Well...the time has come. Tomorrow is our last day at the Boston Temple. We have had so many "lasts" lately, but tomorrow they are having cake to 'celebrate' our leaving. Everyone has been so kind to us. We have been truly blessed to be here & have so many friends. We're trying to hold our emotions in check but I can't guarantee that we won't fall apart as we leave tomorrow.
We were given a framed picture of the Temple with a poem & I would like to share it with you.
"If" by Carma Salvesen.
If I could go to Galilee
And walk where Jesus walked,
And sit in tender grasses
On the hillside where he taught.
If I could sit and ponder
On a rock that knew His hand,
Or walk along the seashore
Where His feet had touched the sand.
My spirit yearns within me,
But it doesn't seem my fate,
I'll never walk where Jesus walked.
I'll never see........but wait.
I worship in His temple
Where I know He's walked before.
Have His feet been down this hallway?
Have His fingers touched this door?
Has He stood here in this very room
And looked at what I see?
In the beauty of His temple
I can feel His love for me.
I close my eyes & picture Him,
My worries melt away.
I don't need to go to Galilee
Or travel far away.
For my tender heart is filled
With what He wants me to be taught
And my testimony burns within--
I've walked where Jesus walked!
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Good-Byes
We can't believe that our mission is coming to an end!
We have been so busy getting the car ready, cleaning, packing & having dinner appointments for the past 2 weeks. Wow! It feels like we're on a merry-go-round that keeps going faster & faster.
A couple of months ago I was so homesick I didn't think I could stand it. But we kept trying to work hard & keep focused on what we were supposed to do. Then it was, "This is the last Tuesday night we work so we won't see these ordinance workers anymore."...etc. There have been a lot of "lasts" & it has been so hard.
Someone said that we were so lucky because we get to go home. Yes, we are lucky & excited but it shocked me because our focus hasn't been about going home. Our focus has been about the good-byes & those we are leaving behind.
When we came on our mission we left our family & came to the unknown. Now, we are leaving one family to return to another. It's hard & very emotional!
I found a magnet that says exactly how we feel.
A good friend is hard to find, harder to leave & impossible to forget!
We have loved our mission!
We have been so busy getting the car ready, cleaning, packing & having dinner appointments for the past 2 weeks. Wow! It feels like we're on a merry-go-round that keeps going faster & faster.
A couple of months ago I was so homesick I didn't think I could stand it. But we kept trying to work hard & keep focused on what we were supposed to do. Then it was, "This is the last Tuesday night we work so we won't see these ordinance workers anymore."...etc. There have been a lot of "lasts" & it has been so hard.
Someone said that we were so lucky because we get to go home. Yes, we are lucky & excited but it shocked me because our focus hasn't been about going home. Our focus has been about the good-byes & those we are leaving behind.
When we came on our mission we left our family & came to the unknown. Now, we are leaving one family to return to another. It's hard & very emotional!
I found a magnet that says exactly how we feel.
A good friend is hard to find, harder to leave & impossible to forget!
We have loved our mission!
Sunday, September 25, 2011
"The Dash"
We've been speaking in a few wards lately. We've gone to Warwick Ward & the Singles Ward in Rhode Island; Derry, New Hampshire, & Georgetown, Massachusetts. I tell the story of "The Dash", that we were given from the organ donation people after Nathan passed away. Every time, I am asked if I have a copy & would share it. I decided that I would share it on our blog because it fits our mission.
"I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth & spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth & now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own, the cars...the house...the cash... What matters is how we live & love...& how we spend our dash.
So think about this long & hard; Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true & real...& always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger & show appreciation more & love the people in our lives...like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect & more often wear a smile...remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read...with your life's actions to rehash...would you be proud of the things they say...about how you spent your dash?"
We hope & pray that our "dash" here in the Boston Temple has made a little difference.
"I read of a man who stood to speak at the funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on her tombstone from the beginning to the end.
He noted that first came the date of her birth & spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time that she spent alive on earth & now only those who loved her know what that little line is worth.
For it matters not, how much we own, the cars...the house...the cash... What matters is how we live & love...& how we spend our dash.
So think about this long & hard; Are there things you'd like to change? For you never know how much time is left that can still be rearranged.
If we could just slow down enough to consider what's true & real...& always try to understand the way other people feel. And be less quick to anger & show appreciation more & love the people in our lives...like we've never loved before.
If we treat each other with respect & more often wear a smile...remembering that this special dash might only last a little while.
So when your eulogy is being read...with your life's actions to rehash...would you be proud of the things they say...about how you spent your dash?"
We hope & pray that our "dash" here in the Boston Temple has made a little difference.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Loving New England
It's September already!!! I can't believe it. We have been so busy this summer trying to fit in all of the sightseeing that we didn't do last year because it was so miserably hot & humid. We are in such a great historical place. I'm not sure we could see everything even if we tried. Every time we turn around we hear of someplace else that we should go visit.
I'll start by sharing what we did during shut down. Of course we went to Virginia & surprised Dad at church on Father's Day. I'm not sure we have ever spent Father's Day with him so it was wonderful. We enjoyed being with Laurie, Shawn & Tanya's families & especially loved seeing Mom again.
We decided that we would go to New York City because we were scared & would never make the trip just to go there. Our good friends from the Temple met us there & if it hadn't been for them I'm not sure we would have braved the subway. That in itself was an experience & then coming up from underground & looking up & seeing the Angel Moroni was awe inspiring. A friend told us not to walk around with our cameras & looking up because then people would know we were tourists. Oh well, we blew that advice. You just had to look up! Everything was so tall. Another friend told us we had to have a hot dog from one of the carts on the street because that was a New York experience. I fully intended on doing that but the smell of BO from the subway combined with the smell of hot dogs was not appetizing at all, so I passed.
We went to the Broadway show, "Phantom of the Opera" (which was amazing), on another day & did so much walking. The blocks are a normal length one way but if you go the other way they are very long. Add that to not knowing where you're at & how to find where you want to go & it is very hot & I could just feel myself melting. Another thing that was amazing was the cars & the masses of people crossing the intersections. I saw so many near misses. I'm surprised we didn't see anyone hit or at least an accident of some kind.
We spent one day going to Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty. What an awe inspiring & spiritual experience. We felt even more grateful for our ancestors.
We found a Branch in New Jersey & they asked us to speak. It was fun to visit. The church is true wherever we go & we can always find friends. That's an amazing thing about the gospel.
Our friends that met us in New York invited us to their time share in the Poconos mountains in Pennsylvania so we stayed there for a couple of days & had a great time. It was especially nice after being in NYC. Nothing against the big city but my country brain feels more at home with peace & quiet.
Actually, when we came back to Boston our subway wasn't nearly so frightening as it had been a year ago. We have been to a couple of Red Sox games which was so fun to be in Fenway Park & see the green "monstah".
I had been feeling so homesick about a month ago. Then Angie came to spend 5 days with us & it was so wonderful to have her here. We had a lobster roll when she got off the plane & took her to see the Temple all lit up. On Saturday we went to Woodstock, Quechee Gorge & Rutland, Vermont, where we spoke. On our way home we went to the Joseph Smith Memorial in Sharon, Vermont. We love it there. There is such a spiritual feeling & a feeling of reverence for the Prophet. They also had an exhibit of the Hubble Space Telescope images. It was one of the most awe inspiring things I have ever seen. We've heard of "world's without number", but this exhibit really made it real for me.
Monday we went to the Old North Church in Boston where Paul Revere watched for the lantern signal from the steeple; went to Mike's Pastry (famous) where we had to have a couple of cannoli's; went to Quincy Market & rode on the duck boats. Tuesday we took her to Lexington Green where the Revolutionary War started; the old North Bridge in Concord; we went to Rockport to do some fun shopping & see where the movie, "The Proposal" was filmed & then went to Gloucester for a lobster dinner. Wednesday we went to Plymouth & saw the Mayflower II; Plymouth rock; John Alden's home & the gravesites of John Alden, Priscilla Mullins & Myles Standish. Then we did a little more shopping & took her to the airport. It almost wasn't hard to say good-bye to her because we did so much & had such a good time.
We've gone to Longfellows home which is now an inn; Louisa May Alcott's home; the schoolhouse of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" (yes, she was real); lighthouses, beaches & I'm sure I'm forgetting places we've been.
It sounds like we're on a sightseeing mission doesn't it! Well, we are loving it here & are trying to make the most of it on our time off. We went to the Temple Tuesday & there was a check from the Missionary Dept. to pay for our expenses home. What a shock! We knew our time was growing short but we were trying not to think too much about it. Whenever I think about going home I get so excited! But - we want to stay focused & do the best job that we can at the Temple. We are still having some amazing spiritual experiences & are loving our mission.
We send our love.
I'll start by sharing what we did during shut down. Of course we went to Virginia & surprised Dad at church on Father's Day. I'm not sure we have ever spent Father's Day with him so it was wonderful. We enjoyed being with Laurie, Shawn & Tanya's families & especially loved seeing Mom again.
