I love words...

I love words. Perhaps this is why I was called to serve under President Webb who was a major fan of the English language and taught us to use the dictionary when we read the scriptures. I am not by any means a scholar but I love the sound of good things...words as they were and are and forever will be. They make up our thoughts our conversations our life. I am grateful for those who kept journals, diaries, and for those who write whether it be books, poems, or stories. I think writing is like drawing...you have to do it!
A few examples of words used well...
that author/poet at BYU library

Joseph Smith

The scriptures: These were days never to be forgotten to sit under the

My baby brother is going on a mission

Larisa's Birthday Party

Jimmy at the Temple

Hearts Knit Together As One

Unity article by President Eyring

The other morning I had the oportunity to read a talk from last Conference that was just what I needed. It was about how the gospel of Jesus Christ will unify and reach beyond differences so that we can be unified to prepare for the reign of the Savior. One of my favorite parts was when President Eyring talked about how we can focus on the things we have in common with people of other cultures and backgrounds rather than our differences. When we do this the barriers dissolve. I felt this most notably on my mission and even just yesterday as I was explaining to a Muslim that we too believe in God. She was a good woman and wanted the opportunity to talk more. I know the Lord will bless us as we seek to be peace makers and build upon the things we have in common.

The House of the Lord: The Draper Temple Open House

Today we had the opportunity to go to the Draper Open House. As what usually happens before a spiritual event, at least how I remember it is that there is always a great adversity before. So we had the opportunity of taking some friends who are not of our faith. Lanaw and her two sisters and a neighbor girl along with Charlotte and her mother, Alma. Lanaw is from Burma. Her family of ten came here as refugees. They are the most beautiful family and have been taught by wonderful parents. Back in December she came to a Primary Activity Day at Amy's ward and shared her story. It was very sweet. She and her her sister and brother just younger than her were baptized. She works at the LDS Distribution Center and truly believes she has the best job in the world. They love her there but she talks about work there and acts like she is serving in the Temple. Her little sisters and a neighbor girl came with us. When I originally went to pick them up four women were waiting outside and I thought they were coming with us because they were all dressed in skirts. They were just visiting with LaNaw as there is only about two feet between their front doors. This was cool because one of them asked where we were going and I had the opportunity to share. As I was trying to explain that these are sacred places and that we can be married and for just this life but forever, one of them said yes I have a video, Together Forever. The missionaries had given it to her, and I was so grateful that the Lord prepared her with that as I was not doing the best job of explaining. I love this little "missionary goldmine." These humble people have been brought here from war-torn and often inhumane living situations to learn of the Gospel and the hope of eternal life. They are humble and kind people. The Spirit touches my heart when I pull into this large government housing includes many small apartments. I think there may be two bedrooms for the whole Paw family. The Spirit was evident though it was packed today at the open house. There were at least four chapels where people were being bussed from up to the Temple Site. It was beautiful. Before we got to the chapel going up the Draper Mountainside I told them about the Oquirrh Mountain Temple and they could see that one and the Jordan River once we got high enough. The Spirit was sweet in the House of the Lord. I felt a renewed desire to serve and to keep the sacred covenants I made therein. Charlotte (from my Dad's work) and her mother came as well which also added to the "missionary experience." In fact, I had the opportunity to talk to Alma (her Mom) in the Baptismal Font and learned of her belief in the importance of "saving our dead" and her knowledge of the Twelve Tribes of Israel which I explained were symbolized by the twelve oxen. It was sweet to say the least!