*** June 10, 2004 JOURNAL: Starting to get discouraged
I guess that just means that I'm not working as hard as I could be. I feel like I'm not pushing myself as much as I should. I am probably just thinking too much. I don't know what it is. But today was a really hard day for me. Maybe I'm starting to loose focus.
Let's see ... why am I here. Well, a couple of reasons. First and foremost, I know that this is where the Lord wants me to be, and because I have faith in Him, and his all-knowing plan, this is where I want to be. I know that I am here to learn, to teach and to be molded. I know that in less than a week I will be in Micronesia and will be able to share the love of the Lord with the people there.
I'm sad to see this whole MTC experience come to an end. Elders Duthrie and Wagner just found out their visas didn't get processed yet, so they leave Monday morning on a six am flight. It would have been nice to spend one more preparation day as a district, but it's alright. It's not the purpose of a missionary to hang out with other missionaries on a preparation day. I know the Lord needs them in Boston and that they will do well there.
I still think there's more I should be doing. It will be a matter of prayer and I know the Lord will answer me.
GOOD: Went to the TEC, practiced piano
COMPANION: stayed with me while I practiced piano
GOALS: smile, work harder
15 March 2013
This is just a quickie before getting ready this morning. What a good time to blog. Probably because baby is laying right next to me so he can't complain about the mommy not holding him. This morning I'm going to do some volunteer work at Lloyd's preschool as per his scholarship requirements.
As I was reading the above journal entry, I thought about how often I got discouraged, disappointed and homesick in the mere three weeks I was at the MTC. While I probably really felt that way, and and I know I used it to drive myself to do my best while I was there, I also have to attribute it, at least in part, to exhaustion. We did our best to get eight hours of sleep. But even if we did get the full eight hours of sleep, MTC life is completely energy draining.
A week-in-review:
This week we started walking to school. For good health, and good measure and to do my visiting teaching! One of the ladies I visit teach is a crossing guard for the school. Recently she has stopped coming to church. We used to talk together all the time in church, but I don't know why she stopped coming and I'm not sure the reason really matters to me. Walking in the morning give us a chance to talk, albeit briefly, each morning.
A great quote from the "Daughters in My Kingdom" Book, "Your every need shall be fulfilled, now and in the eternities, every neglect will be erased; every abuse will be corrected. All of this can come to you, and come quickly, when you devote yourself to Relief Society." President Packers. I read that the other day and I though, I want that promised blessing!!!! Luckily he outlines exactly what I need to do to receive that blessing, which is to devote myself to Relief Society. That means exercising charity by loving and accepting folks for who they are. It means doing more than checking off that I did my vising teaching assignment each month and really watching over the sisters I am assigned to. It means supporting my leaders. It means reaching out to those I come in contact with. It means, in my heart and in practice, looking to truly make my hands the Lord's hands.
So we had the great laundry machine fiasco on Tuesday which affected my whole getting my house in order goal for the week. Wednesday night Nakeu mended the drain hose and how we have a working washing machine sans spending $30 on a new drain hose. It's a temporary fix but a good fix. Yesterday I washed the rest of the loads and today I endeavor to finish folding and putting clothes away.
All the babies are awake now and they all need specific attention from me apparently :).
Showing posts with label Provo. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Provo. Show all posts
Friday, March 15, 2013
Tuesday, January 15, 2013
This journal is becoming all about the homesickness....then there was a birthday
*** June 6, 2004 JOURNAL: Fast Sunday at the MTC
I was alright for most of the day, then my mind started to wander. I think it's because I was talking to Sis. Hansen about home, and pictures and stuff. [Sis. Hansen was assigned to the Hawaii, Honolulu Mission]
I started to feel really lonely. And I know that's just Satan trying to get to me. But I couldn't help but give in for a little while.
I began to see the vision again. Of how everything fits and why I am here on a mission for the Lord. But it's still hard. The end seems so far away and there's a lot of time in between where I don't know what's going to happen. But I trust in the Lord that everything will work out for the best. That's why I'm here. I know I am where I belong and I am doing the work that the Lord has called me to do. I am here because this is what I know I want to do. But that doesn't mean that I don't get lonely. But even when I do, I try to catch that glimpse of heaven - of where I want to be and I know I will be alright.