We decided that we would go to New York City because we were scared & would never make the trip just to go there. Our good friends from the Temple met us there & if it hadn't been for them I'm not sure we would have braved the subway. That in itself was an experience & then coming up from underground & looking up & seeing the Angel Moroni was awe inspiring. A friend told us not to walk around with our cameras & looking up because then people would know we were tourists. Oh well, we blew that advice. You just had to look up! Everything was so tall. Another friend told us we had to have a hot dog from one of the carts on the street because that was a New York experience. I fully intended on doing that but the smell of BO from the subway combined with the smell of hot dogs was not appetizing at all, so I passed.
We went to the Broadway show, "Phantom of the Opera" (which was amazing), on another day & did so much walking. The blocks are a normal length one way but if you go the other way they are very long. Add that to not knowing where you're at & how to find where you want to go & it is very hot & I could just feel myself melting. Another thing that was amazing was the cars & the masses of people crossing the intersections. I saw so many near misses. I'm surprised we didn't see anyone hit or at least an accident of some kind.
We spent one day going to Ellis Island & the Statue of Liberty. What an awe inspiring & spiritual experience. We felt even more grateful for our ancestors.
We found a Branch in New Jersey & they asked us to speak. It was fun to visit. The church is true wherever we go & we can always find friends. That's an amazing thing about the gospel.
Our friends that met us in New York invited us to their time share in the Poconos mountains in Pennsylvania so we stayed there for a couple of days & had a great time. It was especially nice after being in NYC. Nothing against the big city but my country brain feels more at home with peace & quiet.
Actually, when we came back to Boston our subway wasn't nearly so frightening as it had been a year ago. We have been to a couple of Red Sox games which was so fun to be in Fenway Park & see the green "monstah".
I had been feeling so homesick about a month ago. Then Angie came to spend 5 days with us & it was so wonderful to have her here. We had a lobster roll when she got off the plane & took her to see the Temple all lit up. On Saturday we went to Woodstock, Quechee Gorge & Rutland, Vermont, where we spoke. On our way home we went to the Joseph Smith Memorial in Sharon, Vermont. We love it there. There is such a spiritual feeling & a feeling of reverence for the Prophet. They also had an exhibit of the Hubble Space Telescope images. It was one of the most awe inspiring things I have ever seen. We've heard of "world's without number", but this exhibit really made it real for me.
Monday we went to the Old North Church in Boston where Paul Revere watched for the lantern signal from the steeple; went to Mike's Pastry (famous) where we had to have a couple of cannoli's; went to Quincy Market & rode on the duck boats. Tuesday we took her to Lexington Green where the Revolutionary War started; the old North Bridge in Concord; we went to Rockport to do some fun shopping & see where the movie, "The Proposal" was filmed & then went to Gloucester for a lobster dinner. Wednesday we went to Plymouth & saw the Mayflower II; Plymouth rock; John Alden's home & the gravesites of John Alden, Priscilla Mullins & Myles Standish. Then we did a little more shopping & took her to the airport. It almost wasn't hard to say good-bye to her because we did so much & had such a good time.
We've gone to Longfellows home which is now an inn; Louisa May Alcott's home; the schoolhouse of "Mary Had a Little Lamb" (yes, she was real); lighthouses, beaches & I'm sure I'm forgetting places we've been.
It sounds like we're on a sightseeing mission doesn't it! Well, we are loving it here & are trying to make the most of it on our time off. We went to the Temple Tuesday & there was a check from the Missionary Dept. to pay for our expenses home. What a shock! We knew our time was growing short but we were trying not to think too much about it. Whenever I think about going home I get so excited! But - we want to stay focused & do the best job that we can at the Temple. We are still having some amazing spiritual experiences & are loving our mission.
We send our love.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Nathan
I have been so remiss about writing in our blog. We have done so much & there is so much to write about but this week there is really only one thing in my thoughts.
Four years ago today on July 13, 2007, our dear son, Nathan, passed away. Every year at this time I relive the events beginning with the 8th, which was our last good day with him. What a blessing that was for us. I told Rod that I really felt like we should stay home from church & spend the day with Nathan. He said he had been feeling the same thing. We fixed his favorite breakfast, Rods famous hash browns & eggs, his favorite halibut dinner & enjoyed the day watching football & visiting with him. Later in the day he asked if he could leave & after having a serious conversation with him we made arrangements for me to pick him up at a certain time so that we could leave his car for Justin & Jamie.
When I went to pick him up he was late & then had a friend with him so I had to wait for him to take the friend home. I was so mad at him & I thought, "I just won't talk to him all the way home. (It was about a 20 min. ride.) He has got to learn to pay attention & do what's right." Well, he got in the car & was so happy & was the old Nathan that I loved to be around. I couldn't stay mad at him. We had the best visit. That was the last time I talked to him. I will be forever grateful that I didn't let my instincts take over & I just enjoyed my son.
I remember going to the hospital for the first time & leaning down to say, "Mom's here Nathan. I love you!" & a tear rolling down his face. I spent hours at the hospital for the next several days holding his hand, reading to him, talking to him & the last night before we went to the airport to pick up Angie & Amy, I sang all the songs I used to sing to him when he was a little boy. What cherished memories! I prayed that Heavenly Father would take him into His arms & take care of him. It was especially hard watching each of our children say their good-byes to Nathan. That broke my heart.
The next morning as the nurses were doing tests, we had the c.d. "Love Is Spoken Here", by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, playing softly in the background. When the Dr. came in & gave us the time of death, the song, "I Feel My Savior's Love", was on. That song always brought tears to my eyes but it wasn't until a few month's later when I mentioned it to Angie & she told me when it had been playing.
The next several days I felt like I was on auto-pilot, just doing what needed to be done. If it hadn't been for our friends, family, & especially our dear children & my sweet husband, I'm not sure I could have handled things.
The night before the funeral Rod, Jason, Ryan, Shane & Justin dressed Nathan. Angie had said that she wanted her, Amy & I to wash his feet. So after he was dressed they came & got us. We realized that we couldn't wash his feet, so we clipped his nails & put on his shoes & socks. Then without anything planned we all stood around him, holding our hands on Nathan & sang, "I Have A Family Here On Earth". It was the most spiritual experience I have ever had. The veil was so thin.
As we go around the Temple District speaking to different wards, I talk about Nathan. It is a testimony to me that we all have struggles in our lives. I definitely don't feel that we have been through worse than others. It is just that this has been our trial. We could have lost our testimonies but I am so grateful that we feel closer to our Savior. It has strengthened us as a family & individually.
This may sound strange, but I am grateful that Nathan is where he is even though I miss him so much. Joseph Smith once said, (& I'm paraphrasing badly), that sometimes the Lord takes those unto himself to protect them when He knows that they have done all they could do & to protect them from doing something that would impede their eternal progression. When I read that I knew that was what happened to Nathan. He was so good & sweet & loving.
I am so grateful for the spiritual experiences we have had. Last year after the shut down of the Temple, I was feeling emotional because we had just passed the anniversary of Nathans death. The first thing I did when I went to the Temple was go to the Celestial Room. As I picked up the scriptures I thought, "I wonder if I will ever have the experience of just opening up the scriptures & there will be something just for me?" The first thing I read was in Doctrine & Covenants 88:97, "And they who have slept in their graves shall come forth, for their graves shall be opened." I just sobbed. The imagery was so vivid & I knew my Heavenly Father was aware of my needs. If nothing else good ever happened because of our serving a mission, that was what I needed.
Please forgive me for sharing my memories but I felt like I needed to write my thoughts for me. One last thought I would like to share is the scripture we had on Nathans funeral program.
John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
We look forward to being with Nathan again & being a forever family.
Four years ago today on July 13, 2007, our dear son, Nathan, passed away. Every year at this time I relive the events beginning with the 8th, which was our last good day with him. What a blessing that was for us. I told Rod that I really felt like we should stay home from church & spend the day with Nathan. He said he had been feeling the same thing. We fixed his favorite breakfast, Rods famous hash browns & eggs, his favorite halibut dinner & enjoyed the day watching football & visiting with him. Later in the day he asked if he could leave & after having a serious conversation with him we made arrangements for me to pick him up at a certain time so that we could leave his car for Justin & Jamie.
When I went to pick him up he was late & then had a friend with him so I had to wait for him to take the friend home. I was so mad at him & I thought, "I just won't talk to him all the way home. (It was about a 20 min. ride.) He has got to learn to pay attention & do what's right." Well, he got in the car & was so happy & was the old Nathan that I loved to be around. I couldn't stay mad at him. We had the best visit. That was the last time I talked to him. I will be forever grateful that I didn't let my instincts take over & I just enjoyed my son.
