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!

Muht

My first experience "muht"-ing

***June 25, 2004 JOURNAL: Down Pour!
          We walked about a million miles today!  From one end of our area to the other!
          Service: muht - We pulled weeds for Yolanda and her "cousin-in-law"  I felt pretty dumb pulling up weeds in a FOREST!  Mostly because it's a forest and because I couldn't tell the difference between plant life and weed.  But, then I thought to myself, if it were my yard, I'd be happy to have anything growing at all.  Then I started thinking straight and decided that if t were my yard (if you can call a mountain side a yard) then I wouldn't want weeds cluttering it up.  We were able to get to Yolanda's and back safely using the river.
          After lunch we walked from our apartment, clear out to the otherside of our area.  We visited Norma to tell her the baptism that was supposed to be tonight has once again been pstponed.  It's been postponed again and again since April.  Our next appointment, Diana, wasn't at home.  On our walk from there we got to pass the overlook.  So pretty!  I wish I had had my camera.  We saw the rain clouds coming in, turned to walk away and the rain came down, hard.  We looked back and the mountain "scenery" was gone.  The clouds were so low and the rain was so thick that you couldn't see through.  The rain has put a damper on our ability to work.  For one second I thought to myself, "Why did I get sent here?"  Then I remembered, "This is where the Lord wants me.  This is where I need to be."  Must work harder!

28 May 2013

TRANSLATION STATION

God’s whole purpose—His work and His glory—is to enable each of us to enjoy all His blessings. He has provided a perfect plan to accomplish His purpose. We understood and accepted this plan before we came to the earth. In the scriptures God’s plan is called a merciful plan, the plan of happiness, the plan of redemption, and the plan of salvation.

Jesus Christ is central to God’s plan. Through His Atonement, Jesus Christ fulfilled His Father’s purpose and made it possible for each of us to enjoy immortality and eternal life. Satan, or the devil, is an enemy to God’s plan.

Sapwellimen Koht ah koasoandi pwon - Sapweillime doadoahk oh Sapwellime klori - iei en kin ketin sewese emenemen kitail en pereniki Sapwillime kapai kan koaros.  Eh ketkihong kitail ehu pilan unsek en imwisekila Sapwillime koasoandi.  Kitail wewehkiher oh aledahr pilahnwet mown atail kodonhger sampah.  Nan pwuhk sarawio Sapwellimen Koht ah pilano adahniki pilahn en kalahngan, pilahn en peren, pilahn en poadoandoar oh pilahn en kamour.

Sises Krais iei me keiu en kesempwal nan Sapwellimen Koht ah pilahn.  Sang ni Sapwillimen Sises Krais ah tohnpen dihpankitail, Sises Krais ketin imwisekilahr Sapwellimen Koht ah koasoandio oh wiahda ehu ahl pwen emenemen kitail en ka pereniki mour kokohlate or mour soutik.  Sedahn de tepelo iei imwintihti en Sapwellimen Koht ah pilahn.

Yolan and Petir - the first time

Oh, the beginning of the Pohnpeian people that stole my heart!

***June 24, 2004 JOURNAL: In a Rain Forest
          The rain was our enemy today.  (The rain is never my enemy - we got to play in the rain!!!)  We walked to a couple of houses but since it was raining a lot of people (in general) were still asleep.  So, we came home for an early lunch.  We met a lady named Yolanda.  I order to get to her house we have to go trekking through the forest on a (muddy) footpath and cross a river, then walk a little ways before getting to her house.  We tried to get to Yolanda's house earlier in the morning, but the river was too high and the current was running too fast, that's when we came home for lunch. Sister Garside baked a cake for Peter (Yolanda's husband) during our lunch break then we tried to get out to Yolanda's house again.  We all went in slippers.  This time the river was much nicer.  We talked to Yolanda about faith and had a little birthday celebration.  By then the rain had started up again.  The river was running way too high so we had to take a "back road."  I like to call them foot paths.  Two-hours later we got to the main road, caught a taxi and came home.  We waited out the rain a while and met with another lady.

20 May 2013
A Test on Organization:  I am learning that the more organized I am the more successful I feel.  I spent a goodly amount of time last night organizing my week this week.  I wanted to accomplish more this week than I normally set out to accomplish.  "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail."  We'll see if I organized and planed enough to accomplish my goals of blogging week daily, gospel study and scripture reading daily, couponing and starting a freezer "stockpile" in addition to the normal cooking and home cleaning.

A Sunday Review

We had awesome talks in Sacrament Meeting from two high-council speakers on OBEDIENCE!

