It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

There's nothing like a five mile walk, on a medieval cobble stone road, through a beautiful autumn forest to lift your spirit's and clear your head. Oh the blessings we have...

On this stained glass widow are the four generation of the family that owned the castle. When a knight married he had to prove that his four great-grandfathers were of a noble family. It is the so-called proof of nobility.

Lord Echter was 49 when the castle was finished and his wife was 44. This is the poem above them:

Matrimonial love in God and constant faithfulness,

Will bring you happiness and blessing without any trouble.

With earnestness and diligence we have trusted in God,

For our children's welfare we have built this house.

Their son who inherited the castle, Count Ingelheim Echter and his wife had 22 children and their son who inherited the castle next had 18 children. One of their cousins was shot for the attempted murder of Hitler. Dad's minor at BYU was history, and we are surrounded by it and enjoy it. This castle protected the road we walked on. What a beautiful, peaceful day we had... bonus, we believe that Marie-Antoinette Countess von Ingelheim heiress of Mespelburnn was our personal guide on the tour, she looked a lot like the picture of her in the Knights' Hall and was so very informative.

Mespelbrunn is one of the castles in northern Bavaria, that was not destroyed in the Thirty years War nor any other. Its origin goes back to the thirteenth century. So Mespelbrunn is one of the few castles in Germany that has retained its original form and furniture.

We are surrounded by the effects of change in our economic situation, the value of the Euro is dropping and people of Germany are keeping an eye on the United States and the domino effect. Our prayers are with our children and friends as we ride this roller coaster together. President Boyd K. Packer speaking Sunday, Oct. 12 to his home ward told them that, "Hard times are ahead...It's important to listen to the Spirit. We are led by prophets and apostles. We can see ahead. We can be and are prepared. Turn off the television and focus on family. Pay your tithing. The promise is there - pay your tithing and you'll be watched over. You'll be alright. None of us is exempt from trials. If hard times come upon you...do what you're supposed to do and you'll be comforted. Sure trials will come. Because of them faith will increase. Happiness will increase. Security will increase. You'll be glad to be alive at this time. It's a good time to be living, to be raising children. I leave this testimony, counsel, and blessing."

Just think of Medieval times, ninety percent of the people were poor, illiterate peasants - ruled by kings, nobles and bishops. Most children died before adulthood. Thirty years was a long life. Plague was a constant fear. People worked the land, hoping only to survive the winter. Life for most was a dreary preparation for heaven. The Christian Church gave people hope for a better life after death.