tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-50896345328567127422024-03-13T14:33:16.590-07:00My Mission: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvanianot a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.comBlogger24125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-27474467164325709152013-12-12T16:28:00.000-08:002013-12-13T13:57:44.192-08:00November 11th and 12th - the Final Days of My MissionOn Monday my release was approved. After several calls my flight was determined to be on the next day. I was going home. We had dinner that night with the Sherksnas family. We ended up going with the elders to a lesson because they had no ride. I said goodbye to the elders and Brother Todd that night.<br />
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On Tuesday, to our surprise when we went outside, not only was it cold but had snowed and still was. After a long car ride to the Harrisburg airport I waited for my plane. Once we landed I went to my connecting flight. By 5 PM I was back in San Antonio, Texas. I was released as a full time missionary in a little under an hour. I was home and the name tag was off.
THE END<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YYmikvYqOE/UquCqZenciI/AAAAAAAAAv0/SoLHtSr9G8s/s1600/IMG_4552.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2YYmikvYqOE/UquCqZenciI/AAAAAAAAAv0/SoLHtSr9G8s/s1600/IMG_4552.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the last days with a fellow missionary...Elder Justin Palmer whom is now home just as I am!</td></tr>
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<br />not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-44000958205658794742013-12-12T16:24:00.000-08:002013-12-13T13:55:03.857-08:00November 11, 2013November 4, 2013 to November 10, 2013<br />
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Monday began one of the longest emotionally charged weeks. That night we ate dinner at the Nadals. After dinner we had a lesson with Jose and Gabby. However the whole lesson both were very distracted.<br />
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Tuesday we went to the food cupboard and bagged potatoes. In the afternoon we went to see Patrick and April but they were no shows. We met and talked with Alex. He and his roommate had had a discussion the day before wondering about why there was so many churches. He told us that mornings were best. When we were talking to someone on the street, a less active - Becca - that we had been trying to get in contact with walked up to us. We then went to Margot's. Her roommate Julie joined us for a lesson on the Plan of Salvation. Then we had dinner with the Dicks and the Elders at Applebees. It was Elder Yates 21st birthday. After dinner we had a lesson with Jose and Gabby with Kaity as our team up.<br />
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Wednesday was insanity! We had district meeting and then went to help Brother Dave and Sister Cynthia with painting their home. From there we went to visit Corinne. She was dead tired but happy - she just got engaged. While we were talking about families (they have a little boy) her fiance, Phil, walked in. We continued to talk with them more about families and asked if they would be willing to have us come back. They were. We left them with a word of prayer. Sister Stovall had asked Phil if he would say the prayer but he informed us that he had never heard one let alone said one. He said "baby steps sisters". We then had inner with a less active part member family that we had talked to on the phone but had never met. Then it was time for the challenge lesson. We met Brother Todd at the home. George spent the whole time shooting anti-Mormon questions at us. His heart was hard. Amber was listening, asking questions about what were able to say. At the end of the lesson George said to give him time to read the Book of Mormon twice, come back in January. He closed with a prayer calling Joseph Smith a murdering liar and thanked God for the chance to teach us this truth.<br />
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Thursday from 8 AM to 1 PM was dedicated to to my jaw appointment and headache inducing pain of trying to schedule an MRI at a place that accepted my insurance. We then headed back from Danville and ate lunch then did studies. We then went to the library and got on for momron.org time. My main question was "should I stay on my mission or leave?" Back and forth I went.<br />
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Friday started out normal but before we could get really anywhere with weekly planning, let alone begin, Sister Stovall said I should talk to Sister Topham about the choice I was faced with. After multiple calls and conversations with Sister Topham and President Topham, the wheels were set in motion for me to go home. We finished weekly planning. During lunch I called the elders to let them know that I was going home. Elder Yates and Elder Walker are like my brothers so I wanted them to be of the first to know. I texted the Danville Elders (Elders Boekweg and Smith) the same information. That night we ate at the Allens home. Before we ate there we went to see Brother Dave and Sister Cynthia. We found out that Brother Dave was a member but he claimed to be "allergic" to the gospel. We showed Sister Cynthia the Daily Bread Mormon messages.<br />
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Saturday we met with Brother Stanley and Martha. The rest of the day was spent tracting in Bloomsburg and Benton. We had dinner with Cedenos and talked about the Book of Mormon. We read Mosiah 18 at the request of one of the girls. We talked with Charity (a former) before we headed in for the night.<br />
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On my last Sunday there was the primary program. Jose and Margot were both at church. I said my goodbyes to several people. I was pulled aside by a member who told me to not let others make me feel guilty for going home early. I had one last lesson with Martha. And a lesson with a man we met while he was on the porch (his wife had rejected us a couple days before).not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-31511074326229155992013-12-12T16:00:00.001-08:002013-12-13T13:53:48.414-08:00November 4, 2013October 28, 2013 to November 3, 2013<br />
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Monday we had an amazing dinner with the Boiks. We found out from the Boiks that someone had passed away. We went to the Shelhammer viewing. Although I didn't personally know the man we learned a lot about him. He was an amazing man. We headed back from Berwick and dropped off a triple combination for Stephanie. Then we talked with several people - one being Stan. He ran off before we could give him anything because people were following him and harassing him. He literally ran into a light pole to get away from them. Those few minutes were probably the most thrilling and frightening part of my mission.<br />
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Tuesday we went to the food cupboard and bagged potatoes. On the way back we ran into Stephanie. We let her know about the ward trunk or treat. Not much later we worked on the area book. Afterwards we went to visit a few people and ran into Patrick once again but this time he was joined by April. At first the conversation was light chatter about nothing in particular but soon ventured into deeper subjects - we gave them Books of Mormon, a couple of pamphlets each, and an Articles of Faith card. It was the Articles of Faith card that caught Patrick's attention and we sent up a return appointment for the following Tuesday - when they would be available next. That night we met with Don and talked with him about the commandment of health - the Word of Wisdom. We then went to the Dicks home and had an amazingly spiritual lesson on the Holy Ghost with Margot.<br />
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Wednesday started out with District Meeting. The first part of the meeting was focused on getting to know each other. Something that stuck out to met from the meeting was this statement "Don't just sit and stew, go and do!" Each of us created a little paragraph for a lesson for someone we were teaching. After district meeting we went to visit some people we had met previously and ran into a member from another ward. Imagine our surprised when he told us that he was a member and was preparing for a mission. We then met with Brother Stanley and talked with him about two commandment - the law of health and following the prophet. Gabby's lesson was probably the lesson every missionary dreamed of. The spirit was thick as we read the story of the Prodigal son in Luke 15: 11-32. Then we went on to read about Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. She accepted the invitation to be baptized. Before we saw Gabby a whole sting of events led to the lesson even happening. Through the string of events we met Andre who had been to church a couple times before either Sister Stovall or I were there. Amazingly spiritual guy. That night we went to Trunk or Treat. Sister Stovall got in the back of Sister Meaders car and had fun scaring kids when they went to get candy from the bowl. Stephanie and her kids came to the Trunk or Treat. It was an amazing day.<br />
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Thursday was Halloween. We ate lunch after studies and headed to the public library. We ran into Brother Johnston on the way into the library and talked with him for several minutes. We then went to see Martha and Jessica. We found out in the morning that Jessica had recently lost her friend. We watched the Mormon message "Hope Ya know, I Had a Hard time Today". During the lesson my locked and I couldn't get it open. I called the mission doctor after the lesson and he had me contact an oral surgeon in the ward. He said he would look at my jaw on Sunday. We then had dinner with the Howies. After dinner we headed in for the night. We had to be in early for the holiday. I worked on the area map and finished it. Sister Stovall worked on the to do list we had and on calling people in the directory that we didn't know. Overall it was a good day, however I ended up losing my CTR ring (the one my older sister gave me).<br />
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Friday after weekly planning we talked to Andre for some time. We headed further out and ate at Playa Cancun. From there we went to a street and spent several hours tracting. With the exception of one each house was a rejection. The exception was a teenager named adam who was interested in learning more. On our way to meet a less active member we stopped at a house. Both Sister Stovall and I looked at the house but continued on. However when we continued on several deer crossed the road and were forced to stop. We took that as a sign and turned around and pulled to the side of the road. At first we talked to Amber who said she'd talk to her husband and that she'd let us know. We were walking back to the car when her husband came out and lit a cigarette. Sister Stovall turned around. I asked what she was doing and she said that was going to talk to him. At one point in talking to us he said that he wasn't going to be convinced of Joseph Smith. Sister Stovall said held up a finger and told him (and challenged him) to have just one lesson with us. He agreed and we set up a return appointment for the following Wednesday. We then went to go meet Brother Stuart. When the door opened we met his wife, Jeanette. His wife isn't a member. Brother Stuart told us why he hadn't been to church for some time. He told us that he had been wanting a Book of Mormon because he had lost his. We set up a time for us to return the next day.<br />
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Saturday Danny joined us and because of that we were able to help Brother Todd for about 6 hours clean out his house in preparation for him moving out and other moving in. We picked up the elders after we cleaned up and changed back into proselyting clothes. After dinner with the Forsbergs we dropped the elders off back at their car and then dropped off food that Brother Todd was taking with him to someone who needed it. We dropped by a less active couple that we hadn't been able to see in awhile. We were able to talk with him for a few minutes before we headed back in. We had received a call earlier in the day from Brother Stuart cancelling our lesson with them because his wife wasn't doing to good. We were sad but wished them well.<br />
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Sunday morning we had a meeting with out ward mission leader. Sacrament meeting we a fast and testimony meeting. Both Sister Stovall and I bore our testimonies. Eash testimony, no matter how short or tear filled, brought a special spirit to the meeting. Afterwards Brother Johnson looked at my jaw. It was determined that I most likely had TMJ.
Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (sometimes abbreviated to TMJ or TMJD) is an umbrella term covering pain dysfunction of the muscles of mastication (the muscles that move the law) and the temporomandibular joints (the joints which connect the mandible to the skull). The most important feature is pain, followed by restricted mandibular movement, and the noises from the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) during jaw movement. Although it is not life threatening, it can detriment quality of life, because the symptoms can become chronic and difficult to manage.
