KB and The High Priests

I walked in to Sacrament Meeting today, solo, and Ken Bettridge spotted me. He gave me his signature wink and thumbs up and then invited me to join him and Brother Doug Maxwell on the Deacons bench. And so I went up and shook hands with these good men and then Brother Clark joined and it was an honor to have the opportunity to pass the Sacrament today with my friends. Brother Jacob Miner came and joined me so that I wasn't the only non gray haired, I mean non silver haired Deacon. Brother Yuri was there as well but his hair is a bit peppery. I have really enjoyed the older brothers in the 7th Ward. They are good men. Ken has been a tremendous friend to me and the kids since we moved in and I appreciate that signature wink and thumbs up. I get it from him every week and it gives me strength to carry on. The High Priests have all been kind and more then one has put an arm around me to let me know that I am doing a good job. I get a little misty thinking about it because it has meant a lot to me. I battle a lot with feeling like I am not doing a very good job and that I am failing in many ways. I guess we are always our toughest critic. Anyhow, these men who I look up to help to strengthen my feeble knees and lift me up. I am grateful for them.

Now let me say a word about Brother Jacob Miner. Jacob has been a friend since we first moved into the ward. He served in South Africa as well. He served in Joburg after I was already home but I think you share a special connection with people that have served in the same general area as you. Maybe not. I really can't speak for everyone. Suffice to say I feel a connection to those who have served in South Africa. Today was his families last Sunday in the Ward. I have teased him a bit about moving out but I have to say that I am going to miss my friend. I am sad to see them go. That is how life seems to be though. I am grateful that for the last year he and his family have been here. I appreciate that this brother befriended me in a very difficult time in my life.

I have said a lot about the Angels that are here among us and those sweet sisters that were such a blessing to our family in Florida. Here there have been family and friends including KB and the High Priests as well as Jacob Miner, who have been Angels. I am very grateful for them.

I missed hearing my kids share their testimonies today. I did get tho hear their cousins and several others from the primary stand and share but missed them. I talked to Natty and she said church was good but they didn't get up. I am sure it was a little intimidating being the first time in the Ward. Maybe Jack will share his thoughts on straight rows of benches next month. The good members of Alaska should not be denied the pleasure of those testimonies and if they are I am sure the members of the 7th Ward in Cedar City will love to welcome them back.