tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64837365569353979542024-03-05T02:46:52.124-08:00The edge of the lightUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-84772334951189789282016-06-19T13:56:00.000-07:002016-06-19T13:56:24.346-07:00My heart's in Oregon<i>"Shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward and not backward. . . . Let your hearts rejoice, and be exceedingly glad. Let the earth break forth into singing. . . . Let the mountains shout for joy, and all ye valleys cry aloud; and all ye seas and dry lands tell the wonders of your Eternal King! And ye rivers, and brooks, and rills, flow down with gladness. Let the woods and all the trees of the field praise the Lord; and ye solid rocks weep for joy! And let the sun, moon, and the morning stars sing together, and let all the sons of God shout for joy! And let the eternal creations declare his name forever and ever! And again I say, how glorious is the voice we hear from heaven, proclaiming in our ears, glory, and salvation, and honor, and immortality, and eternal life; kingdoms, principalities and powers!"</i><br />
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As we begin this last week of our mission, I am looking toward the future - wondering what is in store for us now? I don't know what it looks like exactly, we know what we want and what we are looking for. We also know that we want to continue to be of service. I am also rejoicing and looking for more reasons to rejoice. And there are many! We have had a wonderful experience here in Oregon. As I read the above scripture I could picture so many of the beautiful places we have seen since being here, and I could imagine the elements rejoicing.<br />
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We have been richly blessed by our associations with so many wonderful people. Our mission has been a glorious experience, one we are most grateful for. We have loved serving in the Oregon Eugene Mission. A piece of our hearts will forever be in Oregon.<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-9944016169311934132016-04-15T12:54:00.004-07:002016-04-15T12:56:05.946-07:00Good-byes and Hello's<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Before we were born, we lived in a family with our exalted and eternal Heavenly Father. He ordained a plan that enables us to advance and progress to become like Him. He did it out of love for us. The purpose of the plan was to allow us the privilege of living forever as our Heavenly Father lives. This gospel plan offered us a life of mortality in which we would be tested. A promise was given that through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, if we obeyed the laws and priesthood ordinances of the gospel, we would have eternal life, the greatest of all His gifts.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Eternal life is that kind of life which God our Eternal Father lives. God has said that His purpose is “to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man” (<a class="scripture-ref" href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/pgp/moses/1.39?lang=eng#38" old-href="../../../scriptures/pgp/moses/1.html?verse=39&lang=eng#p39" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; color: #147ea7; transition: color 0.3s;">Moses 1:39</a>)." (Henry B. Eyring, General Conference, April 2016)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The day before Easter this year, we buried my mother. I was the most perfect funeral and graveside service I could imagine for her. Everything she had been so explicit about happening - we fulfilled her wishes to the letter. It was a sad time, because we all loved her and will miss her here with us. But I am so grateful for the <span style="font-weight: bold;">knowledge</span> that she lives on in Spirit and that I will someday see her again. You see, I believe in that beautiful afterlife where she is - free of pain, whole and surrounded by those she knew and loved here - her parents, her brothers and so many others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">One of the things Mom wanted was a bagpiper to play "Amazing Grace" at her graveside. We were so blessed to find a wonderful young man who gave up his Saturday of play to come and stand in the hot Arizona sun and play for my mother. I've thought about the words to that song often these last couple of weeks - </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: small;">"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, <br />That saved a soul like me....<br />I once was lost but now am found,<br />Was blind, but now, I see.<br /><br />Through many dangers, toils and snares...<br />we have already come.<br />T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...<br />and Grace will lead us home.<br /><br />The Lord has promised good to me...<br />His word my hope secures.<br />He will my shield and portion be...<br />as long as life endures.<i><br /></i>Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,<br />and mortal life shall cease,<br />I shall possess within the veil,<br />a life of joy and peace.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "comic sans ms"; font-size: small; line-height: normal;"><br />"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, <br />That saved a soul like me....<br />I once was lost but now am found,<br />Was blind, but now, I see.</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-77265927709928172192016-02-28T15:37:00.005-08:002016-02-28T15:37:40.993-08:00The Noble and Great Ones<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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One of the things we enjoy about living in Oregon is the trees! There are so many varieties and they are everywhere. As I type this I am looking out the window and watching the beautiful maple trees softly swaying in the wind. So their leaves will appear and they will once again provide us with shade and a green canopy over the street where we live. These maples are tall with beautiful straight branches and lacy leaves. Just down the street are oaks with their gnarly branches and hard wood. Just a short 5 minutes from us I can find the mighty redwood trees. Straight, so tall, reaching toward heaven with their feathery greens, resistant to rot and the dampness that is Oregon. I've thought about these trees a lot lately. I've wondered how old are they? What have they witnessed as they've grown so tall 4 and 5 stories some of them. How many children have climbed their branches and played in the shade they've provided. How many birds, squirrels, possums and other critters have made their homes in these trees. What have they had to endure to live long enough to grow that tall - wind, rain, drought, heat and cold? The words that come to mind are "noble" and "great".</div>
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Recently we attended a Couple's Conference for the mission. It's a wonderful quarterly activity that gives us the great opportunity to spend some time with the other senior couples of the mission. We get to know each other better, re-connect with friends, offer encouragement, share ideas, laugh, eat and above all share our testimonies of truth. We left this conference uplifted and feeling blessed to be in the company of these "noble and great ones"! These 8 couples have left home and family to spend 6-18 months here in Oregon sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They have sacrificed the comforts o home and time with friends and family. They are not unlike the trees - they have endured much and have grown straight and tall! They are noble and great. It's humbling to be among them. We are so blessed.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-63016206513621060692015-12-28T14:26:00.000-08:002015-12-28T15:31:46.699-08:00I-5 Miracles (again!)<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sOazMJSIPlKIFi4qFGdaJVFWHCnESTRvMC9RRWlOixgStyFiq-_XUxr55yLF1ukv49D3cINUgSXe-NL6JdvJANJNAo-woO4LeK9SiXHMq8nSb9_B6XTH_uE9CLl3qaujjpyhpW6YufUR/s1600/snowy+pass.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sOazMJSIPlKIFi4qFGdaJVFWHCnESTRvMC9RRWlOixgStyFiq-_XUxr55yLF1ukv49D3cINUgSXe-NL6JdvJANJNAo-woO4LeK9SiXHMq8nSb9_B6XTH_uE9CLl3qaujjpyhpW6YufUR/s320/snowy+pass.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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It seems the opportunities to grow and learn, at least for
us here in Oregon take place on I-5. This past week was no exception. We got
the opportunity to take Christmas packages that have been collecting at the
mission office for missionaries, to many of them in four of the zones. We
counted somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 presents. On Christmas eve, we transported Christmas to
Roseburg, Grant’s Pass, Central Point, and Medford. It was fun to meet with the
missionaries at each location and share in their joy and excitement of the holiday.
Weather was a concern and we had lots of rain, and some snow going over the
passes along the way south.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Heading home, we encountered increasing snow/rain going over
the pass between Medford and Grant’s Pass. Between Grant’s Pass and Roseburg
there are three passes to cross. We made the first two okay, but the third, the
snow was coming down very wet and heavy. With about 2 inches of wet slushy
snow, traffic began to slow and finally came to a stop about a mile from the
summit where two trucks had jackknifed and blocked the road. Where we were, left
us going uphill into a curve with a fairly tall super. As you can guess, when
we tried to move forward in our rear drive van, the back end slid around
toward the guardrail. We had been there for about 30 minutes when the snow plows
arrived and had us move out of the way by backing up a few feet. This resulted in
our rear bumper being about six feet from the guardrail and a drop-off. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Most of the other drivers were putting chains on, but the
van we were driving didn’t have any and we figured we would have to wait until
the plows came back around and could put down some sand for us. Over the next
30 minutes we watched as one after another, the cars around us slowly pulled
out and disappeared over the pass. At last, the back log of cars were all gone
and we were alone. <o:p></o:p><br />
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During the wait, we said a prayer and asked for help and
safety. Looking back in the side mirror, I could see a “line” that traveled
level across the road and onto the plowed and sanded lane. The thought occurred
to me that the best thing to have in snow is a front wheel drive vehicle. I
also realized that in reverse, my rear wheel drive van would have “front wheel
drive”. It was one of those light bulb moments. We decided to try to go in
reverse, downhill across the super and onto the plowed, sanded lane. In just a
few seconds, we were back on the road and driving forward over the pass.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A scripture came to mind regarding the Holy Ghost. It
teaches that the Holy Ghost will bring all things to our remembrance. I was
shown the “line” to follow and reminded that in reverse, I would have the
traction I needed. As we drove away, I also remembered several scriptures that
command us to ask for what we need. I wonder if the apparent increase in miracles
has to do with the increase in my asking. Joseph Smith taught that we should “ask
for something better” when lead by the spirit. We have done this while we have
served and have been astonished at the answers that have come. The Lord hasn’t
done it all for us, but continues to remove the obstacles and make easy the
way. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Nephi said, “…the Lord giveth no commandments unto the
children of men, save he shall prepare a way for them that they may accomplish
the thing which he commandeth them.”<o:p></o:p></div>
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In the end, Laurie and I had a wonderful day together. We saw
