Companion inventory, Take 2

Missionary companions come in four types: good, better, best — and bless their heart!

Supply and demand

It's amazing how much meaning a simple piece of cloth can take on.

Personally, I have three ties that I brought home from my mission. Each holds a special place in my personal pantheon of neckwear. One was a gift from a member in my first area; another I bought at the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival; and the third is about the ugliest tie I've ever seen. It's been officially retired from the office Father's Day ugly tie contest. It's that good.

One of my sons left with a dozen ties and came home with nearly 100. And one of our local missions has banned a certain style of tie (the skinny pastel floral print) because among the missionaries it became like the Sneetches and their stars.

Missionaries form a close, personal attachment to some of their ties. Not only do they help recall people, places or events, they help recall how it felt to be a missionary. Maybe that's why we hold them so dear — they're the ties that bind.

Sketchbook: On a tight schedule

I've heard nothing but praise for the new church schedule from parents of small children. I wonder why that is?

I'll snow where you want me to snow

There are those who right away know their call is inspired!

The flowers of grace appear

Wasn't this one supposed to stay in the sketchbook?

Elder Brightside

It always amazes me how upbeat and optimistic missionaries can be, even when they're going through challenging times.

That's not to say that there aren't times that get them down, or some discouragement creeps in. Yet usually even that doesn't last very long (one transfer was my record!). But overall, I'd say they're the happiest group of people I know!

Woke for seminary

After a couple of weeks off, it can be awfully hard to get back into the old routine. Especially if it involves morning!