Remember when you were a little kid and were learning how to color, everyone told you to stay within the lines. It made a good picture instead of a messy one. 14 years later you learned about how a car needs to stay within the lines. It makes for good driving instead of going off the cliff on the right side or a head on collision on the left side.
Today in our Sunday School lesson we talked about this. The Lord also wants us to stay within the lines that he has set. He has set these lines to bless our lives. He wants to help us avoid disastrous consequences in our lives. They help us to be successful in this great plan of happiness he has given us.
In the ancient church we read about the apostles and prophets and 70's guiding the church. Paul especially sent letters to the churches telling them of the lines they were crossing, and what the results would be. He warned them of immorality, of being unified within the church, and of following the counsel from the prophets. They were not only ignored but were killed. Within 100 years there were no more apostles and prophets. The church and world fell into a long period of darkness called the dark ages.
Our testimony to you is that the Lord is again speaking through apostles and prophets because he has restored the gospel of Jesus Christ to the earth. It will not be lost again. There are now 15 apostles and prophets, hundreds of 70's, thousands of stake presidents, ten's of thousands of bishops. They will not be all killed off. Within our lifetime there will be thousands of 70's, ten's of thousands of stake presidents, hundred's of thousands of bishops. They will not be lost because the world is ready to listen to them. The question is "Are We".
These great prophets to us in this day are warning us about lines that we must not cross over. They are some of the same warnings given by the prophets of old but are specifically directed at the problems we face. Immorality, seeking for the things of the world, debt, selfishness.
There are plenty of people out there who are messing up their lives and experiencing misery because they cross the lines. We do not need to be a part of them. We will have enough of our own problems because we are a part of this mortal earth. We don't need to add to our struggles because we cross the lines. Crossing the lines never brings freedom, as some people seem to think. Staying within the lines gives us the freedom to enjoy all of the blessings Heavenly Father has for us. So be happy. Be free and seek for the joys of eternity. Stay well within the lines.
Love to you all. Have a good week.
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Monday, August 15, 2011
Let Us Oft Speak Kind Words
Our weekend in the branch started Saturday morning in the temple baptistry. Our stake had a temple day and we signed up to help in the baptistry. When we got there there were lots of people who wanted to help but few who wanted to be baptized. They had brought a lot of family file to do but had no youth. We decided to be "guests" or patrons and to be baptized and confirmed. Our Branch President did almost all the baptisms. His wife was also a "guest". When it was finally our turn at the end, He baptized Paul and then Paul baptized him and Susan. It was special to be able to be guests in the baptistry. Susan hadn't been in a font in years.
We taught our young girl who has autism later in the afternoon. On Sunday we taught our youth Sunday School class. It was nice to be able to bear our testimonies. We just hope that we are making a difference in their lives.
As we have been visiting with the less active members in the branch, we are beginning to notice a trend or a theme. Many of them have quit coming over the years because they have been criticized about their dress or appearance. Why is it that we feel a need to correct people when we see they are not applying a principle that we live in our lives?
This is something that we have been talking about in our temple preparation meetings for our whole mission. The presidency is trying to teach us as workers to not correct each other or the guests who come. It is almost always a sign of pride. We think we understand and live a principle so we want to correct those who don't. The minute we "correct" the spirit leaves and hard feelings result. It is so much better when we teach correct principles and let each person learn and correct themselves. We need to just love people and set a good example.
This is so true in all our relationships, especially at home. We pray that we might all have patience and love with each other. Let us care about each other, encourage each other, teach good principles, praise the good things that are being learned, and avoid pointing out the things that have not yet been applied.
We love you all and proud of how well you are doing in your families. We have loved looking at the pictures from the reunion and feeling the spirit that we have heard. Thank you Sandy and Kurt for organizing it. It couldn't have been better. (except if we could have been there).
We taught our young girl who has autism later in the afternoon. On Sunday we taught our youth Sunday School class. It was nice to be able to bear our testimonies. We just hope that we are making a difference in their lives.