That night we ate dinner with the Chartrands. We then had a lesson with Martha before we went in for the night.not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-57775408156179533912013-12-12T15:17:00.000-08:002013-12-13T13:52:25.654-08:00October 28, 2013October 21, 2013 to October 27, 2013<br />
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Monday morning Sister Stovall woke up sick - she was throwing up. We did emailing and groceries. The she slept. I died dishes, laundry, and cleaned the bathroom. We had dinner with Sister Meaders and Sister Evans. We then went to talk with a part member family (I had a prompting to visit them - we hadn't been able to catch them before). He said to call his wife sometime during the week. We then went back and worked on the area map.<br />
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Tuesday morning I put in an order for a food cupboard tshirt during the time we were there bagging potatoes. After we had lunch we worked on the area book. We then tracted for some time and met a woman named Hershey who told us to come back the next day between 10 AM and 1 PM. From there we went to meet with Jose and Gabby. While with Jose and Gabby we talked with them about the Plan of Salvation. The lesson was amazing and part way through the lesson a friend of Gabby, Sammy, joined us. It wasn't to much later that we got a text from Margot saying that she was sick. We had dinner with the Dicks and went to meet with Don. Th lesson went well and was focused.<br />
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Wednesday was slow. Hershey wasn't home so we picked up where we left off and continued to tract the neighborhood. While tracting we met a woman named Rhianna whom asked us to come back at another time. They went by fast after then and soon we were heading back in.<br />
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Thursday I hit my six month mark. During out time spent on mormon.org, Amy called and cancelled our lesson with her. We had lunch and then went to visit Hershey. We weren't able to talk with Hershey but instead we spoke with her husband, Nick. He told us to not come back, they weren't interested. We went further on in the area and continued to tract. Mainly no one was home or was rather forceful in their rejection of learning more. We then went to meet with Brother Stanley about the commandment keeping the Sabbath day holy. After out meeting with him we went to go see Rhianna but there was no answer. We then dropped by a less active member's home - Corrine - and talked with her to get to know her. From there we went to eat with the Empie family. After dinner we followed up with a few people that we met while tracting. We continued tracting until we needed to be inside.<br />
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Friday I woke up a with a sinus infection - I was not happy. We went out anyway later in the day but all our planned lessons fell through. When we arrived at the Forsbergs home the Elders were still getting their hair cut. Soon the night was over and were soon in for the night.<br />
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Saturday we headed out a little earlier then usual to help out with the Priest/Laurel conference. The conference was focused on being a missionary - the theme being a mini MTC. As part of the Priest/Laurel Conference the missionaries taught the Priests and Laurels about the things they would need to know as a missionary - sewing a button on, ironing shirts, fixing bikes, reading maps, and so on. We then had district meeting while one by one we were pulled out by the mission president for interviews. Not much later we were asked (Sister Stovall and I) to join the panel for the sisters. The Laurels were introduced to each of the sister sisters and soon Question and Answer started. There was a wide variety of questions asked. Once time was up we went to do studies. A little bit into companionship studies we were joined by the Elders. Not to much later we were headed back. We had dinner with Brother Todd and the Elders at a diner that Brother Todd liked. With that we headed back in to work on weekly planning.<br />
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Sunday began with church. After church we went to see Janice. She told us that kids were coming by for trick or treating. Sister Dick volunteered to come and dress Janie up as a witch. She was so cute! After we saw Janice we went to do studies. I spent my studies focused on the definition of friends, what do you do for friends, how to be a better friend/companion, and then creating my promise to put in effect what I leaned. We then met with Martha, Brother Todd came along with us. We watched the Mormon message "None were with Him". From there we ate with the Dicks. Then we headed back in to finish weekly planning.not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-44565321534320859072013-12-12T14:50:00.002-08:002013-12-13T13:51:04.477-08:00October 21,2013October 14, 2013 - October 20, 2013<br />
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Monday was thankfully a pday so we were able to get a lot done in preparation for the week. Once pday was over though we changed back into proselyting clothes. We headed to dinner with the Sanfords (he is the bishop of the ward). When we arrived at their house we discovered that the Elders were already there and they were playing football with the bishop while the burgers cooked. After dinner we were set to visit John and Wendy (an older less active couple), however we had received a call that Wendy was still sick so they were unable to meet with us. So following a prompting that Sister Stovall had we headed to drop off cookies for a woman in the ward. We lended an ear and set up a time to come back and help her what had been stressing her.<br />
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Tuesday began like any other Tuesday at the Food Cupboard. When we arrived Martha asked us to sweep up glass in the street (on one of the sides of the food cupboard there was a lot of broken glass). The rest of out time there was spent bagging potatoes - we found a few nasties (that we tossed as usual) but it was a great time. We left earlier than usual to head back and have lunch. After lunch we spent several hours working on the area book. Once we found a stopping point with the area book we went to visit Gary and Jennifer (a couple we had run into the Sunday previous) only to discover them not home. We went to meet with Zach only to discover him not home. We met Shawn and Shawn (confusing anyone?). We spoke with them for several minutes and left them a couple pamphlets each with Books of Mormon. Then we met Amy. We had spoken with her husband a couple days before (on Sunday) and while he was not interested in what we had to say he believed it would greatly benefit her. She had been through a lot, medically and emotionally, but was still going strong. As we had run out of Books of Mormon (none were with us), Sister Stovall left her quad with her so that she could read from the Book of Mormon. We then went to meet with Jose and Gabby (father and daughter). At one point during the lesson we asked Gabby what she felt about what we were teaching. Her response "it feels good". We then rushed to the Strine's home fro a lesson with Margot. I don't remember much from the lesson but I remember that when Margot was praying that she told God that she hoped He had a good day. From there we went to meet with Don and had an amazingly focused lesson with Brother Todd.<br />
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Wednesday morning was amazingly spiritual as we had out last District Meeting as a district. Our topic of discussion was "ways we've done good in the past and ways we want to leave the world better". A common line of thought was what we were doing in the future - job, family, and so on. A random comment had the rest of the missionaries agreeing with my trainer that I'd make a great children's book writer. Because of it my major is being taken into consideration for change. After the meeting was over we talked, ate, played games, took photos (the last of our district). Then it was time to say goodbye to Elder Justin Palmer. It was his last week on the mission. Once goodbyes were over we headed to Brother Stanley's home. We let him know we were there and he followed us to a members home. The lesson was spent helping him makes connections. Then we went to meet with Amy. The spirit was thick as Sister Stovall issued the baptismal invitation for November 30. Before Sister Stovall could finish asking her, Amy was nodding her head in agreement. Later that night we went to visit Genea (she scared me the first time I met her) and dropped off some cookies. We spoke with her for several minutes about her life and how she was doing.<br />
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Thursday we worked on the area book in the morning at the Forsberg home. Then we headed out to help a woman in the ward we had talked with on Monday. The elders helped out with cleaning as well. We headed back and then cleaned up before heading to meet with Jose and Gabby. He processed during the lesson while she asked questions. We then went to meet with Amy. While we were there the lesson went to pieces when the children flooded the bathroom. We were able to watch a Mormon message with Amy and her kids before we left. That night Stephanie was a no show. Sister Stovall felt off. She wasn't sure why. We went to visit Jane, a former before we went in for the night.<br />
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Friday was painful. I had been having constant stomach pains with no explanation. That morning the pain was at its worst. I called the mission doctor and he had me take my temperature - I had a low grade fever. He had me go to a clinic. The clinic then had us go the ER due to the need for tests needing to be done right away. While we were waiting for my blood to be taken a code came over the intercom. While laying there I could hear doctors and nurses talking/shouting. Then I heard them use the paddles. I wasn't sure how long this all took. As a missionary we are asked to share the gospel at all times and in all places in anyway possible. However at the moment I felt helpless to do anything so I prayed. When I opened my eyes once again I saw Sister Stovall bowing her head in prayer. A nurse walked in and Sister Stovall asked how the man next door was doing. All the nurse could tell us was that he was in critical condition.<br />
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Saturday I slept off the side effects of the medication.<br />
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Sunday there was a much and mingle. I don't remember much of that day except having Dory from Finding Nemo saying "Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming". It was also official Sister Stovall and I were to remain companions for the next transfer.not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-47270545024502949282013-10-22T10:57:00.003-07:002013-12-13T13:49:46.277-08:00October 14, 2013<div>
So can I first off say that last week was a crazy, busy spiritual week? Because it WAS!</div>
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Monday we went to Goodwill with the elders (they had to get their oil changed so we were their ride for the day) and prepared for the upcoming winter. After dinner with Sister Meaders we went to go visit a less active family - the Karchers. It turns out that the week before we had come to visit that Sister Karcher had been praying about going back to church because she wants to work on family history. Her son asked her "Mom, why don't we just go back to church?" </div>
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Tuesday morning began an exchange. I went to Wellsboro with Sister Kerby. I DROVE! It was a long drive though. We visited with a couple less actives and a recent convert. After our lesson with Dymond, the recent convert, Sister Kerby told me that had been the most interested she had ever seen him. He had been pulling out scriptures about service and missionary work and asking us questions about several things. It was an amazing lesson. </div>
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Wednesday we once again made the long trip back to Bloom. We did an exchange review and then headed out to work on the area book. We spent several hours on that but got much farther with it. Afterwards we went to see if we could be on campus at Bloom University and we are still working on that. From there we went to Brother Saffron. We didn't talk about what we had planned but instead about temples. That night we had an amazing lesson with a woman, Stephanie, who had met with missionaries before. We found out later that after she met with us, her whole world blew up. Satan is a PAIN!</div>
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Thursday we went to State College at the early hours of the morning to listen to and be trained my Elder Mervyn B. Arnold. The whole training was just WOW! I can't put all I learned into words. That night though was so said. It was heartbreaking. Our recent convert, Martha basically told us that she doesn't believe that Jesus died for her personally and that she can rely on him. It was a hard, sad lesson to be a part of. Probably the hardest I have ever been in so far. </div>
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Friday was stir crazy day because we were weekly planning up until we went to dinner at 5! With our area book still in the works it took longer than if it had been all together. That night, we took some of Elder Arnolds advice and headed to Weis to get ingrediants to make cookies. In the parking lot we talked to a woman named Pam and she wanted us to go visit her Mom. However, she is in the elder's area so they were happy for a referral. When we were in the store we ended up talking to an older couple, Kavin and Linda and inviting them out to church. We talked with them for several minutes about a variety of things. That night we found out from Martha that one of her friends is moving away and she wants to give her a Book of Mormon!</div>
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Saturday, I feel like we made thousands of bite sized cookies - four different kinds. It took us awhile. That night we had an amazing lesson in the Forsberg's home with Stephanie. We read the 2nd to last paragraph of the intro and then read Moroni's promise. She let us know that she knows its true but she is in the part where she is fighting with knowing and doing what is right. </div>
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Sunday, Stephanie didn't show up to church with her kids because she stayed up till 6 in the morning writing a paper (we have church at 9:30 am). We then went to go visit Janice, she is doing well. Afterwards we went down the hall and talked with Don. If we can jimmy rig it, he will come to church this week. Hopefully we will see if baptism is on the horizon for him when he speaks to the Bishop soon. After church we went to go visit someone the bishop had asked to only to discover they no longer live there. However while we were down there we met several more people that we are going to visit tomorrow (Tuesday). Then we picked up the elders to head to the Steenburgs for dinner. It was crazy but it was amazing. The whole message was shared was that Jesus Christ was always there for them. </div>
not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-73099257837701338542013-10-22T10:56:00.001-07:002013-10-22T10:56:30.748-07:00October 7, 2013<div>
Last Monday, right after studies we went to the chiropractor for Sister Stovall. While talking to him we found out that he had at one point worked for a Mormon. Not much later we went to a Mexican restaurant - Playa Cancun - if this place had to go food, it would be my favorite place. </div>
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On Tuesday we spent longer than normal at the food cupboard. Not only did we bag potatoes this time but we also bagged chicken. Of course, at one point we had to run to the car to put in quarters so that the meter would not run out of time. We barely caught it in time. We went to Genea, she is a less active and doesn't want missionaries visiting her anymore because she is tired of explaining herself. We then went over to Janice and showed her how she could watch General Conference on her TV. That night in Margot's lesson, Brother Dick spoke to her needs. When asked what she would do if she knew that the Book of Mormon was true she said "Be baptized, next." She started crying during the prayer when she asked if the Book of Mormon was true. It is slowly starting to hit her. </div>
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Wednesday morning brought district meeting. The zone leaders were there. For a part of the meeting we talked about how the work is exploding in each of our areas. After the meeting we went to visit a less active on our records only to discover that she does not live there anymore, she is in jail. However, the person that lives there was very much interested in talking to us. Carla, was asking how she could get her daughters baptized, if they could eventually do what we are - a mission, and she told us about her own life. While we were talking with her, her daughters came home from school. One of the them asked if she could come with us. We set up a return appointment for Friday. We then headed over to meet with Brother Saffron. According to Sister Stovall, it was the most focused lesson she has had ever with him. </div>
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Thursday we visited the Hart's. From there we visited with Martha and ended up talking with her about temples and family history. After the lesson, we went to track down someone that the Danville elders had found in their records but was in our area. Dave and Cynthia were sick but kind. We helped them figure out where the church was located, talked with them about General Conference, and then as we were leaving they gave us homemade bread and organic eggs. The first loaf is almost gone already. We had dinner and a lesson at the Oast home. Margot is a student at Bloom and had been taught by Sister Oast. When they first met, they were excited to see each other again. The whole lesson focused on showing Margot that she had already been doing a lot of what she is asked to do. </div>
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Friday started out with sickness. I am convinced that our apartment is cursed. Sister Stovall got sick and is still sick with a cough and a couple of other issues. She just feels yucky. We went to Bloom Care to visit with Janice, only to find them beginning music hour. We helped out and then had a lesson with Don, Janice helping out. Don grew up RLDS. He questioned why there wasn't a prophet on earth today, he has read the Book of Mormon, and wants to know what to do so he can be ready to go home. Don is in a wheelchair but not the typical age for assisted care. He has a surface understanding but not a "knowing". Before the lesson with Don, Carla called and cancelled - her grandma was in the hospital. </div>
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Saturday was in all reality spent at the church because of General Conference. We had a mini potluck with one of the women in the ward. It was an amazing experience. </div>
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Sunday we had breakfast with the Jordans, they live out in the middle of nowhere. Then we spent the rest of the day at church watching General Conference. </div>
not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-38675377261330149592013-10-22T10:55:00.001-07:002013-10-22T10:55:15.124-07:00September 30, 2013<div dir="ltr">
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Monday we went to the fair. We basically just looked around at exhibits and things. We were there for an hour and half. It was a good time. The elders were rather interesting with their antics at the fair. </div>
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Tuesday was a busy day. We began with going to the food cupboard. We bagged peaches and potatoes. We watched the DVD Finding Faith in Christ with Martha. Sister Boik was there with us and we were able to talk about what is bothering her - tithing. That night we had a lesson with Margot. At the beginning it was a bit rocky. As the lesson went on things changed. We committed her to pray with real intent. She has been praying but going through the motions really and we believe she will see the difference.</div>
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Wednesday I woke up sick. I went to District Meeting anyway. We ended up having the meeting outside because they were cleaning the church - shampooing the floors. After lunch, I asked for a blessing. I slept until the next day to prepare to head to Martha's baptism. </div>
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Thursday after I showered and changed, I had a black spell because I hadn't eaten due to sleeping. Sister Stovall found me sitting on the floor. After eating, I had more strength. I got to learn about family history while we were waiting for the font to fill up. Witnessing Martha's baptism from the side was amazing. She was a champ because the water was freezing - there is no heating in the building. </div>
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Friday was a day of health. I worked a lot on my health. I was also able to receive a blessing of comfort and counsel that has helped. </div>
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Saturday we helped out with the soup kitchen that the ward put on. It was amazing to talk with people and help out so much. We were able to talk about the gospel so easily with them. We ended up going to visit a potential, Courtney, but she wasn't home. However, we had a third companion in her dog for a little while. It was funny. We went to the broadcast for Relief Society that night with one of the members, Sister Forsburg. It was amazing to be able to get to know the woman in the area and to be able to listen to the broadcast. So much was talked about. </div>
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Sunday we were able to witness Martha being confirmed. That was so amazing. She said that she felt "tingly" after her baptism and that it continued on. We saw Janice. After speaking with Janice we ended up doing an impromptu church for those in Bloom Care. We met a man that was part of the Reorganized Church and was very much interested in learning more from us. He is going to join us this Sunday when we visit Janice. We invited him to watch General Conference and he is going to watch it on his computer. WE invited everyone we met to watch it, we met a lot of Catholics. </div>
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not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-16540091655125117972013-09-29T09:22:00.001-07:002013-09-29T09:25:52.414-07:00September 23, 2013<div>
Hi All, <br />
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Just so you know this is Erin's new address. She did get transferred and I am sure she would really appreciate letters and care packages. <br />
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<strong>Sister Erin Kingsford</strong><br />
<strong>515-2 Market Street</strong><br />
<strong>Bloomsburg, PA </strong><br />
<strong>17815</strong></div>
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Last <strong>Monday</strong> was an interesting pday. It was far different from any others I had seen. First off, it was just my companion and I. Second off, I had my eyebrows waxed. Yeah, you read that right, they were waxed. Courtesy of a salon that Sister Stovall took my too. That night we visited a potential named Tracey and got her information. Then we walked down the street to talk with a guy named James. He is monotone. "It is true for you but not for me" he kept saying. We then went to meet a less active named Chanty but he stood us up! Instead we meet Rhonda who was interested in meeting with us. We then went over to a former. We had no idea why we were there until we got to talking to her and then after several calls and a long conversation discovered that if we hadn't gone there, then the service project on the next Saturday would have not happened. Once we left Sue we went to meet with Zach and Flora and their friend, Steve who is interested in learning more. We had smores with them and talked about the Restoration. They are going to General Conference next Sunday!</div>
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<strong>Tuesday</strong> was a busy day! It began with us at the food cupboard. We bagged potatoes for two hours. We meet with Martha and did a mock baptismal interview. She was stuck on knowing the exact answer and she was nervous. We were able to talk with her and help her work through it. We then meet with Nate who has been in a bad place for some time and is trying to work his way back. They meet him when they went to go visit his grandfather, who is a less active. After a short dinner we met Margot at the church, she is dating a recent convert named Daniel (he is submitting his papers in Febrauary) and just moved back here to attend the University. She wants to believe in Jesus and know him but is struggling with it. She said that she is envious of those who KNOW Him. </div>
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<strong>Wednesday</strong> we decided to walk to the library. On our way there we met Helena. She has 15 kids and was stabbed 16 times by her husband. He had been in jail and no one let her know that he had been let out early. She is living at a woman's shelter until she can find a new place to live. We had a lesson with Martha about the talk "The First Great Commandment" by Elder Holland. We met a woman named LeAnn while we went to visit old potentials. She lost one of her sons to SIDS. That night we cleaned the car and then headed to calm down Martha before her interview. Martha had her baptismal interview and she is being baptized on the 26th!</div>
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We had zone conference on<strong> Thursday.</strong> The night before and that morning, Sister Stovall dolled me up. I was able to see Sister Robinson and Sister Yates. We talked about Grace during zone conference. When I went up to hug Sister Yates, she didn't recognize me! Later in the day, I ended up with a migraine.</div>
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<strong>Friday</strong> both of us were down and out. I had a migraine and she was having problems with her stomach. Her stomach problems led into the majority of the next day. We went to dinner and did some weekly planning. </div>
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<strong>Sunday</strong> - Margot and Martha were at church. Margot had Dan with her. We were able to visit Janice after church. We had lesson with Martha about grace. In our companionship inventory, it was decided that this week we needed to focus on getting to know each other. </div>
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not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-77399022724174259272013-09-29T09:19:00.001-07:002013-09-29T09:19:22.938-07:00September 16, 2013<div>
<strong>Monday</strong> morning was like any other in State College but it would be my last day in State College. I was according, to the the rules, the PDay princess. I got to choose what we would be doing for the day. We went to a restraunt, Don Johns. The food was amazing!!! But before we went there we took several pictures at a garden that was created by one of the elders investigators. She had been working on it for fourty years! Soon after emails we went to go play one last game of Onka. The game ended when the ball died once again. That night at FHE, I said my goodbyes to the branch members and the State College elders. It was a sad but a bittersweet time. </div>
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<strong>Tuesday</strong> morning, the Bellefonte elders brought us McDonalds and their car. We drove with their car to Pittsburgh while they covered our area for the day. They were excited about that because that meant that they could go to a barbecue the branch was having. I drove Sister Yates and I to Pittsburgh. It felt good to drive again. As one of the last sisters called, I was called to Berwick West with Sister Gelana Stovall. From Pittsburgh we drove to the Harrisburg chapel. At the chapel, I met my new companion and loaded up the car with my luggage when it arrived in the Harrisburg trailer. Elder Boyd, who is one of the Harrisburg zone leaders, said that I am different and he couldn't put his finger on why. We got home that night at 10:15 but still had to due planning. We were dead tired by the time we got to bed. </div>
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<strong>Wednesday</strong> we had district meeting and I met the other missionaries near by. Elder Yates is our district meeting. From lunch we went to a lesson with an older woman named Martha. The lesson was amazing. We just let her talk things out and figure them out on her own. She knows that the church is true! </div>
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<strong>Thursday</strong> was very hard for me. I didn't know anything really about the area. I didn't know what I was doing. State College was way different then Berwick West and all I could think was "What am I doing here?" It was hard for me because I was having to make so many readjustments. After a lesson with Martha, all of our plans kept falling through and all I wanted to do was throw my hands up and cry. We went to met a member to follow her back to her house. When we got there she informed us that the person we were going to teach was sick! We went over to a less actives home nearby. We stayed there to get out of the storm. We met Zach and Flora there. They are part of a group called Life. They have a lot of similiar beliefs as us. We got to talking with them and set a return appointment with them for the next day. That night we headed back in early because Sister Stovall was starting to get way sick. A couple of men from the ward came over and gave her a blessing. </div>
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<strong>Friday</strong> we spent the whole time inside because Sister Stovall was sick. I did anything and everything I could think of to keep myself entertained and to not go stir crazy. We had to reschedule the lesson we had set up with Zach and Flora for Saturday. It worked out well for them as well because things were a little crazy with them as well. </div>
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<strong>Saturday</strong>, Sister Stovall was still feeling a little off. We had an odd lesson with Zach and Flora. Zach is a bit more open with Flora is a bit more sceptic. Zach has a few Mormon friends and more knowledge from them than other resources. Sister Stovall was off most of the day because she was still feeling the effects of a sleep medication from the night before. We went to a primary art show and also got some free clothes. That was great because I got to meet more members of the ward. </div>
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<strong>Sunday</strong> morning we met with the bishop and talked more about missionary work. It was decided that September 26th was the day that Martha would be baptized. It is also Sister Stovall's year mark. Another potential investigator attended church as well. We sang and practiced with the Young Men and Women a song they are singing the next Sunday. After church we, with some members of the ward, brought sacrament to a women in a old folks home. She was so bright and happy to see. Janice is an amazing woman trying to still share the gospel with others. We went to meet with Justin afterwards. The lesson was going really well but I was having some difficulties with my allergies. I was starting to lose my sight because of them. Sister Stovall turned to me to see if I wanted to say something and I told her what was going on. We ended the lesson. At the end of the lesson, Justin gave an amazing prayer. It was his first prayer!!! We headed to Martha's where I got allergy medicine and talked with her about the remainder of the first four lessons in Preach My Gospel. It was an amazing week!</div>
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</span></span>not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-2207163942313426872013-09-09T20:19:00.002-07:002013-09-09T20:44:47.559-07:00September 9, 2013<div class="c_ic_tile_clip">
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<strong>Just a note for September 8, 2013 TO everyone! Erin got transferred and we are not sure of her address at this point. I assume will find out next Monday.</strong> </div>
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So on Tuesday we were setting up lessons with a couple of people and I mentioned to Sister Yates that it looks like we meet our goal for the week in member present lessons. She seemed shocked but said nothing about it until later when we were beginning to eat lunch. She let me know that my statement was a silent rebuke. She had been going through motions of "Oh, maybe we can reach that this time" and "We'll say 1 because we can't say 0". By pointing out that we might be able to reach our goal, she realized that she needed to stop going through the motions. Later that day, our investigator, Kaui, did not show. We found out later (we only have his email) that he was running behind from class and was headed our way at the time we had scheduled the lesson for. We are currently trying to reschedule the lesson. From there we went to the Interfaith Fair. A few people talked to us about what we believed but none were very interested. We ran into a few former investigators though. We were able to see Adam, Hope, and Kevin. Sister Robinson and I had previously taught Adam and Kevin but had had to drop them for varying reasons. With Hope, she is so busy her lessons keep getting canceled and we have yet to be able schedule a new one. That night we had dinner with the Lewis family. It was super fun to be around a family. That night after dinner we went bus contacting. Sister Yates hates bus contacting because the bus drivers think that we are weird for riding the bus for hours on end without getting off. We were talking (somewhat arguing) about what stop to get off at because either way we would get home early. I told her we should wait a couple more stops but she wanted to get off then. I pointed out that we had already planned on getting off at that stop and she agreed. Then she goes to talk to the only other person on the bus, besides and the driver, who is sitting across from her. His name is Reza and he had missed his stop. She talked with him about we believe and gave him a Book of Mormon. We, of course, missed the stop had been planning on getting off at but we ended walking back anyway. What was really cool was that he asked "How do I become a Mormon?". It made our day. Then when we were home, one of our potentials contacted US. </div>
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Wednesday we had district meeting. We started late because a member needed a blessing and the elders had to have the other sisters in the room with the member (woman). Elder Daniels delayed starting as much as possible because he was unable to plan for the meeting. He let us know that he had not slept at all the previous night and was unable to make a plan for the meeting. So we just talked about what was going on in our areas and tried to come up with things that would help us improve our numbers. After lunch, Sister Yates and I went to my doctor's appointment. After a a detailed conversation with the doctor, it looks like my stomach problems might be solved with one gigantic pill. We had dinner with Sam Webb and the other sisters at a place called The Diner, it was pretty good. We then headed to Institute. </div>
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Thursday morning was rather awkward. During the night, Reza had texted us but I had not seen the text until morning. From what he was saying it was rather obvious that he believed he was going on a date with us. At first he had asked us to go meet him in a bar! We told him that we would not do that and he choose somewhere else but then the whole time situation wasn't working so we said we would have to wait to meet with him, possibly next week. After studies we walked to Walmart and picked up my medicine (the pill bottle is giant!). At Forums, all of the missionaries were low in supplies so we were doing our best with what we had. We handed out Institute class pamphlets, multiple Book of Mormons, pamphlets (Plan of Salvation, Restoration, and Gospel of Jesus Christ), and what pass along cards we had. That night we went to the Relief Society activity for the 2nd ward. It was fun. We were able to meet more of 2nd ward. Sister Done (she is in the Stake Young Women's Presidency). </div>
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Friday we had a lesson with Candice about teaching and learning in the church and service. The lesson went real well. We had dinner with a member, Rob, who was having some problems with his roommates whose standards are not the same. We went to Baby's and it was amazing. On the was to the bus stop, Rob was walking with us when he walked into a lamppost. Sister Yates burst out laughing. He wasn't hurt but his pride was. That night on the bus heading to a meeting when we ran into Reza again. Sister Yates taught him about the Restoration, the Plan of Salvation, and Word of Wisdom in a 30 minute bus ride. Not only was Reza listening but a couple of other bus passengers too. On the walk home from the Walmart bus stop, I got a transfer call. It was official,<u><i><b> I was leaving State College</b></i></u>. </div>
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Saturday we were in isolation. The reason being a Penn State home game. We talked with our district leader and he talked to the zone leaders. The consensus was for us to stay home because it was not safe or productive for us to be out. After studies, the sisters (Sisters Hanseen, Hurdsman, and Yates) gave me a makeover. There are pictures. When they left, I began to pack. It took me less then 2 hours to pack everything. We then had Dominos with the other sisters (no one wanted to cook - the other sisters spent nearly 6 hours cleaning their apartment). Later that night, the State College Elders (Elder Vassallo and Elder Trotman) showed up. They knocked on the door wanting to see the after of the makeover (they had talked to the other sisters first), only to find me in the middle of putting multiple braids in my hair. It was kind of funny. </div>
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Sunday morning, I got ready and dolled up once again because I knew I wanted a ton of pictures with branch members before I left. One of the members said they did not recognize me when they saw me (my hair was full on curled). After church, we had a lesson with a girl named Anqi (An-chee) and it went rather well. Sister Yates and her new companion will meet with her again this Thursday. After dinner at the Collins we headed to the church to finish training. On a picnic bench we did the last of Sister Yates training. We then headed into the church for the CES Fireside - Elder Nelson. Sisters Romero and Franklin (they had served in State College before and are off of their missions) were visiting and we were able to watch it with them. It was an amazing experience. <br />
