July, July, July

It seems like this summer has quickly been passing by. It has been a good summer for our family.  Michael's entire family came to visit mid-June and we were able to see them.  We are enjoying Ginny back home and she actually enjoys doing things with us these days too.  June ended on a high note for me.  The last Sunday of June, Ginny and I were able to speak in the West Memphis Branch.  As she spoke, I realized even more the wonderful young lady she is.  Her message began with a question that her dad asked her early in her college years.  He had asked her "why she stays", particularly speaking in the church or adhering gospel standards.  She shared that when there are things she may want to question, she remembers her why. There were 3 points that were considered her why. First that she had Heavenly parents that lover her.  Second, that Christ loves her. Ginny shared that she talks to him often and throughout the day in prayer; some are really short about random things and not necessarily formal prayers.  Secondly, all things work together for her good. And the third, all things denote there is a God.

Jake and the kids were able to go to Atlanta for a four day end of June- July 2 to visit and see his parents and Sarah's family. I as able to spend and evening with my friends, Candice Marshall and Jessica O'sick one evening while my family was gone as Jessica was passing through moving. The first weekend of July, Jake did a ring ceremony for a couple that was married that morning but wanted a ring ceremony before the reception.

Me, Candice Marshall, and Jessica O'sick

Ring Ceremony of Max and Annie Miskelley

Jake and Travis Donald

 

 

 

I am happy to report that as of last week, every room affected by water December 2022 has been repaired.  Jake finished the pantry last week and it looks marvelous.  We also splurged and purchased a few new appliances: stove, microwave, and dishwasher. Jake has worked so hard on making our house, our home again and all still finds the time to "bishop".  He spoke beautiful words to a young man that was baptized last Saturday.  The family speaks no English and is the United States on political asylum from Mexico for the past month or so. Jake had sent everything to be translated in Spanish so he could try to do things in their native language.  Here are his closing remarks:

"Ethan, you remind me of Ammon in the Book of Mormon.  Do you remember Ammon?  What do you remember?

He went to a different country like you.  Let me share the good he did.  First, he served others.  In fact, he served the king.  He protected those he served with.  Because he served so well and helped others, the king was astonished.  He thought Ammon was a god.  Ammon taught the king he worked for God.  And he taught the king about god.  Because of that, he brought many people to the knowledge of god.

If you serve and love others, you will be able to do just as Ammon did.  Others can learn about god through you.

I want to share with you some of my favorite things.  First, a ding dong.  Just like people, the good stuff is found on the inside.  Second, a Coke.  Not just any coke but a coke from Mexico.  Coke from Mexico is better than coke from America.  Also, please pick your favorite bookmark and keychain.  They remind you to choose the right.  Finally, I would like to share my testimony."

We are heavily considering home school Will this upcoming year so I have spent several hours this week looking more deeply into that. We will talk to Will about it when he and his brother are back from FSY this week.  We sure miss Aubree this summer but she seems to be enjoying her summer in Utah.