Missionary Journal
England (February Wk2 2009)
England (February Wk2 2009)
Saturday-Friday, 07-13 February 2009
This has been a lost week. I have been so absolutely miserable with this cold that the only thing I’ve done is call Sisters and find out that most of them have exactly what I do and are miserable also.
This has been a lost week. I have been so absolutely miserable with this cold that the only thing I’ve done is call Sisters and find out that most of them have exactly what I do and are miserable also.
Missionary Journal
England (February Wk3 2009)
England (February Wk3 2009)
Saturday, 14 February 2009
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Happy Valentine’s Day to all. I actually feel like I’m going to live. I found some really cute IClipart valentine pictures and sent out some valentine thoughts to friends.
Today, we took a walk to the High Street and Walt bought me a lovely bouquet of red roses and then a late lunch at the Swan. Being in England is OK.Sunday, 15 February 2009
Today is Branch Conference and, fortunately, I don’t have to teach anything. I’m still coughing but feeling so much better.
When we told President Martin (Poole Stake President) how much we loved the people of the Weymouth Branch, he suggested that we might like to not leave when our time is up and just stay here. Actually, I’m so at home I wouldn’t mind except the temple is almost 3 hours away—just too far. Branch Conference was a little different. The first meeting went for the normal hour and one-half, then 30 minutes to just chat, and last an hour for Priesthood, Relief Society, YM/YW, etc. The talks were superb with President Wheat (First Counselor in the Stake Presidency) bringing most of us to tears with his testimony of the gospel work that is being done in England. I’m sure glad I felt good enough to be here.
Tonight we had the Elders for dinner (DAs were not real plentiful this week). Last week was transfers and we lost Elder Bång who went to off to Peckam (South London) to be a District Leader and gained Elder Crockett (from Colorado). This is Elder Crockett’s first area (he was at the Preston MTC) and we are enjoying him. As you can see they are leaving with leftovers. I made a chili (homemade) casserole topped with cornbread (one of Elder Ellsworth’s absolute favorites). I also made a lemon pie (using shortbread for a crust; which I won’t do again).
Monday, 16 February 2009
Today is “P” day and my week for getting my hair cut and colored. Pretty low-key day with Walt handling the laundry.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
This morning was District meeting in Yeovil. The Yeovil elders had one baptism last week and four more commitment dates. Weymouth has one baptism this coming Sunday and another scheduled for 07 March. There is possibility that we might have another baptism on 07 March (a young lady the Elders are teaching).
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Today was Zone Conference and what a spiritual experience it was! The main topics were (1) the progression of the Elders and (2) President and Sister Swinton’s desire to have everyone leave the England London South Mission firmly on their way to exaltation. The question was how can we get the most growth in such a short time? This was a 2.5-hour scripture and discussion period:
D&C 58:29 - But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.
My thoughts based on the discussion: There are two kinds of people; one kind acts and the other kind is acted upon. Obviously, we need to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:9). The only way to save our souls is to put God first in our lives. If we put Him in second, third, or fourth place, we can make decisions that we will regret throughout the eternities. I believe it is possible to lose our salvation by default. If this is true, how can we afford to be other than totally active in the Church? How can we afford to not follow the Prophet? The Lord tells that unless we are valiant in his service, we surrender the reward. To be valiant means to be anxiously engaged in a good cause, do things of our own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness. It means to serve him with an eye single to his glory, and to labor in his kingdom with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. We also discussed the word “damned” in this scripture and determined that it didn’t mean “damned to hell” but meant that you wouldn’t continue to progress to exaltation.
Helaman 12:6-7
6 Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide.
7 O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth.
My thoughts based on the discussion: The only thing that we really have that is completely our own is our will. When we give it to the Lord and are obedient to the promptings of the Spirit, we can become the person the Lord sees in us. The gospel of Jesus Christ is so very simple when we put forth the effort to understand it. It is always good and uplifting. Obedience to gospel principles gives joy and happiness. With disobedience there is always a day when you have to pay the price (usually heartache, misery, strife, and unhappiness).