As we have been visiting with the less active members in the branch, we are beginning to notice a trend or a theme. Many of them have quit coming over the years because they have been criticized about their dress or appearance. Why is it that we feel a need to correct people when we see they are not applying a principle that we live in our lives?
This is something that we have been talking about in our temple preparation meetings for our whole mission. The presidency is trying to teach us as workers to not correct each other or the guests who come. It is almost always a sign of pride. We think we understand and live a principle so we want to correct those who don't. The minute we "correct" the spirit leaves and hard feelings result. It is so much better when we teach correct principles and let each person learn and correct themselves. We need to just love people and set a good example.
This is so true in all our relationships, especially at home. We pray that we might all have patience and love with each other. Let us care about each other, encourage each other, teach good principles, praise the good things that are being learned, and avoid pointing out the things that have not yet been applied.
We love you all and proud of how well you are doing in your families. We have loved looking at the pictures from the reunion and feeling the spirit that we have heard. Thank you Sandy and Kurt for organizing it. It couldn't have been better. (except if we could have been there).
Monday, August 1, 2011
Branch Service Project
What a good weekend we had in Fredonia. We met a lady and her daughter that we can help. Her daughter is a 19 year old with cerebral palsy. She is taken by bus each day to a school where she can learn and work. They are not going to be able to continue to bus her if they do not get a ramp for the wheelchair at their home. She has become too tall and gangly for the assistants to carry down the front porch steps. We have worked with the Branch council and are going to be able to build this ramp for her. We also met a man who grew up in the church but has not been active for years. He is experienced in construction and wants to help us. He is in the middle of doing a complete remodel of his own home, but is excited to be able to help someone else. There is a 3rd brother in the branch who is going to help us also. He is an experienced handyman and has a pickup and tools including a gas powered posthole digger which we need for the ramp. He just moved in to the Branch 2 months ago. He bought an old vacant house that he is trying to make livable. Paul spent all day today designing the ramp and now we need to get the permit and start building it in a week or two. It was amazing that our visits this week built on each other. In the first one we recognized the need and in the 2nd one we found a brother to help us meet the need. The next day we met with the branch counsel and got the 3rd brother from that meeting. We feel that working together with these two men will open the door for us to be able to help them with their homes, lives and testimonies. The Lord has orchestrated this one beautifully. We are excited.
We were pretty discouraged last week end. Out of 10 families that we tried to find and visit, we only were able to get in and visit with 1. This week end we were determined to try them again and had five good visits out of five. When you keep trying even when you are discouraged, the Lord really blesses your efforts. We love it here!
We hear that the family reunion was a great success and everyone had a good time. Although we hated to miss it and missed being with all of our kids and grandkids terribly, it was a very sweet and satisfying feeling to know that great things happened without us. That prayers and devotionals were planned and attended to without our being there to prompt or remind. We weren't needed at all! The baton has been successfully passed and the next lap is being run strongly and winningly well. Well done! We are so proud of you all!
Don gave us a copy of all of the testimonies that went into Mike's scriptures. What a treasure! Thank you all! We love you all so very much and we are so pleased with how much love you show each other.
Have a great week!
We were pretty discouraged last week end. Out of 10 families that we tried to find and visit, we only were able to get in and visit with 1. This week end we were determined to try them again and had five good visits out of five. When you keep trying even when you are discouraged, the Lord really blesses your efforts. We love it here!
We hear that the family reunion was a great success and everyone had a good time. Although we hated to miss it and missed being with all of our kids and grandkids terribly, it was a very sweet and satisfying feeling to know that great things happened without us. That prayers and devotionals were planned and attended to without our being there to prompt or remind. We weren't needed at all! The baton has been successfully passed and the next lap is being run strongly and winningly well. Well done! We are so proud of you all!
Don gave us a copy of all of the testimonies that went into Mike's scriptures. What a treasure! Thank you all! We love you all so very much and we are so pleased with how much love you show each other.
Have a great week!
