Biking and Bishoping

This winter has been really mild so I was pleasantly surprised when we got to take our first official family bike ride the last Saturday in February. We drove over to the John Warner Parkway, our old walking route and went on a ride. The walking path is split by one road so we first went towards downtown then crossed back over and went towards Pen Park.  We maybe should have stopped after the first section.  The hills were a little much for Lydia and it was quite warm but she handled it pretty well.  Mark and I have not done a lot of bike riding ourselves and we were working hard on the hills. This paved path is one of the more level spots in town but definitely more on the downtown side.  Either way I am glad we did it and look forward to many more family rides. I also hope to go riding by myself or with friends soon.

 

Things have gone pretty well for Bishop Spencer. People have been kind and helpful. Having a change in a Bishopric has not really ever been a huge deal or change for me but I know it can be for others. We have also not been in the ward that long, 2 years in June so we do not have the same experiences as others with Bishop Papin. It's strange to think that Mark is just the second Bishop of this ward, as the ward is only a little over 5 years old.  Last week Mark went to chat with a couple in the back of the overflow of the chapel after Sacrament meeting.  As he said hello to them a member they were talking to said to Mark, "let me tell you what I told Bishop Papin, we would all be better off if you went back to where you came from. We need some leadership from Virginia." (!!!) For real!  At least he is in good company with our former Bishop.  To counter this members statement, Mark related this story to a member of the Stake Presidency he has gotten to know and he told Mark that he was watching this member as Mark was called and saw him shaking his head so he (the stake presidency member) knew they had picked the right guy.  Mark's first week "presiding" was a little bit off. There was quite a delay with the sacrament bread and one of the speakers assigned was not able to speak because he was dealing with kidney stones.  That Saturday of our bike ride, Mark was trying to find speakers and decide if he should just speak himself.  He felt that he should just speak himself and gave a really (in my opinion) strong, good talk on the temple. It was recently announced that our temple, the Washington DC temple would be closed in March 2018 for 2 years or so.  The closest temple once DC closes is in Raleigh NC, over 3 hours away. It will be a different experience now making it to the temple.  The exciting part is that there will be an open house and rededication of the temple when the updates are completed.  I am so excited we will be able to take Jared and Lydia through this temple that has become a special part of our life and theirs. The Oakland temple will be be closed and rededicated as well. Two temples we have strong ties too. What was really neat during Mark's talk was that when he started speaking the chapel became very still and I felt the spirit come in and sort of settle on Mark.  We mentioned it to the stake presidency member visiting and he said he felt it too, the mantle of the Bishop settling on Mark. It was a powerful experience and an important one for Mark. He can do this!  He will have many hard times but he can do it and Lydia, Jared, and I will support and help him too. It's strange to think how old Jared and Lydia will be 5 years or so from now.  My Sunday School lesson today was on the organization of the church.  Park of the lesson pointed out how 10 years passed between the First Vision and the organization of the church.  A decade. That is a long time.  And Joseph Smith learned and experienced a lot in that time I think Mark will too.  Not on the same level but it will be a growing experience.