Brother Porter shared a story about a dog they had while living in Texas.  He said they walked her on a particular path that would protect her from harm and heat.  However, she occasionally enjoyed running away and off the path.  When this happened she would be heard not to long latter whimpering or crying because of a thorn in her foot.  Brother Porter related this to our lives.  About how sometimes we get off the path of the straight and narrow, sin then need help to get back.  We do learn over time how to stay on the path and how to be obedient.  He mentioned that sometimes in life we may simply try to cover our disobedience with bandages instead of fully repenting and getting the thorn taken out of our feet.  Brother Porter testified the times he felt the power and influence of the spirit were times when he was most obedient.

Brother Magoay said the focus of his talk was to help us increase our faith and our power to be obedient.  He said, in our flesh lies our weakness but in our spirit lies our desires to do right and return to heaven.  Our lives are a struggle to overcome the flesh and choose to be obedient.  He said that we are obedient for three reasons: first we obey because we don't want to be punished, then we obey because we want the reward and finally we reach a point where we are obedient because we love God.  We continue to learn obedience to prove ourselves and to prepare ourselves for the glory we will inherit.  We are disobedient for two reasons: we are weak and we are deceived.  Brother Magoay closed with, "In the commandments is safety.  In the commandments lies the dilema to be obedient or to give way to carnal desires."

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:

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:

The Price of Success

First letter to President Pulsipher.  The pre-Preach My Gospel form where we still had to report all kinds of hours and stuff. Still on Guam for this one.

***6/16-6/20/2004 Missionary Weekly Report
President Pulsipher,
          It's been a good first week.
          One of my most spiritual experiences this week was on Friday night.  We were meeting with a girl named Tricia that lives in the apartment complex across the parking lot.  We were reading the introduction to the Book of Mormon with her.  It was amazing for me to hear each of the sisters bear their personal testimonies of the Book of Mormon as we discussed the introduction with her.  I feel so very blessed to have had the opportunity to be with the sisters here.  Their spirits are so strong and I know, they know of the truthfulness of this gospel and that strengthened my testimony.
          In my study of the gospel this week, I've used my "personal Book of Mormon" study time to read 2 Nephi 9.  At the MTC, our branch president, President Chapman, invited us to read 2 Nephi 9 everyday for 30 days to gain a better understanding of the atonement.  So, I've been doing that for almost a week, but his morning I decided to break it down, and it took the whole of of study time to get me through the first six versus.  It was well worth it.  I earned some of the covenants the Lord made with his people.  I thought it was interesting that Christ made promises to the Jews and the Gentiles.  Isaiah talks about the redemption of Jerusalem in Isaiah 52:2.  Then Jacob talks about the church and the truth being restored in 2 Nephi 6:10-15 and about, how the Lord will not be ashamed of his people and all other people will be destroyed.  I guess I had just never thought about the Lord making specific promises to all his people.  It reminded me that the Lord knows us, individually and he knows our needs and what is to come.
          In my studies this week I made a goal to study out of the missionary study guide, and to be able to pray in Pohnpeian.

Quote to Sister Pulsipher:
          "... I have reached the conclusion that some men succeed because they cheerfully pay the price of success and others though they claim ambition and a desire to succeed, are unwilling to pay that price....  To have a high and sustained determination to put over what you plan to accomplish, not if circumstances be favorable to it's accomplishment, but in spit of all adverse circumstances which may arise."

3 May 2013

Here is the entire quote I found on-line so I could properly cite it because I had it from "anon".

I often wonder what it is that brings one man success in life, and what it is that brings mediocrity or failure to his brother. The difference can't be in mental capacity; there is not the difference in our mentalities indicated by the difference in performance. In short, I have reached the conclusion that some men succeed because they cheerfully pay the price of success, and others, though they may claim ambition and a desire to succeed, are unwilling to pay that price.

And the price is...

To use all your courage to force yourself to concentrate on the problem in hand, to think of it deeply and constantly, to study it from all angles, and to plan.

To have a high and sustained determination to put over what you plan to accomplish, not if circumstances be favorable to its accomplishment, but in spite of all adverse circumstances which may arise and nothing worthwhile has ever been accomplished without some obstacles having been overcome.

To refuse to believe that there are any circumstances sufficiently strong to defeat you in the accomplishment of your purpose.

Hard? I should say so. That's why so many men never attempt to acquire success, answer the siren call of the rut and remain on the beaten paths that are for beaten men. Nothing worthwhile has ever been achieved without constant endeavor, some pain and constant application of the lash of ambition.


That's the price of success as I see it. And I believe every man should ask himself: Am I willing to endure the pain of this struggle for the comforts and the rewards and the glory that go with achievement? Or shall I accept the uneasy and inadequate contentment that comes with mediocrity? Am I willing to pay the Price of Success?

