YOU ARE NOT ALONE

Today after church, T's good friend McKenna came over to bring him a special gift.  She had gotten a tie and had all of the youth and leaders of our ward sign the back of it.  At the bottom it said, "You are not alone."  She told him to wear it whenever he was feeling homesick or lonely. 

 She also had the youth, leaders and some of the primary children write notes to him. 

MISSIONARY PHOTOS

T had his missionary photos taken this evening in Provo Canyon.  He seemed to be at ease as the photographer was one of his favorite scout leader's wife.  Plus, the boy is just at ease in a suit, toting his scriptures and telling you about the gospel!

AND...PARTY

Several friends and family members joined us for dinner, followed by visiting and games at Colton and Shannon's house.  Eternal families, that's what it's all about!

GOING THROUGH THE TEMPLE

 

Today T received his endowments in the Oquirrh Mtn. Temple. It was an amazing experience! He was surrounded by many friends and family. Excluding about 10-12 people, the entire session was filled with people who were there for T. What an amazing experience to be in the celestial room with so many people who care you!

His brother's, sister in law and two special friends were waiting for him outside the temple.  Jonah, Courtney and McKennakept busy while we were going through the session by doing baptisms for the dead.  I believe they were able to do around 50 family names.

ONE LAST CHECK UP

T had a full day at the hospital today.  Scans, labs, EKG, pulmonary function test and a physical.  The doctors want to make sure he is 100% before he heads off to serve the Lord for two years.

(This is Ron.  He has done T's scans for the past two years. He knows T by name.  Remembers him, his likes and dislikes.  He really cares about T.  We have been so lucky to get to know him.) 

ORDINATION/ORDINATION

Today was a big day.  T was set apart as an Elder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints.

The definition and purpose of the Melchizedek Priesthood is as follows:

The priesthood is the power and authority of God. It is conferred upon worthy male members of the Church. Those who hold priesthood keys direct the administration of the ordinances of the gospel, the preaching of the gospel, and the government of the kingdom of God on the earth.

The Melchizedek Priesthood holds “the keys of all the spiritual blessings of the church.” 

 

The duties of an Elder are as follows and can be found in Doctrine & Covenants 20:38-45:

 

38 The ^aduty of the elders, priests, teachers, deacons, and members of the church of Christ—An ^bapostle is an ^celder, and it is his calling to ^dbaptize;

39 And to ^aordain other elders, priests, teachers, and deacons;

40 And to administer ^abread and wine—the ^bemblems of the flesh and blood of Christ—

41 And to ^aconfirm those who are baptized into the church, by the laying on of ^bhands for the baptism of fire and the Holy Ghost, according to the scriptures;

42 And to teach, expound, exhort, baptize, and watch over the church;

43 And to confirm the church by the laying on of the hands, and the giving of the Holy Ghost;

44 And to take the ^alead of all meetings.

45 The elders are to ^aconduct the ^bmeetings as they are ^cled by the Holy Ghost, according to the commandments and revelations of God.

 

Several family and friends came to support T today as he was ordained by his father. T invited his grandfathers, uncles, a great uncle and few leaders he is very close to, to stand in the circle and participate in this ordinance.  

 

Immediately following T being set apart, he was able to set apart his 14 year old cousin as a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. He did an amazing job!

 

A SMALL DENT IN A LONG LIST

Today we returned to CTR to buy all we could afford for today.  We put a small dent in T's long list.

The package we purchased included:

10 white shirts (8 short sleeve, 2 long)  T's call recommended he bring 8-10.  (Being the person he is, he opted to pick one in Jonah's size instead of getting all 10 for himself.  He didn't want his brother to feel left out.)

4 pair dress slacks

1 suit

6 ties (T was pretty particular about the ties. Very reserved.)

We will go back in a few weeks to purchase additional items.

LET THE SHOPPING BEGIN

Today we hit every store that carried missionary clothing within 50 miles of our home.  The last place ended up being being the best.  CTR clothing.  Best prices, best quality, best customer service. 



SATAN-ATTEMPT #4

Today T and a friend decided to take a little drive up by the water tower.  Result...the back window of his blazer was off the track and fell down and shattered into a million pieces!  He was able to find one on KSL and our neighbor helped him take it out of the car and then install it in his blazer. 

 

PASSPORT

T's passport arrived in the mail today.  Hooray!

SHOTS, SHOTS, SHOTS

T had so many shots today, that it took two nurses with both of their hands full to carry all of the needles. 

Only T would smile while getting shots!

APPLYING FOR A PASSPORT

Today we hit the City or Orem offices to apply for T's passport.  $268.00 later, it is in the works.

THE WINNER IS...COURTNEY!

Last night before T opened his call, we had everyone write down where they thought T would be called to serve his mission.  Miss Courtney called it!  T promised the first letter he wrote would be to  her!