A lesson in cooking, perception and sophistry

I have been following with interest the culinary expoits of my neice Devry Gale DelHoyo. It seems she is, or has become quite the expert with regard to matters of the palette. I take some credit for this because, after all, it was me who introduced her to the finest Salsa known to mankind. In fact, it is still a sore subject that my recipe is in every ward cookbook along the Wasatch front. However, I understand completely, as our priesthood lesson this past Sunday was on charity. In this spirit of charitable giving, I must tell my faithful readers about a marvelous culinary delight Pam and I participated in just tonight. We were not able to make our annual Valentine's dinner this year due to unforseen circumstances, so tonight I decided to prepare a special surprise for Pam. I have worked on this recipe for years and have finally perfected it. I know the photo of Pam's new favorite dish will not do it justice and I know those of you who think Devry's cooking is magnificient will just drool with envy. But here it is in all its glory. Cheerios marinade de leche. I will be glad to share the recipe with everyone for the next family gathering.

I also would like to share with you how important proper perception is. Sometimes we hear, read or see things in a different light than others. For example, after re-watching P&P on PBS the last several Sundays, I am still convinced that I am right. The first version was much better. My dearest sister denounces my declaration to the world stating that it was not true to the story. However, having read P&P, I do not recall ever reading that Lizzy, while looking in the mirror, sees a fading in Mr. Darcy's face while he repeats her misperceived calloused words to her. The latest version also took several literary and screenplay type trips into the woods. I guess it all depends on our point of view and personal frame of reference as to how we perceive things.

To illustrate my point, I am quoting several lines from Elder Arnett's latest email.

Hey Parental Units.
Man this week had its downs. Alot of our appointments fell out this week ... hating it. Still haven't gotten too much language... girlfriend lives in Arizona ... this new life that it would lead to...I just hope we can meet.. just trying to reinstate some sort of contact to see if we can't revive something.
Yesterday I had this random feeling that I should call. It was great. We talked for an hour. I also talked to President for 30 minutes yesterday. I'm angry. It hurts...My only question is can we afford it? I don't know what will have to be done, but it shouldn't be that bad. But we (President Thompson and I) kept talking. I hope he didn't take it wrong. I can feel it trying to move back.. Remember dad, I told you about it a long time ago.... I just have to wait for my money to come in cause it costs
Don't cry mom. I'll be home soon. Elder ChArnett!

Please note: The above is not the gist of Chad's email to us. It is below. I am trying to illustrate a point.

So, from reading the above selective editing of his email you might get the wrong impression. Perhaps, we do our own selective editing too often. Sometimes we think we know what the big picture is, but it's out of focus, or we are, and turns out to be something completely different when our perspective changes.

So, I'm learning that the following statements may mean something different to me than they do you. Here they are: "Here's looking at you kid", "Don't cry for me Argentina", "I coulda been a contender", "Shoot straight you bas.....ds, don't make a mess of it", "I'll be back" and my favorite, Oh, ---, what have I done? Incidentally, some free salsa anyone who can correctly identify which movie each of these lines came from.

Here is Elder Arnett's latest email;

Hey Parental Units.
Man this week had its ups and downs. But I'm happy to report that I'm happy!Alot of our appointments fell out this week. Namly with Thieza and Clara. We just couldn't get in contact with those two or get an appointment again. But we are still trying to get them in contact with more of the ward seeing as our Star Joint Teach is going back to Brasil in a week or two. Reason being, because this Star Joint Teach, Ranatta, is a nanny here and is hating it. Still haven't gotten too much info in the language we need, but thats ok.We got to meet up with Felix Köster. Man, I have a good feeling about this kid. He's 19 and has a lot of questions. He lived in ARIZONA for a little and played VOLLEYBALL. In fact I remember seeing him and his team play at the State Tourney. It was an amazing connection that we had, and now its just trying to get him when he has time. He is doing Civil Dienst instead of the Army and doesn't have too much time. His girlfriend lives in Arizona too and she's a member. When we were talking we came to the subject of what the people believe about Mormons and I asked him what he believed. He laughed and said 'Vieles'. He later told us that he's torn between the Faith of his childhood and parents (Evangelish) and the Faith of his girlfriend and this new life that it would lead to. He is promising and I just hope we can meet with him soon.We still can't get in contact with Gopal Verma. At GMK I asked Brüder Bachmann to find a member who had a good relationship with him so we could ask them to call him. I never really had the chance to talk to him before Elder Gerber left cause Gopal was in India. So we're just trying to reinstate some sort of contact with him. He was ready. But we've been told by ward members not to push it too hard. We are taking that in consideration, but I want to teach someone.And that's our week with investigators. We are going by on a lot of old contacts and investigators trying to see if we can't revive something. The message hasn't changed, but maybe one of them has.Stake Conference was awesome! It was great to have new examples (President Uchtdorf) for the members to see how GMK should be run. That was a problem that we have been trying to work on. And with President Uchtdorf saying we need to use Preach My Gospel with our daily study to the members was the point we've been trying to drive. He spokes to us via satellite. It was great.
Mother. Yes, I did get your V-Day package. Thank you. And as for the ward newsletter, just use something from my emails unless they specifically want me to write them, in which case I will, but naja, I dont really want to.