I remember going to the hospital for the first time & leaning down to say, "Mom's here Nathan. I love you!" & a tear rolling down his face. I spent hours at the hospital for the next several days holding his hand, reading to him, talking to him & the last night before we went to the airport to pick up Angie & Amy, I sang all the songs I used to sing to him when he was a little boy. What cherished memories! I prayed that Heavenly Father would take him into His arms & take care of him. It was especially hard watching each of our children say their good-byes to Nathan. That broke my heart.
The next morning as the nurses were doing tests, we had the c.d. "Love Is Spoken Here", by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, playing softly in the background. When the Dr. came in & gave us the time of death, the song, "I Feel My Savior's Love", was on. That song always brought tears to my eyes but it wasn't until a few month's later when I mentioned it to Angie & she told me when it had been playing.
The next several days I felt like I was on auto-pilot, just doing what needed to be done. If it hadn't been for our friends, family, & especially our dear children & my sweet husband, I'm not sure I could have handled things.
The night before the funeral Rod, Jason, Ryan, Shane & Justin dressed Nathan. Angie had said that she wanted her, Amy & I to wash his feet. So after he was dressed they came & got us. We realized that we couldn't wash his feet, so we clipped his nails & put on his shoes & socks. Then without anything planned we all stood around him, holding our hands on Nathan & sang, "I Have A Family Here On Earth". It was the most spiritual experience I have ever had. The veil was so thin.
As we go around the Temple District speaking to different wards, I talk about Nathan. It is a testimony to me that we all have struggles in our lives. I definitely don't feel that we have been through worse than others. It is just that this has been our trial. We could have lost our testimonies but I am so grateful that we feel closer to our Savior. It has strengthened us as a family & individually.
This may sound strange, but I am grateful that Nathan is where he is even though I miss him so much. Joseph Smith once said, (& I'm paraphrasing badly), that sometimes the Lord takes those unto himself to protect them when He knows that they have done all they could do & to protect them from doing something that would impede their eternal progression. When I read that I knew that was what happened to Nathan. He was so good & sweet & loving.
I am so grateful for the spiritual experiences we have had. Last year after the shut down of the Temple, I was feeling emotional because we had just passed the anniversary of Nathans death. The first thing I did when I went to the Temple was go to the Celestial Room. As I picked up the scriptures I thought, "I wonder if I will ever have the experience of just opening up the scriptures & there will be something just for me?" The first thing I read was in Doctrine & Covenants 88:97, "And they who have slept in their graves shall come forth, for their graves shall be opened." I just sobbed. The imagery was so vivid & I knew my Heavenly Father was aware of my needs. If nothing else good ever happened because of our serving a mission, that was what I needed.
Please forgive me for sharing my memories but I felt like I needed to write my thoughts for me. One last thought I would like to share is the scripture we had on Nathans funeral program.
John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
We look forward to being with Nathan again & being a forever family.
Monday, May 9, 2011
Mother's Day
Yesterday was Mother's Day. When we went to church people would ask if I had been able to talk to my kids. I would tell them that they weren't even up yet but I was looking forward to talking to them.
I was feeling bad for Rod but decided not to mention it to him. After awhile he said that he sure wished he could call his Mom & talk to her. We talked about what she would have said to him & he told me some of the special memories he had of her when he was growing up.
I was able to talk to my mom & we had such a good visit. I will never be able to thank her enough for all she has done for me in my life. Then I got to thinking about how she & Dad can't talk to their mother's either.
As each of my kids started calling it was so good to hear from each one of them & to feel of their love for me & express my love for them. Then I remembered that there was one son, Nathan, that I couldn't talk to even though I know he loves me.
This life is such a journey. As a child I thought life was all about me & my Mom was only supposed to make me happy. I didn't appreciate her like I should have done. I didn't realize the hard times she went through & all she did for me until I became a mother.
As a young mother, I was so overwhelmed with the daily responsibilities of life that I didn't appreciate my children like I should have done. I was so busy trying to accomplish the tasks that I didn't enjoy the process of being with my sweet little children.
With 7 amazing children, 6 wonderful in-laws that I am proud to call my own & 24 beautiful grandchildren, I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so much love. I am so grateful to have a mother, to be a mother & to have daughters who are wonderful mothers.
Someday I will be gone & I hope my family will know that I will be forever watching over them as I know our loved ones who have gone before are watching over us. I can't imagine loving them any more but I'm sure it will be a more perfect love.
With all the feelings I had on Mother's Day, I feel even more grateful for the Plan of Happiness. Life goes on, we will get older & pass on to be with our loved ones on the other side of the veil & continue to be watchful of our loved ones here until we are all reunited again. How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father & His Son, Jesus Christ, who made that possible for us.
I was feeling bad for Rod but decided not to mention it to him. After awhile he said that he sure wished he could call his Mom & talk to her. We talked about what she would have said to him & he told me some of the special memories he had of her when he was growing up.
I was able to talk to my mom & we had such a good visit. I will never be able to thank her enough for all she has done for me in my life. Then I got to thinking about how she & Dad can't talk to their mother's either.
As each of my kids started calling it was so good to hear from each one of them & to feel of their love for me & express my love for them. Then I remembered that there was one son, Nathan, that I couldn't talk to even though I know he loves me.
This life is such a journey. As a child I thought life was all about me & my Mom was only supposed to make me happy. I didn't appreciate her like I should have done. I didn't realize the hard times she went through & all she did for me until I became a mother.
As a young mother, I was so overwhelmed with the daily responsibilities of life that I didn't appreciate my children like I should have done. I was so busy trying to accomplish the tasks that I didn't enjoy the process of being with my sweet little children.
With 7 amazing children, 6 wonderful in-laws that I am proud to call my own & 24 beautiful grandchildren, I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so much love. I am so grateful to have a mother, to be a mother & to have daughters who are wonderful mothers.
Someday I will be gone & I hope my family will know that I will be forever watching over them as I know our loved ones who have gone before are watching over us. I can't imagine loving them any more but I'm sure it will be a more perfect love.
With all the feelings I had on Mother's Day, I feel even more grateful for the Plan of Happiness. Life goes on, we will get older & pass on to be with our loved ones on the other side of the veil & continue to be watchful of our loved ones here until we are all reunited again. How grateful I am to my Heavenly Father & His Son, Jesus Christ, who made that possible for us.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Press Forward
Well, it's been a long time since we've written on our blog. Without going into a lot of detail I'll just say that we hit a point in our mission where we really struggled during the past month. If we had not had each other to lean on & to support one another it would have been much more difficult. When we see those we have become close to struggling, it is very difficult. We try to help when possible but sometimes things are beyond our control & we have to leave things up to our Heavenly Father. I've heard of missionaries struggling at one point or another during their missions & I guess it happens to all of us to one degree or another. We are growing so much from our experiences & we feel so blessed to be here & be in the Temple each day.
We have just finished listening to General Conference & our hearts are full from the messages we've heard. I felt like we were truly feasting on the words which were spoken. We couldn't wait for each session & they went by so fast. We really felt sad when it was over but we also felt very uplifted & renewed & ready to recommit to being better than we are. We each have our favorite speakers but it is always amazing to me how we can listen to the same speakers & hear different messages. It is a testimony to me that if we listen with the Spirit, the Spirit will give us what we need individually. What a blessing that is!
Tomorrow night we are having Family Night with the other 3 missionary couples at Pres. & Sis. Woods home. We will have a potluck dinner & talk about our favorite messages from Conference. It will be hard to pick just one.
We've been thinking all weekend about Conference a year ago. It was the day after, on April 5th, that we entered the M.T.C. I can't even believe that it's been a whole year.
A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to go up to Sharon, Vermont, & speak in their Sacrament Mtg. For those who might have forgotten, that is the birthplace of Joseph Smith. There is a Visitors Center there & we just love it. We have been there twice & every time I have said that I would love to go into the church. Well, we finally got to go. We loved it there. It was a very special experience for us.
We hope you have all been touched by the Spirit this weekend. We send our love to each of you.
We have just finished listening to General Conference & our hearts are full from the messages we've heard. I felt like we were truly feasting on the words which were spoken. We couldn't wait for each session & they went by so fast. We really felt sad when it was over but we also felt very uplifted & renewed & ready to recommit to being better than we are. We each have our favorite speakers but it is always amazing to me how we can listen to the same speakers & hear different messages. It is a testimony to me that if we listen with the Spirit, the Spirit will give us what we need individually. What a blessing that is!
Tomorrow night we are having Family Night with the other 3 missionary couples at Pres. & Sis. Woods home. We will have a potluck dinner & talk about our favorite messages from Conference. It will be hard to pick just one.
We've been thinking all weekend about Conference a year ago. It was the day after, on April 5th, that we entered the M.T.C. I can't even believe that it's been a whole year.
