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| Sisters Lamborn, Ridley and Vaifanua |
Friday, January 10, 2014
Off to Transfers!
Here's a shot I got of the three new sisters who stayed with us before the January Transfer. Just love them to pieces! We had just left the apartment to drive them to the church to get their new companions and leave for their assigned areas.
Love These Missionaries!
The Elders and the Sisters are always so appreciative of us office workers! Missions truly bring out the best in these young people! They always thank us for the things we do and they're always telling us they love us. Gosh! It's great to be in the office and be in contact with so many of them! I talk to so many of them on the phone, but never get to see them to really put names with faces. During transfers, and training meetings and zone conferences, I get to see a lot of them, so I'm getting to be a little more familiar with them. I decided Saturday, I'm going to keep a file on my desk that has all the missionaries' pictures in it. Whenever they call to order media, or new name tags, I'm going to look at their pictures as I talk to them. :o)
Got money in the mail Monday to pay for Elder Marberger's new name tags. He included this note and origami as a thank you. :o)
Got money in the mail Monday to pay for Elder Marberger's new name tags. He included this note and origami as a thank you. :o)
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| Love this cute origami missionary shirt and tie...and name tag. ♥♥♥ |
Three New Sisters Sleep-Over!
We were blessed with the opportunity to house three new sisters again this transfer. Sister Lamborn is from Providence, UT. Sisters Ridley and Vaifuna are both from Southern California. All three are beautiful young women - inside and out. I admire them so much for choosing to serve! It was so fun to sit and visit with them a bit in the evenings, after they returned from training and knocking doors with their temporary trainers. Monday night, I walked into the kitchen and saw something turning around and around inside my microwave...it was a COW! What??? A cow in my microwave?!? It belonged to Sister Lamborn. It was a microwavable beanbag cow. She was heating it up to take to bed with her to keep herself warm. One of the cutest things I've even seen!
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| A COW in my microwave?!?!?! |
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| Sister Lamborn's cow :o) |
Is There More than "Finding" Jesus? Matthew 7:7
One of my FaceBook friends posted this picture today. It's clever, and I'm sure that a lot of people feel this way. I am GLAD that the person who created the sign found Jesus! There is NOBODY who isn't a better person by having FOUND Jesus!
People who have found Jesus, who love Him and worship Him and try their best to follow Him are some of the best people on earth. I have many, many friends who have found Jesus, and I love all of them! They have found Jesus...but have they found His church? The church that He, Himself organized when He lived on earth, in the Holy Lands? The church with Apostles and Prophets, and the authority to baptize and perform holy ordinances in His name?
The church that Jesus established was taken from the earth shortly after He and all His Apostles died, and it was not restored to the earth until a young, 14-year-old boy went into a grove of trees to pray, and ask God which of all the many, many churches he should join. He was confused. Some of his family had joined one church, and some another. He wanted to know WHICH of all the churches he should join. As he read in his bible, in the Book of James, chapter 1, verse 5, he read, "If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God - who giveth to all men librally and upbraideth no, and it shall be given him." Joseph had been taught to pray, and he, even at his young age, knew that God answers prayers. So he got up early one morning and walked into a grove of trees across from his farmhouse and knelt to ask God which church he should join.
While praying in that grove of trees, this young, 14-year-old boy, Joseph Smith Jr., received a vision of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, who told him to join none of the churches, but to prepare himself, because he was the person whom the Lord had chosen to help restore His church to the earth once again. The time had come that was spoken of in Revelation 14:6..."And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people," The angel was Moroni, a Book of Mormon prophet, who taught and trained young Joseph until it was time for The Lord's church to be restored.
I testify that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's church restored to the earth. Not re-organized, but restored, just as it was in ancient times, with all the power and authority it once had. I know that the Book of Mormon was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and he was allowed to translate it and publish it so that all the world would be able to read this other record that, like the Holy Bible, testifies of the divinity of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
I invite all who read this blog to read the Book of Mormon and study the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Do it and pray, and God will let you know that it is His. Don't take my word for it - find out for yourself.
You can learn more about the church by going to Mormon.org. You can read on your own, you can chat with some one who will answer your questions, or you can request missionaries to come to your home and teach you.
Let me close this post with my testimony. God lives. He hears and answers our prayers. He LOVES us. We are His children! He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to teach us, to set an example for us and to redeem us from our sins so that when we die, we can return to live with God and Jesus again! He has also given us holy temple ordinances, where we can be joined as eternal families by those who have the authority from Jesus Christ to do that.
I love my Heavenly Father and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. To them I owe EVERYTHING. Without them, I am nothing!
People who have found Jesus, who love Him and worship Him and try their best to follow Him are some of the best people on earth. I have many, many friends who have found Jesus, and I love all of them! They have found Jesus...but have they found His church? The church that He, Himself organized when He lived on earth, in the Holy Lands? The church with Apostles and Prophets, and the authority to baptize and perform holy ordinances in His name?
