missionary update april

hayley sounded very happy in her last letter--getting a feel for the new area and getting along great with her companion and optomist about the future possibilties in the area-she loves it and says she comes home happy every day

she says the members are helping to give referals and that they have some wonderful people to work with.

spring time

what is it about spring time that just gives us a boost? it has to be more than just the weather--(although sunshine is a plus) I think in our human nature--it is just good to see things 'renewed' the once dormant plants--take on leaves again and flowers come back and leaves and we can't help but think how one day--after we sleep in death-- that we too will be renewed and resurrected through the power of the preistood and through the great atonement. Somehow --this always gives me a hopeful feeling.
I may just add here that we are very blessed to have this hope and this knowledge. I love watching the transformation from winter to spring and then all of the sudden--its summer in full swing before you know it. The days seem to come and go so quickly--I can hardly keep track
we are in the middle of April all ready --can you believe it? there is a tradition that on may day
may 1st--people used to leave flowers on others door steps--another tradition by some is to give daffadils to someone having a tough time--we aren't having a particullary tough time more than anyone else I know --but sue and rick chapman dropped these flowers in the picture off to bryan and I--so it makes me want to pass some flowers along to someone else---and brighten their day--and challege--all of you to give a flower or two--on may day--just for fun

found this fun pic

hi family

dad found this fun pic on the mission blog that sister Walton (hayley's mission mom) adds pics too

just wanted to share it as it shows the sisters that hayley has been with in the last area--Hayley if you are reading this--I say--yes --brook comes to my mind when I see sister free....interestly enough there is a resemblance--

let's talk about our favorite conference talk---

Its always wonderful to listen to a prophets voice-and I love hearing him tell the Easter story--I hope I always know the details from that story as well as I do the Christmas story

ever since elder ballard visited here in our stake once I see him through new eyes and always get a kick out of him describing his wife and daughters and how boldly he proclaims the gospel teachings but in a gentle way--he just inspires me

when I try to figure out which one was my favorite conference talk--I can't pin one down--I like them all so much--do any of you have favorites --or things that struck you or stood out to you--

they all did make me want to be a better person though and keep the commandments--better==but not get axiety or stress in doing that --I am going to stop comparing--It came clearly to me that our loving Heavenly father does not grade on a curve--We just need to do our best to follow our Saviors example (without stressing--so much--'ole Satan would have us have self doubts and make us feel as though we are never enough) and our Savior through his atonement will help us bridge the difference. I for one --was motivated and uplifted and felt peace from the talks --even though I have changes to make--I think I can make it six months now--till the next conference.

missionary update

Heard from Hayley today--she is doing well --enjoying the work--enjoying the area-- had fun playing one april fools joke, saying one of the sisters missed the bus to District meeting...also seems happy with the hope that a referal that was given through the mission office will be getting baptised at the end of april if all goes as planned--she enjoyed conference and is motivated to be an even better missionary than ever.

hum...other this and that...

flowers that were given to us after the stake conference--pretty while they lasted

fruit and cream cheese and veggies and meats and cream cheese on swedish crackers--I learned sadly from experience you don't want to make too soon before serving--but excellent when they are at their peak--(: