Lessons Matter TMM 7.23.19

Happy birthday to our amazing oldest son Steven!

This morning I finished my study and journaling of the New Testament through Acts 15. I love that we are studying it, the Book of Mormon, and SAINTS (Church History) at the same time! It is an easy comparison that I’d never really, deeply realized without studying the three together. The Acts of the Apostles and early saints of Christ’s church are similar in every way to the early saints in the restored church and the Nephites, Lamanites, and Jaredites. It strengthens my testimony as I see how our Heavenly Father’s plan works through all time—the big picture. I really love the scriptures!

We had four investigators at institute this week. One of them is being baptized on Friday. We went to three baptisms on Saturday—all were some we had helped teach. It was a sweet experience to be part of it all. On Sunday we had five students at our missionary-prep class. Our YSA group is amazing. They started a Book-of-Mormon study group on Tuesdays and switched to Come, Follow Me on Sundays during FHE. Every activity builds fellowship and love within the group.

All of the baptisms we attended on Saturday are now members of the 4th Ward (English). As they were confirmed, the blessings reminded me again that we all must “receive” the Holy Ghost. It is not “we give you the Holy Ghost,” but that we are told to receive him. Brother Gutzman from the high council spoke. He struggled a bit with English, but the spirit was strong. Every meeting we go to is a blessing.

We are grateful for our call to teach! We cannot believe that our seminary classes start again in three weeks. It will be a gift to be able to teach the four gospels through December and then the Book of Mormon. The Church has correlated seminary and institute with the classes at home and at church. We love the scriptures and encourage you all to find yourself in the words of the Savior every day. We love you. Thank you for your prayers.

The Search Matters TMM 7.16.19

The Search Matters TMM 7.16.19

On Friday we were invited to help the Sisters teach Cindy at her home in Rio Bravo. The first thing she did was offer us coffee, then tea. Knowing that the lessons were on the Restoration and the Word of Wisdom, we just smiled and said, “No, thanks,” to the drinks and breakfast. Cindy is a single mom and grandmother in her early to mid thirties. The house was full of children, toddlers, and teens, but we crowded around the kitchen table while Cindy’s sister Jodie (a recent convert) fed the children. As the young Sisters struggled through the chaos to teach the lessons in a simple way, we tried to add our testimonies, explanations, or scripture as seemed necessary. Cindy is determined to be baptized this coming weekend, and the Sisters are teaching her every day to get her ready. Behind her a table was filled with Catholic icons and statues (very common here, whether the family is religious or not). As we went on, it became evident that Cindy knew very little about anything to do with the Bible, spiritual things, or Jesus Christ. Obviously not a reader, she struggled to read a simple scripture. She didn’t know what a prophet was—thinking it was something to do with business (profit). My point is that this is typical of investigators in Laredo and maybe anywhere else—they really want something to give meaning to their lives. They are searching to fill the emptiness. Cindy was feeling lost and tossed about in life when her sister Jodie joined the Church of Jesus Christ. When Cindy saw the positive changes in her sister, including a certain happiness, she sought the missionaries and told them she wanted to be baptized, too. Interesting, isn’t it? She wants to be baptized even though she knows little about the church or Christ. She says she absolutely can live the Word of Wisdom and will read the Book of Mormon. Seeking, seeking, seeking peace and purpose in her life. Jim went last night at her request to bless her new house. At church on Sunday Cindy sought us out to hug and kiss us—seeing us as having what she so desperately wants.

Saturday night I got a text from Sister Duarte asking me if I would “help” teach the young women of 4th Ward on Sunday about the temple.  I thought I would tell a story or experience, so when I got to the YW classroom, and they turned the time over to me, I was a bit surprised. Good thing I love to talk and have years of experience teaching! It turned out to be a wonderful experience! I had to stop myself when the hour was up. These girls are not our seminary group, and I was surprised how little they knew. We ALWAYS talked about the covenant path and the ordinances of the gospel. These girls (who all come from wonderful, active families) were excited to learn more about the temple, as they knew little. The stake had a Youth Conference, including a temple trip to San Antonio, on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. One of the girls took a picture of the chalkboard when I finished—so thrilled with what she had learned. I loved teaching them!

