Season's Greetings for Fall

Fall is approaching; This morning was the first brisk morning of the
season and we went on a tandem bike ride along the river, followed up
by a breakfast of egg bagels and apple turnovers. What could be
better?

We just spent a pleasant weekend in San Antonio. Joe had to give his
yearly presentation on his research and we had the benefit of visiting
family. Miriam and I had a thoroughly enjoyable Saturday visiting
Great Grandma Taylor in Kerrville, eating pizza and treats, playing
scrabble, and having my first impromptue lesson on an interesting
stringed instrument called a mountain dulcimer.

Saturday evening was the General Relief Society broadcast (an annual
meeting for Latter-day Saint women to receive instruction from church
leaders). As always, we joined the choir for a few hymns; I think
there's something special about singing in a congregation of women,
particularly knowing that there are congregations of women singing
with you around the world at the same time. It makes me want to be
better.

As for the talks: 1. Julie Beck announced that a history of the Relief
Society is being compiled. I wondered if I would be interested in
reading it or not, but I concluded that I am since Sister Beck said
that she felt it was inspired by God as a way to remind us what
righteous women through the generations have held most dear, and I
think it might also inspire me to prioritize, cut out the superfluous
and pare down to what is most essential in life. 2. Silvia Allred
talked about how every woman is a daughter of God. as we feel and
recognize His love for us we can use those feelings and experiences to
cause us to "press forward… with steadfast faith in Christ". 3.
Barbara Thompson talked about following Christ's example in
ministering to and strengthening others through Visiting Teaching. 4.
President Thomas Monson talked about having charity for others. He
told several stories including one about a woman observing her
neighbor's laundry, and one about a deformed old man who a woman
likened to a beautiful flower growing in a rusty old bucket.

On Sunday Joe's mom made an early birthday dinner for Miriam and me,
complete with a mini birthday cake just for Miriam. You're only one
year old once. Thanks Anne.