A couple of weeks ago we had the opportunity to go up to Sharon, Vermont, & speak in their Sacrament Mtg. For those who might have forgotten, that is the birthplace of Joseph Smith. There is a Visitors Center there & we just love it. We have been there twice & every time I have said that I would love to go into the church. Well, we finally got to go. We loved it there. It was a very special experience for us.
We hope you have all been touched by the Spirit this weekend. We send our love to each of you.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Eternal Marriage
On Valentines Day Terry and I went out to dinner and I reflected on how much our love has increased throughout the many years together. At one time I felt we had a perfect marriage and it can't get any better, but working in the Temple helped me to realize it can get better.
Then I reflect on my childhood, growing up in a home where my Mom and Dad have been sealed in the Temple, and having that blessing and feeling those eternal blessings in the home. As a child I didn't recognize it, but as an adult I remember those feelings so many years ago. On January 25, Mom & Dad celebrated their 65th anniversary. I'm sure when they got married they didn't realize how many people that act of being married in the House of the Lord for eternity would influence. Not only does it influence the 10 children, but grandchildren and great grandchildren. I figured that in 6 generations from now that Mom and Dad will have about 2,799,360 posterity. Its up to us as part of that posterity to carry on the legacy that our parents have blessed us with. I honor Mom and Dad. Thanks.
In the Temple I have the blessing of witnessing many marriages and then signing as a witness. As I do this I wonder how this union will be 30 or 40 years from now, and how many people will be influenced by being married in the Holy Temple. I heard a statement by a general authority, that the more we know our Heavenly Father the more we know ourselves, and the more we know ourselves the more we love others. May I add that others also means our spouses. I guess what I'm saying is that through working in the Temple I feel I'm really increasing my love for my sweet wife. That's a blessing from just being in the Temple every day. As I go through this experience I feel better about myself and the direction that I'm taking in trying to be a better person. I guess that's all the Savior is asking us to do.
Then I reflect on my childhood, growing up in a home where my Mom and Dad have been sealed in the Temple, and having that blessing and feeling those eternal blessings in the home. As a child I didn't recognize it, but as an adult I remember those feelings so many years ago. On January 25, Mom & Dad celebrated their 65th anniversary. I'm sure when they got married they didn't realize how many people that act of being married in the House of the Lord for eternity would influence. Not only does it influence the 10 children, but grandchildren and great grandchildren. I figured that in 6 generations from now that Mom and Dad will have about 2,799,360 posterity. Its up to us as part of that posterity to carry on the legacy that our parents have blessed us with. I honor Mom and Dad. Thanks.
In the Temple I have the blessing of witnessing many marriages and then signing as a witness. As I do this I wonder how this union will be 30 or 40 years from now, and how many people will be influenced by being married in the Holy Temple. I heard a statement by a general authority, that the more we know our Heavenly Father the more we know ourselves, and the more we know ourselves the more we love others. May I add that others also means our spouses. I guess what I'm saying is that through working in the Temple I feel I'm really increasing my love for my sweet wife. That's a blessing from just being in the Temple every day. As I go through this experience I feel better about myself and the direction that I'm taking in trying to be a better person. I guess that's all the Savior is asking us to do.
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Snow Days!
In the last two weeks we have been sent home early from the temple twice & the temple was closed one day two weeks ago & today because of snow storms. We are feeling more at home with the weather. It is so refreshing & not so stifling. It is a different kind of snow. When it comes it dumps & I saw the biggest snow flakes I have ever seen. They were as big as cotton balls. It was really pretty & very cozy to be inside looking out. I don't think the people who live here love it as much as we do but we don't have to be in the traffic, etc. as much as they do. There are some snowfall records being set & a lot more winter left but we are loving it.
We have been traveling a lot the last couple of months. We figured out that in the last 7 weeks we have been in 7 different wards in 7 different states. How fun!!! We went to New Hampshire; Rhode Island; Rochester, New York, with Amy & Brad for Christmas; Charlottesville, Virginia, with Dad; Connecticut; Ellsworth, Maine, & Massachusetts.
We spoke in Maine & Pres. Wood said he would like us to speak in small Branches around the Temple District since the Presidency can't go to all of the Wards & Branches. We are excited for this opportunity to meet new members throughout the area. It makes it more special when we see them at the Temple. Of course they have to remind us of their names & where they are from but they are patient with us.
We are going to have a new missionary couple next week so we are excited to meet them.
We love our mission because we love what we are doing & we send our love to everyone.
We have been traveling a lot the last couple of months. We figured out that in the last 7 weeks we have been in 7 different wards in 7 different states. How fun!!! We went to New Hampshire; Rhode Island; Rochester, New York, with Amy & Brad for Christmas; Charlottesville, Virginia, with Dad; Connecticut; Ellsworth, Maine, & Massachusetts.
We spoke in Maine & Pres. Wood said he would like us to speak in small Branches around the Temple District since the Presidency can't go to all of the Wards & Branches. We are excited for this opportunity to meet new members throughout the area. It makes it more special when we see them at the Temple. Of course they have to remind us of their names & where they are from but they are patient with us.
We are going to have a new missionary couple next week so we are excited to meet them.
We love our mission because we love what we are doing & we send our love to everyone.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Memories
In these two pictures, same house, but the second one is more modern, this brings back memories. I lived in this house in the basement the last five months of my mission. Its interesting how you have a different perspective of the area and the home, from a 20 year old and a 58 year old. The Church still owns this as the Mission home, what a surprise. Things are so much smaller today. I remember serving in Schenectady, New York, and we tracked out an 83 year old sister, and baptized her. I always wondered if she stayed active or not. We visited the ward, and a good sister told me that she remained active through the rest of her life. That is a special blessing for me to receive that news. I served in the Cumorah Mission from Jan. 1972 to Jan. 1974.
. This past two weeks the temple has been closed. We went to Charlottesville, Virginia, to see my mom and dad, and brother and sisters families. As my mom is in the nursing home, I think I grew closer to her this time than ever before. I felt that she loved me and I was able to let her know how much I loved her. Even though she can't recognize me by sight, I felt her heart, and I know she felt mine. What a blessing that the Gospel brings knowledge to our minds through our hearts. It was special to be with dad and have that relationship that only a father and son can have. This week we have been working in the Temple. I recaulked all the pillars in the Celestial Room and all the needed areas. We changed the scriptures in the Chapel and in the Baptismal font area. We also had to take care of some administration. This next week I'm going to be trained as assistant recorder, and learn a little bit more of the workings of the temple.
This Sunday we are going to Ellsworth, Maine, to visit a Branch and speak and share our testimonies of the Temple and the Gospel. We look forward to meeting new people. It's been a real blessing to be in the mission field. I thought that we would serve these good people in the Boston Temple District, but they have been serving and blessing our lives. Need I say more? I love this work!!!!
. This past two weeks the temple has been closed. We went to Charlottesville, Virginia, to see my mom and dad, and brother and sisters families. As my mom is in the nursing home, I think I grew closer to her this time than ever before. I felt that she loved me and I was able to let her know how much I loved her. Even though she can't recognize me by sight, I felt her heart, and I know she felt mine. What a blessing that the Gospel brings knowledge to our minds through our hearts. It was special to be with dad and have that relationship that only a father and son can have. This week we have been working in the Temple. I recaulked all the pillars in the Celestial Room and all the needed areas. We changed the scriptures in the Chapel and in the Baptismal font area. We also had to take care of some administration. This next week I'm going to be trained as assistant recorder, and learn a little bit more of the workings of the temple.
This Sunday we are going to Ellsworth, Maine, to visit a Branch and speak and share our testimonies of the Temple and the Gospel. We look forward to meeting new people. It's been a real blessing to be in the mission field. I thought that we would serve these good people in the Boston Temple District, but they have been serving and blessing our lives. Need I say more? I love this work!!!!
Sunday, December 26, 2010
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
It's A Wonderful Life
The last time we wrote on our blog it was Thanksgiving. Wow! Now it's already Christmas. I guess time flies when you're having fun & busy.
On one of our days off we went to the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life". That is one of my favorite movies. I cry every time. Well, it was advertised as a $2 movie with free popcorn & drinks. It was the middle of the day on Monday so we thought we would be pretty safe with no crowds. Wrong. It was packed. A couple of buses from Senior Centers were there & I was afraid we wouldn't get a seat. Anyway, we had a great time along with everyone else & enjoyed a great movie that gave us a lot to think about as we started into the Christmas season.
At the end of the movie, Clarence the Angel wrote a note to George (James Stewart), & said, "Remember, no man is a failure who has friends". I don't know what we would do without our friends. Our friends at home & in our previous life (before mission), have helped us through many difficult times & have always been there for us. We are also making eternal friendships here in New England. People are amazing, especially when there is a bond in the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we visit different wards, we think we don't know anyone & then it seems like we are always meeting people that either work in the Temple or are patrons & they are familiar.