Every weekend is filled with baptisms and chapels filled with seekers. It is a great blessing to be here in Laredo with these humble people. We know it is where we are supposed to be, doing what we are supposed to be doing. The 4th-Ward Bishop was released and a new bishopric called on Sunday. Bishop Alder (FBI) has a new assignment in Arizona. We believe that everyone who comes to the Laredo Stake is here for a reason. We are grateful to be part of the work. We love it here, despite the outrageous temperatures (about 110+ every day, and still 100 when we go to bed—thank heavens for AC!). We love the teens and young adults here. We love all of you. We love the gospel of Jesus Christ, His word in the scriptures, and all those who lead, serve, and build the Kingdom of God. Hugs and kisses! We’ll see some of you in August.

Spiritual Matters TMM

Spiritual Matters TMM 7.10.19

Last week we (Jim, Cameron, and I) finished the Book of Mormon for the first time this year. The last time we finished it together was 12.29.18. Although we try to finish it 1-2 times every year for the last 45 years, doing it with Cameron by way of phone or Facebook is a very special experience. We immediately started again in I Nephi. Maybe it is age, experience, or life’s context, but we learn more each time we read. It is miraculous to me that we see within its pages counsel for our world this very day, even though we have read the same words over 60 times without “seeing” today’s counsel. It is truly a book of truth, preserved for us in these times. We also LOVE studying the New Testament almost every day as part of the “Come, Follow Me” program. With about eleven months left in our mission, we are grateful for the call to teach the Four Gospels again to seminary and institute (through December) and to teach the Book of Mormon, beginning in January of 2020. The scriptures are a great blessing and comfort to us. Cameron thanks Heavenly Father for the blessings of scriptures and the temple every time he prays. Maybe the rest of us need to be as grateful as he is!

On fast and testimony Sundays we usually attend Spanish wards because that is where our seminary students are, and we love to hear their faithful testimonies. Last Sunday, however, I was needed in the 1st Ward to play the organ for sacrament meeting, so we attended the two English-speaking wards. Though I grumbled a bit about missing our spiritual feast, we hurried from one building to the other so we could fill my assignment. Maybe it was because we didn’t have to exhaust ourselves trying to understand Spanish, but spiritual blessings flowed in the many testimonies that were shared. We were both overcome by the fervent, sweet witnesses that were born and wish we could recapture it for you. A couple of people had recently returned to activity in the Church. Powerful. That is a great work that missionaries are doing here—finding those ready to return. Another was a primary boy who told about his prayers to know if what he was doing was right. He was not getting an answer until his father told him, “It’s not how many times you pray; it’s how you pray.” He then received the confirmation, “Yes, it is right.” His dad then bore his testimony, adding to the blessings of the meeting. Every testimony touched our hearts and strengthened us.

We went to three baptisms on Sunday. Two were sons of a re-activated mom (again!) and one was a 17-year-old whose grandmother is a member. People here are humble and teachable. They find such joy in the gospel of Jesus Christ!

#4–The BEST Toy Story ever!

We would encourage EVERYONE to read INSIGHTS by Sheri Dew. It is about President Russell M. Nelson and his part in building the worldwide church. We just read the story of the attack in Mozambique and the miracles that accompanied it. We also loved the stories of how the Church came to Russia, China, Poland (Ashton!), and other places on the globe.

Friday we got to meet our new mission president and his family, Presidente Ocampo. Like Presidente Torres, Presidente Ocampo is from Honduras and is in his early 40s. His wife is a former teacher. They both speak English well and both graduated from BYU. Each family has four children and their oldest sons are serving missions in Brazil. Pres. Ocampo insists that all missionaries use Spanish all the time (except the couples—he says he will be more lenient with us).

We were able to go to the San Antonio Temple last Wednesday. That is always a spiritual blessing for us. We love you all! We will be home for a weekend when Emma gets baptized on August 31. It will be a quick trip, and we will probably fly back on Monday, Labor Day, our 47th anniversary, and Macie’s birthday. So grateful for you all and the spiritual blessings of serving in the Texas McAllen Mission!