breath taking scenery, enjoyed the company of many wonderful missionaries and
were privileged to bring some joy and happiness to them. We witnessed again the
blessing of the Lord and miracles he brings to pass for our benefit. We were
taught and reminded of blessings and lessons. We also walked in the door of our
apartment right on the dot of 9:00 PM just as the mission wide teleconference
devotional started and were able to dial in and listen with our fellow
missionaries.<o:p></o:p><br />
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We are grateful for this experience of being missionaries, for the opportunity to be part of this great work and to spend full time in the service of others. It brings indescribable joy and happiness. Our testimonies have grown and our understanding of the gospel has increased. We know that God lives and that He loves us. We know that this is His work and it is a privilege to be a part of it.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00050574164884067438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-17493310839482087352015-12-06T16:52:00.000-08:002015-12-06T16:52:09.183-08:00Transfers, Arrivals, Departures, Training, Oh MY! ! !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know we have mentioned miracles and tender mercies before, but lately it just seems they are an everyday occurrence. This week there were three that deserve a mention here:<br />
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This last Tuesday as our 22 departing missionaries got to the airport (late) the agents in trying to get them all on the plane tagged all the baggage to Salt Lake City under the names of 3 missionaries. The unfortunate thing was 4 were going to Phoenix, 1 to Saint George, 1 to Houston and 1 to San Francisco. And President had given me their bag tags. I was able to work with Delta and Alaska Airlines to locate most of it and by Wednesday morning everyone but our Elder from San Francisco had their bags. He called me on Thursday and was beside himself. English is his second language - Chinese being his first. My 12 years in the airline industry came in handy and with some prayer and a mention to a couple of agents about how many TSA violations were involved in them mis-tagging that many bags, Alaska Airlines was able to locate the bags and deliver them to our Elder. Whew!<br />
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Thursday while the missionary choir was singing in the choir loft at the Stake Center a light fixture from the very high ceiling suddenly fell. This was probably a 40 pound acrylic fixture handing above our new missionaries. It feel, shattered and not one piece touched a single missionary.<br />
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After training on Thursday Greg and Elder P had a van load of missionaries going south. About half way between Roseburg and Grants Pass it started raining - HARD - and continued all the way into Grants Pass. Greg was thinking what a mess that was going to be when they got there and needed to get the missionaries out with all their luggage that was in the trailer. They pulled into the parking lot and the rain stopped. Everyone got unloaded and on their way and the rain started right up again.<br />
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Some may say that we were "lucky" or that those were just coincidence, but I KNOW better - I know that "the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance" (I Nephi 1:20) These wonderful young missionaries are so often watched out for and protected, it's humbling to behold.<br />
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This last week was "transfer week" - our busiest week of the 6 week cycle that is a mission in the office. Here's a rundown so you can see what we do.<br />
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Monday is transfers - this means that at least 2 or the Elders in the office are gone ALL day diving missionaries from one end of the mission (Corvallis) to the other (Medford or Klamath Falls) and back to Eugene. Meanwhile, the sisters in the office hold down the fort and also shop for the 8 meals that will be provided during the week for 12 - 40 people. That night is a dinner for the departing missionaries at the mission home - we don't attend or cook - just shop.<br />
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Tuesday is departure day for those missionaries going home at the end of their 18 months or 2 years. It's exciting and sad all at the same time. We're excited to see them go on to the next phase of their lives - school, marriage, etc.. but some of these young people walk into our hearts and stay and it's hard to see them go! We truly love them and are grateful for the time we get to spend with them.<br />
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Wednesday is arrival day - the new missionaries fresh from the Missionary Training Center. We fix them lunch and greet them. I always feel like I know them already since I receive their information in the office and communicate with them with a welcome packet, answering questions, and preparing their notebooks for training. They spend the afternoon training and then there's a dinner for them that night. Meanwhile the office staff are feeding their trainers dinner.<br />
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Thursday begins with breakfast bright and early for the trainers and any other missionaries who come to sing in the welcoming ceremony choir (usually about 40-60). This is one of my favorite times. The choir is always amazing! They sing the same song for each group - a medley of "As Sisters in Zion" and "We'll Bring the World His Truth". After the ceremony the office staff does our training. Then the moment they have all been waiting for - who is my trainer and where is my first area. It's always fun and entertaining to watch this process. So much energy and enthusiasm! Often on Thursday after training the brethren again hit the road to Corvallis and Medford to deliver missionaries to their areas. It's a long day, but a wonderful experience.<br />
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Friday we play catch-up to all the work that we didn't get to during the week. And then we drag ourselves home to collapse!<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-22251894565180289582015-12-02T14:20:00.002-08:002015-12-06T16:54:01.538-08:00Teaching and Inviting<div class="MsoNormal">
We continue to be very busy in our missionary work. There doesn’t
seem to be an end to the problems that need solving in the administration of
the mission and taking care of the missionaries. With the seemingly constant
travel needs to get missionaries and necessary supplies around the mission, we
are often traveling around the state of Oregon.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The amazing thing is that as we are going about our duties,
there is a constant stream of miracles taking place. We are awed to be a
witness to the many miracles the Lord has brought to pass. When we first
started attending the Springfield 2<sup>nd</sup> ward, I met with the husband
of an inactive member. He was dealing with problems with his foot and so I gave
him a cane to help him as he went through surgeries and recoveries. We have
taught him, and he finally healed enough to be baptized. That took place last
Saturday. His name is Curtis.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Sunday, we were teaching another of our investigators (Frank), with the Elders in our ward. Frank was at the baptism. As Elder Chapman
was teaching, he inadvertently called him Curtis. Elder Chapman was
embarrassed, and apologized. A few minutes later he did it again, and again
apologized. When it happened a third time, Elder Chapman was beside himself. It
was then that Frank spoke up. He said, “I was waiting to see if you would say
Curtis a third time. Then I would know.” <o:p></o:p></div>
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It seems that Frank had a cousin named Curtis who was killed
a couple of years ago. Frank indicated that Curtis has been on his mind since
learning about Temple work, and he felt Curtis wants his work done and so Frank
took it as a sign when Elder Chapman said his name three times. After that
exchange, Elder Chapman didn’t call him Curtis again.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It is exciting to witness the changes that come into people’s
lives. I first met Frank about 4 months ago when the Sisters asked me to sit in
on a lesson. Frank is coming from 25 years of drugs and alcohol and rough
living. He is untangling himself from a lifetime of bad associations. Lessons
were difficult and often got off track when he talked about issues and people
trying to oppose him. 4 months ago, while he wanted to talk, he stated he wasn’t
interested in baptism. At that point I took over with him. Not long after that, even though we had appointments, he would always cancel. He did however, continue to
text and call me. Then two weeks ago, he called and said he was finally ready
to learn about the church, so we scheduled a lesson. I had the Elders with me
to teach him. He was still quick to get off topic, but we listened to him, and
kept moving him back to the gospel discussion. During that lesson, we invited
him to be baptized and he accepted. We set the date for January 9<sup>th</sup>,
and told him that at our next meeting we would go over the requirements for
baptism so that any problems could be dealt with. That lesson was the one
related above and went very well. It was the first lesson we have taught that
Frank stayed focused on the topic at hand and didn’t wander all over the map. Frank
is on track for his date of January 9<sup>th</sup> and we are all working to
get him there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Being a missionary is one of the greatest things you can do.
Being a senior missionary is even better. Besides the time in the office, we
work with members and investigators as well as helping missionaries. Sister
Christensen spends time sewing and mending clothes for missionaries and cooking
for lots of people. I make and share my canes around the state. I am up to 135
canes placed and at least one baptism that I know of. We love the work and the
Lord, and plan to repeat the mission experience again in the future.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00050574164884067438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-73460861745838195172015-10-23T13:43:00.000-07:002015-10-29T15:48:34.285-07:00Coasting Uphill<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY6JJagtT9xGd0FoGFM9I1Y7wFIoFvm_SREHvN0tZ3syqzP5K48W214ah6yYtVmzWXerZN8oz5Vbcs5zfzm2FRP6b4bpGZDJlNUese6Zn5pDy_uBY4ylYSFx3dB5ItU6jNU0T-NA_3Vnw/s1600/Grants+Pass+Miracle2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY6JJagtT9xGd0FoGFM9I1Y7wFIoFvm_SREHvN0tZ3syqzP5K48W214ah6yYtVmzWXerZN8oz5Vbcs5zfzm2FRP6b4bpGZDJlNUese6Zn5pDy_uBY4ylYSFx3dB5ItU6jNU0T-NA_3Vnw/s320/Grants+Pass+Miracle2.png" width="320" /></a></div>
During the transfer on October 22, 2015, we experienced the continuing
blessings the Lord sends to his missionaries. Driving north on I-5 about 3
miles from Grants Pass, OR, we ran out of gas. The van, pulling the mission trailer,
came to a stop as far out of the lane as the road allowed. This resulted in a
distance of 5 to 7 feet from the many semi’s and tractor trailer rigs that were
zooming past at 65 miles an hour. We
contacted missionaries in Grants Pass to bring us some fuel, and when it
arrived we thanked the missionaries who volunteered to put the gas in but
declined and Elder Phipps, one of the senior missionaries took the gas can and
made the attempt. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In order to access the gas cap, you have to have the driver’s
door opened, so I held the door against the constant pull of the wind created
by the traffic as Elder Phipps tried to get the gas poured into the tank. It seems with
this late model van, there is a special funnel that you need to get the gas in the tank.
