Thursday, July 31, 2014

         A stand-out circumstance in being here is that we never get bored or run out of things to do.  The few hours we have before or after our 7 ½ to 8 hour shift every day get filled up so quickly and we never seem to have enough time to finish all that we would like to.  I had hoped for a lot more time for Gospel study, but Spanish study has somehow trumped that and I am behind.  Exercise takes a big chunk, too; but I guess that is what keeps us going!

         It is goodbye to July and we will welcome August tomorrow.  It doesn’t really matter here since all the months are basically the same; but I love the chance of seasons we have at home and just knowing that it is August in Idaho feels good to me. 

         Good Night Everyone.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

         Glade and Brother Valladares visited their second family tonight.  Both families they home teach are single mothers with children who come to Church, but neither have been to the temple and one mom has a twelve-year-old boy who is ready for the Priesthood.  So, already they have made a positive impact on these two families and the plans are underway for helping them move forward in the Gospel.  It will be great to watch their progress and give them support.  Both families live in gated and guarded communities where ID is left at the gate with the guards when visitors enter.

         Brother Valladares has had a change in his responsibilities and now is overseeing only the stakes North of Tegucigalpa and maybe some into Guatemala; but he is still gone on visits nearly every week-end for three days.  Sometimes we forget the demands made on the men who serve in positions that keep them so busy. 

         It’s hot and windy here with just an occasional short rain shower.

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

         This was a very slow day for temple work since the patron numbers were very low.  It is rather peaceful when that happens and there is more time for pondering and observing.  I love these beautiful people who have so much love in their hearts for each other and share it with me.

         Glade received a Home Teaching assignment a few weeks ago and he made a visit tonight to one of his families.  His partner is an Area Authority Seventy who oversees the Church in Nicaragua, Honduras, and Panama.  Obviously, he travels a lot but does come to our ward now and then.  His wife is the sweet lady who directed the stake choirs and the big Christmas program I played for last year.  He is one of the few people here who has been a member all of his life.  They plan to visit the other family tomorrow night.

         Gina gave me more music to learn for piano and viola.  It is really working me, but it feels good.   Good Night, Everyone!

I just had to add this photo today since the little yellow daisies that surrounded this palm tree
have been replaced suddenly by these geraniums!!

Monday, July 28, 2014

         I love Mondays in part because I can exercise outside instead of in the confines of the laundry room.  Not that having a treadmill and access to the AC in that laundry room are not blessings; it’s just better to get outside and feel free and breathe new air.  I took my phone, which functions as my camera, and took a few pictures of the morning’s happenings on the grounds.  They are not exciting, but some I wanted in my journal.  Glade went to Casa Campo so he wasn’t around to get into the photos.  

This is the site where last week I posted several men with picks and shovels hand digging this ground.
There were no workers this morning, but this is what it looked like.  It is across the street from the upper guard station.
 I don't know yet what is going up here.  

These are our friends who wash and polish and shine every non-living item around the temple.

The man with his back to us is the hedge trimmer.  It is all done by hand with a tool that looks like a pair of scissors!

Here he is again clipping away.  It looks like another tree in the foreground will need to be replaced, too

These guys are the parking lot scrubbers!  The grease spots from all the traffic and buses are getting ahead of them.

The parking lot looks pretty big when you have to scrub and hose every inch of it--this is only a small portion.

Several trees have had to be replaced and two new ones came on the lot this morning.  This man is digging the hole for one of the replacement trees.

You know me, I just have to add a few flowers!  This plant forms hedges everywhere and they are beautiful!

More flowers--the yellow ones replaced the poinsettias which I hope get returned and replanted in December.

Some of my favorites--wish I knew what they are called.

More of the same

Glade said that these big palms look like someone planted giant pineapples!

The guy in the green is still digging the tree-hole.

This pretty blue flower covers the plants that form a bigger hedge North of the grounds.

This is where we live--Casa de Huespedes

Here come the new trees--delivered in this pick-up truck.  The first one is being lifted out leafy branches first.

They are all working together to get the new tree in straight and just right!!

They probably wondered why in the world I was taking all these pictures!

It's straight now--so fill in the hole, quick1 

A view of the terracing down the hill that usually goes unseen unless you are at a high vantage point.

