Texas rain

Hi kid,

It sure was a nice surprise to speak to you tonight. I want to write every Sunday, though we’ve already covered everything with my trip reports and the call.

The best thing about today, other than your call was the come follow me Lesson on Easter and the week leading up to the resurrection. As I try to familiarize myself with Christ, I listen to the way he speaks to his disciples. This time in the words he used with Thomas. They were stern, not in a mean or condescending way, but in a brotherly way. The fact that he was close enough to his disciples that he invited them to touch his hands and side. That really speaks for their relationship. The he says how much greater the faith of those that can’t touch him, that really illustrated to me just how close we can be to him through our faith. I really need that closeness right now. It feels like I’m starting my job search from scratch. I need to have faith in Him, as my faith in myself is wavering a little these days.

The other thing from come follow me was this scripture 

1 peter 1: 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

Aunt Patti is going through multiple trials right now, she’s, sick, she can hardly walk due to her sciatica nerve, her house is leaking, she’s out of time off at work, she’s going to need surgery for her crone’s disease, and she has her court date tomorrow. She thinks she’s weak because she gets upset, feels afraid, cries, etc. I keep wondering why she has so many problems. When I read that scripture this morning it seemed to be the reason, or a reason. I’ve said this to you before, and it keeps getting reinforced to me. But we’re being pulled closer to Christ through these trials. And for all the insecurities I feel through this, I am grateful that I’ve been trying to be closer to the Lord.

On the way to Bountiful for the blessing, there was a very Texas like storm including heavy rain, hail, lightning, high wind and minor chaos. Storm may be the thing I miss most from living there.

Your brothers loved your stories tonight, jacob loves those authentic experiences. You looked and sounded really happy, really healthy, and really handsome. I can’t help but to be so proud of you Benjamin.

I do ask a favor, and it’s personal for me. Will you please allow me to send you what you were going to ask for? Please? You can tell me via text tomorrow. I’ll keep it quiet if you want me to. I just feel that I would feel better if I could provide even a little something to you.

Now for an update on the pig, because I know you care about it deeply. I lent it to my friend Vince. He had it for a month. He sent it back clean and with a full tank of gas. It now runs rough at idle, it even stalls. The rear tire has a nail in it. It’s not flat, but I’m reticent to pull the nail as it may be plugging the leak. None of these were intentional by Vince, but if I can’t fix it cheaply, I’m don’t want to fix it at all. I replaced one evap hose, ordered a second for a commonly reported problem with the egr valve hose, and cleaned the maf sensor. I have to admit that while the idle problem persists, acceleration is better, the shifts are crisper, and it seems a little more peppy. I do need to change the spark plugs eventually, but I won’t do it till it exhibits more evidence that they are bad. If I can solve the idle issue, I’ll put some more money into it. If not, it may get donated.

Love you kid, 

Pops