Mark's Calling

SCOUT MASTER!!!!!


Just kidding. That's our nephew, Thayer. We went to his Eagle Court of Honor on Saturday night. We're pretty proud of him. And - many of you people here on the Wasatch Front will now have the opportunity to partake in his service. He built a bridge on the Jordan River Parkway.

GOOD JOB THAYER!

No, Mark is not Scout Master. (Mark says, "Thank goodness I'm not scout master!")

Mark is now the 2nd Counselor in the Parliament Park bishopric.

SECOND COUNSELOR!

Holy shneikies.

But, it's exciting. It's a new challenge, and something with a ton of rewards. Mark will be great. He's happy. He's glad that he can be of service.

Mark's parents came down, my parents came up. Karen (Mark's sister) and her family came, and all of my siblings and their families/spouses came. Mark's dad ordained him a High Priest, with my dad in the circle. Then the 2nd counselor in the stake presidency set him apart.

We had chili back at our house. Three pots. One mild, one medium, and one hot pot. Karen brought brownies, and Teresa (my brother's wife) brought pumpkin bars. It was good.

It was a good day.

But, just as wonderful as spending quality time with family, was having our testimonies strengthened. Personally, this whole week, I have been trying to focus on my Savior. I have felt His love. I have learned things about Him I have either forgotten or never knew. I have relearned things that I shouldn't forget. I have been humbled.



Here are Mark's thoughts....

I have had impressions for about a month that I was going to be ordained a High Priest in some type of calling, but I kept those thoughts to myself (Andrea just yelped as she saw me type this). When the Stake Executive Secretary called last week, I knew exactly what it was for, but again did not tell Andrea what I was feeling. Anyway, I am very humbled and excited for this new calling, except for being nominated to be the bishopric's spokesman. The previous 2nd counselor was so excited to get released, he gave me his keys when I came up on the stand.

It was funny to hear people wondering why the entire Stake Presidency was at the sacrament meeting. Plus, the Elder's Quorum President asked me to teach the Elder's Quorum lesson next week during Sunday School. I responded, "Um.. ask me again in an hour."

I am so thankful that so many in my family came to share in this day, and especially that my father was able to ordain me a High Priest, just like he ordained me an Elder.