The church that Jesus established was taken from the earth shortly after He and all His Apostles died, and it was not restored to the earth until a young, 14-year-old boy went into a grove of trees to pray, and ask God which of all the many, many churches he should join. He was confused. Some of his family had joined one church, and some another. He wanted to know WHICH of all the churches he should join. As he read in his bible, in the Book of James, chapter 1, verse 5, he read, "If any of ye lack wisdom, let him ask of God - who giveth to all men librally and upbraideth no, and it shall be given him." Joseph had been taught to pray, and he, even at his young age, knew that God answers prayers. So he got up early one morning and walked into a grove of trees across from his farmhouse and knelt to ask God which church he should join.
While praying in that grove of trees, this young, 14-year-old boy, Joseph Smith Jr., received a vision of God the Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, who told him to join none of the churches, but to prepare himself, because he was the person whom the Lord had chosen to help restore His church to the earth once again. The time had come that was spoken of in Revelation 14:6..."And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people," The angel was Moroni, a Book of Mormon prophet, who taught and trained young Joseph until it was time for The Lord's church to be restored.
I testify that The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is the Lord's church restored to the earth. Not re-organized, but restored, just as it was in ancient times, with all the power and authority it once had. I know that the Book of Mormon was revealed to the Prophet Joseph Smith, and he was allowed to translate it and publish it so that all the world would be able to read this other record that, like the Holy Bible, testifies of the divinity of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
I invite all who read this blog to read the Book of Mormon and study the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Do it and pray, and God will let you know that it is His. Don't take my word for it - find out for yourself.
You can learn more about the church by going to Mormon.org. You can read on your own, you can chat with some one who will answer your questions, or you can request missionaries to come to your home and teach you.
Let me close this post with my testimony. God lives. He hears and answers our prayers. He LOVES us. We are His children! He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to teach us, to set an example for us and to redeem us from our sins so that when we die, we can return to live with God and Jesus again! He has also given us holy temple ordinances, where we can be joined as eternal families by those who have the authority from Jesus Christ to do that.
I love my Heavenly Father and His Holy Son, Jesus Christ. To them I owe EVERYTHING. Without them, I am nothing!
Sunday, January 5, 2014
Out of the Mouths of Babes...
I almost always take note during testimony meeting, but I don't always post them. There were two today, however that really touched my heart and I want to remember them.
The first was a young mom, who told about the prayer of her little 7-year-old daughter. She and her brother and sister are always afraid of robbers and boogeymen who might come while they're asleep. So every night they pray that Heavenly Father will bless them so they won't be afraid and they'll be able to sleep. One night, after the mom had left the room, the 7-year-old got back on her knees and said a silent prayer. Later she told her mom what she had prayed about. She said, "I asked Heavenly Father to help the robbers and boogeymen to know that they are a child of God. Then, if they know that, they won't do all that bad stuff."
How sweet is that? I LOVE little kids!
The other testimony I want to remember is one related by a 14-year-old girl. She is a dancer. She went to a fireside with the Young Women a few weeks ago and they had a special guest speaker who talked about modesty. This young 14-year-old made a commitment to herself that night that she would always try to be modest in her dance. Just a few days later, the dance coach brought the costumes that were going to be used in a dance routine the girls had been practicing since June. Six whole months! And the young girl had her place secured in the routine. However, when she saw the costumes they'd be wearing, she was concerned. She felt that if she wore that costume, she would be breaking the commitment she had made to herself. She went and talked to her dance coach. She told her that she had a problem with the costumes and asked if she could alter hers. If not, then she would not be able to participate in that routine. The coach abruptly told her that she was out of the routine. It pretty much broke her heart. But she stuck to her guns and kept her commitment. There was no parental persuasion involved. It was something she decided on her own. A while later, the coach called her back and told her that she could participate and could alter her costume. By then, however, she was content with the decision she had made. She told us, "I didn't really feel comfortable with that whole routine anyway."
That was a testimony to me of the strength of the youth of the church! I hope my own grand kids will always hold on to their values and realize the blessings that the Lord has in store for those who do. :o)
The first was a young mom, who told about the prayer of her little 7-year-old daughter. She and her brother and sister are always afraid of robbers and boogeymen who might come while they're asleep. So every night they pray that Heavenly Father will bless them so they won't be afraid and they'll be able to sleep. One night, after the mom had left the room, the 7-year-old got back on her knees and said a silent prayer. Later she told her mom what she had prayed about. She said, "I asked Heavenly Father to help the robbers and boogeymen to know that they are a child of God. Then, if they know that, they won't do all that bad stuff."
How sweet is that? I LOVE little kids!
The other testimony I want to remember is one related by a 14-year-old girl. She is a dancer. She went to a fireside with the Young Women a few weeks ago and they had a special guest speaker who talked about modesty. This young 14-year-old made a commitment to herself that night that she would always try to be modest in her dance. Just a few days later, the dance coach brought the costumes that were going to be used in a dance routine the girls had been practicing since June. Six whole months! And the young girl had her place secured in the routine. However, when she saw the costumes they'd be wearing, she was concerned. She felt that if she wore that costume, she would be breaking the commitment she had made to herself. She went and talked to her dance coach. She told her that she had a problem with the costumes and asked if she could alter hers. If not, then she would not be able to participate in that routine. The coach abruptly told her that she was out of the routine. It pretty much broke her heart. But she stuck to her guns and kept her commitment. There was no parental persuasion involved. It was something she decided on her own. A while later, the coach called her back and told her that she could participate and could alter her costume. By then, however, she was content with the decision she had made. She told us, "I didn't really feel comfortable with that whole routine anyway."
