Showing posts with label LDS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label LDS. Show all posts

Monday, May 13, 2013

Mother's Day

***June 21, 2004 JOURNAL
          So, I'm still on Guam and not on a plane to Pohnpei.  I've been trying to calm myself since this morning.  I already knew I was going to miss this flight.  I was pleading with the Lord not to let me miss this flight last night and this morning.  OK.  Time to get over it.

***June 23, 2004 JOURNAL: Pohnpei West Zone, Palikir District, Nahn Pohnmal Area
          So, I made it.  I got to Pohnpei.  I've found a new "alarm clock" that seems to work very well: God.  I've been working on it, in prayer, to ask Heavenly Father to help me wake up in the mornings.  It's pretty effective (duh) so long as I get myself out of bed!
          The plane rides were kind of sketchy.  I met a guy named Joe.  His whole family (basically) are members of the church, but he's Protestant.  I slept most of the way.  I say President and Sister Pulsipher when to they got on the plan in Chuuk.
          New companions - new area - kind of scary.  My new companions are super mice.  It's just this whole being pushed out of my comfort zone idea.
          COMPANIONS:
Sister Garber: funny, from Las Vegas, Nevada, brother also on a mission
Sister Garside: cool, from California, sibling also on a mission
          GOALS - start using Pohnpeian words/phrases, get through 2 Nephi 9


13 May 2013

An excellent Mother's Day!

Please excuse the blue-ness of these pictures:





Monday, May 6, 2013

A Fun-filled Weekend


*** June 19, 2004 JOURNAL: Last Night In Guam (for now?)
          I can't believe it's almost been a week already (since the MTC).  All the elders from our district are gone to their respective assigned areas already.  Elder Wright - Saipan, Elder Barker - Palau, Elder Morris and Elder Christensen are staying here along with Sister Wagstafff and Sister Fusi (who came from the New Zealand MTC).  NO actual times for good byes.  Kind of sad but probably for the better. As for me, I'm alright.  I just can't wait to get to work.  It's been slow here, mostly because of training/orientation messing with the possibility of any real scheduling.
          I leave for Pohnpei Monday morning.  I'm pretty excited I get to learn a new language!  I'm determined to get this language.  It sounds complicated to my ears, but the people around me say it's an easy language to pick up on.  BRING IT!

6 May 2013 Yet Another Sunday Review with Weekend Photo Dump

Yesterday was Fast and Testimony Meeting Sunday.  A visitor, Brother Whiting, shared his testimony.  He said the morning of his flight his son took him to the airport.  His son gave him a Book of Mormon and challenged him to place it during his trip.  After the plane took of a girl asked if Brother Whiting would switch seats with her so she could sit next to her family.  He begrudgingly agreed.  He noted his new seat partner was writing in her journal and studying her bible.  As they talked about their respective religions, he shared with her the Book of Mormon.  The lady said that morning after she said her prayers she meant to bring a novel with her but she had the distinct impression that she should leave her novel home because someone on the plane would give her a book to read.  Cornelius is alive and well where ever we go!

Last night I got to join a lesson with the sister missionaries in Makakilo ward.  It was with a lady from Pohnpei.  It was a good lesson.  It showed me that my language skills are somewhat wanting.  It's time to get back at it and work on keeping up my language skills!  In future posts I plan on having a translated section and hopefully some of my friends can help me with accuracy.

First Friday Hannarah's Night:






 Caleb's 1st Birthday Party:







Thursday, May 2, 2013

Quotes, Believes, Realities and a Baby Shower

Before Preach My Gospel changed the format of our weekly letters to the mission president, there was a section where we could report sick or injury hours and what was wrong with us.  If we had no substantial sick news to report we were encouraged to send quotes (personal or from people of note) to Sister Pulsipher.  Each month she would choose her favorites to share in the Mesenger.

***June Messenger: Sister Pulsipher's Favorite Quotes
          Elder Anderson: "Anger is never without reason, but seldom a good one." -Benjamin Franklin
          Sister Leishman: "If your day has not been a bed of roses, remember who wore the crown of thorns."
          Elder Glemser: "You can't leave your footprints in the sand while sitting down."
          Elder Jeppson: "If you want someone to see what Christ's spirit can do for them, let them see what it has done for you."