Sunday, July 27, 2014

         A rehearsal for Sister Cazier’s music recital was scheduled this afternoon.  When we left the building on the way to the chapel, we noticed several buses and lots of cars in the parking lot.  What we think was another missionary activity was taking place and the building was full of people in meetings.  The room where the baptismal font is located was empty so the practice was moved there.  Missionary work takes place on a whole different level here and we love seeing all the people who come to learn about the Gospel.  

         A young sister missionary, new to our ward but serving in her 15^th month, spoke in Sacrament Meeting today.  We talked with her after the meeting and learned that she is from Orem and has grandparents living in Idaho Falls.  Their last name is Beard (said like a man’s beard).  Her grandfather is an attorney and her grandmother is a music teacher.  I have heard her name in the music circles in Idaho Falls and Glade knows of her grandfather.  What a small world it proved to be again.  This couple is now serving their second mission in Salt Lake City.  Their first was in Washington D.C. and they were in a Spanish Ward/Branch.  Her grandmother didn’t speak any Spanish, and after a few months—the sister missionary said—she just gave up.  Well, I only relate this because it helps to identify the difficulty of the language challenge that many senior couples face—especially the sisters—and never really conquer.  It helps me feel better about my own situation, my constant study, and the small successes that come from faith and diligence. 

         Love you all so much; hope your day was renewing.  Good Night.

Tegucigalpa, Honduras; partly cloudy with thunderstorms; and 75 degrees @ 8:30 p.m.  

Saturday, July 26, 2014

         The temple was full of people today with loads of baptisms and people bringing names of family members to do work for.  It was exhausting but as always felt good at the end of the day to know that so much temple work had been done. 

A sweet young woman from our stake, the Loarque Stake, showed Glade her Family Search papers and told him about the work in family history she has been doing for the past seven years.  She is twenty-nine now and has a little baby so her work has slowed a little; but she used to spend three hours a day on family history.  She started doing this work when she was single and has found over 3,000 names that she has submitted for temple work.  In the beginning she did the baptisms herself and then left the names at the temple for others to help with. 

I am so excited to learn how to use the new family history programs, but fear that once I get started, everything else will fade into the background.  Getting hooked will be way easy for me and right now I should still study Spanish although who knows how I will ever use it.  It is something fun to look forward to.  

Friday, July 25, 2014

         It was kind of a rough day, but survival always wins when one takes time to count the blessings bestowed by a loving Heavenly Father.  Life is good.

         Today is my dad’s birthday and it was great to think of him today and remember so many things about him that I love. 

At this time of the year, I can see him—overall-clad—bustling in the yards as he serviced the combine in anticipation of the grain harvest and making sure the truck was painted; it was red.  He was always so good at taking care of everything. 

I can see him getting the second crop of hay cut, bailed, hauled and stacked on bright sunny days.  When I was little, he managed a crew of several young men (and one little girl derrick-horse tractor driver J) who brought the crop in.  About the time I left home, those jobs were all replaced by a one-man machine that did it all.

I can see him grabbing an early Red Astrachan apple from the tree as he walked through the garden checking out everything and pulling errant weeds on his way.

I can feel his energy as he kept everyone “hopping” and working up to speed.  There was always a storm to beat, dew on the alfalfa to assess, and thirsty crops to irrigate, and the race to beat the setting sun.

Even though unspoken, I always felt loved and secure.  Love you, Dad!

Good Night, Everyone.  God Bless and Keep You!

P. S.  Just a note below about our favorite Red Astrachan apples that I grew up on and that made our favorite applesauce!!

RED ASTRACHAN Russian, from England in 1816

The Red Astrachan is an old Russian apple imported into England from Sweden in 1816, and was brought to America in 1835.  Commonly grown by gardeners and backyard orchardists in the north, Red Astrachan is flavorful with strong acidity.  Fruit is medium size, skin yellow, flushed crimson.  Flesh firm, coarse, greenish-white, and quite tart.  Make flavorful dried apples; some old-timers rate this the best for pie.  One important note of interest; they are know for bursting their skin when they are over-ripe, so pick when ripe.  They are great for desserts and sauce.  It is an early apple and storage time is short.

Thursday, July 24, 2014 

         Did anyone do any celebrating today for the Twenty-fourth?  There used to be lots of big wonderful parades and activities to celebrate Pioneer Day when Glade and I were young.  (That makes us sound like old people!)  They seem to have diminished and in most cases have vanished now.  Did anyone get to see a parade?