D&C 63:55 - And now behold, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, am not pleased with my servant Sidney Rigdon; he exalted himself in his heart, and received not counsel, but grieved the Spirit;
My thoughts based on the discussion: Sidney Rigdon was the man who was with Joseph when they saw the Lord (D&C 76:22-24; see below). At the time of Joseph and Hyrum’s death (1844), President Rigdon was First Counselor in the First Presidency but was under a cloud of issues. He was also in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, having gone there contrary to revelation (D&C 124:108-109). D&C 63 was given to the Prophet in 1831. It seems that Sidney allowed his position to go to his head and didn’t repent very well in the time between 1831 and 1844. How could someone who had seen in vision the Father and Son not heed revelation? How very sad!!
D&C 76:22-24
22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.
2 Nephi 10:24 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.
My thoughts based on the discussion: President and Sister Swinton’s goal is to get the elders started in the right direction on the path to exaltation now since it will be easier for them to continue than to start fresh. I know that our actions / performances are being judged and also our hearts / thoughts. (Alma 41:3 - And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good.) As we move through the latter days, we will be expected to do much more than has been expected to date. I’m sure it is true as we’ve been told that life’s greatest battles are fought within the silent chambers of our own souls. I also believe that some decisions only need to be made once. I decided years ago that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was true and that I wanted to be in the Celestial Kingdom with my family. That means one thing to me: that I must serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. Of course, it also means that I don’t try to do it all at once and I didn’t need to do everything right then. I needed to wait until the proper time and season of my life to do the things that the Lord wants me to do. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 - To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:)
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
1 THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
My thoughts based on the discussion: Gifts that are given to us are not just to bless ourselves, but to bless others. We were asked today as part of Zone introductions to give our name, where we were from, where and with whom we were serving, and what Christ-like attribute we want to work on this year. Many of the elders spoke of charity as their needed attribute. If you think about it, charity is not really an action, but is more a state of mind. One elder said that if we don’t have charity and the pure love of Christ, we won’t become someone better. It is fundamental to charity to be able to recognize the Lord’s hand and feel His love in all that surrounds us. When we are able to feel that love, it is natural that we want to pass it on to others. By the way, I chose unconditional love and Walt chose humility. I guess we have some work to do on ourselves this year.
Moroni 7:6-7
6 For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing.
7 For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.
My thoughts based on the discussion: As we are on this mission (each and every one of us) we need to make sure we are here for the right reasons: because we love the Lord and want to do his will; because we love the people and want to help. We don’t want to be here because it is something we should do; something people expect of us; or, in the case of the elders, so that we can find a great wife who wants to marry a returned missionary. Therefore, I suggest, based on this scripture, it is necessary to consider not only how we serve, but also why we serve (what is our real purpose). (D&C 1:16 - They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.)
D&C 4:2 - Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
My thoughts based on the discussion: One of the elders said, “Sometimes we think we are doing the best we can, but the Lord knows we can do better.” President Swinton noted that if the elders “don’t stand up now and be counted, they won’t stand up later.” He also said that investigators sometimes “fall out of the sky” right into the laps of missionaries who are not doing everything they should, but normally they are found after we do everything that we can and leave the rest up to the Lord. We have started a 40-day fast at the suggestion of President Swinton. A 40-day fast is one where we make two lists: one that is of personal things that take our minds of our work (music, thinking of home, girl friends, cars, etc.) and for the next 40 days not think about them; and the second is a companionship list that could contain many of the things on our personal lists. We were promised that if we did this 40-day fast with real intent, we would see miracles happen in the mission.
D&C 4:5 - And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
My thoughts based on the discussion: We talked about what was between the hearing and doing of something. It’s the thinking process. Are we doing our work with an eye single to the glory of God? Or are we doing it grudgingly, resentfully, judgmentally? Do we make our own decisions about who is good enough to teach? The Yeovil elders are teaching a 30-something young man who has been into drugs, alcohol, etc., for so long that he feels worthless. The first lesson they taught him was that God is our father, and that being a son of a Heavenly Father makes him of great worth. They say he is soaking up the gospel like a sponge. As I said earlier, my Christ-like attribute I need to work on is unconditional love. I’m not sure how I would handle this young man; however, I haven’t had any issues with substance abuse with the less-actives we’ve worked with. I do look into my heart often to make sure I am here and doing what I am doing because of my love of the Lord and his sons and daughters.
