Before I could finish this blog, we received notice of Uncle Bob's passing. We have always affectionately called this great, yet humble man, Robert D. Hales, an Apostle of the Lord, "Uncle Bob" as he was John's father's brother. With the family and the entire church, we share sadness. Our association with him has been a privilege, and our memories and tender moments will be treasured. We pray for his dear wife, Aunt Mary, and his sons, Steve and David and their families.
I decided to leave this as I wrote it earlier in the day...
I write this between sessions of General Conference. Actually, we just watched the Saturday afternoon session this morning and are joining with the other Senior Couples to watch Priesthood, have dinner together, and then watch the Sunday morning session (live) at 6:00 pm our time. Before I go any further, I would like to invite any of you who are curious to watch General Conference on
https://www.lds.org/general-conference/?lang=eng. I am sure you would find any of the talks uplifting. The first three talks listed are from the Women's Session, which I always find especially meaningful, for there is something special to me about addressing women's faith, concerns and spiritual desires.
How grateful I am to live in a time with technology that so easily links us around the world. Last night as we finished watching the "morning" session, one sister, "It's like being home!" Yes, indeed, there was a special comfort in listening and watching as our leaders speak to us in that familiar Conference Center, in our familiar language, strengthening our testimonies and reaffirming the truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Here are a few of my personal take-aways (based on my notes). I'll refrain from commenting on each one, though I'd like to!
*Blessings come not so much because of our abilities but because of our choices. (Pres. Uchtdorf)
*Unless we lose ourself in service, there is little purpose to our lives. (quoted from Pres. Monson by Sis. Oscarson)
*What good does it do to "save the world" if the people who need us are next to us? (Sis. Oscarson)
*Salvation is an individual matter, but exaltation is a family matter." (Elder Oaks)
*Quoting Mother Theresa, "I am like a pencil in God's hand." (Elder Pingree)
*Let us not be content where we are, neither let us be discouraged. (Elder Christoffersen)
*Don't let life's distractions eclipse heaven's light. ( Elder Stevenson)
*Coincidence is not an appropriate word to describe God's divine designs. (Elder Rasband--Those may not be his exact words, but its his idea 😊)
This week involved another trip across the country to help with zone conferences. First in Malmö, then Goteborg. All went well and of course, we took advantage of the travel to see a couple more places.
Our first stop was Landskrona, a fortress built by the Danes in the mid 1500s and became a Swedish possession in 1658 due to a treaty. When it wasn't used for military purposes, which was most of the time, it was used as a prison.
The Landskrona Citadel had 4 moats at one time!
Different view with the light on it.
Note the architecture, especially the roof line, very different from most of what we see. This southwestern part of Sweden has a strong Danish influence. Perhaps that is the reason for the difference. This is the Materials Yard Building built in 1740.
Across the marshes stand a row of fishermen's cottages. Such a scene is found throughout Sweden and was common in past centuries.
Like Landskrona, Carlsten Fortress, on Marstrand Island was used as a prison in later years. I couldn't help but think of Alcatraz as I walked around the granite island. Today there is little to remind us of a prison and a section of the fortress even serves as a Bed and Breakfast.
I thought this sculpture inside the Carlsten Fortress was indicative of modern Sweden's attitude--a brotherly handshake around a sword, rather than a hand grasping its hilt.
We came to island during the summer but it was mobbed with people and we couldn't even find a place to park the car, so we decided to return. Of course, it was practically like a ghost-town, which is how most places are that we visit (off-season tourists that we are!). The tourist season is only about 8 weeks and then everything is so crowded! We prefer it this way, with the island almost to ourselves. I can see why it is a summer paradise with all the trails and rocks and shoreline--a beautiful and relaxing retreat for those who don't mind crowds.)
Pretty flowers on the island.
Wild roses. They smell so good!
This little scene is on the highway on the mainland. I love it. It looks so European to me. I wanted a picture of it when we were here before and the flowers were in their full summer bloom. Oh, well, autumn has to suffice.
As it is late, I will end here. With Uncle Bob on my mind, my thoughts turn to the glorious Plan of Salvation our Heavenly Father designed for us. God loves us, all of us--his children. His plan, through His Son's atonement and resurrection, gives us hope for a reunion with our loved ones beyond this life. I'm so grateful for that knowledge.
