SAVE THE FAMILY!

We've done it before. We're doing it again. Hugh and I walked precincts today in promotion of Prop. 8. If you live in California, please VOTE "YES!" on Proposition 8. LET'S SAVE THE FAMILY!
"When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. 'The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfil its essential functions' (quoted in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 72). Actually, a home is much more than a house. A house is built of lumber, brick, and stone. A home is made of love, sacrifice, and respect. A house can be a home, and a home can be a heaven when it shelters a family. When true values and basic virtues undergird the families of society, hope will conquer despair, and faith will triumph over doubt.

"Such values, when learned and lived in our families, will be as welcome rain to parched soil. Love will be engendered; loyalty to one's best self will be enhanced; and those virtues of character, integrity, and goodness will be fostered. The family must hold its preeminent place in our way of life because it's the only possible base upon which a society of responsible human beings has ever found it practicable to build for the future and maintain the values they cherish in the present."

Thomas S. Monson, "Dedication Day," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 64-65

My First Day of School

It's not Sam's first day of school, but mine. Yes, the long awaited day has arrived, my first day of employment with Lancaster School District. I'm glad I had to wait these few months because I was better prepared. I've been mulling over in my mind every possible scenerio I might encounter and I'm sure I haven't thought of them all, but thinking it through has helped me formulated some plans and as I work they will become habits. Consequently, I'm feeling more confident and ready to go.

I subbed a 5th grade class today for a friend of mine who was ill. She has trained her students well. They made the day easy because they were so helpful and quick to do what was asked. It was a great day!

"Better than a thousand days of diligent study

is one day with a great teacher."

--Japanese Proverb

Digging Out in Texas

"And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God." --Mosiah 2:17

The day Tom received his mission call to the Texas Houston South Mission, I teased him, "You're going to get hit by a hurricane and be digging out for the next two years." Well, when I said that, I didn't think I was being prophetic. Hopefully he won't be digging the whole two years, but right now he is. We just received an email from Brother Thell Williams who worked with Tom today. We are so grateful for the email and picture he sent us. It's our first view of Tommy on his sojourn in Texas. Anyway, I'm so pleased to have it so I decided to post it. A missionary likes letters, but parents like letters too.

Elder Blair on the right (with the black name tag) and Brother Thell Williams (in a Texas Longhorn shirt) and the rest of their crew from Austin, Texas (wearing yellow Mormon Helping Hands T-shirts).

Dear Bro. and Sis. Blair,

My name is Thell Williams, from Austin, TX. My stake, today, sent 250 men to the Houston area to help with the Hurricane Ike relief. We were split up into teams of 7 with a missionary to help work and show us around. I didn’t really think about our missionary until about half way through the day I noticed what a hard working, kind young man he was. So I asked his name and of course he told me Elder Blair. Well we worked the entire day together and what a delight it was for me to work side by side with such a fine young (green-ha! He only got us lost twice!) kind Elder from California.

He could use a chain saw better than any of us and when I asked why, he said he learned it all from his Dad and his construction company! And he could out work any of us which was actually a little embarrassing to have a Californian out work a Texan! :) I told him my daughter served in the San Fernando Valley mission (Sis. Williams, ‘96-’97). We were able to visit her while she was on her mission and travel through your city. I just wanted to let you know how impressed I was with your son. A gentle strong young man with great determination and a desire to really serve his fellow man. I think he’s going to serve the Lord and Texas very well. Thank you for sending him on a mission, we’re glad he’s in Texas and we’ll all take very good care of him.

God Bless,

Bro. Thell Williams

He Inviteth Us ALL

Last June the Church celebrated the 30th anniversary of all worthy male members being extended the privilege of receiving the holy priesthood. I remember the day it was announced in June 1978. I was driving in the car and heard it broadcast on the radio. As the words audibly hit my ears, the Spirit immediately witnessed to my heart of the rightness of it all. What a blessing it has been for everyone.

Now, 30 years later, the Church had a commemoration event with music and speakers in celebration of that significant day. I was so inspired by the testimonies that were given. What a great blessing is the fullness of the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know it is true and it is a blessing to ALL people. This video was made specifically for the celebration and I'm happy to display it on my blog.

I wish I had a link so you could watch the whole celebration, but I could only find the transcripts to the talks that were given that evening:

Sheldon F. Child

Fred A. Parker III

Catherine M. Stokes

Ahmad S. Corbitt

I know this program was months ago, but it has been on my mind. It was an inspiring presentation. I am grateful for this great revelation and the timing of it. "God moves in a mysterious way, His wonders to perform...God is his own interpreter, And he will make it plain." (Hymns, 285)

"He inviteth them all to come unto him and partake of his goodness; and he denieth none that come unto him, black and white, bond and free, male and female; and he remembereth the heathen; and all are alike unto God, both Jew and Gentile."
--2 Nephi 26:33

The Lone Star State

We had a happy surprise this morning. Tom was able to call us from the SLC airport before he stepped onto the plane for the Lone Star State. He arrives at his mission home today. Of course he's very excited and thought the MTC (Missionary Training Center) was awesome plus he is a bit homesick, but he'll tough it out as he gets use to being away and gets involved in the work. It seems like he's been gone forever and it's only been three weeks.

He will be able to communicate with us by email. I will forward his emails to those who are interested in hearing about his missionary doings. If you want to be in the loop, please email me at blairmom@gmail.com.

If you would like to write him, and he will respond likewise, you will need to use the snail mail system. You can always address your letters and packages to the mission office and they will then forward all his communication to wherever he is serving within the mission.

Elder Thomas E. Blair

Texas Houston South Mission

4627 Austin Parkway

Sugar Land, TX 77479-2146

“No unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, *[and hurricanes may hit - Houston is in IKE's pathway,] but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly and independent, till it has penetrated every continent; visited every clime, swept every country and sounded in every ear; till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the great Jehovah shall say the work is done.”

Prophet Joseph Smith
From the Wentworth Letters, March 1, 1842

*While talking with Tom this morning I mentioned the possible disaster looming toward Texas with Hurricane IKE (it could just end up being a heavy storm of sorts, but you never know). Anyway, not that Tom is all about disasters and injury to people, but with no fear he replied, "We're all about it, because missionaries are all about service." Tom was one of 11 missionaries gathered at the airport this morning heading for the Texas Houston South Mission ready to serve no matter what. I'm so pleased and inspired by their devotion.