On Yesterday Was An Awesome Sunday!

I forgot that there were five of us sisters.  Sister Leishman, Sister Henderson, Sister Fusi, Sister Wagstaff and me.  I don't know where we all slept.

***June 18, 2004 JOURNAL: Mochiko Powder Pancakes
          If I stay here any longer I'm going to get fat!  Sister Henderson is such a good cook.
          Training was really good this morning.  I really feel blessed to be assigned to this mission.  President Pulsipher is such a good motivational speaker.  I enjoy listening to him speak.
          Tomorrow is our last day together.  The elders all leave to their respective areas tomorrow night.  I'm here until Monday.  Our "district family" will really be separated.  Kind of sad, but it's a good thing.  I know I'm going to miss them. HAWAII PARTY JUNE 2006!
          Time is flying by so very fast.  I can hardly believe it.

29 April 2013 A Sunday Review

Yesterday was a good day.  Last week we attended Nanakuli ward and this week we were back in our home ward.  Both weeks we sang Hark All Ye Nations.  And I thought I better get back on my blog!

In Sacrament Meeting, the primary Presidency spoke on the topic of prayer and revelation.  Sister Laura shared about her daughter Victoria, who went to an activity with her soccer team.  Sister Laura shared that she was worried about this particular activity and didn't get a chance to talk to Victoria's coach about what they were going to do.  Sister Laura prayed for help.  Later that night Victoria called home to be picked up early because the team was going to watch an inappropriate movie.

Sister Fernandez shared part of Elder Bednar's talk, "The Spirit of Revelation."  She shared that less often revelation comes to us like a light switch being turned on.  Instant knowledge and understanding for what we had been seeking.  More often we receive revelation like a sun rise.  Slow and steady, line upon line and precept upon precept.  She talked about how she and her husband would always receive revelation and help with raising one of their sons whenever he was in trouble.

Sister Johnston said the more she aligns her life with the will of God, the more she is able to receive revelation.  She invited us all (not all at once) to come to primary and feel of the spirit there.  She shared her testimony about how living the gospel is improving her life.

The gospel doctrine lesson was "Thou Shalt  ... Offer Up Thy Sacraments Upon My Holy Day." Sister Porter taught us that our Sunday worship is defined by us, individually and the way we observe the Sabbath day is individual and personal.  It was shared that Sunday worship is a process of being sanctified and that we are all in different places in that process.  My favorite part was shared by Sister Porter when she explained that Sunday's activities should make Sunday feel different from every other day of the week.  I sometimes struggle with knowing what is okay or not to do on Sundays.  But that explanation shed some light for me.

In Relief Society Sister Lewis taught from "Being a True Disciple" a talk from the October 2012 general conference given by Elder Daniel L. Johnson.

Discipleship is all about doing and becoming. As we obey His commandments and serve our fellowmen, we become better disciples of Jesus Christ. Obedience and submission to His will bring the companionship of the Holy Ghost, along with those blessings of peace, joy, and security that always accompany this third member of the Godhead. And they can come in no other way. Ultimately, it is total submission to His will that helps us become as our Savior is. Again, becoming like Him and being one with Him is the ultimate goal and objective—and essentially the very definition of true discipleship.

Sister Kalama shared that she learned a more effective way to talk with her adult children about ways to improve and keep the gospel in their lives.  When she normally would address her children about keeping commandments and attending church they would end up fighting about it.  Then she started saying a prayer with them individually, then talking about what they should be doing to keep the gospel in their lives.  Sister Kalama said it is much more successful with less fighting.  I am trying to do this, this week.  I told Nakeu that Pwopwo and I are going to be praying all week!  Yesterday, in the few hours we were home after church we had three prayers then discussed her behavior.  Lloyd and I had one prayer and discussed his behavior.  It's not an instant fix, but at least I don't feel as upset at the babies when we are talking about not listening or hitting or other inappropriate behaviors.

Next Post: President Pulsiphers Message from the June 2004 Messenger, Elder Ballard's talk and pictures from the weekend!

For Peace in the Home, Live a Life of Obedience and Service

I noticed that I stopped taking notes in my journal as much as I was at the beginning.  I don't know why.

*** June 13, 2004 JOURNAL: Last Sunday (Record MTC Experience)
          In our district meeting this morning, President Eddy asked us to write down our feelings and experiences of the MTC. (It's so we don't turn into punks and trash talk the MTC when we get home.)  The MTC is the best place to learn.  The atmosphere here is great because we're all learning together and it's done by and through the spirit.  I don't know what more to say except that the Lord put a lot into making this place so very special.
          I got to play piano today in our branch Sacrament Meeting!  And one of the Elders played his violin in the devotional.  I miss Marie (my violin: Marie Antoinette Anastasia Pauahi Mulan Manoa (and her bow: Beau)).  I wonder if I can get her to Guam ...
          We had to say goodbye tonight.  Elder Wagner and Elder Duthrie leave tomorrow morning before we wake up.  It kind of sucks.  It's like saying goodbye to family all over again.  But, like I told President Chapman this morning, we've reached a comfort level and now it's time to move on.
          Opened the letter from home.  Daddy is the new branch President of the Makakilo 2nd Young Single Adult Branch.  I'm so proud of him.  I know he will help the branch.  I'm sad that President Nahinu won't be in the branch when I get back.  But, the Lord knows what's what!  'sall good.

11 April 2013

Having a great day so far!  It's always a great day when I manage to get a shower in before the babies wake up from their naps.

I have been studying Elder Scott's talk, "For Peace in the Home" for the last few days and will for the rest of the week.  Technology these days is great.  After checking lds.org everyday since Sunday, yesterday the talks were up to read.  I was also able to load it onto the gospel library on my phone and kindle!  What's even more amazing is how the annotations (highlights, notes and journals) save across the board.  From my lds.org account, to my phone and my kindle, if I highlight on one, I highlight on all!

Elder Scott teaches that if we want a peaceful home and life we need to center our homes and lives around Jesus Christ.  Which makes sense because Christ did say, "For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light" (Matthew 11:30 KJV).  I noticed in his talk Elder Scott did not say that in order to have a peaceful home it needs to be immaculately clean (although that would be nice), or have all the latest gadgets or have children that eat dinner neatly and wash their own dishes.  All those things might be nice, at least once in a while.  But, no.  We are taught that true peace and joy comes from living a life of obedience and service, just like our Saviour Jesus Christ.  Elder Scott said, "We need not worry if we cannot simultaneously do all of the things that the Lord has counseled us to do.  He has spoken of a time and a season for all things.... He will direct us in what should be emphasized at each phase of our life."  That counsel gives me peace even when the house is messy and three babies are crying at me all at once.