Matthew 19:29 - And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
My thoughts based on the discussion: There is a story of an elder who had to sell his beloved violin to go on his mission. The statement he made was: “It was hard, but the best thing I ever did was to give up something I really loved to serve the God I love more.” When I think of the things we gave up in order to come to England on our mission, I couldn’t think of a better place to leave the things I love than in the hands of the Lord. We pray for our children, grandchildren, and friends we left behind daily. I have always believed that the prayers of missionaries are special to the Lord because they are there serving 24/7 and are closer to the Spirit. The rest is only things. Don’t get me wrong. I love my home and everything I have there (computers, printers, sewing machine, etc.), but in the long run, their absence isn’t going to hurt me at all. I am so glad to be here at this time doing what we are doing. I was worried that I might miss work when I quit, but other than I miss everybody a lot, I am so content with the work we’re doing here. To help bring someone back to the Lord is so humbling and wonderful.
Matthew 16:25-26
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
My thoughts based on the discussion: An elder said, “If we forget ourselves, we will find out who we really are.” These elders are so unbelievable! Their comments are profound and much more mature than I would expect from a 20-year-old. If we apply this principle in our lives and share it with our associates, it is possible to change discouragement, tragedy, and gloom to hope and joy. This week in Relief Society I am teaching from President Uchtdorf’s General Conference talk, “The Infinite Power of Hope.” His theme statement is: “Hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges.” The question I ask is: “What is the opposite of Faith, Hope, and Charity? The answer: “Doubt, Despair, and Failure to Care for our Fellowmen/ Women?” This distills down to so much of the work we do is met with failure to get anyone to listen, and to accept commitments such as appoints for teaching, giving up Word of Wisdom issues, and baptism. If we let the failures get us down and start thinking we just can’t do it, we will fail totally, but if we forget ourselves and do what the Spirit tells us to do, we will be led to those who are truly looking for something else in their lives. We just have to get up each morning and take it as a new opportunity to learn to love someone else we haven’t met yet.
Helaman 3:35 - Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.
My thoughts based on the discussion: One elder stated: “As we work harder, we find more joy in the work.” As we let go of SELF, we can become instruments in the hands of the Lord. If we don’t worry about looking foolish and prepare as carefully and prayerfully as we can, we can do what needs to be done. Another elder said that a man on the High Street told him he was brainwashed. The elder answered, “Yes. That is true. All that is ugly and unclean has been washed out.” Joseph Smith said, ““The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” Elder M. Russell Ballard wrote: “The Lord isn’t asking us to load up a handcart; He’s asking us to fortify our faith. He isn’t asking us to walk across a continent; He’s asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbor. He isn’t asking us to give all of our worldly possessions to build a temple; He’s asking us to give of our means and our time despite the pressures of modern living to continue to build temples and then to attend regularly the temples already built. He isn’t asking us to die a martyr’s death; He’s asking us to live a disciple’s life.” What better foundation can we give a young man or woman than to have them devote 2 years of their lives to serving the Lord full-time in the mission field? The Lord isn’t asking us or them to give our lives, but to build within ourselves a firm core that testifies to the world that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that the Church of Jesus Christ is upon the earth today, and that we have a living Prophet who receives revelation for the benefit of the church.
And that was just the morning session. There really are times when we feel we have been taught “from on high.” The testimony you feel in your heart about the truth of the things you have been told is awe inspiring and humbling. We know we are in the right place, and hopefully doing the rights things to glorify the Lord.
To summarize: Forget everything that ties you to home and do what the Lord commands. For example the Prophet Joseph, in the midst of leading the growing Church in Kirtland, expressed: “No month ever found me more busily engaged than November; but as my life consisted of activity and unyielding exertions, I made this my rule: When the Lord commands, do it.” We need to “just do it.” Listen to the still, small voice and do what it tells you to do. Now!