That same day we were listening to the radio when a song came on & I loved the words. It said, "Life's not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away". That meant so much to me. Our Heavenly Father sent us to earth to gain a body & have experiences so that we can prove to Him that we want to live with Him for eternity. It doesn't matter how long we live but are we enjoying life to the fullest. We feel like we are doing what we have always wanted to do.
The important thing is that we do all we can to keep the commandments of Jesus Christ so that we can be with our families & live with Him again.
I love Christmas! I love the shopping, gift giving, decorations, trees, ornaments, songs, lights, nativities, baking, everything. I thought it would kill me not to decorate or have a tree. As my family knows, I probably go overboard, but I just love it! Well, I even loved the Christmas season without everything this year. We love being on a mission, serving in the Temple everyday, & we are especially thankful for our family & the birth of our Savior. We're thankful for this wonderful time of year that allows us to feel in our hearts a deep & abiding love & gratitude for Him who came & showed us how to love.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
We Send Our Love.
On one of our days off we went to the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life". That is one of my favorite movies. I cry every time. Well, it was advertised as a $2 movie with free popcorn & drinks. It was the middle of the day on Monday so we thought we would be pretty safe with no crowds. Wrong. It was packed. A couple of buses from Senior Centers were there & I was afraid we wouldn't get a seat. Anyway, we had a great time along with everyone else & enjoyed a great movie that gave us a lot to think about as we started into the Christmas season.
At the end of the movie, Clarence the Angel wrote a note to George (James Stewart), & said, "Remember, no man is a failure who has friends". I don't know what we would do without our friends. Our friends at home & in our previous life (before mission), have helped us through many difficult times & have always been there for us. We are also making eternal friendships here in New England. People are amazing, especially when there is a bond in the gospel of Jesus Christ. When we visit different wards, we think we don't know anyone & then it seems like we are always meeting people that either work in the Temple or are patrons & they are familiar.
That same day we were listening to the radio when a song came on & I loved the words. It said, "Life's not the breaths you take but the moments that take your breath away". That meant so much to me. Our Heavenly Father sent us to earth to gain a body & have experiences so that we can prove to Him that we want to live with Him for eternity. It doesn't matter how long we live but are we enjoying life to the fullest. We feel like we are doing what we have always wanted to do.
The important thing is that we do all we can to keep the commandments of Jesus Christ so that we can be with our families & live with Him again.
I love Christmas! I love the shopping, gift giving, decorations, trees, ornaments, songs, lights, nativities, baking, everything. I thought it would kill me not to decorate or have a tree. As my family knows, I probably go overboard, but I just love it! Well, I even loved the Christmas season without everything this year. We love being on a mission, serving in the Temple everyday, & we are especially thankful for our family & the birth of our Savior. We're thankful for this wonderful time of year that allows us to feel in our hearts a deep & abiding love & gratitude for Him who came & showed us how to love.
MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!
We Send Our Love.
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Thanksgiving
I don't have much time before we go to the Temple but our hearts are full today & I wanted to mention a few things. I thought I wanted to talk about how great it is to be in the birthplace of our nation, especially during this Thanksgiving season, but over the past week my thoughts keep changing.
Our hearts are tender today as our thoughts & prayers go to our sweet daughter (in-law) & her family as they are burying her father today. He passed away too soon at the age of 53. He was a wonderful man. It has reminded me of when we had to bury Nathan. We haven't forgotten how hard it was but it has reminded me of the many sweet experiences we were blessed with.
During this week of Thanksgiving we are especially grateful to our Father in Heaven for the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, who made it possible for us to be with our loved ones again. Since Nathan passed away the Atonement has meant so much more to me in my life.
We are grateful to be able to serve the Lord as missionaries in the Boston Temple full time. The blessings & the Spirit that we feel there are beyond description.
I hesitate to mention all of the blessings we are grateful for because I don't want to leave anyone or anything out & I don't want it to be in any particular order, but I would be ungrateful if I didn't mention a few.
We are thankful for goodly parents who gave us life & taught us the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are thankful for our children & that includes their spouses who are ours now whether they like it or not. We are grateful for our 24 grandchildren & the love they bring into our lives. We are thankful for extended family & friends & the gift of love & friendship we feel.
We are thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ & all of the many blessings we have because of it, especially the opportunity we had to be sealed for time & all eternity to each other & our families.
I was told in my patriarchal blessing to be forever grateful for ingratitude is a grievous sin. President Monson said that we should develop an attitude of gratitude. I will always be forever grateful to my Heavenly Father for all of my many blessings.
We send our love.
Our hearts are tender today as our thoughts & prayers go to our sweet daughter (in-law) & her family as they are burying her father today. He passed away too soon at the age of 53. He was a wonderful man. It has reminded me of when we had to bury Nathan. We haven't forgotten how hard it was but it has reminded me of the many sweet experiences we were blessed with.
During this week of Thanksgiving we are especially grateful to our Father in Heaven for the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, who made it possible for us to be with our loved ones again. Since Nathan passed away the Atonement has meant so much more to me in my life.
We are grateful to be able to serve the Lord as missionaries in the Boston Temple full time. The blessings & the Spirit that we feel there are beyond description.
I hesitate to mention all of the blessings we are grateful for because I don't want to leave anyone or anything out & I don't want it to be in any particular order, but I would be ungrateful if I didn't mention a few.
We are thankful for goodly parents who gave us life & taught us the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are thankful for our children & that includes their spouses who are ours now whether they like it or not. We are grateful for our 24 grandchildren & the love they bring into our lives. We are thankful for extended family & friends & the gift of love & friendship we feel.
We are thankful for the gospel of Jesus Christ & all of the many blessings we have because of it, especially the opportunity we had to be sealed for time & all eternity to each other & our families.
I was told in my patriarchal blessing to be forever grateful for ingratitude is a grievous sin. President Monson said that we should develop an attitude of gratitude. I will always be forever grateful to my Heavenly Father for all of my many blessings.
We send our love.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Home Teaching
I suppose it's my turn to write in the blog. There are so many blessings & experiences that we are having lately. Sometimes I feel unworthy of it. I was assigned by one of the wards to train a new member of one week how to Hometeach. I know that sometimes I probably have not been the best home teacher, but so be it. I asked him to make the appointment & I would give a short lesson. We got in the car together, and I told him that we generally have a prayer prior to going, so we asked Heavenly Father to help us to be receptive to the Spirit as we visit this sister & her non-member husband. I found out beforehand that normally he disappears during visits from church members. We went & he came in, we got acqainted & it felt good. I started the lesson not knowing for sure what to say. We talked about leaving home when we were young & how we missed our families & were excited to return & then we compared this to the Plan of Salvation. They had both had that experience with their families. We talked about how it was important to be the best we can be here on earth so we can return to be with our Heavenly Father. Then we started talking about the Temple & he said he visited it during the Open House. He asked me what the oxen represented & I said they represented the 10 Tribes of Israel. Then he asked, "why oxen?" I told him that in the Temple & in life we are taught in symbols & Christ also taught in symbols. I said, "What does the heart represent", & he said love. As we get older we think of the heart differently. Some symbols teach us in different degrees & it depends on us & how we feel at the time. I asked him what he thought the oxen represented, and He said that he thought that the oxen lifted our burdens from us as we are baptized. I was so surprised that he said that, & he taught me something that night. He asked my companion to give the closing prayer, what a sweet prayer. Then I told him that he was a member of just two weeks. He asked us to come back and we thanked him and went on our way. On are way home the new member said that our prayers had been answered and that he was going to get them an anniversary card & send it to them after we both sign it. I feel blessed to have that kind of training from both a new member & a non-member.
This week we have three members of our Temple Preparation class coming to the Temple on Friday. We are so excited to have that experience with them.
A few days ago I recorded 2 cards that had been done & when I looked at the dates I was really surprised. Their birth dates were 1783 B.C. & 1483 B.C. We have been told that the Chinese keep excellent records especially for the men. I made copies of those cards because I wasn't sure anyone would believe me.
Last week we got to go down & touch the oxen. It was a special experience.
We are truly blessed to be in the mission field & to be a part of this work. We send our love.
This week we have three members of our Temple Preparation class coming to the Temple on Friday. We are so excited to have that experience with them.
A few days ago I recorded 2 cards that had been done & when I looked at the dates I was really surprised. Their birth dates were 1783 B.C. & 1483 B.C. We have been told that the Chinese keep excellent records especially for the men. I made copies of those cards because I wasn't sure anyone would believe me.
Last week we got to go down & touch the oxen. It was a special experience.
We are truly blessed to be in the mission field & to be a part of this work. We send our love.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
He Made You
We have had the most beautiful fall. The colors have been absolutely gorgeous. There is some kind of a law that people cannot cut down trees even on their own property unless it's approved. Because of that there are trees everywhere. There are so many that when we first came here we wondered when we would get to the city because from the freeway all you can see are mostly trees. As we drive to the Temple each day we are driving under the trees that cover the road. I never really thought about it until the colors started changing & then you can't help but notice the beautiful foliage. One day I told Rod that we were literally driving under a canopy of colors. I miss the snow covered mountain peaks but we have been blessed to enjoy a beautiful New England fall.
