Here comes the rain

As a family we are still learning to adapt to being 'one man down' in our house. It is amazing how one person can make such an impact on your life and as parents, being without one child leaves such a gap in the natural order of our household that we can't help but ask absentmindedly from time to time, "Where's Kingston?"

We look forward to Monday's now because we know it's Elder Matua's P-Day in Hawaii and the only day that he can send us an email. This presents problems when you're sitting in front of your computer at six a.m. hoping to see an email from him but knowing full well that he probably won't get to a computer until ten a.m. - Hawaii Time! Patience is not a virtue in our house. As of the posting of this update we have not received an email from him but we are hoping that we will receive word from him by days end.

We did however, receive a letter from President Warner telling us about Elder Matua's arrival in Hawaii. It's a blessing to know that he is serving under a humble man who loves our son.

Friday Night Lights
Last Friday Chase and his Lehi HS football team played a great game against Pineview HS from St. George. In their previous game against Dixie HS (also in St. George) they were sluggish and looked absolutely terrible. So we are of course a little skeptical as we took our seats Friday night. At first it looked a bit ominous but Lehi fought hard and came from behind to win. We are very proud of Chase and how he has really committed himself to being positive about his experience and doing everything within his control to be a better player as well as being a better teammate. He is rising to the occasion.

Sunday Lessons
The theme for Sunday's services were consistent throughout all three meetings - Attitude and being positive. We heard exceptional talks from the Rogers family about how our attitude affects not just the way we live our lives but how our attitude also affects those around us. It was another great reminder of what we have read in this month's Ensign as well. There has been an emphasis on these exact principles in our home because we have noticed over the years the affect that our speech, language, tone and a negative attitude has adversely affected our home and our relationships. We're trying to be and do better.

In our Sunday School class, the theme this month for Come Follow Me is 'The Commandments'. Yesterday we asked the youth how they would respond if their peers asked them about gospel standards and how they would answer if they were asked about the gospel. It was a very insightful lesson about how perception and reality about the church is so different for today's youth compared to what we faced when we were young. The world has changed! In our Deacon's quorum the same lesson was expanded to help our young men treat all men with dignity and that by doing so, an invitation for others to come unto Christ would be better accepted if we exemplify Christ-like attitudes and attributes.

It's a new week with new challenges - we hope to face them head on with a spring in our step, a light heart and a big smile. Have a wonderful week and be safe!