Today is Branch Conference and, fortunately, I don’t have to teach anything. I’m still coughing but feeling so much better.
When we told President Martin (Poole Stake President) how much we loved the people of the Weymouth Branch, he suggested that we might like to not leave when our time is up and just stay here. Actually, I’m so at home I wouldn’t mind except the temple is almost 3 hours away—just too far. Branch Conference was a little different. The first meeting went for the normal hour and one-half, then 30 minutes to just chat, and last an hour for Priesthood, Relief Society, YM/YW, etc. The talks were superb with President Wheat (First Counselor in the Stake Presidency) bringing most of us to tears with his testimony of the gospel work that is being done in England. I’m sure glad I felt good enough to be here.
Tonight we had the Elders for dinner (DAs were not real plentiful this week). Last week was transfers and we lost Elder Bång who went to off to Peckam (South London) to be a District Leader and gained Elder Crockett (from Colorado). This is Elder Crockett’s first area (he was at the Preston MTC) and we are enjoying him. As you can see they are leaving with leftovers. I made a chili (homemade) casserole topped with cornbread (one of Elder Ellsworth’s absolute favorites). I also made a lemon pie (using shortbread for a crust; which I won’t do again).
Monday, 16 February 2009
Today is “P” day and my week for getting my hair cut and colored. Pretty low-key day with Walt handling the laundry.
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
This morning was District meeting in Yeovil. The Yeovil elders had one baptism last week and four more commitment dates. Weymouth has one baptism this coming Sunday and another scheduled for 07 March. There is possibility that we might have another baptism on 07 March (a young lady the Elders are teaching).
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Today was Zone Conference and what a spiritual experience it was! The main topics were (1) the progression of the Elders and (2) President and Sister Swinton’s desire to have everyone leave the England London South Mission firmly on their way to exaltation. The question was how can we get the most growth in such a short time? This was a 2.5-hour scripture and discussion period:
D&C 58:29 - But he that doeth not anything until he is commanded, and receiveth a commandment with doubtful heart, and keepeth it with slothfulness, the same is damned.
My thoughts based on the discussion: There are two kinds of people; one kind acts and the other kind is acted upon. Obviously, we need to be “doers of the word, and not hearers only” (James 1:9). The only way to save our souls is to put God first in our lives. If we put Him in second, third, or fourth place, we can make decisions that we will regret throughout the eternities. I believe it is possible to lose our salvation by default. If this is true, how can we afford to be other than totally active in the Church? How can we afford to not follow the Prophet? The Lord tells that unless we are valiant in his service, we surrender the reward. To be valiant means to be anxiously engaged in a good cause, do things of our own free will, and bring to pass much righteousness. It means to serve him with an eye single to his glory, and to labor in his kingdom with all our heart, might, mind, and strength. We also discussed the word “damned” in this scripture and determined that it didn’t mean “damned to hell” but meant that you wouldn’t continue to progress to exaltation.
Helaman 12:6-7
6 Behold, they do not desire that the Lord their God, who hath created them, should rule and reign over them; notwithstanding his great goodness and his mercy towards them, they do set at naught his counsels, and they will not that he should be their guide.
7 O how great is the nothingness of the children of men; yea, even they are less than the dust of the earth.
My thoughts based on the discussion: The only thing that we really have that is completely our own is our will. When we give it to the Lord and are obedient to the promptings of the Spirit, we can become the person the Lord sees in us. The gospel of Jesus Christ is so very simple when we put forth the effort to understand it. It is always good and uplifting. Obedience to gospel principles gives joy and happiness. With disobedience there is always a day when you have to pay the price (usually heartache, misery, strife, and unhappiness).
