Lessons on Pohnpei and Lloyd's Graduation Part Two

It's great that as I come across these names and events some of it is still so clear in my mind, like I could still make the walk from our apartment up to Menrose's house.

***June 30, 2004 JOURNAL: Need to Focus
          We met with Solitre today.  We learned that her husband is stopping her from coming to church and from getting baptized.  I kept thinking to myself, these people must be something special because Satan is trying so very hard to keep them away from the truth.
          Found someone new, Menrose.  It was kind of sketchy at the beginning, but when we invited her to read the Book of Mormon and gave her a copy, she got really excited.  We see her again on Saturday.
          Had a really great conversation with Brother Alfones.  It was actually a discussion with questions going back and forth.  So good.

15 July 2013

Here are the links to the video we took at Lloyd's graduation.  He did great on his speaking parts and we really liked the songs.

One of the videos won't load.  I'll try and get it up with the next post.

The rest of my letter to Pres. Pulsipher and Pictures from Lloyd's Graduation

Here's the rest of my letter to President Pulsipher

***June 26,2004 LETTER TO PRESIDENT: Part Finale
President Pulsipher,
          I'm almost half way through my 30 days of studying 2nd Nephi 9.  I can honestly say that in the past two weeks of reading I've gained a deeper appreciation for the atonement and that I've learned something new everyday.  Verse 18 talks about enduring the cross of the world and despising the shame of it.  I thought about that for awhile.  About how many things, in the more recent times, have become "acceptable" in mainstream American culture, that was looked down upon 50 years ago, or even sooner than that.  And about how the world puts more and more pressure on people to tolerate and accept such notions.  Teachings that go against gospel teachings are everywhere.

Quote to Sister Pulsipher:
          Do not be one of those described as one who tries to serve the Lord without offending the devil. -Marion G. Romney

9 July 2013

Pictures from Lloyd's graduation from Seagull Pre-Plus Preschool on 28 June 2013.

After graduation we asked Lloyd where he wanted to eat lunch, he said Costco!  Love this kid.

The Apostasy Cycle and your Hand, Babies Photo near failure success

Each week we were responsible for writing a letter to our mission president.

At the beginning (pre-Preach My Gospel) the body of the letter was completely left to us and we were responsible for reporting some numbers.

***June 26, 2004 LETTER TO PRESIDENT: Part One
President Pulsipher,
          This week we taught a lady named Lorline.  It was the first opportunity I had to teach, here in Pohnpei.  I'm grateful most people here have, at least, a slight grasp of the English language.  I got to teach about the apostasy pattern, and used that visual method with my hand.  She seemed to understand that pretty well.  We decided to touch on reformers, just a bit, to see how much she'd understand.  We got to Joseph Smith and the light bulb went on for her.  We all felt the spirit there helping us to learn together.

While we were in the MTC we learned (from another missionary) how to teach the apostasy cycle using our hands as a visual.

 

• Because God loves us, he sends us prophets like Adam.  Over time the people forget about God.  They fall into a state of disbelief and sin, so God takes away his power and priesthood from the people.
  
  But Because God loves us he sent another prophet, Noah, to help teach the people.  Noah cried repentance to the people.  They would not listen to him.  So God took his power off the earth again.
  
  But God loves us and sent Abraham, the prophet.  After a time the people would not listen to Abraham and God's teachings.  The people fell back into sin and disbelief.  God took his priesthood off the earth.
  
  But God loves us, so he sent a prophet to teach us, Moses.  After a while the people would not listen to Moses.  God removed his priesthood from the earth.
  
  But God loves us, so he sent his son, Jesus Christ who was more than a prophet.  Jesus Christ organized God's church.  He set the perfect example for us to know how to return to our Heavenly Father after this life.  But most of the people wouldn't listen to Jesus Christ.  After the people crucified Jesus, they killed most of the apostles and there was no one that had God's authority to use God's priesthood powers to  bless the lives of the people.
  
  
• As a matter of clarification, God still loves us and in modern times restored his gospel, his priesthood, his power and all the blessings related through a man named Joseph Smith.  Joseph Smith was a prophet of God.
• We are still led by a prophet today, Thomas S. Monson.  God still loves us.

