Last week I did not post anything to the blog. I was at scout camp without internet connections. So here is the blog updates a week late but still great to have.
The Jackson's of Albuquerque
This week was pleasantly stormy in Albuquerque. Kevin hopes that with the added rainfall the state will open up the mountain trails soon. On Monday Stacie and Kevin enjoyed FHE and a round of Harry Potter Guess Who. They also started working on a Harry Potter party set for the end of the month. On Wednesday Kevin enjoyed playing golf with his friend Nick. Afterwards Stacie joined them for pizza. Although it rained heavily on Wednesday, it was nothing compared to their stormy experience on Friday. After work Kevin and Stacie went to Costco to grab a bite to eat. While walking around the store lightening and thunder started to shake the building. They strategically positioned themselves in the baking section of the store to insure that if they were stuck in their for a while, they could eat their way out.
On Saturday Stacie started her second sewing project. Although her first attempt outside of class resulted in a bit of a mess, she was excited to see that her second and third turned out to be alright. She is sewing more tote bags and attached is a picture of her project. In the evening Stacie and Kevin were excited to attend their first baseball game together. They purchased tickets as part of the UNM Staff Appreciation month. Albuquerque has a minor league baseball team called the Isotopes. Attached are pictures of the game.
The International Haws Family
My ever horrible habit of not contributing has worsened during my time here alone, this week however I am early.
I have a couple of fun stories/comments that I thought I would share.
Derick has repeatedly had the funny idea that he could break the web-cam and come through my side of the computer as if it were some sort of transport system. Renata even had to stop him from trying to step on it a few days ago. I enjoyed hearing that very much and was more pleased that his attempts had failed.
Felipe, Lucas and Derick have enjoyed having their aunt and uncle return to live near them. Mom and Dad met their aunt, Tais. She was pregnant when they visited and now has a boy that everyone enjoys playing with. Derick loves little kids and continuously asks for a little brother, Felipe enjoys the children of others and continues to dream of being an only child, Lucas just sees soccer balls.
Another fun story occurred yesterday as Renata tried to prepare a small treat for the kids. In Brazil they like to eat canned peaches with a heavy table cream on top. When preparing the snack as she accidentally poured white spaghetti sauce over the peaches instead of the white table cream, the boxes have similar size and the product is of similar color. To make matters worse Felipe and Lucas ate while attentively watching tv and did not notice the difference in taste. Only after did Renata go to clean up and notice the package she had opened. All quickly felt nuascious and complain for the rest of the evening, but like most small inconveniences they make for good stories after the pain is gone.
My week was pleasant. Work has kept me busy and I enjoy it very much.
The Colorado and Afganistan Haws Family
This week was an okay week. On Monday, we had a little bit of car trouble but everything turned out okay, and I am grateful that we have Brother and Sister Stewart and others at church to rescue us when we need help. On Tuesday I was able to adventure off to the commissary while Haley and Kayla went to play at Emma’s house. It was nice to go without the extra hands trying to grab things or extra legs trying to go to the next isle without me, but as nice as it was it turned out to be kind of boring without them. On Wednesday to beat the heat we went to the library and then to the swimming pool. The swimming pool was much too crowed but Haley and Kayla didn’t mind. I really liked the kid pool for the girls because they were able touch the bottom and safely have their head above the water. Haley thought jumping off the side into the pool without any help was the funnest part; Kayla however decided to cling to me the whole time. On Thursday I took the girls to see a magician at the High School. They thought it was pretty neat to see all of the tricks that he could do especially watching the elephant disappear and a rabbit appear in a cage. On Saturday we were able to attend a baptism of one of our friends who was in our ward in Hopewell, Virginia. I am glad that I was able to take the girls to the baptism to so they could see how one is baptized and the importance of it. On Sunday Kayla gave the prayer and a talk in primary which was a paragraph from “The Family: A Proclamation to the World.” It was good that she was assigned this one because it was a good reminder of how important the family unit is. It sounds like Andy has been staying very busy. Here is his contribution to the news letter. I finished these past two weeks with a total of 69 missions completed, which means I will be doing about 140 missions per month plus 2.5 billion dollars of fuel accountability per month. That is great numbers for my NCOER. Again thank you for all of your continual prayers.
The Wisconsin Haws Family
Logan and I spent the week at Boy Scout camp. We had a great time. Logan worked on four merit badges and completed two of them. He is ready to advance to the rank of second class and should be able to go on to first class in the next month or so. He was a pleasure to spend the week with and is a good example to his peers (and me). Logan is leaving this week to visit Julie and Jeff. It is a delayed and much awaiting birthday gift. He is very excited. Today was a special surprise as the Pilsner family came from Mexico to visit. Cheyenne and Fiona are very special friends.
