Plan for the good!

Yes, a new year has arrived, and we have the ability to be rejuvenated.  For many weeks, I have constantly realized my many weaknesses and how I need to really look at them head-on and change or I will not have the gift of the atonement in my life. Elder Preston and I don't want to be without the many blessings that are promised by being obedient to the eternal guidelines that we are taught when we listen to our prophets and read the scriptures.

As we continue to follow the reports of the death of our beloved prophet and once again review the incredible example that he was to all of us, why would we want anything else?

This new desire has come at a perfect time, because challenges are ongoing, so we always need to be prepared. 

On a lighter note: The gym equipment that was purchased through LDS Charities, one of our projects, has arrived and we were able to see Tanner and a few of his employees doing the assembling.  We will have an official celebration after it has all been installed next week.

Tanner deciding what to do next.

Employee showing how the new weights work.

Lots to assemble.

Tanner is having fun, too.

On P-day, while Elder Preston was serving his famous NZ spinach/onion omelet samples for the first Farmer's Market of the new year, I had the opportunity to be with Sister Larkin as she led a discussion about White book guidelines to remind the young sister missionaries how important it is to live within good healthy boundaries and the great progress and incredible blessings that will be theirs. We had a great time as we taught, gave examples, laughed, and shared inspired thoughts.

My favorite part of the event was the scripture: Ephesians 4:29  "Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers"  (I guess that the reason that I appreciated this so much is that I need it more than anyone.)

One of our missionaries "Returned with Honor" this week, and we were able to help her pack and see her off at the airport.  

Returning home with a big
smile surrounded by
our STL's.

Sister Seager, one of our remarkable senior missionaries, was her companion as she traveled to her home country, Samoa. 

When Sister Key arrived at the airport in Samoa, there was a big WELCOME HOME sign and she was immediately surrounded by family and friends. We are grateful for her safe return. 

We wish that all our missionaries had family/friends to greet them when they arrived after serving the Lord or after other times where they have been away from loved ones.  Sometimes we take our families for granted.  We just assume that everyone has a support system.  This is not always the case.

Let's remember to honor, love, and cherish those around us.  

We are so very grateful for our ongoing support system.  We are blessed to have each other and that we truly love serving together. Then we are doubly blessed to have family and friends, whom so readily inspire and support us.

We love you,
Elder & Sister Preston