Freedom Matters TMM

Last Sunday Jim was asked to give a fireside on the Declaration of Independence, a tribute to America on her birthday week. It was a great reminder of the specialness of this land, set apart and preserved for the restoration of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He stressed the scriptures from the Doctrine & Covenants and the Book of Mormon as he talked about the Founding Fathers and their place in God’s plan, the promises that will come to the world because of this country, and the the three essential principles on which America is based: 1) the Rule of Law, 2) civic virtue, and 3) freedom. Our freedoms come not from the government, but from God. It was a great and stirring talk. We love this country! Please be careful in your choices. It is a priority to preserve the blessings given to us. Tonight, as we watch the “Salute to America,” we are stirred with patriotism and thank our Heavenly Father for all He has given us. Just a note about President Trump: We have heard so much said (hatefully) about him, and we understand that. He is, indeed, a pompous narcissist with a sometimes obnoxious way of communicating. However, do not dismiss the lessons of history. President Trump is a doer. He is the only thing standing between our beloved America and the clutches of socialism and destruction. Seek for truth. Do not fall for the messages of the haters and the fake news. Take time and effort to discern right from wrong. The Lord promises us in the Book of Mormon that we will be able to distinguish what is right if we listen to the spirit. (Look at President Nelson’s talk on revelation in April 2018.) Look at the preservation of good, freedom of religion, and rule of law before personality or arrogance. After all, most politicians are self-centered, power-hungry, and strangers to truth. In teaching the Doctrine & Covenants this year, our students (15-31 years old, converts and life-long members) were surprised to find assurance in the holy scriptures that America IS special—a land of promise—and founded under the guiding hand of God. ‘Nuf said.

We went to two baptisms this weekend—an 11-year-old girl, who brought with her her re-activated family, and an 8-year-old boy from an amazing, active family. Both were such joyous occasions! This morning we drove some sister missionaries to Rio Bravo where they taught a young, single mother who was introduced to the Church by her sister. Point: such great blessings in families are building the kingdom all over the earth! Congratulations to my niece Ashton Lewis who received her mission call this week to Warsaw, Poland. I know her grandma (my sister Barbara) is so proud of her!

We got to visit with my cousin Susan, her husband Doran, and my aunt Raeola last week. We had a lovely trip to Austin, and every minute was precious, full of love and memories.

Jim’s front dental bridge broke a few weeks ago, so he is sporting a temporary set of teeth while the new, thousands of dollars’ replacement is being crafted. Hmmm…that’s where old people’s money goes!

We love you all! Hope to come to Utah again in August for Emma’s baptism and maybe to San Diego for Kelsey and Robbie’s sealing. Blessings, blessings, blessings.

Family Matters TMM

What a wonderful week we had in Utah! Not all of our grandchildren were able to be there, but that is the only thing that could have made it better. All seven children were together, and we were able to get pictures for the first time in many years. Sean and his family are in-transit to live in Malaysia and only get to visit every 2-3 years. Our grandchildren are growing up, and not all could break away from their lives to join us. We love them, anyway.

Yesterday one of our young sister missionaries (Sister Yanez) asked if I would like to help her play prelude music, so I accompanied her on the piano (only a small electric one in that building) while she played the cello. We played from the Children’s songbook for about 20 minutes. It was a spiritual treat.

In the evening we met with the YSAs for Family Home Evening. Beto gave the lesson on President Oaks’ recent devotional talk to BYUH (June 11, 2019). It was a great lesson and discussion. In the discussion one of our YSAs told of an experience he had this week in hanging out with an old friend from high school. As they talked, William invited the other young man to attend YSA FHE. The young man replied that he could not because he was a satanist. William told him that was okay, but the man insisted that he would not because he was a satanist priest. William explained that he held the priesthood of Jesus Christ, the Melchizedek priesthood, which gives him great power. What shook William was that the other young man replied that they knew very well how powerful the priesthood of Christ was and that he knew that it was the true priesthood. That was shocking to William, who joined the Church two years ago. He then bore witness to all of us how very real the war for the souls of man is. It makes you think—these aren’t people who are deceived or naïve. They have chosen Satan’s side with full knowledge that the power of God is very real! So thankful for a living prophet of God! So thankful for the gift of the Holy Ghost.

We are thankful for this mission and for the opportunity of studying the New Testament (we are learning so much as we concentrate on the COME, FOLLOW ME lessons! We love it!), the Book of Mormon (daily study with Cameron—just finishing it for the first time this year; it is true!), the Doctrine & Covenants (it was a great experience to teach it every day and twice on Thursdays), and now to teach the brand-new course for SAINTS, The Standard of Truth. We love reading that book and teaching it to our institute class! We love you all and invite you study the scriptures, attend the temple, and pray. The time is near! Much love!

Good-Bye Matters at the TMM

TMM Change Matters 6.11.19
We just got back from a very busy weekend. When we go to San Antonio, we always head up to the temple—which sits atop the highest point in Texas hill country. When the temple is closed, the gates shut us out, but still it is worth the drive. It is a beautiful and peaceful place, and the spirit is strong.

