So Long Daniel McGill

Our Bishop stopped by the other night, watched a little Aggie/Ute football and offered this side note:

"Oh, Jen, did you hear who moved"?

A big smile rose upon my face, which paralleled one on his face.
"I hate to admit my excitement Bishop", I replied, "but yes, Mick informed me about the exciting news the other night"!

Brother Yarmulke will now be joining the saints of Preston Idaho. My heart goes out to the dear gospel doctrine teacher(s) in Brother Yarmulke's new ward. As I write, I picture this unsuspecting soul bent over a bowl of ice cream pondering about Brother Yarmulke with their significant other. Little do they know that their discussions will get more mind bending and crazy as Brother Yarmulke gets comfortable in his new place of residency! I have to laugh and empathize in the same breath.

While noticing his absent self in class today, my mind could not escape the thought of what first impressions many of his new ward family had.

"Did you see that guy with that little hat"? I envision an old lady loudly whispering to another.

Or, raised eyebrows, an elbow to the rips, and a head tilt in the direction of Brother Yarmulke from a curious wife to her husband.

Little children asking their parents about his funny hat.

The bishop shaking his hand, meeting him for the first time, and then contemplating silently- "what have we here"?

I wonder if he introduced himself in his new Elders Quorum as he did in Micks? By sharing his vision of when Mary, Joseph and Christ appeared to him telling him he was a direct descendant of Christ and that he must wear his Yarmulke in respect to his Jewish heritage? Will he, in due time share how he has commanded hurricanes to cease and corn to grow? Will he discuss dysentery and how you can get it simply from touching a white foamy covered stick? Will he tell everyone how he is a watchmen over evil? How if he was Joseph Smith, he would know those who intended to take his life, and he would kill them first? Time will tell.

Would it be too much to wish for another brave sole to document his words through writing?

Preston is in for a real treat!

What an interesting fellow to come across in life. I consider myself blessed by our chance encounter. I will never forget Brother Yarmulke. Never forget his words that I've written down. Never forget the entertainment he provided Mick and I. Never forget his voice, or his large rope-belted-faded-black-pant-wearing self. Never will I forget sitting in the rear of the chapel seeing his shiny black shoulder pad Yarmulke resting on the crown of his towering gray head and having it put a smile on my face.

Farewell Brother Yarmulke...

Sunday Soapbox # 12- and yet some more of Bro. Yo.

As the sacrament was being administered Liberty leans over and asks in her not so quiet voice "Mom, how come that guy has a little hat"?

I nearly died of old man belly shaking laughter right there in the middle of the sacrament! I had to hug her to discreetly laugh all my sillies out and fain reverence until I was composed enough to mention it to Mick.

Brother Yarmulke's strange round rope belt self sat solo in the pew in front of us. Apparently Liberty had not noticed Brother Yarmulke til this afternoon. Just as well. In her eyes, I'm sure he's merely another old man...but with a different hat. You can't help but notice his 'hat'. I wonder how many other children have noticed him, strictly by the yarmulke alone, let alone his boisterous voice and self.

And speaking of boisterous voice...

Today's gospel doctrine lesson was about missionary work, specifically the early saints of the church and their sacrifice, courage and faith to willingly serve missions during tumultuous times of the church's infancy. A historical account was shared and then I asked the class what sacrifices are asked of us today, as missionaries in any capacity. I got the usual replies: time, patience, money, ability, then up pipes Brother Yarmulke.

"When I was with ___?___(The African King/ruler- whatever, I'm not knowledgeable about their political hierarchy, nor did I recognize the name he threw out) in Africa, it was easy. He had all the tribes lined up and they were flocking to be baptized- thousand of them!"

Apparently the sacrifice was non existent. The visual was too much.

"Any other ideas", I asked the class.

"Could you repeat the question", a voice came from the last row of chairs.

It's amazing I even remembered what topic of discussion I was leading! I proceeded to ask the question again amid cracked lips and shaking heads.
Bro. Yo. is killing me. Love the man, really, but he is going to deliver me to a slow, painstaking parting from this Earth. Truthfully.

At the introduction of my lesson, I had a male volunteer (my lovely Mick) come up to the front, read about who he was (Elder Erastus Snow- true story) and what he took on his mission. A change of socks, 5 coins and the scriptures in his bag. This set the stage for our discussion. Almost 15 minutes later when discussing where the first missionaries were sent, I asked if anyone knew where the first missions were. Bro. Yo raised his hand. I held my breath.

"When I lived in Ohio, if you didn't have a change of socks, you'd get what's called thrush and athletes foot. It happens in all the tropical places like Ohio(I was unaware that Ohio is considered a tropical state), Mississippi and Florida. Happens on the Amazon all the time, 'cept down there there's no one to help you. Miserable stuff".

