STAKE

THURSDAY, 13 AUGUST 2015 

WE COULD SURE USE A STAKE BUILDING IN THE CENTER STAKE OF ZION...EDMOND, OKLAHOMA....the Promised Land...just sayin'

So the reason for this request, we got our keys to the Edmond Ward building and the library within. 

One week until the classes begin for Seminary.  Today was the first day of school at Deer Creek Schools.  Edmond begins school next Thursday. "D" day for Seminary too.  We will be teaching 9th graders in the Young Women room.

Just thinking a  Edmond Stake & new building would be great too...don't want to perish over this request.  

2 Nephi 26:31

Hurrah for Israel!

Grandpa Arthur finally put blinds in our kitchen window that are easy to open and close.  We had window shades that drove us batty for 30 years.  They had STAKES on the bottom we pulled down on! Grandpa said, after all these years, he has softened. It only took 35 years.  For those who lack faith, enjoy this kindness and may your problems become blessings too.

  Here is our new look that keeps the sun out in the morning light.  I wonder if it keeps the cold out too?  We will soon see.

My wonderful youngest son came over on Tuesday evening to help his dad give me a Priesthood Blessing (for the healing of the sick) before I went into the hospital on Wednesday.  He went straight to the OKC, OK Temple, with the youth baptismal group, right after work.  He then came here to honor my request.  I feel loved.  

Then at 10 AM, Wednesday, Grandpa Arthur and I arrived at the Oklahoma Heart Hospital Vein Center.  Dr. Hennebry and hosptal workers operated on my left leg and lasered & fried my aching vein.  Yah..it kind of hurts today.  They told me to keep walking.  I feel pretty good even with a mummified leg.  Ha.  I wear this ace bandage for 48 hours and then back to the beautiful, hot, elastic hose!  Only three more procedures and one leg to go.  Blessings to each person on the hospital staff for your help.  

Dr. Hennebry has a great operative manner.  He is from Ireland and has a good accent still.  He spoke of Irish Setters and their hunting of Grouse birds as he poked and prodded my leg with needles.  He has an interesting way of distracting his "awake" patients!  One of the nurses asked if they taste like 

chicken. Ha!  It is a pretty grouse bird!

FRIDAY, 14 August 2015
Last evening Mary Newman dropped in to visit and brought me Chocolate Cookies!  Thank you, Mary, they are yummy.  She has always been such a good example to Art and me.  She is so full of Charity, Hope and Faith.
So today is a great and important day.  I COMPLETED READING THE BOOK OF MORMON!  Our Ward began a 100 day reading challenge.  I started on June 15, 2015.  I finished early!  I hope now to be a part of Moroni's closing council as he exhorted us to come unto Christ.....and strengthen thy STAKES and enlarge thy borders forever....(Moroni 10: 30-31)
Thank's for the challenge Bishop Christensen.  This was the best time ever to remember the teachings in the Book of Mormon....now that Grandpa Arthur and I have been called to teach Seminary.

Thank's to Joseph Smith I learned a great deal about Our Savior Jesus Christ and His Atonement as I read the Book of Mormon this time.  Thank you, Joseph, for translating the golden plates.  

So now on to the Bible and The Book of Genesis.

"In the 'beg inning' God created the heaven and the earth."
This should be a great Trek...I think we have 9 students enrolled so far.
Join us?

We begin this year in the "Pearl of Great Price"  Just as Moses set apart Aaron for this great task of preparing a people for the ordinances and blessings of the temple, we too have been set apart with these same keys.  Our task as teachers is to prepare the youth, their families, and ourselves and others for eternal life with Our Father in Heaven & qualify us all for the blessings of the temple as we rely on the teachings and Atonement of Jesus Christ.    The STAKES hold the tent for the tabernacle in this photo.

Grandpa Arthur's sister Maylene and her husband Darrell are spending the evening with us.  They have been traveling out West to visit children and family also.  They reside in Houston, Texas.   They had their granddaughter Alaina with them.  She was a delight to meet and get to know better.  Darrell is also teaching Old Testament this year.  We will learn & teach together.
We had a gospel discussion around the pool while the children swam!

SUNDAY, 16 August, 2015
My leg feels good.  The pain has dissipated that I suffered with in the evenings.  I am so excited to know this surgery is working.  I know that I am old and other things like arthritis will continue to haunt my final years, but I feel like I can once again "run and not be weary and walk and not faint".
My father's cousin Dale gave me this picture of my younger sister, Linda and I, when we were in our youth.  As I look and ponder upon the beauty of this age I am overwhelmed that Dr. Hennebry is renewing the strength in my legs.  Our lives are filled with miracles.  Thank's be to God for education and this modern day!  I look forward to the day when my sister Linda can also be healed physically.
I have faith to know this will happen.

Our blessings abound in our family too.  This next weekend we will be blessed to attend the baptisms of two of our grandsons.  Cannon brought me this invitation this week.  Isn't this just the best invitation.  So thankful I have been blessed to reread The Book of Mormon.  Cannon looks just angelic in this photo.

Happy Eighth Birthday next Wednesday Cannon!

Here are some "takes"!  YEP, that is our grandson Cannon!  We love you Cannon!

MONDAY, 17 August 2015

Our oldest son Eric came home last evening to spend a week with us.  He brought his pets with him!
He has a headgehog named Spike...ha...he told Cannon's parents that he was bringing it to Cannon for his birthday...we shall see, personally I think our son is fond of the little criter!  Spike is in hibernation this morning, late night travels.

Then there is an aquarium with two beta fish that belong to our son's children...I wonder if they will travel back home too or join the Hansen fish....we shall see.

Meanwhile, our son is working in our kitchen.  His office is in Austin, Texas.  We are blessed that he can travel and also work here too.

So we are going to enjoy our week and hope you do too.  The STAKES are high this week as we begin teaching...A new era is beginning.  Smile everyone.  We hope you feel loved and have the blessing of rest and peace in your life.  Remember to tell your children you love them.  Welcome them home with loving arms even if they bring their pets with them!  Hug's to each of you on this great day.  We feel good...partook of the Sacrament yesterday to begin this week.  May The Spirit of The Lord be abundant in our every day experiences.
Always,
Grandpa Arthur and Grandma Gene
Arthur and Gene