Leap Year Day- February 29, 2016

I am a little late on this post but here it is.  I need to give myself kudos for just a minute.  I really struggle  with journalling, and have done all my life.  However, during this mission I have been pretty good about blogging once a week.  I hope that the things I have written will be a great reminder of my time here and the thoughts and feelings that have come to mind as I have served my Heavenly Father in this capacity.

This week we have had little time for anything other than our temple work each day.  But, as I have said before, that is what we are here for.  Our afternoons and evenings were spent in the temple helping Ordinance Workers learn and do the things they are set apart to do.  I still find much joy in helping with this Holy work.  I know I talked a little last week about Sister Mon from Burma.  This week I asked her about her disability and she was very open with me.  She has had a severe case of scoliosis since she was little and her parents couldn't find a doctor that could do surgery so it just got worse over the years.  This was compounded by Polio so she had two things against her.  From what she was telling me, she was pretty deformed with one hip higher than the other which made one leg shorter.  She had to have lifts put on her shoes and it was a struggle to walk.  But she didn't complain.  One German Dr. told her mother that he could operate but she would only have a 50/50 chance of walking after that.  Mom didn't want to take that chance.  It was while on her mission in Idaho, when she was having a hard time breathing, that the Mission President sent her to the Dr.  Her conditions were making the spine etc cut off use of her lungs.  She found that there were three Dr.'s in the world that were capable of performing the surgery she needed and one was in Salt Lake City so she was transferred to Provo and spent another three months on her mission.  The Dr. took seven months of x-rays and planning for the surgery so he would know every little detail that had to be done with her bones.  She still walks with quite a limp because over the years the muscles in her legs had atrophied due to lack of use but she walks and climbs stairs.  What a testimony to how her faith in God and the medical profession has given her a new lease on a "mostly" normal life.  She is such a sweet, sweet girl and so willing to learn and so smart.  She is a tiny little girl and has a hard time finding clothing so she makes her own.  Her temple dress is beautiful.
Again this week we were able to be escorts for a few couples who were getting married.  I really enjoy this part of my job too.  So fun to find out a little about the Bride while helping her get ready for their sealing.  This week will be very busy with weddings as well since BYU-H is in semesters.  Tomorrow we will be in the temple for nearly 10 hours-maybe more.

I have been writing a little about talks and lessons in church each week that have brought me a little closer to Heavenly Father.  Yesterday the speakers were Sister Miao (one of the sister missionaries) and Brother Nikora of our Bishopric.  Both shared messages from the conference talk, "Yielding Our Hearts To God" by Neill F. Marriott.
One of the questions asked was, How do we yield to God in our busy lives?  It is a little easier I think when we are in the service of our Lord as missionaries but when I return home, what are the things I will do to keep that missionary spirit alive?  I know I will need to keep up on the study I am doing and attending the temple often.  We know that the temple is really God's University.  All questions having to do with Eternal Life and Eternal Salvation can be answered there if our hearts are open and willing to learn. Brother Nikora gave an example in his own life when he was on his mission and got word that his Father had passed away in a car accident.  Because this had happened in our family when Michelle was on her mission, I paid close attention.  Sister Marriott also had a daughter pass away while she and her husband were serving as mission presidents and was not able to see her daughter before her death.  Even in the face of tragedy, if we  Yield our hearts to God, he will help us through those really tough times.  I know this to be true.  A couple of thoughts from the talk were, "When loved ones die, it is through our faithfulness and obedience to temple covenants that will allow us to be together again."  "Trials are to humble us and teach us.  When we open our hearts to the Spirit, we God's ways."
Our Sunday School lesson brought out some of the same kinds of ideas and then with the perfect ending to the meeting block, Bro. Manoa, our Sunday School Teacher, had us sing, "Count Your Many Blessings".  I have so many and have been so blessed over the course of my 65 years.

Today is a rainy day here in Hawaii.  It has been nice and sunny most of the week but even with the rain, it is warm so I'm not complaining.  On Saturday after the temple, we drove into Waikiki and walked along the beach in Alomoana Park after eating a delightful meal at Spaghetti Factory overlooking the ocean.  I am afraid I will miss this place when it is time to leave in a short three and a half months.

