Three more of our trek family have now graduated from High School here in Magrath – our Grace, Ammon, and Lehi. Pa was released from High Council last fall so doesn’t get to see you much in all your various wards anymore. Ma and Pa are happy to be newly assigned to work together again, this time in ward nursery (most recently with 9 busy toddlers – all girls except one lone fellow). We also have been asked to assist as Ward Shepherding Couple to assist in transitioning graduating students from Grade 12 to YSA at home or at school or where ever they may end up (like you). May you continue to progress and make wise decisions.

We happen to be reading past Helaman chapter 5 again this year in our family scripture – the words of Helaman to his sons Lehi and Nephi. I realized that I had been somewhat mixing up the Book of Mormon family history somewhat – always something new to learn – with Alma (converted by Abinidi at time of wicked King Noah), his son Alma (the younger), his grandson Helaman, and great-grandson Helaman (in Helaman 5) and the great-great-grandsons Nephi and Lehi mentioned therein, not to mention some of their kids, great-great-great-grandsons Nephi and Timothy (called to be apostles under Jesus Christ). I commend his council to his children (and to us) to “remember the words of king Benjamin” .. stating “that there is no other way nor means whereby man can be saved, only through the atoning blood of Jesus Christ” (Helaman 5:9). His love for us is constant and unending. It is reflected in the lives of those around us and felt most strongly through the power of the Holy Ghost – a gift which can grow and intensify if we but let it.

Over and over in the Book of Mormon is repeated the promise to Lehi – that if the commandments would be followed, they would “prosper in the land”. You will also only prosper in the long term if you also follow the commandments. If you make and keep covenants, you also will live long and prosper ..

I was also pondering the other day on just how we are guided and helped in all our decisions both great and small. If we could somehow comprehend all the work being done on our behalf. I do not believe we meet and marry by chance, that we find friends and investigators just when they are ready to learn more about The Church of Jesus Christ in our day, or that our family units are created by happenstance. I remember being surprised at Trek with discovering all the behind the scene helpers just over the hill or around the bend helping us with food, water, facilities, emergency services, moving supplies and tents, and more while we all trekked along our merry way. This life is probably much the same way, with countless interested angels (friends/family now passed on, certainly some living today – family, church leaders, others - and even some still on their way) who are doing all they can to encourage and guide us our our daily trek today, all orchestrated by the effects of the Holy Ghost. We recognize their influence most in places like temples and churches and at important events like marriages and funerals, but I would not be surprised to find they really they have assignments to help comfort and guide us minute by minute where ever we are and what ever we are trying to do.

Safe journeys and be Good!

​With much love from your trek Ma and Pa.

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“We have been taught, and we understand, that we must do as the Lord commands ... “ (Primary Song 172 ‘We’ll Bring the World His Truth’). We are taught from scripture, from our leaders, and from out pulpits and, I trust, from above.
The scriptures are replete with scripture where the Lord freely forgives. My search online at (lds.org/scriptures) showed 90 specific references in the Standard Works, 25 from our Doctrine and Covenants, the scripture written most closely to our day. For example: (110:5) to Joseph/Oliver “Behold, your sins are forgiven you; you are clean before me; therefore, lift up your heads and rejoice.”; (25:3) to Emma “Behold, thy sins are forgiven thee, and thou art an elect lady, whom I have called.”; (112:3) and to other church leaders (Thomas B Marsh – senior apostle of the twelve at the time) “Nevertheless, inasmuch as thou hast abased thyself thou shalt be exalted; therefore, all thy sins are forgiven thee.” ; to us all (58:42) “Behold, he who has repented of his sins, the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.”; (29:3) “Behold, verily, verily, I say unto you, that at this time your sins are forgiven you, therefore ye receive these things; but remember to sin no more, lest perils shall come upon you.”; (61:2) “Behold, verily thus saith the Lord unto you, O ye elders of my church, who are assembled upon this spot, whose sins are now forgiven you, for I, the Lord, forgive sins, and am merciful unto those who confess their sins with humble hearts;”; (64:3) “There are those among you who have sinned; but verily I say, for this once, for mine own glory, and for the salvation of souls, I have forgiven you your sins.”; (50:36) “And behold, verily I say unto you, blessed are you who are now hearing these words of mine from the mouth of my servant, for your sins are forgiven you.”

Sitting in our testimony meeting last week I was thinking on just what it meant to bear and to have a testimony. While I would have liked to be one of those standing to bear a testimony, I didn't really have anything very extraordinary to say, time was short with many others already speaking, and many other perfectly appropriate excuses came to my mind. I have a testimony. I know that God exists, that this is His church. He directs the leaders of this Church to our benefit, that living and following His teachings will bring us closer to Him. We are blessed ​when we follow him.