"Good thing missionaries bring extra pairs of socks along then", I said feeling like I was instructing a classroom of extra information sharing first graders. Honestly, how am I expected to tie that comment into where the first missions were established? I did my best delivering a first grade response.

Later- yes, there is more if you can believe it-

Brother Yarmulke raised his hand again. I'm at least glad he's stopped snapping his fingers at me. I'm not a dog that comes running. This time I don't recall what part of the lesson we were discussing but in true Brother Yarmulke fashion he told the class some more jaw dropping, diplomatic shoulder rubbing coercion.

"Back when I used to work with Bill Clinton, and Barak Obama, BLAH BLAH BLAH (my memory fades me since I was concentrating on not letting my eyeballs look to obvious as they went rolling back in my head) blah blah blah BLAH BLAH BLAH blah blah. I told 'em to get Governor Huntsman for the job. They got him. Thanks to me he's lucky he has a job, chuckle, chuckle chuckle".

Politically savvy Bro. Yo. Thanks for your guiding influence over our foreign and domestic state of affairs. What would us wee little citizens do without your watchfulness? Our country might have come tumbling down. Fortunately to Brother Yarmulke we owe our patriotic servitude.

Let us all write letters of appreciation. Never mind the faith, courage and sacrifice of our predecessors.

Oh, my!

Sunday Soapbox #11

Many people have inquired about Brother Yarmulke as of late.

Have no fear, he's still at meetings plumply sitting in the front row with his shiny black yarmulke on head and a thin rope tied around his waist. He's just been rather non informative or better yet- on topic!

Brother Yarmulke intrigues me. I'd like to know more about him, but for obvious reasons I do not ask. For now I am content with what I know. I'm bound to discover more about him in his own time, of this I am certain.

I must admit that although Brother Yarmulke has been rather quiet, I have been hesitant to continue writing about him.

Maybe it is the Christian in me that feels guilty for writing hilarious stories about him for the blogosphere to read. I should be kinder, gentler, more accepting.

Maybe he and I shared a special moment when in desperation for a needed prayer, he willingly obliged, and it was a beautiful prayer. A sincere communication with God on behalf of our class. I was grateful.

So, am I gossiping?
Possibly just a tad. But these are true accurate moments shared to the best of my ability to remember them. I am after all, recanting the tales he has shared. Only a few lucky people actually get to witness them from his own mouth, and they are truly a delight! This is why I have shared them.

In the beginning, I admit he irritated me. Now, I feel like I can handle what he brings to the table. I have accepted him for who he is and even look for him to walk into the room and join us in class.

Crazy? Most likely. Though I'm betting I'm not the only person who feels this way.

Know that I will continue to recount stories of Brother Yarmulke. He is too good to pass up. Just know that I will write them with slightly more respect.

Until next time, if you are new to Brother Yarmulke, link to the label below and read all about him!

Sunday Soapbox #10

I learned a little more about Brother Yarmulke's childhood during the middle of my lesson today.
We were discussing characteristics, attributes and achievements of Emma Smith the wife of Joseph Smith. I had asked for the class to name some that came to their minds.

Brother Yarmulke had chosen a seat just outside of my right peripheral. As I scanned all areas of the room for raised hands, I noticed his, but pretended it was further out of my peripheral. This worked the first scan, but not the second. I was between a rock and a hard place, so I thought I'd make my self cozy and settle on in. "Yes", I said as I called on him, bracing for impact.

"On the farm my mother was always doin' laundry, woman's work, she used to call it. There was seven of us kids...She'd put up 50 boxes of quart bottles from the garden...Dad used to plow our plot by hand...I can barely plow my 15 by 2 foot plot..."

"So you'd say that Emma was a hard worker?" I said cutting him off nicely.

"I'd say that she didn't have time to work on that hymn book. She was too busy working those five years"

He was adding on to the previous conversation about Emma completing the Hymn book 5 years after she had begun it. I was commenting on her dedication to it, even though it took several years. Brother Yarmulke saw the human side of it, possibly why it may have taken Emma so long.

In all fairness, I had asked the class to apply the revelations in Doctrine and Covenants 25, which was given to Emma, to their lives. He offered great insight, and I was able to discover more about his mysterious self.
I was unsure where he was coming from at first.
He surprised me.
I like surprises I guess.

Sunday Soapbox # 9

Brother Yarmulke was noticeably absent in gospel doctrine today.

I must admit...

I missed him, or his stories for that matter!

Sunday Soapbox # 8

Today I was a listener in gospel doctrine. It's my off week. I love attending my partners lessons, she really does make the scriptures come alive with all her historical knowledge. She is a wonder! I wish I could teach like her. I suppose I add my own flavor to the class so I will be content with knowing this. She truly is fantastic though!