Emily was able to earn her driver's license this week. It was with great personal joy that she drove to work and other activities. Emily is leaving today to go to Palmyra, New York for EFY. She will be gone for two weeks. One week for EFY and the second week to visit family.
Lanette had a great weekend visiting friends (the Elmhorst family). She enjoyed the opportunity to sleep in a bit . She will be traveling with mom and I as we go to Palmyra to pick up Emily and then to travel on to see others. Mom has worked on contacting the school for the Blind in Pennsylvania so that we can find some activities that will fit Lanette's interests.
Mom will be traveling to Madison tonight. She will get Logan and Emily on their airline flights. She has been doing some major revisions in the kitchen eliminating clutter and tidying up before our trip. In addition she has been a major help to me in getting all things in order for scout camp.
My week has been spent primarily with the scouts. It was a beautiful camp set in the north woods of Wisconsin. The camp is full of white and red pine, oak and maples. It is beside a beauty lake called Crystal Lake that is essentially reserved for the scouts. The loons and eagles populate the sky and water ways along with turtles and plenty of fish. It is really an amazing place.
I look forward with excitement to the upcoming days of visitng family and friends. I look forward to seeing the Liberty Bell and the birthplace of our great country. It promises to be some wonderful moments. I express my appreciation to people like your grandfathers and Andy that have help to protect America and make it a free land. Despite my frustration with our leaders I still prize America as the greatest country that has been established.
Love,
Dad
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Monday, July 18, 2011
July 18, 2011
News from Colorado & Afganistan
Even though not much had happened this week it went by pretty fast. I took the girls and Wyatt to the park and a couple of times to McDonalds to play (I was grateful for the air conditioning). On Saturday Vanesa and Dewey came to pick up Wyatt. Again we were all sad to see them go. I only heard from Andy once this week but had informed me that he is the Command U.S. Force Afghanistan (USFOR-A) Fuel NCOIC, was picked up to do Combat Drive Team not Master Driver, and also he finally got his side arm/secondary weapon (9MM), which he was very excited to get.
The Jackson's of Albuquerque
Stacie and Kevin are happy to finally have internet up at their new home so that they can participate in the family blog.
On Monday a few of their friends came over to see their new home and to share dinner together. They were happy to be able to use their grill in their own backyard for the first time in over a year. Stacie is definitely looking forward to more of Kevin's culinary creations. On Thursday Stacie left work early to attend a doctor's appointment. She enjoyed having the rest of the afternoon off to work on cub scout awards and tidying up the house. On Friday Stacie's new replacement to cover her old position at work was able to start working. She was excited because it has been over a month since the new employee was hired and Stacie has been waiting anxiously to have her begin. Kevin took his midterm for his Latin class and was happy to report that he felt like he had done well. In the evening Kevin and Stacie attended their last cub scout pack meeting for their old ward. They enjoyed playing water balloon volleyball and ultimate frisbee with the boys.
Kevin spent most of the morning on Saturday cleaning the old apartment. Kevin and Stacie were determined to be out of the apartment by the end of the day. He picked up Stacie part way through the day and she helped him finish the task. They were happy to finally turn in their keys. In the evening they went out to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. They were happy to discover a small theater less than five minutes away from their new house. They liked the movie, but mostly enjoyed the opportunity to be together for the evening. Tonight they plan on having dinner with their friend's mom, since it is her birthday and she is home alone. They also look forward to a week completely settled into their new house. Pictures to come!
Grant's News
Grant got suckered into attending his friend Amber's Mary Kay party last Sunday, but luckily ended up getting a foot scrub out of it. The rest of the week Grant was working at Hudson's. They were expecting to be busy due to a Farm Technology Conference in town, but it turned out pretty slow. He attended the midnight showing of Harry Potter with Logan, Emily, and Mom on Thursday night. On Friday Grant and Emily swapped rooms; Grant was hoping the quiet basement might improve his sleep issues. On Saturday he spent the day painting over the orange and purple walls. He is pretty happy with the outcome.
The Haws Family of Wisconsin
This was a good week for Logan. He had a soccer tournament on Saturday and did very well. It was great to watch him play. The heat and humidity was pretty intense but Logan made it through the weather pretty good. On Sunday a new family joined our branch. To Logan's delight their son is thirteen. It is great to have a deacon's quorum of two.
Emily is beginning to look more seriously at colleges. She is visiting the University of Minnesota with Mom today. As Grant mentioned in his section Emily attended the Harry Potter movie along with Grant, Logan and Mom. Everyone had a good time.
Lanette had the opportunity to attend with her school several activities including a trip to the cheese factory in Rudolph, Wisconsin. Many of you have been there. They have great ice cream and cheese curds which Lanette enjoyed. Summer school will be out soon and then Lanette will be coming with Mom and Dad as the solo child out on vacation. We will be picking up Emily at EFY in Palmyra and Logan in Virginia.
Mom has continued to be busy with her many duties. She finished painting the deck. It looks amazing. She attended Harry Potter with her kids while her husband snored away at home. She is on her way as this blog contribution is written to visit the University of Minnesota with Emily.
I am working with Logan to prepare for scout camp this coming week. It will be fun and I am looking forward to the time with Logan. I have enjoyed Logan's games, riding my bike to work and gardening. I continue to feel like I am a very lucky person with some of the richest blessings that Heavenly Father can bestow on anyone.
Have a wonderful week. Love, Dad
Even though not much had happened this week it went by pretty fast. I took the girls and Wyatt to the park and a couple of times to McDonalds to play (I was grateful for the air conditioning). On Saturday Vanesa and Dewey came to pick up Wyatt. Again we were all sad to see them go. I only heard from Andy once this week but had informed me that he is the Command U.S. Force Afghanistan (USFOR-A) Fuel NCOIC, was picked up to do Combat Drive Team not Master Driver, and also he finally got his side arm/secondary weapon (9MM), which he was very excited to get.
The Jackson's of Albuquerque
Stacie and Kevin are happy to finally have internet up at their new home so that they can participate in the family blog.
On Monday a few of their friends came over to see their new home and to share dinner together. They were happy to be able to use their grill in their own backyard for the first time in over a year. Stacie is definitely looking forward to more of Kevin's culinary creations. On Thursday Stacie left work early to attend a doctor's appointment. She enjoyed having the rest of the afternoon off to work on cub scout awards and tidying up the house. On Friday Stacie's new replacement to cover her old position at work was able to start working. She was excited because it has been over a month since the new employee was hired and Stacie has been waiting anxiously to have her begin. Kevin took his midterm for his Latin class and was happy to report that he felt like he had done well. In the evening Kevin and Stacie attended their last cub scout pack meeting for their old ward. They enjoyed playing water balloon volleyball and ultimate frisbee with the boys.
Kevin spent most of the morning on Saturday cleaning the old apartment. Kevin and Stacie were determined to be out of the apartment by the end of the day. He picked up Stacie part way through the day and she helped him finish the task. They were happy to finally turn in their keys. In the evening they went out to see Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2. They were happy to discover a small theater less than five minutes away from their new house. They liked the movie, but mostly enjoyed the opportunity to be together for the evening. Tonight they plan on having dinner with their friend's mom, since it is her birthday and she is home alone. They also look forward to a week completely settled into their new house. Pictures to come!
Grant's News
Grant got suckered into attending his friend Amber's Mary Kay party last Sunday, but luckily ended up getting a foot scrub out of it. The rest of the week Grant was working at Hudson's. They were expecting to be busy due to a Farm Technology Conference in town, but it turned out pretty slow. He attended the midnight showing of Harry Potter with Logan, Emily, and Mom on Thursday night. On Friday Grant and Emily swapped rooms; Grant was hoping the quiet basement might improve his sleep issues. On Saturday he spent the day painting over the orange and purple walls. He is pretty happy with the outcome.
The Haws Family of Wisconsin
This was a good week for Logan. He had a soccer tournament on Saturday and did very well. It was great to watch him play. The heat and humidity was pretty intense but Logan made it through the weather pretty good. On Sunday a new family joined our branch. To Logan's delight their son is thirteen. It is great to have a deacon's quorum of two.
Emily is beginning to look more seriously at colleges. She is visiting the University of Minnesota with Mom today. As Grant mentioned in his section Emily attended the Harry Potter movie along with Grant, Logan and Mom. Everyone had a good time.
Lanette had the opportunity to attend with her school several activities including a trip to the cheese factory in Rudolph, Wisconsin. Many of you have been there. They have great ice cream and cheese curds which Lanette enjoyed. Summer school will be out soon and then Lanette will be coming with Mom and Dad as the solo child out on vacation. We will be picking up Emily at EFY in Palmyra and Logan in Virginia.
Mom has continued to be busy with her many duties. She finished painting the deck. It looks amazing. She attended Harry Potter with her kids while her husband snored away at home. She is on her way as this blog contribution is written to visit the University of Minnesota with Emily.
I am working with Logan to prepare for scout camp this coming week. It will be fun and I am looking forward to the time with Logan. I have enjoyed Logan's games, riding my bike to work and gardening. I continue to feel like I am a very lucky person with some of the richest blessings that Heavenly Father can bestow on anyone.
Have a wonderful week. Love, Dad
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Weekly update from Melanie
It was a wonderful couple of weeks spending time in Kansas with my sister and her family. On Wednesday, my mom, Jorie, Haley, Kayla, Wyatt and I headed back to Colorado and I have to say that the kids did wonderful considering the long drive that we had. On Friday we all went to the Garden of the Gods to see the awesome rock formations then to Hobby Lobby where my mom was able to get some cool decorations for her house, like the outhouse sign, (Bob and Kellie know what I am talking about.) On Saturday I was able to take in a session at the Denver temple with my mom while my niece watched the kids. It was so wonderful to be on the temple grounds with the family. Sunday I was set apart as an assistant to the weekly meeting leader. For those of you who don’t know what that is, it is an assistant enrichment leader. I am grateful for the calling because I think it will keep me busy while Andy is gone. On Monday we said good-bye to my mom and Jorie. It was great having them here. It was really good to get to know my niece more. She has a beautiful spirit about her and is a very loving daughter of our heavenly father. Haley, Kayla, and Wyatt were sad to see them go they kept asking when they are coming back. We heard from Andy a couple of times this past week. He is doing well even though he has had another job added onto him. Someone had caught wind of how he used to be the master driver in the past, so they decided to let him be the master driver now which he doesn’t mind because it lets him get back into doing his primary MOS (job). Thank you for all of the prayers and please continue to keep praying for his safety.
Monday, July 11, 2011
July 11, 2011
The Family Blog
It was probably a busy week for everyone so I have a contribution from Grant and the rest of the Wisconsin Haws Family. Please continue to see us news to share. It surely make the blog a fun way to keep up with each other. I am also attaching a letter that Melanie sent to Mom and me. It is very good.
Grant's News
This week Grant started working at Hudson's, which is a restaurant here in Marshfield, down by the train tracks. After two weeks of bumming around the house and being bored, it was a nice change of pace. The most fun he had all week was Saturday night at work he dropped some dishes and as they fell he tried to catch them. They ended shattering in his hand and sliced his finger open, a half inch deep. Grant had to have a coworker take him to get stitches. Luckily, he only needed three. Otherwise, he spent the rest of his week working on the garden and finishing reading Gone With the Wind and read the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and is now reading Tina Fey's Bossypants.
The Wisconsin Haws Family
We are completing the final paperwork to move Angela's remains from Dallas to Marshfield. I know that will bring a sense of relief to Mom and me. We have not be able to decorate her grave for years. Angela holds a very special place in Mom's heart. Each of you are new and dear to Mom. She loves you very much. Please know that Mom loves you.
Logan's team has continued to do very well. They won tonight 5-0. Last week that lost to a very good team from Stevens Point. Their record this year is 6-2. Logan continues to plan and talk about his trip out to see Jeff and Julie in early August. It should be really good.
Emily has continued to enjoy a generally relaxing summer. She has worked at Chips while also doing fun things with her many friends. She is especially enamored with a music program on Mac computers called Garage Band. She has become a very keen musician and is writing some original pieces.
Lanette (and Mom, Logan and me) attended a special celebration in Neillsville this weekend. Lanette stayed until late in the evening. She had a great time. And of course was able to hold some babies. She continues to attend school but will be finishing up in about 2 weeks. She is looking forward to sleeping in.
Mom and I invited the Lane's over for Sunday dinner. It was a lot of fun. Brother Lane and I are working on a project together and it gave us time to work out some details. Mom has been painting the porch. It is almost finished. We are waiting for a favorable weather forecast before the porch is finished off.
I am had the opportunity to work a bit more on family history. I invite each of you to consider going on my site and adding your personal information or better yet to start your own site and link into mine. It is amazing to go back hundreds of years. It is especially meaningful to see the names of individuals that you may have done the temple work for and realize that they are real people that lived lives amazingly similar to our own.
To enter on my site and view was is available your should do the following;
go to www.new.familysearch.org
in the sign in site enter the username: rmhaws
for the password email me and I would be happy to give it to you. You can then go to the me and my family tab. You will find your name. From there you will be able to go back generations. Most of the lines go back at least to the 17th century. Some go back even further.
HERE IS THE LETTER FROM MELANIE
Hey Bob and Kellie,
Brother Stewart came over to home teach us the other night and read us this article that his wifes cousin wrote to a editor from a newspaper in Utah. He wrote this because there were many people in Utah telling others to leave the LDS church, his response to this is in the attachment.
Anyways I really liked what he wrote and I think you will agree also.
Love,
Melanie
Quit the Church?
In a local newspaper in Provo, Utah, there had been an ongoing series of articles written by
individuals who wanted to persuade LDS Church members to leave the Church. In
response to the highly critical and spirited remarks, a local member wrote this rebuttal:
Editor:
I have been thinking of quitting the Mormon Church. Yes, if I can, I am going to get even
with that church. As soon as I can find another church that teaches about the Gathering of
the House of Israel; the return of the Ten Tribes and their mission; the return of the Jews
to Palestine and why, and how they are going to build the temple; the building of temples
and what to do with them; the mission of Elias, the prophet, as predicted by Malachi; the
method for the salvation of the people that died at the time of Noah in the flood; the origin of the American Indian; the complete explanation of why Jesus of Nazareth had to have a mortal other but not a mortal father; the explanation of the three degrees of glory (three heavens) as mentioned by Paul; the complete explanation of why Elias and Moses did not die but had to be translated (since they both lived before the resurrection was introduced by Christ); the restoration of the gospel by modern revelation as promised by Peter and Paul and Jesus himself; the belief in eternal marriage and the family, and the knowledge and the place to seal for eternity; that teaches abstinence from all harmful drugs and foods ; and that sells the best fire insurance policy on earth, for the last days, for only a 10th of my income.
Yes sir, as soon as I can find another church that teaches all that, or even half as much, I
will say good-bye to this Mormon Church. The church that I am looking for must also be
able to motivate 50,000+ youth, and adults, for the first, second or third time, to leave their
homes for two years at their own expense and go to far-away places to teach and preach
without salary. It must be able to call, on a frosty day, some 5 or 6 thousand professors,
students, lawyers, doctors, judges, policemen, businessmen, housewives and children to go
and pick apples at 6 a.m. It must be able to call meetings and get the attention for
two hours of more than 150,000 men. Yes, it must also teach and show why salvation is
assured for children who die before eight years of age.
Mr. Editor, could you help me find a church that teaches all that and more than hundreds
of other doctrines and principles, which I have no room to mention here, and which brings
solace and comfort to the soul; peace, hope, and salvation to mankind, and above all, that
answers the key questions that all the great philosophers have asked; questions
and answers that explain the meaning of life, the purpose of death, suffering and pain; the
absolute need for a Redeemer and the marvelous plan conceived and executed by Jesus
Christ the Savior?
Yes, as soon as I find another church that teaches that, and also that has the organization
and the powers to make that teaching effective, I am going to quit the Mormon Church.
For I should not tolerate that "they" should change a few words in the Book of Mormoneven
if those changes simply improve the grammar and the syntax of the verses-for, after
all, don't you think the Divine Church should employ angels as bookmakers, and clerks, to
do all the chores on earth?
Don't you think, Mr. Editor, that, the Divine Church should also have prophets that don't
get sick and don't get old and die, and certainly, that don't make a goof here and there.
No, sir! A Divine Church should be so divine that only perfect people should belong to it,
and only perfect people should run it. As a matter of fact, the Church should be so perfect
that it should not even be here on earth! So, I repeat, if any one of the kind readers of this
imperfect letter knows about another church that teaches and does as much for mankind
as the Mormon Church, please let me know. And please do it soon, because my turn to go
to the cannery is coming up. Also, "they" want my last son (the fifth one) to go away for
two years and again, I have to pay for all that. And I also know that they expect me to go
to the farm to prune trees, and I have heard that our ward is going to be divided again, and
it is our side that must build the new chapel. And also, someone the other day had the gall
of suggesting that my wife and I get ready to go on a second mission, and when you come
back, they said, you can volunteer as a temple worker.
Boy, these Mormons don't leave you alone for a minute. And what do I get for all that, I
asked? "Well," they said, "for one, you can look forward to a funeral service at no
charge!"... Do you think you can help me to find another church?
Thomas D. Clark
It was probably a busy week for everyone so I have a contribution from Grant and the rest of the Wisconsin Haws Family. Please continue to see us news to share. It surely make the blog a fun way to keep up with each other. I am also attaching a letter that Melanie sent to Mom and me. It is very good.
Grant's News
This week Grant started working at Hudson's, which is a restaurant here in Marshfield, down by the train tracks. After two weeks of bumming around the house and being bored, it was a nice change of pace. The most fun he had all week was Saturday night at work he dropped some dishes and as they fell he tried to catch them. They ended shattering in his hand and sliced his finger open, a half inch deep. Grant had to have a coworker take him to get stitches. Luckily, he only needed three. Otherwise, he spent the rest of his week working on the garden and finishing reading Gone With the Wind and read the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and is now reading Tina Fey's Bossypants.
The Wisconsin Haws Family
We are completing the final paperwork to move Angela's remains from Dallas to Marshfield. I know that will bring a sense of relief to Mom and me. We have not be able to decorate her grave for years. Angela holds a very special place in Mom's heart. Each of you are new and dear to Mom. She loves you very much. Please know that Mom loves you.
Logan's team has continued to do very well. They won tonight 5-0. Last week that lost to a very good team from Stevens Point. Their record this year is 6-2. Logan continues to plan and talk about his trip out to see Jeff and Julie in early August. It should be really good.
Emily has continued to enjoy a generally relaxing summer. She has worked at Chips while also doing fun things with her many friends. She is especially enamored with a music program on Mac computers called Garage Band. She has become a very keen musician and is writing some original pieces.
Lanette (and Mom, Logan and me) attended a special celebration in Neillsville this weekend. Lanette stayed until late in the evening. She had a great time. And of course was able to hold some babies. She continues to attend school but will be finishing up in about 2 weeks. She is looking forward to sleeping in.
Mom and I invited the Lane's over for Sunday dinner. It was a lot of fun. Brother Lane and I are working on a project together and it gave us time to work out some details. Mom has been painting the porch. It is almost finished. We are waiting for a favorable weather forecast before the porch is finished off.
I am had the opportunity to work a bit more on family history. I invite each of you to consider going on my site and adding your personal information or better yet to start your own site and link into mine. It is amazing to go back hundreds of years. It is especially meaningful to see the names of individuals that you may have done the temple work for and realize that they are real people that lived lives amazingly similar to our own.
To enter on my site and view was is available your should do the following;
go to www.new.familysearch.org
in the sign in site enter the username: rmhaws
for the password email me and I would be happy to give it to you. You can then go to the me and my family tab. You will find your name. From there you will be able to go back generations. Most of the lines go back at least to the 17th century. Some go back even further.
HERE IS THE LETTER FROM MELANIE
Hey Bob and Kellie,
Brother Stewart came over to home teach us the other night and read us this article that his wifes cousin wrote to a editor from a newspaper in Utah. He wrote this because there were many people in Utah telling others to leave the LDS church, his response to this is in the attachment.
Anyways I really liked what he wrote and I think you will agree also.
Love,
Melanie
Quit the Church?
In a local newspaper in Provo, Utah, there had been an ongoing series of articles written by
individuals who wanted to persuade LDS Church members to leave the Church. In
response to the highly critical and spirited remarks, a local member wrote this rebuttal:
Editor:
I have been thinking of quitting the Mormon Church. Yes, if I can, I am going to get even
with that church. As soon as I can find another church that teaches about the Gathering of
the House of Israel; the return of the Ten Tribes and their mission; the return of the Jews
to Palestine and why, and how they are going to build the temple; the building of temples
and what to do with them; the mission of Elias, the prophet, as predicted by Malachi; the
method for the salvation of the people that died at the time of Noah in the flood; the origin of the American Indian; the complete explanation of why Jesus of Nazareth had to have a mortal other but not a mortal father; the explanation of the three degrees of glory (three heavens) as mentioned by Paul; the complete explanation of why Elias and Moses did not die but had to be translated (since they both lived before the resurrection was introduced by Christ); the restoration of the gospel by modern revelation as promised by Peter and Paul and Jesus himself; the belief in eternal marriage and the family, and the knowledge and the place to seal for eternity; that teaches abstinence from all harmful drugs and foods ; and that sells the best fire insurance policy on earth, for the last days, for only a 10th of my income.
Yes sir, as soon as I can find another church that teaches all that, or even half as much, I
will say good-bye to this Mormon Church. The church that I am looking for must also be
able to motivate 50,000+ youth, and adults, for the first, second or third time, to leave their
homes for two years at their own expense and go to far-away places to teach and preach
without salary. It must be able to call, on a frosty day, some 5 or 6 thousand professors,
students, lawyers, doctors, judges, policemen, businessmen, housewives and children to go
and pick apples at 6 a.m. It must be able to call meetings and get the attention for
two hours of more than 150,000 men. Yes, it must also teach and show why salvation is
assured for children who die before eight years of age.
Mr. Editor, could you help me find a church that teaches all that and more than hundreds
of other doctrines and principles, which I have no room to mention here, and which brings
solace and comfort to the soul; peace, hope, and salvation to mankind, and above all, that
answers the key questions that all the great philosophers have asked; questions
and answers that explain the meaning of life, the purpose of death, suffering and pain; the
absolute need for a Redeemer and the marvelous plan conceived and executed by Jesus
Christ the Savior?
Yes, as soon as I find another church that teaches that, and also that has the organization
and the powers to make that teaching effective, I am going to quit the Mormon Church.
For I should not tolerate that "they" should change a few words in the Book of Mormoneven
if those changes simply improve the grammar and the syntax of the verses-for, after
all, don't you think the Divine Church should employ angels as bookmakers, and clerks, to
do all the chores on earth?
