November 1-30, 2020 - Christmas Lights, Hikes, Wyoming and Thanksgiving
Temple Square Christmas Lights - Friday, November 6
We have been watching workers put up lights on Temples Square since September and we hoped that the coronavirus pandemic would let up so everyone could enjoy the tradition of walking around the square with the enchanting Christmas lights. The bad news is that the pandemic is headed the wrong direction right now with schools switching back from in-person to virtual and the first-ever mask mandate for the State of Utah. The good news, however, is that even though the public won't be able to walk among the Christmas lights, the lights will be turned on and missionaries will give virtual tours of Temple Square in the evenings.
In preparation for the virtual tours, the Christmas lights were turned on while the weather was still warm and we were able to take some pictures of beautiful Temple Square.
Sister Burkinshaw looking north from South Temple towards the Church Office Building. Not that there are a few trees missing from this plaza from the high winds on September 8 which blew down a number of large and mature trees.
Looking east on South Temple with the Church Administration Building on the left.
The Seagull Monument and the Assembly Hall with the Tabernacle in the background on Historic Temple Square
Looking west towards the Handcart Pioneer Monument.
Looking South at the Handcart Pioneer Monument.
Looking south at the front of the Assembly Hall on Historic Temple Square.
Looking east at the lawn just north of the Assembly Hall with the Temple on the left and the Joseph Smith Memorial Building in the center.
The Christus in the rotunda of the North Visitors Center.
The Tabernacle with wreaths and the Salt Lake Temple.
Sister Burkinshaw on the west side of the Conference Center.
Sister Burkinshaw at the west entrances of the Conference Center.
Looking south from North Temple Street with the Relief Society Building on the left.
Looking west from State Street across the Church Office Building Plaza at the Temple.
The Lion House and Beehive House along South Temple Street.
The Oriental Nativity.
The Mexican Nativity.
The Korean Nativity.
The Polish Nativity
The African Nativity.
The Tlinkett Tribe (Alaska) Nativity
The Nativity at the reflecting pond east of the Temple.
Sister Burkinshaw in the garden just south of the Temple Square Mission offices in the Relief Society Building
The Desolation Trail SLC Overlook - Saturday, November 7, 2020 On our preparation-day Saturday morning, we drove up Millcreek Canyon for a hike up the Desolation Trail with another overlook of the Salt Lake Valley.
The last of the orange leaves with the mountain peak.
A beautiful valley lined with pines.
More orange leaves with evergreen lining.
Panoramic view of the orange leaves and evergreen trees.
Elder and Sister Burkinshaw were happy to be hiking together with the beauties of nature!
Sister Burkinshaw with the panoramic mountains.
Sister Burkinshaw along what was a very rocky trail in spots.
Elder Burkinshaw coming up the trail. Sister Burkinshaw usually leads.
At the top of the trail, the valley comes into view.
Closeup of the Salt Lake Valley.
Elder Burkinshaw at the highest point of the overlook into the valley.
Sister Burkinshaw with a selfie and the Salt Lake valley in the background.
Breakfast at Ruth's Diner - Saturday, November 7, 2020
Following our Desolation Trail hike, we invited Aunt Robyn for our last chance to eat outside at Ruth's Diner. While the temperatures were very mild, low 70's, for our hike, it cooled off fast as we waited for a table at Ruth's.
As the temperature dropped, they opened some plastic quonset huts to protect us from the wind, rain and leaves.
They served delicious biscuits with homemade raspberry jam! ;-)
Elder Burkinshaw had a delightful Mexican omelet with lots of jalapenos!
Less than 24 hours later, Sunday morning, we have our first snow with the large snowflakes!
Family Home Evening with the Marcio Costa Family - Sunday, November 8, 2020
While we were serving in the Brasil Vitória Mission, we became close friends with the Branch President in Teófilo Otoni, Presidente Marcio Costa, his wife Andreia and his sons, Lucas Monteiro and João Pedro Monteiro. While serving there Elder Burkinshaw worked with several of the other young men in the branch including William Costa, Douglas Gonçalves and Marcelo Vitor Barbosa. All five of these young men served full-time missions and so we were invited to participate in a Family Home Evening via Zoom with the Costa Family and these young returned missionaries and provide our counsel for them having completed successful missions. A surprise to us was that our Mission President, David E Young also joined the Zoom meeting. We had a wonderful meeting and we were grateful for this faithful family and these stalwart, valiant young men.
Here was our counsel to the Returned Missionaries (English on the left, Portuguese on the right):
Counsel for Returned
Missionaries
1.Attend sacrament meeting every Sunday to renew the
covenants which you taught to others.
2.Always have a current Temple Recommend
Elder
Ronald A Rasband’s father-in-law, near the end of his life, asked his Bishop
to give him a temple recommend interview.
He said, “I want to go recommended to the Lord.”