Monday, July 18, 2011
Pageant weeks are over. We survived. Your mom only fainted once. We had two weeks of getting up at 5:00am every morning, except for one day, when we got up at 4:00am. Most of the days were filled with lots if people in all the various sessions. That part was very nice. It was just the early mornings that got old. It will be so great to be on our normal year around schedule starting tomorrow.
Your mom got some kind of bug that kept her down for two days and feeling punky for a week. She thinks she is over it now. The first indication of anything wrong was when she fainted in initiatory. That was embarrassing. Luckily the bug didn't hit hard til Saturday night so she only missed Monday from the temple. We also didn't go to the branch for the weekend. By Monday night she was fine again.
They said this was the first year in the history of the pageant when there was no rain at all. The days have also been fairly moderate. It has been beautiful. The problem is the farmers are all complaining. The corn is all late coming because of no rain. Thunderstorms are scheduled for this week so maybe that will get better.
We are so excited to hear from all of you at the reunion next week. Thank you to Sandy and Kurt for planning it and to all who will help.
We love you all.
Your mom got some kind of bug that kept her down for two days and feeling punky for a week. She thinks she is over it now. The first indication of anything wrong was when she fainted in initiatory. That was embarrassing. Luckily the bug didn't hit hard til Saturday night so she only missed Monday from the temple. We also didn't go to the branch for the weekend. By Monday night she was fine again.
They said this was the first year in the history of the pageant when there was no rain at all. The days have also been fairly moderate. It has been beautiful. The problem is the farmers are all complaining. The corn is all late coming because of no rain. Thunderstorms are scheduled for this week so maybe that will get better.
We are so excited to hear from all of you at the reunion next week. Thank you to Sandy and Kurt for planning it and to all who will help.
We love you all.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Two Good Shows, Family Reunion Challenge
Two Good Shows
I know what you are thinking, missionaries aren't supposed to go see shows, But these two were both approved for Senior missionaries.
Friday evening we took Kelly to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Live outdoor production with a cast of 700 plus, spectacular presentation of scenes from the Book of Mormon, it was great, as usual. It doesn't matter how many times you've seen it, it is still wonderful. Little changes in how different scenes were portrayed and some new costumes made it more interesting but the spirit and the powerful testimony born of the Savior were still just as strong as ever. It was different not being involved this time, though You have the addional witness born to you of its truthfulness and importance when you're participating in it. We kinda felt like outsiders this time.
Saturday night we went to see a brand new movie that was premering at the Palmyra Inn at the beginning of its Eastern Tour of the US before its release to theaters out West. It is by the same producer as "One Good Man" and is called "Joseph Smith - Plates of Gold". It is a beautiful and insightful portrayal of Joseph and Emma starting from just before he receives the plates until just after the church is organized. We highly recommend it. If it shows in your area, go see it and support it, it is well worth it. We had the added bonus of meeting R. Dustin Harding, the actor who portrayed Joseph. He introduced the film and then afterwards told us a little bit about his experience playing Joseph and answered questions. He then bore a powerful testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. It was a great evening. We had some very strong feelings about insights into the spirit of Emma and how great she was. We look forward in a few years of seeing more. They are planning a "trilogy".
Family Reunion Challenge
To our kids who are holding our family reunion without us this year: Do not think you can escape our trying to have an influence in your lives this year! We love you all dearly and our hearts will be there with you even tho we are not. We feel strongly impressed to have you do some additional preparation as families before you go. Parents, first of all read in this month's (July) Ensign the article on page 48 called "Faith to Answer the Call" by Elder Holland. Pay special attention to the fourth paragraph from the end that begins "When you have your own faith" There is at least one member of our family who feels that he stands alone. You have a precious few days to show him otherwise. Then discuss with your children in family home evening how they can help make sure that none of the cousins feel that way this year. Me against you or us against them is not allowed. Those feelings come from Satan and only cause contention and hurt feelings.We become much stronger when everyone is "Us" and there is no "Them" and no against. (Except maybe in Killer Rabbits). Our desire for you this year is to wrap everyone so tightly together in the bonds of love that no one can break away from our family ties. Pray for inspiration and help from Heavenly Father in your family prayers so that you will all know how best to do that. Please share with us personally what you learn from and do with this challange.
