Hey,

I did decide on a scripture for the Plaque. I want to use Jacob 5:71(I think that's the reference). It's from the Allegory talking about how this is that last time that the Vineyard will be nourished. There were a lot of good scriptures on that list.

I haven't sent the memory card yet, actually. I will let you know when I do though. I will soon, i think.

That is awesome about Chris. I'm way excited for him!

The 4th of July wasn't much fun. We didn't get much good work done. Everyone was out of town. The Ward Mission Leader in Sapulpa took us to Taco Bell(Elder Perry's idea). And we watched the Joseph Smith movie with the members that we live with.

Today the Elders Quorum President and the Executive Secretary in Sapulpa, Bros. Chai and Contreras, respectively, took us out for a round of golf. It was a blast! I did terrible. But that's okay. I haven't played seriously in years. It was Elder Perry's first time playin 18 holes. He's just done the driving range before. He did very well. Though I am unsure how much he enjoyed it.

The Bishop of the Jenks ward had us over for steaks a week ago Sunday. They were AMAZING steaks. He is an F-16 pilot. He is in Houston two weeks of the month, so he can't be at church during that time, which is sad. But he still does an excellent job. And he protects a large chunk of our nation's oil supply, which is good.

Speaking of which, it sounds like the Jenks ward will be getting their own set of missionaries next transfer. It's not set in stone, but is pretty likely. That will be nice for both wards.

113 degrees in St. George is nothing. Try 105 degrees in Tulsa, with 50-60% humidity. THAT sucks. This week has cooled off quite a bit though, which is nice. I don't look forward to August haha.

So, I keep forgetting to tell you about my one of my favorite treats here that I make. I learned it from Elder Nielson. It's called a Brownie Delight. So, you buy a super cheapo Wal-Mart brand Brownie Mix(and you know I hate that kind of thing, so you know this must be good). You mix up the batter and refrigerate it. When you want a treat, you put a heaping spoonful of it in the bottom of a bowl, along with a spoonful of Hot Fudge. You microwave it for 30 seconds, then throw about 2 scoops of ice cream on there. Preferably chocolate chip or Cookies and Cream. Simple. Hot. Cold. Chocolatey. Ice Creamy. Delicious. I love it! It's so unhealthy.... haha.

Remember the family that we baptized? Well the still have 3 kids unbaptized. We are working on them. One is pretty close. One is a few months away. The Third has no interest.... yet haha. They will get there though.

Baptists are really hard to talk to. You can tell them about the Restoration. They won't even try to say it's false. They're response is simply, "Well, I'm Baptist." Period. It's very frustrating.

I hate all the Preachers who try to tel us what we believe, and how it's false. They never even know or understand what we believe, and they won't listen long enough to find out. That is also very frustrating. So, although being here has many advantages(car, cell phone, good wards, free country, email, wal-mart, etc), it certainly has it's own unique challenges.

I bore my testimony in Sacrament Meeting in Jenks yesterday. It was awesome. I love this country. It may be pretty screwed up right now, but it's still the Promised Land, and it is still the best country in the world to live in.

Well, That's all I can really think of to say right now. I will talk to you next week!

Love,

Elder Bracken




Hey,

My 4th was.... okay. The Ward Mission Leader in Sapulpa took us to Taco Bell, and we watched Joseph Smith: Prophet of the Restoration with the family that we live with. It wasn't bad. No BBQ though.

Sounds like you had a lot of fun! That's so funny that Michelle got hurt. Sad, but funny. She just has the worst luck with water fights!

That sucks about Manda and Scott. I'll keep them in my prayers.

That Tab Choir concert was amazing, or so I hear from all the members here.

I haven't met President Merkley yet. I will at Zone Conference in a couple of weeks. We talked to him on the phone for about 2 minutes the other day. Sounds like an awesome guy.

Love,

Elder Bracken