For some reason I had two journal entries this day ...
***6/03/04 JOURNAL: ATTRIBUTES OF CHRIST - Patience
I know I've been given lots of opportunities this week that have really tested my patience. I don't feel like I'm doing very well though, because I still get really angry and although it's not an outward aggression it's still there. And I know I can't feel the spirit until I am no longer angry.
***June 3, 2004 JOURNAL: THURSDAY
I was pretty upset this morning. A lot of stuff piled on and my companion was late getting ready so we missed breakfast. But I realized I had to get over that in order to be able to learn and to teach. We taught the 1st discussion to some volunteers this morning. That was nice. definitely got some feedback only possible through converts, because they've been there before. We also went to the Evaluation center. We met with a Bro. Wagstaff. He was really helpful because we were working on two specific goals: 1) making bold, direct commitments and 2) creating more of a discussion environment by asking questions. He taught us how to ask questions on different levels, starting from basic and moving through to more in-depth questions.
Got to play volleyball. That was definitely a good release of energy.
30 December 2012
Few things compare to taking a month long, unannounced hiatus then just as unexpectedly jumping back into things.
December has been a good month for us. I had not given up on this blog. I just needed to get settled into some changes before portioning out time to blogging again.
Toward the end of November we found out that Lloyd received a scholarship (Mahalo Kealii Pauahi!) which would allow him to attend preschool from January 2013 - June 2013. These scholarships are awarded twice a year, and I missed the first round deadline. There were three available openings at the Seagull School I wanted him to attend located on the Kapolei Elementary School Campus. We were the second family to put in a deposit in an attempt to hold a spot until January when his scholarship would be active. Nakeu and I were both concerned that, that spot may not be available in January as the director of the school was unable to to tell me firmly if they would hold his spot, with a deposit, in the case of other families starting full-time in December. After a short deliberation and feeling we could afford it for one month, Nakeu and I decided to start Lloyd at the beginning of December, part-time, to help him get adjusted and at a slightly cheaper rate. Our mornings are so quiet without him! I can't imagine what it will be like on Wednesday when he'll be gone the whole of the day! :(
I had some Christmas things I wanted to do. I did, on a smaller than I thought, scale make Christmas binders for the babies with coloring pages for songs and stories. I had too many pages planned and not enough binder space. So the project got scaled back, but was still successfully completed! I have always wanted to make chocolates to give out at Christmas time. In November I found (thank you Pinterest) some easy chocolate recipes to test. Again this project was scaled back, but it was successfully completed in that I was able to make and give out some chocolate boxes. The inside of the house was far more decorated, although scaled back from my glorious visions, than in years past. Nakeu dressed up as Santa. We made cookies for Santa and had a great Christmas Eve dinner where we formally dressed up the babies because Nakeu and I were too tired from getting dinner and babies and house ready for Christmas Eve to consider dressing up for a formal dinner.
If you noticed the theme of this year was to scale things back. But the beauty is that we still had a great Christmas! Not everything needs to get done and not everything needs to be big in order to be special and enjoyable. And everyone was/is still happy.
One last memory I want to keep. Early in December, in a phone conversation, Nakeu suggested purchasing only one gift for each other this year. Then during "Week of Fun" (yes, from Christmas to New Year's when we are both off from work, with the exception of Nakeu who has to work tomorrow) if we find things we want to buy or other things that we need, we could purchase it then. I had to make sure that Nakeu meant he also would only buy me one gift and I would buy him only one gift. We agreed, which meant I needed to figure out how he would, if he were to bend the rules. So on Christmas day we both broke the rules slightly, but the idea was there where we each had one gift from each other to open. It was a great idea! The next day the babies were with grandparents so we walked around Ross and picked up a few things that we liked and called it good. Scaling back.
This year is a lesson in less is definitely more!
Showing posts with label Chrismas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chrismas. Show all posts
Monday, December 31, 2012
Monday, November 26, 2012
Incredible
And we're back! I've had this post ready for a while now, but haven't made the time to post it. The honest truth.
***5/31/04 Notes of Note: Personal Study
Source of truth
-The scriptures define truth as the word of God
-The truth makes you free
-We can learn truth from God through the scriptures and the words of the prophets
-Sin is an example of how man's understanding is not always basked on principles. If man's understanding was always based on gospel principles, we would not make mistakes
-All that is good is from God
***May 31, 2004 JOURNAL: Incredible
The Lord answers prayers. I know that he does. He blessed me with an amazing day.