         Here is the final installment of Glade’s FHE lesson on the pioneer trek and arrival in the Salt Lake Valley.  He wants me to make a disclaimer here about accuracy in translation since he only had the text in Spanish and had to

translate to English.

Three Groups Enter Salt Lake Valley

After passing Fort Bridger, the difficulty of negotiating the narrow canyons of the mountains ahead required separating the company into three groups which arrived in the Salt Lake Valley separately.

The first, led by Orson Pratt, prepared a map of the route and prepared the way for the wagons to follow through, what would later be named, Emigration Canyon.  On July 21, 1847 Orson Pratt and Erastus Snow first entered the Salt Lake Valley and shouted for joy at the view ahead of them. After traveling a loop of 2O kilometers in the valley they returned to their company.

The second, or Vanguard Company, entered the valley on July 22 and immediately began developing a primitive irrigation system to flood land in preparation to plant. They then returned to their encampment.

On July 24, 1847 Brigham Young with the third company arrived at what is now known as Emigration Canyon.  Wilford Woodruff carried him in his wagon because the Prophet was still ill with “mountain fever.”  Both contemplated the future as they looked over the valley.  Wilford Woodruff wrote, “Happy thoughts and images flashed quickly through our minds as we contemplated the possibility that within a few years the inhabitants of Zion would raise up the House of the Lord in the mountaintops and the valley would be filled with orchards, gardens and fields, and the banner would be raised for nations to come.”

Wilford Woodruff had turned the wagon around as they left the canyon to provide the Prophet, [who was still sick] a view of the whole valley.  “As we admired the scene spread out before us, he had a vision that lasted several minutes.  He had already seen in another vision the valley and this time he contemplated the future glory of Zion and of Israel, as if it would be established in the valleys of these mountains.  After the vision passed, he said, ‘It is enough, this is the right place.  Drive on.’”

We owe a huge debt of gratitude to our pioneer ancestors for their faith, courage, diligence, and sacrifice to cross the plains, come to the Salt Lake Valley, and make the desert blossom as a rose.   They laid a foundation of righteousness and obedience and made it possible for us to have the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives.  I pray to always be a credit to their good names and be as worthy as possible of the sacrifices they made. 

Happy Pioneer Day!  Good Night! 

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

         Yesterday, Glade went back to the mall where we picked out his ring, finalized the purchase, and wore the new band home.  It looks great to see a wedding ring where it should be; it’s been missing way too long.

         While I was in the baptisry yesterday I met two beautiful young girls who spoke English.  When they addressed me with beautifully familiar words, I felt like a light had been turned on in a dim room!  One of these sweet sisters had just returned from serving a mission in Panama and had only been home for two weeks.  Most of what I know about Panama is that it is extremely hot there!  The other young sister had come to do her own work in the temple for the first time.  She is preparing to leave on a mission to Copan, Guatemala in just a few weeks.  I loved visiting with them and tried to give some reassurance to the younger girl who was nervous about all she had to learn about the temple and had concerns about learning a dialect in her language for her mission that she didn’t understand.  It was a lovely encounter and left me smiling.

         Here is Glade’s next entry:

       A Call to Repentance

The Saints had passed Chimney Rock, approximately half-way from Winter Quarters to Salt Lake Valley. Brigham Young and Heber C. Kimball expressed grave concern about the attitude and actions of some of the members. They were profaning, gambling with money, playing cards, and doing parodies and mimics of things which deserved respect. Inspired by the Spirit, they decided to call the encampment to repentance. The next day Brigham Young spoke very clearly to the men.

“Give me a man who prays, give me a man with faith, give me a man who meditates, a prudent man, and I would prefer to go among the savages accompanied by five or eight of them than to entrust in the hands of this encampment with the spirit which now dominates. ..Do we really believe that it is possible to find a place for the Saints, a place of rest, a place of peace where we can build a kingdom and invite the nations to meet with us, while we carry within us a despicable, malicious, dirty, superficial, covetous, and wicked spirit?  It is in vain!  If the brethren are not willing to make a covenant to put away the wickedness and return to the Lord to serve Him, recognize Him and honor His name, I want them to turn around their wagons and go back, because I will not go forward with these conditions. If we don’t repent of our wickedness, we will have more difficulties than we have had up until now and worse storms to confront.”