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not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-33378426466101861822013-09-09T20:15:00.003-07:002013-09-09T20:15:53.746-07:00August 26th - September 2nd<br /><br />Monday was an odd pday. We did the normal grocery shopping and emailing but we didn't spend the whole day with the other missionaries. Instead we stayed downtown while they went on to the Grange fair. We would be meeting our investigators at the church before we headed to the Grange fair for FHE. We looked into a few stores before we got tired and then just headed home on the first bus we could. Sister Yates took a nap and I worked on our white board for the area. That night at the Grange fair, I had my first funnel cake! It was huge! One of our members - Kade Moss - turned 22 so we wished him a happy birthday!<br /><br />On Tuesday, we had a last minute exchange. That morning during studies, our lesson with Hope was canceled. Sister White (she is Sister Ferrin's companion) and I instead went to Forums. Forums were crazy!! We ran out of pass along cards. At about 4 o'clock, Elder Clark decided that he was going to hand out a chastity pamphlet. Keep in mind we are in a college town. He didn't end up doing it. During forums we saw our branch mission leader - Justin. We then saw another of our members - Sam Webb who helped us out with forums. We saw Candice for a little bit with one of her friends. We were also able to see Matt who we had not seen since the end of the last transfer. He basically drooped us but wants to still be invited to activities. <br /><br />Wednesday morning we finished the exchange and went back to our normal companionship. We had <a href="http://mormon.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0072c6;">mormon.org</span></a> rime where I printed out 102 pages worth of articles. I finished them today (the 3rd). That night we had the first institute for the school year. <br /><br />Thursday we had district meeting. It was a very profound district meeting. <br /><br />"Blessings come from doing the hard things." - Elder Daniels<br /><br />"We without them cannot be saved." Elder Daniels qouting a member from his branch.<br /><br />"Just turn it off, I am losing my marbles already." - Elder Daniels to his companion, Elder Haws.<br /><br />"We went from a dead area to an ocean teaching pool." - Elder Daniles<br /><br /> "Ultimately we just need to show our branches (our members) that we are here to work and show them how to work and to build up the branch: because ultimately this is not our area, it is theirs!" - Elder Daniels. <br /><br />"We need to work with the members. We need to change them from Latter Day Saints to Mormons through prayer, service, and fasting. If you build them, they will build your teaching pool."<br />- Elder Daniels<br /><br />"We are here to serve his sheep." <br />- Elder Daniels<br /><br />"If you, out here on your mission, search for all of the lost: you have every right to call upon the heavens for the help with those of your lost."<br />- President Topham's promise retold by Elder Daniels<br /><br />Forums were once again busy but this time we were prepared and did not run out of cards. We had dinner with Sam where we had an amazing waiter named Katie. Sister Yates tried the crazy burger. A glazed donut was used as the bun for a regular burger. <br /><br />Friday we had a lesson with Candice about priesthood and auxiliaries. We also had dinner at Alice's. For the spiritual thought where we ended up bearing our testimonies. <br /><br />Saturday we had lunch with Kaitlyn at Irvings. Apparently the salads aren't good - Sister Hanseen got a bad one. It would be our last outing with Kaitlyn as she leaves tonight (Tuesday - the 3rd) for school (at BYUI). We visited Rob Ross at McDonalds - apparently he works there now because he has to grow up. He is engaged. We had dinner with the Esplins. That night we were surprised by Sam who brought us ice cream cupcakes from DQ. We were even further surprised when Yong showed up and scared us. That night, I wrote a poem about Kailtyn for her going away card. <br />
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It reads:</div>
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Kaitlyn Moss</div>
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A friend so true,</div>
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To the sisters in two,</div>
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Caring, helpful, and charitable,</div>
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Traits that shine bright,</div>
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Even in the darkest of night<br /></div>
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Sunday at church I discovered that I cannot fast, not even for one meal. I was shaky all morning and during Relief Society, I ended up throwing up. Not fun. We found out that Shawn's girlfriend, Clarissa is being baptized on the 7th of September. Kade Moss, a former branch missionary, was called to the Elder's Quorum's presidency. Brother Josh Wilson was called as the second counselor to the branch presidency. That night at break the fast we were surprised by our investigators. We were waiting to head over to the Owen home (where it was being held) when we got a text from Matt saying that he was in front of the address we had given home. Justin brought him and his friend in. Anqi, someone we have been trying to get a hold of, was there with Candice and Fei. It was amazing! <br /></div>
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Monday we had a labor day picnic with the 2nd ward. We then went shopping and headed over to the church. We ended up playing 12 rounds of scattergories! It was a fun day. </div>
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not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-6904989445171726452013-08-13T15:46:00.001-07:002013-08-13T15:46:40.642-07:00Round 2 Pictures from Erin's mission August 13, 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-46290402986438544592013-08-13T15:45:00.001-07:002013-08-13T15:45:03.614-07:00Recent Pictures August 13, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not sure who everyone is... recent pictures Erin Sent...</div>
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<br />not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-9303407312691233552013-08-13T15:27:00.004-07:002013-08-13T15:27:34.710-07:00Update August 12, 2013
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Segoe UI","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 107%;">It was a tiring this week this week. I had
not been able to sleep well at all. Only catching a few hours each night. On
Monday, all of the missionaries wanted to do something different so we went
"shopping" aka follow Sister Hanseen around to stores and look at
stuff. While we were in store that sell Penn State stuff I got a call from the
doctor (GI specialist) calling to set up an appointment for September 4th (4
days before the end of this transfer). At FHE we did water balloon battleship and
then a full on free for all. Of course, Yong decided to start that part early
so Sister Yates and I went after him and landed a few balloons on him.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Tuesday before Forums we taught Yong. We found out in his lesson that he now
has the Aaronic Priesthood as of the past Sunday. We had no clue and we were
teaching him about priesthood! Yong decided that he would join us whenever we
had forums so he came with us to forums. Of course, this is the first forums
where the campus police decide to show up. Apparently the Palmer museum (on
campus - we were standing in front of it) had had some people say someone was
handing stuff out in front of it. It is illegal without authorization through
the school, we had permission. After some report stuff everything was fine. We
also went to the leasing office to get all the apartment stuff rearranged and
it looks like it might take forever for me to get a new bus pass (my last one
expired).<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Wednesday morning brought allergies. Yep! Apparently I have them. Not cool. My
right eye was real bad and I couldn't keep it open. Thankfully, Sister Hanseen
had eye drops and allergy medicine. After district meeting and lunch, Sister
Yates and I went to CVS Pharmacy to pick up allergy medicine and eye drops.
Allergy medicine is expensive!!! We had a lesson with Yong about eternal
marriage - it went amazing well. He was way excited about having an eternal
family. He said it made sense. We went to the Leavitt home and had dinner with
them. They are an amazing family!! That night we had the last institute for a
couple weeks - the 28th of August we will pick up again in the Pasq.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
Thursday brought the allergies back again. It didn't help that I had only a couple
hours of sleep that night. We had Yong's last lesson on enduring to the end. :(
He told us that it just was basically review for him but he loved the lesson
anyway. At Forums, I ended up sleeping on the stone steps due to a massive
migraine and allergies. I literally was swaying back and forth. Not very
balanced. Sister Yates participated in Forums while I attempted to sleep on one
of the elders bags. Not comfy but the medicine was able to kick in so I was
semi there after forums. After dinner we went street contacting but met no one.
During that time Sister Yates and I just talked getting to know each other.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Friday was a day of firsts and lasts. We
began weekly planning (we did two hours of it). We then went to have lunch at
Baby's with Yong and Katilyn. It was a goodbye lunch for Yong. He would be
leaving on Saturday. He helped us out with one last lesson with a girl named
Polaris who had been taught by sisters before but was gone for the summer in
China. We ended up having dinner at Panera's via a gift card that the Sassers
gave us. That night when we got back we finished weekly planning and had a
forty minute companion inventory. Nothing bad - we were just getting to know
each other. After weekly planning we closed with a prayer and began daily
planning with<br />
the same prayer. Sister Yates then got up and went over to the couch. I gave
her a strange look and then she realized that we actually needed to do daily
planning. She said she forgot because we had done so much planning already.<br />
<br />
Saturday started out funny. During companion study, Sister Yates was doing a
yoga pose while we were reciting scripture so I pushed her over and she landed
on the ground in laughter and shock. Yong came by a little later with a Penn
State bear (for me) and a Penn State color bracelet for Sister Yates. After a
whole switcaroo thing a ma jig that I don't even understand we were informed
that we were having dinner with the Shaws on Sunday and not the Collins. We
then went to an apartment building and visited three potentials and an older
women we help out. We also went by a less active girl’s home but she was not
there so we left her a note. That night we spent over an hour organizing our
area book, finding binder, and white board. Nowhere near done. After planning,
I was picking up my stuff when I went to get a notebook of mine Sister Yates
had a funny reaction. I leaned forward to get it and she screamed and fell over
(she had been stretching). I spent the next several minutes laughing.<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><br />
On Sunday at church, our investigator that was actually in town did not show.
He texted us later saying that he slept in as he stayed up working on a paper.
We spent more time on the area book and finding binder (it is a complete and
utter disaster) after church and then after dinner. We had dinner with the
Shaws, Chris and Christy. All fours are returned missionaries. For the
spiritual thought, I shared part of Thomas S. Monson's talk "Dare to Stand
Alone" and his experience in the Navy and the scripture Alma 5:44. It was
wow, it was amazing. That night while doing training, we heard a knock on the
door and it is the other sisters with a frog (Sister Hanseen held the frog
while Sister Hurdsman held a camera). I immediately went to shut the door not
wanting the frog in the apartment. Sister Yates comes up behind me and decides
to hold the frog. Sister Hanseen then informs us that the frog had peed on her!
Yuck!!! Later, after daily planning, I decided that our district leader, Elder
Daniel's, was taking to long to call for the call in summary report and I
needed to do something so I cleaned my closet. I found a tie in there that I
ended up giving to the elders this morning, Elder Trotman took it. Then Elder Daniels
called and while I was talking to him about the week our sister training leader
called. We called her back and talked to her about everything with the changes
and our week.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
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The first picture is Sister Yates and I with Yong at forums on Thursday. <br />
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The second picture is Sister Yates and I after we were told we were officially companions.</div>
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The third is a tree that was hit by a car...the joys of living in a college town!!</div>
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The fourth is a picture of our white board with all the information for the University 2nd sisters as of Saturday and it already needs to update again."</div>
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Sister Erin Kingsford</div>
not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-48156306461929847392013-07-23T13:22:00.000-07:002013-07-23T13:22:09.243-07:00LONG over Due!!Hello All!<br />
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Erin and I have been hit and miss the last, well since the end of May. She has sent some letters to include in her blog, but I have been home or haven't had the time to sit down. So... to catch those of you who are actually reading you up.... I will start with the most recent and then add the others from earlier. <br />
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If you choose to send things for Erin's birthday.. which is actually now past. But, she could use gift cards to Wal-Mart. <br />
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Also, Erin has been in the hospital. A few weeks ago she was throwing up blood. Her companion insisted she go to the hospital. In the hospital they gave her medication to help counteract the overabundance of acid in her stomach. Not long afterwards she had an upper GI. She still has stomach aches. At this time, we still have not received word what exactly is going on. We have our suspicions. I personally believe a bleeding ulcer. Please keep her in your prayers so she can become healthy and still serve the Lord. They need her there. <br />
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Anijanette (mom)<br />
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<strong>July 8, 2013</strong></div>
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"Monday the onka ball died once more. I got better at throwing and catching the football. We went to Texas Roadhouse with the Owens. We then played volleyball for FHE. </div>
On Tuesday I got way sick before and during a lesson with Adam. The lesson was a disaster. We meet with two friends of a member of our branch - Ryn and Heather are friends of Rob Ross. They are interested. Heather said that she wanted to pray about what we were talking about when we began talking about prayer. We ended up having to reschedule Candice's lesson as she was out apartment hunting and had forgot about it. We had a lesson with Yong and we went over a couple of baptismal questions and set him an assignment. </div>
Wednesday we had district meeting about prayer. We had a lesson with Candice - a mock baptismal interview. We had a lesson with Shawn and his girlfriend, Clarissa. We then attended institute - there was a substitute. </div>
Thursday was 4th of July. We breakfast with the branch. We ended up marching in the parade - we were carrying the football. Sister Hanseen got way burned. We had dinner with the Leavitt's - it was amazing! Then we watched 17 Miracles later on that night as we had to be in by 6. </div>
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Friday we had a lesson with Yong - it was amazing! He still has a struggle to work on but he is getting closer. We then had another lesson with Heather. She was happy to discover that we believe in the Spirit world. Then we were walking downtown and a guy gave us black raspberries from the Amish - his family are members of our church but he is not. We then ran into Candice on the bus - she was on her way to check out an apartment. We ended up having to start our exchange late as Sister Ferrin got back from her meeting later.</div>
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Saturday was brilliant! Candice had her baptismal interview - she is getting baptized this Saturday. We gave her a church tour and was able to find baptismal clothes for her. We had a lesson with Michael - he is very open minded and willing to work on knowing. <br />
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Sunday we had 3 investigators, 1 potential investigator at church. Heather loved church and was participating. Candice was flirting with Yong at Break the Fast. We found out that Candice will be able to get a limited use temple recommend for when she goes to visit LA. She also asked Yong to pray at her baptism in Mandarin and he said yes. Normally it is a struggle to get him to pray in lessons. </div>
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Sister Erin Candice Logan Kingsford"</div>
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<strong>July 5. 2013</strong></div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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"Hello everyone,</div>
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Its me again. First up we have Tuesday. The day of many firsts. We saw the other set of sisters and the state college elders (they were on exchanges so Elder Bartlett - an assistant to President Topham was there.) Neither of them heard or saw us. After lunch we did street contacting. We then went to Eric's appointment until forums. Forums are area scheduled time and place so that we can legally proselyte on campus. We were out there for a couple hours but they went by way too fast. During that time we got a profuse apology from Eric for not showing up. We said it was okay and asked when would be a good time to reschedule. He hasn't responded yet. </div>
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After dinner we tried to meet people on our way home and then met with the other sister missionaries for a monthly planning.</div>
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Wednesday. The day of "that didn't go as planned." We had studies and then we had district meeting. Our zone leaders were one of them, Elder Platt, used to date a sister in my district before coming to the MTC. We talked about the Doctrine of Christ in our meeting. I felt very inspired and took lots of notes.</div>
