Elder Ron's turn

Usually Ron says, "blah, blah, blah.  What she said".  Hence the title of the blog.  But he is going to write this week. 

Were are getting to know a bit about Duluth.  We've found the "Lakewalk" a path along the north shore of Lake Superior.  When it is not raining it is a very pleasant and beatiful walk or bike ride (See picture of the shore line from the path).

 Also on the shoreline are a bunch of really nice homes or estates.  One "Glensheen", built in the early 1900's has been restored and open for tours.  On Wednesday evening we went to a outdoor concert there and watched the kayaks on the lake as we listen to the concert.  See the "selfie" picture we took there.

A city landmark that has become its logo is the "Ariel Lift Bridge", the roadway portion is lifted when the sailboats or the ore boats need to go under.  It you get caught on one side or the other when the bridge is up you've been "bridged".  As in: "Sorry, I'm late for work. I got bridged."  The bridge carries cars and pedestrians to Park Point which is a long sandbar on which nice houses are built and sailboats are docked.  And you can go to the beach but the water never gets very warm for swimming.

I got an email this week from my Boise High Priest's Group Leader who asked it I'd had a spiritual experience.  My answer:  Well yes, like, a bunch of them.  

How about, today the missionaries in the zone singing "The Armies of Helaman" song as a thank you to the sisters who provided lunch (including one non-member, a Lutheran she explained.   And these sisters traveled two hours each way to provide lunch for the missionaries).  Or spiritual confirmation that the new mission president, President Forbes, is in the calling he suppose to be in - my job is to support him.  And hearing the stake president say that he doesn't lead the stake, the Holy Ghost does.  Or, a conversation about the gospel at the gas station with another customer who saw my name badge.  Or, seminary teachers getting impatient for seminary to start again - they miss it.   And the constant confirmation in the Missionary Training Center that what I was being taught is true; and being taught how and what to teach by really good seminary teachers at the MTC and in Minneapolis.  Or the huge missionary choir at the MTC devotional singing.  Or daily prayer with my companion.  Or a new stake seminary coordinator who is overwhelmed but excited and willing all at the same time.  And a mother of 10, a convert, who lives 30 miles from the church, who has raised her children in the gospel.  Or the spirit of the priesthood brethren who traveled over 4 hours to attend a stake general priesthood meeting on a Sunday afternoon.  Or me, anxious to wear my missionary name tag, hoping it will prompt a gospel inquiry.  And daily study of the seminary manuals and the spiritual learning I get.  And seeing two dozen Elders and Sister (junior) missionaries in the zone trying their very best to do what they are called to do. Or a really good family history discussion with my  daughter-in-law.   And the list goes on.  And a part of it is that I am getting better at recognizing that the Holy Ghost is all around all the time -- I just need to pay attention. 

Elder Stratton