Brother Yarmulke showed up as usual today. Sitting front and center with his scriptures in hand, yarmulke on head, and rope belt strung tightly around his diaphragm. Susan asked for examples of revelations that were given to people of the scriptures. Someone brought up Moses and the parting of the red sea. Brother Yarmulke was next. It's hard to ignore someone who's hand is right in front of your face. You can't even fake that you don't see them. Poor Susan was stuck calling on him. He said, "in Florida the way we used to kill a catfish was we'd drop kick it! uh uh uh... ".

Sea, fish...I guess there could be a connection. Susan brought us back to the original question and the class proceeded. But for the next 10 minutes, and I kid you not, Andrew (another class member) was red faced and teary eyed as he sat next to his wife, who was taking her turn reading a scripture, and tried to squeeze his lips into a straight line and maintain his composure. It was all I could do not to look at him or I would bust into a grin. I can tell Mick and I are not the only couple discussing Brother Yarmulke! Oh, Brother Yarmulke, such laughter you provide our little ward in Logan.

Later on, Susan was directing us on what we could do to help invite personal revelation into our lives. She talked about humility, questioning and searching the scriptures, following the commandments, being faithful/patient, prayer and asking the Lord. Brother Yarmulke raised his hand and shared an interesting experience.

"You mentioned Moses and the exodus earlier...", he spoke, and then went on to describe that Moses spoke to him and showed him the tool which he had used to direct him and his people along their journey to the Red Sea. Brother Yarmulke described for us, in detail, how long this instrument was, what balls of stone it was made out of, how high it was, how it worked, etc".

Brother and sisters, Moses had spoken to brother Yarmulke and showed him some sort of navigation instrument! Interesting!

Susan simply said, "okay that is not doctrine so I'm not going to get into that, let's get back on topic. Is there anything else"? She recovered well. I was impressed!

I should mention that just prior to this moment the Bishop walked in and took his seat opposite the room from me. The chairs are set up in a semi circle type format. As Brother Yarmulke spoke I saw the Bishop's head peek out from behind the man in front of him and look me in the eye to offer an understanding smile. I smiled back thinking how I wish he could have been there early enough to hear the drop kicking catfish killing comment!

Sunday Soapbox #7

Ignorance is Bliss! In the case of Brother Yarmulke, that is.
I took up the challenge and tried my hand at ignoring.
It was uncomfortable at first.
I had to act like I didn't see his hand protruding to the sky- not once but three times- but I soon felt comfortable as I began turning my nose down to my notes in an effort to find my next thought. It felt empowering.
What a nice, non stressful lesson experience.
I would gladly take more of these kind,
Even if my life does lack a good Brother Yarmulke story!

Sunday Soapbox #6- more tales of Brother Yarmulke

Last week in Sunday School, we were talking about the influence of Christ in the Doctrine and Covenants. We had discussed His titles- more than 60 different ones He is known by in the D&C, His words about His atoning sacrifice, and next, His attributes. I had a list of scriptures on the board that I had asked the class to look up so they could research for themselves some of Christ's characteristics.

We began reading and discussing as one person volunteered. Soon he was done, and I asked for another reading. I heard Brother Yarmulke chuckle a grunt, so unfortunately I turned to look. He said (without being called on), and I quote "I was just reminded of the hat of the German soldiers and how it has a long spike (he's acting it out at this point- cupping an invisible spike pointing from his yarmulke skyward) and how they have........".

He proceeded to tell me and the rest of the class why these spikes existed. I wish I could say I remember, just for a good laugh, but I don't. My mind was too busy racing, grabbing at straws, desperately tying to find the connection between the German soldiers spike on their helmet and the ever humbling characteristics and attributes of our Savior Jesus Christ so I could tie them all together as a great teacher can. I came to the conclusion that there was none. "Hitler would be rolling over in his grave, chuckle chuckle chuckle" was the last thing I heard him say. My reply: a stumbled over, dumbfounded "Interesting". Now, I wish I would have said (hindsight being 20/20) "I'm not sure how that relates at all to Christ's attributes, so let's get back on track here". So simple, so honest and hopefully not to disrespectful. After all, everyone deserves respect.

At last, someone saved me by reading another scripture and returning the beautiful spirit of the meeting - Thank You Adam!

My teaching partner and I have now been advised to ignore. I will try my best, as this is hard to do with Brother Yarmulke!

Sunday Soapbox #5

WOW! Today's gospel doctrine lesson was, well...should I say uncomfortable.