SISTER MON'S STORY, TRIALS AND PHONE CALLS

Another week has passed and we are still as busy as ever.  The weather has been so wonderful here.  I know I am missing out on all the snow and ice and cold in Ogden but I love it here when it isn't so humid.  We had had a few spurts of rain today but nothing for very long.  The nighttime temps are great for sleeping so who can complain?

This month, in the temple, we are working from 1:00 to 8:00.  It is nice to have the change and not get  up so early in the morning.  Also nice to renew friendships with those who work the afternoon/evening shifts.  Have I ever mentioned how nice and happy the people are who work in the temple?  They are all so happy to see me when I walk through the door.  I really love that.  I know that is one thing I will miss when we go home.  I had one worker tell me that she loves Utah but there isn't any "Aloha".  People don't wave or smile or hug.  I felt bad about those comments but it gives me something to think about when I return.  Show "Aloha"!

I need to tell about a neat experience I had this week.  We got a new college student as an ordinance worker this week (A regular occurrence).  I always like to ask about the students, where they are from, what their conversion story is if applicable, and where they served their mission.  Friday night I met Yee Yee Olive Mon from Burma.
What a choice spirit she has.  She has some sort of physical problem where she drags her foot a little and has quite a curve in her back.  I suspect she has scoliosis that maybe can't be repaired.  She served a mission in Boise, Id. for 18 months and another 3 as an extension in Provo.  I know I will leave some details out but here is her story. In Burma, up until a few years ago, visitors were not allowed in the country and it was very difficult to get out of the country.  She was attending the university and had some friends who were researching world religions.  They found "Mormonism" on the internet and decided they wanted to find out more.  They sent a letter to Church Headquarters and didn't get an answer right away.  They sent another letter and was informed that there were no missionaries in their country but there was one military family who was LDS and gave them details on how to contact them.  This family had sacrament meeting in their home each week with their three teenage sons and invited the youth to attend.  They felt a special spirit there and wanted Yee Yee to go to.  She had no interest.  Within a few months, one of the senior missionary couples serving a service mission in Thailand was sent to Burma.  The sister missionary started giving free piano lessons so the young people talked their friend Yee Yee into taking lessons.  She said she felt something special when in the company of the senior missionaries so when asked if she wanted to learn more about the church, she said yes.  The next day she knew she wanted to be baptized but because it was against the laws of the country (because she wasn't yet 18), she had to wait.  She was among the first 38 people to be baptized in a makeshift pool on the 10th floor of an apartment building.  She was the first person to be able to leave the country to go on a mission and that only because her dad worked for the government and they knew she was a respectable person.  I asked if her parents were supportive.  They have not yet been converted but she said her parents were supportive.  However, when she got her mission call to America, her mother wasn't going to let her go because the picture they had of America came from movies representing crime and she thought her daughter would be killed.
While she was on her mission, the government in her country went through a vast change and now they allow tourists etc into the country so they do have a few missionaries.  Sister Mon has a sister serving a mission in Thailand now.
It is unbelievable to me how things open up in countries for missionary work and it is always in the Lord's time.

Yesterday we were the escorts for a young couple getting married.  The girl is from Hong Kong and the boy from Mainland China.  In conversation with Larry, he said that China is ready for missionaries and the church but the church isn't ready for China.  There will be a huge need for church buildings and even temples and that will take much planning.  Again, so interesting.  I am always astounded when I hear from those from Mainland China how many members there are there just waiting for the time when the church can be recognized there.

The Blog would be complete without me telling a little of church today.  Our Sunday School Lesson came from 2Nephi 3-5.  This is where Nephi has lost his father, his brothers want to kill him and he is trying to do all the things the Lord has asked him to do.  He also has to provide for his family and those with him.  We talked about stressful situations and how we handle them.  Through Nephi's example, we all need to call upon the Lord through prayer, scripture study and our faith to get us through those trials we encounter--especially those big trials that happen in our lives.  It made me reflect on tough times in my life and how prayer, scriptures and faith in and knowledge of eternal families, and most especially the love my Heavenly Father has for me, helped me get through those times.

On a lighter note, I got to talk to some of my cute grandkids today (and their parents). I called Landon to find out about his play date with a new friend from school and Maelynn and Ellie called to remind me how excited they are to visit here in HI next month.  Can't wait!

