many concerns modern life brings. But I can offer this counsel: Not all matters are of equal value, …2” and he then suggested the teachings of scriptures and prophets.

Our late prophet, “President Russell M. Nelson taught, ‘Whatever questions or problems you have, the answer is always found in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ.’3

“And President Dallin H. Oaks, the Lord’s living prophet today, simply declared, ‘Jesus Christ is the way.’4

Elder Renlund continued: “You need not be like our little dog, Lady—confused, discouraged, and overwhelmed—when facing too many balls; you do not need to crawl back to bed and cower. Instead, keep your eye on the ball.5 Focus on the Savior. Seek for the 'precious gifts His Atonement can impart.' Then you can joyfully and confidently sing with the children:

‘I will trust in Jesus. I will hear His call.

He will never leave me, even when I fall.

Jesus gives me power, lifts and comforts me,

Helping me to live and grow eternally.’6

"Because Jesus Christ completed the Atonement, He has the power to help you along your earthly journey and to redeem you from death, both physical and spiritual. Celebrate the joyous message of Easter every day by reflecting every day on the blessings you receive because of Him.7 ‘Open wide your broken heart and let your Savior in!’”8

1.  Dale G. Renlund, "Because of Jesus Christ"

2. Dallin H. Oaks, “Good, Better, Best,” Liahona, Nov. 2007, 104–8.

3. Russell M. Nelson, “The Answer Is Always Jesus Christ,” Liahona, May 2023, 127.

4. “‘Jesus Christ Is the Way,’ President Oaks Says in First Interview as Church President,” Church News, Oct. 16, 2025, thechurchnews.com.

5. "In the late 1800s, the phrase “keep your eye on the ball” was literal advice to players of sports like baseball and cricket; to hit successfully, the players had to watch the ball closely as it approached. The phrase later transitioned into a figurative use, warning people to stay focused and not to lose sight of their primary goal. This idiomatic usage has been common in English for over a century."

6. “I Will Walk with Jesus,” Hymns for Home and Church, Gospel Library.

7. Dallin H. Oaks, “What Has Our Savior Done for Us?,” Liahona, May 2021, 75–77.

8. “Behold the Wounds in Jesus’ Hands,” Hymns for Home and Church, Gospel Library.

CONFERENCE

 If I asked if you and I can have a conference, what are we doing?

What if our neighborhood has a conference?

Why? Who? Where?

Obviously, I have questions and few answers! In the routines of life, I often ponder questions about what I am doing and why I do the things I expect to do, the things others expect or request of me, what I want to do, and what I actually can manage to do.

Can I arrange my schedule to accommodate necessary investments of time, energy, and/or money?

As missionaries we are regularly requested to meet with trainers and mission leaders. Sometimes the meetings are a conference – a formal, predetermined time for just 1 or 2 people, or sometimes larger groups, to discuss or simply share relevant information.

Twice a year, in April and October, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints convenes a General Conference with weekend meetings (sessions) on both Saturday and Sunday. Each session is recorded and available to watch anytime after General Conference. Access prior conferences online. 

 Anyone can attend in person (about 21,000 seats available) or listen to the presentations online. Church members and friends worldwide will tune in – how many million? 

We want to hear, we want to see …

“We believe in the same organization that existed in the Primitive Church, namely, apostles, prophets, pastors, teachers, evangelists, and so forth.” 1

Yes, we believe we will hear living prophets and apostles teach true doctrines of Christ.

We expect to attend all the sessions – partly in person and partly online.

We also are expected to attend! Since we are in Salt Lake City, at church headquarters, we will physically be present in the building – the ‘Conference Center,’ for at least one session. 

Missionaries here have one reserved ticket each, and can request any session. We asked for Sunday afternoon tickets – the final session next weekend, April 4-5, 2026. (We will also listen and watch other sessions – usually snuggled under a blanket on the couch with snacks.)