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As we were headed to the library, Eric called. We set up an appointment for Thursday. We were thrilled that he called. We had dinner with the Williams, they took the other set of missionaries and the Elders at the state college to Texas Roadhouse. </div>
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Thursday we met Shawn at the public library. He is a less active member, we ate a quick lunch with him and then quickly headed to meet Justin. We did have a lesson with Shawn about the Sabbath day and keeping it holy. We then headed to forums. The weather was so hot, and the humidity is so high, I started feeling sick. I tried to ignore what I was feeling and meet a lot of people, many people came through, but after a half hour I could not ignore how bad I felt any longer. I rushed to the bathroom and threw up. I sat down and drank some warm water and had pringles. Elder Vassallo came over and gave me a hand hug. A hand hug is where the pinkie and thumb wrap around the other person's hand. Not too much later we headed back to the apartment. After we got home, I laid down, and was not there long, and had to run to the bathroom and throw up again. We stayed inside and relaxed until we were picked up for dinner. </div>
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After dinner, another member Monica picked us up and we headed to Bellefonte for a lesson with Destiny. But she wasn't there and we talked to Susan instead. We committed to going back and helping Susan and her boyfriend to pull out weeds. </div>
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Later on we took a bus from campus and spotted Manela who was working with us to teach Candice. I started off Candice's lesson and we talked about fasting, about the Book of Mormon and emphasized the importance of it. </div>
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We went and met Brother Owen and his family which he happens to be in the bishopric, they took us out to Olive Garden. </div>
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Sunday we met with Candice again. She was better able to get a grasp on how to keep the Sabbath day holy. In Relief Society we talked about three different topics, Visiting Teaching, Service and Convenants, Candice did come to church with us and dressed really nice in church clothes. </div>
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We did talk with Elder Davidson, our district leader and reported our success for the week. </div>
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Monday we had the chance to go bowling and I scored a whole 63 points. Later on we got to play with all the missionaries a game called Onka. Elder Howell kept nearly hitting me in the head despite the fact I was on his team. </div>
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We were able to schedule an appointment with a lady named Ellen, her first lesson is Tuesday. </div>
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I am having a great time, and really enjoying serving. </div>
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Sister Erin Logan Candice Kingsford"</div>
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<strong>May 28, 2013</strong></div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
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"Hi Everyone!! </div>
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Its me again! I am going to start out by introducing who is who of the missionaries. First up is Sister Robinson who is my trainer/senior companion. She is from Oregon but attended BYU-I before coming out here. Her major was horticulture which means I am learning a lot about plants, trees and flowers. </div>
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Next up is Sister Hanseen. She is from Provo Utah. She attended BYU for a year before coming out here. She was accepted in the Public Relations program before coming out here. </div>
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Next, Sister Ferrin who is Sister Hanseens trainer/senior companion. She is from Arizona and was attending a University out there but she had not choose a major yet. </div>
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Then there are the elders. The State College Elders are Elder Howell and Elder Vassalo. Elder Vassalo was in the MTC at the same time I was. However until we got out here we had never met. Elder Vassalo is 24 and attended a year of college in Utah ( I don't remember the school) before coming out here. </div>
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Elder Howell is 18 and has not attended any college yet but will attending BYU when he gets back. He will play football but I do not remember what position. </div>
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Next up are the Bellefonte elders. I don't know much about either them as I don't see them as often. Elder Olsen builds cars and then sells them, that's what he did before he came here. Elder Clark is 20 and when he gets off his mission his parents will be in New York. </div>
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Then there is our district leader - Elder Davidson and his companion Elder Bowies. I really do not know anything about either of them. </div>
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Tuesday was really stressful! We were supposed to meeting with an investigator named Sam, the lesson seemed to be doomed from the start. Throughout the lesson all I could think was, "what I am doing wrong?" At the end of the lesson he told us that he had talked to his pastor and he didn't want to read the Book of Mormon if it wasn't true. We asked him to pray about it and to read a chapter if he found out for himself if it was true. As we took the bus home, Sam sat next to us on the bus. The whole way back we talked about a variety things, some related to the gospel, some not. I do not remember everything we talked about, but he did ask many church related questions. </div>
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We did have to reschedule another appointment with a lady named Loretta, we were headed back from zone training when we were supposed to have a lesson. The next day, a guy named Stephan called and cancelled on us. It made me feel so bad. </div>
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Later on as we stop to visit the ladies room we ran into a lady named Clarisa, who happens to be the girlfriend of another investigator named Shawn. We taught Shawn and Clarissa. </div>
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We went to Institute and we had dinner, Sister Robinson asked a branch mission leader Justin to give her a blessing of comfort. It was the longest blessing I have ever heard. Heavenly Father had a lot to tell Sister Robinson. </div>
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We later were able to teach Candice and about the law of Chasity, and the word ofwisdom, enduring to the end, obeying and honoring the law of the land, and baptism and confirmation. After we headed to our apartment and went to the lounge to meet with May. May speaks Chinese, we did have a translator but, the translator had a family member die and could not make it. Because May has a husband, Elder Olson and Elder Clark will be teaching her. We did try teach May but the lesson did not go well because of the language barrier, it was our biggest challenge. All we could do is give her a Chinese Book of Mormon and Chinese restoration pamphlet. </div>
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We did meet with a lady named Destiny. We did teach her abut God and prayer, she did seem interested. </div>
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We got a call from the Elders asking if we like to visit with a non-member who was having a birthday. John is an elderly man who is a widow, who is approximately 93-95. Just visiting him brightened his day. He likes to have people over as it reminds him of when his wife was alive and he gets really lonely. </div>
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Candice was able to come to church, she brought a friend with her named Amber. We were thrilled to see them. </div>
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Sister Erin Logan Candice Kingsford."</div>
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not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-27516824789103604782013-06-01T21:17:00.001-07:002013-06-01T21:17:35.497-07:00May 23, 2013"Hi Everyone,<br />
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"So I will start with last Monday (today is May 20th), Last Monday was an abnormal p-day. We had apartment checks. That lasted a half hour for each apartment. From there went to do emails, we go to the public library for that. After that we did a quick shopping trip, may half hour or so. The we went to the church to have meetings. We arrived and then changed into exercise clothes. We (Sister Robinson, Sister Hanseen, Elder Howell, Elder Vassalo, and Sister Ferrin, plus me) went and began playing a game called Onka. Onka is like playing extreme dodgeball. We played maybe 45 minutes to an hour before we had to go back to the house and wait for an investigator to arrive named Alice. Alice used to cook for a Fraternity, so she managed to feed all of us. I managed to find something I could eat - Ham, I normally don't like ham but this was really good and some sort of noodle dish. </div>
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Elder Clark shared a spiritual thought and we chatted some before we headed to FHE. FHE was Karaoke night - I got pictures of that. I didn't think any of us were good singers, but I wanted so badly to sing. After that we headed home and spent time street contacting. Then we wondered the parking lot looking for people and handed out pass along cards. Then we went in to do planning. I don't remember what we did after planning until we went to bed. </div>
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On Tuesday we did personal study for an hour and then went to teach a lesson in our lounge of our apartment at 9 am with Young, one of our investigators. The lesson was challenging because Young was struggling with feeling the spirit. We gave him an assigned reading about faith. We found out later that he loved the reading the chapter and that he couldn't have agreed more with the chapter but he didn't felt he was wasn't feeling the spirit. He was describing the feeling the spirit, and didn't even realize it. After talking with him, we helped him figure that out. Then he let us know that he was invited by a friend to another church and asked us if he should go. My first thought was no, don't do it. We said he if he wanted he could and offered to get him the address in Philly. </div>
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On Wednesday, we had studies and then district meeting. District meeting was interesting. We talked about how the Book of Mormon effected our lives. Needless to say I ended up crying when I talked about my testimony. We talked a lot about using the Book of Mormon in everything we dio because without religion is nothing because the Book of Mormon is the keystone to our religion. </div>
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We went to Tacho Bell for lunch with a group of missionaries and Elder Davidson and his companion thought I would make an excellent news caster. After lunch we did some street contracting which is not always so fun. People took cards and were polite when they refused but no one was interested in taking lessons. </div>
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We did go to a lesson after with someone named Lana, but it all fell through, she wasn't home. So we did street contacting and ten had dinner, and then we walked to a lesson we were doing with the Elders. Originally we were doing a lesson with Brandon, an investigator I haven't met yet, but he cancelled right after we had planned his lesson. So we told the elders we could help them with their lesson. We walked 45 minutes to get there and did some street contacting on the way. Then Elder Vassalo and Elder Howell showed up in a red mini van. But that lesson fell through too. So we rushed off and caught a bus and then walked to the church for institute. Institute was interesting. I loved the talk Elder Holland gave called, "Do this in Remembrance of me! <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1995/10/this-do-in-remembrance-of-me?lang=eng">http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1995/10/this-do-in-remembrance-of-me?lang=eng </a>After institute we went home and planned the next day. </div>
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Thursday was interesting. We did studies and then had lunch. We heded down the street and visited a potential to see when a good time to meet with her would be, she said in June. That was when all the craziness would end for her. We took a bus down town after that. We street contacted until we met up with the elders at the library. We went to the rest home and took the seniors on little walks. We there for a half an hour. We did some more street contacting and then met up with a Loretta - a potential that hadn't been seen in a month because of schedule. We had Amber an RM and the Ward Mission Leaders help with the lesson. We taught the third lesson and went over the first tim. After that we went to the public library and emailed potentials and then had dinner. We then did street contacting until our bas at 8:14 pm. We did meet a up with a guy named Sam, he was pretty cool. He was interested and he invited us in but we couldn't go in, so he was willing to step outside and talked with us. He is in the Air Force Reserve. He will be in San Antonio soon. </div>
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We got off the bus and did more tracking. We found Elsa. She wanted to know where the church was but we were not able to get an appointment with her like Sam, so we could return. </div>
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On Friday we did weekly planning. Our companionship inventory never eneds up being serious. We do get along well, Sister Robinson and I. We took a bus into town after eating lunch and met a recent covert, her las lesson with the missionaries before the ward talkes over. She is now a ward missionary. Her name is Fei. She is from China and has a member boyfriend. She totally agreed with what we were talking about, eternal marriage. After that we did street contacting but it was pretty dead so went and looked at talks from an email our mission president sent. We ate dinner and had a lesson with a less active member named Shawn. We talked about service. After we decided to go street contacting again, and we met Stephen and Kenny. Kenny asked, aren't you going to me a card? He had seen us passing out the pass along cards. We got to talking to Kenny and discovered he and his girlfriend had been looking for church. We got his contact information and set up an appointment for Wednesday. During the course of the conversation he asked if I was Jamaican. I laughed and said no. We ended up running into him later when we to get my bus pass. </div>
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Not too long after we ran into Stephen again, we found out he works at McDonalds and was interested in what we had to say. But so far, we have not been able to get an appointment. </div>
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Saturday we started with studying. At 10:15 am we went to do a mission correlation in the lounge with Justin, the ward mission leader. We talked about investigators, less-actives and recent converts. We discussed how we wanted the ward to help us with them. </div>
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After mission correlation we had a short lunch and then went street tracking. That is when we met May. May is an older woman who has little understanding of English. She is from China where her husband is currently. Her son is 24 and lives in New York where is studying for his PhD. Our first interaction with her was amusing. We knocked on the door and she called out "who is it?" Sister Robinson answered with "Missionaries!!" May asked what was wrong. Sister Robinson responded that nothing was wrong and that we wanted to share a short message with her. She opened the door in pajamas. After several minutes of struggling to help understand what we wanted to tell her we were able to get an appointment, because of scheduling issues we had to reschedule for Thursday instead. After we talked with May we did a little more tracking and then caught our bus. No one was interested. </div>
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We emailed and texted potentials and had dinner. We hit the streets again and then walked home. It took an hour and half to get home but we still had the time before going in do some contacting around our apartment and ended up at this park. There was a man and a woman and their two dogs. The woman could not understand what we were saying but the man could. The man told her he would tell her later was was going on. We were able to get his information but we have not contacted him yet. </div>
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Sunday was slightly less chaos. We did studies and then went to church. We went tracking and met another potential investigator Natalie. We are not sure if she is interested, we have not heard from her yet. As we got to our apartment we noticed the other sisters were already in their apartment. We could see through the broken blinds that they were there. Sister Robinson went and slammed her hands against the window, Sister Hanseen screamed. It was hilarious.<br />
<br />
Sister Erin Kingsford</div>
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not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-81057074005963259422013-05-23T15:13:00.001-07:002013-05-23T15:15:08.593-07:00Erin's first Mission Pictures! May 21, 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4p_7crTcY_g/UZ6UAOq8WRI/AAAAAAAAAio/6dSFJtkAlyE/s1600/Erin+on+her+mission+May+2013.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4p_7crTcY_g/UZ6UAOq8WRI/AAAAAAAAAio/6dSFJtkAlyE/s320/Erin+on+her+mission+May+2013.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Erin's first Mission Pictures!!! Sister Erin L.C. Kingsford in the first shot.. she is so happy! Her mission group in the second one. Can you find Erin? And, the last, Erin's mission president and his wife!!! Way cool! </div>
<br />not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-89035978795829187542013-05-17T15:18:00.000-07:002013-05-17T15:19:01.894-07:00May 9th UpdateHere is another update from Erin for May 9th, 2013<br />
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"Hi Everyone,</div>
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I am in my first area and out of the MTC. I am in State College near Pennsylvania State College. My companion/trainer is Sister Robinson. Since I arrived here a couple days ago I've helped with a couple lessons, done some street contacting, and watched some bus contacting. </div>
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I've noticed that it likes to randomly rain here and there and to try and be prepared for that. Other than the random rain the weather is pretty nice as are the people. </div>
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Everything is different out here compared to the MTC. Although I am in an English speaking missionary we have two Chinese speaking investigators so we have a language barrier. In our apartment building there are another set of Sister Missionaries and they are considered the 1st set and we are considered the send set so that people know who they are talking about. </div>