Don't you think, Mr. Editor, that, the Divine Church should also have prophets that don't
get sick and don't get old and die, and certainly, that don't make a goof here and there.
No, sir! A Divine Church should be so divine that only perfect people should belong to it,
and only perfect people should run it. As a matter of fact, the Church should be so perfect
that it should not even be here on earth! So, I repeat, if any one of the kind readers of this
imperfect letter knows about another church that teaches and does as much for mankind
as the Mormon Church, please let me know. And please do it soon, because my turn to go
to the cannery is coming up. Also, "they" want my last son (the fifth one) to go away for
two years and again, I have to pay for all that. And I also know that they expect me to go
to the farm to prune trees, and I have heard that our ward is going to be divided again, and
it is our side that must build the new chapel. And also, someone the other day had the gall
of suggesting that my wife and I get ready to go on a second mission, and when you come
back, they said, you can volunteer as a temple worker.
Boy, these Mormons don't leave you alone for a minute. And what do I get for all that, I
asked? "Well," they said, "for one, you can look forward to a funeral service at no
charge!"... Do you think you can help me to find another church?
Thomas D. Clark
Sunday, July 3, 2011
July 3, 2011
Melanie & the girls & News from Afghanistan
On Tuesday this past week my wonderful mom, beautiful niece Jorie, silly Haley and Kayla, and I traveled to Kansas to be with my sister Vanesa who had her baby boy (Lucas Ivan Tibbals) last Saturday. We had a lot of fun being here with her and her family. On Thursday we adventured off to the Wizard of Oz museum in Wamego. My mom and I were especially excited because every time that Andy and I had orders to travel across country my mom and I would pass the sign to go to the museum but was not able to stop. The museum was okay but I don’t think that we will be going there again. The girls have been having a lot of fun playing with their cousin Wyatt in the swimming pool and love being around their other cousin Jorie. Jorie has been a big help for all of us and we love having her here. I was able to hear from Andy this week. He says that he is staying busy with meetings and other work, but is ready to come home.
Grant's News
Grant had a somewhat uneventful week, not working, but spending a lot of time working on the yard and around the house. Last Sunday he was able to spend the day with his friends Amber and Calley, eating Chinese food and watching movies. One of his "time off" projects has
been learning to identify wildflowers that grow in the marsh and around the yard. A local website has weekly updates on wildlife in Wisconsin, so he gets a heads-up on what wildflowers to be looking for each week during the summer. His other project has been trying to convince Lanette that Julie will be naming her baby "Dolores Pumpernickel". Lanette has been less than thrilled with his time not working to say the least. This week he also was in contact with Hudson's, a local restaurant, and Grant will be starting work there soon. Monday morning he will have orientation.
The Haws Family of Wisconsin
Melanie and the girls were in Kansas but we felt like we were in Kansas ourselves. On Friday night Mom and I were sitting on the bed talking when all of a sudden we heard a very loud noise outside. I thought it was a car crash or something else. I ran outside and all of a sudden a large black object flew over my head. The trees in the marsh were nearly bending over in half. Apparently there was a very fast moving thunderstorm with winds up to 60 miles per hour. We suffered roof damage. We will be repairing that tomorrow. Most of us slept in the basement but Grant, the person least like to sleep through a storm, did not stir despite the storm.
Logan had the blessing of attending the temple to do baptisms for the dead on Saturday. I was able to baptize Logan for his ancestors and Mom also was baptized for numerous relatives and others. It is so nice to have both Mom and Logan doing baptisms since the people we are doing the work for our their ancestors. Some of the individuals that were given the blessing of baptism, confirmation and initiatories yesterday were born in the late 18th century. They had lived life in challenging circumstances. Probably their lives were much more difficult than ours but now they will have the opportunity to partake more fully of the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Emily and Lanette had relatively uneventful weeks. Both enjoyed sleeping in on the weekends. Lanette attends school during the summer so her sleeping in days have been postponed. Emily has enjoyed a variety of activities with friends.
Mom has been doing a great deal to help me. She manned the brat barn on Friday in very hot weather as Logan and I worked on the scout fundraiser. She join us at the temple. She entertained and encouraged and continued to do all the things a mom needs to do.
I have worked some longer hours this week. It has been enjoyable. I am loving my garden, the early morning sunrises and the late night genealogy. It has been great to do things with my family. I must say that this is the best time of the year for me.
Love
Dad
The Lane's of Virginia
Monday, we heard the baby's heart beat at the docs office, we are now in the second trimester. Whoohoo! We made our announcement t-shirts for fhe.
Wednesday, we did lunch at BWW.