D&C 63:55 - And now behold, verily I say unto you, I, the Lord, am not pleased with my servant Sidney Rigdon; he exalted himself in his heart, and received not counsel, but grieved the Spirit;
My thoughts based on the discussion: Sidney Rigdon was the man who was with Joseph when they saw the Lord (D&C 76:22-24; see below). At the time of Joseph and Hyrum’s death (1844), President Rigdon was First Counselor in the First Presidency but was under a cloud of issues. He was also in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, having gone there contrary to revelation (D&C 124:108-109). D&C 63 was given to the Prophet in 1831. It seems that Sidney allowed his position to go to his head and didn’t repent very well in the time between 1831 and 1844. How could someone who had seen in vision the Father and Son not heed revelation? How very sad!!
D&C 76:22-24
22 And now, after the many testimonies which have been given of him, this is the testimony, last of all, which we give of him: That he lives!
23 For we saw him, even on the right hand of God; and we heard the voice bearing record that he is the Only Begotten of the Father—
24 That by him, and through him, and of him, the worlds are and were created, and the inhabitants thereof are begotten sons and daughters unto God.
2 Nephi 10:24 - Wherefore, my beloved brethren, reconcile yourselves to the will of God, and not to the will of the devil and the flesh; and remember, after ye are reconciled unto God, that it is only in and through the grace of God that ye are saved.
My thoughts based on the discussion: President and Sister Swinton’s goal is to get the elders started in the right direction on the path to exaltation now since it will be easier for them to continue than to start fresh. I know that our actions / performances are being judged and also our hearts / thoughts. (Alma 41:3 - And it is requisite with the justice of God that men should be judged according to their works; and if their works were good in this life, and the desires of their hearts were good, that they should also, at the last day, be restored unto that which is good.) As we move through the latter days, we will be expected to do much more than has been expected to date. I’m sure it is true as we’ve been told that life’s greatest battles are fought within the silent chambers of our own souls. I also believe that some decisions only need to be made once. I decided years ago that the Gospel of Jesus Christ was true and that I wanted to be in the Celestial Kingdom with my family. That means one thing to me: that I must serve the Lord with all my heart, might, mind, and strength. Of course, it also means that I don’t try to do it all at once and I didn’t need to do everything right then. I needed to wait until the proper time and season of my life to do the things that the Lord wants me to do. (Ecclesiastes 3:1 - To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:)
1 Corinthians 13:1-3
1 THOUGH I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
My thoughts based on the discussion: Gifts that are given to us are not just to bless ourselves, but to bless others. We were asked today as part of Zone introductions to give our name, where we were from, where and with whom we were serving, and what Christ-like attribute we want to work on this year. Many of the elders spoke of charity as their needed attribute. If you think about it, charity is not really an action, but is more a state of mind. One elder said that if we don’t have charity and the pure love of Christ, we won’t become someone better. It is fundamental to charity to be able to recognize the Lord’s hand and feel His love in all that surrounds us. When we are able to feel that love, it is natural that we want to pass it on to others. By the way, I chose unconditional love and Walt chose humility. I guess we have some work to do on ourselves this year.
Moroni 7:6-7
6 For behold, God hath said a man being evil cannot do that which is good; for if he offereth a gift, or prayeth unto God, except he shall do it with real intent it profiteth him nothing.
7 For behold, it is not counted unto him for righteousness.
My thoughts based on the discussion: As we are on this mission (each and every one of us) we need to make sure we are here for the right reasons: because we love the Lord and want to do his will; because we love the people and want to help. We don’t want to be here because it is something we should do; something people expect of us; or, in the case of the elders, so that we can find a great wife who wants to marry a returned missionary. Therefore, I suggest, based on this scripture, it is necessary to consider not only how we serve, but also why we serve (what is our real purpose). (D&C 1:16 - They seek not the Lord to establish his righteousness, but every man walketh in his own way, and after the image of his own god, whose image is in the likeness of the world, and whose substance is that of an idol, which waxeth old and shall perish in Babylon, even Babylon the great, which shall fall.)
D&C 4:2 - Therefore, O ye that embark in the service of God, see that ye serve him with all your heart, might, mind and strength, that ye may stand blameless before God at the last day.
