The Sword

Jesus is about to send his disciples on their missions because He knows that the end is near.  He sent them out to these towns to prepare the way so that more people might hear the gospel.  It's an important mission.  He sends them out with power and authority.  You might think this mission would be a cakewalk.  A victory.  But in our text today, Jesus makes it clear that this is not the case.  Jesus says that He did not come to bring peace but a sword.  I'm sure the disciples say yeah, bring us a sword.  Bring this world into submission.  Strike down the wicked and fight the rebellion.  But Jesus when He says He is bringing a sword.  He's not addressing the world.  He's not talking to the world.  He talking to the disciples.  Because following Jesus for the disciples doesn't mean all their problems are going to go away.  Just the opposite.  It means they will face a sword.  It means that following Jesus for the disciples means the opposite.  It means they will face the sword.  It means following Jesus the disciples isn't going to look like a victory march.  Following Jesus for them is going to look like a man carrying His cross up a hill to die.  Disciples of Jesus have no easy task before them when they follow Jesus.  Not all of your problems will go away.  When we bind our lives to Jesus we bear the marks and He shows us His own.  He came into the word to bear our pains so we become indelibly bound to Him.  And one day we will share his joy.

Not Surprised! Just Excited!

I got a text from Lexy this morning sharing the great news that she has been hired as an adjunct French professor at BYU.              She said she will be observing/teaching French 321 which is an advanced French class and helping two professors write a French textbook and curriculum.  Congratulations Lexy!  I'm excited but not surprised!

Happy Father's Day!

" May we heed the voice of the prophets, who, from the beginning of time, have warned us about the importance of fathers in the home. May we determine more fully to fulfill our duties and responsibilities that the Lord has given to us as fathers."                                                          Elder L. Tom Perry

Thank you Bill, Andy, Ben, and Christian for being dedicated and loving fathers who with your wonderful companions are raising my amazing grandchildren!  Happy Father's Day!

Happy Birthday Graham!

 10 Years Old

Illinois Duncans

Uncle Ben, Jeremy and Peter attended a baseball game.  I still remember sitting in the stands watching Uncle Ben play when he was little.

The Rest of the Pictures

Here are more of the pictures Lexy and Ellis took while on their camping trip!

Graham needed that bear at his party!

A Beary Birthday Party!

Tonight Graham had friends over to celebrate his upcoming 10th birthday.  The house was decorated, a tent set up in the livingroom, treat bags made to go, Eden's cute birthday cake she decorated for him.  And a bear attack is coming!  It is going to be very exciting and noisy but exactly what Graham will love!