May 12, 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

               

                Happy Mother’s day!!!  Thank you mothers for all you do, have done, and will yet do for the world we live in.  I hope you feel important and needed and loved—especially on this special day.  Our Reedy Creek ward has a tradition that has been ongoing for many years.  On Saturday morning—the day prior to Mother’s day, the High Priests sponsor a Mother’s day Café.  The Relief Society Room is changed into an elegant dining hall complete with china, music and special settings.  The Ladies are escorted individually into the room—are seated and are asked to fill out a menu.  The Waiter comes and takes their order to the kitchen where it is filled and returned to them by the Bishopric—all dressed in formal attire for the occasion.  It was fun to be associated with this.  I was asked to be the escort which was such a great opportunity.  We had about 40 ladies come. 

Across the street from the Reedy Creek building is a protestant church.  They advertized a breakfast for anyone.  We had a young couple get confused with the signage and came to our building.  We, of course greeted them and the lady was escorted into the Café.  The Man had to remain outside (for mothers only) the cafe room; however we sat him down and brought him a breakfast.  They were a little confused at first, however it turned out great.  The sister missionaries were present and had a great visit with the lady.  We presented them with a Book of Mormon and they were thrilled with the invitation to learn more.  It will be interesting to see what happens next. 

                We completed a busy week—maybe survived is a better term.  The traveling to Zone Conferences adds to the business; however it is so wonderful to be with the young missionaries.  We have two more conferences this coming week.  The Oil Changes add to the challenge; however it is such a good thing to complete all at once.  It is such a hassle to arrange with the different vendors when it is done individually.  So in spite of the challenges it is the better way to go. Elder Cornelius and I spent most of the day yesterday cleaning up the paper work and preparing for the coming week.  I’m glad we have tomorrow to prepare even more.  We received the 8 new Ford Fusions this past week and received word there are 8 Chevy Cruze’s to be picked up this coming week.  The church parking lot looks like a car dealership.  We are replacing 6 cars this Zone Conference cycle but that just leaves six old cars in their place that have to be detailed, prepared and often repaired and then we try to sell them. There is always something to do. 

                President Craven is working hard to raise the standard of missionary service among our missionaries.  We have felt we needed to support his efforts in the office by raising the standard of not only the office setting, but our interaction with the missionaries and each other.  As such we have prepared our safety presentations this go around to be a little more refined.  We have a new video from Salt Lake that helps with this also.  Our missionaries are asked to memorize D & C 121: 33-46.  We have taken the phrase “doctrine of the priesthood” and prepared a short presentation using this as our theme.  We quote from Elder Bruce R. McConkie’s address regarding “Doctrine of the Priesthood” the following:  “This doctrine…..unknown in the world and but little known even in the church—cannot be learned out of the scriptures alone.  It is not set forth in the sermons and teachings of the prophets and Apostles, except in small measure.  The doctrine of the priesthood is known only by personal revelation.  It comes, line upon line and precept upon precept, by the power of the Holy Ghost to those who love and serve God with all their heart, might, mind and strength.”   In the safety video, Elder Ballard and Elder Holland challenge the missionaries to develop a Safety Attitude.  We are tying this to the “doctrine of the priesthood” hoping as the spiritual roots are developed; the leaves will be more safe and clean.  The missionaries seem to be connecting as we present this to them.  Hopefully we will observe a safer and cleaner environment where the spirit of the Lord can dwell more easily.  Maybe some of you have some additional ideas that will help us be successful.   

                I have been reflecting a lot about my mother this weekend.  It has been just a little over 10 years since she passed away.  I have been so grateful over these last 10 years that I was able to be with her for a few weeks prior to her passing.  I have often thought how disappointed I would have been had I not taken the opportunity to transfer employment so I could be closer during those difficult times.  With the passing of Julie just 30 days prior adds even more to my gratitude for the tender mercies from above.  I so appreciate Dean and Kathy and their family and Darrell and Sharon and their family for allowing me to stay with them during this time.  That year proved to be an important year in my life to re-group and move forward.  It is interesting to me as I look back and reflect on the blessings that came from a kind Father in Heaven.  It motivates me to strive to live a little better each day to show my gratitude for the many blessings that flow freely.  As I reflect on the lives of our children and grandchildren as well as our extended families and friends over the past 10 years—my how we have been blessed.  Not without our challenges and trials as they are necessary pieces of the puzzle, but how indebted we all are to a loving Heavenly Father and our Savior Jesus Christ.  My mother was as kind and Christ like as a person can be on this side of the veil.  Her gentle demeanor has been a force for good all of my life.  I pray I can live in such a way as to be able to qualify to once again see her on the other side.  I can’t imagine heaven being a place that doesn’t include my mother.  I’m ever grateful for my wife Ruth.  I am learning to love my missionary companion even more as we serve together.  I can still see her working long hours in our Perry home to be such a wonderful mother to our children.  No one is better than Ruth in serving her family.  I often reflect on her mother.  Grandma Rushton was much like my mother—so gentle and kind.  I will ever be grateful for the spirit of missionary work that came into our home as the result of Grandpa and Grandma Rushton serving in the mission field.  It was magnified as my parents served a full-time mission as well.  Grandma Rushton’s fervent testimony still rings in my ears.  Her spirit resonates with my mother as they together inspire me to be better.  Thank you Heavenly Father for Mothers in my life that make a difference.  I reflect on the people our daughters are in their role as mothers and again have cause to express gratitude for their love and gentle spirits.  I see an ever increasing gentleness and effectiveness in their lives as they serve others—especially their children and spouses.   I am so grateful to our daughter in laws.  Each one is so talented, beautiful and wonderful.  Each of you are valiant mothers striving hard to raise a righteous posterity.  Thank you so much you dear mothers. 

                May all of your dear mothers have a great day and splendid year as you fill such a vital role in all of our lives.

                Have a great week as we celebrate the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood along with Chloe’s birthday.

               

Elder and Sister Andrus, Grandpa and Grandma, Dad and Mom, Don and Ruth.