According to wikipedia (so you know it's true) this is from Joseph Johnson French. Or you can believe Google who credits  H. F. de Bower with his ending of "And the time to begin is now" tacked on at the end.

The Desire Model - how to get what we desire

Some of this is way outdated o.O as we didn't get Preach My Gospel until I was six or eight months out.  Also, I believe we went over the Control Model this day too, but I didn't take any extra notes on it.  The control model can also be viewed in the models tab.

***06/18/2004 Orientation: Day Two, Part Two
         1. Desire Model (see model tab /\)
               A. 1 Nephi 2:16 - I did believe
               B. Alma 29:1-4 - God works according to our desires
               C. Mark 9:23 - All things are possible if we believe it
               D. Hebrews 11 - faith
               E. Ether 12 - faith
               F. Isaiah 55:8-9 - thy will be done
               G. Jacob 4:6 - in obtaining all these witnesses we develop hope

          2. Building the kingdom --> Build the people
               A. Baptize worthy converts
                    1) Doctrine and Covenants 20:37
                    2) A testimony of the restoration
               B. Strengthening New converts
                    1) A Friend - Members are the key.  Try to get a member at every discussion
                    2) Responsibility - Calling
                    3) Nourishing by the word of God - continue to teach
                         a) six discussions for new missionaries
                         b) re-teach the six standard discussions

               C. Strengthen Leadership

23 April 2013

This week I am studying Elder Ballard's talk, "This is My Work and My Glory"

This morning I was reading in 2 Nephi.  Chapter 31 talks about Christ's baptism.  It says that Christ was baptized to fulfill all righteousness and to show us that He, Jesus Christ, was willing to follow and keep the commandments of His (and our) Father.  In verse 10 we are reminded that Jesus Christ commands us to follow Him and ends with this phrase, "can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?"  As Jesus Christ was willing to follow the commandments, we too should keep the commandments and directions of our Heavenly Father.  In the MTC we were taught the value of obedience with exactness.  As I was out in the mission field I learned that if I was diligent in being obedient to the commandments of the Lord in all things, I would be blessed with the knowledge and help I desired.

Each weekday morning (weather permitting) we walk Lloyd to school.  After six weeks I was cleared by my doctor to return to "life as usual," kind of.  I decided it was time to start working down the baby fat.  I am fully aware of the rule of thumb that it took nine months to gain the weight and it should take at least that long to loose the extra weight.

I wasn't quite ready to return to the gym again, so I thought taking a walk in the morning after dropping Lloyd off at school would be the way to go.  In the first few weeks I lost, nothing.  I thought to myself, I'm walking further than I used to, pushing a stroller with two kiddies and sometimes carrying a third baby in the baby carrier.  How am I not losing the pound a week that is recommended?  So I decided to cut back on sweets going back to the no sweets after 8pm rule that I like to keep.  After another week of that I still lost no weight.  Note that I didn't gain any weight either.  I thought to myself, well if I'm not going to lose weight whether or not I keep all these rules, then I might as well give up on it and do whatever makes me happy.

I didn't give up.  I decided it was time to increase the intensity.  So I implemented a half block jog, half block walk routine (when I only have two babies, and am not watching my infant client).  After the first morning I felt slow.  I could barely make it.  But walking past a bunch of skinny-bodied high school girls gives one motivation beyond belief!  So I kept at it. A few mornings I woke up and got out and thought, I just don't have time to do this today.  Then I began thinking, the faster I move, the faster I will get home.  The faster I move, the faster I will get home.

Now, almost four weeks later, I am finally starting to hit that pound a week mark and it feels great! Also the benefits are great for my self esteem and my food choices during the day.  I still eat sweets during the day if they are around and I want it, but not as much and not after 8pm unless I am not paying attention to the time.

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

The Parable of the Bean Bag Frog

I know I said that today's post would cover the Parable of the Bean Bag Frog, Cornelius and Elder Holland's Talk.  There is, however too much that goes with the Cornelius story so it will have to wait for the next post.  Elder Hollands talk will also have to be in another post on account of how long this post is.  Kapwuramahk!  (sorry!)

***06/17/04 Orientation Notes: Day One, Part Two
          1. Principles of the Bean Bag Frog
               a. problem/need
               b. do your part: ask
               c. listen/act

CONFESSION: I don't have my copy of the Parable of the Bean Bag Frog.  I have used it's principles and am still working on trying to find it.  Although, I think I gave it away (my copy of the story, not my frog).  So, I'm also trying to get a new copy from the source, along with permission to use it here.  I have added a page (/\)with an edited version of a one I found on someone else's blog.