On Sunday, the Lord’s Day we will dress in clean, well cared for clothing - our best – not formal but definitely not casual, to show reverent respect as we worship God, and listen to His servants.  

Who will speak?

What will be said?

We invite you join with us. Come listen, come see, come feel!

---

[1] Articlesof Faith #6

ON BEING ELEVATED

Guest blogger: Elder David Ames

In the Bible Isaiah says “… let us go up….”  (Isaiah 2:2-3)

Since coming to the Church Headquarters mission we have done a lot of going up – particularly on elevators.  

We started with the freight elevator up to our apartment from a secure parking area.  To get into the freight elevator wave at a red light on the wall to make it green. The door opens and freight can be taken in.  After a few seconds the door closes – hopefully after you are in. 

Now look for buttons to push. SURPRISE - you're not even on the elevator.  Looking around, you find a light on the wall, a red one.  

A security fob turns the light green to allow a choice of up or down.  Doors open and you enter the actual elevator, hopefully with freight.  Notice the shiny utilitarian, bump proof finish. 

Security fobs (yes, again) allow the choice of which floor. We live on the 3rd. We were successfully lifted up - with our first load of furnishings. Repeat as necessary.

Across the street from our apartment, other elevators descend underground to an extensive maze of secure walkways and parking.  Many elevators within the maze, all requiring secure access, transport workers and escorted visitors to assigned locations.  

After crossing the maze to the Joseph Smith Memorial Building (JSMB),  a security guard watches us pass security gates, and if asked will kindly give directions to the next bank of elevators - I think there are 6 total there. 

Notice the lovely decorative interior finish in these ...

Destination Dispatch elevator screen 

Occasionally these elevators are stuffed - like a dozen people all hurrying somewhere! 

Destinations – third floor please – are selected before entering the elevator.

Having chosen your destination a voice announces which elevator you will take and a letter (A through F) above the designated elevator will chime and light up.  Inside there are no buttons to push (except for emergencies - but that’s another story),

 and up you go. 

Of course there are stairs near all the elevators. 

You can choose to go up or down. 

I have thought a lot about being elevated, a lot about ‘going up.’ 

I’ve thought about that scripture in Isaiah 2:2-3. It invites readers to  “go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob.”

I looked up the elevation of some temples I have been to.  The temple in our home town of Moses Lake is at an elevation of 1,157.7 feet. My wife grew up near Cardston, Alberta, Canada. Her maternal grandfather painted many pictures of the temple there. It is at 3,780.2 feet. Here we can see the Salt Lake Temple, elevation 4,335.2 feet. 

That is going up. It has been amusing to watch the crane working (from our third floor apt or our JSMB third floor work stations). This week most of the rennovation scaffolding and the crane are removed.

Bountiful, Utah has a temple on the side of a mountain. It is at an elevation of 5,160.8 feet. (We like to go there because before or after temple worship we can also visit nearby posterity.) 

OK!  I got curious!  Arequipa Peru – 7,970.0 feet; Bogata Columbia 8,371.6 feet; and La Paz Bolivia 10,680.1 feet.  That is really being elevated. 

Each temple is a house of the Lord - the mountain of the Lord where we may go to lift hearts, minds, and spirits. We work every day (40+ hours weekly) to assist others to have that opportunity.

As I was closing my search site I noticed one more – Cusco Peru 11,333.2 feet! That is a sharp contrast to one more that caught my eye – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil at 9.4 feet.  (I spent a couple of hours in Rio about 50 years ago.  But that, also, is another story.)

As we proofread this post, Sister Ames asked if any temples are below sea level. What do you think? Can you identify any?

Stairs are yet another story! One of our mission saftey rules is "Don't Fall!" So, we take elevators.

Good news.  If you are on an elevator that lets you choose your destination, you can go down to the main floor (identified by a star) and out - without security. 

USLCHM ORIENTATION WEEK LOG

FRIDAY February 27^th

Short version: This was a lllloonnggggg week! 