We watched The Testament tonight. And for the last few minutes I felt the presence of the Lord so close - and I knew I wasn't alone.
15 January 2013
I always wish my grammar was better, but I don't do anything to make it any better.
My husband is the best. It was birthday weekend and it was the best ever! I love a good surprise birthday celebration. Nakeu is so much better at surprises than I am. My face doesn't do lying well... For my first birthday together, we were engaged, and my surprise was a day trip to Hawaii island to go to the Kona temple, because I wanted to go to the temple for my birthday and the Laie temple was closed for cleaning. The next year it was a surprise weekend stay (we were married) at the Marriott Beach Club, bags packed when I picked him up from work. In 2009 we stayed at the Ihilani with Lloyd. In 2010, Nakeu let me throw my own birthday party with friends and food at the house. In 2011 I wanted to go to CPK with friends and family and eat their butter cake with ice cream ... oh, so YUMMY! In 2012 we had a surprise weekend stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa on Hawaii Island. We <3 that hotel, with the trains and the boats and the pools. This year was a complete surprise dinner at Bucca De Beppo with friends and family. The food was soooo yummy! I had a great time. Thank you Beb.
On Sunday I was released from teaching in primary. I could feel the longing eyes of the other primary workers as I dropped Lloyd off at primary (of which there were no tears ...) I was prepared to teach a lesson on how Heavenly Father has a Body and was put into a Gospel Doctrine lesson on how Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the World. Luckily our teacher was AWESOME! And even with as little preparation as I didn't read any of the lesson, I felt inspired and edified and my mind was opened to new thoughts and insights. Not to mention that I got to got to Relief Society. I didn't know how much I missed going to Relief Society, after a four year absence. I did miss teaching the little'uns, though.
What a great weekend.
I was alright for most of the day, then my mind started to wander. I think it's because I was talking to Sis. Hansen about home, and pictures and stuff. [Sis. Hansen was assigned to the Hawaii, Honolulu Mission]
I started to feel really lonely. And I know that's just Satan trying to get to me. But I couldn't help but give in for a little while.
I began to see the vision again. Of how everything fits and why I am here on a mission for the Lord. But it's still hard. The end seems so far away and there's a lot of time in between where I don't know what's going to happen. But I trust in the Lord that everything will work out for the best. That's why I'm here. I know I am where I belong and I am doing the work that the Lord has called me to do. I am here because this is what I know I want to do. But that doesn't mean that I don't get lonely. But even when I do, I try to catch that glimpse of heaven - of where I want to be and I know I will be alright.
We watched The Testament tonight. And for the last few minutes I felt the presence of the Lord so close - and I knew I wasn't alone.
15 January 2013
I always wish my grammar was better, but I don't do anything to make it any better.
My husband is the best. It was birthday weekend and it was the best ever! I love a good surprise birthday celebration. Nakeu is so much better at surprises than I am. My face doesn't do lying well... For my first birthday together, we were engaged, and my surprise was a day trip to Hawaii island to go to the Kona temple, because I wanted to go to the temple for my birthday and the Laie temple was closed for cleaning. The next year it was a surprise weekend stay (we were married) at the Marriott Beach Club, bags packed when I picked him up from work. In 2009 we stayed at the Ihilani with Lloyd. In 2010, Nakeu let me throw my own birthday party with friends and food at the house. In 2011 I wanted to go to CPK with friends and family and eat their butter cake with ice cream ... oh, so YUMMY! In 2012 we had a surprise weekend stayed at the Hilton Waikoloa on Hawaii Island. We <3 that hotel, with the trains and the boats and the pools. This year was a complete surprise dinner at Bucca De Beppo with friends and family. The food was soooo yummy! I had a great time. Thank you Beb.
On Sunday I was released from teaching in primary. I could feel the longing eyes of the other primary workers as I dropped Lloyd off at primary (of which there were no tears ...) I was prepared to teach a lesson on how Heavenly Father has a Body and was put into a Gospel Doctrine lesson on how Jesus Christ is the Saviour of the World. Luckily our teacher was AWESOME! And even with as little preparation as I didn't read any of the lesson, I felt inspired and edified and my mind was opened to new thoughts and insights. Not to mention that I got to got to Relief Society. I didn't know how much I missed going to Relief Society, after a four year absence. I did miss teaching the little'uns, though.
