Learning More. . .

2 September 2017 

How did it get to be September already? We hope you all have some fun plans for this Labor Day weekend.

Most of the people who speak in our Monday morning mission devotionals are asked to tell about themselves and share their testimonies. This past Monday, President and Sister Fenn were the speakers, and we got to hear them tell some personal stories about themselves and their families. It was fun to see that side of them, since we usually get a more formal view. Pres. Fenn told some pretty hilarious stories on himself. We laughed a lot.

After he told about having to ask Elder and Sister McConkie if he could marry their daughter —he said he’s had a lot of interviews since then, and all of them were a piece of cake compared to that! It turns out that, several years earlier, Sister Fenn’s older sister had been seriously dating a young man and when he asked for her hand in marriage, Elder McConkie said, “No.” (So, she didn’t marry him.) Pres. Fenn said it was a good thing he didn’t know that beforehand or he may never have had the courage to ask!

Sister Fenn shared a list of 10 mottos or sayings that were frequently said in their home and elaborated by giving examples. Here is her list:

1.     Remember who you are and act accordingly

2.     Salvation is a family affair

3.     Your mother is perfect

4.     Great men climb mountains

5.     The pursuit of easy things makes men weak

6.     Life was never meant to be easy

7.     Live above it

8.     Don’t be truer than true or bluer than blue*

9.     Stay with the mainstream of the church

10.  Stay true to the restoration and to the prophet, Joseph Smith

      *Even if you’re a true, blue latter-day saint, you don’t have to go to extremes. For this one, Sister Fenn told about a time in high school when she hadn’t done her homework and it was Sunday night. Since they had the policy of no homework on Sunday, she told her parents that she would set her alarm for something like 4 a.m. so she could do it before school. Her father said, “Don’t be ridiculous. You don’t have to be truer than true or bluer than blue. Go do your homework.” And, of course she was counseled to use her time more wisely in the future so this wouldn’t come up again.

We have especially been thinking this week of our grandchildren who are beginning a new school year. We hope they all have a wonderful year! School can sometimes be stressful, but, learning is fun!!