I was on another exchange this week. It was nice and relaxing. Sometimes you just need to catch your breath. I loved it.

Yesterday I had this random feeling that I should call Nicholas Garbacz (the man that was baptised in Essen), so I did. It was great. We talked for an hour and he told me that he just received the Greater Priesthood yesterday! I was so happy. I can't even explain. And he's also the Ward Mission Leader and we talked alot about that.

I also talked to President for 30 minutes yesterday. My retainer broke. The permanent one on my bottom teeth. Some of the glue broke off and I'm angry. It hurts. It cuts me when I talk, but naja, ya win some ya lose some. He gave me a number of a dentist that I should call. My only question is can we afford it? I don't know what will have to be done, but it shouldn't be that bad. But we (President Thompson and I) kept talking. He asked me how I was doing. I said good. He said you sure? I replied, doing better. I then relayed my delima that I've been facing the past 3 months and these constant feelings and thoughts that I have about wanting to teach more. We had a nice talk. But now I'm nervous for transfers, I hope he didn't take it wrong.
Back to the teeth thing. Is it ok if I get it fixed? I can feel it trying to move back. Just one tooth. It does hurt. It's that pain I had before braces. Remember dad, I told you about it a long time ago. Like things are pressing on each other. Bah. I hate my teeth!

I started running and lifting a few weights. I can feel my body falling apart. So I decided to do something to fight it. I'm fat. And I love it. The food here is just too good.

I got a package from Aunt Diane and Cousin Lauren. Tell them thanks for me, cause I don't think I'll get a chance to write them. We do this new prepaid email cafe thing so I limit myself.
I LOVE POPCORN AND THE COOKIES DIANE SENT ME ARE AMAZING. PERIOD.

And thats pretty much my week. I'm still freezing my buns off. I think next winter I'm buying a new jacket. This one just doesn't keep me warm.

Hey what happened to our car? The Pilot? Why can't you drive that mom? Oh and I have a letter for you, I just have to wait for my money to come in cause it costs an Euro 70 (1.70) to send something state side. Patience k?

Hey can you guys try to find me Blake Bigelow's mission address and Spencer Websters Email? I wanna get in touch with those two.

It's weird to hear that the family is growin and when I get back I'm gunna have all these little tikes to play with. I'm excited though.

Don't cry mom. I'll be home soon enough and I'll probably be saying no alot. 'Chad go stand by the sign so I can get a picture.' 'No mom.' 'Chad, go clean your room.' 'No mom.' 'Chad go get married and give me grandkids.' 'No mom.' 'DO IT NOW!' 'I don't want to mom.' 'Thats it, I've had it. JEFF!! COME TALK SOME SENSE INTO YOUR SON!! I KNOW YOU'RE THERE JEFF. JEFF!!!'

Ok I'm out. Loves and missing.

Elder ChArnett!
On 2/25/08, Pamela Arnett <pamiam1218@hotmail.com> wrote:
Hi Elder Chad--- I forgot to ask you something! Did you ever get a box from me yet? It was for Valentines Day. Can you let me know? I've just been wondering....tell me what you else you want soon!! I just wish I could see you. One of my students said something that totally reminded me of you when you were a little boy and I started crying! Can you believe that???? Well, of course you can. He said "No" like a little kid, and looked like you used to. Pretty funny. For the newsletter should we just use part of one of your e-mails? Or do you want to write a special one? Just do what you want. Okay, that's about it sweetie.........love you!!