What a great weekend.
Wednesday, January 2, 2013
2013
***6/4/2004 MEETING NOTES: How to Begin Teaching
1. Gaining trust through the spirit: The unique thing about our message it it's either true or it's not - will only know through prayer
2. Be gentle, sincere honest, enthusiastic and positive
a. who you are
b. why you are there
c. what the message can do for them
***June 4, 2004 JOURNAL: We were humbled
We did the 2nd discussion twice this morning at the resource center. Good experience. We were taped and should have got feed back but Bro. Robinson wasn't that worried about Sis. Wagstaff and me.
Part way through our MDT, (missionary directed time) Elder Wright, was trying to get us to convince him, about why he (posing as an investigator) should change his life. After some people tried, I told him to ask Elder Duthrie (a convert of just over a year at the time.) And we were humbled. He reminded us that it's the spirit that converts, not us, and that we should remember the basic doctrine and not get so caught up in deep doctrine.
GOOD: taught the 2nd and 3rd discussion, played volleyball
COMPANION: teaches by the spirit, patient, willing to learn, humble, fun
GOALS: obtain principles in 4th discussion, start looking over 5th/6th discussion, smile
1 January 2013
Sneaking one in here before the day ends. Going back to life as normal after week of fun is generally depressing. That will be for tomorrow.
Up until a couple of years ago, we were allowed to play with fireworks in Hawaii. The past two years have been boring on New Year's Eve. There are folk that go out and buy permits to purchase and burn legal firecrackers to pop. Then there are the one's who get the illegal stuff and burn them for us all to enjoy. The babies didn't make it until midnight, and I almost didn't make it either. But we did spend New Year's Eve and New Year's Day together with our family. That is what mattered to me the most. The food was great! We grilled meat and sausages and had some soup and baked beans for New Year's Eve. When we played tetris on xbox and watched movies and tv to keep ourselves awake between short naps. We have a tradition in the Smith family of local Hawaiian food for New Year's Day. We prepared, wrapped and cooked pork and pork and fish laulau. Nakeu made squid luau, kalua pig and lomi salmon and also boiled peanuts. Mommy-Daddy have a sushi tradition, so they brought over rolled and cone sushi. Jorell and Leilani brought some lumpia. Oh, so yummy!
1. Gaining trust through the spirit: The unique thing about our message it it's either true or it's not - will only know through prayer
2. Be gentle, sincere honest, enthusiastic and positive
a. who you are
b. why you are there
c. what the message can do for them
***June 4, 2004 JOURNAL: We were humbled
We did the 2nd discussion twice this morning at the resource center. Good experience. We were taped and should have got feed back but Bro. Robinson wasn't that worried about Sis. Wagstaff and me.
Part way through our MDT, (missionary directed time) Elder Wright, was trying to get us to convince him, about why he (posing as an investigator) should change his life. After some people tried, I told him to ask Elder Duthrie (a convert of just over a year at the time.) And we were humbled. He reminded us that it's the spirit that converts, not us, and that we should remember the basic doctrine and not get so caught up in deep doctrine.
GOOD: taught the 2nd and 3rd discussion, played volleyball
COMPANION: teaches by the spirit, patient, willing to learn, humble, fun
GOALS: obtain principles in 4th discussion, start looking over 5th/6th discussion, smile
1 January 2013
Sneaking one in here before the day ends. Going back to life as normal after week of fun is generally depressing. That will be for tomorrow.
Up until a couple of years ago, we were allowed to play with fireworks in Hawaii. The past two years have been boring on New Year's Eve. There are folk that go out and buy permits to purchase and burn legal firecrackers to pop. Then there are the one's who get the illegal stuff and burn them for us all to enjoy. The babies didn't make it until midnight, and I almost didn't make it either. But we did spend New Year's Eve and New Year's Day together with our family. That is what mattered to me the most. The food was great! We grilled meat and sausages and had some soup and baked beans for New Year's Eve. When we played tetris on xbox and watched movies and tv to keep ourselves awake between short naps. We have a tradition in the Smith family of local Hawaiian food for New Year's Day. We prepared, wrapped and cooked pork and pork and fish laulau. Nakeu made squid luau, kalua pig and lomi salmon and also boiled peanuts. Mommy-Daddy have a sushi tradition, so they brought over rolled and cone sushi. Jorell and Leilani brought some lumpia. Oh, so yummy!