My thoughts based on the discussion: One of the elders said, “Sometimes we think we are doing the best we can, but the Lord knows we can do better.” President Swinton noted that if the elders “don’t stand up now and be counted, they won’t stand up later.” He also said that investigators sometimes “fall out of the sky” right into the laps of missionaries who are not doing everything they should, but normally they are found after we do everything that we can and leave the rest up to the Lord. We have started a 40-day fast at the suggestion of President Swinton. A 40-day fast is one where we make two lists: one that is of personal things that take our minds of our work (music, thinking of home, girl friends, cars, etc.) and for the next 40 days not think about them; and the second is a companionship list that could contain many of the things on our personal lists. We were promised that if we did this 40-day fast with real intent, we would see miracles happen in the mission.
D&C 4:5 - And faith, hope, charity and love, with an eye single to the glory of God, qualify him for the work.
My thoughts based on the discussion: We talked about what was between the hearing and doing of something. It’s the thinking process. Are we doing our work with an eye single to the glory of God? Or are we doing it grudgingly, resentfully, judgmentally? Do we make our own decisions about who is good enough to teach? The Yeovil elders are teaching a 30-something young man who has been into drugs, alcohol, etc., for so long that he feels worthless. The first lesson they taught him was that God is our father, and that being a son of a Heavenly Father makes him of great worth. They say he is soaking up the gospel like a sponge. As I said earlier, my Christ-like attribute I need to work on is unconditional love. I’m not sure how I would handle this young man; however, I haven’t had any issues with substance abuse with the less-actives we’ve worked with. I do look into my heart often to make sure I am here and doing what I am doing because of my love of the Lord and his sons and daughters.
Matthew 19:29 - And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.
My thoughts based on the discussion: There is a story of an elder who had to sell his beloved violin to go on his mission. The statement he made was: “It was hard, but the best thing I ever did was to give up something I really loved to serve the God I love more.” When I think of the things we gave up in order to come to England on our mission, I couldn’t think of a better place to leave the things I love than in the hands of the Lord. We pray for our children, grandchildren, and friends we left behind daily. I have always believed that the prayers of missionaries are special to the Lord because they are there serving 24/7 and are closer to the Spirit. The rest is only things. Don’t get me wrong. I love my home and everything I have there (computers, printers, sewing machine, etc.), but in the long run, their absence isn’t going to hurt me at all. I am so glad to be here at this time doing what we are doing. I was worried that I might miss work when I quit, but other than I miss everybody a lot, I am so content with the work we’re doing here. To help bring someone back to the Lord is so humbling and wonderful.
Matthew 16:25-26
25 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.
26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
My thoughts based on the discussion: An elder said, “If we forget ourselves, we will find out who we really are.” These elders are so unbelievable! Their comments are profound and much more mature than I would expect from a 20-year-old. If we apply this principle in our lives and share it with our associates, it is possible to change discouragement, tragedy, and gloom to hope and joy. This week in Relief Society I am teaching from President Uchtdorf’s General Conference talk, “The Infinite Power of Hope.” His theme statement is: “Hope in God, His goodness, and His power refreshes us with courage during difficult challenges.” The question I ask is: “What is the opposite of Faith, Hope, and Charity? The answer: “Doubt, Despair, and Failure to Care for our Fellowmen/ Women?” This distills down to so much of the work we do is met with failure to get anyone to listen, and to accept commitments such as appoints for teaching, giving up Word of Wisdom issues, and baptism. If we let the failures get us down and start thinking we just can’t do it, we will fail totally, but if we forget ourselves and do what the Spirit tells us to do, we will be led to those who are truly looking for something else in their lives. We just have to get up each morning and take it as a new opportunity to learn to love someone else we haven’t met yet.
Helaman 3:35 - Nevertheless they did fast and pray oft, and did wax stronger and stronger in their humility, and firmer and firmer in the faith of Christ, unto the filling their souls with joy and consolation, yea, even to the purifying and the sanctification of their hearts, which sanctification cometh because of their yielding their hearts unto God.