Thursday we learned we should be moved out of our room in the Mission Training Center (MTC) by 8 a.m. the next morning, Friday. However, classes were scheduled until 3 p.m. We packed all but a single change and loaded the car Thursday evening.

We asked, and were told to do only the morning class list, eat lunch one last time there, and keep appointments and schedules at Salt Lake City, Headquarters mission.

We arrived in the mission area for a brief introductory interview appointment with the Mission Presidency at 2:40 pm in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building (JSMB). A group of approximately 20 other new senior missionaries met together for a first orientation and introductions before meeting assigned ministering missionaries. Most of our classes and training happen there.

I sneezed violently, a lot, in the main classroom so was delighted to walk the block to the cafeteria and another to a different class, and here, there, and elsewhere for the rest of the day. We will seldom need to use our car.

Ironically, our ministering couple are Elder and Sister Long - seriously, no kidding! And we don’t know how we would have managed without their kindness.

They provided directions to the Eaglegate Apartments (where 9 or 10 other apartments have missionaries but the majority are not missionaries), and walked the block or so to wait very patiently while we located our car in the massive conference center underground parking and drove around the required 5 or 6 blocks to get to our parking garage entrance (only one block away). There is a lot of construction in this area. 

The Eagle Gate from our apartment balcony

The apartment is along a street with limited access each way, and of course on the same corner as the famed Eagle Gate.

The Eagle viewed from the street corner

During orientation we were given all the housing, parking, and security information and equipment, met the Long’s, and then moved into our mostly furnished 2-bedroom, 2 bath apartment on the 3^rd floor. 

Eaglegate apartment on move in day

The Longs and Elder Campbell, (another missionary who happened past the parking place) help unloaded our stuffed car onto luggage carts, and drag everything up to a room in the apartment.

Beehive house renovation

The apartment has a wonderful view of all the construction and renovations across the street on Temple Square.

We took a short nap until a ministering Sister missionary brought over a bag of toffees and chocolates, and a package of toilet paper – all proved to be essential! We didn’t know where anything was and were too tired to really care!

Later we walked a block to City Creek Mall (across from Temple Square), to eat a yummy bowl of chicken noodle soup at Kneaders Bakery and Café, before we crashed for the night.

Good night view of the Salt Lake Temple

SATURDAY February 28^th

Our mattress seemed a bit soft, and we requested a firmer one. It is no fun to wake up stiff and sore from sleeping!

We drove to Bountiful and stuffed our car with the things from our trailer that were stored at a son’s home. These included some pre-frozen meals we had prepared in advance, and transported in a cooler. And I almost stopped sneezing!

We managed to unload the car without bothering other missionaries, and attempted to begin to organize basics. Saturday’s will be our Preparation Day (P-day) – a day to chill and take care of errands, shopping, and personal needs.

SUNDAY March 1^st

We were not assigned to a congregation yet (a Ward unit to attend) so drove to Bountiful and attended a Fast and Testimony meeting with our son Benjamin and his family. What a delight.

All the missionaries in Eaglegate and Brigham Apartments had a ‘Complete the Fast’ meal together to break the monthly fast in the social room here at Eaglegate. It was nice to not eat a frozen meal again. We haven’t really had time to go shopping yet, but we do get a good lunch (with ‘to go’ leftovers) from the cafeteria at the Church Office Building.

MONDAY March 2^nd

Pictures! Group pictures – big groups and small! More pictures, and still more pictures. I do not remember ever before having so many photos taken for so many purposes! We hardly recognized ourselves in the photos - we look so tired! And old!

We walked to classes, and lunch at the cafeteria, by following our herd of new missionaries, but afterwards later in the day couldn’t find our way home again. We were in an underground maze and eventually a security officer walked us home through the dark, rainy night. There ARE places we are not allowed to access in these mazes. What a grand adventure!

We were glad for security’s presence when he needed to report the homeless person pounding on doors and windows along the street.