Maryle will be bringing 'Grandma's Store' this year. Have a wonderful time and give Kurt your support in his new role as 'acting' patriarch at this reunion.
I know what you are thinking, missionaries aren't supposed to go see shows, But these two were both approved for Senior missionaries.
Friday evening we took Kelly to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant. Live outdoor production with a cast of 700 plus, spectacular presentation of scenes from the Book of Mormon, it was great, as usual. It doesn't matter how many times you've seen it, it is still wonderful. Little changes in how different scenes were portrayed and some new costumes made it more interesting but the spirit and the powerful testimony born of the Savior were still just as strong as ever. It was different not being involved this time, though You have the addional witness born to you of its truthfulness and importance when you're participating in it. We kinda felt like outsiders this time.
Saturday night we went to see a brand new movie that was premering at the Palmyra Inn at the beginning of its Eastern Tour of the US before its release to theaters out West. It is by the same producer as "One Good Man" and is called "Joseph Smith - Plates of Gold". It is a beautiful and insightful portrayal of Joseph and Emma starting from just before he receives the plates until just after the church is organized. We highly recommend it. If it shows in your area, go see it and support it, it is well worth it. We had the added bonus of meeting R. Dustin Harding, the actor who portrayed Joseph. He introduced the film and then afterwards told us a little bit about his experience playing Joseph and answered questions. He then bore a powerful testimony of the truthfulness of the Gospel. It was a great evening. We had some very strong feelings about insights into the spirit of Emma and how great she was. We look forward in a few years of seeing more. They are planning a "trilogy".
Family Reunion Challenge
To our kids who are holding our family reunion without us this year: Do not think you can escape our trying to have an influence in your lives this year! We love you all dearly and our hearts will be there with you even tho we are not. We feel strongly impressed to have you do some additional preparation as families before you go. Parents, first of all read in this month's (July) Ensign the article on page 48 called "Faith to Answer the Call" by Elder Holland. Pay special attention to the fourth paragraph from the end that begins "When you have your own faith" There is at least one member of our family who feels that he stands alone. You have a precious few days to show him otherwise. Then discuss with your children in family home evening how they can help make sure that none of the cousins feel that way this year. Me against you or us against them is not allowed. Those feelings come from Satan and only cause contention and hurt feelings.We become much stronger when everyone is "Us" and there is no "Them" and no against. (Except maybe in Killer Rabbits). Our desire for you this year is to wrap everyone so tightly together in the bonds of love that no one can break away from our family ties. Pray for inspiration and help from Heavenly Father in your family prayers so that you will all know how best to do that. Please share with us personally what you learn from and do with this challange.
Maryle will be bringing 'Grandma's Store' this year. Have a wonderful time and give Kurt your support in his new role as 'acting' patriarch at this reunion.
Monday, June 27, 2011
The Tabernacle Choir/Hill Cumorah Pageant
THE TABERNACLE CHOIR
Friday we had an opportunity to listen to the Tabernacle Choir at the Joseph Smith frame home. They were passing through from Williamsburg on their way to their performance on Saturday at Chautauqua, NY. They sang a couple of songs after they had an opportunity to walk through the Sacred Grove. They sang "Oh How Lovely Was The Morning" and "God Be With You Til We Meet Again". It was amazing how beautiful the sound carried, even in the open area where they were standing.
It rained almost all afternoon and then cleared up about 10 minutes before the buses arrived. There were a couple hundred members who had come out to see them. They had to wait for over an hour as two of the buses had problems which delayed their travel. Elder Jensen of the Seventy and his wife were traveling with the Choir. They stopped, shook our hands and talked with us a bit while we were waiting for the Choir.
