June 12, 2019

Elders,

Wednesday just snuck up on me and as I checked my to-dos I realized that I had not written to you all yet. I don’t know if it is approaching the big 5-0 or what, but time just seems to accelerate faster and faster. Regardless, today was a beautiful day. I didn’t spend too much time outside but what time I had was perfect. I feel for Dan Dresser. He has been anointed the bicycle fixit specialist for all the missionaries (why missionaries can’t do simple bike repair is beyond me) and changing tires, tubes, adjusting brakes and cables. I spent a good while getting two of our bikes repaired and usable. One daughter has been riding her bike for several months and never told me that she had no brakes until she couldn’t pump up her tire any longer so as I replaced the tube, I checked the brakes and both were so worn down they couldn’t grip. It was fun to get a chance to be the fix-it hero instead of Wreck-it-Ralph.

In quorum we talked about the Atonement of Jesus Christ and how it related to the three gardens – the garden of Eden, Garden of Gethsemane, and the Garden Tomb. We talked about how we worship God the Father through his Son and our brother Jesus Christ. We also talked about how the Atonement of Jesus Christ descends below anything we may have done in our lives and clears the way for us to throw off that burden and come alive in our Savior. I felt like we had a good and lively discussion. I love the heart of John Haberle.

Yesterday (Tuesday) Brad Woolley had his surgery. From all signs he is doing very well. There are concerns but nothing out of the normal range. You can follow his recovery at a blog that Marlene setup to convey such information: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/everyonelovesbradleyp

Next week Pam Oka undergoes heart surgery as well.

Elders – thank you for your fasting and prayers on their behalf as well as the other kind things you do. This Sunday is Come Follow Me: Matt 26, Mark 14, Luke 22, and John 18. All of the gospels talk about the last supper and the subsequent events in the Garden of Gethsemane. Reading the different accounts of the same event one right after another has been eye opening and thought provoking. I love the image of an angel coming to strengthen Jesus Christ in his time of greatest agony and sorrow. I think of the sleeping apostles, of the valiant but boastful Peter… There are so many great things, characters, and lessons in these chapters, I encourage you to drink deep.

Thank you for taking care of each other and for being the great men that you are.

Father’s day is Sunday – that doesn’t mean you sleep in later than noon and skip church. Come on over and show gratitude to your Heavenly Father. 

See you soon,

President Oldroyd
801-573-6828