Cumulo Numbutt

You know, life is full of ups and downs. Of all the frequent and varied vicissitudal swings of life, one of the worst is when your Great Expections are ruined by an incredibly uneventful reality. (Thanks, Pip). We received several warnings from members and nonmembers alike on Wednesday that a big old heifer of a storm was approaching. We even got a text informing us of a warning issued by the U.S. weather service encouraging us to prepare for hurricane level winds, and to have extra supplies and extra fuel. Needless to say, we were very excited. 'What if?' statements flew through my mind like a dingo thrown by the Incredible Hulk.

What if our power is out for several days and we have to seek shelter in a charnel house?

What if everything floods and we are walking around in knee deep water for a few days like bosses?

What if all sorts of destruction happens and Olympia looks like a post apocalyptic ghost town?

What if they run out of that delicious hummus at the grocery store and I have to buy avocado instead?

Well, we were severely disappointed. The worst it got was on Friday when it started dumping buckets on us for about an hour, but it wasn't that bad. A lot of fields flooded and we got wet, but that is not very unique in Washington. There was also a lot of thunder and lightning on Friday morning, which is unique for Washington, but not very exciting other than its absurdly high decibel level. So yeah. I actually caught myself complaining that it wasn't very bad, which I found a little bit ironic.

That's really it. We are still struggling to find new investigators here. Bernie is preparing for baptism this Saturday, and we are very excited for her. Other than that, there really isn't much.

I also hit my year mark last Friday, and I am a little sad. Time sure slips by discretely, like a stealthy ninja. In fact, it is so discrete and inconspicuous that you never fully realize its passing until it comes up swiftly behind you and bludgeons you in the back of the cranium with the iron mace of a distinguished calendar date.

My thought this week is drawn from 2 Nephi 28:30

30 For behold, thus saith the Lord God: I will give unto the children of men line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more; and from them that shall say, We have enough, from them shall be taken away even that which they have.

Be sure you don't reject what God sends you. Remember the importance and promise of revelation though the Holy Ghost. It is easy to forget our dependence on God, but it is so much better to remember and be grateful. I testify that God loves each one of you, and is anxious to help us with our individual needs and concerns. Have a great week!

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Elder Benge