5 July 2013

Grammy once bought these babies matching-esque shirts and we tried to take pictures of them when they were tired and crazy

Listening to The Spirit and Continuing (Continuous) Learning

Wow, what a week.  We were just getting ready for Lloyd's preschool "graduation."  Can't imagine how busy we'll be fore his real graduation.

Here's the rest of the talk I shared last week:

***ZONE CONFERENCE TALK: Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3 "How the spirit speaks to me"
          In, "Lord Accept Our True Devotion" it says, "Let they spirit whisper peace, swell our hearts with fond emotion, and our joy in thee increase."  A few weeks before I was to report to the MTC I questioning myself.  I felt like I had a lot going for me at home and didn't know if going on a mission was the right decision.  I took this concern to the temple.  As I prayed there, a feeling of peace came over me.  I wasn't confused about my decision anymore.  I felt good about it.  I know that was the Holy Ghost speaking to me.  Speaking peace to me and swelling my heart with joy.
          In, "Let the Holy Spirit guide" we sing, "Let the Holy Spirit guide, let him teach us what is true, He will testify of Christ, light our minds with heavens view."When I was at the MTC, I know i was blessed with amazing teachers.  One of them was Brother Robinson.  While we were studying about the restoration, I was having trouble seeing how that whole discussion fit together.   Brother Robinson went over it and as he was speaking, things started to click.  It all started to make sense.  I know that was the spirit.  I know that he spirit helps us to learn.  The spirit teaches us what is true.
          I know the spirit speaks to us.  I know the spirit speaks to me.  To my mind and o my heart.  It helps me to learn things when I am confused.  It brings knowledge to my mind and helps me to remember things i may need.  I know the spirit speaks peace to my heart when I feel conflicted or sand or angry.  I know the spirit testifies of Christ.  I know that if I learn to trust the promptings of the spirit I will be led to do the things that I should do.

1 July 2013

Yesterday our Sunday school lesson was on learning by study and also by faith.  Sister Porter mentioned about free online courses at BYU.  I did a little search and organized a new page of free online courses (see new tab /\ /\).

Last year I took an online course at the Univeristy of Georgia on food preservation.

I haven't used any of that information yet, but it was an informative class.

The class was not for credit, but I did get a pdf of a certificate I can print.

The class was slideshow style with pretests and quizzes in each section.

You needed to get at least a 70 in order to pass each section.

I could do it on my own time and was able to print out the lectures for future reference.

It was awesome!

A talk on the spirit and Pictures from Lloyd's field trip to Chuck E. Cheese

Before each zone conference we were given a topic in which we were expected to write a 5 minute speech.

At zone conference one or two missionaries were assigned to share their prepared speech.

Luckily, we got practice for this in the MTC.

Here's part one of the talk I wrote:

***ZONE CONFERENCE TALK:  Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3 "How the spirit speaks to me"
          In the book of Alma, Alma and Amulek taught the people of Ammonihah.  But the poeple got angry and tied up Alma and Amulek.  While they were bound, Alma and Amulek, were made to watch the destruction of the members of the church.  Amulek knew that with help from God, he and Alma could release themselves and save the people.  Amulek asked Alma, why they didn't do something to help.  Alma said to Amulek, "The spirit constraineth me that I must not stretch fort mine hand."  Alma knew just as well as Amulek, that they could have freed themselves and saved the people, bu the was able to recognize the promptings of the spirit.  Alma was familiar with the Holy Ghost.  Alma knew how the Holy Ghost spoke to him.
          The spirit of the Lord speaks to each of us individually.  The Holy Ghost is personal with us. He customizes and caters to our individual personalities.  The church hymns do an excellent job
of describing the Holy Ghost.
          "The spirit of God, like a fire is burning!"  I remember the first time I received that type of experience.  I remember giving a talk in the singles branch back at home.  As I bore testimony saying that I know this is the true church of God and that I Jesus Christ is our Saviour and Redeemer, I knew what I said was true.  I knew because I felt a warm "burning" feeling in my body.  An overwhelming warmth. I knew that the spirit of God was testifying to me and through me that what I was saying was true.  The spirit of God like a fire is burning.

24 June 2013

On Friday,  Lloyd went on his first field trip.  The preschool had an end of the year party at Chuck E. Cheese.

