23 November 2014

Hi everybody,

     I think Joseph answered the question quickest last week, about what BVQ stood for. I used to say it stood for Be Very Quiet, while I was talking on the HAM radio. I was impressed that Joseph got it first, considering that he wasn't even there! 

     I think the day without power wasn't as bad as I thought it might be, even though it was -1 when the power went out about 8:15 am and didn't come back on until about 5:30 pm. By then it was getting pretty dark outside, and I think that was the hardest part.

     Dad got home from his week of visits to Moscow, Twin Falls, and Boise, on Friday night. I think he's still recovering from all that time on the road. But luckily he didn't have bad roads very much of the time.

     Last night he and I went to a fund raising dinner and auction at the Search and Rescue building, for Burt Bates. I think I told you about his 4-wheeler accident a while back. He was a deputy for the county for many years and most recently a S&R member. He's at a long term care center in Boise, and even with insurance, the bills are piling up. They had a good turn out; probably close to 300 people, $25 a plate for a wonderful meal (shrimp and prime rib), and then both a live, and a silent auction. I hope they made enough to make a difference.

     Tuesday at work, we were trying to finish up the flu shots for the employees, and I think I gave about 40 shots.

     In Sacrament meeting today, one of the speakers quoted President Uchtdorf. He told of an old Indian man telling his grandson about the "two wolves" inside him, and how "one is evil, full of anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, deceit, false pride, superiority, and ego. The other one...is good, full of joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith." The grandson wonders which wolf will win the "struggle inside him?" The grandfather replies that it will be "the one you feed."

     I have been wondering recently if I do enough that is good. I cannot say that I starve the evil wolf, but I do believe that he is not nearly as strong as the good wolf. I'm good at being hard on myself.  I imagine that some of you might be the same. I am so awfully aware each time I "feed" the evil wolf; when I'm selfish, grumpy, resentful, feel inferior, feel superior, etc... I believe that it's my daily, weekly, monthly habits that feed the good wolf; he gets a more consistant diet. Daily prayer and scripture study (even if it's very abreviated sometimes), weekly attendance at my meetings, monthly payment of tithes and offerings, visiting teaching, Temple attendance (even though it's not that often). I think maybe my good habits might get me through! I'm so proud of each of you, and how you're teaching your children to have these good habits. I'm sure they will make all the difference in their lives.

     I love you all so much!  Happy Thanksgiving! Johanna/Mom