I'll taking all the ribbing you can give...

I am updating my blog due to overwhelming demand from my loyal readers and our recent acquisition of the Turner Classic Movie Channel. It seems since my recent "prime rib" experience has laid me up for awhile I've discovered some great movies and books. Here are some I am recommending: Movies -- The Importance of Becoming Earnest (the original starring Michael Redgrave) not the one with the Legally Blonde lady; The Original P&P (because it was filmed as a comedy, which of course it was), not the self-serving, haughty, boorish new one; anything with Gregory Peck in it particularly black and white movies, especially Roman Holiday. For the benefit of my nieces and sister I recommend reading the shortened version for dummies of P&P which gives a delailed account of Jane Austen's life and times. Interesting reading, because I refuse to see "On becoming Jane Austen".

With regard to books, I recommend highly, "A Chronology of Joseph Smith", compiled by a Hollywood screenwriter (Lord of the Rings). You can get it on ebay. It is a "no holds barred" account of Brother Joseph's dealings. Also, I recommend reading "The Book of Mormon", it's a fabulous true account of God's dealings with a certain people who migrated from Jerusalem to their Promised Land. There is some conjecture as to where that promised land was and is, but truly a marvelous book. In fact, I've heard that a man could get closer to God by reading it than any other book.

I'm going to update some of Elder Arnett's comings and goings. I apologize if this is repetitive to some of you, but here goes.

Chad served the until the beginning of December in Essen, Germany in the most densely populated area of Germany. He then was transferred to Lauenburg in Northern Germany, a small town of around 12,000. His area takes in four German states and covers many miles. They travel by train and at times don't get back to their apartment until midnight or after. The ward he is serving in takes in that area as well. One small village of about 200 is half Mormon. It seems as though after WWII most of the village was converted and many immigrated to the US. The ones that stayed however are not active. Chad spends alot of time traveling to and from appointments and working hard to generate investigators. Teaching opportunities are highly coveted as are teaching native Germans.

Here is a copy of his last letter and the one I sent him which updates you on my health condition.

From:
Chad Arnett
Sent:
Mon 2/18/08 2:34 AM
To:
Pamela Arnett (pamiam1218@hotmail.com)
PARENTALS!!

