Today the weather was absolutely gorgeous. Like Rachel said on my Facebook page, "shocker, you live in paradise", but it was 76 degrees this morning, crystal clear and just beautiful. I was not even sweating during the 3 hours of church meetings, nice breeze coming in the windows and the fans seemed to be effective at more than blocking out the sound of the speakers. Not once today, did I have to lay across the foot of my bed (directly under the ceiling fan) to cool off. Usually I do this at least once a day, sometimes it an excuse to cool off and sometimes it's just a good excuse to take a break.

Despite all the cool weather and feeling really good at church today, Sacrament Meeting (Fast and Testimony Meeting) was gruelling. There is always a good Spirit there but a few of the sisters just want to "preach that ole time religion", and they took up most of the time, and frankly I just started to "tune out". Tuning out at church always makes me feel bad, and I know it's my problem not someone else's but that basic "protestant~fire and brimstone type of preaching from my youth" makes me crazy. With one of the sisters it kind of carried over into Sunday School and Relief Society, by the time the meetings ended I was in one of my "just shoot me" moments and I couldn't get out of there fast enough. This is something that calls for a major change of attitude on my part and I know it. It also calls for a major teaching moment for some of the sisters but I really don't know how to do that and I'm not sure anyone else will. In my heart I know that this is people who are still learning about the Gospel and have simply brought what they know over from other religions. In my head, it makes me crazy. OK, so how do you resolve the heard and the heart. Yeah, yeah, I know PRAYER!

Today, while having a conversation with someone (outside of church) they were telling me about another mutual friend who has gotten on a band wagon about nobody needing "organized religion" and that it is all a lot of bunk! I couldn't help but wondering, didn't they ever hear that God's house is a house of order. Do they look around as see the complete organization that exists in nature and how everything is ordered? Do they really think that with all of this organization around us, God wants his teachings to be done in chaos. I know a lot of people don't really agree with my beliefs, but I know that everything we do in this life is to prepare us for all eternity. This life is but a speck in the grand picture and if we are not organized, we can't learn the things we need to know. Now neither I nor my religion(very well organized) believe that anyone will be marched off to heaven against their will and that organization means forcing people to believe a certain way, but it's through that organization that we have the opportunity to learn and to teach so that we can all get to where we want to be together. The LDS Church having a Lay Ministry gives everyone that opportunity(to learn and to teach) and the goal is that we all "get there"(there being Exalted Glory) together, for what would it be without our families and friends.

OK, how did I get here. I spend one paragraph complaining about people "preaching" and in the next, I'm up on a soap box. Well, I haven't posted this so I guess I could delete it, but since this blog is more for me than anyone else, I'll leave it, just so I can remember. After all preaching to ourselves, so that we can remember is not all bad, is it?

I didn't take the opportunity to bear my testimony in church today(it was difficult to get a word in edge wise, but if I had really made the effort, I probably could have), so if for nobody else by myself I will do it here: I know with all my heart that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Christ's true church on the earth today. I know that He, even Jesus Christ stands at the head of this church and directs all of it's efforts through our living prophet, President Thomas S, Monson. I know that the Book of Mormon is a true account of an ancient people who lived on the American continent, but who were descendants of Lehi, a Hebrew prophet who was told in a vision to flee from Jerusalem and his travels took him to a "promised land" even the American continent. I know that the Book of Mormon is true scripture and stands alongside the Bible(Old and New Testament) as another witness of Jesus Christ. I know that God is our Heavenly Father and that he lives and loves us and has a fervent desire that each and every one of us return to live with him again, just as we once did as Spirits in the Pre-existence(before we came to the earth). I know that the Priesthood has been restored to the earth and that every worthy male can hold and exercise that Priesthood. I know that this same Priesthood is the proper authority to act in the name of Jesus Christ and that through it and the sealing ordinances of the Temple we can be Eternal Families(being sealed to our loved ones for time and all eternity) and live together in the next life and for all Eternity. I know that Joseph Smith was the Prophet of the Restoration, meaning that through him all things that existed in Christ's Church when he was on the Earth have been restored. I know that Christ lives and that he is my Redeemer and that he loves me so much that he already paid the price of all of my sins, through his Atoning Sacrifice in Gethsemane and on the the cross at Calvary. I also know, that all I have to do to accept His sacrifice is to repent and sacrifice my sins by giving them up and returning to them no more. I write this testimony from my heart and in the sacred name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

Now, I finally feel better. Must always Pray!

Today is a twofer, last night I was just too tired. Friday really wasn't very exciting, I was tired most of the day, I think I'm still playing catch up from something. Rick did have to work for most of the day, he had to go back to the job site twice and file all his reports and download all his pictures, so it was that kind of a day for him. Went to bed early.