The next day, Brigham Young convened a meeting with the leaders at the top of a hill where they dressed in temple clothes and formed a prayer circle.  They prayed to God for themselves, for the company of Saints, for the brethren in the army and for their own families.  William Clayton said, “After this a pure atmosphere was prevalent in the encampment. (Taken from The History of the Church in the Fullness of Times, Course Book for Religion 341, 343.)

Tomorrow we arrive in the Salt Lake Valley!

 Good Night, Everyone

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

         The following is the first of Glade’s segments from last night’s pioneer FHE written in his words:

Yesterday night was our turn to provide the food and lesson for family home evening.  Inasmuch as July 24 is celebrated at home, I decided to put together a brief, condensed version of some of the less known incidents [by the Hondurans at least] of the pioneers trek from Winter Quarters.  Yesterday was July 21 when the first pioneers entered the Salt Lake Valley; more about them later this week.

On April 16 the company began their journey of more than 1600 kilometers.  Brigham Young structured the company’s organization along military lines in the event they would encounter hostile Indians.  William Clayton, who was the historian of the company, kept track of the mileage by counting the revolutions of one of the wagon wheels to calculate how far they traveled each day.  Boredom soon made him suggest they call on Orson Pratt to devise a mechanical odometer.  His first one would only measure 16 kilometers at a time.

 By his return from the Salt Lake Valley to Winter Quarters he had invented one which would measure up to 1600 km at a time. He was then able to closely calculate the distance from Winter Quarters to the Salt Lake Valley. Check tomorrow for progress.  Thursday we arrive in SL Valley.

Hope you all had a great day.  Love and prayers-- 

Monday, July 21, 2014

         It was a marathon day:  I washed all the bedding, exercised, and then realized I was going to run short of time in preparing the FHE meal.  The main course was supposed to be an easy recipe, and it was.  But working in this tiny kitchen and having to do extra things like bleach the veggies and work with a gloved-hand to protect the finger I cut with the kitchen shears cutting the chicken and the fingers I cut chopping green chilies, created inefficiency; and everything seemed to come together so slowly.  I was determined to make it a pleasant day, however, and tried not to be stressed but to “enjoy the journey.”  I made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies that turned out pretty good—haven’t baked in ages so that’s probably why they tasted to good.  The chicken enchiladas also seemed to be a hit and they were served with carrot sticks, chips and salsa, mandarin oranges to go with the cookies, and Raspberry-lemonade Crystal Lite.  Sleep will be so welcome tonight!  I’m done-in!  

Glade prepared a really great lesson abridging incidents from the history of the pioneers as they moved from Nauvoo to the Salt Lake Valley.  Today, July 21^st, was the day the first pioneers—Orson Pratt and Erastus Snow—reached the Salt Lake Valley, seeing it for the first time.  It was three days later when Brigham Young, who was ill, arrived and declared that this was the right place!   During the next few days, we will send some of the stories and quotes from his lesson that you might enjoy.

Good Night Everyone—

Sunday, July 20, 2014

         Sundays are good and I have adjusted my expectations to include the fact that everything will still be in Spanish and I’m dealing with it better.  At least there are recognizable words and phrases now.  My kindle is still my best friend at church, however.

         Glade’s lesson for the High Priests went well and he really enjoyed the challenge.  It’s a good way to learn more Spanish for him and he has to prepare not only the lesson material, but to be able to direct discussions and answer questions. 

         The wind went down early enough this evening that we could take our walk around the grounds.  We have to get out early since it gets very dark between 6:00 and 6:30 p.m.  Missionaries and visitors were also out enjoying the beautiful grounds and panoramic view.

         We are missing our raspberries from the garden right now and hope the birds don’t get all of them.  Our work will be cut out for us next year when we try to tame our wildly growing grounds.

         We hope you have had a spiritual Sabbath and renewal of energy and commitment to living the Gospel.  Our faith and testimonies need constant nourishment and support.  I love reading the Ensigns and hope you are finding time to be filled with the spirit of the messages.  They are wonderful!

         Have a great night.  We send our love and prayers.

