July 24, 2016 Happy Pioneer Day

A dictionary defines a pioneer as 

“one who goes before to prepare or open up the way for others to follow.”

 It was Elder Busath's birthday shout hooray!

Our oldest daughter, Andi, made this dude cowboy cupcakes to celebrate the day!

 Sister Ray and Sister Hallum in their "twin outfits".

On the morning of Wednesday, July 20th 

the Angel Moroni was placed on the top of the Meridian, Idaho Temple.  

There were no public announcements, no major fanfare, just word of mouth. 

We just happened to be one of the few who heard the news so off we went. There was a small gathering when we arrived. We expect it got much larger as the word got out.  The biggest news was that the Angel Moroni would not be facing south like he is at many of the temples, but would be facing south to compliment the design of the temple and to invite all to "Come Unto Christ".

To be a pioneer means that we "be not weary in well-doing"

Doctrine and Covenants 64:33

Elder Folua, Elder Bean, Elder Ljungkill, and Elder Burgess

Long story short, we have an apartment that once housed four Elders. Those Elders were recently reassigned to the Idaho Nampa Mission, As a result they had vacated the premises. We now had to prepare the empty? apartment to house four new Elders for our upcoming transfers. 

Since this isn't our first rodeo, we enlisted the help of these strapping Elders pictured above to help us CLEAN and de-clutter what was waiting for us behind the front door!  

Let's just say it wasn't a pretty sight :0

 

As we live the gospel, follow the prophet, choose faith over doubt, and do the little things that grow faith and produce soul-anchoring hope, each of us will be a pioneer, preparing the way for others to follow.

The countdown begins. "Pioneers" Elder and Sister Hofer, from Michigan are scheduled to leave their home and family to serve the Lord as full time missionaries assigned in the Family Records Center and are due to arrive the 13th of August. We are doing our very best to make them feel welcome and help prepare to make their new apartment a home sweet home.
                              Grandparent's Corner

Easy rider,Wade, contemplating following in Grandpa's footsteps?
                                               

             Kahlen, our pretty princess, ready to start her day!

Let us all remember the pioneers of old, their stories and their sacrifices. They came to build Zion, but more importantly they came to instill faith in their rising generation-us! Anchored by the hope of good things to come through our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ.

"Can we somehow muster the courage and steadfastness of purpose that characterized the pioneers of a former generation? Can you and I, in actual fact, be pioneers? I know we can be. Oh how the world needs pioneers today!"

Come, come ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;

But with joy wend your way.

Though hard to you this journey may appear.

Grace shall be as your day.

'Tis better far for us to strive

Our useless cares from us to drive;

Do this, and joy your hearts will swell...

All is well! All is well!