We do want to thank all of you for your prayers and thoughts. We have loved the kind notes and special wishes- especially on Tom's behalf. Great blessings come to those who serve- no matter what capacity they serve in. Thank you for all the words of encouragement and love. Bryce has had a few visitors and has really enjoyed talking with you. hint.. hint.. He loves to have a change of scenery- or a change in companions. We have enjoyed our Institute classes at Weber State and we both got an Institute shirt! The best part of all- is that we get spiritually fed every Monday and Wednesday morning.
In the month of January we found our "Trial of Faith" had come in several moments. Beginning with Bryce's first letter that stated he was having problems with his hips. Then after going to the Brigham City temple, I hit a deer on my way home. Then my brother, had a heart attack the Sunday before Bryce arrived home. We all spent a lot of time on our knees praying for him and his family. Bryce's Mission President called me on Tuesday to let me know that he would be coming home on Wednesday. Then we began our journey to the doctors. We have hit this head on and are grateful for such great doctors who have taken the time to help us out. My brother has recovered and is almost back to himself again- only better. We are so glad he's still with us, as he keeps us smiling and laughing all the time.
Later in the month, my Uncle passed away from leukemia. This was the same type of leukemia that Tom's dad lost the battle to. We have been praying for his family and especially my sweet dad. When Tom and I lived in Wyoming, we used to meet at my Grandma's house in Ft Collins and eat Sunday dinner with Uncle Jerry and Aunt Wanda. My boys loved going to Uncle Jerry's home in Boulder and playing with him.
Then, we had a big one come! Shortly after Bryce's return, we were called into see the Stake President. We thought maybe we would be asked to bear our testimony in Stake Conference or something small like that. When we arrived at the stake office, President Waddoups took Tom in one room and I was sent to another room. When we were reunited, we met with all three of the brethren in the Stake Presidency. As President Buswell extended the call to Tom to serve as Bishop of a brand new ward, I felt Tom sink in his chair. I sat there thinking, "This is right. This is what was coming." I had been having feelings like something was going to happen- something big- and WE needed to get prepared. We needed to get our house in order...Now! Then, I realized that for the entire month prior, the Lord was trying to prepare us.
I don't think that anyone is ever fully prepared for a calling like Bishop, but I do know that if we listen carefully, the Holy Ghost whispers comfort to our heart. Tom is still working hard to finish his dissertation and he is still working at UDOT as the Bridge Design Manager and he is still doing the engineering for the plans that come in through the Nursery. It is overwhelming to think about what all needs to be done. However, the Lord has ways of making us stronger and He is always there to help us through our trials. No matter how great the trial may be, He is always there. He Lives!
Then, we had a big one come! Shortly after Bryce's return, we were called into see the Stake President. We thought maybe we would be asked to bear our testimony in Stake Conference or something small like that. When we arrived at the stake office, President Waddoups took Tom in one room and I was sent to another room. When we were reunited, we met with all three of the brethren in the Stake Presidency. As President Buswell extended the call to Tom to serve as Bishop of a brand new ward, I felt Tom sink in his chair. I sat there thinking, "This is right. This is what was coming." I had been having feelings like something was going to happen- something big- and WE needed to get prepared. We needed to get our house in order...Now! Then, I realized that for the entire month prior, the Lord was trying to prepare us.
I don't think that anyone is ever fully prepared for a calling like Bishop, but I do know that if we listen carefully, the Holy Ghost whispers comfort to our heart. Tom is still working hard to finish his dissertation and he is still working at UDOT as the Bridge Design Manager and he is still doing the engineering for the plans that come in through the Nursery. It is overwhelming to think about what all needs to be done. However, the Lord has ways of making us stronger and He is always there to help us through our trials. No matter how great the trial may be, He is always there. He Lives!
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