TUESDAY March 3^rd

We walked to the JSMB across campus and by staying outside managed to circumnavigate as needed without getting lost too much or too many times. And we even found the cafeteria again. The food is decent and very inexpensive for missionaries. And yes, that classroom started me sneezing again!

Many essentials are still packed, here and at our son’s home, and some seem to be lost! Where is the cord to Elder Ames electric razor? Shrug! Or his computer? We had to go shopping and buy those so he didn’t show up 2 days in a row with a longer stubble growth. That was about all we got done that evening.

WEDNESDAY March 4^th

One of the things we do most, other than sit at a computer, is walk. We try to do it outside whenever possible and are grateful for mild sweater weather.

And we sometimes walk a bit more because we forget things. Apparently we must have a phone at all times to receive ‘push notifications’ that allow us access to places we don’t even know we need to get to. Elder Ames forgot his phone and had to walk home, and back to class. There are many types of security in many places and we have many ways to accomplish access.

THURSDAY March 5^th

SNOW! Swirling and whirling and wet and cold! Guess what? We walked a lot in that mess. But at least we knew where to walk to!

We met with Elder and Sister Brown, counselors in the mission presidency, and have been assigned to the Family History Projects Zone. We will begin there in the morning. They introduced us to our Zone leaders Elder and Sister Hope - again, a bit ironic.

The Hope’s showed us new ways to walk through the maze and get lost! But at least it was inside and not out in the blizzarding rain!

And yeesss – we did get some new directions from another security officer. We did not, however, require an escort this time.

FRIDAY March 6^th

What a day! We spent the morning becoming oriented to our Zone! What do we do? We may figure that out by next week! 

We also were assigned where and when to attend church: Salt Lake City 12th Ward. That building is located 1.5 blocks south of our apartment building. 

At lunch time we asked what time to return. “Oh,” Elder Hope explained, “Friday afternoons are this Zone’s temple day – we want all missionaries to attend a temple each week.”  

Hooray! We have so missed the mental and spiritual lift of being able to worship in a temple since leaving home. So we drove to Bountiful, the nearest temple, and really relaxed – eventually – because we almost got lost again - inside the temple! It is huge! 

Except for assistance from some very kind temple workers, we would have been too late. I was waiting for Elder Ames standing near the elevator and he was waiting for me seated nearby but just out of my sight! Sigh! But we had a very nice evening, and then stopped by our son’s for another carload of stuff! We do that each time we go to Bountiful.

SATURDAY March 7^th

Cleaning, and cleaning, and cleaning a bit more. How many places can an apartment hide smudges, dust, or downright dirt? Too many to clean carefully all in one day. And that was after I had dabbled at a bit of cleaning every week night! Have you ever looked at the bottom of your closet shelf? Metal hangers leave nasty black streaks. We used up a small box of erasing pads here, there, and everywhere! Then we mopped everything with our newly acquired 'O-Cedar' hands-free, rinse-clean, spin mop - these are superb for most floors, walls, and even most ceilings. 

SUNDAY March 8^th

Finally, a day of rest - and the first week is complete! 

We skipped a morning devotional in favor of a lllloonnggggg nap!

 

SENIOR MISSIONARY SERVICE INDEX

Disclaimer: Contents of this blog represent personal opinions and experiences of some members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

This post is an INDEX of  blog posts during our full time mission in the Utah Salt Lake City Headquarters Mission [USLCHM] (2016 link)

Christmas morning, as we finished opening our stockings (including the one we always hang for Jesus), I noticed a text arrive. 

It said, "Thank you for your desire to serve. You can view your mission call by signing in ... with your Church Account. ..." 

What? On Christmas morning? 

Yes - December 25, 2025 - Christmas morning at 7:03 am!

What a wonderful present! The rest of our presents got ignored until much later - noon in fact. And just after opening that emailed mission call, our oldest daughter and her family phoned for a Zoom video conference. They got to hear the news almost as soon as we did! 

We spent the remainder of the day sharing the news with loved ones! Merry Christmas to all!  