         

Saturday, July 19, 2014

         We had a great day in the temple and are tired and ready for a little change of pace.  Glade has been working all week on his High Priest lesson for tomorrow and is putting the finishing touches on it as I write.  Priesthood Meeting and Relief Society are at 8:30 a.m.  He loves the challenge of studying the material and preparing in Spanish.  He also has the FHE lesson for Monday night.  I just have to prepare the meal!

         What a pleasant surprise we had today to receive another letter from a kind couple in our ward in Garfield.  They just finished their own mission and have sent us via Pouch mail two letters.  They used to be in our ward several years ago and have been separated from us during several ward boundary changes.  With the latest changes in our stake, however, they are now back in our ward.  Any time a missionary—even for us old folks—receives a letter, it is a bit of a celebration and we love it that they were thoughtful enough to keep us in touch. 

         Good night and enjoy your Sabbath Day.  Sending love and prayers---

Friday, July 18, 2014

         There were five buses parked outside when we entered the temple this afternoon, so it meant another busy day.   Group after group did baptisms and kept the lavanderia overflowing.  I love helping the sisters and seeing them several times during our shift.  By the time the day ends, it feels like we are friends and the hugs and exchanges are full of love and gratitude on both sides.  It is a beautiful experience.

         Of course we are only outside briefly—to walk to and from the temple or the chapel—but today we felt the force of a really strong wind reminding us of some of our famous Idaho winds.  I’m sure it didn’t blow like this last year.  Maybe it will go away soon.

         Enjoy your week-end and be safe.  Sending all our love---

Thursday, July 17, 2014

          It seemed that everyone who stayed home yesterday came to the temple today, and it was crowded and busy—including lots of youth groups for baptisms.  It certainly wasn’t the busiest day we have ever had, but was busy enough!

         I was impressed with an Ensign article in the June issue and wanted to share a scripture and a quote.  A young married man was facing a difficult decision about his course of study and was diligently seeking answers to his questions.  His brother reminded him of this verse from Matthew 16:26: 

“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?”

Later when he was reading an article by Pres. Monson from an address in October, 2011, he found the answer to his question and confirmation to the advice in the scripture. 

“We must be vigilant in a world which has moved so far from that which is spiritual.  It is essential that we reject anything that does not conform to our standards, refusing in the process to surrender that which we desire most:  eternal life in the kingdom of God.”

He said, “These words pierced me with great power.  As tears ran down my face, I knew that a living prophet had answered my prayer.”

The Lord has blessed us with the resources we need to find answers to our questions and direction in our lives as we work out our salvation.  He will guide us as we keep His commandments and follow the words of His living prophets.

We pray for the Lord's blessings to be upon you every day.  

  

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

         Today was pretty quiet and there were very few patrons in attendance with the exception of one session filled with ward members supporting a family who had come for the first time and were sealed as well.

         That meant I had the opportunity to go through one session as a participant and I decided to use the headphones and hear it in English.  It was wonderful!!  That is the first time I have heard it in English for 15 months and the experience wrapped around me like a comforting blanket with peace and familiarity.  It made me cry a little, but I loved the session and might have to do another one in English. 

         Please find time in your busy lives to attend your own temples when you can.  We all can use a little fortification to deal with this crazy world we are living in so we don’t lose our focus and direction. 

         Love to everyone!

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

         It has been just a week since our family members started with a bad flu bug and some are still recovering.  It was obviously more than the 24-hour variety.  We are still praying for you and hope everyone gets well as soon as possible.

         I had a couple of ideas for the blog and they have just flown right out of my head!!  If they make a return flight, maybe they will land for tomorrow’s blog. 

         We are saddened by the illegal immigration of thousands of people, mostly children, from Central America to our country’s southern borders.  My heart breaks for the innocent children who are suffering and for the families who are fleeing the crime and violence in their neighborhoods.  However, this can’t be the right answer.  I hope someone comes up with a good solution and soon.

         May the remainder of your July days be filled with summer fun and recreation; the rewards and satisfaction of yard work, gardening, and canning; and special times spent building and strengthening your family relationships.

         Good Night, Everyone.  -–Sending more love, and always prayers--  

Monday, July 14, 2014

         The busier we are, the faster the time goes and we run out of “day” before we run out of “list” on our P-days.  Glade went to swim and work out at Casa Campo—which by the way means field house—and I walked outside since it was Monday and allowed. 

