We had our dental cleaning appointments this week. The dentist is a young lady from Ireland; she has a distinctive accent. She did a good job helping us take care of our teeth.   

We helped one of the widow senior missionaries celebrate her deceased husband’s birthday. She showed us some of her photos of him. That was a sweet evening.   

I enjoyed watching the webinar on Religious Freedom Review from BYU. It was very thought-provoking; I recommend it. You can find it on YouTube. 

We participated in a Zoom suicide loss survivor support group. It’s helpful for us. We hope our participation is helpful for others who are new in this “journey.” I commented on my admiration for them; they are “warriors” in this grief journey!

About 10 months ago, I took the “16 Personalities” test to better understand my personality, as well as how others approach life. I recommend it. Every few months, they send an email about how my personality tends to approach various life scenarios. Not coincidentally, the one this week was on “Grief.” It was very insightful.

Today is Father’s Day in the US. Happy Father’s Day to all you fathers out there! I’m grateful for my father and other good men who helped me become the person I am today. 

Speaking of Father’s Day, 20 years ago today, I was sustained as bishop of the St. David Ward. What a sacred privilege it was to serve. Our family was greatly blessed because of it. However, it was also a lot of work! Just thinking about that effort makes me tired!

While I am filled with gratitude for my father and for the privilege of being a father myself, Father’s Day has been somewhat difficult for me since Ashton died…so I was trying to prepare for it mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I bought an e-book, “When a Man Faces Grief,” which is concise and addresses how men tend to grieve. It was helpful. However, I noticed that I was feeling a little “down” the next day. Then Faye reminded me that Father’s Day isn’t celebrated until September in NZ. Knowing that I wouldn’t be celebrating Father’s Day today helped me feel better; it was insightful to observe how my mind and emotions operated around that theme. Going forward, I’m not sure whether to try to prepare for hard days…or just take them as they come.

About 4 months ago, I thought I pulled a muscle in my right posterior thigh, where it attaches to my “sit-down bone.” I thought it would go away, but I think it’s getting worse. I saw a nurse practitioner Friday. She ordered xrays and physical therapy. We’ll see how that goes.

Yesterday, we went on an outing with several of the other senior couples in the area. We went to Shakespear (that’s how they spell it) Park. Google it. It’s beautiful! The weather and scenery were beautiful…but I most enjoyed getting to know the other couples a little better.

Last night, we watched “The Sound of Music,” with Julie Andrews. I am sure amazed with her talent…and with that of Rodgers & Hammerstein! It was very uplifting! One of the songs in there was “Something Good.” I remember one of my sisters saying that about having met her husband: “I must have done something good.” They are celebrating their 52nd anniversary today!

The missionaries who are teaching our Venezuelan “son” and family are the assistants to the president, so have been busy with their administrative assignments; they had to reschedule several teaching appointments with our “son” this week. They are still planning on being baptized July 4, however. They are also still looking for work. The members in the area seem to be doing a good job at fellowshipping them.   

Some thoughts from Sunday meetings today: “Softening my heart allows God to do His job.” “I had my plans; He had His plans. I had my doubts; He had His re-assurances.” “As we worked on our marriage, I have learned more about myself.” “Everything will be OK…even if it’s not OK at this moment.” “What did I learn from my COVID-19 lockdown experience?” “What has Heavenly Father done for me since I was born?”   

Alma 14 tells about the prison falling on and crushing those of the order of Nehor (antichrists) who had imprisoned and tortured Alma and Amulek. As I thought of that experience in the Book of Mormon, I also thought of the outcome for those who choose the “great and spacious building” in Lehi’s dream in 1 Nephi 8 and 11. Figuratively speaking, don’t you think the same thing happens to us if we choose the pride of the world over the love of God? Doesn’t that pride also crush us spiritually?    

We recently listened to a missionary broadcast by Elder Kliebengat that I wish everyone could listen to, but it’s only for missionaries. It was an amazing talk! One of the things he talked about was weaknesses, which we all have. He mentioned 2 Nephi 2, which mentions a couple of times “things to act” (us) and “things to be acted upon” (our weaknesses). That was a profound thought for me!    

Elder Kliebengat also suggested reviewing the passages in the scriptures that list the spiritual gifts, match them to our weaknesses, and pray for the specific gifts we need to help us in our struggles with our weaknesses. I just did that…and it was an amazing, revelatory experience!     

I then also studied my patriarchal blessing (one of the ways I “Hear Him!” is through my patriarchal blessing!). I looked for spiritual gifts that were promised to me (I counted 36 of them!) and also matched those to my weaknesses. Among those mentioned was faith and trust in God. I’m praying for guidance in using those gifts (and others) to help counter my weaknesses. This was another amazing experience!   

Another thought from my patriarchal blessing: it counsels me to choose my companions and associates prayerfully and carefully. I realized that what I read, listen to and watch fit into that category; I am striving to be more prayerful and careful about that.    

I’m listening to Benjamin Franklin’s autobiography. What an inspiring example of how he approached his weaknesses and tried to strengthen moral virtues in his life!   

I re-read an Ensign article from January 1996 by Elder Holland, who said, “One of the things that will become more important in our lives the longer we live is the reality of angels, their work and their ministry…[including] those more personal ministering angels who are with us and around us, empowered to help us and who do exactly that.” I love being reminded of that great gift and promise from God!
 

I solemnly proclaim that, by the power of the Father, Jesus rose again and gained the victory over death.    I love you, Carter