Monday, December 31, 2012
Back to it then
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!
***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!
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Happenings of the Day
***6/2/2004 MEETING NOTES: The Atonement of Jesus Christ - Bro. Dollar
1. 2Nephi4:15 - The atonement: So sacred and special, it is spiritual learning
2. Why should we focus on the atonement? Elder Holland:
A. The atonement was/is a voluntary sacrifice for all pain, sickness, affliction, and sin because Christ loves us.
B. The atonement is the compassionate foundation
C. Every truth a missionary teaches is an appendage to the central message that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Holy Messiah, the promised one, the Saviour and the Redeemer
1) The point of the restoration is so we can have access to the atonement again
2) Sacrifice, for us, is necessary to understand Christ's sacrifice
3. What does it mean to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?
A. To believe the He is
B. To live by His teachings
C. Understanding that it is only possible through Christ's grace
D. The first act of faith is not waiting for Him, but asking Him
4. The importance of the atonement:
A. It is the repeating message of the Book of Mormon: Have faith, repent, be baptized, the Holy Ghost
B. It is the ever present power to call upon in everyday life. Whenever we are racked or harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burden, He can heal us. Pres. Packer.
***June 2, 2004 JOURNAL: One Week In
So it's been a week. It's true that the days seem like weeks and the weeks seem like days.
Got to teach the 1st discussion today. Such an awesome experience. The spirit was so strong. We started by singing a song. <GOOD IDEA: SIS. WAGSTAFF> That was good for us. We were a little discouraged after trying to teach Bro. Robinson.
Feeling kind of down today. I don't know why. Homesick again, I guess.
GOOD: Sang songs, taught 1st discussion
COMPANION: got stitches twice, dad flies an airplane
GOALS: Smile, have a good day
28 November 2012
The babies woke up and decided they wanted to wear jackets today. 60 degree weather in Hawaii = jackets for babies.
We are still waiting patiently for our pictures to come in from Olan Mills. I am still convinced that our pictures were involved in the unfortunate 140 car crash that happened in Texas over the Thanksgiving holiday. It is still early. The projected arrival date for our pictures is 10 Dec 2012. But the lady at the picture place got my hopes up and excited because she mentioned they've been experiencing quicker turn around times, like under a week. Uh. Patience.
Cleaning up the house this week. Thankfully, Nake'u was home all of the Thanksgiving Holiday. That really helped to keep the house clean. Now I'm focused on upstairs. ... uh. No one likes cleaning upstairs. Probably because it's more utility than anything else. We are the only ones that come upstairs. So if it's a little more lived-in than downstairs, no one really knows. But, I still have this obsession with an entirely clean home. Most likely a result of too much tv. Because you could never predict when a random television (or feevee if you are Pwopwo) crew will show up at your home, welcome themselves in and tell you, your house is a mess or that you are a hoarder.
It is not even December yet and we may well be the last ones to put up our outdoor Christmas decorations. We got our tree on Black Friday, as usual and used the first Family Home Evening night there after to decorate our tree. But of the seven visible homes in our cul-de-sac, we are one of two that haven't put up our outdoor decorations yet! It's not even DECEMBER! We'll catch up. Probably in December, when outdoor decorations should be put up.
Lloyd already asks me if it's Christmas every morning when he wakes up. I have decided against doing an Advent count-down for the babies. It was a ton of work last year and we didn't make it out of the first week. This year we'll plan daily activities. One thing I want to do and have been working on is making coloring pages of Christmas songs, so we can learn and sing together. That will be fun.
1. 2Nephi4:15 - The atonement: So sacred and special, it is spiritual learning
2. Why should we focus on the atonement? Elder Holland:
A. The atonement was/is a voluntary sacrifice for all pain, sickness, affliction, and sin because Christ loves us.
B. The atonement is the compassionate foundation
C. Every truth a missionary teaches is an appendage to the central message that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, the Holy Messiah, the promised one, the Saviour and the Redeemer
1) The point of the restoration is so we can have access to the atonement again
2) Sacrifice, for us, is necessary to understand Christ's sacrifice
3. What does it mean to have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ?
A. To believe the He is
B. To live by His teachings
C. Understanding that it is only possible through Christ's grace
D. The first act of faith is not waiting for Him, but asking Him
4. The importance of the atonement:
A. It is the repeating message of the Book of Mormon: Have faith, repent, be baptized, the Holy Ghost
B. It is the ever present power to call upon in everyday life. Whenever we are racked or harrowed up or tormented by guilt or burden, He can heal us. Pres. Packer.
