Count your many blessings...

  BLESSINGS   Since Steve and I arrived here in the Texas McAllen Mission, we are grateful and humbled by the blessings that come to us.  We know that missionaries promise their investigators that they will receive blessings as a result of acting on the commitments that are being extended. So what things do we consider to be blessings in our lives?  Blessings are a result of divine favors being conferred upon us.  I believe that blessings are events or things that contribute to our true happiness, well-being, or prosperity.  They are promised to us as a result of our faithfulness and obedience.  President Monson has said:

"I testify to you that our promised blessings are beyond measure. Though the storm clouds may gather, though the rains may pour down upon us, our knowledge of the gospel and our love of our Heavenly Father and of our Savior will comfort and sustain us and bring joy to our hearts as we walk uprightly and keep the commandments."

Here are a few of the blessings that we have received:

•  We are now awaiting the arrival of TWIN grandchildren!  Our son and daughter-in-law have recently found out that they are expecting twins!  We have been so grateful for their constant, unwavering support and I know that this is a blessing for our family. Double the pleasure and double the fun (double the sleepless nights, etc.,  but we'll skip that part...) 

• We were blessed with a baptism in our own family!  My father-in-law felt the confirmation of the Spirit that baptism into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the way back to our Heavenly Father's presence.  He accepted baptism and is now working on getting to the temple to make additional commitments with God so that he may live eternally with Him.  

•  We are blessed to have great siblings to watch over our aging parents while we serve. Our parents have all faced their own physical trials and difficulties, but we feel blessed that they are still "alive and kicking!"  Since our departure, some have undergone surgeries and others have faced difficult trials and illnesses.  We give special thanks to them and to our siblings- with extra special thanks to Deanna and Sue!

• It is a blessing to associate with each missionary serving here.  We learn and grow alongside each one. This past week, we were blessed with the arrival of seven new missionaries. I know that even when a missionary's life seems to be overwhelming, they will receive all the blessings that they are entitled to- when they have righteous desires. 

  D&C 6:9- "... keep my commandments, and assist to bring forth my work, according to my commandments, and you shall be blessed"

  Here are pictures of our newest arrivals:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   Transfer Day Pictures:
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

  

  TRANSFER VAN!