I was so proud to be a member of the same church as the Bishop of the Grand Blanc Ward as I listened to and later read his statement about the tragedy in his congregation. He exemplified the true spirit of the gospel of Jesus Christ by emphasizing the quick response of the police, and the kindness and generosity of so many in their community. He also expressed gratitude for all the good there is in the world. I was also impressed with the GoFundMe for the family of the perpetrator of the crime and how many dollars had been raised —a modern day application of turning the other cheek.
On Tuesday we were invited to visit the vineyard managed by the newest member of our little branch. Alban takes care of several hectares of Grand Cru vines, some very expensive grapes (50 euros/bunch). He taught us about quality, trimming, shaping the foot, fertilizing, etc. They have one plant every meter, and November will be trimming time to cut back to 5-7 shoots per foot (root). One bottle of Chardonnay wine made from his grapes (labeled Corton-Charlemagne) costs 50 euros or more. The fields were probably planted originally by, or before, the Romans and were owned at one time by Charlemagne. They were extensively developed and cultivated by Cistercian monks in the middle ages. The vines have been in the same families for generations (hundreds of years) and will never be sold. He says all of them are millionaires but you would never know it. Their villages and homes are modest but very neat and clean.
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| A farmer outstanding in his field! |
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| Le vignes de Burgogne |
It has been impressive to hear the tribunes to Pres. Nelson —brilliance evidenced in music, medicine, family, leadership, faith in Jesus Christ and personal ministry. Tom and I were blessed to have a FHE with him and Wendy in Rochester shortly after they were married. They had two grandchildren training at Mayo and Tom was their Stake President. Wendy was a good friend from my high school. Another time they sent us a private note after visiting the church in Mongolia where Tal was serving his mission. He was playing the music in the meeting they attended.
General Conference starts in France at 6 pm. We watched the first session last night and the other Saturday sessions this morning. So many excellent talks. We were so moved by the conviction of Elder Brown of Jamaica, the story of Elder Cziesla’s grand mother, Elder Gong’s one liner- No one sits alone emotionally or spiritually- Elder Jaggis’ understanding of alters. We are anticipating what will be said this evening. Have a great Sabbath.
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