We couldn’t find it, but we tried as best we could, and despite our efforts,
the gas only ran back out and onto the ground. Giving the can back to the
elders, Elder Phipps asked them to get more gas, and suggested to me that we
try the engine. It started and we moved back onto the road way, almost
immediately we ran out again. We were coming around a corner and I decided to just
let the van coast until it stopped, hoping to find a better place to work on
the problem.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5Uwmhf2YNA95vxDODgg-BVJn52uV57n9sv0P4TaqioBuGGG9eKMfaYWWzk7kcWWGMmbwgWF6j848cLtxptrbzKBWicoIDF-mCFagh0_dwDg22Ihh8VxM0Q8k3XRcnWvzPmJpQSQYkW28/s1600/Grants+Pass+Miracle1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk5Uwmhf2YNA95vxDODgg-BVJn52uV57n9sv0P4TaqioBuGGG9eKMfaYWWzk7kcWWGMmbwgWF6j848cLtxptrbzKBWicoIDF-mCFagh0_dwDg22Ihh8VxM0Q8k3XRcnWvzPmJpQSQYkW28/s200/Grants+Pass+Miracle1.png" width="189" /></a>When the van finally came to a stop, I turned to Elder
Phipps and asked him if he had just seen what happened. He had, and was trying
to process it. The van stopped running as we came around the corner, but
continued to roll, uphill pulling a trailer for about 300 yards. It coasted at
a constant rate until it arrived at a wide area where we could safely work. As I
sat there, I had the impression, almost hearing the words, “okay, you are now
safe, solve the problem.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj348TWhgAM2xVCHWd6vu5xRH2fA0LIYNMzq9loXVeFp7Gj5OQV9COlmt2GYtp3tJLKZKEOH9iWLxQVN24ZkJI0Zh9l_KH7_X2b6TOFezR3HrV8yLjtRVFjSdwu2mf3TubPT5KkleCBszeQ/s1600/Grants+Pass+Miracle3.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj348TWhgAM2xVCHWd6vu5xRH2fA0LIYNMzq9loXVeFp7Gj5OQV9COlmt2GYtp3tJLKZKEOH9iWLxQVN24ZkJI0Zh9l_KH7_X2b6TOFezR3HrV8yLjtRVFjSdwu2mf3TubPT5KkleCBszeQ/s320/Grants+Pass+Miracle3.png" width="240" /></a><o:p></o:p>While Elder Phipps worked on the problem of how to get the
gas in the tank, I contacted the missionaries in Medford and asked them to come
and get the two sisters we were trying to deliver there, and we already had
missionaries from Grants Pass to help with the Elders going there. Elder Phipps
discovered a method that opened the access pipe to the tank, and when the gas
arrived, was able to slowly get some gas in the tank. The Medford elders
arrived, baggage was transferred and we were all on our way, humbled and amazed
at what had just transpired.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00050574164884067438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-9356524971497444872015-09-29T13:49:00.000-07:002016-02-29T16:10:50.366-08:00Blessings<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Hindsight is often a curious perspective. As I look back
over the past three or four weeks with the available information that I now
have, I am struck by the magnitude of the miracle that has taken place. I am
reminded of an experience many years ago when they were building a Walmart in
Anchorage, Alaska. They had to over excavate the building pad site by 10 to 15
feet due to the nature of the soil. They backfilled with select fill that was
composed of rocks and sand. It was compacted and tested and declared to be
sound. As the construction proceeded, the footings in one area appeared to be
slightly depressed by an inch or so. Not a big deal, they just corrected in the
next phase. The next phase noted a small difference in the height again in that
area, but again, they just corrected in the next phase. When the precast walls
were stood up, the walls in that area were a little lower, so they shimmed to
compensate. When the roof was placed, they again noted the problem, but they
relocated the attachment points and all was good.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn’t until the finish work inside started and someone
added up the corrections made in the area, and were alarmed by the total amount
and felt there was a problem. We were called and at great expense conducted an
exploration of the soils under those walls. It was discovered that while the
excavation stopped at what appeared as the same material as the surrounding, it
was in fact very different. Those walls were built over an ancient lake that
had been filled in with volcanic ash from a long ago eruption. Over time the
ash decomposed into a collapsing silt, and as the building was built, the silt
would compress. The greater the load placed on it, the more it collapsed.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Small things individually may not seem like much, but when
they are all connected and the total effect measured, it is incredible. This is
where I find myself now.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the end (or at least the end at this time), what seemed
like a small “episode” was anything but. At the time, it wasn’t even close to
the experience I had with the mild heart attack I experienced in Alaska six
years ago. It did seem to be a warning though and one that should be attended
to. I was relieved when Laurie called and said we had someone else to drive.
Before leaving the office I had a couple of missionaries give me a blessing.
The ER staff didn’t seem to be too alarmed by what was going on with me, to the
extent they wouldn’t put a name to it. It didn’t rise to the level of a heart
attack, and may have been something else.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They suggested I should see my doctor. Meanwhile, President
Russell and Laurie were seeing to it that I didn’t overdo it and were
constantly asking for updates on how I was feeling. I rested over the weekend
and only felt a little discomfort when climbing the two flights of stairs up
from the basement we call a mission office. That only showed for a couple of
days and by the time we went to the appointment, I hadn’t experienced any more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The cardiologist listened to my heart and said he normally
would do a stress test first, but he wanted to go straight to the angiogram and
scheduled one for the next week. On the evening before the angioplasty, I asked
President Russell for a blessing and we had a rich experience under his voice.
A lot of the things he said one would expect. The procedure would go well, the
doctors and surgeons would be guided, and I would fulfill my mission. In practice,
when the cardiologist got in and looked at what was there, he went out and
talked to Laurie. He told her that there was significant blockage and they had
called in the expert surgeon. The surgeon had just finished up with another
case, and walked right in from that, just as the cardiologist got back to me. He
went in and removed approximately 3 inches of blockage in the Right Coronary
Artery that was at 100%. They had to use two of the longest stents to open the
artery (a total of 3”). It all went smooth and with no problems. It is note worthy that this surgeon is the only one in the State of Oregon who is authorized to do this particular procedure, and he just happened to be there ready to go when I needed him.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When they
reported to Laurie, and the next day to me, they used the exact words President
spoke that night before. They also commented on how they didn’t know how I
survived the warning, it should have been a widow maker. Because of the high
dose of blood thinners, they had to close the hole in the artery in the groin
the old fashion way. They put a huge C clamp on the spot, and over the next two
hours, the nurse slowly backed off on the pressure. They then required me to
lay still on my back as they monitored to spot for the next two hours for any leakage. Finally they
allow me to move, and eventually to sit up and then stand up.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I consider all that happened over the past weeks, I have
come to realize the magnitude of the love we receive from our Father in Heaven.
The mercy He shows to us and the care we receive from Him. I am grateful for
all that had transpired, the priesthood and worthy bearers, and grateful to be able to continue and complete this
mission with my sweetheart. There is no doubt there is a loving God and He
watches over us.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00050574164884067438noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-34174247783586330932015-09-20T16:53:00.000-07:002015-09-20T16:53:16.244-07:00Answered Prayers<img src="https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSZGdQ5_us_7_bgNnukswYabtLXTPHWTYElx9aLNkEL4rpO03zA" /><img alt="Image result for lds missionaries praying images" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTZ7MCVhLDX_GIF-hoqwLE25tRrbf0XBEJW6641OKI9k-mmPh4noQ" /><br />
<br />
<br />
"Nevertheless, after much tribulation, the Lord did hear my cries, and did answer my prayers, and has made me an instrument in his hands. . . "<br />
<br />
We posted earlier in our mission about a conference call and the whole mission praying for one of our missionaries. It was a powerful, wonderful experience. This week we experienced that same powerful prayer in our behalf. It was humbling, comforting and amazing! Greg had a heart "episode" about 10 days ago in the middle of transfer week. We were scheduled to drive a van full of trainers and their new companions to their new area - Medford. I was at the office trying to get some last minute work done before leaving. Great was at the Church where the new missionaries were getting the last of their training from the Assistants. Nothing worked for me - my computer mouse died, the computer keep freezing up,my pictures I was trying to download kept disappearing, etc. I was getting more and more frustrated and even a bit "frantic". I felt over-whelmed, oppressed even. I decided that we just couldn't do the run to Medford, I HAD to get the work done. I asked another couple in the office if they would mind going instead. They were wonderful and quickly agreed.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile at the Church were Greg was sitting in the van while the missionaries loaded their belongings - he was experiencing chest pains and pressure, trouble breathing and all the other typical heart attack symptoms. He began the drive to the office to pick me up. Right after he prayed for the ability and strength to do what was planned, I called him and told him we weren't going after all. Long story short - we were soon in the emergency room of the hospital hooked up to an EKG. President and Sister Russell nearly beat us there! Them being there so quickly for us (when they have so much to do) - was such a comfort! All indications were he had a mild heart attack. We were told he would be there for several more hours while they observed him.<br />
<br />
Soon after we were told that there was another conference call out for the mission. This one was for us. We both shed many tears as we listened to our wonderful Mission President and his sweet wife pray for us, knowing that nearly 200 missionaries around the state were on their knees adding their faith to that prayer! The result - the Lord heard our cries and our prayers were answered! We were released from the hospital soon after. A follow-up with the cardiologist and he will be receiving an angiogram on Wednesday. We feel calm and comfort. Our mission is not over and so many are praying for us.<br />
<br />
The faith of these young missionaries is awe-inspiring. They sacrifice so much to serve the Lord and they do it with so much joy. We love them and are continually grateful for their example and enthusiasm and love.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-83623917288456530512015-08-30T15:07:00.000-07:002015-08-30T15:07:42.759-07:00Moving, Car-jacking and Tender Mercies<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was an eventful week. We moved last week-end to a new place here in Eugene. One of the other office couples went home (insert sad face) and we moved into their apartment. It's larger, has a garage and a washer and dryer (insert happy face)! We are now off the busy, noisy street and in a quiet neighborhood in a duplex. I told the missionaries that helped us move that I now have a whole new appreciation for transfers! We are settled and enjoying the new surroundings. The best part is we didn't change what ward we attend. We love our ward - it's so much like our home ward in Alaska and the members are just so kind and friendly toward us. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We also had some excitement in the Mission this week. Monday afternoon two of our young sister Missionaries experienced a car-jacking. There were so many tender mercies involved in this one that I am still amazed and grateful. They were going to move their car while at the Institute just off University of Oregon campus when a man approached the car and told the sister in it to get out that he needed it.He was insistent so she quickly got out. He got in and drove off leaving the two sister shaken but safe. The car was recovered within a few hours because it was equipped with a TIWI which has a GPS in it. All it took was a phone call to Salt Lake for them to locate the area the car was in and direction they were headed. The driver had a passenger by this time and they had side-swiped another car in the mean-time. The police were called from a gas station when they tried to use the gas card from the glove box. They didn't know the pin. When the police arrived they took off running. Both were caught and arrested. The car sustained little damage and was soon returned to the sisters. This could have gone wrong on so many levels. No one can tell me that these young missionaries are not watched over and protected by a Loving Heavenly Father.<br />
<br />
We have come to know many of the missionaries of the Mission and they are amazing! We are sometimes also very aware that they are still just teens and young adults trying to figure out life. But more often they show maturity beyond their years. I know how hard it is for me to be away from home and family and here they are in the same place. Many have never been away from home before. And the sisters! Wow! They are leaders who love the Lord and want to serve and they do! What an honor it is to be here at this time and in the association of these young people who are willing to sacrifice 18 months to 2 years of their life because they <u style="font-weight: bold;">know</u> that the message they share is true. It's a little mind-blowing some days.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguURdQaaxPlQzSySx3utBLy5-CO4tb5Q2JGBIC4mjqTJUGExqV87-_jY1bsFt9US7DxSqaP5F30aTm06XwlDjmnaRRvWLdNaOyKOcn57IjvpluloDb_yO4PduOv-x2DrxnVvcSYrtIdovW/s1600/e5cc4b16362d7bbdc1f2efc0978c13d8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguURdQaaxPlQzSySx3utBLy5-CO4tb5Q2JGBIC4mjqTJUGExqV87-_jY1bsFt9US7DxSqaP5F30aTm06XwlDjmnaRRvWLdNaOyKOcn57IjvpluloDb_yO4PduOv-x2DrxnVvcSYrtIdovW/s640/e5cc4b16362d7bbdc1f2efc0978c13d8.jpg" width="502" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-76829284276775354942015-08-25T10:25:00.001-07:002015-08-25T10:25:50.277-07:00...Needs Be Opposition In All Things<h3 style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Many years ago, I read the scripture in </span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Lucida Sans Unicode"; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="https://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/2-ne/2.11?lang=eng#10"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: windowtext; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">2 Nephi 2:11</span></a>, “</span><span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in
all things.” I noted that it wasn’t ‘there is’ opposition, but the scripture
said ‘needs be’. Opposition is a need. About the same time, I read a quote from
Joseph Smith that said something like, in order to raise up a generation to
meet the Savior at his coming, they would need to be righteous to the extent
they would have the faith necessary to greet him at his coming. That would mean
they need to choose righteousness.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></h3>
<h3 style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Often choices are made in part
because it is what society expects. When society expects good behavior, we tend
to follow that expectation. But is that a choice? Did we choose that
righteousness? These thoughts occurred when
society was rejecting additional righteous behavior as the norm. Society was
allowing additional unrighteous behavior as acceptable. The thought occurred to
me that this trend would continue, until a generation would have to choose
righteousness in all its aspects even in the face of opposition from society.
