Setting Apart
On Sunday, August 4th, our stake president, President Pope, set us apart as full time missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  The blessings and promises given pave the way for us to be effective missionaries.

First Day at the Missionary Training Center
Today, our first day at the MTC, was one of registration, orientation, and inspiration.  Meeting and becoming acquainted with our fellow missionaries was an amazing experience.  Our group of senior missionaries is the largest group of senior missionaries to enter the MTC at the same time!

Norm and I decided to eat our lunches and dinners at the MTC for convenience sake as they are very inexpensive.  After dinner tonight, we checked out the many missionary related pictures and paintings.  They were so inspiring that it gave us a whole new perspective on our purpose in spreading the gospel.  We are so happy to be a part of this great work.

The Blog's Purpose
This blog will chart our activities in the Idaho Nampa Mission as we work to serve others.  Geographically, the mission boundaries include western Idaho and eastern Oregon.  We have been called to serve our Heavenly Father and Our Savior, Jesus Christ, with the constant companionship of the Holy Ghost.  At the same time, we are called to serve, particularly at this time, the individuals of this area.  We realize that while we are serving, our children, grandchildren, and all other family members will receive great blessings.

Laus Deo
The Latin words "Laus Deo" mean "For the Praise of God."  Each and every day of our mission we will work to give God the glory, honor, and praise due to Him.

Our Work Shoes
It has been said, "If you want to leave your footprints in the sands of time, wear your work shoes!"  Well, we do want to leave our footprints in the sands of time so we are putting on our work shoes and heading to Idaho this coming Friday!

Dedicated Effort in Mortality to Attain Eternal Life
We have to work and make a focused, consistent, dedicated effort in mortality to attain eternal life.

While others may tire
Or quit in despair,
Or feel as if failure
Is too hard to bear -
We will keep going,
Put failures aside.
If we can't keep up
Then we'll lengthen our stride.

We've made up our minds
Set our sight on a quest,
Though many have tried,
Few gave it their best,
Trying our hardest
Is what makes us great,
Desire and determination,
Not fortune and fate.