April 24, 2009
RE: ZONE CONFERENCE-APRIL 17, 2009
Dear President and Sister Christison,
Thanks so much for allowing me to attend zone conference at the Grand Junction Stake Center last week. What a great day. I spirit continued to reside with me that evening as I returned home and I thanked my Heavenly Father for the experiences I had at zone conference. Let me summarize some highlights:
1. I love your conferences because I am taught the gospel and I feel the spirit testify to me of the truthfulness of what is taught. President Christison’s teaching on the atonement and the testimony of Elder McConkie was very moving. I had met Elder McConkie when our stake was divided and the Montrose Stake was created and I went to BYU with his son Joseph.
2. Sister Christison’s teachings about the sacrament taught me new principles and added to my appreciation for the Savior. It has permanently changed what I think about when I take the sacrament. I would appreciate if Sister Christison would share with me the sheet containing the comparison of the two prayers when you come to our stake conference together with any reference material.
3. I was touched by the two testimonies given by the missionaries during the breakout sessions on how the atonement had touched their lives.
4. It’s tough to say goodbye to missionaries who have served in my stake so faithfully. Elder Cooper shared with me his desire that his mother join the church and we have added what request in our prayers. He is returning home to the same stake where my son lives so I am going to contact him next time I go to California.
5. Elder and Sister Dean are the first missionary couple to ever serve in our stake . We will miss them-three ward bishops have really relied on them. We will take any couple you want to send.
6. Elder Hansen continues to serve with honor and dedication. Elder Garland will always be special to me. It hurts me to see him struggle because of his brother’s action and his father’s heart problems. In the district meeting when goals were being discussed he set the example and taught other missionaries they don’t work up to the Standards of Excellence but they had the power to meet most of the standards now by just doing it because it is within their power to do so. I am going to visit him in Texas when I visit my daughter who is in graduate school in Austin.
7. I am amazed at the growth I see in missionaries from zone conference to the next zone conference. I marvel at the abilities of those missionaries whose native language is not English. I appreciate you sending such good missionaries to our stake.
8. Thanks for letting the three prospective missionaries from my stake attend. They all gave me good reports and enjoyed the day. Bro. King’s call came yesterday to Dallas, Texas, Spanish speaking-maybe he will see Elder Garland there.
We pray for each of you at our stake meetings. Thanks for visiting us on this side of the mountain. I look forward to meeting with you again in Littleton in May with Elders Funk and Brimhall.
Your brother in the gospel,
Kelly Summers
Friday, April 24, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
BOLDER BOULDER-HERE I COME!
April 23, 2009
BOLDER BOULDER, HERE I COME!
One of my goals this year is to complete my 9th Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day. I did some training in the winter and spring with Dean White and Arvin Leany but nothing really serious. I have enough time to prepare after my two week trip to Illinois but I knew I would have to work hard if I was to be ready by race time.
I arrived home Saturday evening on April 11th, I don’t run on Sunday and then I had to fast for the next two days for my 13th colonoscopy which took place on Wednesday. The fasting went very well as did the colonoscopy because I cleaned out good for the first time in three years and the doctor found no polyps. He told me I could wait for five more years to have another examination because I had gone at least four years with no polyps but I told him I would see him in two years-I don’t intend to die of colon cancer when it is so preventable with a regular colonoscopy. I did walk two miles during the week and also four miles the end of the week.
This week I had my appointment with Dr. Burnbaum. We agreed to increase my sinemet medication from two pills per day to three. I shake a little more and shuffle more. My right toes also cramp more often. He had offered the increase three months ago but I turned it down because sometimes there are increased adverse reactions when the dosage is increased. I am not worried about the gambling or sex addict reactions but I am concerned with sleepy or dizziness as possible effects. After my doctor ‘s appointment, I walked four miles, then 5.2 miles so today I decided to walk the full 10k route, being 6.2 miles. I did it without hurting and without the extra pill-I will start that tomorrow. I now have to work on getting stronger and reduce my time by run-shuffling a little. But I do know I can do it. I have climbed ten 14,000 foot peaks, so I want to do at least 10 Bolder Boulders.
Bishop Burton, Presiding Bishop of the church will be our conference visitor. It is going to be interesting-two youth talks are assigned and one talk each assigned for my counselors-that is it. Everything else will be determined when he arrives. I wonder what my talk will be. We will enjoy having him in our home. He gets back from South American at midnight on Friday and must be here the next day at 1:00 p.m.-he is driving.