Today was preparation day. For me it was nice and slow paced. Shined shoes. Washed clothes. Had some fun. Got some exercise. Read a lot about the atonement, repentance and plan of salvation. God to write letters home. I was so excited! It made me feel a lot better. I hope the letters get there soon. I want them all to know I'm okay.
Class was the best though. We got to go to the referral center (TRC) today. So awesome! I spoke with a lady from Colorado who wanted a Finding Faith in Christ DVD. I got to bear testimony that I know Christ lives and that he died for us.
Elder Duthrie helped us all out. He spoke with a man from New York. He was Catholic, like Elder Duthrie was. He got to bear testimony of the truthfulness of this gospel and of the power of repentance. Such a testimony building moment!
26 November 2012
As I type we are half way out the door to run some errands this morning. I have learned the more I can get done in the morning, the more gets done during the day. Here's the thing for me. Once the kids settle down into movie time and nap time, my body also wants to be in movie/nap time mode and take a break. Then, as the body relaxes, I feel less and less to do work around the house! Takes a lot of will power to get myself up from a break and get back to work. Truth in all of that.
Our Thanksgiving holiday was wonderful. We had great food, and most of all enjoyed spending time together with our little family. We love our babies and we love spending time with them.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Thoughts, thoughts, thoughts
Day 17 and going strong. Now that that's been stated, tomorrow will likely be a bust!
It should be known and noted that while I was in the MTC, we were not memorizing discussions. We were using outlines and encouraged to teach by and with the Spirit. We were told that the teaching methods were changing and a big change would come while we were in the mission field. After a very few months of being out in the field we were introduced to Preach My Gospel. I still love that book.
Also, there will be some notes from my personal scripture study and it should be noted that we were encouraged by our District President to study 2 Nephi 9 for 30 days.
***5/28/2004 NOTES of note from group meetings and classes:
-"Ok, Lord, what can I do next?" Then follow with exactness
-Every good thought that comes to your mind is guidance from the spirit ... -Richard G. Scott
-Get in --> Get powerful --> Get out!
-At the end, invite them to change
-Our goal is to help people come unto Christ
--2Nephi9: atonement is infinite and eternal, without the atonement we cannot return to God
-righteous before = righteous after, filthy before = filthy after
-Endured the crosses of the world: -joy shall be full forever -so-- worth it!
--Teaching No Greater Call: Teaching with Testimony: "... Nothing short of a testimony by the power of the Holy Ghost would bring wight and knowledge to them - bring them to repentance...." Pres. Young
*** May 28, 2004 JOURNAL: Day Three
I got mail today. I almost let it get to me. I wanted to open it right there in class. But I know the Elders were getting anxious about letters and so, so I'm thankful for teh example of my companion to put it away until a later time.
The spirit is so strong here, and I'm grateful for it. It helps me to learn at a much more accelerated rate than I would be able to do outside of the MTC. And the spirit isn't afraid to testify of the truths, the doctrines and the principles that we learn here. I'm grateful for the teachers that unload this wealth of knowledge on us - and like sponges we just take it all in. I'm grateful for Elders that are excited about missionary work and push our district to newer and higher levels.
GOOD: on time to more things, learning by the spirit, bore testimony, memorization
COMPANION: humble, patient, helpful
17 November 2012
On waking up early. I trained myself to be an early riser because in high school I needed to be on a bus that left at 6:15 am. There after waking up early was not difficult for me. In college, taking early classes meant I didn't have to be in class all at once in the middle of the day and could usually avoid evening and late afternoon classes, which I liked. Waking up as a missionary at 6:30 am was not difficult for me. Even now, my husband and I are early risers. I see great benefits of being in the habit of an early riser. We get to enjoy quiet time together before the babies wake up, although, they don't sleep much past 6:30 am. We are able to get a lot done in the mornings before the sluggish post-lunch time of the day. More accomplished in the morning/pre-noon time means less that needs to be done later. It's not for everyone, but it works for us.
Today we took our annual pictures. This year we went to the Olan Mills at KMart. In previous years we'd go to Sears. I had a coupon for cheaper and good looking Christmas greetings and cheaper great portraits that I am so excited about. It's going to be like waiting for forever for the next two weeks until we get our pictures and cards.