After Preach My Gospel came out we were encouraged to study by subject.  At that time I began a second study journal to compliment the first that I still kept.  The first journal was a record of my daily study and companionship study.  The second was solely kept by subject.  Here I started a list of my "I Believe"s

***STUDY JOURNAL: I Believe... (In addition to the Articles of Faith)

  • in the power of prayer and bean bag frogs
  • that God is our Heavenly Father and that His all knowing and all powerful
  • that God loves us and wants to help us
  • in the importance and necessity of families
  • that love, real love, is the greatest power on the earth
  • that through Christ, I can do all things
  • if I do my part, God will do His part
  • that there is no such thing as coincidence, our lives are orchestrated with purpose and direction
  • Cornelius is alive and well, wherever we may be
2 May 2013

I've been trying to do more jogging than walking.  Slowly (more slowly than I want) I'm getting to more jogging.  Here are my mantras when I'm jogging past the skinny-bodied, carefree high school girls:
  • if I want to lose the weight then I need to do the work!
  • the faster I move the faster I'll get home
  • I won't fail if I succeed
Occasional when I jog I see interesting things:
  • a small girl walking to school dressed in floppy heels and carrying a large handbag, instead of shoes and a backpack
  • two girls, one trying to no avail to use a skateboard, flagging down a school bus driver (who did pull over) not 50 yards away from school
  • what I term the "high school" walk: it must consist of the mentality and speed that I wanted to leave home early, but I don't want to get to school early
On Tuesday night the ward relief society hosted a baby shower for Veronica Aronica.  Here are some pictures to show our fun!










Tuesday, April 30, 2013

June 2004 Messenger: Ponder - "To Quietly Think Things Through"

Each month we would receive the "Micronesia Guam Messenger" a mission newsletter.  I would look forward to these like Christmas!  Each issue would contain a message from President Pulsipher, favorite quotes of Sister Pulsipher that missionaries would include in their letters to the president specifically for her, incoming and out going missionaries, a list of people baptized in the previous month and other excitements.

***June 2004 MESSENGER
Ponder - "To Quietly Think Things Through"
          Do you appreciate that you are apart of something really special that is happening in the mission?  Incredible things just keep happening!  It is an understatement to say that Cornelius is alive and well in Micronesia Guam.  A year ago for the months of January through May the mission baptized 91.  This year 248.  That's over 2.5 times as many.  That is something special.  Have you thought about why?
          "Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard." 2 Nephi 4:16 (bolding added)  You have used that scripture to prepare your talk for the last zone conference.  Did you follow its advice?  Have you pondered what is happening in you and in this mission?
          We can learn from others.  We can read about their experiences and watch what is happening in their lives and think that we understand.  But the only things we really know for sure are the things that happen within and to us.  Nephi continually pondered the things that happened to him.  To what end?  He continued to learn more about himself, the people around him, his world and his relationship with his Father in heaven.  When President Dellenbach bore his testimony at the Mission President's training in February he said, "I am still trying to figure out who I am and my relationship with the Savior."  President Dellenbach has been a general authority for 17 years.  you might think, "He should have figured that out by now".  Understanding ourselves, who we really are, and all that the Savior means to us is a never ending journey.
          So, take some time to ponder, quietly think about, what has happened over the course of your mission.  What have you learned?  How have you changed?  How has your relationship with your Father in Heaven, your Savior, changed?  Why has the mission changed so dramatically?
          President Hinckley gave a wonderful address at Brigham young University entitled "I Believe".  He stated, "Each of us is largely the product of his or her beliefs.  Our behaviors are governed by these.  They become our standards of conduct".  He mentioned the thirteen Articles of Faith, the "We Believes" of this Church.  he went on to say, "I have a personal secondary set of beliefs, ten to be exact, that I have written out to serve as reminders and guideposts for my individual benefit.  I have been asked to share them.  I do so with some reluctance because they are personal, but with the thought that they may give encouragement to others.  I have not set these ten statements necessarily in order of their importance."
          Here they are:
"I believe in the wonders of the human body and the miracle of the humand mind.:
"I believe in beauty."
"I believe in the gospel of work."
"I believe that honesty is still the best policy."
"I believe in the obligations and blessings of service."
"I believe the family to be the basic and most important unit of society."
"I believe in the principle of thrift."
"I believe in myself."
"I believe in God, my Eternal Father, and His Beloved Son, and  Redeemer of the world."
"I believe in Prayer."
          So, what do you now believe?  Is Cornelius real to you?  Is the spirit your daily companion? Do you believe in the "gospel of work?"  Elders and Sisters take the time to "ponder and "continually ponder" upon the things that you are experiencing.  Write down your "I Believes."  Like President Hinckley they will become reminders and guideposts for your life.  I have done that.  I will share mine with you at another time.
          We continue to be so proud of you.  We have always believed we had great missionaries.  We thrill in what you are becoming and these wonderful people that you are bringing to Christ.