Having Zoey and Cameron enjoy SeaWorld was a wonderful experience. We took them to the airport on Sunday after conference and watched Cam “take charge” of Zo. The Delta lady who helped us was delightful, and she gave Cameron a serious charge to take care of Zoey. She stressed to him how he was 31 and needed to be the one in charge. It was fun to watch him guide and guard Zoey through the security and to the gate. He assured everyone that it was “okay” because he would make sure she was fine. It was sweet. At Sunday’s conference session I had to be there early to practice with the choir, so Cameron excused himself and went to welcome people as they arrived. This was his third time here, so he knows and loves the people who know and love him. He introduced himself to the Torreses and anyone else—he’s a people person, for sure. He is a blessing!

I love Felicia Wood! I am so glad she let us share yesterday with her! I am excited for her to intern as an administrator in Granite at Matheson JHS. She will be an excellent administrator. Her background in mental health and counseling will help so many students. She has helped our family personally and many teachers and students in the eleven years we worked together at Copper Hills. Her husband was in a convention all day, but we got to eat supper together on the RiverWalk. Excellent day!

Cameron and Zoey were surprised that our conference sessions were in Spanish. They used earphones for interpretation, and had a completely new experience. I strained my brain for two hours and went home exhausted. President and Sister Torres spoke their “farewell.” We will miss them—they are amazing, brilliant, beautiful people who are full of the spirit and true missionaries. Today we gathered in McAllen for our mission conference and listened to Pres. Torres for the final time. He has spiritual insight and a way of teaching that sets us all on fire. He taught on the Restoration (which we have been teaching for two weeks)—all from the New Testament and Book of Mormon. Just as they move back home to Honduras, their oldest son graduated from HS and seminary and received his mission call to Brazil.

We are grateful for the call to serve here in the Texas McAllen Mission. We learn much every day as we read the scriptures, pray together, prepare lessons, listen to counsel, and study all these things. We love you all. Come unto Him every day.

Matters of Endings and Beginnings TMM

Matters of Endings and Beginnings TMM 6.3.19

I was watching the news about the border crisis and was once again reminded that we are having an unusual experience living on the border in these times. It was just announced on the news that a judge has thrown out the case to prevent the wall’s being built with defense money (ha, ha—de-fence money). One of our YSAs is a border patrol agent now on special assignment in McAllen. He was home for a couple of days and showed up at our Institute dinner. It was so interesting to talk to him about the children who are used to get people into the U.S., criminals who come under false pretenses, and the 1300 apprehensions every day. He tells about the true crisis we have at the border—a health crisis(we saw him at the hospital with illegal crossers every time we had to go with missionaries who were dehydrated or broken playing p-day sports), a humanitarian crisis (children used, trafficked, abused, and separated from their families by criminals), a legal crisis (“rule of law” is broken when it comes to our borders), a family crisis, and a crisis that strains our country’s resources (our taxes) in every way. Another newlywed young adult came to the dinner and reported that, though he loves Mexico (where he just lived for a few months to court and marry his sweetheart who he met at a YSA Conference in Texas), several towns south of the border have been emptied of all their population and are completely owned by the cartels. Scary. He is glad to be back at home in Laredo.

Although we missed three granddaughters’ graduations this year, we did attend graduation for United  South HS at the Sames Arena here in Texas. Our seminary class had two graduates at seminary graduation yesterday. The north class had three. It was a beautiful meeting, followed by a light dinner. Our seminary supervisor, Sister Vaca, is amazing! We are blessed to be teaching here in the new Laredo Stake. It is nice to sleep in for the next three months! We are excited for the new curriculum (New Testament until Christmas and then Book of Mormon). This summer we are teaching the new Institute course for Saints. Our Institute students took a vote, and overwhelmingly wanted Saints.

This next weekend is our stake conference, and I am playing for the choir. I haven’t practiced with them yet because the practices coincide with our missionary-prep class, but it should be a good experience. Laredo is sadly lacking  in musicians who play or sing. Texas is known for its marching bands, and that is the kind of experience they have with music here. Cameron and Zoey will be here—we are picking them up tomorrow in San Antonio and sending them back to Utah on Sunday night. We plan on Sea World tomorrow and other sights on Wednesday. It should be a fun week! Zoey has never flown, so this will be an adventure in itself—she and Cam together in the friendly skies on a non-stop to SA.

Our mission president (Torres—an amazing man) ends his three years here next week and takes his family back to Honduras. It must be difficult to leave, even to go back to family and church family there. Things always change, though, and life goes on. Endings. Beginnings. We have one more year here and look forward to serving. Love to you all. Thank you for your prayers, love, and support!