          Here's the basic run-down of "The Parable of the Bean Bag Frog"
A true story about our mission president, President Pulsipher, his wife, Sister Pulsipher, and their daughter Kristen.

• Kristen lost her bean bag frog that she loved.
• Kristen's dad asked her if God knew everything, and therefore knew where her frog was.
• Kristen and her dad prayed and asked God to help them find her frog
• Kristen's dad told Kristen they needed to wait and pictures would come to their heads of where to look
• Whenever a picture came to mind they went to look
• They prayed as a family that night for more help
• Kristen's mom woke up, in the middle of the night and found Kristen's frog

Here are some of the things we can learn from "The Parable of the Bean Bag Frog"

• God knows all things
• God can help us with everything and anything that is good
• We need to ask God for the help that we need
• God communicates with us, through the Holy Ghost,by sending us thoughts and ideas or pictures to our minds and feelings to our hearts
• We need to wait quietly, ponder and study in order to receive answers to our prayers
• God sometimes answers our prayers through others

President Pulsipher used to share a story about how he would get help at work. He worked for an engineering company in computer software production.  Sometimes he would reach a point where the software wouldn't do what it was supposed to do.  He would ask Heavenly Father for help in the following format, "Heavenly Father, I have a problem and I need your help.  Will you please help to me ..."  Then he would wait for the answer to come.  And the answer would come to his mind as pictures and thoughts and he would be able to work out his problem.

The interesting ending to the story is that Sister Pulsipher is the one who found the frog up high on a shelf, in a place no one considered.  She was able to receive the answer to the prayer when her mind was quiet and open.  Sometimes we pray and ask God for help and go on expecting an answer, which is good.  But the noise of being busy during the day, and focusing on other things doesn't leave our minds open to hearing the quiet promptings that God is sending to us.   When we especially need answers from God, it does well for us to find a quiet place to think, ponder and listen for God's answers.  Then when we receive an answer we must act on it.  Even if we don't understand how it will work out in the end.  We need to trust that God knows all things and can help us with all things.  I know that God will always answer us, because God loves us and wants us to be happy.

Next Post: Cornelius (for reals!)

Now onto the literal mountain of dishes that need to be done ... :) Happy Friday.

New Missionary Orientation and Coupon Extravaganza

The awesome notes from orientation.  It was after the first day of orientation that I realized the mistake in writing in pencil.  It's a good thing I'm trying to decipher this now and not ten years from now ... it may be too faded by then.

I broke this down into two parts so it doesn't get too lengthy all at once

***06/17/04 Orientation Notes: Day One, Part One
          - Doctrine and Covenants 31:3

"Lift up your heart and rejoice, for the hour of your mission is come; and your tongue shall be loosed, and you shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation."

          - 2 Nephi 4:16

 "Behold, my soul delighteth in the things of the Lord; and my heart pondereth continually upon the things which I have seen and heard."

          1. Internet Analogy:
               a. The Holy Ghost is the internet of the mind
               b. It connects to the giant search engine: Heavenly Father.
          2. Another Analogy:
               a. The battery starts the engine (<-- power)
               b. Obedience starts the spiritual engine (<-- the Holy Ghost)
               c. the power of the gospel is in the spirit
          3. Learn the language of the spirit
              (we are the limitation of the spirit)
               a. Doctrine and Covenants 130:22 - the Holy Ghost is a personage of spirit
               b. John 19:26 - the Holy Ghost can teach all things, bring all things to remembrance
               c. Doctrine and Covenants 8:2-3 - tell your mind and heart
               d. Jacob 4:13 - speaketh the truth plainly - teaches things as they really are
               e. John 15:26 - testifies of Christ
               f. 2 Nephi 2:10 - law = blessings or punishments

18 April 2013

Yesterday I went to a couponing seminar at the Honolulu Advertiser Building in Kapolei.  I learned some great new things!

I've been couponing now for almost two years, picking up tips and tricks here and there.  The benefit of this seminar is that it was free, which means most of the information was very basic.  The catch (because there's no such thing as a free lunch) is they try to get you to buy subscriptions to the Sunday paper.  Our household already has two subscriptions to the Sunday paper (this is the only sure way to get all the coupons), but you can get up to five subscriptions if you go to the seminar.  For now, two subscriptions is enough for our family.