Well this week was good. It was regenerating. A lot of good things happened for us. Zone Conference is always good and we had some new ideas on how we could get people to stay and talk with us for longer than the usual 'Keine Zeit.' We started implementing that and have doubled our lessons taught in the same amount of time. Then, we had a zone leader tausch. I learned a lot there and have revamped my initial approach when talking to people on the street. We had 3 people at church yesterday. Thieza, Clara, and Felix (all JAE's!). It was the first time I met Felix and we hit it off. He was in ARIZONA for a while visiting his girlfriend who is a member in Tucson. Is there a better connection? I think not! I have really high hopes for him and we are trying really hard to set up an appointment. As for Thieza and Clara, they are both from Brazil and I think Thieza should and can be baptized. The only problem I foresee is that she may not understand all that we are teaching. We are trying to get all the materials we can in Portuguese to give to them. So far so good, but Rannata, the joint teach, goes back to Brazil in two weeks so we are trying really hard to set up another link with the ward. Hopefully more than one. Luckily, many of the ward memebers have approached us about it. I think they are finally coming around and getting a bit more excited for the work. We called Gopal on Sat. to ask him to come to church. He avoided it. I'm not giving up on him, but I'm just wondering what happened in India and why he won't set up an appointment with us.On Sunday, we extended a soft baptisimal commitment to Thieza. She believes that Joseph Smith was a prophet, but hasn't gotten a definite answer yet. We began to teach the 2nd lesson yesterday. We are trying to take it slow so she understands it all. We don't want to make a mistake! So we are just trying to stay busy and get some people on date. I'm hoping soon someone will accept! I think I am realizing how badly we all need the atonement. I realize I'm not who I want to be or the kind of teacher I want to be and I have come to see how I can get better. See the problem is that we dont get many opportunities to teach here. Or, at least we havent. I can take rejection like a pro though! No, but one of the main points of zone conference is to change our expectations. and I've been working on that -- changing it from this is a hard non-baptizing mission to, yes, we baptize alot! It's hard to have confidence in myself now though. I've been trying to be happy and have the new expectations that we talked about at zone conference. I'm not where i want to be. I've been trying to change that feeling and thought, but alot of the time it is overwhelming. I just hope I have that new feeling throughout and at the end of my mission where I know the Lord is pleased. It's starting to become my most central desire. Its a scary thing because I see how unworthy I am to carry the Lord's name. How unworthy we all are. He was a perfect man. And, the things he did for me are indescribable. He pleads in my behalf, but I don't understand why. The love He has for us. It's hard for me to wrap my brain around. I've always had the question 'Why did he have to suffer so much? What was the point?.' No answer anyone gave satified me. But I think I found my own. I wanted to know who was crying for Justice and in whom was mercy supposed to received from? In our Father in Heaven? No, that couldnt be. He already had such love and mercy for us. That's why He had this earth created and sent his Son. But I think I finally realize, I finally understand. And I have a greater appreciation for Heavenly Father's plan. There is fine line between the laws of justice and mercy that He walks. I feel I have a greater understanding of WHY Christ had to suffer so much. I have a respect for the earth and everything on it. For the stones and the trees and the grass and the animals, who are all fulfilling the measure of their creation and being exactly obedient to the Father, are they are the ones demanding justice. The law says we cannot go back to the Father. We sin. We are unclean. That law that God laid, the order of the universe that the 'lesser intelligences', the trees and the earth and the grass and the stones and the animals, follow, is the same law that says we cannot go back if we are not completely obedient. And, so God sent His Only Begotten Son. The Man who all the intelligences love in whose name they move and exist. The 'First councilor in the presidency of the Godhead'. These lesser intelligences love Him so much that He was the only one who could have performed the atonement. He suffered so much, so that when He asks the other intelligences to let us in, they will say, 'they weren't perfect, but because You, the Redeemer of All, want to let them in Heavenly Father's presence, ok, we'll let them in.' It's not just our sins against God and our fellow man that will cry against us at the last day, but our sins against the lesser intelligences. So now you can understand why I hope to do better. I hope to become a better teacher and a better servant of the Lord. Its not a self-pity thing, or something I need comfort with, but a big realization I've come to.I've gotta run, we have to travel 4 hours by train to get to an appointment tonight. Fun fun eh? Ok, send my love to everyone. Chris and Cami's baby is really cute. I wish I could hold him! And Lauren sends me a bunch of stuff and I love her.I'm out. I love and miss you both a lot. Mom the picture with the dots scared me! I didn;t realize I'd been out so long.

Loves,Elder ChArnett of the Germany Hamburg Mission now serving in Lauenburg formerly serving in Essen where he baptized the most awesome new convert named Nicholas Alexander Garbacz, now a Melchizedek Priesthood Holder and Ward Mission Leader of the Essen Ward in the Dortmund Stake of the Europe Central Area.

On 2/18/08, Pamela Arnett <pamiam1218@hotmail.com> wrote:
Dear Elder Chad Jeffrey Arnett of the Germany Hamburg Mission now serving in Lauenburg formerly serving in Essen,