I needed Jen here to do my hair, but had to settle for another do-it-yourself haircut and color.  It turned out okay but is really a lot of work.  I can’t wait to go to a shop and have someone else do it while I relax!

         Then, David took us to the City Mall where we found a ring for Glade so that people won’t wonder if he has a spouse!   He isn’t wearing it yet since we couldn’t get enough cash from the ATM to pay in full.  He wanted the discount for a cash payment which meant tracking down an ATM that would work.  However, he realized too late that there is a limit and after the third use, the security system kicked in and wouldn’t give him anymore cash.  The nice lady helping us with the ring said she would give him the discount anyway if he used his credit card—but that wouldn’t work either.  So we paid a deposit and they are holding the ring.  He will pick it up next week and pay the balance then. 

When we got home, there were “fraud alerts” on his computer from the credit card company about the multiple uses of his card.  We are grateful for this security watch and service even though it put a crimp in our ability to finish the transactions today.  He called the company and all is well.

This is across the street from the upper guard station.  It appears these workers are clearing land for a building project.  It looked like terribly hard work and they were using huge picks, shovels, and wheel barrows.  This is all of the "heavy equipment" they seemed to have.  

Just to the right of center you can see a plane.  It will circle around behind our building and we can watch it land in the scariest airport in the world :)

Waiting for David with the big shopping bags.

I wasn't quick enough with the camera to catch the bus I wanted a picture of, but these two will do.  They are the nicer buses that people here use a lot--not us, however!!

This is just in front of the mall.  We can walk to the grocery store from here since it is just one lot over from the mall.

Sunday, July 13, 2014

         It was our ward conference today and I realized that after the division, our ward is pretty small.  The chapel wasn’t even filled.  Most of the people I knew well are now in the other ward but not all of them.  It’s always a chance to get to know new people.  We have an excellent Bishop who is very enthusiastic and brings his expertise as a Regional Institute Supervisor in the Church Education System to his calling.  There are investigators attending nearly every week even though we only have one pair of missionaries now instead of three or four.

         The Bishop’s wife, Gina, played her viola in Sacrament Meeting and her 10-year-old daughter accompanied her.  I was sitting next to the piano when this young girl came to play and watched her put her music in place.  It was a single sheet of paper torn from a magazine and folded in fourths.  It had seen a lot of use and would hardly stay upright.  I reached over and helped secure it a little by reversing a fold and it stayed put.  She wasn’t nervous and played the song without mistakes.  Her mom had written an obbligato part for the viola for the third verse and it was very pretty.

         My mind went right away to how my over-active self would have trimmed and straightened the edges, made a photo copy, mounted it on solid cardstock, placed it in a sheet protector, and added it to a binder.   Many things here are done much more simply than I am used to and they usually turn out just fine!  There is a lesson here for me, I’m sure.

         After arriving for Church, the Bishop asked me to play for Sacrament Meeting, so after Relief Society I went home for prelude music.  One of the choir numbers had to be cut since the meeting went long and I felt bad for all the work the director had put in on the song.  Maybe they can sing it on another Sunday.

         When a Sacrament Meeting speaker goes on for too long, a member of the bishopric places a piece of paper on the podium where the speaker can see it to indicate that his time is up.  I have no idea what it says, but it works.  When the Bishop was speaking today, one of his counselors stood up and placed the paper on the podium!  I was more than a little surprised, and he hadn’t really been speaking very long, but he finished.  He was followed by a counselor in the Stake Presidency and then the Stake President and the total time was running short.  The stake President spoke for twenty minutes going over time by at least 15 minutes.  However, no one put the paper on the pulpit for him—executive privilege perhaps.  Extra time in the meeting was used for two confirmations one of which was for a young man in a wheel chair with cerebral palsy. 

         Sundays are great and Glade and I had a nice “walk and talk” this afternoon and made it back just as the wind carried in a rainstorm.  It feels wonderful to get outside to breath in fresh air and see the world.

         Good night, Everyone, and have a great week!  --Sending love and prayers your way-- 

Saturday, July 12, 2014

         The new Tegucigalpa Mission President and his wife were in the temple today and we had a chance to visit with them for a few minutes.  They have been here for about ten days and are just getting settled in for their three-year stay.  He owns a huge cattle ranch in Elko, Nevada; they have three sons; and she doesn’t speak Spanish!  However, she will learn it quickly working with the missionaries every day and traveling from place to place meeting and talking with people.  They are very nice people and we are planning lunch with them soon.  We love making new friends. 