          Here's what I learned:

Principles of Couponing:

1. Use a coupon when something is on sale
2. Use multiples of the same coupon to stock up on a particular sale item

Important things to know:

1. You need to know the coupon policies of the stores at which you want to use coupons.  (see coupon page /\)
2. It is suggested that you get one subscription to the Sunday paper per member of your family
3. You don't need to use every coupon!
4. If a coupon expires, Let it go.  And preferably let it go to a warehouse where they will ship it overseas because military families can use expired coupons for up to six months past the expiry date

So I usually lug around a giant binder full of all the coupons I clip and print.  Then look up all the match-ups, search coupon databases and set up scenarios.  Doing all this work takes me 10s of hours each week.

Yesterday I learned how to use a filing system instead

<<First: Get inserts from Sunday paper and write the date

>>Second: Put into filing folder

<<Third: Clip as needed

*keep coupons for five months then trash or donate to military families





They also talked about a new website that should take out all the work from finding match-up and creating scenarios at: staradvertiser.com/smartshopper

So, exciting.  When I get to using the website next week, I'll post about it.

Next Post: Bean Bag Frogs, Cornelius and Thoughts on Elder Holland's Talk

God Knows Me, He Really Knows Me

I left this one short on purpose, without adding any of the notes I took that day at orientation.  Sister Wagstaff and I were staying with the Traveling (in charge of taking the sisters to and from the airport and to their areas on the island) Sister, Sister Leishman who would become her companion.

***June 17, 2004 JOURNAL: First Day In Guam - Guam North Zone, Area: Macheche
          So, I'm going to Pohnpei!  I'm so tired right now I can't even think straight and it's barely 9:30.  Good times.  Soo tired.

16 April 2013 God Knows Me

I decided to take some time this morning to work on a new crocheting project.  After working for almost an hour, I realized that I had done it wrong!  The good thing about crocheting is that if you make a mistake, all you have to do is undo it to the point where the mistake is and re-work the project.  The bad thing is you have to take it out.  I guess it was good that I realized at that point instead of later on, down the line, but one of my serious pet peeves is wasted time.  A near hour's worth of work gone, and I can't get that hour back.  Then of course, at that very moment of frustration all the babies start to cry for attention all at once o.O.  I decided to put the crocheting project down feeling defeated.  Then I received, from a number not saved to my contacts list, the following text:

CONSIDER IT ALL JOY, WHEN U ENCOUNTER VARIOUS TRIALS, KNOWING THAT THE TESTING OF UR FAITH PRODUCES ENDURANCE.  LET ENDURANCE HAVE ITS PERFECT RESULT, SO THAT U MAY

Thanks to a little google action it is a variation on James 1:2-4 (KJV),

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 

"Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. 

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

I still sometimes believe that everything should be perfect if I'm doing my part to do all I can do.  Although, I know this is not real.  I know that even if I am doing my best everyday, temptations and trials will still happen.  But, especially when I'm doing my best and even at my worse I know the Lord is with me.  I know he knows me and that he can communicate with me, even if it is through a text that may have been intended for someone else, showing up on my phone.

We made it out!

Not that there was anything wrong with being in the MTC ...

***June 15, 2004 JOURNAL: Plane Ride to Guam
          We just passed over the international date line.  Back in Utah it's about 10:30 pm, LIGHTS OUT!
          It's been an eventful day.  I didn't get to bed until about 1 am.
          Yesterday was interesting.  Elder Duthrie and Elder Wagner did leave before the sun came up.  The rest of us got to go to the temple.  Always a good experience.  We didn't do sealings this time though.  I feel as if I wrote about a million letters yesterday.  But I know it was only five or six.  I really want to be able to write to more people, but I'll will do the best I can in the time I'm given.  I can't believe our MTC time is already over.  Sad.  I'm going to miss these Elders.  I don't know if I'll ever see them again.  Lots of goodbyes.
          Sister Wagstaff and I slept through the alarm this morning.  Two sisters came to get us at 4:30 am.  The time we were supposed to be at the travel office.  We left 45 minutes later with another group.  We made it to the airport in time for our flight to Hawaii.  I told Sister Wagstaff her job was to make sure I get back on the plane in Hawaii to go to Guam.  Our flight from Hawaii to Guam was delayed two more hours, giving us a four hour lay over in Hawaii (hello!).  But it was good.  I called home, talked to those folks.  Dad is the new branch president with Brother (William) Michael Sessions and Brother Herbert Franco as counselors.  Called Greg mostly to offer my condolences about his dad being in the branch presidency.  I can't believe that it has been almost a month.  Greg once said that time in the mission field flies faster than in the MTC.  Too fast!
          GOOD: Got on a plane in Hawaii, didn't stay home, got to talk to family and friends, I feel good about this
          COMPANION: has a new nephew, good humored, conversationalist, understands the gospel, understands the Book of Mormon, is willing to help those in need

15 April 2013 God Knows Me, Yes He Does

I remember sitting in district meeting after the our last devotional meeting and the question coming up about calling home at the airport.  I remember President Eddy saying, he had no official position on whether or not we used the airport phones to call home.