MISSION 2026

    January:

• CONFIDENTLY Terrified USLCHM 1
• KEEP or TOSS? USLCHM 2
• INVITATIONS USLCHM 3

    February:

• COVENANTS & COMMITMENTS USLCHM 4
• CHRISTMAS IS COMING! USLCHM 5
• COMPOUNDS USLCHM 6
• STUFF USLCHM 7

    March:

• AGAIN and AGRIN USLCHM 8
• SENIOR MISSIONARY SERVICE INDEX USLCHM 9
• ORIENTATION WEEK LOG USLCHM 10
• ON BEING ELEVATED USLCHM 11
• CONFERENCE USLCHM 12

    April: 

• THE BOX BEHIND THE CHAIR USLCHM13
• TRULY USLCHM 14
• BY PROXY USLCHM 15
• C USLCHM 1
• C USLCHM 1

    May:

• USLCHM 1
• C USLCHM 1

MISSION 2027

AGAIN and AGRIN

 USLCHQMission 8

Guest Blogger: Elder David D. Ames

On Monday, February 23^rd at 10:15 a.m., we pulled through the security gates at the Provo Utah Missionary Training Center (MTC).  

We watched as young missionaries met Senior missionaries in the car before us with cheers.  They unloaded the luggage from that car and took them off to their apartment and assignments. 

Next it was our turn.  The young missionaries cheered.  They loaded our luggage onto carts and we received a packet of instructions.  With the packet were keys to our room.  Friendly people handed us an envelope and explained “these keys will not match your room.”

I went with an attendant to park the car, and Sister Ames (followed by the entourage of young missionaries and luggage carts) was guided to a meeting area. I soon joined her.  

When we got to our room our keys did not match. Everyone seemed surprised. We weren't - and reassured them we were warned.  

We were on a schedule so our luggage was stored in a courtesy closet and a young Elder disappeared with our bogus keys.  We were escorted to seven stations, each with important information …

I don’t remember any of that information - other than I saw the Elder who was solving the problem of the keys.  I waved.  He disappeared for about a minute and came back with keys.  

When we got back to our room the keys worked.  I should have gotten his name.  We thought there was a problem but a young missionary with a bit of a smile made it no problem at all! Hugs to that young man!

We moved our stuff into our room and showed up only a few minutes late for our first class. Note: our stuff was merely in our room – not unpacked. As we attempted to find life essentials, we showed up just not quite late for meals and many classes for the rest of the week!

We were careful not to be late for Wednesday devotional. In fact, those who wanted to sing in the choir were invited to come an hour early. 

I wanted to sing in the choir. Can see me? There are 2 more sections of choir, one of them double this size. ASL is on the front row of this section.

The usher said that my companion couldn’t come in if she was not singing in the choir.  I suggested that there was reserved seating for senior missionaries.  He allowed her to go down to the senior missionary section.

When everyone was seated they announced that those who had not been to practice on Sunday needed to wait in the mezzanine.  I went, with half a dozen other missionaries to wait.  

Soon they invited us all to come back.  Then the choir director got up and said everyone who had not been there on Sunday needed to leave.  This time about 30 missionaries got up - the director added “except for Senior missionaries.”  I sat back down. 

Sister Ames, from the reserved section noticed that the number was being performed in American Sign Language (ASL).  She went over to them and was invited to join the Choir.  It makes me smile to think that we joined with 300 other voices in praise to the Lord through music.

On our last day at the MTC fences went up and work began to tear down the administration building.  Only a slight inconvenience.  We had to walk an extra block to buy a meal.  

And so, as we experience what seems to be trials again and again, we find that they are most easily resolved with a grin.

STUFF

USLCHMission 7

Our home was full of stuff – stuffed, and spilling into our garage!

Our living room was occupied by a full-sized organ and piano, as well as other typical furniture, and our kitchen full of gadgets and gizmos to enjoy the process of living.

Family and friends came and provided serious assistance cleaning, filling boxes, carrying and lifting, as well as carting off discards no one needed - or wanted.