Sadly, Nakeu had to work, and I knew I would not be able to manage all three kiddies at this even where families were invited and encouraged to attend.  Alesandra and Itasca stayed with MommyDaddy.

Also, I tried to get the tb results from my last scan so I could ride the bus with Lloyd.  Of course the results showed up in my email box Saturday morning ...  So, I met Lloyd there.

Here's the bus!

The parents and families waited outside until after the kiddies got in and got seated

I got to sit next to Lloyd

"If you're happy and you know it, Clap your hands!"

Class picture.  Lloyd doesn't like the characters.

Teachers and assistants all trying to fit their faces in a sketch booth picture.

"Lloyd take a picture with Sean"

Add caption

Lloyd and Logan watching Polar Express while we wait for lunch.

These characters did a good job of rocking out with the kiddies.

Last night, after we got home from Sunday night dinner, we switched the car seats from Nakeu's car to mine. Lloyd asked why.  I told him in case it rains tomorrow and we need to drive to school.  Good thing we did, 'cause it's a raining right now!

Happy morning!

Obedience: The Spiritual Engine and Thursday Picnic at the Park Pictures

It amazes me how much this goes beyond just missionary work, but really does affect every aspect of my life.

Now, more on obedience to evoke the blessings and guidance of the Holy Spirit.

***28 June 2004 NOTES: Zone Conference - President Pulsipher's Training
II. OBEDIENCE
     7. Two Phrases that are impossible, immeasurable and doesn't leave room for guidance by the spirit
          a. Zero Tolerance
          b. Exact Obedience
     8. Obedience --> Spiritual Engine (be guided by the influence of the spirit)
          a. The focus ins't on the rules, it's on the results
          b. Galatians 5:22-23 -against such there is no law - those fruits of the spirit don't come by following the rules - you can't calculate love
          c. John 3:2 - we will be like him - look for him so well, in everything and so closely that they become like him
          d. What matters?  What we are becoming because of the mission.
          e. When you really want it - there is a natural obedience that follows
          f. A pro doesn't go out just to practice, he goes out to practice specific things - don't just go through the motions, work on specific things
          g. Do all that "practice" then go out and teach by the spirit
          h. What did you get out of this?  How has it changed your life?
     9. I BELIEVE - each of us is largely a product of our beliefs
          a. Write down your beliefs
          b. What we believe governs our lives
          c. You have to believe you can do it.
          d. Do you believe in Cornelius?

23 June 2013 - Thursday at the Park

So on Thursday we were worried about the game between the Heat and the Spurs.  We decided to have a picnic at the park to avoid watching in case the Spurs won.  Luckily, Nakeu recorded the game so he could watch the Heat win when we got back home.

Exciting Training by President Pulsipher also Translation Station Please Advise!

***28 June 2004 NOTES: Zone Conference - President Pulsipher's Training
I. Part One: Companionships
     1. 2 Nephi 4:16 - the things I have seen and heard
          a. my soul delighteth...
          b. my heart pondereth (to quietly think things through) continually on...
     2. metacognition - think about thinking
     3. Arrive where you began and know that place for the first time, deeper understanding
     4. Jesus could show me at any moment only those things I am ready to see
     5. Total Baptisms 2003=25 . . . . . . . . 2004=46 (so far) --> why? what's changed?
          a. Focus
          b. desire/attitude --> I can and I will
          c. working with members: members find -- missionaries teach
          d. Help Grandma and Grandpa get baptized --> strengthen the family
     6. The key to taking it higher -- companionships
          a. two dedicated missionaries
          b. take a step back periodically (companionship inventory)

20 June 2013 - Translation Station: Still the Plan of Salvation of Preach My Gospel.  I highlighted words which I wasn't sure about translation or usage

Agency, or the ability to choose, is one of God’s greatest gifts to His children. Our eternal progression depends on how we use this gift. We must choose whether to follow Jesus Christ or follow Satan.

We are physically separated from God during life on earth, but He wants every one of
His children to find peace in this life and a fulness of joy in His presence after this life.
He wants us to become like Him.

Saledek en pilipil, de ni en aramas en kak pein pilipil, iei ehu Sapwellimen Koht keieu en mwahu kisakis ong Sapwellime seri kan. Atail seilok soutik pahn wiawi nin duwen mwomwen atail pahn doadoangki kisakiswet.  Kitail anahne pilada ma kitail pahn idawehn Sises Krais de idawehn Sehdan.