As I'm writing this, Duffy is putting his nose almost on the laptop computer. I just gave him a bath because he stunk so bad. Mom said he could stay in the house tonight so he's in heaven. He got out today because we've had so much rain and he dug under the gate. Troy came over tonight and told me he found him and he put him back in the yard. I think Duffy is mad at me because I scolded him for scratching on the windows to tell us he wants in the house. We have created a monster. Anyway, he's clean now and seems to be happy. He's never really tried to get away before, so I think he's mad at me but I'll make it up to him with some treats. I also need to spend more time with him and haven't been able to lately. I finished most of Donna's surround sound stuff this past weekend. It took a long time because I am still stiff and sore from the whole broken rib thing. But it sounds good, although I still have to do some remote control programming and stuff. I'm sure the rib has healed but the muscles or something still hurts. I also can't really breathe deep right now. Maybe because I'm outta shape or something or maybe the muscles don't allow me to until I stretch them more. It was strange to see where Donna had someone come in and patch up the big hole in her ceiling that I fell through. All the kids in the ward say Brother Kelly's home theater screens are great. I guess they've had some Friday night gaming parties. I still check the weather online in your area everyday. I see where it's been getting really cold at night, but I hope there are some clear nights where you can still see the stars. Oh, by the way, I read that a Portuguese triple combination is now available and people can order it from the church online. Maybe that will help your investigator. She probably has a Book of Mormon, but it would be great to get a triple set. We had a new family move into the ward today....the Woody's. I'm not sure if that is how you spell their name or not. It seems though I recognize the name. They were in the 6th ward before. Did they have someone you knew at Highland? I know they've got a son on a mission now. Also, Cameron Arnett has been called as the choir director in his singles ward. He started today. He really doesn't even know how to lead music. I guess they called him because he is musical, but it will be interesting to find out how he does. He's kind of shy too, so I'll keep you updated on his progress. I can't remember if I told you or not about this great book I've been reading called, "A Joseph Smith Chronology". It's from Grandpa Epperson's book collection I think. It was compiled by the guy who wrote the screenplay for "Lord of the Rings" who is a Mormon in Hollywood. It was printed a long time ago.

Anyway, he has done all this research from all the sources on the Prophet Joseph Smith and then compiled an account almost everyday of his experiences. I really like it because he shows the good and the bad. "No holds barred".

It has really made me appreciate Joseph Smith for what he went through. Outside people hated him so much for no other reason than he taught something different and exposed their false traditions. What's more, the people in the church expected him to be perfect in everything. If a church financial transaction went bad they blamed him because how could a prophet have anything go bad. They put too much emphasis on scrutinizing his every move and not learning the principles of the gospel he taught which were from the Lord. He was literally betrayed by everyone close to him including most of the apostles and even family members. Very few stayed close to him.

I also learned so much about Hyrum. Hyrum was extremely kindhearted. He was always at his brother's side and always leaned on the side of mercy toward those that would do him or Joseph harm. It's amazing how the church truly is a "marvelous work and a wonder". It grew from nothing and through such opposition to the kingdom of God on earth it is now. Joseph wasn't perfect, he wasn't supposed to be, but he was the Lord's annointed servant. Moses, David, Abraham and others let down the Lord in certain things. Moses wasn't allowed to enter the promised land because he didn't give the Lord credit in producing a miracle. I don't think we give Brother Joseph enough respect. Also, the people you contact will have a hard time believing about the First Vision. They say how can that be? How can you believe that? Remember though, most of what the Christian world believes today was brought about by a vision -- the vision of Saul of Tarsus -- later name Paul. He never saw Christ while He was on earth. Paul was a menace and persecutor of Christians. Some believe he participated in killing them. Yet, on the way to Damascus, he had a vision and saw Christ.

Most of the Bible we have now and most of the way Christian churches are governed and teach now was taught by Paul. After the four gospels most of the Bible are the teachings and activities of Paul having to with Christ. Granted, his pure teachings were corrupted through the centuries by evil men, but Paul more than others stands out in the Bible the Christian world uses. He had a vision of Christ and so did Joseph Smith. The only difference is, he went to the others to say I had a vision and eventually was accepted although it took some time. Even Peter had to take some time to accept it. Joseph did the same thing. He went to those church leaders he knew in his area and told them of his account. He was reviled, hated and persecuted. If Paul could have a vision of Christ, a man who may have killed Christians, then what is so outlandish about the Prophet Joseph having a vision of Christ and Our Heavenly Father? I am so glad you are serving the Lord. Be strong and work hard. The work is right and true you are doing. You are providing great service to the people there. They may not listen, they may even mock you. That is their priviledge, but you are where you are supposed to be, doing what you are supposed to be doing. I love and miss you, but am so proud of you. We pray constantly for you.

LOVE DAD

Also I'm including some photos of Chad of his baptism in Essen and the countryside in Lauenburg and his most recent with his companion and young men from his Lauenburg ward.

Should I post again?

I don't know if I should? Please help?