So why do we keep so much of such stuff?

Just because it seems useful to us? – if not immediately, perhaps for a possible future project, or plan?

Or do we let stuff own us?

How many memories can be cherished? For how long?

We began to let go - and we shared! Lots of other people needed such stuff. It was useful to them.

Do we depend on ‘things’ for prideful status, appearances, or some way of emotional or physical security?

What about our spiritual status or security?

Is it on hold, packed in some corner of our mind and life - until when?

We mostly stuffed our things tightly into 2 of 4 bedrooms (including closets), then covered racks and shelving with household linens, and locked those doors. We also covered garage storage cabinets and shelving with protective plastic.

We decide to take some stuff with us in a 5'x8' trailer.
Driving with a trailer can be a cumbersome task.
The trailer seemed huge, but it was quickly stuffed.

So was the car - no space left!

None at all! YIKES!!

This all makes my brain feel stuffed. BUT we are packed, a renter is living in our home, and we are traveling to our mission.

We gained a fresh perspective at a rest stop when we parked in 'truck and trailer’ parking with the nose of our car aligned with the nose of a semi-truck. Our car and trailer seemed so tiny.

We laughed! New perspectives change most problems, whatever their size, making concerns seem much smaller. We marveled at God’s love. He allowed His son Jesus Christ to compensate for every burdensome worry, or misery. What is that perspective? Will I allow Him to help? Will we?

We drove several hours, slept and breakfasted at a hotel, did the same Saturday, visited a cousin overnight, attended church there on Sunday, and arrived in Utah to briefly visit with family.

We enter the Mission Training Center (MTC) Monday, February 23, 2026 to learn more about accepting the atonement of Christ and how to assist other people around us to gain the same knowledge.

We will move to our apartment and assignments in Salt Lake on Friday.

COMPOUNDS

USLCHMission 6

Good is a simple word of only four letters.

We all know when something is ‘good’ – don’t we?

It is a readily applied descriptive term in common use.

I quired the internet. AI quickly provided an overview of synonyms and options to succinctly summarize and delineate what ‘good’ really can be.

The lists went on and on and on and on – including new to me slang from younger generations. It seems every decade develops a unique flair of expression. 

Synonyms may include “excellent, great, fine, nice, pleasant, satisfactory, beneficial, admirable, and superior … depending on if you mean high quality, morally sound, skillful, or favorable.”

However, “to add impact” and emphasis “for quality try superb, exceptional, outstanding, virtuous, or righteous,” or if you are referencing skill “choose words like masterful” or “use skilled, proficient, or adept,” and a word such as “remarkable for something surprising.”

When Job of biblical fame was faced with the extreme opposite of ‘good’ scriptures tell us that he told his wife, “What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?”[1]

His experience seems to indicate that our lives consist of both good and opposites of good – opposition.

In the Book of Mormon[2] the lives of the prophet Lehi and his family consisted of much good and otherwise. He counseled one of his younger sons, Jacob, “For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things. … Wherefore, all things must needs be a compound in one; …” [3]

Elder Ames comments, “If something is happening, that is good – things that occur give us choices. If nothing is happening that isn’t good!” I like that. Whatever may be happening we can make good choices, choices that increase good for ourselves and others.

In 1830 Joseph Smith taught his associates that all things are both spiritual and temporal. “And it must needs be that the devil should tempt the children of men, or they could not be agents unto themselves; for if they never should have bitter they could not know the sweet”[4]

We intend to look for more ‘good’ – especially during opposition. These 2 things are a synonymous compound!

Opposition is our reminder to watch for hidden good! Where? What? When?

---

[1] Job 2:10

[2] The Book of Mormon is an ancient volume of holy scripture like the Bible. The Bible is one witness of Jesus Christ, and the Book of Mormon is a second witness of His ministry, His teachings, and His mission as our Savior.