Friday, today, was a gloriously beautiful day. Nice stiff breeze and it seemed a little cooler, beautiful blue sky. We spent some time in the morning reading and discussing the Sunday School lesson and being lazy. Then Rick helped me with some house cleaning, we basically cleaned the downstairs and mopped the kitchen floor. Not really a big project and didn't take too long, but we were both ringing wet. Even on a cool day a little exertion will help you work up a good sweat.

I had been promising Rick that we would go to the Deep End for Crabby Patties. His Mom sent us a check for our anniversary, so we decided that today was crabby patty day. I do think the Deep End is my favorite restaurant. Good food, great atmosphere and not too expensive. We came home and had a surprise visit from the Babcocks, always enjoyable. Then went for a dip in the pool. Not terribly exciting, but a nice day together. We are really learning how to be together and depend on each other more. I like it.

After several of you asked, I realized that I never did tell you that, yes, Rick did finally get paid. He got paid on Friday 8/27(he was supported to get paid on Tuesday 8/24), so it really wasn't too long a wait. It was just that we were completely out of money and had promised to pay out rent on the 24th, etc, etc, etc. Anyway, it all worked out, the landlord is off island and wasn't even looking for us. We did manage to have a nice anniversary dinner on the 25th, etc., etc., etc. I do need to be better about telling all of the story, and not just complaining about things without saying how they worked out.

I really do need to be better about not complaining about anything. I have all of my "just shoot me" moments, probably because I like to be a little bit dramatic, but just for the record both Rick and I feel so blessed and know that we have absolutely nothing to complain about. We live in such a beautiful place, have such a comfortable home and are probably happier than we have been in long time. We were just talking tonight about how glad we are not to be looking at Fall and Winter the way most folks are. We talk all the time about how much we really love it here and how we are actually a little bit surprised at that. There was actually a time in my life when I thought "endless summer" would be boring, well now I say "bring it on".

Woke up early, even after a late night, to a beautiful day. Our friends the Babcocks(the senior missionary couple here on St. Croix) spent the night, because they had no power or running water at their apartment. We had a nice breakfast and a good visit. They are helping us get a better insight into what we should be doing here in the "Branch. We try hard to follow the Spirit, but it's nice to have some confirmation from other people that the things we see and feel are not tainted by our personal experience and prejudices.

When to Book of Mormon scripture study at the Branch today and it was especially good. Some of the sisters are so insightful and add a new and different dimension to my understanding. After that we went grocery shopping, UGH! I hate shopping of any kind and grocery is the worst. Then when we came home, we had to put all the stuff away. It'd done now and we're going to relax and watch the new Netflix. I'm tired.

Have to keep praying, we have a few days reprieve from he storms by Gaston is on the horizon and nobody seems to know what it will be doing, have to "keep a weather eye on the horizon" and a prayer in our hearts for the safety of all.

Had a real lazy day today, needed to do some more paperwork(still catching up) and was having a hard time with it, went downstairs at one point and thought I would lay down for just a minute, three hours later the phone rang, I could not believe it, but I must have needed it.

Later in the afternoon Rick and I went down to the pool so I could work out and cool off, while we where there, The Senior Missionary couple, the Babcocks stopped by. They are still out of electricity and looked absolutely melted, we told them to go home get their swimming things(senior missionaries do not have the same rules as the young missionaries) and get some things and plan on spending the night. We had no idea that so much of the island was still without power. We are becoming more and more grateful for out condo each day.

The Babcock's came back, we went back to the pool and had a nice refreshing bob in the pool then we came home and made dinner. They brought some salad(good thing cause we had none) and we made up some pasta and sauce. Actually a pretty good impromptu dinner. Then we had a nice evening, staying up way too late and visiting. We are really glad we had the opportunity to share this with them.

I have been back on my gratitude thing(wondering how I ever got off of it, or why). There is so much to be grateful for and in this time of storms and related difficulties it becomes more and more apparent. As always, I am grateful to be able to live here on St. Croix(even in hurricane season), I am grateful for the home that has been prepared for us here and I am so grateful for the kind hand of friendship extended to us by so many. I am eternally grateful for my "eternal companion", my family, especially my little girlfriend Macy, and so many close friends who are constantly in touch with us and checking on us. I really makes us feel good. I am grateful for prayer and for those that are answered and even for those that are not.

More storms on the horizon, keep praying for us and others that they will all become "fish storms" keep them heading out to sea.