As I type, I'm sitting here watching Nake'u play with Alessandra. Pwopwo has her daddy wrapped and knows how to work him over. And Nake'u loves that about her. The babies love him and they love playing with him and that makes me smile. I know there will be times in the future when our babies will disagree with us and hate us, so I am soaking in these moments when they love us.
It should be known and noted that while I was in the MTC, we were not memorizing discussions. We were using outlines and encouraged to teach by and with the Spirit. We were told that the teaching methods were changing and a big change would come while we were in the mission field. After a very few months of being out in the field we were introduced to Preach My Gospel. I still love that book.
Also, there will be some notes from my personal scripture study and it should be noted that we were encouraged by our District President to study 2 Nephi 9 for 30 days.
***5/28/2004 NOTES of note from group meetings and classes:
-"Ok, Lord, what can I do next?" Then follow with exactness
-Every good thought that comes to your mind is guidance from the spirit ... -Richard G. Scott
-Get in --> Get powerful --> Get out!
-At the end, invite them to change
-Our goal is to help people come unto Christ
--2Nephi9: atonement is infinite and eternal, without the atonement we cannot return to God
-righteous before = righteous after, filthy before = filthy after
-Endured the crosses of the world: -joy shall be full forever -so-- worth it!
--Teaching No Greater Call: Teaching with Testimony: "... Nothing short of a testimony by the power of the Holy Ghost would bring wight and knowledge to them - bring them to repentance...." Pres. Young
*** May 28, 2004 JOURNAL: Day Three
I got mail today. I almost let it get to me. I wanted to open it right there in class. But I know the Elders were getting anxious about letters and so, so I'm thankful for teh example of my companion to put it away until a later time.
The spirit is so strong here, and I'm grateful for it. It helps me to learn at a much more accelerated rate than I would be able to do outside of the MTC. And the spirit isn't afraid to testify of the truths, the doctrines and the principles that we learn here. I'm grateful for the teachers that unload this wealth of knowledge on us - and like sponges we just take it all in. I'm grateful for Elders that are excited about missionary work and push our district to newer and higher levels.
GOOD: on time to more things, learning by the spirit, bore testimony, memorization
COMPANION: humble, patient, helpful
17 November 2012
On waking up early. I trained myself to be an early riser because in high school I needed to be on a bus that left at 6:15 am. There after waking up early was not difficult for me. In college, taking early classes meant I didn't have to be in class all at once in the middle of the day and could usually avoid evening and late afternoon classes, which I liked. Waking up as a missionary at 6:30 am was not difficult for me. Even now, my husband and I are early risers. I see great benefits of being in the habit of an early riser. We get to enjoy quiet time together before the babies wake up, although, they don't sleep much past 6:30 am. We are able to get a lot done in the mornings before the sluggish post-lunch time of the day. More accomplished in the morning/pre-noon time means less that needs to be done later. It's not for everyone, but it works for us.
Today we took our annual pictures. This year we went to the Olan Mills at KMart. In previous years we'd go to Sears. I had a coupon for cheaper and good looking Christmas greetings and cheaper great portraits that I am so excited about. It's going to be like waiting for forever for the next two weeks until we get our pictures and cards.
As I type, I'm sitting here watching Nake'u play with Alessandra. Pwopwo has her daddy wrapped and knows how to work him over. And Nake'u loves that about her. The babies love him and they love playing with him and that makes me smile. I know there will be times in the future when our babies will disagree with us and hate us, so I am soaking in these moments when they love us.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Orientation with the MTC Presidency
***5/26/2004 Orientation by MTC Presidency
1. Pres. Workman - Quiet Dignity
A. Who are you now? We are ministers (special witnesses) of the gospel of Jesus Christ.
B. We need to rise above the culture of rebellion against dignity and authority.
C. We are representatives of Christ
D. 1Tim4:12 - be thou an example of the believers
E. DON'T EAT LIKE A PIG
F. DON'T CHEW LIKE A COW
G. NO WRESTLING WITH THE ELDERS
H. Overcome childishness and adopt the dignity of Jesus Christ.
2. Pres. Andrus - Steps to a good companionship
A. Learn how to smile
B. Do everything together
C. Never go to bed angry
D. Learn to serve one another - take care of your companion first
E. Look for something good in your companion everyday
F. Learn and follow the guidelines the Lord has given us
G. Never be alone
-*We are like great rockets - moving slowly at first then increasing until we reach orbital velocity.
