No, your eyes do not deceive you, that is the one, the only, Kenny Rogers Roasters. There wasn't any sweet potato casserole or pie, but y'know, fried chicken with mashed potatoes and mac n' cheese is pretty good.
I'm thankful for Kenny's chicken and his chimichurri sauce.
I'm also thankful for the Barrientos Family.
Like I said in my last email, they got baptized and confirmed this week! It was so cool to see them all get baptized. When they were giving their testimonies, Sister Rosemarie was testifying, and I felt the spirit so hard when she all but quoted D&C 123:12 when referring to their search for the Gospel:
"12 For there are many yet on the earth among all sects, parties, and denominations, who are . . . only kept from the truth because they know not where to find it."
Brother Arnold shared to us all the times that Arian (their 11 year old daughter) was supposed to be baptized into all these different churches, but for one reason or another they didn't work out. Their testimonies are so pure and strong. When Arian got into the font, a mixture of cold water, nervousness and excitement had her quaking like she was about to move to Pennsylvania. Their pure joy at having found the truth fills my heart with thanks to my Heavenly Father who knows them perfectly and is happier than I could ever be that they are on the covenant path.
This week it seems pretty fitting to share a family favorite verse from the Book of Mormon:
"38 That ye contend no more against the Holy Ghost, but that ye receive it, and take upon you the name of Christ; that ye humble yourselves even to the dust, and worship God, in whatsoever place ye may be in, in spirit and in truth; and that ye live in thanksgiving daily, for the many mercies and blessings which he doth bestow upon you." (Alma 34:38)
That idea of constantly remembering "the many mercies and blessings," that the Lord gives to us is to me one of the signs of a true disciple of Jesus Christ. Being humble and in tune enough with the Spirit to be thankful for your daily bread is hard! Some days are hard to be thankful for! Sometimes entire years or more seem to not have anything good in them, but this is a commandment for us to be thankful daily. I know that the hard days can be better as we look for "the MANY mercies and blessings," that we have been promised. God is constantly blessing us, and through our thankfulness, we will see the hand of the Living God in our lives.
Finally, a going away party for Elder Walker (who isn't transferring [they got 3 cakes])...
Love,
Elder Menzie
Tagalog of Plenty:
Pagpapasalamat -- Thanksgiving
