In the past two weeks it has been my joy as well as other families to host some children from Panama. I cannot even begin to tell you the joy it brings to my heart to watch them experience so many things in their lives. To hear the shouts of joy and to see the smiles and laughter as they experience that which we so much take for granted. It has been my joy to travel to Panama over the past 26 years and I would have to say the bringing of children to the United States even for a short time has brought some of the greatest amount of joy to me. Yes it is difficult and there are sometimes obstacles that stand in the way but nothing is done unless we are persistent and sometimes we are the ones who has to make it happen. With much prayer all things are possible. We may not succeed in everything we want to do but that does not mean we should not put forth the effort. With this letter you're going to find some pictures attached that demonstrate what I'm talking about. All it takes is a little money and some of our time to make a difference. I know sometimes in our economical problems that is experienced in our country and around the world we sometimes have to balance what we're going to cut out. And sorry to say so many times the things which we cut out is that which we have been doing to help others. The mentality is, “charity begins at home.”

If today was the day that you could make a difference in the life of someone, what would it be? Think about this, the very thing you do and the things that you say might be the very thing to make someone have a good day or a bad day. I received a compliment from one of my granddaughters on grandparents day last year. And maybe through the eyes of a child will explain everything that I am trying to say. Children are honest and they say what is in their heart. We do not always do that as adults and we are hurtful to others. I do not believe I deserve what she said but it is from a young heart and I want to share it with you:

“My Granddaddy Is so nice. He is really sweet, fun and spends time with me. He is also a missionary but I'm not going to talk about that. He is the best! First of all my granddaddy is as sweet as a stuffed animal. He always gives me hugs. Whenever I see him he will give me a big hug. He is also very caring to me. He trust me always. I love him! The second reason is, he is a lot of fun for example he is never in a bad mood. He is always in a good mood. Every time I've seen him he is in a good mood. Also he always gives me cool presents on Christmas and my birthday. I always get a fantastic gift. My granddaddy is great! The final reason is he spends time with me. For example he is never mean at all. Just like he is in a great mood all the time . Also he's always there for me. He is so nice I love him. Now you have learned all of the wonderful stuff about my granddaddy. How he is sweet, fun and spends time with me. That's everything. I love my granddaddy.”

I know I do not deserve that kind of praise but I have tried to teach and to encourage people even if you are in a bad mood do not let them know it. I have tried to practice over the years never take your problems out on others. It is not always easy but how can you make a difference if you look like you have just eaten a dill pickle and you have a sour outlook.

Over the past two weeks I have watched the smiles of the children and one of them said, “it is a dream and I am going to have to wake up.”

Are you the kind of person that helps make dreams come true? My encouragement to you today is to smile. It takes no money and no extra time to smile and make someone have a great day. When you help others and you serve others you are the one who receives the greatest benefit. Whether it be your children or your grandchildren or someone else's children let them see joy for there is so much sadness in our world and children see so much sadness and often see so little joy.

I promise each one of you, you will not miss your next meal by helping others have a better day. Sharing is what we are put here for.

God bless each one and may your week ahead truly be one of joy and let your sadness be turned to joy.

Larry

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