Where I've Been, What I've Been Doing.

Hi Kids,

I know it has been a while since I have talked to you all. It isn’t from a lack of things to tell you, but more an inability to focus for long periods in front of the computer. Sadly, I have been afflicted with a cold, which has put my incoming oxygen at an all time low. The cold moved from my head to my chest, and has miserably moved back into my head. I have spent most of the week alternating between sneezing and coughing, sleeping and half awake. I am slowly on the mend, so no need to fear. I am sure by next week, I will be back to my normal self.

So let’s get on with the business of the day:

First an announcement/commandment. EXCITEDLY the new, long awaited, Peter Katz album is out! You must, MUST purchase it from iTunes right now!

I know some of you are thinking, “Denise, why are you ordering us to purchase an album from this ‘Peter’ guy. I don’t even know who he is.”

Fine. Let me explain. Peter Katz is hands down the best Canadian export we have. Forget hockey players, maple syrup and poutine, the best thing Canada can give to you is Peter Katz. I know you watched the Closing Ceremonies of the Olympics and thought that the best we had to offer you musically was Avril Lavgne and Nickback. But Peter Katz is a million (or a trillion, in the case of Nickback) times better than any other Canadian artist you can name. So please set aside $9.99 and get your very own copy of ‘The First Of The Last To Know’. I PROMISE it will change your life.

If you aren’t exactly sold, just yet, why not take a viewing of this wonderful video. How can you not fall in love?

But if you still need convincing, fear not. Our dear, best friend, Peter is coming to town to play a concert just for you! Clear your calendar on April 12th,to see Peter perform live is to become a believer.

But just take my word and download your own copy of the new album (and while you are at it, why not get ‘More Nights’ too.)

All right moving on, but just know you are so missing out if you don’t at least give Peter a try.

Our stake proudly got the chance to have Elder David A. Bednar come and speak at a special stake conference. He also hosted a Q&A with the YSA in town on Saturday night. Both were fantastic meetings and a great opportunity to get to know another apostle. Elder Bednar, unfortunately, did not pick me to ask him a question (and trust me, it was a good one.) but I did get to be one of the lucky few who had the opportunity to exchange handshakes and a few words with this man of God.

Now all of you who were at the fireside knew that with Elder Bednar’s tight schedule and the surplus of people, it was almost impossible to get anywhere near to him. But already being best friends ¼ of the Twelve Apostles, I tried my luck and ended up in the right place, at the right time. Sitting between one of the senior missionary couples and stake leaders at the back of the chapel, I ended up with a few seconds to befriend another general authority. We shook hands and he thanked me for attending the fireside. I told him that it was one of the best Saturday’s we had for a long time, and he agreed. I asked him if he would be willing to come back another Saturday and he said he wished he could. And with that I am now best friends with 1/3 of the Twelve Apostles!

I realize that you are wracking your brain trying to figure out how a girl from Canada can become friends with 4 apostles, especially considering I never served a mission, so let me share my experiences with you.

It was my younger brother and I who first had a brush with greatness. While in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, we left our parents to try out all of the bathrooms in the building we could find. (I know it sounds lame, but come on, I was 14 at the time.) While waiting excitedly for elevator doors to open to take us to a new floor and yet another bathroom, we ran (literately) right into Elder Russell M. Nelson. We apologized, he composed himself and gave us a big smile. It wasn’t until we got on to the elevator that we were informed who we had just knocked down. I still waiting for the day that he mentions his poor bruised ribs in General Conference.

Next was Elder Richard G. Scott. Like Elder Bednar, he came and hosted a special YSA fireside in town. We really weren’t suppose to be best friends, as I had no intention of introducing myself to him, but my roommate, too afraid to go up and shake his hand, asked me if I would come with her. We got in a huge line, waiting to meet the apostle. When I finally got face to face with him, I decided to give him the ol’ double handshake and thanked him speaking to us. I sent him a letter a few weeks later thanking him, again, for his inspiring message. I like to believe we have been best friends ever since.

And almost two years ago, I ran into my real general authority best friend, Elder Robert D. Hales. Read the whole story here.

And after adding Elder David A. Bednar to my Christmas card list, I’m surprised that a random girl like me can have so many friends in high places. With each and every meeting, I have been more and more impressed with the kindness these men exude, and their willingness to give of their time. I have been lucky enough to realize that there are men of God still on the earth today. I look forward, more and more, to General Conference and the opportunity I have to listen to my friends.

So Kids, that is most of what I have been up to in the past little while. I am praying that Elder Bednar doesn’t fall ill after meeting me. I am waiting, excitedly, for normal breathing to once again return to me. March is falling away just as quick as January and February did, and spring really is just around the corner. And even luckier, choir is almost over for other year. (You can laugh.)

I love you all. Really I do.
As Always,