K. K. Summers
BOLDER BOULDER, HERE I COME!
One of my goals this year is to complete my 9th Bolder Boulder on Memorial Day. I did some training in the winter and spring with Dean White and Arvin Leany but nothing really serious. I have enough time to prepare after my two week trip to Illinois but I knew I would have to work hard if I was to be ready by race time.
I arrived home Saturday evening on April 11th, I don’t run on Sunday and then I had to fast for the next two days for my 13th colonoscopy which took place on Wednesday. The fasting went very well as did the colonoscopy because I cleaned out good for the first time in three years and the doctor found no polyps. He told me I could wait for five more years to have another examination because I had gone at least four years with no polyps but I told him I would see him in two years-I don’t intend to die of colon cancer when it is so preventable with a regular colonoscopy. I did walk two miles during the week and also four miles the end of the week.
This week I had my appointment with Dr. Burnbaum. We agreed to increase my sinemet medication from two pills per day to three. I shake a little more and shuffle more. My right toes also cramp more often. He had offered the increase three months ago but I turned it down because sometimes there are increased adverse reactions when the dosage is increased. I am not worried about the gambling or sex addict reactions but I am concerned with sleepy or dizziness as possible effects. After my doctor ‘s appointment, I walked four miles, then 5.2 miles so today I decided to walk the full 10k route, being 6.2 miles. I did it without hurting and without the extra pill-I will start that tomorrow. I now have to work on getting stronger and reduce my time by run-shuffling a little. But I do know I can do it. I have climbed ten 14,000 foot peaks, so I want to do at least 10 Bolder Boulders.
Bishop Burton, Presiding Bishop of the church will be our conference visitor. It is going to be interesting-two youth talks are assigned and one talk each assigned for my counselors-that is it. Everything else will be determined when he arrives. I wonder what my talk will be. We will enjoy having him in our home. He gets back from South American at midnight on Friday and must be here the next day at 1:00 p.m.-he is driving.
K. K. Summers
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
TOO MANY FUNERALS
TOO MANY FUNERALS
4-22-09
The last couple of months there have been just too many funerals:
1. Sister Marie Santy-2nd Ward-been very sick and old for over a year.
2. Sister Eleanor Palmer-Fruita 4th Ward-natural causes. I visited her in the hospital with Elder Richards and his wife, a General Authority. I spoke about that visit at the funeral.
3. Justin Nye-8th Ward -same age as Kenny-Cancer. Left two very young kids. Too young to die. Kenny and Kyle Dunn drove from California for the funeral. Many of his friends his age traveled for the service-we went out to eat afterwards. They were a very close group. Justin Perry, Allison Hall , Jared Haddock, Kip Thygerson and Darin Case were also there.
4. Adam White-age 34, Fruita 2nd. Died in his sleep-too young to die.
5. Bob Barrett-5th Ward. Cancer and lots of other things-we prayed for three months he would die but he died when the Lord was ready to receive him. Visited him many times including a visit with Elder Snow.
6. Ray Saddoris-lots of problems, former 8th ward member now living in Fruita 4th.
7. Paul Sonda-many issues, 8th Ward-a very good friend-spoke at the funeral. The Spirit told me when I was stake president that I would speak at his funeral.
8. Clint Sampson-pneumonia and Alzheimer ‘s – 8th Ward.
9. Dorothy O”Dwyer, 2nd ward. Wife of our first bishop in G. J.-she treated me like a son and I affectionately called her “Mom.” Natural causes. Spoke at the funeral.
After Clint Sampson’s death, I met Bro. Maurice Jones in the 12th Ward. We hugged and he gave me a kiss on the cheek, told me loved me and said, “I guess I’m next.” I hope not-he gives so much love to the single’s ward.
4-22-09
The last couple of months there have been just too many funerals:
1. Sister Marie Santy-2nd Ward-been very sick and old for over a year.
2. Sister Eleanor Palmer-Fruita 4th Ward-natural causes. I visited her in the hospital with Elder Richards and his wife, a General Authority. I spoke about that visit at the funeral.
3. Justin Nye-8th Ward -same age as Kenny-Cancer. Left two very young kids. Too young to die. Kenny and Kyle Dunn drove from California for the funeral. Many of his friends his age traveled for the service-we went out to eat afterwards. They were a very close group. Justin Perry, Allison Hall , Jared Haddock, Kip Thygerson and Darin Case were also there.
