January 3, 2016

The relatively moderate and unusually wet weather that kept lawns green so late in the season changed dramatically right after Christmas.  Although only a few degrees cooler, even the slight drop in temperature brought snow in the place of rain and, with it, a beautiful wintry landscape.  The colors, so vivid with countless shades of green earlier in spring, summer and fall could now be captured just as accurately painted in black, white and grey. 

View of the pond from our home

 On a day or two only the color white would best describe our view with nearly white-out conditions that made driving on the unplowed roads an interesting challenge.  One of the Elders directed his wife (who would follow him a few minutes later to the work center in their car) to simply watch for and follow the tracks his pickup left somewhere nearly half way between the two long rows of (also white) fence posts.  Only the barbwire was a contrast, and the comparatively obscure outline of the silhouette of dormant shade trees in the distance.  But how grateful we are for the changing seasons, each uniquely beautiful and with the experiences that accompany them

Barn by the 4-plex

Work duties during the week included year-end tasks needed to properly complete and clear the books (both financial and historical) for the fresh start of January 2016.  Expenditures that needed to be posted to appear prior were carefully entered to match the year the supplies were received or the services rendered.  We hoped the computers would cooperate and the approval processes in the Salt Lake City offices would quickly follow so that checks could be sent in a timely fashion or electronic transfers result as promised.  With only a couple of exceptions all happened as planned, now only a small residue of details remaining which we hope will be resolved within the next couple of days before a final closing of the books.  

The sisters continually worked on their indexing which opens a door to further research and temple work follow.  One of the obituaries Mom indexed listed the cause of death and an attendant detail, stating:

     “Amelia Dudler Fredickson takes too much Poisonous Drug.     Investigation:  She never tried to poison anyone but her husband and was sorry she did not do so.”

They also worked on documenting the activities of 2015 as they combined all their photo journals and included appropriate descriptions in the mission history.  We have both been preparing for the missionaries who will arrive in March.  Having now received each of their resumes, we now are able to assign mentoring couples and begin sharing more information with them.  They all bring many talents.  We have now conversed with each couple over the phone to congratulate them, welcome them, and wish them well with their preparations.  We have also been removing old tile from one of the public restrooms to get it ready for new ceramic tile – lots of backbreaking work.

Our dear friends, Elder and Sister Urie, who had been with their daughter’s young family in Polson, Montana during the final days of her husband’s life were joined by the remainder of their supportive family for his funeral services Monday.  As a member of the Indian tribe, whose college he presided over, his funeral was symbolic and long - less, they said, than the customary three day services, but including both tribal, collegiate and family segments.  Even as amended it lasted several hours.  We are grateful they could be there to support and accompany her though the difficult period.  Details are now being considered for longer term plans.  Soon they will return to their missionary service here and continue to assist her, as best they can, from a distance.

Some of our missionaries attended a funeral Tuesday of a ward member who we knew only as “Chief”.  His family has lived in this area for generations and is well known throughout the community.  Soon after we learned of his death, and while cleaning an old file cabinet, we encountered a pamphlet that told of an infamous crime and hanging in the late nineteenth century.  A man’s remains had been discovered in a well shaft, the evidence followed, and the two culprits apprehended and found guilty of robbery and murder.  Sandwiched between the pages was a single sheet of paper – a pedigree chart of the man for whom the funeral services in our ward were being held.  The mystery of its placement was solved when we discovered that one of the hanged criminals written of in the historical narrative was Chief’s great grandfather.  The instructions given by the judge to the guilty and to those who attended while the verdict was being announced were very interesting.  They counseled the condemned to strive to repent as best they could during their remaining few days and for the family members (also a sorry lot) to resolve to also amend their wrongful ways. 

The patriarch of the Far West Stake invited the missionaries assigned to Adam-ondi-Ahman to join his family and invited neighbors to a New Year’s Eve Mexican dinner.  The food was delicious and the company choice.  He presented a “Family Home Evening Lesson” on marriage.  As we were leaving Brother Bonnett presented each couple a lovely wrapped and framed gift. 

Entitled “Oblations”, it described pledges he had made earlier in his life that had guided and governed him throughout the ensuing years.  

What a wonderful creed, well worth considering often and also committing to.  It reminded us of a similar philosophy penned on a plaque on Grandpa McCracken’s office wall that guides and defines his life likewise.  

Friday and Saturday were spent in household duties and in preparing a lesson on the 138^th Section of the Doctrine and Covenants we are scheduled to share during the next few scripture study sessions.  Sunday we attended the monthly Fast and Testimony Meeting.  There is never a moment without someone at the Pulpit.  Young and old testify humbly and boldly.  We are always edified and encouraged by the expressions that are shared.  Both before, during, and since the meeting we have contemplated on the wonderful blessing given us of testimonies of the gospel.  We are so grateful to each of you for sharing yours with us over the years, both verbally and consistently in exemplary lives of devotion and worthiness.

We wish for each of you a joyous and prosperous New Year.