Being placed in this position to make these choices would require great faith
and this would elevate them to a position to greet the Savior. <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></h3>
<h3 style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I don’t know where we are in this
trend, but there is getting to be fewer and fewer things that aren’t accepted,
even promoted by society. Even some of the most basic positions, like gender
and family are open for reinvention at a whim. In light of this opposition, we
must choose righteousness over wickedness and this takes and builds faith. <o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></h3>
<h3 style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We are in the last days as the
work of the Lord hastens and as the wickedness of the world accelerates. It is
such a joy to be here in the mission field, to be a part of this great work at
this time in history. There isn’t anywhere else we would rather be, despite the
longing for friends and family. The plowing and harvesting must be done, and
the Lord needs willing hands to carry it forward. Even if that work is administrative
in nature. God’s house is a house of order. In that order, records must be kept
and business done to keep it moving forward. Thousands of years ago, man
discovered that an army moved forward on their stomachs. That hasn’t changed,
and the Lord’s Army is no exception.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></h3>
<h3 style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">While talking about this, this
morning, it occurred to me that as we age, the physical and mental processes
meet greater and greater opposition as well. The great physical deeds of the
past are gone. But even in trying to do some simple things, the tasks seem daunting.
Again, we choose righteousness in the face of opposition to accomplish the work
of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-weight: normal; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">We love this work. Grandma and I
are blessed beyond measure to be here in Oregon and to be a part of it. We
appreciate everyone’s prayers in our behalf. They are needed and welcome. We also
like to hear for everyone and know how your lives are being blessed. This work
is great and the gospel is true. Of that this is no doubt.<o:p></o:p></span></h3>
<h3 style="background: 0px 0px rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); border: 0px; color: #4870b7; font-family: 'Lucida Grande', 'Lucida Sans Unicode', 'Lucida Sans', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 21px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</h3>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00050574164884067438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-24405465327248996682015-08-18T11:33:00.001-07:002015-08-18T11:33:23.339-07:00Joy in Our Afflictions<div class="MsoNormal">
In my reading this morning, I came across a reference in James
chapter 1. We are often quoting from this chapter, but we normally start with
verse 5 that Joseph Smith has made so well known. This reference is to verses 2
thru 4. I have included the change (<i>italicized</i>)
that Joseph Smith made in his translation. It reads:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="chunked" style="line-height: 18.9pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="chunk"><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">“2 </span></b></span><span id="chunk10001" node="10001" paranum="1" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="1"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">My</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk10002" node="10002" paranum="1" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="2"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">brethren,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk10003" node="10003" paranum="1" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="3"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">count</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk10004" node="10004" paranum="1" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="4"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">it</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk10005" node="10005" paranum="1" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="5"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">all</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk10006" node="10006" paranum="1" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="6"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">joy</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk10007" node="10007" paranum="1" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="7"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">when</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk10008" node="10008" paranum="1" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="8"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">ye</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk10009" node="10009" paranum="1" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="9"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">fall</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk10010" node="10010" paranum="1" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="10"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">into</span><span id="chunk10011" node="10011" paranum="1" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="11"> <i>many afflictions</i>;</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="chunked" id="para2" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); line-height: 18.9pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/james/1.3">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #0091bc; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></a><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;"><span id="chunk20000" node="20000" paranum="2" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="0"><span class="chunk"><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">3 </span></b></span></span></span><span id="chunk20001" node="20001" paranum="2" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="1"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">Knowing</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;"><span id="chunk20002" node="20002" paranum="2" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="2"><span class="chunk"><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">this,</span></i></span></span></span><span id="chunk20003" node="20003" paranum="2" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="3"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">that</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk20004" node="20004" paranum="2" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="4"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">the</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk20005" node="20005" paranum="2" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="5"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">trying</span></span></span><span id="chunk20006" node="20006" paranum="2" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="6"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">of</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk20007" node="20007" paranum="2" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="7"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">your</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk20008" node="20008" paranum="2" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="8"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">faith</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk20009" node="20009" paranum="2" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="9"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">worketh</span><span id="chunk20010" node="20010" paranum="2" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="10"> patience</span><span id="chunk20011" node="20011" paranum="2" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="11">.</span></span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="chunked" id="para3" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314); line-height: 18.9pt; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; vertical-align: baseline;" uri="/scriptures/nt/james/1.4">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="4" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #0091bc; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></a><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;"><span id="chunk30000" node="30000" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="0"><span class="chunk"><b><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">4 </span></b></span></span></span><span id="chunk30001" node="30001" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="1"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">But</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk30002" node="30002" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="2"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">let</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk30003" node="30003" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="3"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">patience</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk30004" node="30004" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="4"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">have</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;"><span id="chunk30005" node="30005" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="5"><span class="chunk"><i><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">her</span></i></span></span></span><span id="chunk30006" node="30006" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="6"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">perfect</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk30007" node="30007" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="7"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">work,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk30008" node="30008" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="8"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">that</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk30009" node="30009" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="9"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">ye</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk30010" node="30010" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="10"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">may</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk30011" node="30011" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="11"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">be</span><span id="chunk30012" node="30012" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="12"> perfect</span></span></span><span id="chunk30013" node="30013" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="13"><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">and</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk30014" node="30014" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="14"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">entire,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk30015" node="30015" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="15"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">wanting</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span id="chunk30016" node="30016" paranum="3" style="background-position-x: 0px; background-position-y: 0px;" wrapper="16"><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; padding: 0in;">nothing.</span>”</span></span><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Calibri",sans-serif; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I can attest to the truth of this in my life. While serving
a mission in Australia many years ago, I struggled with health problems. About 7
months into my mission, I got sick with an upper respiratory infection. I
struggled to work with it, but it only got worse. At one point my companion
looked at me and said, “You don’t look well. Let’s get you to a doctor”. That
visit with the doctor resulted in my being put to bed for three weeks.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I struggled with that. In the mission at that time, there
was a prevalent attitude that if you are sick, you are not exercising enough
faith, so I pushed through the illness rather than taking care of it. Being put
to bed by the doctor only added to the emotional burden. The thing that started
to change my perspective was that with all that time with nothing to do, I
read. I read the scriptures, I read <i>Jesus
the Christ</i>, the <i>Articles of Faith,</i>
and other church works. I felt, and was fed by the spirit. I was comforted in
my afflictions. I was reminded that when
we engage in sinful practices, we cannot feel the spirit. I felt the Spirit and
decided mine was not a lack of faith. Maybe the attitude so many of my fellows
had was wrong because it denied the will of the Lord.<o:p></o:p></div>
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During the course of my mission in Australia I was sick in
bed a total of six or seven weeks. Later in life in Arizona I struggled with recurring
pneumonia and that resulting in a great blessing of being able to move to
Alaska. Yea, I know that sounds strange, but Alaska was a blessing. That
blessing included a car accident just a year and a half after arriving. That
accident had me off work for nineteen months, and learning to live with a
lifetime of pain. It created additional metabolic malfunctions in my body and
the attending health issues. It resulted in back surgery and hobbling around as
a cripple. Through it all I learned patience. I worked for years with the
problems. I was blessed financially. I was able to change work, and that change
allowed me to retire at sixty. Those changes gave me the financial means to
serve a mission at sixty instead of later in life. During all those years I was
able to serve in the church. Six years
in three different Bishoprics, five years as a High Priest Group Leader, seven
years on the High Council of the Stake. The scripture in D&C 122:7 took on
new meaning. <o:p></o:p></div>
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“…k<span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">now</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60079" node="60079" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="79">thou,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60080" node="60080" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="80">my</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60081" node="60081" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="81">son,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60082" node="60082" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="82">that</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60083" node="60083" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="83">all</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60084" node="60084" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="84">these</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60085" node="60085" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="85">things</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60086" node="60086" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="86">shall</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60087" node="60087" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="87">give</span><span id="chunk60088" node="60088" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="88"> thee</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60089" node="60089" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="89">experience</span><span id="chunk60090" node="60090" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="90">,</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60091" node="60091" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="91">and</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60092" node="60092" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="92">shall</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60093" node="60093" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="93">be</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60094" node="60094" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="94">for</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60095" node="60095" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="95">thy</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"> </span></span></span><span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;"><span id="chunk60096" node="60096" paranum="6" style="background: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.00784314);" wrapper="96">good.</span>”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">I learned that very few outcomes
are under my control. I have control of me. I can do only the things I can do.
Those things I must do. Many of them come by way of either obedience or
prompting from the Spirit. In that, I am reliant on the Lord. I do the things
He asks of me, and the outcomes are according to His will. I wait on the Lord
and His time. Life goes much smoother that way. I have fewer disappointments.