Met nan paliwaratail kitail kopeseng sangehr Koht nan mour pwon sampah, ahpw Eh kin kupwuriki Sapwellime seri kan koaros en diar meleilei nan mourwet oh peren unsek ieu mwon silangahn Koht mwurin mourwet.  Eh kupwurikin kitail en wiahla Ih.

Complainer v Comforter and an Update on the Couponing Sit.

A complainer vs a comforter?  Sister Puslispher is the best.  I'm now trying to extend that lesson and decide if I'm a complainer or comforter in my marriage.  For those interested, Nakeu, is a comforter.

***28 June 2004 NOTES: Zone Conference - Sister Pulsipher "Tips for Companionships"
          1. No matter where you are in life you are preparing for the future.  Make the best of a new situation.
          2. Don't let first impressions cloud your mind.
          3. Be a good example
          4. Don't lose sight of your goal.  Visualize it.
          5. Alma 29:9 - be an instrument in the hands of God
          6. Doctrine and Covenants 42:6 - like unto the angels of God
          7. Feel uncomfortable?
               a. Work through it
               b. Make a mental image and work towards that goal
          8. 1 Nephi 5
               a. complainer vs comforter
               b. talk about things with your companion, don't hold a grudge
          9. It is important to bring up matters of concern with your companion.
          10. It is important to listen to matters of concern from your companion.
          11. You are here for a reason.

19 June 2013 - An Update on Couponing

I did my couponing thing yesterday at Longs and Foodland.  We saved something like 49% at Longs.  It was awesome!  I ran into some difficulties while using smartshopper to do matchups.  It would list coupons from the Sunday paper that I couldn't find.  So I contacted Ashley at hawaiishopaholics.com to see what was up.  She said that the database at smartshopper is faulty and the smartshopper company has yet to fix it.  The wouldn't allow her to show the matchups the way she usually does on her website with peelies and other coupons so so no longer puts matchups together for them.  I have since decided to stop using smartshopper because it isn't worth it.  I spend double the time checking that site and then going to  http://hawaiishopaholics.com/coupon-database to make sure I get the right coupons.  I may start posting my matchups, just of the stuff I get to help anyone along who's working out couponing here in Hawaii.

ZL/AP Trainings and Photos from 50th State Fair

Becoming a "World Class Missionary" was our training program when I entered the Micronesia Guam Mission.  Being World Class meant we understood what it took to be an effective missionary servant of the Lord.  More on this later.

***28 June 2004 NOTES: Zone Conference - ZL/AP Trainings
I. Elder Erekson - Strengthening Companionship
     A. Doctrine and Covenants 121:46 - an example of a good companion
          1. Always interested in the welfare of the other
          2. Influence for good
     B. Share motivations, desires ideas, goals help each other achieve
          1. Help the other achieve
          2. Learn to love - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5
     C. Take advantage of companionship inventory
     D. Find the strengths in your companion

II. Elder Hollingsworth
     A. Jacob  4:6 --Let's take it up a notch
     B. Be here to be successful
          1. 1 Corinthians 9:24 - run that ye may obtain
          2. 1 Corinthians 9:25 - mastery: self, language, gospel, companionship inventory
     C. Routine of a World Class Missionary: Sunday Night Companionship Inventory
          1. 1 Corinthians 9:26 - don't beat the air
          2. Set Goals
               i) As a companionship
               ii) personal - share personal goals
               iii) language goals
     D. Pray about the people in our area
     E. Review the week - evaluate goals, evaluate work
     F. Talk about each of our investigator's needs and concerns (open yourself up to revelation)
     G. Express your feelings - when you understand your companion it will help you work together better
     H. Plan out studies
     I.Matthew 18:19-20 - when you agree upon things - the spirit will be with you

18 June 2013
In retrospect, Elder Erekson's thoughts on Strengthening Companionships is just as applicable in married life as it was serving as a missionary.  Working on those attributes this week and will get back to you on the results later.

Last Saturday we took the babies to the fair.  Nakeu and I enjoy the fair, and this year the babies enjoyed the rides!

A great night and fun to share with the babies.