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We were able to do some service today at a rest home today. Today on the 10th, I had a bit of an adventure, one not so fun but funny to look back on. This morning I woke up feeling like I needed to throw up so I drank a lot of water and ate a small breakfast of grapes. As the day progressed I thought I felt better so I ate lunch. Lunch was chili and crackers. Something we do a lot of here in State College is travel on buses to get to places. That is what we were doing when I knew if I stayed on that bus, I would throw up on someone. So I turned to my companion, Sister Robinson, and said we needed to get off now. We were at Walmart stop so I just rushed to the bathroom as fast as possible. I barely made it to the toilet before I threw up. I went back out and told Sister Robinson that I just lost everything I ate. We went back out and waited for the next bus and went home. I slept 6 and half hours straight. I think I was sick because of a combination of lack of sleep at the beginning of the week and adjusting to change as the week went on. </div>
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It has been an interesting week. My first day in the field, I had two lessons. One lesson I asked someone if she would like to be baptized and she said yes. </div>
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Because of my bus adventure we had to cancel a lesson with an investigator named Young but he was willing to set up a lesson for Tuesday. I also found out that he will be coming to church on Sunday. Candice, our investigator with a baptismal date will be coming church as well. </div>
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That's all for this blog. </div>
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Sister Erin Kingsford."</div>
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not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-35893511778526608982013-05-14T16:56:00.000-07:002013-05-14T17:15:35.583-07:00Update from the MTCHi Everyone...<br />
<br />
This is Erin's mom. Erin has decided to send me letters to keep her blog updated so everyone has an idea what is going on. So I will retype her letters here, post them to Facebook so you can see them and then add updates from the things she has told me.<br />
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First before we get to the point of posting of her recent letter, there are few things that she has mentioned.<br />
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Her companion is Sister Robinson, I am not quiet sure how long Sister Robinson has been out, but, she has not received any care packages at all. I am not even sure if she has received any letters. She likes Almond Joy. Erin just felt really bad for her. Any care packages you do send, Erin has expressed she will be sharing them with Sister Robinson.<br />
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If you send a care package, Erin does like snacks, but they have to be healthy snacks. Erin can not eat chocolate, and anything high in fat, is not good, it makes her ill. I sent one, and it had things like fruit snacks like roll ups, pringles, baked chips, cinnamon Struesel muffins, she does not like blueberry. No meat sticks. Brownies maybe okay. She likes rice cakes or popcorn cakes, especially the carmel ones.<br />
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The things that she will always need, Stamps, double A batteries (for her camera), and if she is anything like me she will come back with a thousand pictures. At this point she has already taken 200 and she has been out for three weeks. She loves getting letters and pictures of people she knows. This way she can show her friends or ward friends who we are.<br />
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Also she still need some clothes, blouses she wears X-large and her primary colors in her wardrobe is black, purple, navy, white. She also needs skirts, the skirts need to be long and the same size.<br />
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Sending money is also good, and can be used for other things that I have not thought of.<br />
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The things she needs still needs, socks, she likes crew (midway) or ankle socks. She would love to have church appropriate music, like classical music. The guidelines are really strict and she can only have Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Church songs, classical music, or calm instrumental.<br />
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Erin was in the MTC for two weeks, she went to Pennsylvania on the May 6th. She had to go to the emergency room with her companion Sister Cook in Provo. She had a very bad rash. That night they only slept 2 hours after getting back from the ER. With the plane, and getting to the field, in two days she had only slept 6 hours and arrived very sleep deprived and sick, throwing up. After much needed sleep she and her companion Sister Robinson started tracking and on a first visit has already got her first baptism lined up in a month.<br />
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Erin seems to be doing really well, she is extremely happy and bubbly and she is enjoying herself. I can already tell from her letters, she is maturing, her testimony is growing, and she is filled with the love of Christ.<br />
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Here is her current address:<br />
<br />
Sister Erin Logan Candice Kingsford (I have put Sister Erin L.C. Kingsford)<br />
State College University 2nd<br />
10 Vairo blvd. #32B<br />
State College, PA 16803<br />
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Now for her letter:<br />
<br />
"Hello Everyone,<br />
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It has been only five days since I entered the MTC and yet if feels like it has been much longer. Let me introduce you to the members of my district. There is me Sister Kingsford obviously and then there is my companion Sister Cook. She is a mix of my mom and my sister, Virginia. We get along well Then there is Sister Lassent and her companion Sister Smith. We sisters get along real well. Just last night we were all involved in helping Sister Cook find an outfit to ear for the day.<br />
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Then we have the elders. There are 4 in our district. There is Elder Jones and his companion Elder Gassant. These two elders are our zone leaders. Then we have Elder Hansen and Elder Smith. Elder Smith is our district leader. He picks up our mail and is in charge of leading us. Of Sister Cook and I, Sister Cook is the senior companion. It should be changing either today or tomorrow.<br />
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Now on to Personal Day or as it is called P-day. Originally our P-Day was supposed to be Monday (tomorrow) but our schedules changed it into Thursday. Although it has caused us some problems mainly having to do with laundry, we worked the kinks out thankfully. On Thursday (our P-Day) we will also be albe to visit the temple. A downside to changing schedules is that we are losing our current teachers -Brother Ferguson and Sister Clark. We had some tearful goodbyes and all of us promised to write or email.<br />
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Brother Ferguson promised to send us wedding invitations as he (just got recently engaged actually) to another teacher who was two doors down from our classroom.<br />
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As a district we get along well. As Sister Cook has said we are a family first but friends as well. Two days ago we had the elders in our district give two blessings for sickness. One for me as I had a rather nasty reaction to a vaccine I had received. For Sister Lassen who was sick with a cold and had a couple other issues of concern. Sister Lassen is getting better and has returned back to our scheduled classes. After some rest and medicine I was as well. Although, Sister Lassen still has some cold symptoms and she no longer feels nauseated.<br />
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Some of the challenges we all have noticed is not addressing each other as guys and girls but sisters and Elders. Each of us has slipped up a time or two, some more than that, in each of our lessons and practices (with someone playing an investigator) we have had challenges. There have been a lot of tears even from the elders. One major things we have learned is to use our questions that we ask the investigations to prompt thoughts, soul searching, and commitment. It is a simple process but a useful one. Our district has been told a few times that is good to that we take the time to practice what we learned as a group and practice during our doctrinal time.<br />
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In a meaning with our Branch President he said he got two conflicting schedules and we'll find out what is going on with our schedules tonight after dinner. (For flying to Pennsylvania)<br />
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Right now we we came back from around the Provo temple and we got several photos -121 total. I'll try to send a few.<br />
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Sister Erin Kingsford<br />
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P.S. I leave the MTC May 6th!"<br />
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<br />not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-90373443254925606432013-04-21T19:02:00.000-07:002013-04-21T19:03:39.903-07:00The Countdown to the MTC and My Farewell Talk<br />
The Countdown to the MTC and My Farewell Talk<br />
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April 21, 2013<br />
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Blog #4<br />
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Well, today is the last blog I will typing up myself. The rest of them will be typed up from letters that I send to my mom for her to put on here. A lot has happened since I was last on here. First of all this is the schedule of what happened this past week.<br />
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15 April 2013 (Mon.) - Packed up<br />
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16 April 2013 (Tues.) - Took a plane to Denver, Colorado then another plane to Salt Lake City. From there we then drive the rest of the way back to Rexburg, Idaho.<br />
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17 April 2013 (Wed.) - @ 6:40 PM, meeting with the bishop for Temple Recommend Interview.<br />
@7:10 PM, meeting with Stake President for Temple Recommend Interview<br />
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18 April 2013 (Thur.) - Called to do talk on the 21st. Topic: Leadership in the Church/Leader for Christ.<br />
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19 April 2013 (Fri.) - Drive back down to Utah. Left around 9 AM<br />
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20 April 2013 (Sat.) - Temple Endowment Session<br />
- arrive at 7 AM<br />
- begin preparing at 7:30 AM<br />
- session begins at 9 AM<br />
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-Lunch at Olive Garden<br />
-meet up with family to have lunch together<br />
- Mom, brother, and grandmother gave me presents to help me with my mission.<br />
Lunch ends around 3-4.<br />
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Drive back to Idaho and arrive around 10 PM.<br />
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<i>Then, </i>from 10 PM to 3 AM - I wrote my talk. I was then woken up at 7 AM by noises from across the hall. Finally I was about to get back to sleep around 8 am only to be woken again. I never managed to get back to sleep. By 11:45, I managed to go over and edit the talk once again. I head upstairs and printed it out - 13 pages total. I stapled it and headed to the shower. Not to much later, I was delivering my talk. In fact here it is!<br />
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<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>RETURN
AND REPORT</b></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></u></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<u style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Examples
of Leadership</span></b></u></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Back
when I was in the Young Women's, I spent plenty of time in the
Bishops office. And no, I was not in trouble. I was reporting on a
variety of things dealing with my position(s) that I held throughout
my time in Young Women's. The first memory I have of being the
Beehive president was first the setting apart and then later the same
day reporting to the bishop on what was happening with the beehives.
I wasn't just talking about the activities we were planning but the
girls in the beehive group, active and inactive. The first month I
did not have much to say as I had just been called that day but the
next month, I was prepared.
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> My
first counselor and I spent a couple of hours putting together little
gifts and notes for each girl. During that month we managed to visit
each girl even if it was to only drop off the gift on the front step.
In addition to the little notes we had attached a short little
getting to know you paper so that not only we could plan activities
that the girls would attend but also so that we had an idea as to
what each girl may need.
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Each
president was first to report on the people in their groups and then
how to help them improve or even how to get them to come. I remember
one girl in particular hadn't come in over a year. However, due to
the little getting to know you sheet that was sent back to us – we
discovered that she liked painting and drawing. Later that month, we
had a local artist come in and do a little workshop; the girl began
attending meetings more often.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> One
of the things that our bishop, Bishop Andrews, consistently reminded
us was to return and report. Something happened with one of the girls
or someone needed help planning an activity, well – return and
report!
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> On
one occasion a girl had communicated with one of the leaders saying
that she was unable to come to church as her mom was unable to drive
due to some medications she was having to take. After a few calls we
were able to find another girl in the area to give her a ride. Not
even a month later, the two girls were practically attached at the
hip.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Some
of the biggest challenges with planning activities for the Beehives,
and then later on the Miamaids and<span style="font-size: small;"> </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laurels
– was the small amount of girls in each group. More than half of
the time we would end up combining two groups or on an occasion or
two – all three of them. One of the occasions where we had all
three groups combined we were planning a summer activity. Our
original idea was to do this sleepover for the activity. However, due
to the lack of interest from the girls we came up with an alternative
– going to the pool; every girl attended the activity.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Due
to the small amount of girls I was in each of the presidencies more
than I was not. If I was not the president, I was a counselor </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">or
a secretary</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">.
Around the time I was called to be a Laurel president, I was also
called to be a Stake Representative for my ward. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
the very first meeting I had with the stake, we were given
assignments. Our ward was assigned decorations for that months dance.
Keep in mind this was a Halloween dance. I looked at the
representative for the Young Men in our ward and he looked at me and
pointed to his notebook. I read the words “decorations – talk to
ward, get creative; we need help!” I snickered a little but my note
was a little similar without the plea for help.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> The
next week was our monthly BYC – Bishops Youth Committee and it was
time to not only give the report for the Laurels but from the Stake
meeting. Dennis, the Young Men's representative for the stake, and I
spent a couple of minutes of going </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">over
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">our
notes for the highlights and anything that needed immediate attention
to those about 6 months in the future. The first thing we talked
about in our reports once we were asked to report was about our
assignment for the month – decorations for the Halloween dance. To
my surprise, it was not just the Young Women that jumped on the
bandwagon for making and putting up the decorations but the Young Men
as well. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> To
help put things together in time for the dance, the Young Women
planned an activity for all three of the groups in creating Halloween
decorations and made it a contest; with a bag of candy for the prize
on the most creative. The Young Men had an activity the week after
that using that theme and expanded upon it. Bats, pumpkins, witches,
and all sorts of Halloweens decorations were created. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Then</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">,
it was time to get them put up for the dance. A sheet went around in
both Young Men and Women's asking for volunteers. About 10 people
volunteered. On the day of the dance, a couple of hours before, the
volunteers</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">
– </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">along
with Dennis and I</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">
– </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">put
up the decorations and helped set up </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">booths
that other wards had brought in. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
dance was a hit; the games were creative but had a few classics. The
decorations simple yet creative. The music and food kept everyone
until the very end. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">All
together it was a hit.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">On
more than one occasion we had activities that were duds. Simply put
no one showed up or it didn't end up very well. One one occasion we
had a combined activity and it was the deacons turn to plan it.
Unlike the Young Women's groups, the Young Men had plenty in each
group. Because of this the deacons decided to not ask for help in
planning their activity. They decided that they wanted to keep what
they had planned a secret – they wanted to surprise us.<br /><br /> </span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">On the
months leading up to the activity the representative for the deacons
was asked multiple times each meeting if they needed any help with
planning the activity or coming up with one. Each time the answer was
no. When the activity finally came we all headed to the gym after we
had prayer and announcements to discover that the deacons had no idea
what they </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">were
doing</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">.
