English muffins

During Heritage Week, the population of Cardston triples at least. Everyone comes home for family reunions and high school class reunions. The Sunday of that week there are always a million visitors at our ward. This year was no exception with that Cahoon reunion and lots of other families visiting. 

Austin was worried that we wouldn't have enough bread for the sacrament so he sent Jill home to get some extra. She came back with half a loaf of white bread, two packages with a couple slices of whole wheat bread, and an English muffin. 

Austin had a good smile and came home with the wheat bread and the English muffins.

A Cowboy's Last Words

Austin conducted the funeral for Dale Still.  Here is the talk that he gave:

Not long ago Dale asked if he could come in and visit with me in my office at the Leavitt church. As he was helped into my office in his wheelchair and parked in front of my desk, we were left by ourselves. I asked Dale what can I do for you or what can I help you with? This humble man must have known in someway he didn't have many days ahead of him. He pulled himself up in his chair, looked me in the eyes and said, Bishop, I want to be right with God.

We talked for some time about many topics, from family to church, to relationships with God and Jesus Christ. And yes, we talked about horses and cows.

I have thought a lot about what Dale might have me say in these few minutes, and I hope the words will mean something to each of you. I have titled it "A Cowboy's Last Words."

 Start each day on bended knee

And praise give to the maker of each Green acre

That you are called to be caretaker.

Start each day ready to work

And then go from sunup to sundown.

For God gave you a brain to think, legs to work and hands to hold.

Start each day with family in mind.

Some need a prayer, some need a call, and others just might need a kick in the behind.

Start each day on the back of a horse,

And reflect on the purpose of this life you have chose.

Start each day as if it is your last.

Keep up the pace and never look back.

Build on your pass, as life goes by just too darn fast.

And each day on bended knee,

And plead that tomorrow you'll be better than today.

For you will see your time will come,

And then you'll be seeing me.

This past week I attended our ward girls camp in Milk River. I went for a walk, and as I walked I was considering what I might say, I suddenly found myself walking pass a group of cactus. I bent down to pick it up and my finger was pricked. I smiled to myself and thought of Dale Cactus Still. Thick skin, survived darn near everything, and maybe to some even a little sting, but on the inside was a man who would serve neighbor, friend and stranger.