         The numbers were sparse tonight at choir practice with three missionary couples being the only ones who came!  I hope they can carry the rest of the choir tomorrow!!  There was a Priesthood Meeting of some kind going on in the chapel and there was a baptism in another part of the building, so it was a busy night at the church.

         This is July 12.  We have eight months to the day remaining in our mission.  Wow!

         We pray for a spiritually renewing Sabbath Day—for us and for each of you!  Good Night!    

Friday, July 11, 2014

         We lost our Internet service last evening for a few hours and realized just how much we rely on it in this far away place!!  It was almost panicky when I couldn’t get my Spanish programs (except for Rosetta Stone), post on the blog,  skype or email.  Not that we are “connected” all day, but when evening comes, it’s so nice to have it and the choices that come with it!

         I had a chance to learn a new responsibility in the temple today and even though communication was sketchy at best, it all worked out and it was nice to add another dimension to my work. 

         We are still praying for sick family members who can’t quite shake this bad flu bug and hope they recover soon.

Thursday, July 10, 2014

         Some in the family are still sick.  Hope they soon get 100% well. 

         I helped with the first and last sessions today and Glade did the one in the middle!  We just can’t seem to get together!  Lots of missionaries came early this morning and it is always so fun to have them in the temple and in the session.

         When I went to the church to practice today, there were missionaries there preparing for interviews with a family who were going to be baptized.  While I was visiting with the interviewer, he left briefly to talk with the sister missionaries who told him that the people had decided not to get baptized after all.  I could just feel their disappointment after seeking, finding, teaching, and preparing this family for this important step.  I know all missionaries have the same experience once in a while and it is surely a test of faith.  They continued to visit with the family outside and maybe they will still pursue their journey and just postpone until they feel a little more ready.

         It is still very windy and while Glade was working at the desk, he had to call one of the guards to come and open and close doors for people so they didn’t fly open.  The wind actually caught one of the doors and it was so lucky that it didn’t shatter like the one did last year.

         Good night.  Hope all are resting well and recovering!

Wednesday, July 9, 2014

         While some of the sick family members are recovering, others are still getting sick.  The bug seemed to be of the 12-hour variety, but very nasty.  Twenty-five of the 39 people there have been sick and the count is still going up.  They broke camp today and some traveled home ill, especially little kids.  Everyone should be out of the woods by tomorrow—I hope.

         The temple was full of people today and there was lots of work to do.  Those busy days are the best and the time goes by so fast.  There is nothing to report that is a change from our routine.  It is just about the same every day, and sometimes that is a bit of a challenge.  However, it is a blessing to be here and to be unencumbered by temporal things.  We are lucky to be in the temple every day and to have this common base that brings us closer together.

         Good Night, Everyone.  I hope tomorrow is a better day for all of you.  Sending love and prayers to you.  

Tuesday, July 08, 2014

         Glade went to the temple without me today.  I didn’t sleep last night and just couldn’t get feeling well enough to tackle a whole shift.  There have been other nights with no sleep before, but I just went anyway and made it through.  Today was different, though; and I felt bad to miss. 

         I am feeling so sad for my family who have been attending what started out to be a wonderful family reunion at Bear Lake.  This morning, however, several became ill and more have fallen victim to a stomach flu bug all day long.  Tonight, the first group to become ill is starting to feel a little better, but the illness cost them a whole precious day of time spent together for fun and recreation.  They will begin returning home tomorrow and hopefully they will all be well enough to travel.  

Monday, July 07, 2014

         Our day was pleasant and restful.  We didn’t need groceries so we were able to just stay here all day, study, and get ready for the new week.  I worked on the sonata for an hour and hope this piece comes together by the time we have to play.

         We loved skyping with our family in Bear Lake at our annual family reunion.  We would love to be there, but know that we are doing what the Lord expects of us.  It will be next year sooner than we think.  Tonight we are grateful to Heavenly Father for such a remarkable family and are counting our blessings again.