Friday, we got our rings back. They did it right this time, after three previous attempts, and we were not just being picky.
Saturday, we took our last pre-baby family pictures. If you would like to see them,let us know. If you decide to look you will see how big Julie is getting. Let's just say it is a good thing we are bringing it up tomorrow at the stake function because Julie's belly is really starting to show!!! Mom said she was big by the time 4 months roll around well Julie is right there with her at this rate.
Saturday afternoon, we went to a baptism to a girl that was in Julie's Sunday school class. It was soo great to see a kid so in love with the gospel! She really is a smart cookie!
Jeff did not feel so hot today, but I think he is starting to feel better!
Julie
On Tuesday this past week my wonderful mom, beautiful niece Jorie, silly Haley and Kayla, and I traveled to Kansas to be with my sister Vanesa who had her baby boy (Lucas Ivan Tibbals) last Saturday. We had a lot of fun being here with her and her family. On Thursday we adventured off to the Wizard of Oz museum in Wamego. My mom and I were especially excited because every time that Andy and I had orders to travel across country my mom and I would pass the sign to go to the museum but was not able to stop. The museum was okay but I don’t think that we will be going there again. The girls have been having a lot of fun playing with their cousin Wyatt in the swimming pool and love being around their other cousin Jorie. Jorie has been a big help for all of us and we love having her here. I was able to hear from Andy this week. He says that he is staying busy with meetings and other work, but is ready to come home.
Grant's News
Grant had a somewhat uneventful week, not working, but spending a lot of time working on the yard and around the house. Last Sunday he was able to spend the day with his friends Amber and Calley, eating Chinese food and watching movies. One of his "time off" projects has
been learning to identify wildflowers that grow in the marsh and around the yard. A local website has weekly updates on wildlife in Wisconsin, so he gets a heads-up on what wildflowers to be looking for each week during the summer. His other project has been trying to convince Lanette that Julie will be naming her baby "Dolores Pumpernickel". Lanette has been less than thrilled with his time not working to say the least. This week he also was in contact with Hudson's, a local restaurant, and Grant will be starting work there soon. Monday morning he will have orientation.
The Haws Family of Wisconsin
Melanie and the girls were in Kansas but we felt like we were in Kansas ourselves. On Friday night Mom and I were sitting on the bed talking when all of a sudden we heard a very loud noise outside. I thought it was a car crash or something else. I ran outside and all of a sudden a large black object flew over my head. The trees in the marsh were nearly bending over in half. Apparently there was a very fast moving thunderstorm with winds up to 60 miles per hour. We suffered roof damage. We will be repairing that tomorrow. Most of us slept in the basement but Grant, the person least like to sleep through a storm, did not stir despite the storm.
Logan had the blessing of attending the temple to do baptisms for the dead on Saturday. I was able to baptize Logan for his ancestors and Mom also was baptized for numerous relatives and others. It is so nice to have both Mom and Logan doing baptisms since the people we are doing the work for our their ancestors. Some of the individuals that were given the blessing of baptism, confirmation and initiatories yesterday were born in the late 18th century. They had lived life in challenging circumstances. Probably their lives were much more difficult than ours but now they will have the opportunity to partake more fully of the atonement of Jesus Christ.
Emily and Lanette had relatively uneventful weeks. Both enjoyed sleeping in on the weekends. Lanette attends school during the summer so her sleeping in days have been postponed. Emily has enjoyed a variety of activities with friends.
Mom has been doing a great deal to help me. She manned the brat barn on Friday in very hot weather as Logan and I worked on the scout fundraiser. She join us at the temple. She entertained and encouraged and continued to do all the things a mom needs to do.
I have worked some longer hours this week. It has been enjoyable. I am loving my garden, the early morning sunrises and the late night genealogy. It has been great to do things with my family. I must say that this is the best time of the year for me.
Love
Dad
The Lane's of Virginia
Monday, we heard the baby's heart beat at the docs office, we are now in the second trimester. Whoohoo! We made our announcement t-shirts for fhe.
Wednesday, we did lunch at BWW.
Friday, we got our rings back. They did it right this time, after three previous attempts, and we were not just being picky.
Saturday, we took our last pre-baby family pictures. If you would like to see them,let us know. If you decide to look you will see how big Julie is getting. Let's just say it is a good thing we are bringing it up tomorrow at the stake function because Julie's belly is really starting to show!!! Mom said she was big by the time 4 months roll around well Julie is right there with her at this rate.
Saturday afternoon, we went to a baptism to a girl that was in Julie's Sunday school class. It was soo great to see a kid so in love with the gospel! She really is a smart cookie!
Jeff did not feel so hot today, but I think he is starting to feel better!
Julie
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