4. Adam White-age 34, Fruita 2nd. Died in his sleep-too young to die.
5. Bob Barrett-5th Ward. Cancer and lots of other things-we prayed for three months he would die but he died when the Lord was ready to receive him. Visited him many times including a visit with Elder Snow.
6. Ray Saddoris-lots of problems, former 8th ward member now living in Fruita 4th.
7. Paul Sonda-many issues, 8th Ward-a very good friend-spoke at the funeral. The Spirit told me when I was stake president that I would speak at his funeral.
8. Clint Sampson-pneumonia and Alzheimer ‘s – 8th Ward.
9. Dorothy O”Dwyer, 2nd ward. Wife of our first bishop in G. J.-she treated me like a son and I affectionately called her “Mom.” Natural causes. Spoke at the funeral.
After Clint Sampson’s death, I met Bro. Maurice Jones in the 12th Ward. We hugged and he gave me a kiss on the cheek, told me loved me and said, “I guess I’m next.” I hope not-he gives so much love to the single’s ward.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Spring Break with Mom and Dad
Here are just a few of the highlights from our road trip across the northern Midwest.
We stopped in Wisconsin for some cheese. It was windy and cold.
We stopped in Mitchell, South Dakota to see the world famous corn palace.
We watched the pigeons eat the world famous corn palace.
We stopped at Wall Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota and ate. Dad was not happy that they charged $2 for cheese, lettuce and tomatoes on their hamburgers. We were not impressed despite all the road signs.
We stopped at Mount Rushmore and contemplated why Teddy Roosevelt was included on the mountain. He did start the National Parks Program but I'm still doubtful that he belongs in that crowd.
We stopped by Crazy Horse for a quick pic. It's still unfinished despite the $27 a car entrance fee. I suppose we didn't help by taking our photo from the road rather than paying the fee.
The most impressive site was Devil's Tower in Wyoming. We all agreed it was our favorite. As soon as we saw it, Dad started singing the song for the aliens. I joined in but we didn't see any. Devil's Tower was also the first National Monument thanks to Teddy Roosevelt. I still don't think that warrants his image on Mount Rushmore.
On the way back to Denver, we stopped to see the wagon rutts cut into the rock by those traveling on the Oregon trail including some of our pioneer ancestors. Dad had a moment and thanked each ancestor by name for sacrificing so much to make the journey west. I have to admit that I even had a moment. It really is amazing what they endured.
Overall, it was a great road trip and I loved spending time with Mom and Dad. I'm grateful they let me part of their trip and were so accommodating so I could pick up those Midwest states I was missing. We drove 4 extra hours just so I could be in North Dakota. I now have 49 states. Oregon, here I come!
We stopped in Wisconsin for some cheese. It was windy and cold.
We stopped in Mitchell, South Dakota to see the world famous corn palace.
We watched the pigeons eat the world famous corn palace.
We stopped at Wall Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota and ate. Dad was not happy that they charged $2 for cheese, lettuce and tomatoes on their hamburgers. We were not impressed despite all the road signs.
We stopped at Mount Rushmore and contemplated why Teddy Roosevelt was included on the mountain. He did start the National Parks Program but I'm still doubtful that he belongs in that crowd.
We stopped by Crazy Horse for a quick pic. It's still unfinished despite the $27 a car entrance fee. I suppose we didn't help by taking our photo from the road rather than paying the fee.
The most impressive site was Devil's Tower in Wyoming. We all agreed it was our favorite. As soon as we saw it, Dad started singing the song for the aliens. I joined in but we didn't see any. Devil's Tower was also the first National Monument thanks to Teddy Roosevelt. I still don't think that warrants his image on Mount Rushmore.
On the way back to Denver, we stopped to see the wagon rutts cut into the rock by those traveling on the Oregon trail including some of our pioneer ancestors. Dad had a moment and thanked each ancestor by name for sacrificing so much to make the journey west. I have to admit that I even had a moment. It really is amazing what they endured.
Overall, it was a great road trip and I loved spending time with Mom and Dad. I'm grateful they let me part of their trip and were so accommodating so I could pick up those Midwest states I was missing. We drove 4 extra hours just so I could be in North Dakota. I now have 49 states. Oregon, here I come!
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