A Delightful Day with Old Friends.

Have you ever sung "Oh, how lovely was the morning" to the tune of "Come thou font of every blessing"?  At the Seminaries and Institutes retirees convention yesterday a couple of musicians who were the entertainment had us do so and it was delightful. 

The rest of their program was very, very entertaining--funny  and talented guys.  A pianist and a cellist.  Marshall McDonald and Steven Sharp Nelson.

This video is of a selection played by the cellist, Steve-- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ry4BzonlVlw  Very funny guy.

It was the first time in two years I had seen my CES widow friends LaVelle and Faye.  They're now home from Hawaii and Budapest.  Also crossed paths with Dan Rogers, Jerry Burns, Jess Christensen, Tom Nelson and their wives from our days in CES.  It was wonderful to see them. 

As I sat across from Tom and Susan I noticed Tom's gently aging face and I thought this is how Dad would look.  It was really a tender moment.  It was sweet to hear Jerry say he would sure like to fish the Madison with David. and Brother Hudson from Smithfield comment on David's teaching.  I didn't recognize Laurie Christensen nor Jess when LaVelle was visiting with them.  It was startling.  Long time since London.  Great to catch up with them and their families and share updates of each of you.  They've all been an influence on me.  Joe Christensen, Emeritus Seventy,  remember his EK visit, spoke to us reviewing some interesting changes in church education over the years.  What a great feeling to know intimately the international pivot point and hear of the impact begun in Brazil, knowing of the part President Bangerter had in increasing the number of native Brazilian missionaries. 

Big pictures in retrospect are quite thrilling.