THOUGHTS FROM REGIONAL CONFERENCE--VALENTINES DAY 2016

I'll start with a little Valentine card I received from my neighbor, Sister Smith, with a brownie attached to it.  The handmade card reads, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding." -Proverbs 3:5

The Lord works in mysterious ways and I am finding out that those messages I need to hear at any particular time in my life just seem to pop out from everywhere when I most need them.  I remember when Carl died, which was a huge adversity in my life, I was guided to scriptures and articles having to do with adversity and being able to survive it according to the way the Lord would want me to. D&C 121: 7-8 was a great comfort to me as well as several articles and books concerning death and why our loved ones may be called "home" to soon. I always asked Heavenly Father "What can I learn from this experience?"  I still ask that today no matter what my current trial is.

We attended our regional broadcast stake conference yesterday and were privileged to hear from four wonderful speakers with messages that were certainly applicable to my life and things that are of concern in the church right now.  I took notes (a bit scattered since I was trying to listen and write at the same time) and would like to put them in this blog.  I know that only a few people read this blog (maybe 2? besides myself) so this is really just for my benefit. However, if anyone else gets anything from the thoughts I review from our conference, that would be awesome.  We never know if the things we write are just what someone else needs to hear right now.

Sunday February 14, 2016

 Regional Satellite Broadcast conference

Speakers: Elder Renland, Sister Bonnie Oscarson (General YW presidency), Elder C. Scott Crow (Seventy) and Elder James J. Hamula (Seventy).

Elder Crow talked about Patterns of Faith.  He quoted the song “True to The Faith…” and said that he always wanted to stay true to the faith.  If you have a pattern in all things and stay true to it, you will not be deceived by the adversary.

·                *Read the Scriptures daily.  Press forward with steadfastness in Christ. Holy Ghost will show you the meaning of and direction to go through the scriptures.  We can gain more of the doctrine by talking of this with others and discussing.  Also, use the index in the scriptures, looking up the cross references to understand more of topics-not just read the scriptures straight through.

·      He reminded us of Bruce R. McConkie’s final conference talk wherein he said that in a short time he would sit at the feet of the Savior… and 11 days later he passed away.  In that talk we were admonished to feast upon the words of the scriptures. (I need to look that talk up.)  Make scripture study a priority.  Scripture study is a catalyst to prayer. 

·              *Prayers are significant to your salvation.

·               *Attend Church.  This is a demonstration of faith-not just a social commitment. We should come with a broken heart and a contrite spirit to partake of the sacrament each week.  In the sacrament prayers we are reminded that we take upon ourselves His name.  Strive to be like Him.  Always remember Him.  And always seek to have His spirit with you.

 Sister Bonnie Oscarson:

What does it mean to be a true disciple of Christ?  Keeping all the commandments. When we make and keep sacred covenants we are coming out of the world and into the pathway to eternal exaltation. 

She told a story of a group of teens on the night of prom.  They were at a restaurant and when finished eating the waiter brought them their check but it had been paid for.  The teens were astonished since it was a pretty expensive for the group.  The waitress told them that another patron had been watching them and their behavior and was impressed with their modest dress and their clean conversation and their overall behavior so decided to pay for their meals. 

Remember the Young Women’s theme: We are daughters of our Heavenly Father and He loves us.  We stand as witnesses at all times, in all places…not just on Sunday!  “Wickedness never was happiness.”  The Lord never gives up on us. 

3 Ne. 27  “What manner of man are you…”

Elder James J. Hamula:

We live in challenging and perilous times. We have been warned that the whole earth will be in commotion. “Fear Not—Be not troubled.

Three suggestions:

1.     1.  Keep your eyes fixed on the Lord

We are in the midst of our journey with tempestuous seas.  When we take our eyes off the Lord, we will sink as Peter did when he followed the Savior’s words to Come to Him.

2.     2.Trust the Lord in His power of deliverance. Trust him and all will be well with you to the end.  “In the world you shall have fear but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.”

3.     3.Stand behind the church’s leaders.  The church will prevail.  Build your lives on the gospel of Jesus Christ and you build on a rock a firm foundation.  Hearken to the voice of church leaders.  Follow their collective instruction.

