forEVer

I'm now a member of the Scofield branch--membership around 25 in the winter, full house in the summer. I love this branch, these people...they are not only committed to the gospel, but they are committed to each other. Because of this, one member of the branch, Sam Leek was brought into activity and yesterday he took his wife to be sealed in the temple on their 50th wedding anniversary. I was able to witness this heavenly and pivotal experience. I will never forget it. Today when I saw Sam and Barbara sitting next to each other in that little chapel, I saw the calmness and dignity of the promise of eternity. They looked like angels to me. Sister Leek bore her testimony and among other tender things, she said, "Never give up." I needed to hear those words today.

I was called to be the pianist for the branch. Now the woman who was playing is down to 2 callings instead of 3. The entire bishopric, the high councilman for the branch, the ward clerk, and my dad all set me apart. I have never been set apart by six men before. As I said, they are very committed to each other.

One more thing about this branch...they have a potluck every Sunday after church. This thing has become a science--the men put out tables and chairs in the cultural hall, the women busy themselves in the kitchen, the kids put water and salt and pepper on every table, Brother Finch presents a dish that involves elk (today it was elk stew), everyone eats and talks and loves each other for a few more minutes. It's so, so great. Looking forward to many more weeks of this.