By listening to the Spirit, I also am often privileged to see His hand doing
His work. He is much better at it than I am.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">By doing this, I have noticed
my afflictions seem to dissipate. I notice them less, and the miracles of God’s
work expand. I would recommend this to all for we all suffer in our
afflictions. Remember 2 Nephi 2:25:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">“Adam fell that men might be,
and men are that they might have joy.” <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span class="chunk"><span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">My life is full of joy as I
serve Him in whatever capacity He asks.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00050574164884067438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-65012827173429067152015-07-10T15:48:00.001-07:002015-07-10T15:51:09.402-07:00The work is Hastening<span style="color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif;">I must apologize for the length of time between posts. We have been busy with the work and time gets away from us. We asked President Russell to find us a ward where we were needed, and he has done a tremendous job. We told him we would go anywhere he wanted us to go, so he spoke with the Springfield Stake President who thought we should be in his ward. In a lot of ways, they remind us of the Settlers Bay ward. You have all kinds of people including some great ones.</span><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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We have a pair of Sister Missionaries who are very hard workers. The ward mission leader is the past Bishop, and he loves missionary work. We go on splits with him and the sisters on Thursdays. They have been very productive, especially in light of the process that was begun the second week we were in the ward.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It was the fifth Sunday in May. The combine meeting was conducted by the Sister Missionaries and the ward mission leader. They showed a video clip that was used in a meeting held by a member of the 70. He taught the Bishops and Stake Presidents the concept of how the spirit works for us in this work. He asked them to blank their minds, and then asked the question, who do you know who is prepared to hear the gospel? He instructed them to write down the first name that came to mind. That name was placed there by the spirit. That is the name to start with. We did the same thing with the members and had them then write down that name on the form they passed out. They wrote down as many as came to mind. At the end of the hour, we had 187 referrals. Sister Christensen and myself, the sister missionaries and the ward mission leader are contacting each of the members who participated that day and ask them for a commitment to take an action with that person and have them write a date down.<o:p></o:p><br />
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We follow up and encourage them. The actions have gone from “pray daily for their hearts to soften” in the case of a friend who was having some struggles in life and had backed away from all contact, to making brownies tonight and delivering them to the neighbor downstairs, to setting up a lesson for the missionaries to teach this week. The members are busy participating in missionary work, the sisters are keeping busy teaching. They have a member at almost every lesson they teach. (President Russell has stated that every lesson has a member present. Senior missionaries can be used in a pinch, but the members are to provide the bulk of the assistance.) There are a few that have hard baptismal dates and are progressing toward them.<o:p></o:p><br />
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In our meeting with members, we were led one night to the wrong door. The member had moved to a different apartment, but the man who answered said he was just thinking about religion and his faith when we knocked on the door. We arranged for the sisters to return with some literature and begin teaching him. We then remembered that the member had moved and we went to visit with them.<o:p></o:p></div>
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On another note, I am up to 50 canes placed. I left one with a man, whose wife, when we knocked on the door, told us to go away, they didn’t want to talk any religion. Our response was that we had dropped by to leave a cane, and we would like to do that if they wouldn’t mind, so another person who needed cane now has one despite that animosity, and I think they soften slightly for the effort.<o:p></o:p></div>
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It would be an understatement to say that we are constantly amazed at the intensity and frequency of that help from the Holy Ghost in doing this work. You can feel the hastening that is going on, and it is on both sides of the veil. It is such a blessing to be here at this time of the world’s history to witness this awesome work close up. This work and the Gospel are true.<o:p></o:p></div>
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We love and pray for you all. The gospel is true, God lives and His Son Jesus Christ is the head of this church. We have a Prophet leading us, and we have but to follow. As we heard this morning in President Packer’s funeral, we should each of us, make the decision to surrender our agency to the Lord and follow what He wants us to do. When you do, you will find happiness and blessings beyond measure.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Elder and Sister Christensen</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00050574164884067438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-51362309747075991682015-05-07T20:38:00.000-07:002015-05-07T20:42:23.186-07:00The Lighthouse on the Hill<div style="text-align: center;">
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Last week-end we went to the Oregon Coast. It was a beautiful sunny day. A perfect day to take a hike. We chose the Heceta Head Lighthouse as our destination. It's about 1/2 mile up the headland from the parking lot. 1/2 mile may not sound like much to most of you that routinely run/walk 3+ miles at a time. Since Greg's back surgery those kind of hikes haven't been realistic for him . But he did it! Slow and steady and with a lot of encouragement from the two little grandsons that were with us. It was a good day. </div>
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I've been thinking about that lighthouse a lot this week. It was built in 1893. For more than 100 years it has stood strong on that rocky, wind battered headland shining light in the darkness, helping ships triangulate it's position, keeping others from crashing on the rocks. The light from that lighthouse can be seen 21 miles out to sea.</div>
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Matthew 5 says: "Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid." Our guide in the lighthouse said that some wonder about why this lighthouse is built where it is. Just a few miles down the road there is another lighthouse that sits on a much higher hill, The light from that one can only be seen about 12 miles out. The difference is the curvature of the earth. The Heceta lighthouse can be seen farther BECAUSE it isn't set as high.</div>
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How can we let our light shine in a way that will lead others to "glorify our Father?" I think we do it by our good works, by living the Gospel, by keeping our covenants. We don't have to be higher to than those around us, in fact, we might be more efficient if we aren't. To lift others we have to be able to reach them. We can't do that if we put ourselves way above them. </div>
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Everyday I see young, humble, unlearned missionaries shine their lights so that people see them from afar. They do that by loving, serving, teaching and walking among those they want to share the gospel with. And they SHINE so bright that you can pick them out of a crowd. They are a great example to me. I watch them teach others - help them triangulate their position in the world. They teach them to avoid the rocky shores and set a course of safety. It is amazing! and Wonderful! I hope I can be a lighthouse too!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-43048018728389962292015-04-30T16:07:00.000-07:002015-05-06T19:25:18.066-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
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Light and color are interesting things. When you mix colors
of paint, at first they make varying shades and new colors. As you continue to
add paint, the colors will get muddy and dark. When you mix colors of light, the
light will shift colors and get brighter until with all colors of light, the
light will be blindingly white and show everything with clarity. <o:p></o:p></div>
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When you look at sheet of white paper, you are seeing a
blank slate. The absence of all color. When you walk outside in the bright
light of day, you are seeing a combination of all colors. If our lives are the
clean white page, what will we put there in the bright light of all color? In
the presence of all light, we can better see the effect of our actions. The scriptures
talk about light, truth, and knowledge together and interchangeably. They also
talk about letting our light shine. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The eye adds a different dimension to this story. Light shines
on an object and absorbs the color it is, reflecting all other colors, as light
enters the eye and interacts with the nerves in the retina, the brain detects
the missing color and reports that to the cortex as the color of the object. This
is why the mixing of paint which with all colors added, absorbs all light and
only darkness is reflected. A mirror on the other hand is a surface designed to
reflect rather that absorb, and we can then see by it. I think of the words of
the song, “Have you received his image in your countenance? Does the light of
Christ shine in your eyes?” <o:p></o:p></div>
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In life, the knowledge, the truth, even the light we gain,
shines in our eyes. The truth, the spirit acts as light and as more is combine,
the brighter we become. Lies, errors, deceptions are the paint on the page, and
the more we add, the less we can see. The knowledge (truth) we gain, the more
light we have to share. It is in the sharing (reflecting light) that we can
become like our Savior and our Father.<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00050574164884067438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-17037145237475431712015-04-13T11:44:00.001-07:002015-04-13T11:47:02.516-07:00Pete's Story<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Tonight, Sister Christensen and I were privileged to attend our first baptism. When we arrived here two months ago, we were told that the Assistants had recently found and began teaching an investigator. President assigned us to attend the same ward as the assistants and we were introduced to Pete. He is a tall slender gentleman in his mid-forties. He seemed like his interest was genuine and sincere. After Gospel Principles class that first Sunday, Pete stopped and asked me a<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"> couple of questions that I answered and then gave him my phone number and told him to feel free to call me anytime if he had more questions. Over the next several weeks, Pete would call two or three times a week, sometimes with questions, and sometimes just to say hi. Pete called and asked us for a ride to church. He didn't have a car, which is not unusual here in Eugene. They have excellent public transportation. I soon learned that he was living with a girlfriend and she had no interest in the church. She also had no interest in marriage. He was left with a choice he didn't want to make.</span></div>
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Tonight, we learned more of his story. He had been best friends with two other boys since junior high school. One of them was a member. Through their association, one other had joined the church in high school. Pete wasn’t interested, but they continue to be friends to this day. He continued to read the Book of Mormon, he studied what the missionaries gave him. He prayed. He even got on the train and went to Salt Lake, because, as he told the elders, he wanted to see the temple. The temple square missionaries taught him, and he returned to Eugene. He made the decision to be baptized. It meant he had to move. In the process, he also had to find a new job.</div>
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Through it all, Pete continued to read and study, talk to the missionaries, the members in two wards now, and to pray. He made the commitment to be baptized. He moved with the help of two wards. Over the past few weeks, by my count, he has been taught by nine elders, two senior couples, the mission President and his wife, and a general authority who was in town for training, and went with the assistants and another senior couple to teach Pete when he was struggling a couple of weeks ago. Pete watched all five sessions of conference at the chapel. He attended two wards, that’s six hours of meetings for the past six weeks. He would ride to church with us, and then home with someone from the other ward. Tonight, in company with two wards and around 100 people who have come to love this gentle spirit, Pete was baptized by one of his best friends who flew out from Utah to be a part of it all.</div>