Elder Rasband taught “Your temple recommend reflects a deep, spiritual intent
that you are striving to live the laws of the Lord and love what He loves:
humility, meekness, steadfastness, charity, courage, compassion, forgiveness,
and obedience. … To be “recommended to
the Lord” is to be reminded of what is expected of a covenant-keeping
Latter-day Saint.
3.Obtain a Good Education
Education
is an important part of Heavenly Father’s plan to help you become more like
Him. Education will prepare you for
greater service in the world and in the Church. It will help you better
provide for yourself, your family, and those in need.
Education
is an investment that brings great rewards and will open the doors of
opportunity that may otherwise be closed to you. Plan now to obtain an
education. Be willing to work diligently and make sacrifices if necessary.
4.Make Marriage a Priority
Said
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:
“I
think we have to start earlier to teach our students the place of marriage
and family in the great plan of happiness. Waiting until they are of
marriageable age puts us way behind the curve. And I don’t have to tell you
that social trends, declining moral standards, and the “vain imagination” of
popular entertainment will regularly be in opposition to that teaching.
We
in the presiding councils of the Church hear far too often that many of our
youth and young adults are terrified to get married. In extreme cases they
are fearful that the world is about to end in blood and disaster—something
they don’t want to take a spouse or child into. In less severe, more common
cases, they are fearful that the world will just get more difficult, that
jobs will be too hard to find, and that one should be out of school, out of
debt, have a career, and own a home before considering marriage.
Good
grief! On that formula Sister Holland and I still wouldn’t be married! But I
tremble to think what we would have lost if we had taken “counsel from our
fears,” as President James E. Faust
would later tell me over and over and over that I and no one else should ever
do. What if we had delayed inordinately? What would we have missed?
I
still think the best definition of marital love is James Thurber’s, who said
simply that love is what you go through together. I will be eternally
grateful for what Pat was willing to go through with me—that she did not feel
I had to have my degree and a car and a home and a career all in hand before
we could marry.
Conselho para
Missionários Retornados
1.1.Assistir à reunião sacramental todos os domingos para renovar os convênios que ensinou a outras pessoas.
2.Sempre tenha uma recomendação do templo atualizada
O sogro do Élder Ronald A
Rasband, perto do fim de sua vida, pediu ao bispo que lhe desse uma
entrevista de recomendação para o templo. Ele disse: " Quero partir
desta vida recomendado ao Senhor."
O Élder Rasband ensinou “Sua recomendação para o templo reflete um desejo
espiritual profundo de buscar viver as leis do Senhor e amar o que Ele ama:
humildade, mansidão, perseverança, caridade, coragem, compaixão, perdão e
obediência. (…)Ser “recomendado ao Senhor” é ser lembrado do que é esperado
de um membro que cumpre os convênios.”
3.Obter uma Boa Educação
A educação é uma parte importante
do plano do Pai Celestial para ajudar você a tornar-se mais semelhante a
Ele. A educação vai preparar você para
prestar maior serviço no mundo e na Igreja. Ela vai ajudar você a prover
melhor o seu sustento, o de sua família e dos necessitados.
A educação é um investimento que
proporciona grandes recompensas e abre as portas da oportunidade que, sem
ela, permaneceriam fechadas para você. Planeje agora a educação que vai
adquirir. Tenha disposição para trabalhar diligentemente e para fazer
sacrifícios, se necessário.
4.Faz Casamento uma Prioridade
Falou of Elder Jeffrey R.
Holland: “Esperar até que eles estejam em idade para se casar é um tremendo
atraso. E nem preciso dizer-lhes que as tendências sociais, os padrões morais
decadentes e a “vã imaginação” dos entretenimentos populares estão
constantemente em oposição a esse ensinamento.
Nós, dos conselhos presidentes da
Igreja, ouvimos muito dizer que muitos de nossos jovens e jovens adultos se
sentem aterrorizados em relação ao casamento. Nos casos extremos, eles temem
que o mundo termine em sangue e desastre — e não querem levar o cônjuge e os
filhos a esse fim. Nos casos menos severos e mais comuns, eles temem que o
mundo fique mais complicado, que fique mais difícil conseguir emprego e que
eles devem terminar os estudos, quitar as dívidas, ter uma carreira
profissional e comprar uma casa antes de pensar em casamento.
Puxa vida! Seguindo essa fórmula,
minha mulher e eu ainda não estaríamos casados! Mas tremo ao pensar no que
teríamos perdido se tivéssemos permitido que nossos temores nos vencessem,
como o Presidente James E. Faust me diria mais tarde, diversas vezes, que eu
e mais ninguém jamais fizesse. E se tivéssemos adiado interminavelmente? O
que teríamos perdido?