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">The
deacons looked to their leaders and asked what they were doing. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">We
were going to be playing glow-in-the-dark volleyball. While fun in
theory, it was a disaster in the making. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Within
ten minutes of the game, there was three bloody noses and a possibly
sprained ankle. Things were not going so well. Instead of attempting
to the save the night, the deacons decided to end the activity a
little early. We spent the rest of the time eating refreshments and
talking. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">While
the activity was a good idea in theory, it was a failure in
execution. The next time the deacons had a combined activity, they
planned in advance and asked for ideas from the other groups; things
went well that time. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">In
fact, that activity ended up being </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">one
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">of
my favorites.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">One
of the most memorable times of return and report being used that I
have seen is when it happened to me. My visiting teachers had come to
see me and ask how I was doing; I was not doing well. It had been
determined that my gallbladder was no longer functioning properly; it
would need to be removed. The surgery was simple enough, however, the
recovery was what nearly did me in. Vicodin as a rather strong
medicine took some time to get used to. I had taken the recommended
dosage only to end up throwing up everything that I had eaten twenty
minutes before. After a few more tries we talked to my doctor. He
said to cut the dosage to a third of what was recommended and build
up to the recommended dosage. After that things went a little easier,
however, some thing were still a challenge. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> On
a day my mom was out, one of my visiting teachers came to visit me.
She remembered that I had had the surgery recently and would more
than likely being in a lot of pain getting up and down from the
seats. A former roommate of hers had had the surgery as well and she
called her to see what helped during that time. To my surprise the
answer was having something to squeeze when the pain became to much;
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">s</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">o
my visiting teacher </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">simply
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">handed
me a stuffed frog. Over the next few days, I used the frog a lot more
than I wished to. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>Scriptural
Lessons on Leadership</b></u></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">Elder
Spencer J. Condie from the Quorum of the Seventy touches upon a few
scriptural lessons on leadership in his talk in April 1990's General
conference. His talk called “Some Scriptural Lessons on Leadership”
touches on </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">9</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">
key points concerning leaders </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">in
the</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">
scriptures.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">First,
“...in the Pearl of Great Price learn </span><span style="color: black;">we
</span><span style="color: black;">that
as Moses was called to become a prophet of God, he was taken to a
mountaintop, where he beheld a panoramic view of all of God's
wondrous creations. Jehovah gave him a vision of his immediate goal,
which was to </span><span style="color: black;">“deliver
my people from bondage.” (</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #f9f6ed;">Moses
1:26</span></span></span><span style="color: black;">.)
The Lord then explained his long-term goal: “This is my work and my
glory—to bring to pass the </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #f9f6ed;">immortality
</span></span></span><span style="color: black;">and
eternal life of man.” (</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #f9f6ed;">Moses
1:39</span></span></span><span style="color: black;">)”.
</span><span style="color: black;">I</span><span style="color: black;">n
the Book of Mormon </span><span style="color: black;">we
read </span><span style="color: black;">about
the young prophet Nephi who beheld a vision on a mountain. Once he
had envisioned the promise land, he could not be dissuaded from
building a ship to take him there. (See </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #f9f6ed;">1
Ne. 11:1</span></span></span><span style="color: black;">.)
</span><span style="color: black;">
(See </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #f9f6ed;">1
Ne. 17–18</span></span></span><span style="color: black;">.)
From Moses and Nephi we learn that </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>a
leader must have a vision of the work which lies ahead.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">The
children of Israel were governed by judges for a period of more than
three centuries (1429 to 1095 B.C.), following the Great Exodus from
Egypt to the land of promise. These judges were then succeeded by a
series of kings, the first of whom was Saul, anointed by the prophet
Samuel. (See 1 Sam. 8-10.) For decades Saul enjoyed the adulation and
support of the people. But then, lifted up in the pride of his heart,
disregarded the counsel of the Lord's prophet. At that point Samuel
reminded him of the time when he was little in his own sight (see 1
Sam. 15:17) and taught him that immortal lesson: “To obey is better
than sacrifice” (1 Sam. 15:22). From Saul's life we learn that </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>a
leader must be humble and obedient.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i> </i></span></span><span style="color: black;">Saul
was succeeded by King David, whose forty-year reign is considered by
many to be the golden age of Israelite history. Indeed, Jerusalem
became known as the City of David. But </span><span style="color: black;">despite</span><span style="color: black;">
his great leadership abilities, he was tempted to commit a very
grievous sin, which he then compounded with an even greater sin. From
King David’s life we learn that even kings must be careful.
</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Leadership
positions do not totally protect us from temptation.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> After
the death of David, his son Solomon ascended to the throne. </span><span style="color: black;">In
the beginning of his reign, Solomon prayed in deep humility: “Of
Lord my God, … I am but a little child....Give therefore thy
servant an understanding heart to judge thy people.” And God </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>did
</i></span></span><span style="color: black;">give
him “a wise and an understanding heart.” (1 Kgs. 3:7, 9, 12.)
Armed with Spirit of the Lord, Solomon became God's instrument in
building the holy temple for which Israel had hoped and prayed for
many generations. But with the passage of time Solomon took him wives
outside of Israel “and his wives turned away his heart” and he
“did evil in the sight of the Lord.” (1 Kgs. 11:3,6.) From
Solomon we can learn that </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>knowledge
and wisdom alone do not qualify people to lead. </i></span></span><span style="color: black;">Perhaps
Jacob said it best: “To be learned is good if they hearken unto the
counsels of God.” (2 Ne. 9:29.)</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> After
Solomon’s forty-year reign, his son Rehoboam went to Shechem to be
made the king. He sought the counsel of the elders regarding how he
should rule. “And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a
servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>them,
</i></span></span><span style="color: black;">and
answer </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>them,
</i></span></span><span style="color: black;">and
speak good words to </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>them,
</i></span></span><span style="color: black;">then
</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>they
</i></span></span><span style="color: black;">will
be </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>thy
</i></span></span><span style="color: black;">servants
for ever.” (</span><span style="color: black;">1
Kgs. 12:7</span><span style="color: black;">;
italics added.) The Savior gave his disciples similar counsel when he
taught them, “If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last
of all, and servant of all.” (</span><span style="color: black;">Mark
9:35</span><span style="color: black;">.)
Within the kingdom of God, </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>to
lead is to serve.</i></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> But
Rehoboam rejected the counsel which required him to humble himself
and to serve others. Instead, he chose to reign over Israel with a
very heavy hand, thus causing a great division into the northern
Kingdom of Israel and the southern Kingdom of Judah. (See </span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">1
Kgs. 12:20</span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">.)</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> For
the next 220 years the people generally set aside their sacred
covenants, thus wandering in the ways of the world. Then a young man
named Hezekiah began to reign in Judah. “And he did that which was
right in the sight of the Lord,” and “He trusted in the Lord God
of Israel.” (</span><span style="color: black;">2
Kgs. 18:3, 5</span><span style="color: black;">.)Hezekiah
gathered together the priesthood bearers of the day and said, “Hear
me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of
the Lord God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of
the holy place.” (</span><span style="color: black;">2
Chr. 29:5</span><span style="color: black;">.)
“Be not ye like your fathers, and like your brethren, which
trespassed against the Lord God … but yield yourselves unto the
Lord, … and serve the Lord your God.” (</span><span style="color: black;">2
Chr. 30:7–8</span><span style="color: black;">.)In
response to this assertive leader, who was supported by the prophet
Isaiah, “the Lord hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people”
(</span><span style="color: black;">2
Chr. 30:20</span><span style="color: black;">),
and “in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness”
(</span><span style="color: black;">2
Chr. 31:18</span><span style="color: black;">).</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> From
King Hezekiah, as from King Benjamin (see <span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Mosiah
2–5</span>),
we can learn a very positive lesson on leadership: circumstances do
not always need to remain the same. Leaders <i><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">can
</span></i>make
a difference! <i><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Faith
in the Lord and high expectations can bring about a mighty change of
heart </span></i>among
an entire people.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> A
great leader who </span><span style="color: black;">had</span><span style="color: black;">
continually sought the will of the Lord was the Prophet </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #f9f6ed;">Joseph
Smith</span></span></span><span style="color: black;">.
His very life exemplified Paul’s admonition to live the gospel that
we preach. (See </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #f9f6ed;">1
Cor. 9:14</span></span></span><span style="color: black;">.)
A great strength of the Prophet was his ability to delegate and
develop leadership skills in those around him. The expedition of
Zion’s Camp is but one example of Joseph’s leadership based upon
the principle “Come Follow Me.” (See </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #f9f6ed;">Luke
18:22</span></span></span><span style="color: black;">.)
At the conclusion of Zion’s Camp, the Prophet gave the newly
organized high council detailed instructions regarding their callings
and then told them, “If I should now be taken away, I [have]
accomplished the great work the Lord [has] laid before me.”
(</span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="background: #f9f6ed;">History
of the Church,</span></i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #f9f6ed;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black;">2:124.)
Long before his martyrdom the Prophet Joseph was diligently training
those who would continue to lead the kingdom after he was gone. Here
is another important lesson of leadership: </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="background: #f9f6ed;">Leaders
are duty-bound and obligated to prepare others to take their place</span></i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="background: #f9f6ed;">
</span></span></span><span style="color: black;">at
some future time.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> Among
the most righteous and effective leaders to ever walk the earth was
Enoch, who persistently sought to save every single soul.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">“And
the Lord called his people Zion, because they were of one heart and
one mind, and dwelt in righteousness.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> “And
lo, Zion, in process of time, was taken up in into heaven.” (Moses
7: 18, 21)</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Note
the reference to the “process of time.” A great leader must have
high expectations, tempered with patience. In section 107 of the
Doctrine and Covenants we learn that Enoch was “four hundred and
thirty years old when he was translated.” (Moses 7:49.) </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Perfection
takes a long, long time. </i></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">
But still, we are commanded to become perfect, even as ou</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">r</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">
Father in Heaven i</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">s</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;">
perfect. (See Matt. 5:48; 3 Ne. 12:48). </span></span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">From
the most exemplary life of all, that of the Savior Jesus Christ, we
learn perhaps the most important lesson of all. As the Savior was in
the depths of suffering in Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed that the
bitter cup might pass from him, adding in meekness and lowliness of
heart: “Nevertheless not </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>my
</i></span></span><span style="color: black;">will,
but </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>thine</i></span></span><span style="color: black;">,
be done.” (Luke 22:42; italics added.) </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>A
leader in the Lord's kingdom must be meek and lowly of heart. </i></span></span><span style="color: black;">(Alma
37:34.)</span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><u><b>Example
in History</b></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Throughout
history there are many examples of great leaders and bad leaders.
However, sometimes they will live long enough to be both.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">
</span><span style="color: black;">After
the assassination of Julius Caesar, the world was divided into two
great war camps, one led by the conspirators under Brutus, and the
other led by Octavius Caesar and Mark Antony, a friend of Julius
Caesar. During the long, hard war that followed, Mark Antony
distinguished himself as the greatest soldier in the world. And we
might ask ourselves, “How did he do it?” If we can discover the
secrets of his success, we can make them available to our own success
bloodstream.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> Following
are some of the clues that have been given for the accomplishments of
Mark Antony. “Armed with his convincing speech, the power of his
logic, the courage of his leadership, and his own self-discipline, he
swept everything before him. He took upon himself the hardest tasks
with the most wondrous good cheer. He lived for weeks on a diet of
insects and the bark of trees. And he won the unquestioned loyalty of
his men, the acclaim of the people, the support of Octavius, and his
own self-confidence.”</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> Opposed
by such dedication and skill, the enemy generals one by one soon
began dropping out of the fight. And when the war was won, Mark
Antony stood where the great Julius Caesar had once stood as the
master of the world. But when the need for struggle had passed, Mark
Antony became idle, and idleness accounts for some of life’s most
tragic failure stories.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> Mark
Antony went to Egypt where he fell in love with the bewitching queen,
Cleopatra. He became a victim of the soft luxury, perfumed elegance,
and immorality of the Egyptian court. His great mind became clouded
by the fumes of wine, and he became what Plutarch referred to as a
“Fishing-rod general.” As Mark Antony abandoned his better self
he lost the loyalty of his men, the acclaim of the people, the
support of Octavius, and his own self-respect. Finally a guard of
soldiers was sent to take Mark Antony into custody and bring him back
to Rome in chains.</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"> It </span><span style="line-height: 32px;">didn't</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> require an army to overcome Mark Antony now. Just a handful
of the meanest soldiers was all that was necessary. However, Mark
Antony avoided arrest by thrusting a dagger into his own heart, and
as he lay dying he recounted to Cleopatra that there had been no
power in the world sufficient to overthrow him, except his own power.
