Speeding, Blessings, and Generals

Affectionate Associates

Those punks at BYU-I had a women's soccer team shovel snow off of the field!?  Don't they have an elders quorum over there or something?  Chivalry is dead.  Douglas, your right though:  We've got bigger problems if attendance is mandatory for an intramural soccer team.

I'm now fully recovered from my unfortunate illness a couple weeks ago.  We had another chili cook-off this past weekend for the ward's Trunk-Or-Treat activity.  My companion and I graciously bowed out of that event.

I wasn't paying attention while driving last week, and I totally sped through a school zone.  I soon found out that one reason the church buys Chevy Malibus for mission vehicles is that it's impossible to get in a high-speed chase in one of those.

So I only got into a moderate-speed chase with a highway patrol officer.  In my defense, WHO PUT'S AN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON A HIGHWAY!!!?  When he finally got me pulled over, he asked for my driver's license and came back 10 minutes later and let me off with a warning.

I think he's afraid of authority (I flashed my name badge several times)...  He was about to have his own run-in with 'the law' if you know what I mean.

The law = my fist.

All jokes aside, he was a very kind man and I'm glad he let me off in my ignorance.  But now I know better.  And that's today's lesson:  you can't be saved in ignorance.  The glory of God is intelligence.  D&C 93:36.  Educate yourself.

I don't remember if I ever mentioned this, but weeks ago, my companion and I were asked to give a priesthood blessing to a member family's pet.  That was a strange experience.  We had to ask the Mission President about it, but he gave us the OK (with no oil though).  I joked with him about accidentally ordaining the dog to the Aaronic Priesthood.  He's a big loveable goof.  Pray for him.  He's headed back to "The Lake" (The Lake = SLC) for some medical gore.  Then pray for me.  We will have a temporary mission president who used to be a general in the military.  I'll let you know how it goes...

I also can't remember if I mentioned this, but for some reason, a few missionaries think my last name is prime material for a rapper name.  I've come to be affectionately known as "Elder Grabinjeezy and Elder G-breezy."

Points for originality.

Recently, I've heard the phrase "life is too/so short" in normal conversation and all I can think of is Dwight K. Schrute's wise reply:

"False, it's the longest thing you'll ever do."

Not true, but funny.

Despite my choice of greeting, this letter has become incredibly informal.  I hope that's okay with ya'll  <-----  I've been trying SUPER hard not to let this word become a part of my vernacular.  I have a tough time embracing some of the southern vocabulary because I think an education should be valued.  Call me crazy...

I had real southern grits for the first time last week!  It was like, the taste of lima beans with he consistency of mashed rice.  I will never understand the appeal.

Love you all.  Take care.

-Elder Grabinger