Today's Lesson: Tolerance (Phil-ism's)

If any of you know Keith and I, you know one of our stronger points is patience as both of us are pretty mellow by nature. Fortunately, that's a trait we've managed to pass on to our children. When Derek was still in grade school and Blythe in Jr. High, he got the opportunity on a couple of occasions to go to Mesquite and stay with G&G Riding in Mesquite while he was off track. Derek looked forward to these little get-aways, and spending time alone with his grandparents. Note here... I have THE most patient mom in the world! So, tolerance lesson one was awaiting Derek on these little trips (Hmmm, or maybe for my Mom)... Mom was determined to teach her grandson how to golf! It took her a while, but with tolerance, patience and determination she somehow managed to turn Derek's batter baseball swing arm into a steady slow golf swing! Not an easy task as Derek has a pretty powerful punch! And in return... Derek had to endure Dr. Phil with Grandma! Ha ha... now if you know my mom, Dr. Phil has had a major impact on her life. If you call my mom during Dr. Phil hour, there's not much of a conversation, or she will just bluntly tell you she has to call you back. So Derek not only gained a skill and love for golf during these school breaks, he also learned a thing or two while watching Dr. Phil with Gram... but wait that's not all! Often times when you go down to visit, she'll pull out special Dr. Phil episodes she's recorded for us to watch! Ha ha, good times! I'm sure this was not always Derek's ideal way of spending his time in sunny Mesquite, but he patiently endured. And you know what? Sometimes spending time with loved ones, and tolerating their hobbies or past-times for loves sake has its just rewards --- and, you just might learn a thing or two that will come in handy later on! Without further ado, I'm posting a portion of Derek's e-mail that recently made me smile (and I immediately called and read it to my mom).

1/18/10
(Me) So - did the couple you've been working with get married so that they could get baptized?

(Elder Reid) sadly no, they had a fight and said they are not going to get married but i worked a little dr phil on them, ha ha! thank you grandma riding for liking the show so much and having to watch it with her every time I went down to mesquite and when she was in the house haha but ya they are going to get marreid this week i think for sure and then the baptism Saturday. i will let you know

1/25/10
(Me) How did things turn out with that couple?

(Elder Reid) so for the philism - well htey didnt get married, they said they had more problems and yes the adversary does not like families happy and it shows in these days. you can tell with the prophet talking more and more about families and their importance. We are still working with them and if all goes well they will get married this week and have his baptism this next Sunday so pray for me.

I am so thankful for a patient and loving family, and the example of Grandparents! They had transfers this past week but didn't move Derek or his Comp, I was so relieved. I'm glad they have the opportunity to keep working with this couple. Continue to pray for Elder Reid to be inspired in helping this couple move foward.

This is the ending of one of Derek's recent e-mails, true to form - Elder Reid and his creative writing skills!

love you guys more than all the fish in the world, all the foul in the air and the beasts and all creepy crawly things and there is a lot because God created a lot becasue God is God and he loves us like i love you! ahah -- got to love it mom! keep smiling almost one more month down -- love you tons guys ELDER REID

YEP! 11 more months! Wow, it's flying now!