I remember having the realization that I would be flying home before going onto Guam.  I also knew that while at the Honolulu Airport I could have, at anytime, called some friends to come and get me and I would have never made it to Guam or Pohnpei.  Luckily for myself, and the two hour layover that stretched into a four hour layover, I had a better sense of purpose related to the work I was about to do.

Last week I studied, "For Peace At Home" by Elder Scott.  His talk will probably still be referred to. This week I am moving to Elder Holland's talk, "Lord, I Believe."

Yesterday, I was sitting in sacrament meeting letting myself get down on my kids behavior and feeling weighed down by some seemingly minuscule trials.  I wrote down my complaints about why do we bring our kids to church when we have to struggle with them for the hour of sacrament meeting and so on, and so forth.  Then I looked at the Relief Society Lesson for that day and read the following tagline quote from President Lorenzo Snow, "Every man and woman who serves the Lord, no matter how faithful they may be, have their dark hours; but if they have lived faithfully, light will burst upon them and relief will be furnished."  It was a tender moment, where I knew the Lord was hearing my pleas for understanding.  But God didn't stop there.  The missionaries shared the following thoughts when they each bore their testimonies:

• Doctrine and Covenants 58: 2, 4, "...he that is faithful in tribulation, the reward of the same is greater in the kingdom of heaven. ... For after much tribulation come the blessings. Wherefore the day cometh that ye shall be crowned with much glory; the hour is not yet, but is nigh at hand."
• trials deepen our faith and our understanding
• it's not up to us to remove ourselves from the refiner's fire
• trials as a missionary taught him that life after serving a mission won't be all smiles and butterflies
• the Lord will strengthen us as we are obedient and serve diligently in our callings
• where there are trials, the Lord is there also
• the Lord will not tempt us, but he will try us

The lesson in Relief Society was entitled, "Faithfulness in Times of Trial: 'From the Shadows into the Glorious Sunshine.'"

• The Lord has determined in His heart that He will try us until He knows what He can do with us
• He will try us,and continue to try us, in order that He may place us in the highest positions in life and put upon us the most sacred responsibilities

Heavenly Father saw me coming and met my needs in church.  He answered the prayers I didn't realize I had be saying and comforted my soul.

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.

Happy + Happy = Happy

Trying to be more organized to get blogging done!

*** June 11, 2004 JOURNAL: A Startling Realization
          We were talking about judgement in class.  Elder Duthrie made a good point.  The reason Christ will be our judge is because he knows us.  he's been through everything with us.  He's been trough everything with me.  And even with the wrong choices I've made in live, he never turns his back on me when I need him.  He never fails me.  He never fails to forgive me.  Perhaps, Greg is right, and  I need to begin to forgive myself.  The little things that I let hinder myself that I've repented of, the Lord doesn't even recognize any more.

8 April 2013

And we're back!  Nothing like a General Conference weekend to help me re-inspire my life. I read or heard somewhere of someone studying one talk per week to study and ponder.  I'm going to try that this year.  This week I'll be studying Elder Richard G. Scott's talk.

We were blessed this last weekend to spend some time in Waikiki.  Some time "away" from home to focus on spending time with each other and with the babies.  The babies didn't want to leave the hotel room.  And of course it was nice not having to clean up everyday for a few days.  We had all kinds of great adventures.  But the best moments were spent together with the babies smiling and having fun.

Lloyd's birthday was yesterday.  On Saturday night we wanted to eat at a fun place that would sing Happy Birthday to him.  We went to the Old Spaghetti Factory for the first time.  The food was yummy and we had a great time.  Our waiter was admittedly scatter-brained, but he did a good job.  Lloyd was a bit shy about them singing happy birthday to him, but he fully enjoyed the cake.

I used to think that when things were going good that something bad was bound to happen.  And perhaps  that caused me to make bad things out of regular things that happen in life.  I am coming to know that just because things are going good and happy times are stringing themselves together doesn't mean that some bad time destroyer needs to breakup the fun.  In the book of 2 Nephi we learn that we are here to have joy.  God wants us to be happy.  Hard times do come, but even in those times we can still find happiness and joy in life, especially when our lives are centered on the gospel of Jesus Christ and our families.

