We love the missionaries who serve in our area. Last week was transfers and several of our beloved missionaries were transferred out of Abilene. We felt like part of our family was moving away. Sister Beeton served with us in the YSA Branch. She will be missed by all of us. All of these missionaries are good examples of how the gospel blesses our lives as they just shine with goodness.

Is a mountain of burden crushing you? We loved this picture drawn by 

a group at Institute as we talked about things that weaken our 

connection with the Savior. 

Elder Oaks said: The number of good things we can do far exceeds the time available to accomplish them. Some things are better than good, and these are the things that should command priority attention in our lives. . . .

Just last October our dear prophet said this:

I plead with you to make time for the Lord! Make your own spiritual foundation firm and able to stand the test of time by doing those things that allow the Holy Ghost to be with you always.

We are proud of these young adults who choose to come to Institute. We believe this is one of the "better" things they have chosen to fill their time with.

 

The Elders and Sisters surprised us with this fun song they sang to the ladies from 3rd Ward who provided our lunch during Zone Conference. Hopefully you can hear this little video. We have enjoyed the Sisters and Elders so much in the Abilene area. Their district meetings are full of enthusiasm and hope and positiveness. They cheer each other on and work together. We have felt the brightness and light that blesses these missionaries as they lead people to Christ. It is a joyful work.  

 

We went with the young adults to the Lubbock Temple to do baptisms for their ancestors. We can hardly describe the feelings of light and joy we experienced as we performed ordinances in this beautiful room with light streaming from the huge window and more light streaming in from windows above the font. One young adult has been a member for barely a year and was privileged to baptize several people that day. He is the only member of his family. Last week he blessed and passed the sacrament. What a joy it is to watch this young man work his way along the covenant path. Norman was also baptized and I have to admit, I was a little concerned the relatively small-framed young man would struggle getting him back up out of the water. But all went well and we had a wonderful time.

We enjoyed great Mexican food at Chuy's in Lubbock after the temple.