Our Love,
President and Sister Pulsipher


30 April 2013 The More Kids You Have, The Faster the Months Fly By

We did not have to say any prayers to work through problems with Pwopwo or Lloyd yesterday.

I have had the opportunity to learn a lot more about the power of the priesthood in the last month.  Studying Elder Ballards talk, "This is My Work and My Glory," reminds me of the importance of the priesthood and remaining worthy of receiving it's blessings.

Elder Ballad shared a story about a girl and her tomato plant.  She allowed the plant to live in a dark room and it started to wither.  Saddened she learned from her mother that she might give it some water and sun light to revitalize her plant.  Upon nourishing the plant, the tomato plant got healthy and started to grow again.  Elder Ballard shared the following,
But if we are not careful, we can become like the wilted tomato plant. We can drift away from the true doctrine and gospel of Christ and become spiritually undernourished and wilted, having removed ourselves from the divine light and living waters of the Savior’s eternal love and priesthood power.
If we cut ourselves off from the nourishment we receive from the gospel and blessings of the priesthood in our lives our spirits can become wilted like the tomato plant.  It is important to do things like attend church, accept callings and counsel from our church leaders and spouses.

Elder Ballard also shared the opportunity he had to work on the new Worldwide Training, "Strengthening the Family and The Church Through the Priesthood."  Watching these segments has opened my heart to understanding more about the power of the priesthood.  We are going to start using these segments with our babies to help them learn the important role the power of the priesthood plays in our lives.

I know the power of the priesthood is a real and active power.  It is the power of God on earth held by those who are worthy to exercise that power.  I know that by the power of the priesthood worlds were created.  I know that through the power of the priesthood my life has personally been blessed because I have been sealed to my husband for time and all eternity and our babies with us.

Now as promised, pictures.  Sunday Night Dinner with the Kaaukai-Ranis Family and an impromptu beach day at Pokai Bay.












Next Post: Sister Pulsipher's favorite June quotes, My I Believes, and what I think about when I jog

Monday, April 22, 2013

A Variety Show: Orientation, Elder Holland, Sunday Night Dinner

Day two on Guam!

**06/18/2004 Orientation Notes: Day Two
          1. Who are you? Sons and daughters of God with purpose and potential
               A. We started as intelligence, then spirits, then we gained bodies.  When we die our bodies and spirits with separate, the our spirits will join our perfected bodies.
               B. Hebrews 12:9 - earthly and heavenly children
               C. Romans 8:16-17 - we are children of God and joint heirs with Christ (equals)
               D. "I'm still trying to figure out who I am and what my relationship is with my Heavenly Father."
          2. Satan: Isaiah 14:12-16
16:  They that see thee shall narrowly look upon thee, and consider thee, saying, Is this the man that made the earth to tremble, that did shake kingdoms;
          3. Doctrine and Covenants 93:29 - Intelligence
               A. We are responsible for our intelligence
                    1) Take ownership of who you are
                    2) Make no excuses
               B. The opportunity to become all that we potentially already were/can become

22 April 2013

For my thoughts on "Lord, I Believe" by Elder Holland I decided to do a highlight reel:
  • I would say to all who wish for more faith, remember . . . In moments of fear or doubt or troubling times, hold the ground you have already won, even if that ground is limited
  •  hold fast to what you already know and stand strong until additional knowledge comes
  • The size of your faith or the degree of your knowledge is not the issue—it is the integrity you demonstrate toward the faith you do have and the truth you already know
  • When problems come and questions arise, do not start your quest for faith by saying how much you do not have, leading as it were with your “unbelief” 
  • be true to the faith you do have
  • In this Church,what we know will always trump what we do not know
  • when the infinite fulness is poured forth, it is not the oil’s fault if there is some loss because finite vessels can’t quite contain it all
  • when doubt or difficulty come, do not be afraid to ask for help
  • God will send help from both sides of the veil to strengthen our belief
  • if your faith is a little tested in this or any season, I invite you to lean on mine
  • Hope on
  • first and forever fan the flame of your faith, because all things are possible to them that believe
Now for some pictures from our Sunday Night Family Dinner last night:







