         Love to all.  Good night

Sunday, July 06, 2014

            Windy, windy, windy describes the weather here today.  Glade and I took a walk outside anyway and were happy to have some activity and some sun.  I played for Relief Society and since there was no one prepared to play for Sacrament Meeting, I did that, too.  The choir had its last practice for Ward Conference next week after Sacrament Meeting—well, actually the director wants another practice next Saturday at 7:00 p.m., but it was nearly the last.

Every time I’m asked to play, gratitude washes over me for all the hours, days, months and years of practicing and accompanying that prepared me for so much impromptu participation.  So, here is a thought to share today:  keep your gifts and talents polished as much as possible so that when you are needed, you can step up to the plate and provide.  Careers and child-rearing take precedence, of course.  No one knows that better than I; but nonetheless, do what you can.

"Because of our development in the pre-mortal life, each of us comes to earth with a unique combination of talents and abilities. . . .  When we pass from pre-existence to mortality, we bring with us the traits and talents there developed."

"To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby" (D&C 46:11-12).

"I exhort you, my brethren, that ye deny not the gifts of God, for they are many; and they come from the same God.  And their are different ways that these gifts are administered; but it is the same God who worketh all in all; and they are given by the manifestations of the Spirit of God unto men, to profit them."  Moroni 10:8

"One of the great tragedies of life, it seems to me, is when a person classifies himself as someone who has no talents or gifts.  When, in disgust or discouragement, we allow ourselves to reach depressive levels of despair because of our demeaning self-appraisal, it is a sad day for us and a sad day in the eyes of God.  For us to conclude that we have no gifts when we judge ourselves by stature, intelligence, grade-point average, wealth, power, position, or external appearance is not only unfair but unreasonable. ...

"God has given each of us one or more special talents.  ... It is up to each of us to search for and build upon the gifts which God has given.  We must remember that each of us is made in the image of God, that there are no unimportant persons.  Everyone matters to God and to his fellowmen. ...

"...Taken at random, let me mention a few gifts that are not always evident or noteworthy but that are very important . . . :

"...The gift of asking; the gift of listening; the gift of hearing and using a still, small voice; the gift of being able to weep; the gift of avoiding contention; the gift of being agreeable; the gift of avoiding vain repetition; the gift of seeking that which is righteous; the gift of not passing judgment; the gift of looking to God for guidance; the gift of being a disciple; the gift of caring for others; the gift of being able to ponder; the gift of offering prayer; the gift of bearing a mighty testimony; and the gift of receiving the Holly Ghost.

"We must remember that to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.  It is our right and responsibility to accept our gifts and to share them: (in Conference Report, Oct. 1987, 23; or Ensign, Nov. 1987, 20)

"neglect not the gift that is in thee."  1Timothy 4:14

Commit to your highest self.  Commit to your dreams.  Commit to your potential.

Then God will move, too.

"Until you commit and start, there will be so many things that will never happen, that would have if you would have just begun!

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can do--begin it.

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it.

Begin it now.  Reach your potential.  

You were born for glory.

Commit to reaching your potential."

--Andy Proctor

I just started looking for ideas on “polishing our talents” to include the vast arena of myriads of talents people have and found so many good things.  This wasn’t meant to turn into a “sermon” by I liked the ideas and just had to include a few.  Here is one final little story:

"My husband's first counselor in his last bishopric had a life-altering experience when he nearly died.  He was absolutely positive that his life was divinely preserved because he hadn't accomplished what it was the Lord had sent him to do.  He knew every day was a gift.  A contractor of modest means, he petitioned the Lord to reveal His plan for him.  Little by little, all the pieces of a very unexpected enterprise fell into place.  He began a humanitarian foundation that takes young adults, teenagers, and whole families down to the very poorest parts of Mexico at their own expense to build bathrooms, put in floors, roof houses, and [teach] the Gospel by example.  Every one of the dozens I have ever known who have gone on one of his expeditions has had his or her life changed forever.  They thought they were there to help the Mexicans.  But in every case, they were given priceless spiritual experiences in return.  They were given Living Water with their selfless service, and one of the properties of such a gift is that it replenishes itself.  When we give from pure motives, we are always sanctified by the gift, and become more and more consecrated to the Lord."--G.G.Vandagriff

I know Heavenly Father has blessed each of you with precious gifts and talents.  Search for them and nurture them.  They will bless your life beyond measure.