My thoughts based on the discussion: One elder stated: “As we work harder, we find more joy in the work.” As we let go of SELF, we can become instruments in the hands of the Lord. If we don’t worry about looking foolish and prepare as carefully and prayerfully as we can, we can do what needs to be done. Another elder said that a man on the High Street told him he was brainwashed. The elder answered, “Yes. That is true. All that is ugly and unclean has been washed out.” Joseph Smith said, ““The Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” Elder M. Russell Ballard wrote: “The Lord isn’t asking us to load up a handcart; He’s asking us to fortify our faith. He isn’t asking us to walk across a continent; He’s asking us to walk across the street to visit our neighbor. He isn’t asking us to give all of our worldly possessions to build a temple; He’s asking us to give of our means and our time despite the pressures of modern living to continue to build temples and then to attend regularly the temples already built. He isn’t asking us to die a martyr’s death; He’s asking us to live a disciple’s life.” What better foundation can we give a young man or woman than to have them devote 2 years of their lives to serving the Lord full-time in the mission field? The Lord isn’t asking us or them to give our lives, but to build within ourselves a firm core that testifies to the world that Jesus Christ is our Savior and Redeemer, that Joseph Smith was a prophet of God, that the Church of Jesus Christ is upon the earth today, and that we have a living Prophet who receives revelation for the benefit of the church.
And that was just the morning session. There really are times when we feel we have been taught “from on high.” The testimony you feel in your heart about the truth of the things you have been told is awe inspiring and humbling. We know we are in the right place, and hopefully doing the rights things to glorify the Lord.
To summarize: Forget everything that ties you to home and do what the Lord commands. For example the Prophet Joseph, in the midst of leading the growing Church in Kirtland, expressed: “No month ever found me more busily engaged than November; but as my life consisted of activity and unyielding exertions, I made this my rule: When the Lord commands, do it.” We need to “just do it.” Listen to the still, small voice and do what it tells you to do. Now!
Friday, 20 February 2009
Today started out marvelously beautiful after the rains we’ve had earlier in the week. By the way, that is our garage on the left. A one car garage (barely) – I haven’t seen any two-car garages that have a two-car door, just two one-car doors.
Today started out marvelously beautiful after the rains we’ve had earlier in the week. By the way, that is our garage on the left. A one car garage (barely) – I haven’t seen any two-car garages that have a two-car door, just two one-car doors.
By way of example, here are some pictures of single family homes that are just up above our flat. As you can see, they have two-car garages, but two small doors. You can also see in the picture on the left that they have paved (bricked really) the area leading up to the house so that they can park there. It’s just another indication of too many people in too small an area.
For my Sunday School class this week, we are teaching the first principles and ordinances of the gospel. Since this is a Y.S.A. class, I decided to use rocks for repentance and needed some big smooth rocks. I asked the Elders and was told to go to Chesil Beach, which is on the way to Portland Island. It’s only 3 or 4 miles away, so Walt and I put on our slacks and took a trip to Portland.
This is Chesil Beach and the ocean is over that sand dune.
We paid and parked the car and started walking. Boy, did I get my exercise today. This is not a sand beach like Santa Cruz, it is a pebble beach. The rocks are slightly larger than a 50¢ piece and some are flat and some are round. When you don’t have big feet (like Walt’s size 14s), it’s like walking through deep mud except that you don’t have to break suction on your shoes. The whole beach is like this.
While I sat on the top of the dune (?), Walt went down and looked for larger rocks. This picture is for Tina who says I’m never in the picture (that’s because I’m mostly the one taking the pictures).
Fortunately, Walt found some good not too large, heavy, smooth rocks for my object lesson. As we were finishing our time there, the afternoon clouds were starting to roll in.
This is a picture of Weymouth taken from Chesil Beach.
This is a picture of Portland Island taken from the same point on Chesil Beach.
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Just had the weekly “Advertiser” dropped through the mail slot on the door. For those of you who would like to come and work in lovely Weymouth, it seems BAE Systems has job openings in Combat Systems (Submarines) in Weymouth (as well as Farnborough). I didn’t even know they were here in town. I guess I’ll have to find out where they are.I believe this is more than enough for the week. Love you all. Jackie