A couple of weeks ago I was recording some work that had been done & one of the cards caught my attention. It was all Chinese characters. I mentioned how amazing that was & then I noticed that the birth date of the person was 181 B.C. I was showing everyone in the office & when the sister came to pick up her card I asked her if I could make a copy of it. I was so impressed & inspired. Dad & others have taken one of our lines back to 6 A.D. & I have always loved that.
Seeing that card brought so many things to my mind. When Nathan was in about the 5th grade he had to do a report. He chose to do it on geneology. He would get out all the geneology books that we had & lay on his stomach & study them to see how far back they went & read the names. He loved it. For a few years that was one of his favorite hobbies. I imagine him now, finding those people & getting to know them &
teaching them the gospel.
Another thing I thought about was how many people have lived on the earth & how much Temple work needs to be done. We need to step up our efforts & do all we can to keep this work going.
Our thought for the day:
As Lily Tomlin said, "No matter how cynical I get, I can't keep up."
Our economy has been shattered by widespread corporate fraud; kids lie, steal, & cheat at unprecedented rates; & their parents beat up each other or referees at youth sports events or supply alcohol to fuel organized hazing.
Our confidence in the integrity of journalistic institutions, the accounting profession, stockbrokers, college sports, organized religion, & business in general is continually shaken by a relentless barrage of shameful behavior.
It's tempting to throw up our hands in despair & surrender to cynicism.
It reminds me of the tale of the pious young man whose car broke down on his way to his place of worship. He had to walk through an area where homeless people huddled against buildings for warmth, alcoholics & mentally ill adults wandered the streets, & crack dealers sold drugs to kids. He was overcome with a sense of despondency & doubt about the power & intentions of God.
"God," he prayed, "how can you allow all this pain & misery & do nothing?" Receiving no answer, he became frustrated & raised his voice, "Lord, my faith is at issue! How can you allow all this suffering & do nothing?"
Then someone behind him whispered, "He didn't do nothing. He made you."
What a profound insight & daunting responsibility it is to realize that you are the instrument of reform, that your courage, compassion, & creativity in your own sphere of influence can set into motion a ripple effect of healing actions & attitudes to make a better world.
Are we being the best we can be & doing all the Lord wants us to do.
We send our love to everyone.
A couple of weeks ago I was recording some work that had been done & one of the cards caught my attention. It was all Chinese characters. I mentioned how amazing that was & then I noticed that the birth date of the person was 181 B.C. I was showing everyone in the office & when the sister came to pick up her card I asked her if I could make a copy of it. I was so impressed & inspired. Dad & others have taken one of our lines back to 6 A.D. & I have always loved that.
Seeing that card brought so many things to my mind. When Nathan was in about the 5th grade he had to do a report. He chose to do it on geneology. He would get out all the geneology books that we had & lay on his stomach & study them to see how far back they went & read the names. He loved it. For a few years that was one of his favorite hobbies. I imagine him now, finding those people & getting to know them &
teaching them the gospel.
Another thing I thought about was how many people have lived on the earth & how much Temple work needs to be done. We need to step up our efforts & do all we can to keep this work going.
Our thought for the day:
As Lily Tomlin said, "No matter how cynical I get, I can't keep up."
Our economy has been shattered by widespread corporate fraud; kids lie, steal, & cheat at unprecedented rates; & their parents beat up each other or referees at youth sports events or supply alcohol to fuel organized hazing.
Our confidence in the integrity of journalistic institutions, the accounting profession, stockbrokers, college sports, organized religion, & business in general is continually shaken by a relentless barrage of shameful behavior.
It's tempting to throw up our hands in despair & surrender to cynicism.
It reminds me of the tale of the pious young man whose car broke down on his way to his place of worship. He had to walk through an area where homeless people huddled against buildings for warmth, alcoholics & mentally ill adults wandered the streets, & crack dealers sold drugs to kids. He was overcome with a sense of despondency & doubt about the power & intentions of God.
"God," he prayed, "how can you allow all this pain & misery & do nothing?" Receiving no answer, he became frustrated & raised his voice, "Lord, my faith is at issue! How can you allow all this suffering & do nothing?"
Then someone behind him whispered, "He didn't do nothing. He made you."
What a profound insight & daunting responsibility it is to realize that you are the instrument of reform, that your courage, compassion, & creativity in your own sphere of influence can set into motion a ripple effect of healing actions & attitudes to make a better world.
Are we being the best we can be & doing all the Lord wants us to do.
We send our love to everyone.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
A Multitude of Blessings
We have had so many blessings in the last 2 weeks. It is amazing to me how often we feel the Lord's hand in our lives.
Our twin grandsons, Jake & Jordan, were born this past week on Oct. 27th. We are so grateful that they are healthy & are doing well & blessed to have them in our family. We love each of our 23 grandchildren so much!
Last week Amy, Natalie & Kaylee came for a few days. It was so great to have them here. We took the girls on a hayride, played games, went shopping & Amy helped us find a gym to join. We had so much fun just being together. Rod went to the Temple & Amy dropped me off a couple of hours later. They came into the foyer of the Temple to say good-bye & it broke my heart to see them leave.
Amy didn't go to church with us because the girls were sick. It was a good thing she didn't go because when we got to church there were 2 investigators there & the missionaries had others they were with so we were able to stay with these two men. Then after church there was a baptism. It was a good experience.
Two weeks ago we taught the last Temple Prep class in Central Falls. One of the couples were going on the following Saturday to receive their Endowments but on Tuesday morning she called & asked if she could come that day. Her husband couldn't get off work but she felt like Satan was pulling out all the stops to keep her out of the Temple. We told her to come & she asked me if I would be her escort because she didn't have anyone with her. What an honor. It was such a special experience. Then the next day her husband got off work & came to the Temple. Rod was able to be his escort & had the same special experience.
That night we had been invited to our first dinner appointment in Central Falls. The Portuguese missionaries came & also brought an investigator. After dinner we had a discussion about families & the Temple blessings. The investigator offered to say the closing prayer. It was pretty exciting. She is 20 & came with one of the families to their Primary activity at the Temple on Saturday. We went early & took her into the foyer & talked to her for awhile. She loves the idea of families being together for eternity & of course that is so close to my heart.
This last weekend was Stake Conference in the Stake we live in. Bishop McMullin of the Presiding Bishopric was our visiting General Authority. We left work a little early Saturday night so we could attend the adult session & it was such a great meeting. Sunday morning we went to Conference & that afternoon we went to our yearly Temple Devotional for all Temple workers. Bishop McMullin was our featured speaker again. We were on such a spiritual high from all of the meetings. We learned to love Bishop McMullin. He is a spiritual giant. The closing song was, "The Spirit of God". As we were singing we were both overcome with emotion. I think it took us back to the dedication of the Seattle Temple & the Anchorage Temple when we had the opportunity to be in the Celestial Room & feel the Spirit as we sang that song in the presence of Pres. Kimball, Pres. Hunter & Pres. Hinckley.
In D&C 24:90 it says, "And if he will do this I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings, that he shall not be forsaken, nor his seed be found begging bread."
We are so blessed to have our family & the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives, to be able to serve in the Temple & to have these special experiences that strengthen our testimonies.
We send our love to everyone.
Our twin grandsons, Jake & Jordan, were born this past week on Oct. 27th. We are so grateful that they are healthy & are doing well & blessed to have them in our family. We love each of our 23 grandchildren so much!
Last week Amy, Natalie & Kaylee came for a few days. It was so great to have them here. We took the girls on a hayride, played games, went shopping & Amy helped us find a gym to join. We had so much fun just being together. Rod went to the Temple & Amy dropped me off a couple of hours later. They came into the foyer of the Temple to say good-bye & it broke my heart to see them leave.
Amy didn't go to church with us because the girls were sick. It was a good thing she didn't go because when we got to church there were 2 investigators there & the missionaries had others they were with so we were able to stay with these two men. Then after church there was a baptism. It was a good experience.
Two weeks ago we taught the last Temple Prep class in Central Falls. One of the couples were going on the following Saturday to receive their Endowments but on Tuesday morning she called & asked if she could come that day. Her husband couldn't get off work but she felt like Satan was pulling out all the stops to keep her out of the Temple. We told her to come & she asked me if I would be her escort because she didn't have anyone with her. What an honor. It was such a special experience. Then the next day her husband got off work & came to the Temple. Rod was able to be his escort & had the same special experience.
That night we had been invited to our first dinner appointment in Central Falls. The Portuguese missionaries came & also brought an investigator. After dinner we had a discussion about families & the Temple blessings. The investigator offered to say the closing prayer. It was pretty exciting. She is 20 & came with one of the families to their Primary activity at the Temple on Saturday. We went early & took her into the foyer & talked to her for awhile. She loves the idea of families being together for eternity & of course that is so close to my heart.
