Edified

My heart is full, and my spirit edified by attending Sacrament Meeting today. Because next Sunday is General Conference, we had Fast and Testimony meeting a week early.

A gentleman in our Ward is battling cancer. This is not his first time at bat with the disease. He is far too young to be experiencing all that is happening to him, his beautiful wife, and their four beautiful daughters.

When we moved here to Waco almost 9 years ago, this man, Brother J, asked where we were building our house. We told him Hewitt, and he told us that his estimation of us just went up. We laughed. That year at our first Christmas Ornament party, we invited Brother & Sister J. The friendship has continued to grow over these years. Brother J is a very talented man. He is humble, kind, hardworking, dedicated, diligent, prayerful, and I look up to him as any son would a Father. He is exemplary in the duties of his Priesthood at Church.

Through his battles with cancer, he has never complained or whined in my presence. He has just held out hope and faith in his Savior Jesus Christ, and that he Brother J, was humble and willing to do the bidding of our Heavenly Father. He has unconditional Love, something I believe he exemplifies from his faith in Jesus Christ.

We do not know the outcome of Brother J's battle with this horrible disease, only God can know that. I do know that I love him, that my heart is full of compassion and empathy for him, Sister J, and their family. He truly is a giant among men, and a powerful witness and testimony of the Savior.

Thank you Brother J for being my friend, for welcoming Princess and I into your home and your hearts. You are in my prayers, my thoughts, my mind, and my heart.

J.

Oh There's Sunshine

Yes, we've been enjoying just a tad of sunshine. We've had our share of rain, boy did it ever rain on Wednesday night! Lot's of thunder, lightening, dogs barking, wind and rain - our little rain gauge said a little over 2 inches.

Thursday afternoon we had the house measured for rain gutters, one estimate down, two more to go. It will be nice to get rain gutters up and quit having my mulch washed away each time it rains.

Princesses parents have taken a road trip this weekend. They've been with us since the 9Th of February and it appears like it will be a couple more weeks until all his dental stuff is completed. They have been a blessing for Princess what with my travel schedule and all. OK, they're a blessing to me too, Linda likes to iron, so I give her the clothes basket and she irons. We joke when I'm home that she's earning her keep. They're good fun. Bill has even mowed the yard a couple of times. Thankful for that what with all the rain.

Still, tomorrow we're probably going to look at some shrubs to replace the ones we lost about a month ago to some virus. Then do some other errands. Have a great weekend everyone.

Jim

Forever Strong

So yesterday Princess, myself, and the old folks, her parents :-), watched a great movie. It is called "Forever Strong".

Many of you know that I know absolutely nothing, zip, zilch, nada, zingo, about sports. It doesn't matter, this movie about a young man, his rugby playing, and choices he has made, is awesome! I highly recommend it for everyone (at least 12 and up cause there is some drinking, which helps drive home the point around choices).

It was very well done and very well written. Go rent it. Enjoy!

Jim

Welcome Spring

As IF!

Yesterday it was 74 degrees, sunny with a light breeze. The Outlaws are still here with us (Princesses Parents) as Bill continues his dental transformation, we went out to dinner at Mama Baris and had a lovely time. Today it has rained (yes, we're like 2 plus inches ahead from last year at this time, just for March), the wind has come in from the north and the temperature is about 40 degrees. What a swing!

This morning, Princess and I made the trek to Target for the TWILIGHT: New Moon sequel. We're probably going to see it AT LeAsT ONCE this weekend. I'm also looking at booking our flights for Labor Day weekend with Lynn. Getting excited already for that.

My body is still adjusting to Central time from New Zealand. It's been tough, but I'm working on it to readjust.

Rachel and Josh and their kids are coming tonight for burgers and hot dogs. Princess is making potato salad, pasta salad, rice crispy treats, and an orange pound cake for desert. We're are feasting I'm telling you.

I hope you're having a wonderful weekend too.

Jim

NZED Twenty Ten

My official post from the land next door to the land down under! I'm on my last day, it's Thursday 11 March 2010, and I head home tomorrow. It's been a great trip, seeing some beautiful countryside from the car and from the sky.

Yesterday on our drive to the bay of plenty, we drove by the town of Matamata, which is the site of the "SHIRE" from the Lord of the Rings movies by Peter Jackson. We didn't stop, didn't have time, but you could see the hills that formed the rolling countryside.

I went to Church again in Hamilton, this time to the Claudelands Ward, and not the Hamilton East Ward. I met some really nice people, and had a really great Fast and Testimony meeting. Boy can the Saints sing in Sacrament meeting - their voices were bouncing off the walls - it was awe inspiring.

I'm a little sad to go home cause it is so beautiful here, but I'm happy too, cause I get to see my Princess and my girls! It's been a long two weeks.

I'm grateful to my Heavenly Father for safe journey thus far, and for having such a wonderful loving wife to put up with the five minute phone call and the occasional post on Facebook. See you all in the Lone Star State.

Jim
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