The events of Sept. 11 have shaken our country.  In the midst of all the
tragedy and sorrow there have arisen a feeling of patriotism and hope and
faith.  We pray for the leaders of our nation and hope these feelings grow
and do not fade away.  Perhaps there are softened hearts that might listen
to the gospel message.
We feel so fortunate to spend our weekdays at the temple and "out of the
world".  There is such peace there.
I know that the Lord is in charge and that right will prevail and that if we
are prepared we need not fear.
Our stake conference was the Sunday following.  It was great!  The talks
were of great comfort and inspiration.  Dave Smartt gave an excellent talk.
He said each of us will have a tumbling tower in our lives.  WE all will
die.  His tower tumbled in 1997 when the doctors told him he had cancer,
that there was nothing they could do and that they were sending him home
from the hospital to get his affairs in order.  (You have heard me talk
about him before.  He is mid thirties with young family.  Has survived so
far with great faith and special diet and alternative procedures.)  He said
to the doctor, "Are you telling me that you are sending me home to die?"
"No", the doctor said, "I am telling you to live to the fullest each day of
your life for as long as you can."  His counsel to us was to do the same -
love and serve and grow in all the qualities that make you like the Savior.
One day last week Dad was working the recommend desk and a couple walked in.
They came from Russia to this country six weeks ago and live in that area.
They always drive by the temple.  They were impressed by its clean beauty
and wondered what it was.  A church?  Can anyone come here?  Could they take
a tour?  Dad explained as best he could.  He told them there was a church
through the block that anyone was welcome to attend and told them meeting
times.  He tried to get them to let the missionaries visit them to tell them
about our church, but they declined.  We have been praying that they will
follow up and find the church and missionaries.  Dad felt they were looking
for a church.

There are no passengers on spaceship Earth - we are all the crew.  Fly the
flag.  Share hope with your neighbor.  Hug your children and anyone else
that needs a hug.  Each day try to be perfect in one thing.
Love,
Mom and Dad (Grandpa and Grandma)