The Copper Globe Mine and the funny dream

Oh hello Joseph,

So, did the baptism happen? Who did it? Please let me know, it was on my mind all day Saturday. Also, wondering if you had a dust storm, it was all over social media and the news. 

Sorry for the late start on the letter, it may not hit your inbox before you get to bed.

I must say that this was the kind of week that hasn’t left much in my memory, just another week of looking and applying for jobs, still nothing. I’m going to tell you a story here that might sound superstitious or even cockamamie. But I believe it’s a spiritual experience that I’m trying to work out for myself. I probably need to start with a little background, so this letter may be a little longer.

Before my brother died, I noticed I would have these recurring dreams about giant aircraft in the sky in places where they don’t always belong. As you know, I’ve been fascinated by aircraft of all kinds since I was a little kid, so even in my dreams, they would capture my attention. My dreams can be very colorful and detailed, as were these. In the weeks before my brother’s accident, the became more pronounced. Also, the giant fascinating aircraft would suddenly start horribly falling out of the sky. I would always wake up from these dreams upset—to the point of depression. Then my brothers accent happened. It was like a nuclear bomb had hit our family, it was the hardest experience of my life, and it was even harder on my parents. I didn’t , at that time, connect those dreams to my brothers accident.

I continued to have those dreams throughout my life, and never connected them with anything until I had them before my dad passed away. I’ve had them before layoffs, I even had one the morning president Hinckley passed away (I really loved president Hinckley).

Now I need to add that I started to recognize that I would have similar dreams before happy or positive things would happen in life. Like a bonus at work or a job offer, things like that. In those cases the planes were flying powerfully, gracefully, and beautifully. I also noticed that the emotion I felt from the dream was an indication of what was coming, maybe more so than the dream itself. Over the years the dreams have become much quicker and simpler than before. Almost as a glimpse or a single frame of a movie. I’ve also struggled to understand what my response from them should be other than just scared or excited. It’s gotten to the point where if I get a scary one, I just pray and ask Heavenly Father for protection for you boys and your mom. Sometimes the scary ones would leave me apprehensive or even depressed. Sometimes they would lead to anxiety. Those prayers really help with that.

Why do I tell you this when I’m not even sure myself how to respond? Well, I do believe it’s a gift of the Spirit that, like a talent, I’m supposed to develop and understand. I believe that they are much more substantial that just a sign but not really a revelation, at least how I understand revelation. I think that they are intended to bring comfort, even though I still react poorly to the scary ones.

This whole set up is to tell you this story. This week I found a job that I thought I would be perfect for. I crafted my cover letter and my resume, searched for contacts in the organization, and did everything I possibly could to try to get an interview. This was Wednesday afternoon. I didn’t hear anything later in the week. Saturday morning I had a scary dream. We were going to go on an adventure (more on that below) so I prayed for protection as we traveled. I got a ticket on the way (like I can really afford that) and I assumed that was the reason for the dream. I actually felt peace after that.

Then this morning early I had two scary flashes in succession. It was early but I was upset so I got up for a while. A few minutes later Jacob came upstairs with a terrible stomach ache and called for me. I was glad I was awake although I couldn’t really help him other than giving him comfort. While I was waiting for him to feel better I checked my email. The dreaded rejection response from that job was in there waiting for me. That hit like a hammer blow, I was upset. The two dreams explained?

Now the point this long story. And I want to send it to you as a witness for what’s to come. Also, this is a new experience for me relative to these dreams. I went back to bed after Jakey was settled, mostly out of depression. I had a lot of drawn out detailed dreams (not related to this). But I did have one dream that is related. I saw two incredible aircraft in a hangar being built, one looked nearly done, one needed a wing. The vision I had was so detailed I could probably draw these things, they were futuristic, sleek, and powerful. This time there was an added component to the dream, not a voice but a very clear message to go along with it. The message was simple, “they are almost ready, it’s almost your turn.” If I were to guess, that whole vision took three seconds tops. I woke up feeling excited and happy. Now I hope the meaning of this dream is related to getting a job. But I don’t know what it will signify. What I do know is that at the very least it was a comfort sent by Heavenly Father. 

I tell your mom about most of these dreams. I think I’ve mentioned them to you boys in the past. I feel like this might be of some value to you as you are developing your own Gifts of the Spirit out on your mission. I’m going to be on the lookout for what it’s for, but mostly I’m just grateful for the little bit of peace it gave me for today.

———

As for the happenings for this week. Utah lost to ucf in the first round of the conference tournament, BYU beat Iowa state in a close one then got killed by Huston in the next round. Huston ended up winning the tournament. Utah may go to a post season tourney that’s not the ncaa or the nit, but I’m not sure. Tomorrow, there’s a press conference at the huntsman center for Alex Jensen, the new coach. We decided we’d go to see it and get our hopes up. We should be done way before your evening call.

Friday night was the Elders quorum bbq. Ben did a delicious pork butt in the smoker and mom made cream corn. It’s a fun event and a lot of Ward members and the elders came. The most memorable thing was that byu was prayed for in the opening prayer, as the lords team, to do well as their game against Huston was that night. Looks like the lord is a Huston fan. 

Saturday we got up early to go see the Copper Globe mine with the Lone Peak 4wheelers club. My friend Doug came with his wife. It was a really pretty and fun day. As always we were surrounded by jeeps and gladiators. My 4Runner made a big impression on one of the gladiator owners because I was handing obstacles much more easily than he was. Those gladiators are long and drag over everything.

Today we had church, mom said I was mean to one of the ward missionaries because she whines every single time we try to have a huddle or activity. All I told her was that this was her calling, but I’m sure mom and her took it much more harshly. It’s a little tough to get this ward to take missionary work seriously, which is why I get frustrated.

We went to dinner at grandmas. She had her good roast and potatoes. Mom brought croissants and this delicious lemon cake with strawberries and whipped cream on top. Aunt Susan, her girls, and uncle Steven’s family were there. I’m not sure if I told you, but uncle Steven is also out of work, so keep him in your prayers. Aunt Susan and her girls were giving Ben a lot of attention about Yale which made him very grumpy and uncomfortable, it was fun.

One other sad thing, uncle Justin’s mom passed away this morning. You may remember his dad passed only a few weeks ago. I’m guessing we’ll have another funeral this week.

I think this has been a long enough letter for now. I hope it wasn’t too superstitious or weird for you. I look forward to chatting tomorrow.

Love,

Dad