Ainda acho que a melhor definição
do amor conjugal é a de James Thurber, que disse simplesmente que amor são as
coisas pelas quais passamos juntos. Serei eternamente grato pelas coisas que
Pat se dispôs a passar junto comigo — por ela não ter achado que eu precisava
ter um diploma, um carro, uma casa e uma carreira profissional em mãos antes
de podermos nos casar.”
Here's a picture of our Zoom call:
Family Home Evening with the Costa Family. In the upper right was João Pedro Monteio, Dona Eva (mother of Presidente Marcio Costa - she make the best potato salad (maionese) in Brasil!), Douglas Gonçalves, William Costa, Marcelo Vitor Barbosa, Presidente Marcio Costa and his wife Andreia Monteiro. Sister and Elder Burkinshaw in the upper left. President Young in the lower left. And Victor in the lower right.
Temple Preparation Class - Sunday, November 15, 2020
Although we received 44 new Sisters for our October 28 transfer, only two arrived not having been endowed. Sister Natalie Lauren Brasher from Chelsea, Alabama was unable to be endowed because the Birmingham Alabama Temple has yet to reopen since the passing of the Temple President due COVID-19 on September 5 (see Church News). Sister Allison Christine Robins from northern California left for her mission just after the Oakland Temple moved to Phase 2 and was thus unable to be endowed. So on Sunday, November 15 we presented our what may be our final Preparing to Receive Your Temple EndowmentTemple Preparation Class. Before the class, Sister Burkinshaw prepared a delicious meal for a cold evening:
Companions Sister Alice Lynn Smith (Tolleson, AZ) and Sister Natalie Lauren Brasher (Chelsea, AL) and in the background Companions Sister Allison Christine Robins (Danville, CA) and Sister Kendall Audrey Mellow (Mesa, AZ). The were fed physically first then spiritually. ;-)
It was quite cold outside so Sister Burkinshaw prepared chipotle chocolate chili with cheese, Fritos and cornbread with Wyoming honey butter and her chocolate chunk cookies!
Ogden Temple Trip - Friday, November 20, 2020
Then on Friday, November 20 (which happened to be our 41st wedding anniversary) we went with the Sisters to the Ogden Temple as they received their own endowments. We were asked to serve as the witness couple for the session. Here are some pictures.
We met in the Mission Office before departing for the Ogden Temple. Left to right are Companions Sister Alice Lynn Smith (Tolleson, AZ) and Sister Natalie Lauren Brasher (Chelsea, AL) and Companions Sister Allison Christine Robins (Danville, CA) and Sister Kendall Audrey Mellow (Mesa, AZ).
While driving up to Ogden on I-15, President Larsen's Highlander had a major flat tire (blew out the inside sidewall of the left rear tire). He was in the HOV lane and pulled over to the left. Fortunately, there was a wide shoulder there. Elder and Sister Burkinshaw saw them pulled over and circled back to assist. Sister Burkinshaw took Sister Larsen and the four Sisters to the Ogden Temple while President Larsen and Elder Burkinshaw changed the tire.
Sister Kendall Audrey Mellow (Mesa, AZ) with companion Sister Allison Christine Robins (Danville, CA) and Sister Natalie Lauren Brasher (Chelsea, AL) with companion Sister Alice Lynn Smith (Tolleson, AZ) at the Ogden Temple just before the session.
Companions Sister Alice Lynn Smith (Tolleson, AZ) and Sister Natalie Lauren Brasher (Chelsea, AL) following the endowment session at the Ogden Temple.
The parents of Sister Allison Christine Robins (Danville, CA) and her two brothers and sister-in-law following the endowment session at the Ogden Temple
Sister and Elder Burkinshaw following the endowment session at the Ogden Temple on their 41st wedding anniversary! ;-)
Forty-first Wedding Anniversary, Friday, November 20, 2020
Following the endowment session, we let President Larsen take our Highlander and we took theirs to (unsuccessfully) try to find a replacement tire. In the end, we drove their car back to Salt Lake and left it with the Church Fleet Manager to find a replacement tire. After a busy afternoon in the office, we went to Benihana's for a special dinner.
Our Benihana chef, Isaac, performed amazing tricks while preparing our delicious Hibachi chicken for Sister Burkinshaw and Teriyaki chicken for Elder Burkinshaw,
The chef also prepared deliciously grilled zucchini and a flaming onion volcano!
Elder and Sister Burkinshaw at Benihana's for their 41st wedding anniversary dinner after a morning at the Ogden Temple and a busy afternoon in the Temple Square Mission office.
41 Years Video
Grandma Stevens COVID-19 and Quick Trip to Lovell, WY - Monday, November 23, 2020
On Saturday, November 21, we received word that Sister Burkinshaw's mother, Kathleen Stevens, was diagnosed with COVID-19 and on Sunday she was not doing very well at all. So on Monday morning, Sister Burkinshaw flew to Billings, MT and drove to Lovell to be with her Mom.