This last weekend was Stake Conference in the Stake we live in. Bishop McMullin of the Presiding Bishopric was our visiting General Authority. We left work a little early Saturday night so we could attend the adult session & it was such a great meeting. Sunday morning we went to Conference & that afternoon we went to our yearly Temple Devotional for all Temple workers. Bishop McMullin was our featured speaker again. We were on such a spiritual high from all of the meetings. We learned to love Bishop McMullin. He is a spiritual giant. The closing song was, "The Spirit of God". As we were singing we were both overcome with emotion. I think it took us back to the dedication of the Seattle Temple & the Anchorage Temple when we had the opportunity to be in the Celestial Room & feel the Spirit as we sang that song in the presence of Pres. Kimball, Pres. Hunter & Pres. Hinckley.
In D&C 24:90 it says, "And if he will do this I will bless him with a multiplicity of blessings, that he shall not be forsaken, nor his seed be found begging bread."
We are so blessed to have our family & the gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives, to be able to serve in the Temple & to have these special experiences that strengthen our testimonies.
We send our love to everyone.
Saturday, October 16, 2010
The Parable of the Carpenter
Well, Rod did such a good job writing last time that I feel a little intimidated, but I guess it's my turn anyway.
Two weeks ago we had the weekend off & stayed home & watched all the sessions of General Conference. It is my favorite weekend. I feel so refreshed & rejuvenated after listening to the General Authorities & especially our Prophet. It makes me feel so blessed & leaves me wanting to be better than I am. It's nice to read their talks but I especially love the Spirit I feel as I listen.
Last week we were especially busy at the Temple & we had the opportunity to help in the laundry. We love being able to do new things so we can learn all aspects of the work that is to be done. Yesterday I had the opportunity to be the Temple guide for a bride. I had never been able to do it before & it was great. She was so cute & excited.
Monday, the Temple was open for half a day because it was a holiday. We did over 2,300 ordinances. That may not seem like much to those in Utah but it was great for us. We LOVE the work here!
THE PARABLE of the CARPENTER:
A master carpenter who'd worked for the same builder for nearly 50 years announced he was retiring. The builder told him how much he appreciated his work & presented him with a $5,000 bonus. Then he asked if he would build just one more house. He owned a magnificent lot with a spectacular view & wanted to build a dream home there.
The carpenter was bitterly disappointed at the small bonus & extra project, but the building fee would help him buy a small cottage. He agreed to build the dream house.
He'd always prided himself on his uncompromising commitment to quality, but his resentment caused him to cut corners, ignore details, & accept shoddy workmanship from his workers. He even looked the other way when some of them substituted cheaper materials & pocketed the difference.
When the house was finished, the builder shook the carpenter's hand & with a huge smile gave him a thank-you card. The carpenter was disdainful - until he saw inside the card the deed to the house he'd just built.
The carpenter was ashamed to have misjudged his old friend & betrayed his own values, & he was remorseful that the house he would now live in for the rest of his life had been made so carelessly.
Our character is the house we live in, & it's built piece by piece by our daily choices. Deceit, irresponsibility, & disrespect are like shoddy workmanship. Whenever we put in less than our best & ignore our potential for excellence, we create a future full of creaky floors, leaky roofs, & crumbling foundations.
We hope that each of us are being the best we can be in all aspects of our lives.
We send our love to everyone.
Two weeks ago we had the weekend off & stayed home & watched all the sessions of General Conference. It is my favorite weekend. I feel so refreshed & rejuvenated after listening to the General Authorities & especially our Prophet. It makes me feel so blessed & leaves me wanting to be better than I am. It's nice to read their talks but I especially love the Spirit I feel as I listen.
Last week we were especially busy at the Temple & we had the opportunity to help in the laundry. We love being able to do new things so we can learn all aspects of the work that is to be done. Yesterday I had the opportunity to be the Temple guide for a bride. I had never been able to do it before & it was great. She was so cute & excited.
Monday, the Temple was open for half a day because it was a holiday. We did over 2,300 ordinances. That may not seem like much to those in Utah but it was great for us. We LOVE the work here!
THE PARABLE of the CARPENTER:
A master carpenter who'd worked for the same builder for nearly 50 years announced he was retiring. The builder told him how much he appreciated his work & presented him with a $5,000 bonus. Then he asked if he would build just one more house. He owned a magnificent lot with a spectacular view & wanted to build a dream home there.
The carpenter was bitterly disappointed at the small bonus & extra project, but the building fee would help him buy a small cottage. He agreed to build the dream house.
He'd always prided himself on his uncompromising commitment to quality, but his resentment caused him to cut corners, ignore details, & accept shoddy workmanship from his workers. He even looked the other way when some of them substituted cheaper materials & pocketed the difference.
When the house was finished, the builder shook the carpenter's hand & with a huge smile gave him a thank-you card. The carpenter was disdainful - until he saw inside the card the deed to the house he'd just built.
The carpenter was ashamed to have misjudged his old friend & betrayed his own values, & he was remorseful that the house he would now live in for the rest of his life had been made so carelessly.
Our character is the house we live in, & it's built piece by piece by our daily choices. Deceit, irresponsibility, & disrespect are like shoddy workmanship. Whenever we put in less than our best & ignore our potential for excellence, we create a future full of creaky floors, leaky roofs, & crumbling foundations.
We hope that each of us are being the best we can be in all aspects of our lives.
We send our love to everyone.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
A Day in the Temple
Terry writes on the blog all the time, so I guess it's my turn. I will try my best to let you know how I feel about my mission and the blessings that come through serving in the House of the Lord. I could not do this without a great companion, which I'm blessed to have.
As I enter the doors of the Temple today I wonder if my offering is going to be accepted by my Heavenly Father today. I know I try to do my best, but is that all I need to do.
I get dressed all in white with my white suit coat on. I look in the mirror and I look pretty good all in white but am I ready to serve. I guess. I go up to the second floor where I serve most of the time. Immediately I help someone get their clothes, and then the phone rings & someone wants to put a couple of names on the Prayer Roll. Sometimes they tell you the tragedies that these persons are involved in and I just listen and try to show compassion with words or by just listening. Then I collect all the names in the several areas of the Temple & take them to the altars and place them in the pouches and take just a minute to think of those persons. Then I go to the Celestial Room, and just sit and reflect and hope that my offering can still be accepted. Twenty minutes later I return to my desk, and record ordinances that have been done. Then I help someone get on the Family Search, and submit paper work so they can do their work for their mother, father, grandparents,or great grandparents etc. The look in their eyes tells you the love they have for their family. Sometimes I continue to help people get clothing and answer the phones. A brother wants me to help in the Initiatories, so I go, remembering that these blessings are for us personally. Each blessing is a reminder to me that Heavenly Father loves us. Today I did not officiate a session, but most days I do. I go back to my desk, and a sister wants me to help her get the card ready for her deceased parents, so she can be sealed to them. I cannot explain the spiritual experience that was to help. The Sealer asked me to go up to the Sealing Room and witness the sealing. After returning to my desk I am then called on to take four children to the upstairs waiting room to get them dressed in white so they could be sealed to their parents. These children were so excited. Today a baptism group came in, and there was no coordinator, so again it was given to me to perform this task. This is one of the special things that I have been called on to do, and I love to do it because I love working with the youth. This time each youth had family names of their own which made it even more special. This was a Portugese Branch so it was done all in Portugese. Most of them could speak English so I could communicate with them though. What a blessing to be with them. The time has come to record the last ordinance for the day, and return to the dressing room and change into my street clothes.
Each day in the Temple is different. That's what makes it special to me. Sometimes we need to be receptive to the needs of the patron because I'm sure that's what this work is all about. Each patron comes in with burdens from the world. Some are light and some are heavy. I hope I can do what my Heavenly Father wants me to do each day to help. As I leave the doors of the Temple today I hope my offering to Him will be accepted, and I know that I will get that confirmation someday. I love this Work!!!
As I enter the doors of the Temple today I wonder if my offering is going to be accepted by my Heavenly Father today. I know I try to do my best, but is that all I need to do.