***June 2, 2004 JOURNAL: One Week In
So it's been a week. It's true that the days seem like weeks and the weeks seem like days.
Got to teach the 1st discussion today. Such an awesome experience. The spirit was so strong. We started by singing a song. <GOOD IDEA: SIS. WAGSTAFF> That was good for us. We were a little discouraged after trying to teach Bro. Robinson.
Feeling kind of down today. I don't know why. Homesick again, I guess.
GOOD: Sang songs, taught 1st discussion
COMPANION: got stitches twice, dad flies an airplane
GOALS: Smile, have a good day
28 November 2012
The babies woke up and decided they wanted to wear jackets today. 60 degree weather in Hawaii = jackets for babies.
We are still waiting patiently for our pictures to come in from Olan Mills. I am still convinced that our pictures were involved in the unfortunate 140 car crash that happened in Texas over the Thanksgiving holiday. It is still early. The projected arrival date for our pictures is 10 Dec 2012. But the lady at the picture place got my hopes up and excited because she mentioned they've been experiencing quicker turn around times, like under a week. Uh. Patience.
Cleaning up the house this week. Thankfully, Nake'u was home all of the Thanksgiving Holiday. That really helped to keep the house clean. Now I'm focused on upstairs. ... uh. No one likes cleaning upstairs. Probably because it's more utility than anything else. We are the only ones that come upstairs. So if it's a little more lived-in than downstairs, no one really knows. But, I still have this obsession with an entirely clean home. Most likely a result of too much tv. Because you could never predict when a random television (or feevee if you are Pwopwo) crew will show up at your home, welcome themselves in and tell you, your house is a mess or that you are a hoarder.
It is not even December yet and we may well be the last ones to put up our outdoor Christmas decorations. We got our tree on Black Friday, as usual and used the first Family Home Evening night there after to decorate our tree. But of the seven visible homes in our cul-de-sac, we are one of two that haven't put up our outdoor decorations yet! It's not even DECEMBER! We'll catch up. Probably in December, when outdoor decorations should be put up.
Lloyd already asks me if it's Christmas every morning when he wakes up. I have decided against doing an Advent count-down for the babies. It was a ton of work last year and we didn't make it out of the first week. This year we'll plan daily activities. One thing I want to do and have been working on is making coloring pages of Christmas songs, so we can learn and sing together. That will be fun.
Friday, November 16, 2012
MTC day two
***5/27/2004 JOURNAL QUOTE: Pres. Ezra Taft Benson
"I have a vision of thousands of missionaries going into the mission field with hundreds of passages memorized from the Book of Mormon so that they might feed the needs of a spiritually famished world."
*** May 27, 2004 JOURNAL: Day Two
The workings of the spirit are amazing here.
I feel so blessed.
Our district is so great. The Elders really treat Sis. Wagstaff and me with a lot of respect. It's nice that our group is growing together. It makes it a lot easier for class discussion and for the spirit to be present there. I've found a great desire to know everything I possibly can about this gospel. It know it's true. I'm so very grateful for our teachers, Sis. King and Bro. Robinson. They are so supportive and knowledgeable. So much good! So much to write, but so little words.
I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know that it was restored its fullness and that is what we have on the earth today. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that he was chosen to to help the work of the Lord. I know that among other things, Joseph Smith, restored the power of the priesthood and it is with that authority that the church is operated and directed today.
GOOD: got to some classes on time, bore testimony twice, awesome district.
COMPANION: humble, not judgmental, art/photo major, gracious
GOALS FOR TOMORROW: Take every opportunity to learn by the spirit, bear testimony, patience, love, smile, talk to district.