The baby hates blogging time

***6/9/06 NOTES: Group Meeting on the Book of Mormon by Brother Dollar
          A. 2 Nephi 4:15 - upon these I write the things of my soul
          B. How did we get the Book of Mormon?
               1.  Translated by the prophet Joseph Smith.  It is convincing evidence that Joseph Smith is a true prophet of God.
               2.  If we remember how we got the Book of Mormon, we ill know how to use it.
                     Written by prophets --> abridged by Mormon --> hidden up by Moroni --> preserved by God --> translated by Joseph Smith
          C. What is the central message of the Book of Mormon?
               1.  It is another testament of Jesus Christ
               2.  Charity is the pure love of Christ.  Christ is pure love
               3.  He will not fail, his love will not fail, his church will not fail.
          D. Use the Book of Mormon to teach
               1.  Teach from it's fullness
               2.  1 Nephi 1:20 - the tender mercies of the Lord are upon all that believe
          E. How Can You Use the Book of Mormon?
               1.  1 Nephi 19:23 - liken all scriptures to ourselves
               2.  If your investigators never read the Book of Mormon, they'll never know it's true

***6/9/04 STUDY JOURNAL: Mosiah 29
          The Lord will answer our prayers if we are humble

***June 9, 2004 JOURNAL
           Kind of a somber morning for our district.  Kind of an off day, I think.  Like we were all in a down mood.
          We went to the referral center.  It wasn't as good an experience as before.  Probably because I wasn't that into it and neither was the rest of the district.
          I am a little excited that I get to play piano in the branch on Sunday.
          I don't know why I'm feeling down today.  Probably because I was telling Sister Hansen (who is assigned to the Hawaii Honolulu Mission) more about home.  Maybe I'm getting sick.
          GOOD: ran 1/2 mile, walked 1/2 mile with companion
          COMPANION: helped me make my bed
          GOALS: smile more, have a good day tomorrow, practice piano

14 March 2013 - The Baby Hates Blogging Time
Or Tactac just doesn't like being put down so I can type at the computer.  I think, he thinks I should be able to do both: carrying him and typing.  Come on Mommy!

When I was reading and typing my above journal entry I noticed how much enthusiasm for the day affects the day.  I wasn't in the mood to work that day and so what could have been great experiences at the referral center suffered because of my mood.  It's also true about chores.  The more I manage to be enthusiastic about the chores I dislike most: washing the dishes and folding clothes, the quicker they get done.  It's one of those, you've gotta fake it till you make it moments.

For a couple of weeks I had a story stuck in my head.  I was almost (but not entirely) sure it was told by President Henry B. Eyring and I thought it was at the last general conference.   It was about President Eyring's daughter who was pregnant and needed help and her visiting teaching companion shows up at her door.  But I could not remember anything else about the talk.  I read through a number of conference talks by President Eyring and couldn't find it. I watched through talks from last general conference thinking I may have confused speakers.  I could not find it.  In asking the Lord I felt I should Google it.  So I typed in the search bar: "President Eyring talk about daughter."  I didn't know how else to search it.  The first website listed had the right reference!  It was last conference.  It was President Eyring.  It was a talk given during the Relief Society general broadcast entitled, "The Caregiver."  My favorite quote from this talk is the tag line,"You will be strengthened and yet inspired to know the limits and extent of your ability to serve."  It really is a useful quote for me.  Sometimes I see other sisters in the ward with all their kids, or working and taking care of their family and I think to myself, I can barely handle three kids that barely listen to us as parents, that refuse to sit still in Sacrament meeting and everything else.  Reading this talk helped me feel better about what I am trying to do in the home and about our parenting skills.  It also reminded me of the talk by President Uchtdorf, "Forget me Not" which helped me stop comparing my weaknesses to the the strength of others.  The words of prophets bringing meaning and comfort to my life and the things I see as challenges.  It's easy for me to assume that I'm the only one that doesn't have it all together.  That I'm the only one that can't keep my house in order.  That I'm the only one that dislikes folding clothes that will end up on the floor and out of drawers within hours of all being neatly put away.  That I'm the only one that can't make it through the day without occasionally throwing my hands up in the air and wanting to give up on the day.  But, when I manage to push all of that clutter and noise out of my mind and focus on doing my best, not compared nor comparable to others, then I feel a greater sense of pride in my day and in my accomplishments.  And I know that as long as I am doing my best, the Lord will continue to strengthen me and my family.

Sometimes things work out different

The Uchdorf's pre-apostleship:

***6/9/04 NOTES: Devotional
     1. Sister Uchtdorf
          A. Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow citizens with the Saints and house of Israel
          B. Sacrifices bring blessings
          C. The biggest sacrifice we can make is to give up everything to the Lord.

