There is an hour of peace and rest

We were richly blessed by our attendance at Stake Conference today, where we received wise counsel from President Poulsen. First, he counseled the young women of the stake to be a light to the young men and to push them to greater righteousness.
The adults were counseled to purchase “two extra cans of corn” every time they shop. These extra cans (don’t have to be just corn) are to be kept for a rainy day, for a time of need. President Poulsen also counseled us to be ready for the potential impact of the H1N1 flu this winter. If we were quarantined for three weeks, could we survive on what we have in our homes?
Finally, he counseled us to participate in General Conference from our homes or from the chapel. He said that if we do so, we will be blessed with the guidance we need in our lives.
President Poulsen also put forth a challenge to all members of the stake. He asked us, beginning tomorrow morning, to have a daily personal early-morning devotional. He said to find somewhere quiet where we can spend a few minutes each day to pray, read from the scriptures, and ponder. If we do this, he promised us added spiritual strength as we face our various trials. We might also remember previous challenges, and during our devotionals, pray for the strength to resist temptation that day, and pray for an increased capacity to love those within our stewardships.

Speak to me, teach me, magnify the truth you are

This week, I joined the faculty of the newest dental school in the country, Western University College of Dental Medicine in Pomona. I am a Clinical Managing Partner and an Assistant Professor. I'll be running a group practice within the dental clinic, teaching and role modeling for the students, and teaching classes as well. I'm excited for the change.
On Saturday, August 8, we held our convocation, followed by a white coat ceremony. Above, you see our Dean Dr. James Koelbl, addressing us. I'm the farthest right in the picture, not that you can tell. We heard many inspiring messages to kick off the new school year.
Following the convocation, we had our white coat ceremony for the new dental students. This is an exciting moment, where we welcomed our 74 new students as colleagues and healers.

I had the opportunity as President of Tri-County Dental Society, to welcome the students into organized dentistry. I got a new white coat, too!














I get to work with a great group of people. Here you see most of our faculty. There are 10 of us so far. The students are a very diverse group, coming from places like Armenia, Bulgaria, Romania, Tunisia, The Philippines, El Salvador, and Texas. I have been very impressed with the quality of these young people. We also have 4 LDS students.
Heidi and I are standing with Dr. Koelbl before the white coat ceremony. This all started for us in December of 2007 when we were invited to the groundbreaking of the dental school. As we became acquainted with Dr. Koelbl and others associated with the school, we were impressed with the caliber of people there. Heidi encouraged me to ask about the requirements, and when I asked, Dr. Koelbl said "We're looking for people like you." He let me know when an opening came up, and I interviewed in February and was hired in March. My practice is now in escrow, and scheduled to close on August 24th if all goes well. I'll work part-time until the practice sells, then go full time. This is an exciting change for us, and I see the Lord's hand in it.

You say it's your birthday? It's my birthday, too, yeah!

It seems that we often become so busy living our lives, that we don't have time to chronicle them. I apologize for that. I wish there were an easy way to share all my talks, presentations, and newsletter articles so you can see that I'm actually doing things. Until I discover that, please take my word for it.
However, a once-in-a-lifetime moment came along last weekend, one that I won't forget. I had another meeting of the CDA Foundation in Sacramento last Friday (no, that isn't the once-in-a-lifetime moment). Because of the timing, I decided to expand the trip this time. I flew up to Sacramento on Thursday, and played tourist for a little bit. I went to the State Railroad Museum, and to Old Sacramento, doing my best to steer clear of the dangers of the Capitol. In the afternoon, I attended a session in the Sacramento Temple. I really enjoyed that.
It is a very beautiful temple. Of course, they all are. Aunt Donna says that her temple (this one) is the most beautiful of all. This is the fountain at the entrance to the temple. I also got to participate in a 20-minute sealing session after my session. They do that after each session.
I stayed with Aunt Donna in her nice big house in Folsom. We enjoyed visiting, and I enjoyed just relaxing. On Friday, I went my Foundation meeting in Sacramento, and Aunt Donna went to work in the temple. I always enjoy our meetings there. It has been a blessing for me to associate with some of the best of my profession.
Dad and Mom drove up on Friday, and we had a good time visiting with them, too. Now Saturday was the never to be forgotten event, Grandma Stevenson's 100th birthday!
Here are Dad and Aunt Donna with Grandma. We spent a little over an hour with her (and probably wore her out). Her faithful home teacher and visiting teacher were there with us, too.
Here is Jared Duval, me, Mom, Tim Duval, Sue Duval and Jenni Duval. In front is Grandma's roommate Evelyn, Aunt Donna, and Grandma. Note the roses in the balloons. A sister in Aunt Donna's ward made them.
Grandma was pretty sleepy, but had moments of alertness. I did not sense recognition of us, but she was comfortable and happy with us. One of the things that will stick with me is that every time any of us said "We love you Grandma," she just lit up, and would say something like "Oh, isn't that wonderful!" (Typical Grandma expressions.) There is great power in love, and particularly in expressing love. It sure made a difference to Grandma that day! And I will try not to put off expressing love to those around me while they can appreciate it.
Dad made the balloons. He learned how the night before at a dinner group that Aunt Donna goes to. He and Mom went and had fun. That's a purple dog on Grandma's hat.
Here's the cousin picture. That's Sondra, me, Sue, and Tim with Grandma. It was fun to go and renew family ties with all who were there. It is a good reminder that families are forever. My goodness, Grandma's mortal life is almost forever.
After the celebration died down, Dad and I and Grandma's home teacher gave Grandma a priesthood blessing. We felt that was probably the best gift we could give a centenarian. It was a very special experience to lay my hands on my Grandma's head and exercise the priesthood in her behalf. It was a delightful day. When we visited Grandma four years ago, I determined that would not miss this birthday, and I'm glad I made it! I can report that Grandma is in a good facility, and that they are taking good care of her, and the staff loves her. We can't ask for better than that, unless we ask for her to rejoin Grandpa and all her family.
We left Grandma to have her lunch, and we went to eat at Scott's, a favorite of Dad and Mom's as well as Aunt Donna's (and Uncle Lloyd's, when he was with us). We had some awesome seafood for lunch. That held me until I got home that evening, tired, but happy to be back with my family.
I hope we will all treasure our family relationships, especially our immediate families, but also across the generations, for these are the people that helped make us who we are.