[3] 2 Nephi 2:11

[4] Doctrine and Covenants 29:39

Christmas IS Coming!

USLCHMission 5

Guest blogger: Elder David D. Ames

We weren’t waiting for a temple in Moses Lake.  I was waiting to retire so we could move somewhere to live near a temple – anywhere near a temple (ideally within walking distance); but we didn’t have to move.

April 7, 2019, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced it would build a temple right here – in Moses Lake, Washington. We were astonished - a dream come true! 

When we were first married, the nearest temple was about 600 miles (10-12 hours driving). 

We began to plan, sold our home 10 miles (15 minutes) away from the announced location, and as construction began summer of 2022 moved within 3 blocks of the new Moses Lake, WA temple .

Retired couples often serve 6–23 months as missionaries. We weren’t waiting to go on a mission.  

Linda and I agreed that serving in the temple, helping in our community, and other church callings would be our mission.  We began when the temple was dedicated September 10, 2023.

We were content. Content, until one day, in September 2025 (two years later) we were impressed that we should serve a formal mission. We went to the ‘serve a mission’ website and began the process:

Interview with the Bishop. 

Interview with the Stake President. 

Fill out questionnaires.

See the doctor for extensive physicals.

See doctor again - records DO state we are a bit over 50!  

Medical tests. Eye tests. Hearing tests.

More medical tests.

Blood tests.  More blood tests. 

Still more blood tests. And yes, just one more blood test.

Stress tests. Radioactive stress tests. 

(Did I morph into a super hero? You guess!) 

With the medical papers completed and on the Bishop’s desk, we waited, and waited. 

 Curious, I went into the ‘we want to be a missionary now’[1] website [2] and discovered that we had to push a SUBMIT button to say, “medical papers are on the Bishop’s desk.” 

There are stories about people putting in mission papers who are called the next day.  That did not happen with us.  We had to wait. With all the waiting I told my wife: “Christmas is coming.” My family used to say that when we had to wait.

7:03 a.m. Christmas morning a text said to check our email. Our call to the Utah, Salt Lake City, Headquarters Mission arrived.   We clicked the red ‘DO IMMEDIATELY’ link and began filling out forms.  There appeared to be just 2 or 3.

Each form seemed to generate a dozen more forms!  With the forms filled out, calls started coming from the mission asking for clarification to answers on the forms, giving instructions, making sure we had no questions...

So, what will we be doing? We will find out once we get there – after a week at the Mission Training Center, and then orientation week! 

Check back in a couple weeks ...

Elder David D. Ames

[1] Children’s Songbook page 168

[2] See ‘Mission Portal’ on the ‘Resource’ tab drop down menu at https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/?lang=eng 

COVENANTS & COMMITMENTS

USLCHMission 4

Covenants are promises ...

Commitments are promises ...

What is the difference? 

And so what? Why do either matter? 

Defining differences and meanings may help to clarify what matters, and convince us of truths or errors in belief or resolve.

What are promises? 

Merriam Webster dictionary states that a promise means to "definitely do, give, or arrange something; undertake or declare that something will [or will not] happen." 

These action verbs create expectations. 

Commitments usually involve trust and imply obligations of loyalty and support. They are "an agreement or pledge" to engage directly in future dedicated actions. 

Covenants are defined as formal contractual agreements between 2 or more individuals or parties - promises generally pledged in writing and/or ceremonies that enforce duties and outcomes for all involved. 

We have covenanted to share the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ with our fellowmen for 23 months, almost 2 full years! We have committed ourselves to follow His example to assist with assignments in the Utah, Salt Lake City, Headquarters Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 

Who is our covenant with? With Jesus Christ, of course.

What exactly does that mean? 

What will we be doing daily? 

We will be inviting others to have faith in Jesus Christ and know more about Him - about His love, His mercy, and His grace. We will do that in a variety of ways for 40+ hours each week. 

AND we will also attempt to let you know the daily details, and exciting results of the nitty gritty nonentities - the seemingly insignificant sequences involved.