     2. Brother Uchdorf
          A. Serve the Lord with all your heart, might, mind and strength.
               1) Serve the way you promised to.
               2) This is our opportunity to give it our all everyday
          B. You are here to find, teach, baptize, and confirm.  To help those young members become strong, faithful members
               1) You need to influence them for good, to keep the commandments after they are baptized so they never fall away.
               2)Prepare them to go to the temple - focus on the temple early - all roads lead to the temple
               3) We need to be missionaries with a purpose.
               4) They need to be taught by missionaries with strong testimonies and the desire to teach by the spirit
          C.  Teach and bear testimony espeically of things not found in other churches
               1) Modern revelation - The prophet Joseph Smith
               2) Book of Mormon - a second witness
               3) The God head - three separate beings with one purpose
               4) The Plan of Salvation
               5) The Word of Wisdom
               6) Temple work - through revelation 
          D. You have to obtain, believe, love, live the doctrine
               1) Study, ponder and have questions, so you can find the answers to those questions
               2) Make it yours by believing it and living it
               3) Let these words sink deep into your heart, so you can teach it from your heart
               4) Depend on motivation and focus to study
               5) The message of the restoration is a true and valid foundation
               6) You need to have the powers of heaven to teach - obedience and personal worthiness requisite
               7) Be alert, exercise, shower and pray before study
          E. Our purpose is to teach the message of the restored gospel in such a way that both the missionary and the investigator are led by the spirit.
               1) If you want to teach from the heart, you must have something in your heart
               2) If you want to teach with conviction, you must have conviction
               3) If you want to teach with testimony, you must have a testimony
               4) Don't overestimate the power of your eloquence and attractiveness!
          F. Follow the guidance of the spirit they need to hear the simple gospel truths

*** 6/8/04 PERSONAL STUDY: Alma 17-18
          A. Characteristics of a Missionary
               1.  waxed strong in the knowledge of truth
               2.  sound understanding of the gospel of Jesus Christ
               3.  obtained the word of Christ
               4.  given to much prayer and fasting
               5.  have the spirit of prophecy, the spirit of revelation
               6.  they taught with the power and authority of God
          B. Alma the Younger and the sons of Mosiah did suffer - God tells them to be patient and they will be blessed
          C. Ammon
               1.  The flocks were scattered and Ammon recovered them (like missionary work)
               2. slinging stones? smiting arms? bring it on! whoo-hoo

*** June 8, 2004 JOURNAL: TUESDAY
          Well I didn't accomplish much of any goals.  It's way past 10:30 pm.  Sister Morris and Sister Sitake (different district, same branch) leave tomorrow morning, so we were saying our goodbyes.  Hard to think that will be us in a week.
          Tonight we did a spotlight on Christ - so good, such strong testimonies.  I'm so grateful for my district, they're the best.

13 March 2013
I had most of this typed out yesterday and never got to posting it.  Grrr!  It was one of those days where I had my day too, well mapped out.  One thing went wrong and my day went from what I considered a fully successful day to: if you walked into my house you'd wondered if I did anything at all.

So I had planned on sharing yesterday, and am doing so today, about how I started reading the Relief Society "Daughters in My Kingdom" book on Sunday.  I know we received it last year (or maybe earlier o.O) but I never made it past the first chapter.  I decided that since I attend Relief Society now it would be a good idea to know the history of Relief Society. In chapter 2, Joseph Smith is quoted from section 93 of the Doctrine and Covenants.  While Joseph Smith is counseling specific families, it is good counsel for me too: "First set in order thy house. ..."  A light bulb clicked on in my head when I read that.  So I set goals for myself to reach this week starting with Monday and cleaning the first floor.  Which I did fairly well.  It wasn't deep cleaning by any means, but the floors were clear of clutter and swept, the table was clean and most of the dishes were done.  Yesterday was my day to focus on laundry.  That plan went bust as I discovered a tiny hole in the drain hose of our washer.  My yesterday's plans crashed and burned and are still unrecognizable.  To add insult to injury we need a specific type of drain hose replacement for our washing machine.  So, while we are figuring out the logistics of replacing the drain hose we will temporarily mend the drain hose with plumbers tape.

Was my yesterday successful?  I'm not sure.  If I think about things that affect my "Celestial Worthiness" the cleanliness of my house plays a lesser role to the time I spent coloring with Pwopwo, walking Lloyd to school, rocking Itasca to sleep, talking on the phone with Nakeu and having dinner (at Denny's because I didn't even get to cooking dinner) with my family.  Lesser even to the time spent reading church materials and Sunday lessons.  Would it have been nice to be a step closer to getting our house in order?  Yes, definitely.   But that must be what today is for. ...  Unless God has another adventure in store for me ;)

As soon as this is posted today, it's time to put my shoulders to the wheel and push along in setting our house in order.