Then, two days later in church, we had several members of the stage crew who were driving the semi trailers with all their stuff. Chautaugua is only about 30 minutes away from Fredonia. There were also a couple of other families attending the branch who had been at the performance the night before. One was our Area President, Elder Cook of the Seventy. He was the concluding speaker at sacrament meeting. It was the largest attendance we have seen at the branch.
HILL CUMORAH PAGEANT
Saturday, our branch had an assignment to provide 4 brethren at the Hill to help in unloading the buildings and setting up the cast team tents. It was nice to be back there and helping in a small way as they were getting ready for this year's pageant. Work crew had just arrived and they were putting up the stages. The light towers had gone up early in the week. Suddenly the Hill Cumorah is looking like pageant time.
We will be on a totally different schedule in the temple during the two weeks of pageant. We work essentially every morning of the week from 7:00am til noon. We have the afternoons and evenings free. The temple is closed every evening after the 5:00pm session is finished. We will probably spend a fair amount of time at the hill. We will be taking Kelly Schmelzer with us on both Friday nights. We have been taking her out to lunch once a month since we have been here.
We love you all and hope you are all having a great time preparing for the family reunion. God bless you all.
Friday we had an opportunity to listen to the Tabernacle Choir at the Joseph Smith frame home. They were passing through from Williamsburg on their way to their performance on Saturday at Chautauqua, NY. They sang a couple of songs after they had an opportunity to walk through the Sacred Grove. They sang "Oh How Lovely Was The Morning" and "God Be With You Til We Meet Again". It was amazing how beautiful the sound carried, even in the open area where they were standing.
It rained almost all afternoon and then cleared up about 10 minutes before the buses arrived. There were a couple hundred members who had come out to see them. They had to wait for over an hour as two of the buses had problems which delayed their travel. Elder Jensen of the Seventy and his wife were traveling with the Choir. They stopped, shook our hands and talked with us a bit while we were waiting for the Choir.
Then, two days later in church, we had several members of the stage crew who were driving the semi trailers with all their stuff. Chautaugua is only about 30 minutes away from Fredonia. There were also a couple of other families attending the branch who had been at the performance the night before. One was our Area President, Elder Cook of the Seventy. He was the concluding speaker at sacrament meeting. It was the largest attendance we have seen at the branch.
HILL CUMORAH PAGEANT
Saturday, our branch had an assignment to provide 4 brethren at the Hill to help in unloading the buildings and setting up the cast team tents. It was nice to be back there and helping in a small way as they were getting ready for this year's pageant. Work crew had just arrived and they were putting up the stages. The light towers had gone up early in the week. Suddenly the Hill Cumorah is looking like pageant time.
We will be on a totally different schedule in the temple during the two weeks of pageant. We work essentially every morning of the week from 7:00am til noon. We have the afternoons and evenings free. The temple is closed every evening after the 5:00pm session is finished. We will probably spend a fair amount of time at the hill. We will be taking Kelly Schmelzer with us on both Friday nights. We have been taking her out to lunch once a month since we have been here.
We love you all and hope you are all having a great time preparing for the family reunion. God bless you all.
Monday, June 13, 2011
IT IS SUMMER HERE
NEW CAR
We finally got our new car this week. But for the 1st time in 20 years we have car payments. There is always 2 sides to a picture.
We are enjoying the over 50 mpg however.
PRETTY FLOWERS
Here are the beautiful flowers in front of our kitchen window. They are a single peony. I have never seen anything like them. They are georgous. They had to measure 6-7 inches across.
NEW CALLING
We got a new calling in the branch this week. The youth didn't complain enough when we substitute taught in Sunday School, So now we are the permanent youth Sunday School teachers. We do enjoy the class. They are good kids. Ages range from 12 to 18. It is a bit of a challenge keeping the oldest ones interested, but we need the challenge. Two weeks ago we were able to be in the baptistry with them and that was nice.We are still teaching Bethany, which means now we prepare two lessons each weekend. One for her and one for the class. She and her mother are still attending church regularly and we pray we will get her father coming.
We love you all and look forward to hearing from you on your blogs, calls, and emails.
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