16 November 2012
On growing up. It's interesting that each day I spend with my kids the more like a responsible adult I feel. Especially when it comes to getting things done for them. I mean, yes, they will look cute in whatever outfit I buy for them or playing with a new toy. What I'm talking about is getting paperwork done and getting them signed up for activities. Lloyd was recently awarded a scholarship to attend preschool. Yesterday we were getting things set up with the school so he can start attending soon. Nake'u and I have wanted Lloyd to attend preschool for some time, but financially it wasn't something we could afford on our own right now. And I think, in my heart of hearts, I didn't want Lloyd to be old enough for preschool. But, I know all my denial about Lloyd's age will only hinder his progress if I don't start letting go more and more. I knew from the day he was born that that was the last day he was going to belong only to Nake'u and me. I knew, consciencely that each day my task would be to give him more and more independence until the day he moves out of the house and on with his life. Working on all the paperwork that needs to get done and an additional doctor's appointment that needed to be scheduled makes it more and more real that my little baby boy that we brought home four years ago is truly growing into a handsome young man, intelligent and respectable.
On being sick. Last week I blogged about holding my sick girl. Not long thereafter I got whatever the babies had. Now, a week later, I am still dealing with this cold. It's crazy. I don't like feeling sick. I have always believed that catching a cold was Heavenly Father's way of telling me I need to take some time and slow down a bit. But, I don't like that! Today has been a recoup day from all of yesterday's errands and dinner with the missionaries, through which I allowed myself to be on my feet almost all day. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I weren't also pregnant and keeping myself off of more medications than I would have kept away from myself usually. I feel so lazy, being in bed most of the day and looking around the house and feeling unaccomplished.
"I have a vision of thousands of missionaries going into the mission field with hundreds of passages memorized from the Book of Mormon so that they might feed the needs of a spiritually famished world."
*** May 27, 2004 JOURNAL: Day Two
The workings of the spirit are amazing here.
I feel so blessed.
Our district is so great. The Elders really treat Sis. Wagstaff and me with a lot of respect. It's nice that our group is growing together. It makes it a lot easier for class discussion and for the spirit to be present there. I've found a great desire to know everything I possibly can about this gospel. It know it's true. I'm so very grateful for our teachers, Sis. King and Bro. Robinson. They are so supportive and knowledgeable. So much good! So much to write, but so little words.
I know the gospel of Jesus Christ is true. I know that it was restored its fullness and that is what we have on the earth today. I know that Joseph Smith was a prophet and that he was chosen to to help the work of the Lord. I know that among other things, Joseph Smith, restored the power of the priesthood and it is with that authority that the church is operated and directed today.
GOOD: got to some classes on time, bore testimony twice, awesome district.
COMPANION: humble, not judgmental, art/photo major, gracious
GOALS FOR TOMORROW: Take every opportunity to learn by the spirit, bear testimony, patience, love, smile, talk to district.
16 November 2012
On growing up. It's interesting that each day I spend with my kids the more like a responsible adult I feel. Especially when it comes to getting things done for them. I mean, yes, they will look cute in whatever outfit I buy for them or playing with a new toy. What I'm talking about is getting paperwork done and getting them signed up for activities. Lloyd was recently awarded a scholarship to attend preschool. Yesterday we were getting things set up with the school so he can start attending soon. Nake'u and I have wanted Lloyd to attend preschool for some time, but financially it wasn't something we could afford on our own right now. And I think, in my heart of hearts, I didn't want Lloyd to be old enough for preschool. But, I know all my denial about Lloyd's age will only hinder his progress if I don't start letting go more and more. I knew from the day he was born that that was the last day he was going to belong only to Nake'u and me. I knew, consciencely that each day my task would be to give him more and more independence until the day he moves out of the house and on with his life. Working on all the paperwork that needs to get done and an additional doctor's appointment that needed to be scheduled makes it more and more real that my little baby boy that we brought home four years ago is truly growing into a handsome young man, intelligent and respectable.
On being sick. Last week I blogged about holding my sick girl. Not long thereafter I got whatever the babies had. Now, a week later, I am still dealing with this cold. It's crazy. I don't like feeling sick. I have always believed that catching a cold was Heavenly Father's way of telling me I need to take some time and slow down a bit. But, I don't like that! Today has been a recoup day from all of yesterday's errands and dinner with the missionaries, through which I allowed myself to be on my feet almost all day. I guess it wouldn't be so bad if I weren't also pregnant and keeping myself off of more medications than I would have kept away from myself usually. I feel so lazy, being in bed most of the day and looking around the house and feeling unaccomplished.
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!
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