Spring Break

You know you planned a good one when your 16 year old says that it far exceeded her expectations.

Our trip began with a stop to visit Grandma and Grandpa Ellis. Grandma and Erik kept having the same conversation about Erik's mission and where he served. She was ecstatic each time she learned they had served in the same area. It was so good to see them again.

Then we went to Grandma's in Ferron.

And took a few side trips.

Tyler had not been with us when we did Little Wild Horse slot canyon a few years back. So we did that and instead of turning around, we hiked the entire 8 mile loop.

And on our way home, we stopped by the Wedge otherwise known as the Little Grand Canyon. 

Ash: "I can't believe this is right by Grandma's house!"

Erik: "This is the coolest place."

Ash: "I can't believe we have never been out here in all the years we've come to Grandma's."

All these places were places I would go for school field trips . . . Arches, Goblin Valley, the Wedge. So glad my kids can experience them also.

Also, we go to Grandma's for the dog. This boy loves that dog.

Nate's Latest

3/29/2021
Conference is Coming!

Good morning everyone!

This week we had a mission tour with Elder Valenzuela, the second counselor in our area presidency! We had three devotionals with him, and he joined different companionships for study sessions, teaching appointments, and some district councils. It was so cool, and we learned so much about our purpose and how to find people that are ready more effectively. He also shared some cool stories from his mission, as well as about some of the apostles he's interacted with.

I want to share a talk with you all that my mom shared with me. It is called Unleashing the Dormant Spirit. He gives us many thoughts at the end that we can use to access the Spirit better, and I want to share two.

• Put all frustrations, hurt feelings, and grumblings into the perspective of your eternal hope. Light will flow into your soul.

• Pause to ponder the suffering Christ felt in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the awareness of the depth of gratitude for him, you appreciate every opportunity to show your love for him by diligently serving in his Church

I know that gratitude, combined with an eternal perspective, will change every hard situation into feelings of peace. We cannot sink lower than where Christ has gone for us. I challenge each of you to prepare for General Conference this week like you never have before. Prepare your hearts and minds to Hear Him, and you will find all you need to continue pressing forward. I testify of this in the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

All my love, 

Elder Leary 

* * * * *

4/5/2021
Easter

The highlight of this week was definitely conference. I loved Elder Corbitt's talk in the priesthood session as well as Elder Bednar's about abiding by good principles. My favorite part is that they announced 20 new temples! 

If you aren't prepared and excited for temples to be reopened to full capacity then I'd encourage you to do what you need to to be ready. There's a great BYU speech called “As Long as the World Shall Stand” by Elder Bednar about the early saints and their opportunity to receive temple ordinances before their westward trek. Listen to it if you get the chance. I know that the Lord's work is moving forward on both sides of the veil, and I'm so grateful for that. I testify that missionary and temple work both bring great joy. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen. 

All my love, 

Elder Leary 

* * * * * 

Nate's not so good about sending photos. Maybe he doesn't take them, but I did get this one forwarded to me in an email this last week from a very distance family member who is also serving in the Denver area and working with the missionaries in come capacity.

This is Nate with his companion Elder Rosenlund.

Peace and Hope

Last Sunday President Nelson posted a short 5-minute Easter video. In this video he shared a dramatic and unexpected experience he had while traveling on an airplane to the inauguration of a university president where he was to give the opening prayer. Partway through that flight, an engine exploded causing the plane to catch fire. He felt certain he was going to die. But amazingly he felt at peace and was calm. He knew he had been sealed to his wife and children. He knew that in the event of death, he would see them all again. However, the spiral put out the fire and the pilot was able to land the plane, getting President Nelson to his destination not only alive but on time.

Another dramatic, unexpected, and similar experience occurred just a few days after the posting of that video. The Utah Jazz players were on their way to Memphis, and shortly after takeoff, their plane hit a flock of birds causing one engine to lose power. The players heard an explosion as the plane tilted to one side. They say it felt as if the plane was falling apart. Some saw a fire in the engine. No one knew what was going on for 5 to 10 minutes. Many players believed this might be the end for them as they quickly sent last minute texts to family and posted praying hands on their Twitter accounts. 

All ended well. The plane landed safely back in Salt Lake and the team was soon on its way again to Memphis minus a player who was too rattled to get back on a plane.

In comparing these similar stories, President Nelson used the words peace and calm while several Utah Jazz players used the words afraid, scared, helpless. Those are not comforting words. We will all encounter dramatic and unexpected life experiences. Having a knowledge of God's plan and knowing our lives are right with Him will ensure that we will come away from those experiences feeling calm and peaceful and having confidence to get back on that "plane."