That was a testimony to me of the strength of the youth of the church! I hope my own grand kids will always hold on to their values and realize the blessings that the Lord has in store for those who do. :o)
Orientation Booklets
Before the Mihlbergers left, Sister Mihlberger cut about 17 booklets so we wouldn't have so many to do for the next transfer. Bless her heart! I only had to cut 12 more of them to cover all the new missionaries and have a few extras for visa waiters.
She had me help cut them, so I'd know how to do it when the job was mine alone. It was easy enough! But with her gone, and me with a very bad memory - it took a while before I figured it out again! Two cuts, turn it upside down and two more cute. Finally got it and finished up all the cutting and stacking in order.
Jack had to help me figure out how to cut the fronts. He ended up making a paper copy of the printed cardstock, just so he'd have something to practice on. I appreciated his help so much and started to realize that I really COULD get the booklets done by transfers!
I remembered the hole punching and the rest was a piece of cake, although a little time consuming! Dena was freaking out that we do all the booklets by hand - but it's really not too bad if you stay on hop of the job. When I was down to screwing the little bindings onto the booklets, the STLs asked if they could help me, but I declined their offer. I just sat at my desk and finished up - and too media orders and requests for help from missionaries.
She had me help cut them, so I'd know how to do it when the job was mine alone. It was easy enough! But with her gone, and me with a very bad memory - it took a while before I figured it out again! Two cuts, turn it upside down and two more cute. Finally got it and finished up all the cutting and stacking in order.
Jack had to help me figure out how to cut the fronts. He ended up making a paper copy of the printed cardstock, just so he'd have something to practice on. I appreciated his help so much and started to realize that I really COULD get the booklets done by transfers!
I remembered the hole punching and the rest was a piece of cake, although a little time consuming! Dena was freaking out that we do all the booklets by hand - but it's really not too bad if you stay on hop of the job. When I was down to screwing the little bindings onto the booklets, the STLs asked if they could help me, but I declined their offer. I just sat at my desk and finished up - and too media orders and requests for help from missionaries.
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| It was fun screwing in the little bindings. I told Reagan I'd save her all the little short pieces. I'm sure she could think of a project using them. :o) |
Thursday, January 2, 2014
An All-Out Media Day!
So, Wednesday there were LTMs (Leadership Training Meetings) at the Irmo Chapel. Jack remembered how in the past, the office was deluged, after the meetings, with missionaries wanting media. The office was closed on Wednesday because it was New Year's Day. Jack asked President Holm if he wanted us to go over to the office around 4:00 so we could get media for the Elders and Sisters. President Holm said he didn't want us to have to do that, so he told Elder Stadel (AP) to send out a mission-wide text letting everyone know that if they wanted media on Wednesday, they needed to call the office and put in their orders.
That was around noon on Tuesday. From that point on, my day was shot! I'd barely put down the phone and it would ring again. When I had 12 orders piled up on my desk, I thought I'd better get to the back room and start putting orders together. Jack said he'd answer the phone for me and write up any additional orders. I must have been gathering media for 3 1/2 hours straight and I was pooped! I admit that I was also murmuring. When I finally finished and went in on Elder Fenton's computer to check referrals, Elder Hatch, one of the APs, appeared in the doorway and asked me if I'd do him a favor. Without even thinking, I said, "NO!" He started to laugh and I mellowed. He just wanted me to look up the phone number for Marco's Pizza. He and Elder Stadel were staying late preparing for the LTMs and needed some dinner. Jack and I ended up running to Jimmy John's for sandwiches. It was my peace offering. I really was ornery that afternoon. It's a great idea to send out a text, but send it a week in advance next time, I say!
That was around noon on Tuesday. From that point on, my day was shot! I'd barely put down the phone and it would ring again. When I had 12 orders piled up on my desk, I thought I'd better get to the back room and start putting orders together. Jack said he'd answer the phone for me and write up any additional orders. I must have been gathering media for 3 1/2 hours straight and I was pooped! I admit that I was also murmuring. When I finally finished and went in on Elder Fenton's computer to check referrals, Elder Hatch, one of the APs, appeared in the doorway and asked me if I'd do him a favor. Without even thinking, I said, "NO!" He started to laugh and I mellowed. He just wanted me to look up the phone number for Marco's Pizza. He and Elder Stadel were staying late preparing for the LTMs and needed some dinner. Jack and I ended up running to Jimmy John's for sandwiches. It was my peace offering. I really was ornery that afternoon. It's a great idea to send out a text, but send it a week in advance next time, I say!
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