I get dressed all in white with my white suit coat on. I look in the mirror and I look pretty good all in white but am I ready to serve. I guess. I go up to the second floor where I serve most of the time. Immediately I help someone get their clothes, and then the phone rings & someone wants to put a couple of names on the Prayer Roll. Sometimes they tell you the tragedies that these persons are involved in and I just listen and try to show compassion with words or by just listening. Then I collect all the names in the several areas of the Temple & take them to the altars and place them in the pouches and take just a minute to think of those persons. Then I go to the Celestial Room, and just sit and reflect and hope that my offering can still be accepted. Twenty minutes later I return to my desk, and record ordinances that have been done. Then I help someone get on the Family Search, and submit paper work so they can do their work for their mother, father, grandparents,or great grandparents etc. The look in their eyes tells you the love they have for their family. Sometimes I continue to help people get clothing and answer the phones. A brother wants me to help in the Initiatories, so I go, remembering that these blessings are for us personally. Each blessing is a reminder to me that Heavenly Father loves us. Today I did not officiate a session, but most days I do. I go back to my desk, and a sister wants me to help her get the card ready for her deceased parents, so she can be sealed to them. I cannot explain the spiritual experience that was to help. The Sealer asked me to go up to the Sealing Room and witness the sealing. After returning to my desk I am then called on to take four children to the upstairs waiting room to get them dressed in white so they could be sealed to their parents. These children were so excited. Today a baptism group came in, and there was no coordinator, so again it was given to me to perform this task. This is one of the special things that I have been called on to do, and I love to do it because I love working with the youth. This time each youth had family names of their own which made it even more special. This was a Portugese Branch so it was done all in Portugese. Most of them could speak English so I could communicate with them though. What a blessing to be with them. The time has come to record the last ordinance for the day, and return to the dressing room and change into my street clothes.
Each day in the Temple is different. That's what makes it special to me. Sometimes we need to be receptive to the needs of the patron because I'm sure that's what this work is all about. Each patron comes in with burdens from the world. Some are light and some are heavy. I hope I can do what my Heavenly Father wants me to do each day to help. As I leave the doors of the Temple today I hope my offering to Him will be accepted, and I know that I will get that confirmation someday. I love this Work!!!
Another Lesson Learned
Fall is coming to New England! The leaves are changing colors & falling to the ground. Last year we traveled through with Mom & Dad which was so much fun, but this year we are looking forward to experiencing the whole season.
Unfortunately it is fall in Alaska too, & with a huge windstorm it blew 4 trees onto our house. Thankfully the damage wasn't as bad as it could have been & at least no one was hurt. Having our sons with the skills to fix our house is a bonus. There were many times when we would be sitting in the jacuzzi with the wind blowing the trees & I would tell Rod that I was sure they would fall. Well, it finally happened. Too bad!
Since we have had a normal week we would like to send a story.
The Cookie Thief!
A woman bought some cookies & a book at an airport & sat down to read & nibble while waiting for her plane. She soon noticed a man sitting next to her, who casually took a cookie from the bag.
Although shocked & seething, the woman remained silent as the man, without the slightest sign of shame or gratitude, quietly helped himself, matching her cookie for cookie.
When there was one cookie left, she watched in amazement as he picked it up, smiled at her as if he were being gracious, & broke it in half. He ate one half & gave her the other.
Congratulating herself for maintaining her cool, she said nothing to this rude cookie thief, astonished at the nerve of some people.
Later, when she was settling into her seat on the plane, she rummaged through her purse & discovered the bag of cookies she'd purchased, still unopened. The moral message is contained in the poem's closing stanza:
"If mine are here," she moaned with despair, "Then the others were his, & he tried to share." Too late to apologize, she realized with grief, that she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.
The message that we got from this story is that we shouldn't judge. I have judged others, which I am not proud of & I have been judged, which hurts when others don't know the facts.
We should always be charitable, kind & loving to others.
"CHARITY NEVER FAILETH".
We send our love to everyone!
Unfortunately it is fall in Alaska too, & with a huge windstorm it blew 4 trees onto our house. Thankfully the damage wasn't as bad as it could have been & at least no one was hurt. Having our sons with the skills to fix our house is a bonus. There were many times when we would be sitting in the jacuzzi with the wind blowing the trees & I would tell Rod that I was sure they would fall. Well, it finally happened. Too bad!
Since we have had a normal week we would like to send a story.
The Cookie Thief!
A woman bought some cookies & a book at an airport & sat down to read & nibble while waiting for her plane. She soon noticed a man sitting next to her, who casually took a cookie from the bag.
Although shocked & seething, the woman remained silent as the man, without the slightest sign of shame or gratitude, quietly helped himself, matching her cookie for cookie.
When there was one cookie left, she watched in amazement as he picked it up, smiled at her as if he were being gracious, & broke it in half. He ate one half & gave her the other.
Congratulating herself for maintaining her cool, she said nothing to this rude cookie thief, astonished at the nerve of some people.
Later, when she was settling into her seat on the plane, she rummaged through her purse & discovered the bag of cookies she'd purchased, still unopened. The moral message is contained in the poem's closing stanza:
"If mine are here," she moaned with despair, "Then the others were his, & he tried to share." Too late to apologize, she realized with grief, that she was the rude one, the ingrate, the thief.
The message that we got from this story is that we shouldn't judge. I have judged others, which I am not proud of & I have been judged, which hurts when others don't know the facts.
We should always be charitable, kind & loving to others.
"CHARITY NEVER FAILETH".
We send our love to everyone!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
We have had so much fun the last couple of weekends. We went to Brewster Branch in Cape Cod to do a fireside. They had dinner for the Branch & then because it was late we got a motel. The next day we did some sightseeing. We went to Provincetown which is at the tip of the Cape. It is known for all of the gays that live there. We saw the Pilgrim Tower which is the tallest all granite structure in the U.S. at 252 ft. The Pilgrims actually spent 5 weeks considering Cape Cod as their home before deciding to sail across Cape Cod Bay where they found a more protected area for their settlement at Plymouth. We also saw a sign that said it was the farthest distance from coast to coast. From Long Beach, Ca. to Cape Cod it was 3,632 miles. We went to a Cemetery & walked around looking at dates. We found the oldest one at 1713. Then we went to Naussett Beach. It was beautiful & we would have loved to stay & spend the day but we had no chairs or blankets so we decided to go back another time. We spent another night in Cape Cod & came back in time to go to work. It was a long day after traveling for 2 hrs.
Sunday we went to Central Falls Ward in Rhode Island & taught the Temple Prep class & then went to Boston 1st Ward mtgs. Afterward we went to Cape Cod again & got a motel. Yesterday we went to the beach. It was a lot different from last week. The wind was blowing so hard & the waves were huge. There were just a few people on the beach so we put our backs to the wind & sat & watched the waves & the seals. After a while the windsurfers & kite boarders went out & it was fun watching them. We had to come home & wash our hair to get out the ground in sand but it was a very fun day.
We had a couple of neat experiences in the Temple last week. One sister came & wanted to do her father's work but needed help on the New Family Search. We are fairly new & there was no one else to help but we were finally able to print out his card. She was in the Baptistry when Rod took it down to her & he said it was such a special experience when he gave it to her. We also had a couple from Boston 1st Ward come in on Friday to receive their Endowments & on Saturday they came in to get sealed. It was really special to be a part of it.
In the August 2010 Ensign, Pres. Uchtdorf said, "While each temple increases the influence of righteousness in the earth, the greatest blessings, of course, come to those who actually attend the temple. There we receive further light & knowledge & make solemn covenants that, if followed, help us walk in the path of discipleship. In short, the temple teaches us about the sacred purpose of life & helps us get our true physical & spiritual bearings. For those who cannot attend the temple now for whatever reason, I encourage you to do everything in your power to hold a current temple recommend. The temple recommend is a symbol of our faithfulness & determination to serve the Lord. It is a symbol of our love for the Lord."
I will close with our testimony that the Church is true & the blessings of the temple will last for eternity if we remain faithful. We send our love to everyone.
Sunday we went to Central Falls Ward in Rhode Island & taught the Temple Prep class & then went to Boston 1st Ward mtgs. Afterward we went to Cape Cod again & got a motel. Yesterday we went to the beach. It was a lot different from last week. The wind was blowing so hard & the waves were huge. There were just a few people on the beach so we put our backs to the wind & sat & watched the waves & the seals. After a while the windsurfers & kite boarders went out & it was fun watching them. We had to come home & wash our hair to get out the ground in sand but it was a very fun day.
We had a couple of neat experiences in the Temple last week. One sister came & wanted to do her father's work but needed help on the New Family Search. We are fairly new & there was no one else to help but we were finally able to print out his card. She was in the Baptistry when Rod took it down to her & he said it was such a special experience when he gave it to her. We also had a couple from Boston 1st Ward come in on Friday to receive their Endowments & on Saturday they came in to get sealed. It was really special to be a part of it.
In the August 2010 Ensign, Pres. Uchtdorf said, "While each temple increases the influence of righteousness in the earth, the greatest blessings, of course, come to those who actually attend the temple. There we receive further light & knowledge & make solemn covenants that, if followed, help us walk in the path of discipleship. In short, the temple teaches us about the sacred purpose of life & helps us get our true physical & spiritual bearings. For those who cannot attend the temple now for whatever reason, I encourage you to do everything in your power to hold a current temple recommend. The temple recommend is a symbol of our faithfulness & determination to serve the Lord. It is a symbol of our love for the Lord."
I will close with our testimony that the Church is true & the blessings of the temple will last for eternity if we remain faithful. We send our love to everyone.
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