January 12, 2025

I thought I'd let you see the first painting I did here. I originally titled it "Our Beach #1" knowing that I would probably paint this scene several times. I afterward learned that the strip of beach down the road from us is called Alligator Pond, because the rocks near shore resemble the backs of alligators. 

This one is 5 x 7, but I've done other sizes, too. I'm working on the ninth painting now. I have already bought more canvas. :)

Dennis first found a cool piece of driftwood and worked it until he had created a beautiful walking stick. It's grain and gentle curves are pretty amazing, and he finished it just right to enhance its beauty.

(Kind of hard to get a decent picture of the full length of a walking stick.... )

He's now crafting a relief carving of some hibiscus flowers, which is proving quite taxing as he is using a hardwood that is difficult to carve. It's going to be gorgeous, though. I'm excited about it.

We do this usually on weekends when we have a little down time. It's a great way to relax and reflect--or just to clear our minds. 

Our mission is a time of learning in many ways. We both have areas where the Lord sees we need to grow personally, and He put us here to give us the opportunity to do that. 

At the MTC in June 2000, and in the October 2001 Liahona, Jeffrey Holland said, 

"I am convinced that missionary work is not easy because salvation is not a cheap experience. Salvation never was easy. We are The Church of Jesus Christ, this is the truth, and He is our Great Eternal Head. How could we believe it would be easy for us when it was never, ever easy for Him? It seems to me that missionaries and mission leaders have to spend at least a few moments in Gethsemane. Missionaries and mission leaders have to take at least a step or two toward the summit of Calvary."  (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/liahona/2001/10/missionary-work-and-the-atonement?lang=eng#p50)

He suffered everything all of us could possibly suffer so that He could help us find our ways. The challenges are what give us the incentive to turn to Him, to learn to trust Him more, and eventually to change our understanding and therefore our actions to be more in harmony with His. Over and over. Line upon line. Tirelessly. Lovingly. Until we figure it out. 

Blessed be His name!