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I have been thrilled, humbled, and impressed at all the Lord has done for this good man. I am glad we were able to be here to be a small part of it. There is no where I would rather be. I love this work. I love this church. I love my Savior and being able to be a part of His work. I can’t wait to see what is next.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00050574164884067438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-43336324348883625472015-04-12T20:55:00.000-07:002015-04-12T20:55:45.353-07:00Mexican Pozole and the Gospel<img height="265" src="http://img.sndimg.com/food/image/upload/w_555,h_416,c_fit,fl_progressive,q_95/v1/img/recipes/19/62/33/picDn8XUi.jpg" width="400" />We've had an eventful week-end. I'll cover Saturday and let Greg talk about Sunday. Since Saturday is our "P" day, I usually spend some time in the morning getting the laundry done for the week. Usually the laundry room at our apartment complex is empty and it's a pretty quick process - throw in 2 loads of clothes, go back in 30 minutes and put them in the dryer. This week, when I got there our next door neighbor was just putting her clothes in the dryer. I met her last week as she was leaving her apartment to go to the broadcast of General Conference with a member from the Spanish Ward. The Elders assigned to that ward have been teaching her, but we hadn't met yet. I said "Hi", she said "Hi" and then she went on her way. When I went back a little later to move my clothes to the dryer, hers were still going, I checked back a couple of times and then finally happened to catch her there finishing up. As we both worked on our laundry I asked her how she enjoyed Conference. That started a conversation that allowed her to ask some questions. One thing she wanted to know was why these young missionaries are making the sacrifice of time away from their families and schooling to serve missions. Because her first language is Spanish and mine isn't - I try to keep my answers fairly simple and to the point. She seems to understand better that way. In short I told her that we serve missions because we believe the message we have is true and we want to share it.<br />
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Fast forward a few hours. As we were getting ready to sit down to dinner and thinking about maybe going to a movie after, the Spanish Elders called and said they had an appointment to teach our neighbor, the couple from the ward that was supposed to go with them had cancelled at the last minute - would we be available in about 15 minutes to go with them? Of course we said "YES!!"<br />
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It was so interesting to listen to a discussion in Spanish. I took a couple of years of Spanish in High School and wouldn't even pretend to say that I can speak it - the best I do is "How much does it cost? and "Where's the bathroom?" (important things to say when traveling in Spanish speaking countries!) But I do recognize words and can generally follow the basics of a conversation. But the Spirit speaks in a voice that is often felt but not heard. The Spirit was there and it was wonderful. Rosario had the Elders ask us some questions because of our "life experience" (a polite way to say "Old"). Our different teaching styles were evident - I give Primary answers and my companion expounds on the gospel. It was fun! And we were able to assist the Elders in answering questions she had. When the lesson was over, she asked if we would all like to stay and have some Pozole that she had made for us. There was no hesitation is our answer, "Yes!" That simple meal gave us a chance to connect on a different level. I left feeling that we were now friends. We talked about food and connected because I spoke her language - tamales, chili, pozole, etc. And Elder Christensen loved her VERY hot, but delicious salsa (some of it even came home with us.)<br />
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Teaching the Gospel is what we thought we would be doing on our mission until we got our calls to work in the mission office. It is so exciting to have these opportunities to share our testimonies and the Gospel of Jesus Christ with those around us. We love the missionaries and any opportunities we have to support and help them.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-84841542185989260182015-03-28T19:52:00.000-07:002015-03-28T19:52:40.742-07:00"Angels Round About You"<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, 'lucida grande', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Thursday, March 26, 2015</div>
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"Tonight, grandma and I have been blessed to participate in a remarkable event. At 10:35 PM our phone rang. We were asked to join an emergency conference call to take place at 10:45 PM. We were very curious as we waited and the dialed into the conference.</div>
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Elders Hyde and Boyd, assistants to President Russell and acting under his direction, first explained the event that triggered the conference and then led some 210 missionaries in a mission wide prayer.</div>
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One of our fellow mi<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">ssionaries had just received word about the unexpected passing of his father. President and Sister Russell were with him as we joined in prayer. We sat transfixed and amazed as we participated in this event. We marveled at the blessing and strength that was brought together. We are so blessed to be in the mission field at this time, to have tools and technology that allows this joining together possible. We are blessed beyond measure to be privileged to have these choice experiences.</span></div>
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We find ourselves naturally drawn to any possible avenue to move this work forward. These are truly the last days, and we have been sent forth, clothed in the spirit with power and light to share.</div>
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Join with us in constant prayer for ourselves, this great mission, even all the missionaries who labor in missions around the globe.</div>
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To our grandchildren, we invite you to strive to prepare. Learn to seek the spirit, even the Holy Ghost as your constant companion. Learn to submit yourselves to the will of the Father. He will teach and guide you. You will experience joy beyond anything you have yet or even that you can imagine.</div>
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We love you all. We think of you often and pray for you always. We miss you all terribly, and as a testament to the nature of this work, know that this service to our God is the only thing that could separate us from you at this time. Know that Grandma and I KNOW that this Church and this work are true. We have felt the heavens open. We have seen the miracles with our eyes. Our spiritual eyes have opened and we have witnessed the magnitude of this work. We pray for God's hand to be over all of you".</div>
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Greg wrote the above Thursday night I'd like to add a few thought of my own now. What we experienced was an amazing and wonderful even though it was born of tragedy. I was reminded tonight that joy always follows sorrow. The joy we felt was the power of prayer and the presence of the Comforter as 200+ missionaries all knelt together all over the State of Oregon. Even though we were alone in our living room it was as if we were in the same room as all the other missionaries. In my minds eye I could see angels surrounding our dear Elder who had so recently learned of the passing of his father. He has made the decision to stay in the mission and continue the work. I don't know this Elder but I love him and his valor. We are so blessed to be here at this time.</div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-43252043116125857952015-03-15T18:10:00.002-07:002015-03-15T18:10:17.657-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Greg has done the last few blog posts. He suggested today that maybe it was time for me to write about some of my experiences and feelings about this first 6 weeks as full-time missionaries.</div>
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I'm not sure what I expected, but I didn't expect it to be as difficult as it has been. The MTC was amazing! The Spirit there is so strong it's a tangible presence. And it's exhausting! We made great friends. We were pushed out of our comfort zone (especially me!) and we were forced to rely on the Spirit in ways I have never before experienced. We left there on a Thursday afternoon, drove to Rexburg, spent the next day packing our car, and then drove 12 hours to Eugene on Saturday. We arrived here on a cold, dark, rainy night. Unloaded our car with some help from young, energetic missionaries, went to Walmart to get necessaries supplies to make it through Monday and then fell into bed too tired to move. We hit the floor early the next morning since another mission couple was meeting us to take us to church for 9:00am meetings. As I think about it now, I wish we had been able to take a couple of days to get settled, that would have made the next 2 weeks much easier. <br />
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We reported to the mission office at 8:00 Monday morning for our first staff meeting. And then our training began with the couple we were replacing. They were dear people finishing their 5th mission! After just a couple of days, Greg was turned loose to do his job. My experience was much different.<br />
We started our first week with transfers, departures and arrivals. The former mission secretary played a part in all of those activities - mostly letter writing. The first three weeks were not pleasant - I hesitate to even say that because there were bright spots but most of my day was stressful and frustrating. It wasn't the work, that was simple and straight forward. My trainer was slow, methodical, deliberate and ever-watchful of everything I did. I tend to be a high-energy person. I work fast and often knew of a quicker way to do what she was doing. She was not very computer literate so much of what she did was printed out with check-lists for EVERYTHING! I spent most days with an 80 year old woman hanging over my shoulder while I typed on the computer. I broke out in hives twice and left most days near tears.<br />
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Now the bright spots - the missionaries! They are wonderful. They have so much energy and enthusiasm for missionary service. Their testimonies shine on their faces and they work so hard. In this mission, President Russell has dubbed it an "Love you" mission. We say it to all the missionaries, they say it to each other and to us. I found out very early on that I do love them. They were my bright spots every day.<br />
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Greg just asked me if I knew what my first few weeks were going to be like, would it have changed anything before we put our papers in. "NO!" I would do it again, and again and again. I know without any doubt that this is where we are supposed to be. And working in the mission office is what we are supposed to be doing. Yes, the first few weeks were rough, unpleasant even at times, but the last 2 weeks have been fantastic. I look forward every day to going in to the office. I love answering the phone and hearing the voice of one of our dear missionaries, or sometimes one of their parents. I love hearing from the missionaries about the tender mercies of the Lord that they are experiencing as they serve Him. <br />
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We went to the Portland Temple last week for a mission temple trip. That was more than a bright spot, it was blinding sunshine! Going through a temple session with a room full of young missionaries was amazing. It was worth any frustration or stress I may have felt during my training period here. And that's why even if I knew how hard it was going to be, I would have done it. On even the hardest day, I experienced those tender mercies of the Lord that kept me going. My testimony of the Spirit has grown. My testimony of the truthfulness of this work is stronger than ever. I know the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is true, the Book of Mormon is God's word as is the Bible. I have tasted the bitter and the sweet - I had to experience both so that I could know the difference. And I'm grateful for both experiences.<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-43245411934084824982015-03-15T16:14:00.006-07:002015-03-15T16:14:59.244-07:00<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">It is amazing to us</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;"> the many ways the Lord blesses us in his work. the training and experiences we started in the MTC are continuing in the mission field. As we go about our work here, we will often be prompted by the spirit. it often happens in our working with the Elders and Sisters. The other day, we were sorting through stuff that came from an apartment that we just closed. (As the numbers of missionaries drop after the quick rise from the age change) in that stuff were some jars of baby food. Sister Christensen called the Salvation Army and asked if that was something they could use in their food bank, and they said of course. Then rather than one of the senior couples taking it down she called the Elders whose area included the food bank to see if they could. They said they could, but that they were busy and it would have to wait a day or two. Just 20 minutes later, they were in the mission office. It seems the appointment they had fell through. As they were leaving, Sister Christensen suggested that while they were there, they should let them know that they could help out in other ways as needed.</span><br />
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Last night, two of the Elders whose area includes our apartment, dropped by. They were going to visit our neighbor who has been investigating and was sick. Sister Christensen again was prompted, and suggested they offer to give her a blessing. When they offered, she responded with a yes. After explaining what they were going to do, one Elder anointed, and the other sealed and blessed her. She is from Spain, and speaks Spanish and the missionaries were able to anoint and bless her in Spanish. She was visibly touched and said she felt warm and loved. It was a sweet experience the Elders had to come by afterward and share with us. We talked about how the Lord will bring us where we need to be so that we can do what He needs done. His hand is in this work.</div>
