Everything Is Comin' up Roses

Wow! Roses are everywhere. It seems like overnight the rose bushes just burst. There are huge bushes and small bushes; some that have come out quickly and others are taking their time. I'm okay with that because that means we will see the roses for a long time. I grew up in "The City of Roses" but I don't remember it being like this. Everywhere we drive we see huge rose bushes loaded with flowers. I am particularly loving the rose bed I have been watching on Temple Square. The color of these roses is luscious but I must admit I cannot choose a favorite because no sooner do I think I have found the perfect color but I see another in an obscure place that I just love... from bright florescent red to antique white with just a hint of pink.

For now, I am simply enjoying the beauty of the earth. The unusual spring rains have made the mountains a vibrant green. It is so beautiful to watch the sun set and cast the shadows and light on the mountains. I am amazed at the beauty. The locals are amazed at the snow still visible. I heard that with the storm we had last night and most of the day today there was snow falling in the mountains again. Snowbird is still open I think....there will be skiers on the slopes in the morning. There are a lot of people walking around with funny looking suntans on their faces. I remember when I used to be one of them! Aww....good days gone by. I would probably kill myself if I tried to go skiing today. hahaha

It has been a fun couple of weeks on the Square. The JSMB is celebrating 100 years so there were lots of festivities and displays and a big dinner held for local church and civic leaders. The most fun thing to me is that all the hosts are dressed in period costumes. We thought they were only doing it for a few days of celebration but they were told that if they wanted to they could wear them until September. I have a few pictures below.
This woman is wearing a dress purchased by her uncle for her aunt in 1918. She was so happy she could wear it and she looks great!


My picture didn't turn out good enough to really see his hat and cane. He looked so fun!

This picture reminds me of "Pick a little, talk a little" from The Music Man! They were having so much fun. Everywhere they go, even to lunch, the vacationers (and the occasional missionary) are taking their picture!
This woman made her outfit. She told me that the hosting office gave them each pictures of what the period outfits were like and asked them to come up with something so she made this herself from the pictures. She bought a couple of skirts from Deseret Industries and went to town. She said she really had fun although she isn't a seamstress. She just put it together and it worked. I love the hat. You can't see all the flowers and feathers on it from this picture, but it is fabulous.

President Monson spoke at a brief ribbon cutting ceremony and at the gala dinner (pictures of the tables below). I had an appointment so I was not able to stay and hear him, but the wonderful part of the ribbon cutting event was the Mormon Tabernacle Choir spread out on the Mezzanine and singing "Praise to the Man". Those who were there told me it was like nothing they have heard before. I'm sure it was amazing and I am sad that I missed it.

There are more and more sad goodbyes as missionaries return home after their service. Many with whom we have worked the entire time we have been here are now returning home. It is a bittersweet thing for most of them. All express how blessed they feel to have served here. Most express gratitude for how their families have been blessed. Often we hear expressions of how their lives have been changed for the better because of their experiences with the Spirit as they have served. The computer is usually mentioned. Many come here without having any computer skills and in fact being afraid of it, but they all leave knowing they have conquered the skills they needed to serve well. How the Lord does magnify us!

Our mission presidency is being changed with all of them leaving to return home.
As they speak to us for the last time they share some good thoughts. I would like to share a few that I recorded:

1. Nephi said 'I will go and do', he didn't say 'I'll sit and stew!'"
2. Pres. Monson saying, "This is our one and only chance at a mortal life" so do not waste our time on earth but "find joy in the journey".
3. This mission accepts mature seniors . . . and some immature ones.
4. Genealogy is the 2nd most popular hobby behind gardening.
5. You can teach an old dog new tricks.
6. CS Lewis said: It's hard to fly when you are an egg, but you have to learn to fly or go bad!

Today in Sunday School class we discussed what Jesus was trying to teach when He gave the parables in Matthew 25, the 10 virgins, the talents and the sheep and the goats. We learned that He was teaching us the importance of using our talents, whatever they may be, to fill our lamps with the oil we need to stand on the right hand of the Savior when He calls us. We were challenged to do something this week that is out of the ordinary for us and will help us fill our lamps...just one drop at a time. President Spencer W. Kimball:“In the parable, oil can be purchased at the market. In our lives the oil of preparedness is accumulated drop by drop in righteous living. Attendance at sacrament meetings adds oil to our lamps, drop by drop over the years. Fasting, family prayer, home teaching, control of bodily appetites, preaching the gospel, studying the scriptures—each act of dedication and obedience is a drop added to our store. Deeds of kindness, payment of offerings and tithes, chaste thoughts and actions, marriage in the covenant for eternity—these, too, contribute importantly to the oil with which we can at midnight refuel our exhausted lamps” (Faith Precedes the Miracle [1972], 256).

I also liked the list of talents that was read as part of the lesson from Elder Marvin J. Ashton: “Let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important. Among these may be your gifts—gifts not so evident but nevertheless real and valuable.

“Let us review some of these less-conspicuous gifts: the gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holy Ghost” (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20).

Today I thought of my father as we talked about the parable of the sheep and the goats. He loved that parable and talked about it often. I certainly hope that I will be numbered among the sheep. I hope that I will recognize the Master's voice when He calls and that I will have my lamp filled with enough oil to follow and rejoice with Him.

Goodnight!