It's the day after the Hurricane passed by and our generators ran until about 4PM, that means the power was still off in our area. I shouldn't complain, because, even though the power was off, we had power, via the generator. Many people on the island were without power and water for over 24 hours. As we got out and about we did see that there was quite a bit of damage in the manner of downed trees and power poles, fortunately there didn't appear to be much structural damage to homes(some of the other islands had a lot more). Our pool was pretty full of palm fonds and various types of foliage. Mike, the guy who cares for the pool here, spent most of the day getting it back in order.

The storm certainly gives me pause to think. I know that our prayers were answered and we were blessed by it passing so far to the north of us. I am grateful for our home and although there were many unpleasant things about the storm, we really didn't have it bad at all (especially by comparison). There are so many things that could have been worse. Our major loss was the cable TV, it went off early yesterday, and still hasn't come back, since we don't watch it much, it isn't a great loss to us (but we do like to tune into the weather channel, to see what's up next).

I'm so grateful that Macy and Rachel left when they did. Of course, Rick was watching the weather and if this had been threatening we would have sent them home early. Flights in and out were cancelled from late Sunday until Tuesday afternoon.

Rick went out to the Job Site today, but the contractor never showed. Rick called him and he didn't have power at his shop, so he sent his crews home. He was worried about the next storm, Fiona, and not sure when he would be back on the job. Fiona is only a Tropical Storm, still far to our east. It is expected to go far to our north and to not strengthen above a Tropical Storm, so Rick is trying to motivate the contractor to get back on the job. If he doesn't work, neither do we and needless to say, we don't get paid. For an easy job, that is only part-time with time and a half pay, it sure gets complicated. I guess Rick will be earning his paycheck, in more ways than expected.

Reflecting on my calling, especially with respect to the upcoming changes in our Branch. I wish they would just move ahead with the changes, so I know exactly what I will be doing and how to proceed. There is so much to be done, and everything has to be done so delicately and slowly. I do see the importance to helping the people who are already here, learn how and why certain things are done. I do believe that if they are truly invested in the Gospel and feel needed, they will progress. If they really learn how things are supposed to work they can truly govern themselves. I'm just not sure what my part in helping this to come about is. Ok, OK I guess I need to keep praying. I need to pray for guidance and for patience(diligent perseverance).

Well that's it for today. I need to get to bed and put my leg up. It has been swollen for 3 days for no apparent reason, and it hurts. Rick thinks it may have to do with the barometric pressure, I'm trying to drink gallons of water and keep it elevated to see if that will help. This is getting boring.

This is my final post for Monday, 30 August 2010. We made is through Hurricane Earl. It passed pretty far to the north of us, so it really wasn't too bad. Most of the island has been without power all day and probably won't have any until tomorrow. It is a blessing to live in a complex with their own generator, it has been running all day. we had the hurricane shutters closed up for most of the day and it was eerie to be inside this "bat cave" but we were safe. We had also brought everything off the two decks into the house, so the back bedroom is "standing room only". The most amazing part was the ocean, the swells were tremendous and the breakers were just as impressive. I'm posting some pictures but they really don't show you what it was like.

We know our prayers were answered by this storm passing us by. A great big thank you to all of you who remembered us in yours. Pray is important and they are answered.

Today is the 31st anniversary of my mother's passing. No matter how long, I still miss her, especially as I play with my grandchildren, I so wish she could have held her great-grand children here on the earth. It leaves me to wonder if I will know great-grandchildren.

Next up, Tropical Storm Fiona. She is still pretty far out, so far, on the same path as Earl. The projections are that it will pass us by to the north again and it will only be at Tropical Storm strength, they are saying Thursday. Let's hope and pray for the best. By the way Earl is a major storm and headed for the US East Coast, right now it looks like it's taking a bead on Washington D.C., let's pray for the folks in the states, nobody needs that kind of destruction.

Schools won't open on the island until Wednesday, everyone is in clean up and damage control mode now. The pool at our complex is loaded with debris, mostly leaves and vegetation, but they will have their work cut out for them cleaning that up.

Good night all, Keep praying.

3:18PM we got the Internet back, so I thought I would post an update. Storm is still not past us, but a little bit west yet, seems it's taking a curve to the direct west instead of heading north as projected. Hasn't been too bad here. The swells on the ocean are tremendous and the breakers at the shore are enormous. Some thunder and lightening not mot near as much rain as expected, good stiff wind but again not as bad as expected. We may still see a little bit worse as it passes by. The power has been off since early this morning, but thank goodness for the generator at the condo, it has been running steady. Hopefully we will post more tonight, as it is to our east. Still praying. Pray for Haiti, if it continues directly west, it won't be good for them. Hope the rest of the island is safe. Took some pictures, but they really don't show much. Will post them later.