Written by Carter. We had a nice video chat with our children and grandchildren. It was wonderful to see them and hear from them. We asked them what they would like us to pray for…in their behalf; they also asked us the same question. It’s wonderful to feel that mutual support among the family.

I was home when a 40-year-old apartment inspector had his appointment with us. He was a very nice Maori man who was raised with friends who were members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I asked him if his friends shared their beliefs with him and he said they had. I told him that, if he ever wanted to know more, I could arrange that. He said, “I’ll bet you can!” I said, “Yes, that’s why we are here.” We had a nice chat about his family. His three children are very interested in sports, including baseball, which is rare here in NZ. In retrospect, I should have been more “bold” in asking him what he knew and if he wanted to know more…rather than speaking generally.

For some reason, Saturdays tend to be a “down” day for me. As I was partaking the sacrament (like a communion) last week, I asked God, “What do I need to start doing that I’m not now doing? What do I need to stop doing that I’m now doing?” I felt like I should plan something specific I to do on Saturday to serve someone else. When Saturday came, I did a couple of small, deliberate acts of service…and my day was much better! Imagine that: as I strive to follow Christ’s example, I feel better!

I had a video chat with one of my Venezuelan “sons” who lives in Peru. It was his birthday. He, his wife and son are all doing well. It was wonderful to see them!

After about 2 months, I finally finished another 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle. It was much more challenging than the first one, but it was so satisfying to finish it! It’s a beautiful photo that I relish even more because I feel like I contributed to putting it together!

Yesterday, I attended my first rugby match. The son-in-law of a man who works at the area offices is on a semi-pro team and got us complimentary tickets. That man sat by me and explained the rules. What an interesting game!

We listened to two missionary devotionals this week: one was by President Ballard and Elder Holland, who both spoke prophetically on the power of the Book of Mormon. Another one was by Mark L. Pace, Sunday School General President (and his wife), who both spoke about the Holy Ghost and prayer. I’m grateful for the Holy Ghost, who has helped me know that the Book of Mormon is the word of God and, along with the Bible, is Another Testament of Jesus Christ.

I’ve been gradually writing my life story. A grateful memory: when we considered potential medical residencies (30 years ago), one of the main criteria we used was whether they were a “reasonable” distance from a temple. I’m grateful for God’s help in selecting that criterion. Keeping that focus on the temple has been symbolic of my efforts to keep my focus on God and the covenants I have made to keep His commandments. He has blessed me beyond measure for those efforts…and has strengthened me in those efforts.

This week, I studied Elder Bednar’s general conference talk, “We Will Prove Them Herewith.” I’m grateful for his reminder that my priorities cannot be defined by the world; if the world thinks “x” is important …it’s probably not that important. I need to keep my priorities aligned with God.

I also listened again to a talk by Elder Lawrence E. Corbridge, “Stand Forever.” What a powerful talk! He talks about the different ways to learn truth. He emphasizes the difference between “primary questions” (of which there are only a few) and “secondary questions,” which are endless. Four primary questions that he asked are profound; I am grateful for God’s help in knowing the answers to these questions: 

1. Is there a God who is our Father?
2. Is Jesus Christ the Son of God, the Savior of the world?
3. Was Joseph Smith a prophet? 
4. Is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints the kingdom of God on earth?

I solemnly testify that God is our loving Heavenly Father; we are literally His children, created in His image. He loves us and will help us make right choices. Through Jesus Christ, we can live with God again.