4.     Perfection is NOT a prerequisite for a prophet.  “Joseph Smith said “I’m not perfect but there is No error in the revelations I have taught.”  God is the head of the church- not man.

Elder Renlund:

 How do we explain our behaviors without going back to the 1^st vision—Joseph seeing God and Jesus Christ and revelation as basis for our faith.  Explain in context of eternal salvation.  “My doctrine is not mine but of Him who sent me”. -John 7:16

Likewise, it is not man's doctrine, but that of our Heavenly Father.

Satan’s objective is to stop the plan of salvation from happening.  All through time and in each of our lives he tries to stop the plan through lack of obedience to God and Jesus Christ.

The Lord knows what kind of families he wants.  Marriage that does not comply with Gods plan is a plan stopper.  

Always know that that when others don't see eye to eye with our beliefs, it is alright to disagree without being disagreeable. (Agree to disagree without being confrontational.)

Well, that was a lot to put in one blog but I felt a special spirit in this conference and again, just as I have reported in other weeks, these talks gave me so much to think about and reflect upon I wanted to make sure I recorded my feeble attempt at taking notes again.

Just Over Four Months Left...

Here it is Sunday, once again.  I know I have said this before but I wonder where the time goes?  It seems that I just write one blog and it is time to do it again. I’m sure this is a good thing because when one is busy, the time flies by.  And we have been busy this week again.

I start of my week (after Sunday of course) by volunteering in the Sewing Center at BYU-H.  Most of my time there has been non-productive other than having the door open incase someone needs to use it.  Two weeks ago I had a young man come in to patch some jeans where he had worn a couple of holes.  I asked him if he had ever sewn before and he told me no.  It was so much easier and faster to just do it for him than to teach him how to run a machine and all—so I did.  He told me that he was going to leave the Island later this month so he could go back home and get married.  Such a nice young man and even though I didn’t know him I wish him all the blessings that come with marriage in the house of the Lord.

This week in the temple, we have had several new ordinance workers start so I have been very busy training them in the temple procedures and ordinances.  I know I have said this before but I am so fortunate to be able to work with so many sisters in the gospel from all over the world as we serve our Heavenly Father in His Holy House.  Yesterday a friend of Carlee’s and her family came to the temple to do some sealings and it was fun to talk to her as a little bit of connection to my home.  As is typical in the Laie Temple, some times of the day are very slow and some are very busy.  It makes me so sad to see when it is slow and people aren’t taking advantage of the blessings of the temple even though it is so close.

Today in church I was once again blessed to have the spirit with me and internalize so many messages.  It was Fast Sunday so several testimonies tugged at my heart today.  One little girl of maybe eight or nine talked about having had a frightening experience with the wind blowing their tent down and how she and her sister said a prayer that everything would be ok.  She testified that Heavenly Father listens to our prayers and that he loves us.  I was touched because she cried almost all the way through her testimony. 

A brother who bore his testimony talked of trials and how hard they are but how the atonement of Jesus Christ is always there for us to rely on.  As he reminded us, I thought back on the many times that I have called upon those wonderful blessings the atonement affords each of us.  We know that through Christ and our obedience to the principles and ordinances of the gospel, we WILL see and be with our loved ones who have passed from this earth life.  I know I have mentioned this before too, but this is such a great comfort to me after having lost my eternal companion way to young and both of my parents.

Our Sunday School lesson comes from 2Nephi 1 and 2 with discussions about how each of us have agency to choose our path in life.  The thing we cannot choose is the consequence for our actions and our choices.  Even outside of gospel teachings, I used to teach this to my students in Teen Living class.  Many of the students weren’t able to or didn’t want to recognize that consequences were in direct proportion with the offense.  So it is with the gospel of Jesus Christ.  We have positive consequences for following the commandments and becoming more Christ-like but we also have consequences for those things that are not in accordance with His will for us. 

As a final thought for tonight, as we sang the song, "I know that My Redeemer Lives" the words really made me ponder- especially the third verse.  "He lives, my kind, wise heavenly Friend.  He lives and loves me to the end.  He lives, and while he lives, I'll sing. He lives, my Prophet, Priest and King.  He lives and grants me daily breath.  He lives and I shall conquer death.  He lives my mansion to prepare.  He lives to bring me safely there."  I truly believe that He will bring me safely home through my obedience.

Now, on to another week.