29 September 2019
This is a photo I took at Joe's Farm Grill, a restaurant in Gilbert.  It's a Tamarind tree.  The main trunks (2) lie on their sides and then new shoots grow straight up.  There are signs posted saying Do Not Climb.  The first reason stated is because you may fall.  The 2nd reason, a more compelling reason from my perspective, is you may be stung by scorpions.  I've never seen a tree grow like that and it is massive.

The zinnia seeds I planted a week ago yesterday afternoon are now about 2 inches high.  I've never seen a seed germinate that quickly.  My tomato plants look healthy and may have grown a bit, but no blossoms yet.  There are two large pecan trees out my kitchen window (the back yard of the "big" house) and I learned yesterday that they will soon be ripe.  How nice to have fresh pecans for the picking.

One of the perks of my mission, is living 20 minutes away from my oldest son and his wife.  Julie threw Scott a surprise retirement party on Friday evening and I was able to be a part of that.  I went over ahead of time and helped Julie and her friend decorate and prepare.  The look on Scott's face when he saw his friends in the kitchen and heard them shout "Congratulations" confirmed that he had no idea Julie had planned the party.  It was such an enjoyable evening that I would have missed, but for my mission.

I am enjoying my scripture study time each morning.  I've just finished reading in the Book of Mormon, 3rd and 4th Nephi which tell of the events on this continent following the crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  He taught the people the things he had taught in the Old World.  The people believed him, were baptized and became a righteous people and, for more than 200 years, they enjoyed peace.  Little by little pride crept in and they became a wicked people.  There were terrible wars with thousands being killed on both sides.  I thought how similar the world is today.  People came to America for religious freedom and for a few hundred years we were known as a Christian nation.  It is sad to see that changing, and so dramatically in relatively few years.   Christians are now persecuted.  Anti-semitism is rearing it's ugly head again.   Until we accept and live the teachings of Jesus Christ, things will not get better.  I can see clearly why the leaders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encourage it's members to read in the Book of Mormon each day for it is another, a 2nd witness of Jesus Christ.  It gives hope and teaches of His power and love.