Speaking in Cameron. Jared Justice returns

I have been looking at pictures we’ve taken in the Family History Center and in the gardens. It is so fun to see the happy faces and see people progress as they search for their ancestors and as they till, plant, work hard, and then harvest. It is so fun to be a part of their success and know how hard they have worked to achieve it. Today we spoke in Cameron instead of doing it the third Sunday. We spoke the talk of D Todd Christofferson, “Free Forever, to Act for Themselves” It’s always interesting to me to have both Dad and I prepare with the same talk as our guide and find ourselves being lead in different directions as to how to share what we have read. Recently I read a book that had the words that went something like this, it is not always the words we read, but what they make us think about that counts. I think that is so true, especially when we seek guidance from the scriptures about something we are concerned about. Words that we have read dozens of times before take on new meaning and clearly speak the counsel we need. I especially liked the following: “But God intends that His children should act according to the moral agency He has given them, ‘that every man may be accountable for his own sins in the day of judgment.’ It is His plan and His will that we have the principal decision-making role in our own life’s drama.” “A God who makes no demands is the functional equivalent of a God who does not exist.” “It matters both temporal and spiritual, the opportunity to assume personal responsibility is a God-given gift without which we cannot realize our full potential as daughters and sons of God.” “..divine aid can be ours every hour of every day, no matter where we are in the path of obedience. But I know that beyond desiring His help, we must exert ourselves, repent, and choose God for Him to be able to act in our lives consistent with justice and moral agency. My plea is simply to take responsibility and go to work so that there is something for God to help us with.” What a great opportunity it has been to labor here in this part of the vineyard. I like that concept because God knows where there are those who need help and who it is that is suppose to help. We may and actually often feel inadequate to fill the roles we have been given, but God knows our potential and knows how to give us the experiences we need to become what he knows we can become. My testimony of the Savior has grown so much and most often it grows in the situations I find myself so inadequate to do what he asks. How grateful I am for His love and his guidance, His patience and His forgiveness. Next week we will be able to be at the meeting when President Justice’s son speaks. He left on his mission while we have been out here and now he is returning this week. Two years have gone by really fast. I remember sitting in their living room not long after we had been here. Jared was a senior. He looked at Elder Olson and asked, “How did you get the way you are, or are you just built that way?” I know he was serious, but I think we all stifled a little laugh. He has served faithfully and will now be returning and starting a new chapter of his life. Our next missionary training will be the 16th and the Demo on the 18th. You never know how many will show up, so you plan for a lot and show gratitude for the ones who do show. Last Wed. one of the sisters who has been away for a while gave the lesson. She was a s nervous as a grasshopper in a hen house, BUT she did a great job and plans to come again. The following day she sent this text. “I spent time with my mother again. She truly enjoyed being around people and at the church. She asked when the next “get togetherness” will be. I thought I would follow up with you. The joy in her eyes made my spirit soar.” I thought that was such a great thing for her to relay. Tomorrow we go to Page for a Senior activity. I guess you might call it a field trip. We are going to lunch and then we will hike in one of the canyons. It should be a great experience. Hope to put up pictures next week. For some reason I cannot attach the pictures. Hopefully the problem will resolve itself. Sister Olson