Upon arrival, Sister Burkinshaw noted that Grandma had a fever and had been perspiring and had been on oxygen as her oxygen saturation level had declined to the mid-70's. After some probing questions, it was discovered that she was low on fluids, she was anemic and she had a UTI. IV fluids were provided, a transfusion took place and antibiotics were administered to address these issues.
Sister Burkinshaw wore the same type of gown and mask used by the medical staff as she visited with her mother after she was moved back to the Care Center from the Hospital.
Aunt Julie and Uncle Ryan also arrived later the same day as Sister Burkinshaw. Note that the rooms are vented in the COVID wing of the Care Center.
As a final follow-up measure, Sister Burkinshaw decided to administer the universal panacea: chocolate.
Here is Sister Burkinshaw performing a very delicate procedure in administering the chocolate!
As you can tell from Grandma's (comparatively) delighted expression, the procedure was a rousing success!! ;-)
By Wednesday, it appeared that Grandma was on the mend. Her fever broke and she began to have a significant appetite and she said she could taste her food again.
On Tuesday evening, Sister Burkinshaw had dinner with Uncle Christopher, Sami and Katie as well as Aunt Julie and Uncle Ryan at a new restaurant in Cowley called the Bull Pub. She was so impressed with the steak tacos and dessert that we are including some pictures.
Delicious steak tacos from the Bull Pub in Cowley, WY.
Sister Burkinshaw shared the delicious apple blackberry crumble with Aunt Julie.
Wyoming Family History - Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Since Sister Burkinshaw was only allowed short visits with her mother, she spent some time visiting the cemeteries in Byron, Lovell and Cowley to document her forebears. Note that the names are linked to their entry in the FindAGrave app.
Stevens Family fan chart with burial locations added.
The entrance to the Byron Cemetery.
This is the grave marker in the Byron Cemetery for Sister Burkinshaw's father, Gary Abraham Stevens and there is a plot next to him for her mother.
Sister Burkinshaw's maternal grandfather, Winfield Scott Croft is buried in the Lovell Cemetery.
Sister Burkinshaw's great grandparents and parents of Winfield Scott Croft, Edward Wooley Croft and Helen Brown Croft, are buried in the Cowley Cemetery.
Thanksgiving - Thursday, November 26, 2020
Working with 190 Sister Missionaries during the Thanksgiving season brought lots of special things. Here are a few pictures:
Our door was "heart attacked" by the Sisters with lots of little thank you's and kind thoughts.
In the office, we received some maple-iced cookies and fun hand turkeys with thank yous.
One of the Sisters made us a fun turkey with a pipe cleaner head and a body of Reeses and Ferrero Rocher Hazelnut chocolates.
All the Sisters gave us Thanksgiving thank you notes - we had quite a pile! ;-)
For Thanksgiving Dinner, we had the Sisters come in two groups of 4 zones (about 95 Sisters in each group) - one at 12:30pm and the other at 2:00pm. Golden Corral prepared the dinner which President Morris brought in to the COB parking garage and we had the dinner in the JSMB cafeteria area in the basement. The Sisters were grouped by apartments at each table and each table was 6 feet apart so we were in compliance with Governor Herbert's guidelines. Elder Burkinshaw forgot to take photos but we did have a picture of the Golden Corral dinner.
The Golden Corral turkey dinner with a nice slice of turkey, mashed potatoes, dressing and corn. The Sisters loved it!
And for desert they had a variety of pies and each district of Sisters also brought a desert. Here you see coconut cream and chocolate pie with a piece of fudge.
And although President and Sister Littlefield were still in quarantine with COVID-19, they sent us some chocolate turkeys!
In closing, we share some thoughts about gratitude.
“Some people wonder if it’s the chicken or the egg. Is it happiness that makes us grateful or is it gratefulness that makes us happy?” said Dave Schramm, a professor and family life extension specialist at Utah State University who described the pandemic’s effects on basic needs. “The science here is pretty fascinating. It turns out that it’s the gratefulness. That’s the key to a happy life, because if we’re not grateful, no matter how much we have, we will not be happy.”
For two decades now, a steady shower of scientific studies have confirmed that gratitude has lasting positive physical and emotional effects. Grateful people sleep better, exercise more, have increased immunity against disease, live longer and enjoy greater self-respect and better relationships. Gratitude also lowers frustration, regret and resentment.
“With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives,” according to the Harvard Medical School’s mental health newsletter. “In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, gratitude also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature or a higher power.”
We #GiveThanks to have been blessed to come into families where we were taught about that “higher power”. To know of a loving Heavenly Father who gave the gift of His Son to #LighttheWorld. We extend an invitation to enjoy Temple Square this Christmas season virtually on Facebook at Finding Jesus Christ at Temple Square.