I was corrected that the three Nephites were not changed at all, even though the Book of Mormon (3 Nephi 28) and my lesson manual, as produced and published by the church as doctrine mind you, says that they were indeed lifted up and transfigured to behold the workings of God and then changed that they could continue living as mortals over an continuation of time.- aka translated. This particular person told me I was wrong on this issue twice. I ignored him and just kept reading from the scriptures and my manual about what I know and have learned to be truth. I wasn't sure what to do about it. Stressed me right out! I even came home and studied it once again.

Brother Yarmulke (see reference here) proceeded to announce to Sunday school participants that during his years in Florida, he called off all hurricanes from destroying his town each time they would come through that area, until one time he let the destruction occur and such was the effect of a hurricane. All of this while in the middle of me teaching about the characteristics of Christs' church. Relation to the topic- NONE- and a little freaky I might add! I didn't have a response and just continued on with my lesson, desperately searching my brain as to the thought I had before his comment. Oh ya, that we belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints- Christs' church, not Mormons' church, as many people refer to us as Mormons (a nickname).

Then I'm quite certain that I offended someone by saying you either believe it (the gospel, Christs' church) or you don't. It's either black or white. Now, this is just my personal opinion, but he called me on it, and I do feel bad if I offended him. He asked me how I know it's black or white. I replied with my testimony of the gospel and what I know to be true. I don't sit on the fence, never been a fence sitter in any facet of my life. What else could I do? He was considerate and respectful in his comments, which I appreciated. I'm learning I need to curb personal opinion and stick with the facts. I follow the manual for every lesson, and add in some personal touches. This will be a struggle for me.

Another man came up to speak with me after everyone else left. He told me I was wrong about the gospel being black or white in regards to truth. He related a story about how he gained a testimony of the Godhead as we believe, years after he believed it, but he told me I was wrong. In my opinion, he hadn't gained a testimony of it yet. That's what's so great about the gospel. You can search it, test if out and then receive a witness. It's black or white. you believe it or you don't. I don't get it. I guess some people see the gray. I don't so much. This is not science, it's belief. Everybody is entitled to their opinion. I apologized and told him that it was not my intent to offend him, this was just how I view my beliefs.

About 5 individuals told me that they enjoyed my lesson, that I did a good job, that I handled some situations well, despite the circumstance. Who knows. I'm frustrated. I know I didn't teach topics that are not doctrine, just shared my opinion about how I accept the gospel. I'll be over it in time for the next lesson.

Suggestions anyone?

I'm grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ and His truths. I'm grateful for my testimony of it, and how it impacts my life daily. I do not claim to know everything- no one can, but I love to research the scriptures and learn as much as I can. I will continue to do so.

Sunday Soapbox #3 (oops, it's Wednesday)

So last Sunday, my Gospel Doctrine lesson was on the scattering and gathering of Israel and what we as Latter-day Saints have to do with it. In our ward we have an older gentleman who wears a yarmulke. Yes, that is a Jewish head cap, and yes, we belong to the LDS faith. I know this sounds horrible, but I have been calling him Yarmulke because I have no idea what his name is. After I related the following story to the ladies at work, Doree came up with this guys new name- Brother Yarmulke! Fitting don't you think? It's not often an LDS brother shows up to church in a yarmulke. Well, not very often anywhere besides Logan 3rd ward, I'm certain.

Any who! I had finished reading a quote from President Kimball explaining that the gathering of Israel in still in effect, just more of a spiritual gathering vs. physical. Where new converts are encouraged to gather in their native lands and spread the gospel. Brother Yarmulke raised his hand and said; all the while sitting parallel and perpendicular to three Mexican Americans, "Obviously the Mexicans don't understand that". He was implying a lot. I was stunned. I wasn't sure how to respond to that one! Was this a class on immigration, or a Sunday school class? Quickly I said, "I'd have to disagree with you on that one", then proceeded on with my lesson. The ignorance and lack of tact by some people- I tell you what!

After I had bore my testimony about the truths of our lesson, I asked for a closing prayer. My mother in law was there to watch the girls primary program, and caught the end of my lesson. I saw her point across the room, signaling to something. Up in the air was another mans hand.
"Yes", I said to the man.
"What is the name of our nation". I was caught of guard... again. Timing maybe? Topic?
"The United States of America", I replied.
"Obamanation" he says with a old man snicker.
" I would hope it's still the United States of America" I said amid the silence of the room.
"I'll say the prayer" as he stands to come to the microphone.
You better after that one I say silently.
What is it with old men ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRH!!!!!!!

Can't wait to see what comments they throw at me next time. To think I even asked for 'appropriate comments' before I started my lesson. I'm afraid the bold confrontational Jen is going to need to make an appearance, and I mean soon. I'm not up for teaching Political Doctrine Class.