Another Awesome Day to Match Yesterday's Tender Mercies and Recollections

I focused today on learning what the meaning of the ordinances are that we do in the temple. I am amazed of the concepts that I had never considered and learned. It is true, that we are literally taught from on high when we are within the walls of the holy temples. It is my witness that all that is needed is to ask, whether it is in prayer or thought. I know God is omnipotent and hears our prayers and thoughts. Incredible.

I saw so many people that I knew and even had a sister, Syd C., from son, Hank's ward who agreed to do one of the temple names I had. Two more down for today. One of the most rewarding things I felt was seeing my bishop there as we both got there at the same time. He was in the same session as I was and several other ward members as well. I felt so much love for them and the feeling of unity being there with them.

As I was leaving I picked up another temple schedule for my bag. Then I saw a former ward member when my Dad, Carlos was in the ward with me. Brother Verl Doman stood at the front recommend desk. He was so cheerful and so glad to see me, he gave me a hug as he walked to meet me. He glowed as usual, he has such a spiritual light about him, really. He actually taught Grandpa Rodriguez as he was our ward mission leader. He spoke so kindly of my dad, and we reminisced about those memories. It felt so good to see him and Susan and recall my gratitude for all that he did for my dad when he was so teachable while living with me, but then moved to Idaho.

To continue the saga about Grandpa's Temple work:

Verl and Susan had returned from their mission in England with Public Affairs several months after my dad had passed away. I ended up asking him if he wanted to baptized Carlos and he answered in the affirmative, anytime. I told him he would have to wait for the anniversary of a year from Daddy's death.

This was in late June 2004, so we would have to wait until September to perform his baptism. Verl gave me his phone number, and I wrote it in my scriptures facing the title page to be sure not to lose the number to call when it came time. Well, the time came so Aaron was proxy and Bro Doman performed the baptism at the Mt. Timpanogos Temple one day after the anniversary of his passing.

The rest of the temple work would have to wait per son, Hank's request until came back from Cuba on leave the following month. It was a great time for me, and all of us to finally have my sealing to my parents and my deceased brothers'; and grandparents and for my own parents to be sealed to each other as husband and wife forever. I have a family tradition to enjoy a feast party each year to give recognition of that marvelous day. I try to have tamales and traditional Mexican food in their memory. The anniversary is two days before, El Dia de Los Muertos. Or All Souls Day and the day before Hallowed Eve aka Halloween.

I am so grateful for the blessing it is to have these ordinances as a welding link to connect our families forever.

Family Re-Union dates, times etc--

Just one of the projects we will be making at the Fabulous '08 Family Reunion--

News Flash!! I have been of the phone making contact with family to come up with some concrete dates for our Family Reunion this July--So, PLEASE make note of this on your calendars.

OK, the last two weeks in July look like the best times for getting Matt & Beth here at the same time together, and overlap for Aunt Mary Beth's Stampin' Up Convention. Those of you who live close by have a two week window to join us and connect for several events/activities to make it a great reunion. I have been getting projects to do and getting ready for the activity part of it, that you will absolutely love!

Matt and Beth will be here those last two weeks of July. Mary Beth is coming in on Sunday, July 26th, she said so she can have Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with US!!
Matt said they would book their flights right away to get the best rates for those times. One more time on those dates-- July 27, 28th and 29th for M.B. and Matt & Beth here at same times.

I talked to Michael also, he said there is a good possibility Joanna and the boys will be able to be here about the same time too, and now we just need getting Michael here also for those same three days Aunt Mary Beth is here ...he's missed seeing her each time. I am keeping my fingers crossed.

Family History Project comes to fruition--almost

This photo was given to me by my Grandfather, Ricardo--->

Eduiges Ulloa Rodriguez 1920, recent widow of Jesus Maria Rodriguez with her children, Maria, Ricardo, Jesus (Chuy) Clementina, Lupe, Elena, seated--Gustavo and Arturo--

I give my self a pat on the back and say "Good Job!" I was able to finish the list of photos I had downloaded on a CD disc at Wal-Mart last month. There is a reason I wanted to get it done now, in early March. My brother's daughter, Lisa Peterson's birthday is tomorrow. I felt an urge to get her a copy of this CD. I am sending it to her since she is the oldest child of Bob and Shirley. I also had a card returned that was addressed to Michael Rodriguez, their second son which gave me no other option but to send it to Lisa. I hope she likes it and acknowledges some kind of appreciation.

Knowing who you are is your Identity--

It is nice to know one's own roots and I pray that this project will give them that sense of who they came from. The photos are mostly of our ancestors, but are dominated by Elena's family. I have other photos of Rodriguez' but that can be for another time. The main thing here is to get sent what I have and included some photos of Bob as an infant and growing up to adulthood. It is a rather nice CD and know it will be of some worth to my siblings and their families.

I pray that they will be blessed with the understanding of who they are and from where they came. We have agreat heritage and all have enjoyed the many blessings we would not otherwise embrace. Where would we be had Buelito, our grandfather, Ricardo Rodriguez not come to the United States when he did back in 1916?

This pictorial history is only a portion the the greater which will contain many letters and documents not captured on the first CD. I have a large file yet with mostly Carlos' photos of his chronological biographical history. So the ones that are included on the disc are just a small sketch of his biography.

I feel very thankful to have had the birthright that I enjoy through the ordinances of the holy priesthood. I take very seriously that right and the responsibility I have to my progenitors that comes with that charge. I was told many years ago that my mission in life would be to gather all that I could find on my ancestors and to REMEMBER them, as per instructed at a very early time in my life.

Personal conviction:

I was given to understand that when I was bitten by the dog at age ll months, I left my body and did not experience the physical pain that occurred at that time. I went through the veil and visited with the Savior and sat on his lap. My ancestors were all there and asked me to remember them and I had promised I would at the appropriate time. It was my privilege to go back since I had missed everyone since I was born 11 months earlier. I was reminded about my promise when my paternal grandmother passed. I was sitting in the Catholic Church in San Antonio and was told I would be the keeper of the records of my extended family as well as my own family and complete the work for them as I was instructed to do years before. I take this very seriously and strive to be diligent in this assignment.

This work is ongoing and is it ever done?