Visit with Uncle Gary and Aunt Val

Uncle Gary and Aunt Val were in town this weekend on Church business.  Uncle Gary is serving as first counselor in the North America West area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  They were kind enough to take time out of their busy schedule to come visit us for a few hours yesterday afternoon.  They also attended our Ward Sacrament Meeting in the morning.  Uncle Gary gave a wonderful talk to our Ward.

One of my favorite parts of his talk was when he said that we all have angels round about us to bear us up to help us through mortality.  I often think of Mom and Dad helping me as my angels from the other side.  Along with other loved ones who have crossed through the veil.  Heaven knows we can all use some help from the other side to navigate through our mortal journey.

He also told a story about his grandson Eric who when he was younger was visiting and Aunt Val was making pancakes.  Uncle Gary said he added chocolate chips to them to enhance them.  Well little Eric wanted nothing to do with the pancakes with "burnt spots".  After much encouragement, Uncle Gary finally convinced Eric to take one bite and made sure that there was a chocolate chip in that bite.  Naturally, Eric loved it and said they were the best pancakes ever.  Then Uncle Gary compared the pancakes to life.  Often times we see only "burnt spots" when in reality the burnt spots are actually chocolate chips.

Rex, Lisa,  Aunt Val, Uncle Gary
Tammy

We had a lovely visit catching up with family members, sharing stories, learning a little bit more about the apostles, and just enjoying each other's company.  Uncle Gary and Aunt Val are wonderful people who epitomize charity – the pure love of Christ.  Uncle Gary was released as a General Authority Seventy this past General Conference and will complete his service on August 1 and receive emeritus status.  They have served valiantly for many years.

Being a General Authority is a demanding call to serve the Lord.  I am thankful for Uncle Gary and Aunt Val for their dedicated service and sacrifice to the Lord and His Church.  I appreciate their effort to make time to come visit us.  I am blessed to call them family.

That's my two cents.