SERVICE - it's good for the soul!

I'm very grateful to have been called as a church service missionary, and even more grateful to be working at the Bishop's Storehouse here in San Diego.

Up until now, I've enjoyed performing service in my ward as I have the opportunity and the strength. I enjoy going to my church building on Saturday mornings and helping clean and prepare the building for Sunday Church Services. There is a very uplifting feeling that comes to me as I clean windows, vacuum the carpet, polish the pews/benches in the Chapel, mop floors and help clean the bathrooms. No matter how much physical energy I expend, I always leave feeling that I have been spiritually blessed in great abundance. Cleaning the local meetinghouse motivates me to show greater reverence to the building. I find myself picking up small things that others may have dropped or left behind (paper, cheerios, programs, etc). I also find myself wiping up excess water that I find in the Men's rest room.

Now, I have the opportunity one day every week to work at the Bishop's Storehouse. As I assist members to fill food orders, I try to be happy, pleasant, helpful and encouraging. I recognize devoted Relief Society Presidents who return often to fill and deliver orders to worthy members who are too ill to come themselves. These women are valiant and worthy servants - as they do everything possible to bless the lives of families and individuals in their wards. I recognize devoted members who accompany elderly members with love and kindness and assist to fill temporal and spiritual needs of those who need help and support. I see in action the words of our Savior when he said "Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

The welfare program of our church is truly inspired. The food and commodities that I help to distribute come from our fast offerings. These commodities belong to the Lord. As we complete our pledges to consecrate our time, talents and everything with which the Lord has blessed us to the building up of Zion, we receive so much in return. I am now starting to understand much better the scripture in Doctrine and Covenants 29:34 that says "...all things unto me are spiritual."

Today I began working an additional day that comes every other week. This is the day when our San Diego storehouse receives a replenishment delivery. It is amazing to help unload this huge 48 foot trailer, and see all the products that come from different canneries and welfare farms and ranches throughout the United States and Canada. Nearly 75% of the products we receive and distribute come from projects within the church. Some items are donated to us, such as Diapers, Baby Formula and Toilet Paper. Other products are purchased in bulk by the church at amazing discounts because of the sheer quantity ordered at one time. Our local storehouse is again full and ready for the orders that will be filled during the next two weeks. We were low on a few items, but we rarely run out of any product.

Yesterday, I helped put out the last of the boxes of Beef Roasts that were in the big freezer. As many members came to the storehouse, and large orders were filled, we began to run out of Beef Roasts. I returned two more times to the big freezer, and each time I found another box of Beef Roasts where I had already taken the last one. I recognized that the Lord knew how many Beef Roasts were needed to fill the orders for the members who were driving to the storehouse - AND HE PROVIDED for their needs. I received a greater testimony that our Heavenly Father knows us and knows what we truly need. If we will humble ourselves and come unto Him, He will bless us beyond our ability to receive.

My physical body is exhausted after working two days in a row, but my spirit soars and my soul is filled with the knowledge that I have been blessed to be a witness to this small miracle. I testify that God lives: He knows us, He hears our prayers, He can and will feed and nourish us both temporally and spiritually. We need not beg for crumbs. If we will come to His table - we can FEAST with Him.

A new grandson has arrived!

Reid Monroe made his appearance on Thursday February 5th. His proud dad and mom are Jonathan and Briana Monroe of Corona, California. Older brother Ethan is very excited about his new baby brother. Reid arrived weighing 7 lbs 1 oz and measuring 19.5" in length. We are all very happy with his safe arrival!

Christmas 2008 with my children & grandchildren

Here I am with all 8 of my grandchildren (as of Dec 2008) from left to right: Julia Salmon, Capri Salmon, Bruin Salmon, Trey Salmon, Ethan Monroe, Trent Salmon, Lauren Salmon, Grandpa, and Hudson Salmon

Here I am with my 6 children

front row left to right: Joylynn-18, Janell-29, Joanna-27

back row left to right: Joseph-24, Jonathan-29, Dad, Jason-21