3. Pres. Owen - When obedience ceases to become an irritant and becomes our quest, at that moment we are endowed with power
15 November 2012
It is interesting how much of what I learned as a missionary carries over into real life. President Pulsipher (my mission president, yet to be introduced in this blogisphere) taught us that our missionary service time is our School for Eternity, training for our whole lives and preparing us for eternity. I like that the notes above are still true for my life today.
Still super excited as we are now in the "Holiday Season." Today we are putting together the rest of the outfits for picture taking on Saturday! I love my husband. I really think he let's me do things like coordinating clothes for pictures because he knows how much I enjoy it, even though I think he enjoys it as much as I do. We talk about all these things though because I would hate for him to feel left out. One year I'm certain we're going to dress like an Old Navy commercial, with hats, scarves, and big jackets on the beach!
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
First day in the MTC
We made it to the MTC!
***May 26, 2004 JOURNAL: First Day In
I didn't cry.
Talked to mom yesterday/last night. Normal stuff.
Talked to dad after waiting at the airport for four hours. Yeah, they were late.
The MTC is alright. We haven't really done anything yet so we'll see how it goes tomorrow.
GOOD: helped my companion, talked to people at dinner, tried to be on time, played piano, bore testimony
COMPANION: Sister Wagstaff: Six of nine in her family. From Heber City, Utah. Likes tennis. Likes being near the lake in her town. Has wanted to go on a mission for a few years. Has been to the temple once. Has a testimony of the gospel. I'm grateful to have been blessed with such an easy going companion. I know that as we spend more time together we will help each other to learn more of the gospel and come to love one another.
GOALS FOR TOMORROW: get to activities on time, bear testimony, smile, talk to people in our district.
14 November 2012
Prior to arriving at the MTC I was picked up from the airport by my mom's sister, Aunty Elsalyn. I had a few hours' wait at the SLC airport, which we will attribute to God and His Orchestration. While waiting I was able to observe a small family gathering together, maybe 12 people. They had balloons and welcome home signs. I remember watching them wait with excited anticipation. I remember seeing the sister missionary as she was reunited with her family after , what I imagine to have been a successful 18-months of service. It suddenly felt like such a short amount of time. I mean, here I entering the MTC and soon I would be home. I wanted that same look of success and satisfaction that I saw on her.
The weather is starting to cool off bit in the early mornings, which makes for cuddle weather. Today we'll be tackling the cleaning up the house more. Having the babies sort out toys that we can sell or donate to make room for new stuff that they will be getting in the coming months. Still so, so excited about Christmas. Scheduling picture taking, ordering Christmas greetings and sending them out. :)
***May 26, 2004 JOURNAL: First Day In
I didn't cry.
Talked to mom yesterday/last night. Normal stuff.
Talked to dad after waiting at the airport for four hours. Yeah, they were late.
The MTC is alright. We haven't really done anything yet so we'll see how it goes tomorrow.
GOOD: helped my companion, talked to people at dinner, tried to be on time, played piano, bore testimony
COMPANION: Sister Wagstaff: Six of nine in her family. From Heber City, Utah. Likes tennis. Likes being near the lake in her town. Has wanted to go on a mission for a few years. Has been to the temple once. Has a testimony of the gospel. I'm grateful to have been blessed with such an easy going companion. I know that as we spend more time together we will help each other to learn more of the gospel and come to love one another.
GOALS FOR TOMORROW: get to activities on time, bear testimony, smile, talk to people in our district.
14 November 2012
Prior to arriving at the MTC I was picked up from the airport by my mom's sister, Aunty Elsalyn. I had a few hours' wait at the SLC airport, which we will attribute to God and His Orchestration. While waiting I was able to observe a small family gathering together, maybe 12 people. They had balloons and welcome home signs. I remember watching them wait with excited anticipation. I remember seeing the sister missionary as she was reunited with her family after , what I imagine to have been a successful 18-months of service. It suddenly felt like such a short amount of time. I mean, here I entering the MTC and soon I would be home. I wanted that same look of success and satisfaction that I saw on her.
The weather is starting to cool off bit in the early mornings, which makes for cuddle weather. Today we'll be tackling the cleaning up the house more. Having the babies sort out toys that we can sell or donate to make room for new stuff that they will be getting in the coming months. Still so, so excited about Christmas. Scheduling picture taking, ordering Christmas greetings and sending them out. :)
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