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One of the twelve recently in teaching and training Mission Presidents, read a scripture to them. Jacob 5:62. It reads, "...Let us go and labor with our might this last time, for behold the end draweth nigh, and this is the last time that I shall prune my vineyard." This is the allegory of the tame and wild olive trees. He then said that the hastening of the work now is what the Prophet Zenos was talking about. This is the last time that the Lord will send out his servants. It is humbling and wonderful to be apart of this great work.</div>
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We are thankful for all of the many things that have happened that brought us here. It started with my car accident in 1993 that resulted in the need for spine surgery in 2013. That caused me to take a serious look at what our finances would look like if I stopped working at 60. The plan was always to work to 65, then go on a mission. It showed that while we would not be rich, if we were careful, we could do it. Through out this experience, we continue to have enough and to spare.</div>
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We pay our tithing through Settlers Bay ward, but we are instructed to pay fast offerings to the ward we are assigned to here. The first fast <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_940778835" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-bottom-style: dashed; border-bottom-width: 1px; position: relative; top: -2px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ" style="position: relative; top: 2px; z-index: -1;">Sunday</span></span>, I intended to reduce what I had been paying before I retired, since our income has been significantly reduced, but my pen refused to write that check. I can testify to the great blessings that come from paying a generous fast offing. Again, when the Lord asks and we respond to Him with faith, He keeps His promises.</div>
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Over a year ago when we seriously started talking about getting our papers in, some consideration was give to my health and ability to walk and work. I felt strongly that I would have all the abilities I would need. The six months we were given to prepare saw great improvements to both. I slowly increased my abilities to stand, walk and move. My health has been better than it has in years. </div>
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When I was set apart by a member of the MTC Presidency, he likewise promised, in the name of the Lord, that I would have all of the abilities and strength I would need to serve. Those six months before the MTC were needed and by pushing myself, when we got to the MTC I was up to the work. That place was exhausting. I walked more there than I had in years, and though it was difficult, it was possible. Likewise, here I am continually blessed in the abilities that I need to do this work. </div>
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We have been blessed in our housing. Missionaries don't live in plush apartments. Where we have been assigned, is a nice but old one bedroom apartment. Between us and the mission Housing Coordinator, we have been able to bring this place, especially the bath room into compliance with ADA requirements. We have a small covered patio that I have screened with a tarp. It also has a closet for storage. I have been able to set up a shop of sorts and continue to make canes, and continue to refine the techniques to reduce the amount of equipment needed to make the canes, so I continue to make and donate them. So far I have found homes for 7 or eight here in Eugene. I have a contact with the Lane County Senior and Disabled Services office. I am working to get an appointment to see her and offer canes for those who can't afford them. I have also told the missionaries, in their travels to watch for places they can go. President Russell has even been able in his travels to place one.</div>
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This gospel is true, of that I have no doubt. The richest blessings are available to us as we learn to be obedient and exercise our faith in Him. As we read and study the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon, we will be taught from on high, by the Spirit straight into our hearts and minds. We do not have to do it all, just those things he has asked us to do. I can bear this testimony in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-84366074298684492672015-02-27T13:31:00.004-08:002015-02-27T13:32:03.441-08:00Disciples in a Digital Age<a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2014/08/19/400-flood-the-earth_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
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<a href="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2014/08/19/400-flood-the-earth_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://www.lds.org/bc/content/ldsorg/church/news/2014/08/19/400-flood-the-earth_7.jpg" /></a></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This past week we had the privilege of being taught by a member of the First Quorum of the Seventy. Elder Brent H. Nielsen had with him the Director of the MTC. The Oregon Eugene Mission has been one of the pilot missions to roll out the use of the mini i-pad. They have been using them in the mission for about a year and a half. The church included a digital “area book” to track the teaching and work of the missionaries. This program will remain in the area, so when missionaries are transferred and new missionaries assigned and moved into the area, the records of the area will become available to the new missionaries in the area through the area book program. This is controlled and directed through a system called the Internet Missionary Operating System (IMOS). We spent our second week at the MTC being trained on IMOS. This system not only controls the area book, but also all the finances, correspondence and housing, transfers and companionships showing the complete organization of the mission. It is an amazing program.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Back to the meeting this week. They are rolling out the second phase, again with the OEM being among the first. The new i-pads that arrived yesterday have twice the memory and as the training moves along will include a special version of Facebook that allows the missionaries to proselyte over the internet. The goal is the have missionaries teaching 2 to 3 times more using these tools. When the Brethren were asked if they could really trust 18 to 20 year olds to use these tools responsibly, the answer from the First Presidency was a resounding “absolutely.”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They passed out two booklets to us that had “DRAFT” on the cover. Elder Nielsen explained they were not finalized yet and these were printed and sent just days before the meeting. In fact Elder Nielsen said that in the week since production started on the booklets we held, a couple of major revisions had taken place, which he had us pencil in. They talked about how we will use these tools in the digital age. It was amazing listening to this inspired work.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Elder Nielsen then began to address the elephant in the room. He talked about the devastation being wrought among the saints by pornography. He talked about the months and years of discussion had by the First Presidency and the Twelve on how to combat this evil. The hope is that with the expanded missionary force and these tools given to us by God, we can raise a generation with the tools to overcome this evil.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They gave us the four levels or steps to using the internet safely. They are:</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be in tune with spiritual promptings. The missionaries are asked to commit to following the safeguards and process in the booklet; to pray daily and specifically for guidance on how to use this technology; watch for and heed warning signs that come from the Holy Ghost; and record in our journals the promptings we receive about how to use the technology to increase the effectiveness in missionary work.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be focused on your missionary purpose. This purpose is to invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. This is done by asking yourself, before using any technology, how it will help people- exercise faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, repent, be baptized or prepare to receive other ordinances, feel and follow the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. Then turn on your device only after your intention is clear. If you can’t remember why you are using your device, stop what you are doing and review your plans. Use daily planning as a time to determine how you will use technology in proselyting and how your plan will help you reach your proselyting goals. Limit the use of technology when you are feeling bored, lonely, angry, anxious, stressed, tired, or any other emotion that makes you vulnerable or susceptible. Select a background screen image that reminds you of your commitment to your purpose.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be Disciplined. Avoid checking or responding to digital messages while you are talking with someone face to face. Prevent your device from becoming as excuse to avoid talking to people in person. Avoid checking or sending messages during sacrament meetings, ward council, or missionary training meetings. Use settings and features on the device that allow you to minimize interruptions during meetings, appointments, and conversations. Use study and planning times to locate content for proselyting use. Set up and use social media according to the guidelines in Missionary Work in the Digital Age.</span></div>
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<li dir="ltr" style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; list-style-type: decimal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Be One. Be able to view your companion’s screen at all times. (They teach this as working shoulder to shoulder). Have your companion review all posts, comments, or messages before you send them. This does not apply to letters to the Mission President or e-mails home. Participate as a companionship in all social media teaching events such as e-mail, texts, Facebook messages, Skype, and FaceTime. Invite mission leaders to regularly review how you are using proselyting technology.</span></div>
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</ol>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.295; margin-bottom: 8pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">They go one to teach what to do when temptation comes along. It is interesting to note that the first three safeguards are self driven and encourage and teach to listen to and follow the spirit. These devices are very limited in what apps you can download and use, and if you stray the mission president will know what you did. They have the same kind of technology on the cars. If you speed, drive recklessly, or if you are not the approved driver for the car, the system tells the missionary to correct the behavior and sends the information to the mission vehicle coordinator and the Mission President. It takes very little and you do not drive the rest of your mission. What you do on them is known, but really, it is all known anyway. Some say, but what about my free agency? Elder Bednar has plainly taught, it isn’t free agency, it is moral agency, and when you have made the decision to follow Christ and accept baptism, you have spent your agency. Now your choice is are you going to keep your covenants or be a covenant breaker.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">This seems lengthy, but it is only catching the basics. As we were taught the spirit bore witness and taught us individually about this program. It was an experience that defies adequate explanation. We feel so incredibly blessed to be able to be here. To be a part of this great work. We see so often the hand of the Lord in this work. We feel His spirit guiding us in our work. We are meeting people who are looking for what we have and so often take for granted. We have a wonderful yet small and modest apartment, work long hours supporting the work of the Elders and Sisters who can spend their full time teaching. They are miles above what we were when we that age. They are obedient, enthusiastic, their faces shine with the light of Christ, and it is humbling to be numbered among them.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-59983047238506307032014-12-31T14:56:00.006-08:002015-05-11T13:31:23.800-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Sunday
before Christmas 2014, my wife and I sat in Sunday school in the Rexburg 17<sup>th</sup>
ward. Laurie had been feeling ill and asked that we go home after Sunday
school. I felt I need to stay to priesthood meeting. In High Priest group, the
group leader mentioned to the brethren that if anyone knew of someone who
needed a cane, Brother Christensen made canes and would be happy to get a cane
to anyone who needed one. The brother next to me leaned over and whispered that
he would like to talk to me after the meeting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">He
introduced himself and said he had a son who might benefit from a cane. The problem
was, that he was 6’9” and weighed 290 pounds at 15 years of age. Finding a cane
for anyone that size was impossible. He asked if I might be able to make a cane
for him. He said it would be nice if he could get it for Christmas. I always
love a challenge, so I said it could be done. Monday morning I took stock of
what I had in the garage, and what was in storage. I had several shafts, but
nothing suitable to make the handle, so Monday we were off to the hardwood
store in Idaho Falls to see what they had. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"> The hardwood store had just got in a shipment
of 6/4 walnut. Not a size they usually carried. As I was the first to see the
bundle, when they broke it open, I noticed a small plank just a couple of
boards down. It was just what I needed, so we purchased it and took it home.
When I got home and had a chance to really look at it, I noticed that one end
was a full crotch, full of beautiful figure. I cut two handles large enough for
someone this size and was excited to have such beautiful wood to work with.
Laurie suggested that often with individuals who have a bilateral challenge,
two canes worked better than one, so I cut two shafts to go with the handles.
