The Last Hurrah

As Oliver Cowdery once wrote, "These were days never to be forgotten!"
Flying in to Houston last Friday, as we passed over the green landscape that is the Klein Texas Stake, I was reminded of the many times flying in from Denver when the plane followed that same path...in over Magnolia, turning over Louetta for a clear glimpse of the temple and then on in to IAH. I don't think there was a time then looking out the window at that sight when I didn't feel that this was hallowed ground, a special place, our place...the place where we had been planted by the hand of the Lord to finish raising our family and do His work. I loved this "patch" of earth that somehow seemed to be "home". This time it felt the same, but different. The Master gardener has moved us to another part of the vineyard. This patch is no longer our patch.
Friday evening, we had the opportunity to once again meet with our wives as a stake presidency (as we had done so many times before) in the Temple. We were joined by our visiting authorities and had the privilege to kneel at the altar in the temple and participate in those marvelous sealing ordinances. I couldn't help but pray that as these families we represent now have the opportunity to be together throughout eternity, may we as brethren and sisters, friends and co-laborers be granted that same privilege. The solemn time in the temple was followed by friendship and fun at RockFish where we all met for a late dinner.
On Saturday, we once again saw how the Lord truly directs the affairs of His kingdom. Priesthood leaders from throughout the stake (bishops, branch presidents, high councilors, etc.) were interviewed. I appreciated my role to wait in the "on deck" circle with each of them before introducing them to Elders J. and R. A few precious moments with each of these good men with whom we had shared sacred times.
Then the Lord spoke. In communication that could not have been clearer on Mt. Sinai, the brethren knew whom the Lord has chosen to hold the keys and lead our stake. I know our new president. I know his heart and his capacity. His service together with that of his councilors will be a great blessing to our stake.
We spoke to the Priesthood leaders about the symbolism of ancient priestly robes...how priesthood leaders in those times were reminded that they bore (the responsibility for) the people on their shoulders, the names of the people in their hearts and a commitment to be consecrated to the Lord upon their foreheads.
In the Adult Session that evening, we talked about councils and how their purpose is not to persuade or convince, but to seek the mind and will of God. Husbands and wives, presidencies, bishoprics, wards, stakes and even nations (see "City of Enoch") can be united if they will seek not their own will, but that of a loving Father in Heaven who knows what is right and best for all.
Sunday belonged to the new presidency and the choir. Oh, what heavenly music! And what a privilege to hear your mother bear her testimony. She is the strength of this family and a light on a hill for us all to emulate. Her ministry in the Klein stake has been as meaningful in the lives of individual members as any. (See "Former Seminary Students who hug and praise her constantly").
As Mo said in her blog, those of the family in Houston were the best part of the weekend. Our hours with you, especially on Sunday afternoon, were the crowning touch to a time never to be forgotten. My heart is full of gratitude to the Lord for the privilege of having been in Houston when we were and for opportunities to know and serve with so many great people.
Now I fly into Salt Lake. I see the mountains, I see the Temple, I peer down into Utah county for a chance to see where some of you are and I wonder, is there a patch of this place that will one day be "home"?

Why I Did It

It has always been my dream to have a farm. Not a "let's get up at 4:30 in the morning and milk the cows" farm, but an "isn't this a beautiful sunset from the front porch" farm. I have never wanted to actually live on a farm...but to own a piece of mother earth to call my own. A place where mom and I could go occasionally on weekends and in the summer to entertain the grandchildren.
I've had visions of them coming a few at a time. Their "turn" to be with Mo and Papa on the farm. Running in the fields, fishing in the pond, playing with the dog, finding the newly-born litter of kittens in the barn...and, of course, going out in the morning with papa to gather the freshly-laid eggs that would be part of a country breakfast. A fun time for the kids. A chance for them to see and be in nature. A time to build memories of grandparents who love and cherish them, but will not always be around to celebrate all they will accomplish in their lives.
Far West, Missouri always seemed an appropriate place for the farm. After all, it could not have been by chance that mom and I met on the temple site there. The Knights and Stringhams and many others had been planted there with a promise. A promise they would not see fulfilled, but could be by their posterity. A piece of land. A sacred family place. Zion.
So what has this to do with my new Salsa Red Pearl Toyota 4Runner? I guess it's the closest I'll get to that farm. So come on, kids, let's go for a ride! It won't take us to Zion, but it will take us up into the mountains where we can cook (or buy) a country breakfast, have fun, see nature and get to know mo and papa better. My grandpa Brown, a devoted and life-long farmer once held a piece of his Idaho farm in his hand and told my mother, "Vera, this is God's gift to man." Perhaps a Toyota 4Runner is the Japanese' gift to Americans who will never own a farm.
Anyone want to go for a ride?