He said, “Only Antony could conquer Antony.” And then as he
contemplated the arrival of the Roman soldiers and thought of the
awful disgrace that he had brought upon his country and the shame and
humiliation that he had caused his </span></span><span style="color: black; line-height: 200%;">family</span><span style="color: black; line-height: 200%;">,
he made his last speech, which William Haines Lytle has translated
into verse, in which Antony says to Cleopatra:</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Let
not Caesar’s servile minions</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/M_Antonius.jpg/220px-M_Antonius.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><img alt="M Antonius.jpg" border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/19/M_Antonius.jpg/220px-M_Antonius.jpg" /></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Mock
the lion thus laid low;</i></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">‘</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Twas
no foreman’s arm that fell’d him,</span></i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">‘</span><span style="font-size: small;"><i><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Twas
his own that struck the blow,</span></i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>His
who, pillow’d on thy bosom,</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Turn’d
aside from glory’s ray,</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>His
who, drunk with thy caresses,</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><i>Madly
threw a world away.</i></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;"> </span></i></span><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">Mark
Antony had held securely in his hands the control of an entire world,
and there was no one upon the earth with sufficient power to take it
from him except himself. But every one of us has within his reach a
world that is far more significant than the world which belonged to
Mark Antony. There is no power in the universe that can come between
us and the celestial kingdom, except our own power. Only Antony can
conquer Antony.</span><i><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
</span></i></span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>Leadership: Where
to Start</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Leadership
takes place in day-to-day life in addition to Church callings. You’ll
find opportunities to lead in your </span><span style="color: black;">family</span><span style="color: black;">,
group of friends, school, community, and ward or branch. So how do
you learn to lead with confidence? A good place to start is with the
teachings in the scriptures.</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;">Prepare
yourself through study, prayer, and faith (see </span><span style="color: black;">D&C
88:118–19</span><span style="color: black;">).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Seek
the will of the Lord. When Jesus was on earth, He sought to know
what His Father in Heaven wanted, and then He did as He was asked
(see </span><span style="color: black;">John
7:16–18</span><span style="color: black;">).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Love
those you lead (see </span><span style="color: black;">John
15:10–12</span><span style="color: black;">).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">True
leadership is about service. Remember the example of King Benjamin
in the </span><span style="color: black;">Book
of Mormon </span><span style="color: black;">(see
</span><span style="color: black;">Mosiah
2:11–19</span><span style="color: black;">).</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Review
the traits of leadership found in </span><span style="color: black;">Doctrine
and Covenants 121:39–45</span><span style="color: black;">.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; border: none; line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in; padding: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial;">
</span></span><span style="color: black;">Remember
Paul’s counsel to Timothy (see </span><span style="color: black;">1
Timothy 4:12–16</span><span style="color: black;">).
President </span><a href="http://www.lds.org/church/leader/henry-b-eyring?lang=eng"><span style="color: black;"><span style="text-decoration: none;">Henry
B. Eyring</span></span></a><span style="color: black;">,
First Counselor in the First Presidency, explains: “Paul gave good
counsel for all of us. Don’t worry about how inexperienced you are
or think you are, but think about what, with the Lord’s help, you
can become” (“Preparation in the Priesthood: ‘I Need Your
Help,’” </span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Ensign,
</i></span></span><span style="color: black;">Nov.
2011, 58).</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="CENTER" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><b>How
the Great Leaders Affect Us</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">In
an article called “One Special Leader”, Sariah De Barros Ferreira
De Silva touches upon how a leader helped her. </span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> “I
will always remember with </span><span style="color: black;">gratitude
</span><span style="color: black;">one
special leader who changed my life for the better. When I met her, I
didn’t have many friends. I was not very talkative and would not
smile at people. I didn’t participate in seminary or other
activities. In fact, I went to church only on Sundays. And even then
my thoughts wandered in Young Women class. Some of the girls tried to
include me, but I closed myself off from them. When this leader first
tried to get close to me, she didn’t have much success. At first I
didn’t even know her name. Then she gave me a job to do and began
to depend on me. I accepted the responsibility only because I didn’t
know how to tell her no. Then, before I even realized it, she started
to become my friend. I began trying harder and harder to fulfill my
calling, and I began paying attention in class. I even started
attending seminary and other Church activities. I also made friends
with the young people in my ward. Soon the gospel was the most
important thing in my life. </span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"> Who
started all these changes in my life? It was my leader. Today when I
look into her eyes, I feel an immense love and gratitude. I am
grateful to Heavenly Father for the opportunity of having such a
special leader. I am grateful to her for preparing me and being with
me on the day I received my endowment in the São Paulo Brazil
Temple. I am grateful for her example of love, a love I try to apply
in my own life. Now that I am a Young Women leader in my ward, I hope
I can do for my young women at least a part of what she did for me.”</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">Leadership
is something that is constantly happening. As Brad Smidt said in an
article called “Following the Leader” - </span><span style="color: black;">“</span><span style="color: black;">We
need to be careful in what we say or do, because so many people are
watching—sometimes people we don’t even know.” (Sally Johnson
Odekirk, May 2011). I bear my testimony that in a way we are all
leaders, whether through our callings or a leader in example and that
the perfect example of a leader is Jesus Christ himself. As Henry A.
Kissinger said, “The task of the leader is to get his people from
where they are to where they have not been.” I know that leadership
in the church is important and Jesus Christ is the unequaled example
of a leader. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 200%;">Well written for having been written in 5 hours, right? You didn't see the rough draft. I found a couple of rambling </span><span style="line-height: 32px;">sentences</span><span style="line-height: 200%;"> about my cat, Abby, this morning. I can tell I was a little tired when I was writing this. Jason said he noticed a few holes but with the amount of time I had to work with it was amazing. For the upcoming week this is the planned schedule, hopefully (fingers crossed, it stays the same). </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;">22 April 2013 (Mon.) - Packing!!</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;">- Any last minute things I need to do </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;">- Setting apart as a missionary by Stake President at Stake Center at 8 PM.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;">23 April 2013 (Tues.) - Driving back to Utah</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;">24 April 2013 (Wed.) - @ 1 PM, I report to the M.T.C.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 200%;">That's all for this post! The next one will be from when I am in the M.T.C.!</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-5803396866143287312013-04-08T12:54:00.003-07:002013-04-08T12:54:57.639-07:00Wow, did that really just happen?<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Wow, did that really just happen? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">April 8, 2013</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Blog #3</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Imagine my surprise when not to long ago I get a call from my mother telling me some rather important news. I <i>won't </i>be giving a going away talk so that means that my attempts on Saturday were useless for the 21st but practice for a future talk. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I am still, not surprisingly, waiting for the stake secretary to get back to me on when I will be meeting with the Stake President for my temple recommendation interview. However, earlier today I gave my mom his number so it may not be to long until I hear back from him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">"</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 19.1875px;">While a little-known priest, he had a chance encounter with Napoleon and praised him, as a result of which he was made a</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">bishop</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 19.1875px;">. He continues to act like a common, compassionate, country priest, generally known by the name "Monseigneur Bienvenu" ("welcome"). He moved into the small town hospital, so that the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">episcopal palace</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 19.1875px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; line-height: 19.1875px;">could be used as a hospital and keeps only a tenth of his salary for himself, spending the rest on alms. He once accompanied a condemned man to the scaffold, after the village priest refused to do so. Hugo devotes one chapter to a transformative episode for Myriel, in which the Bishop visits an old revolutionary on his deathbed. They discuss the politics and morality of revolution, and Myriel comes to marvel at his "spiritual radicalism", asking his blessing as he dies.</span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">The narrator summarizes Myriel's philosophy:</span></div>
<blockquote class="templatequote" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="Bug6200">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There are men who toil at extracting gold; he toiled at the extraction of pity. Universal misery was his mine. The sadness which reigned everywhere was but an excuse for unfailing kindness. Love each other; he declared this to be complete, desired nothing further, and that was the whole of his doctrine.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">One night Jean Valjean shows up at his door, asking a place to stay the night. Bienvenu graciously accepts him, feeds him, and gives him a bed. Valjean takes most of Bienvenu's silver and runs off in the night. The police capture Valjean and take him back to face Bienvenu. When the police inform Bienvenu they have found the silver in his Valjean's knapsack, Bienvenu tells the police that he had given them to Valjean as a gift. He chastises Valjean for not taking the silver candlesticks as well. After the police leave, Bienvenu tells Valjean to use the silver to become an honest man.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Myriel is referenced several times later in the novel. In 1821, Valjean, while serving as a mayor under the name Monsieur Madeleine, learns from a local newspaper of Myriel's death at 82. Not long after, as Valjean contemplates allowing Champmathieu to be convicted in his stead, a "terrible voice" tells him: "Destroy these candlesticks! Annihilate this souvenir! Forget the Bishop! Forget everything! Destroy this Champmathieu, do! ... Yes, it is well arranged thus. Ah, wretch!" The voice then warns that one person, presumably Champmathieu, will curse him if he follows that advice. The voice is not identified, but the passage implies that it is the recently deceased Myriel as it concludes with Valjean asking who is there:</span></div>
<blockquote class="templatequote" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="Bug6200">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">There was some one; but the person who was there was of those whom the human eye cannot see.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="templatequote" style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="Bug6200">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">He [Valjean] placed the candlesticks on the chimney-piece.</span></div>
</blockquote>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-top: 0.4em;">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">Just before Valjean's death, when a female porter asks if he wants a priest, he replies "I have one," and points upward. The narrator adds: "It is probable that the Bishop was indeed a witness of this death-agony."</span><span style="line-height: 10.828125px;"> </span><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">The silver candlesticks, Myriel's gift to Valjean, are mentioned several times near the novel's end, and Valjean dies in the glow of their candles."</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">This reminds me of when I was reading the book. In the last session of General Conference, one of the speakers spoke of Jean Valjean and this particular scene when Jean Valjean comes back to the bishop after being arrested. This whole scene changed Valjean and ended up affecting not only his lives but also all of the lives that Valjean affected when he made that promise to the bishop and then spent the rest of his life keeping it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishop_Myriel">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bishop_Myriel</a><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9828Gywhvk/URsWuF1F5hI/AAAAAAAAJ9I/hZso1EzoJe4/s1600/hugh_jackman_on_vogue_jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I9828Gywhvk/URsWuF1F5hI/AAAAAAAAJ9I/hZso1EzoJe4/s320/hugh_jackman_on_vogue_jpg.jpg" style="font-size: 13px; line-height: 19.1875px;" width="235" /></a></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><b>"</b><a class="mainquote" href="http://www.searchquotes.com/quotation/Take_my_hand_And_lead_me_to_salvation_Take_my_love_For_love_is_everlasting_And_remember_The_truth_th/32274/" style="color: #2c4070; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" title="Take my hand And lead me to salvation Take my love For love is everlasting And remember The truth that once was spoken To love another person Is to see the face of God."><span class="firstword" style="font-weight: bold; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Take</span><span style="color: #2c4070; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"> my hand And lead me to salvation Take my love For love is everlasting And remember The truth that once was spoken To love another person Is to see the face of God.</span></a>"</span></blockquote>
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<br />not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-67346756282481675532013-04-05T18:31:00.000-07:002013-04-05T18:33:30.725-07:00The Interviews: Setting them UpThe Interviews: Setting them Up: April 5, 2013<br />
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For the past couple of days there has been nothing but chaos on my end. My phone has been constantly going off with calls from my mom, texts from secretaries, and reminders to do this or to do that. I have never been so glad for the invention of "silence" on a phone. I can see the notifications but don't have to hear the noise go off to let me know. The whole reason for this chaos is that I am setting up the interviews for my temple recommend. </div>
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First, the issue was that I would be leaving on my mission from my moms ward (will be my ward again soon) but once they actually got the records there was complications with scheduling so back the records went to my ward.</div>
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Second, the issue of getting the stake interview appointment set up. Normally they have these interviews on Tuesday but I didn't actually arrive back in Rexburg until later that night which makes my situation a little unique. </div>
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Now, I already had the bishops interview set up with the Bishop in my singles ward so that was a small relief but I am still waiting to find out what will happen with my stake interview and for that matter when it will happen. So far here is the schedule:</div>
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<a href="http://teethgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Interview-sign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="http://teethgeek.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/Interview-sign.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
16th- Arrive back in Rexburg</div>
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17th - Interview with the Bishop for Temple Recommend</div>
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20th - Endowment Session at the Salt Lake City Temple</div>
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24th - Report to the M.T.C. at 9 AM.</div>
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Anyone else see why I am ready to pull out my hair here? What I am hoping will happen (my mom as well) is that the stake interview will happen the same night as the bishops interview and that I will be set apart as a missionary on Sunday after I give my talk or that night. Here's hoping!</div>
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Then there is the matter of my talk. I have written the talk several times now but nothing seems to be flowing or working right so I just end up back where I start! I will be making another attempt at my talk again tomorrow during the break between the General Conferences. If I get it done (or at least a rough draft) I will be a happy camper that something is working. I have decided that I will post my talk the week before I land back in Rexburg as I am not sure there will be another chance! For all I know that will be the last time that I am directly writing this blog.<br />
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not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089634532856712742.post-43990612690793283612013-03-25T21:39:00.000-07:002013-03-25T21:41:42.335-07:00Preparing for the Mission<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preparing for the Mission: March 25th, 2013</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Currently, it is less than a month until my mission begins and I am still in the state of mind that this is not really happening. However, I am in the midst of preparations for my mission. Not to long ago I got a text from my mother asking me what my favorite scripture is. My favorite scripture happens to be a scripture mastery - </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Doctrine and Covenants 25:12.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Doctrine and Covenants 25:12</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><i>"For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads</i>."</span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Right after she received my text, she<i> called</i> me. She wanted me to know that I would be giving a talk on April 21st on that very scripture. She said I would be giving my talk on the day after I get my endowments taken out. At that point, we weren't even sure where I would be getting my endowments taken out. Everything was in pencil, ready to be erased to put in something else or for it to be written in ink. However, today my mom called me <i>yet </i>again to let me know that the Salt Lake City Temple sent confirmation for my endowment session. She also let me know that my mission president sent mom a letter talking about how excited that I was coming. Earlier on in this night, I saw that my dad had one as well.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The Salt Lake City Temple where I will be getting my endowments taken out. </span><br />
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<br />not a herohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06960731243128803940noreply@blogger.com0