When they came to pick them up on Christmas eve, I showed them the small brass
plaque on my cane, and asked if they would like one on these canes, so a plaque
went on each cane.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Sunday
after Christmas, the Bishop asked anyone who had a good Christmas story they
would like to share, to come the pulpit. To the surprise of his mother, this
otherwise shy young man got up and proclaimed canes were cool. He proudly
showed the canes and said they were the best Christmas ever. He then read the
small plaque and said that “I’ll go where you want me to go, Dear Lord” as his
favorite hymn, so the congregation sang the first verse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I am so
happy that I paid attention to the prompting that Sunday. As I reflect on the
miracle that has occurred, I see the Lord’s hand as I mentioned to the High
Priest Group Leader back in November, that I made canes and would be glad to
share them. I find it interesting that on that Sunday before Christmas, he
mentioned it, that the brother who had the need was sitting next to me, that a
size of board perfect for the task arrived at the lumber yard the day before I
needed it, That on one end, it had beautifully figured wood to craft the
handles from, that two made sense instead of one, that I had two plaques and it
all came together to bless the life of a young prospective missionary.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I have since learned that the next week, the Bishop asked this young man to speak in church about preparing for a mission. He said yes, and talked with excitement about the possibility of serving a mission. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">While we were at the MTC, we keep seeing a couple of missionaries, one in a wheel chair and the other walking the two arm braced canes. We came to sit by them one day and visited with them. It seems they are serving full time missions at the MTC. The use the internet to find and teach. They were teaching a man in New York who was being baptized that week, and they were excited. I relayed this information to the father of the young man I had made the canes for. There is a place and a way for anyone to serve who wants to.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00050574164884067438noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-60730493536640787622014-12-31T14:54:00.000-08:002014-12-31T14:54:53.984-08:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">In late
October we finally got an offer on the house. They were offering full asking
price. We started the process, and they had the home inspection done. The inspector
noted some mold in the basement and problems with the added garage. The people withdrew
their offer, and knowing that the mention of mold would be a problem for
people, I decided I needed to fly back to Alaska to see for myself what the issues
were and get them addressed. We had withdrew funds from our retirement fund to
take care of any costs. I started looking at what was needed and lining up the
qualified people to deal with it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">One of the
issues was with a change in the code required several new circuit breakers.
I called an electrical company and scheduled the work while I was there. The
electrician showed up and went to work. As he was completing the work and testing
the circuits. He found one that would always trip so he went to work trying to
figure out what the problem was. After about an hour and a half and with every
outlet and light switch in the kitchen and dining room dismantled, he concluded
that we had a bad wire and he would need to cut an opening in the drywall, up the wall, across the
kitchen ceiling and down the wall on the other side. This would give access for
the new wire and should solve the problem.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After
listening to him tell me what we needed to do, and that I would have to take
care of the drywall repairs, I had a scripture come to mind, that talked about the
spirit giving us what to ask for in our prayers, and I felt a need to pray
then. I went in the other room, offered up a pray, and then returned. A couple
of minutes later, the electrician came up from the basement, and said that as
he was starting to work, he felt he should go check the wiring of the new
breakers before he started to cut the dry wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">When he inspected
the panel, he noticed one of the wires connected to that breaker was the wrong
one. He tracked down the right one, changed that out, and everything worked
fine. The problem was solved, and I didn’t have to repair any dry wall.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I can’t
fault the electrician, as I know I have made m</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">istakes when dealing with complex
problems like the one presented by the vast array of wires in the electrical
panel, but I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven, who is willing to look out after
me, even for something this small when compared to the grand scheme of things.
I am thankful for parents and teachers who taught me to listen to the spirit
and follow those promptings, and for the electrician who followed them as well.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Before
arriving in Alaska, we had received another offer on the house. When we started
this process back in April, I had the impression that there was a family coming
who needed this house. Throughout the process, it seemed that the house was
invisible, lots of people looked and were not seeing what was there. We had
also been pretty adamant that we were not interested in early occupancy. When
this offer came in, we felt strongly that this was the family. The offer came
with a picture of the family and a request to be able to occupy the home about
10 days later. The spirit whispered strongly that this was what needed to
happen, so 10 days later, they moved in, grateful for an answer to their
prayers. They are not LDS, but it was such a great experience watching the Lord
answer their prayers, and being able to be a part of that. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00050574164884067438noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-64741593780793586012014-11-30T11:15:00.000-08:002014-11-30T11:18:07.774-08:00<h2 style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Light Bulb Moment:</h2>
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Last month I had one of those "light bulb" experiences. You know the ones - when all of a sudden you get it - that little bit of understanding that lights up a corner of the dark. Once of our grandsons was baptized. It was wonderful and we were grateful to be present. The week-end also included a lot of extended family activities. One of them was visiting a local straw maze. after all we are in Idaho! The kids had a ball - we all did. But as we were leaving my leg was bothering me - hurting and cramping. I figured it was because I had been climbing around on the straw bales acting like I was younger than I am. By the time we were at our next destination of the day - dinner out with about 25 or so of the family, I could barely walk and couldn't bend my leg at all and it HURT. After getting home and settled, I asked my son and son-in-law to give me a blessing. I was really concerned that maybe I had done some damage to be leg/knee. My son gave me a comforting blessing regarding my leg and the pain and then paused. (those pauses always get your attention). He then said that I needed to remember that our Father in Heaven is in charge. I woke the next morning with less pain and by the next morning I was walking normally with no pain.<br />
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Now the rest of the story. Our house still had not sold - no offers - I was worried, concerned and beginning to wonder how and when this particular darkness was going to resolve into light. We received an offer a day or two later. It was a good one. But then after a home inspection, they pulled their offer. I was reminded again of that blessing - Heavenly Father is in charge! He knows our needs, our abilities and sees "the big picture." I wondered about the pain in my leg and that blessing . . . did that happen so I could be reminded who was in charge? I think maybe "yes". I needed that reminder, and it helped my not worry and fret so much about the house, after all my Father was in charge and knew what was best.<br />
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We have the sold the house and are just waiting to close - but that is another story for another day.<br />
- LaurieUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6483736556935397954.post-91179489211861949892014-07-28T12:31:00.001-07:002014-07-28T16:11:58.259-07:00I will go where you want me to go, dear Lord...<div class="MsoNormal">
After my surgery last year, I found I needed a cane for stability
as I walked. Year’s ago in Belize, we visited an archeology site and walked among
the ancient temples. Surrounding the parking lot were a great number of small 8’
x 8’ shacks where handcrafted items were for sale. I made the rounds
stopping at several of them looking for a cane that I liked and that was tall
enough for me. I found one. It had a carved toucan with the beak and head being
the handle. It also was carved from a piece of Ziricote, one of my favorite
exotic woods. For a year after the surgery, I enjoyed using that cane. Then one
day, I tried to use it as a pry bar. That didn't work out so well. It broke in
half and I was left to find another. Not a big deal I thought, get on the
internet and there should be plenty to choose from. Turns out that isn't
exactly true. I did finally find a cane made long enough and strong enough for
me. I had a small brass plaque put on the cane that said, “I’ll go where you
want me to go dear Lord…”<o:p></o:p></div>
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Each time someone would ask us where we wanted to go on our
mission, I would point to that small plaque. That small piece of brass has
often come to mind when I’ve been asked to help in one capacity or another. It’s
hard to read that reminder and then turn down an opportunity to serve. It has
helped keep me pointed in the right direction and has often brought the spirit
to teach.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Those who know me, know I love wood. I can't stand to see it
covered up with paint, especially highly figured woods. You know the ones, those
pieces that are knotty and twisted, and despised by wood cutters. They can’t be
split and make life difficult when firewood or nice straight boards are wanted.
On the other hand, these remnants of a tough life, of stresses and conquest
give us such amazing beauty. I at one time had collected over two hundred kinds
of wood, most of it beautifully figured. I have enjoyed over the years, using
that wood for pens, lamps, bowls, tables, and other useful items.<o:p></o:p></div>
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After the surgery I knew that I wasn't going to be able to
do the wood working I once had. The lathe and saws were too big and heavy, and
the big boards and sheets were beyond my abilities now. With some reluctance, I
sold all my woodworking tools, and most of the wood I had collected over the
years. They went to people I know are getting good use out of them and enjoying
them as much as I did, but…<o:p></o:p></div>
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With my love and passion for wood, when the new cane
arrived, I was disappointed. It was supposed to be Zebrawood, but it wasn't
recognizable as such. It was a nice cane, but not what I really wanted. I now
had a dilemma. The answer had always been, make it yourself, and make it from a
beautiful, one of a kind, piece of wood. I spent hours looking at that cane and
trying to figure out how, without all the big wood working tools, I could
accomplish it. <o:p></o:p></div>
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A plan began to take shape. I could do it with hand tools, to
cut a board, I had friends with table saws and many offers of help, so I began
to acquire the few hand tools I needed and discovered I still had some of my
more prized pieces of wood, including two large slabs of walnut burl and
several boards of curly maple that was logged from the bottom of the great
lakes and was from old growth timber from another century. As I progressed in
this endeavor, I kept getting to a point and then I am stuck. I spent more time
thinking and planning. It soon became apparent, (to me anyway), with what
I wanted to do, and knowing I didn't want to be constantly bother friends for a few
cuts to move me to the next sticking point. I needed some power tools.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Over the next several weeks, to the dismay and amusement of
my wife, I assembled a shop in miniature. None of my power tools weigh over
40 pounds. They were small, and could be moved taking minimal space. As the first
crude cane shafts began to emerge, I started to work on handles, and yes, the miniature
shop continued to expand. Now I began to acquire different woods. I have
friends who need canes, there are also the Pioneer homes filled with folks who use canes, and others. Who knows, I might even sell a few. I’m sure on our mission, I will have opportunities to
help someone out with a nice handmade custom cane. I need one for the temple, one
that is white, or nearly so. I have more than one favorite wood, so I am sure I
will need multiple canes. As I identify each cane I will use, I place a small
brass tag on it that says, “I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord…”<o:p></o:p></div>
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As I reflected back at the time I have spent over the past
two months, I came to realize two tender mercies. First, the house hasn't sold,
but because it hasn't sold, I have had the garage to work in. Second, with a place, to work, and
the ability to create, I have stepped back into the shop. I have found I am standing
longer, walking more and getting up and down easier. It has been the best
physical therapy I could find.<o:p></o:p></div>
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As my wife knows, I can't do anything small. I now have beautiful
cane shafts of maple, walnut, Brazilian cherry, Ebony, Bocote, Cocobolo,
Rosewood, and Ziricote (enough for about 140 canes), handles of wood, brass, plastic,
and buffalo horn, and lengths of brass pipe to fashion collars, and finally
rubber tips to finish them off. I am ready to go, where ever it may be. I
marvel at the small blessings we receive. I often think things aren't going
well, like the house hasn't sold yet, and we still don't have a mission call. The clock
is ticking and that retirement date is getting closer every day. I know though,
that the Lord is guiding all that happens, for our benefit and to accomplish His
work. So, "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord."<br />
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