Next Post: Desire Model and Thoughts on Exercising

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Cornelius and an Awesome RS Spring Conference

The story of Cornelius and Peter is another commonly recurring topic in our missionary training.

***06/17/2004 Orientation Notes: Day One Part Three
          1. Acts 10
               a.      Cornelius <-- Holy Ghost --> Peter
               b. non-member  <-- Holy Ghost --> member (missionary)
          2. World Class Missionary
               a. Alma 17-27 - read and record what makes these missionaries world class
               b. We need to be consumed with missionary work
               c. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
          3. Moroni 10:3 - Adam to 2004
"...remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men, from the creation of Adam even down until the time that ye shall receive these things..."
               a. God Always:
                     1. Prophets
                     2. Angels
                    3. Miracles
                    4. Prophecies
                    5. Covenants
               b. God has been merciful to the children of men since the beginning until now
ADAM --------Christ--------Joseph Smith----------2004
|                           |                       |                                |
Noah               mercy              restoration           Me
|                                                   |
Abraham                                  world
|
Moses
|
|
Jesus

20 April 2013 Awesomest RS Conference
Today was RS Spring Conference.  Here's the effect it had on Tactac -->

There main theme was based on the Relief Society Declaration
We are beloved spirit daughters of God, and our lives have meaning, purpose, and direction. As a worldwide sisterhood, we are united in our devotion to Jesus Christ, our Savior and Exemplar. We are women of faith, virtue, vision, and charity who ... Sustain the priesthood as the authority of God on earth.
We watched the segment: The Power of the Priesthood in the Family.  It talks about how fathers and mothers can work together to raise families in righteousness.  Also the role of priesthood in our homes.

Sister Porter taught a workshop: Following the Promptings of the Holy Ghost.  She referenced a book by Sister Sheri Dew, "If Life Were Easy It Wouldn't Be So Hard," which reminded us about the importance of prayer and scripture study.  This things will "help us draw down the powers of heaven into our lives."  She asked us a question then turned on static on the radio.  It was hard for us to hear and understand each other.  Once the static was turned off, things were much clearer.  We learned that we need to turn of the static in our lives and tune into the Holy Ghost.  "When we are distracted by the world we cannot receive what Heavenly Father has for us because we are not diligently searching."

She shared a story about two sisters.  The older sister chastised the younger sister abusing prayer by praying for simple, small things.  We learned that nothing is too small to ask for help from our Heavenly Father.  If we can learn to trust Heavenly Father in small things, he becomes like our friend and we can trust him with our larger, more difficult problems.

She then showed us some dead leaves.  The leaves died because they cut themselves off from what sustains them.  If we choose not to study the scriptures, we too are cutting ourselves off from Heavenly Father, who sustains us.

She concluded that we are only alone if we go through life trying to rely only on ourselves and not the Lord.

Mommy (Sister Manoa) taught: Supporting and Sustaining The Priesthood

We started by writing down how and why we support the priesthood.  I said I support the priesthood by following the counsel I am given, seeking counsel when I need help, making Nakeu available when he needs to fulfill his duties and not complaining.

We talked about how the priesthood has influenced our lives.  We call on priesthood holders to exercise their power so they know we value their power and worthiness.  We are grateful for the ordinances they are able to perform.  We make it easier for them to perform their duties.

Sister Aken taught: Loving Life through Simple Pictures

This picture broke all the rules she taught us because I took it from an angle below my subject.  It is not following the rule of thirds.   And my white balance is off.  But she is following the rules of tilting her head to the side and elongating her neck.

It was a really fun class





Sister Takeuchi and Ashley helped us make these neat flowers to give to the sisters that we visit teach.










Then we got to watch a presentation by a group of Native Americans.  It was completely awesome!