TMM Gospel Blessings Matter

TMM Gospel Blessings Matter

A new convert had her three little children receive blessings on Sunday morning. Our seminary students turned in questions to be addressed by Elder Jimenez at the youth session of stake conference this Sunday. They will be singing “The Miracle” later at the general meeting. Sammy (54) proudly sports his new “Sunday clothes” that Elder Flanagan bought for him so that he could participate in Aaronic priesthood duties, and then with tears he expressed how much he learned at fast and testimony meeting and Sunday School. Johnny (about 40) insisted on pinky-promising all of us (Sisters, Elder F, Cameron, and me) that he would be at church on Sunday but missed it because he thought it was at night. It was wonderful to hear Johnny respond to the lesson on commandments, including the Word of Wisdom, positively and enthusiastically. Cameron was so excited to be with the missionaries to teach twice. He was caught up in the spirit of missionary work and loved the people, saying how much he would really miss being here. We have been teaching the Atonement (Gethsemane, Crucifixion, Resurrection) for two weeks—learning as much as the students did as we worked through the symbolism and tender mercies of God in all things. We were touched in every minute of testimonies on Sunday. In fact, every day we find reasons to be grateful for our years of learning and teaching the Gospel. We love our new converts, but we are aware of how blessed we are to have spent a life experiencing the blessings along the covenant path! As our hearts expand with love, our prayers of gratitude grow long.

The examples above strengthen our testimonies and commitment to Jesus Christ! The song “The Miracle” (I’m accompanying the Youth) takes my breath away. If you don’t know it, please listen on YouTube. It is a great way to sum up our year of studying the life and mission of our Savior. It is our testimony that His greatest miracle is the “one that rescues you and me.” We love you all and miss you (for six more months)!

Our sad little, bargain Texas Christmas tree was left by previous missionaries. Not wanting the expense of a new tree, but not wanting to limp through the season with a pre-lit tree that had no lights that worked in the middle section, we picked up some more lights and dressed the tree. We were amazed by the difference the new lights made (below)! Isn’t that true of our own lives, missing the splendor until more and more light is added? It was the LIGHT that resurrected this little symbol of Christ and His season of love.

The baptism picture is of the young mother (second from left) and the teenager with her boyfriend, who baptized her.

TMM Love Matters All Around

TMM—Love Matters All Around

Jim wanted to write our blog this time, but two weeks later… 

We came home from church two Sundays ago filled with the spirit. All the speakers were inspiring, including Brother Burwell from the stake high council. His talk was about yielding to the Master. He told of going deer hunting in the Texas brush when he heard a herd of wild pigs from his perch in the hunting tower. He waited, still and quiet, above them. As they emerged from the bushes, he set his sights on a medium-sized javelina of about 100 pounds that he thought would be good eating. As they came routing around below him, he pulled back his bow and bagged the wild beast. Texas’ wild pigs have stiff, dark hair and long snouts for digging. Brother Burwell explained that these are the same animals as those much nicer pigs raised by farmers—with a few differences. Domesticated pork donors have shorter noses, lighter hair, and more charming personalities. All because they have a master. The Master makes a difference to all of us.

Attending sacrament meeting in Laredo is an experience that reminds us how turning our lives to the Master changes all of us. Look around. Love is all around us.

Last Tuesday we drove four Sisters to Rio Bravo for their appointments. Two sisters went to find one of our YSAs, but went to the wrong house. They came back to the car, hurrying to get in before the dogs could take their pound of flesh, literally. As we headed out to find the other companionship, the Sisters were mad at themselves for not making an appointment at the “wrong house.” The man sitting outside of his trailer had said off-handedly that he would like them to teach him. The Sisters asked if we could go back and leave him a pamphlet. Elder Flanagan went up with them. It was dark. There were packs of dogs barking. The man was sitting outside with no shirt on, AND our Sisters are pretty cute. They talked to Johnny for a few minutes and came back with an appointment to teach him the next day. The appointment had to be changed to Thursday, and we couldn’t go, so a sister from the stake went with them. Johnny’s baptismal date is December 21! Jim and Cam went back with the Sisters to teach him. Cam LOVED that! Johnny had lived in Twin Falls and had talked with our YSA who lived next door. He was determined to buy Sunday clothes to go to church and cover his tattoos from his younger, wilder days, he says. (Most people at church DO have tattoos, including the sister who helped teach.) Now, do you really think it was an accident that we dropped those beautiful, determined young missionaries at the wrong house?

We love the holidays here in south Texas! Palm trees sway. People’s hearts soften. The Spirit is strong. We are so grateful for all of you, our call to the Texas-McAllen Mission, and the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Happy Thanksgiving!

TMM Matters of a New Life

TMM Every Little Bit Matters

Sammy received the Aaronic priesthood on Sunday. He asked that Jim give the ordination blessing, and it was beautiful. We all had tears in our eyes as he was made a priest, but it was Sammy who had tears running down his cheeks. As he shook hands around, he said, “I never imagined such a great blessing would come to me!” As we waited outside the Bishop’s office, Sammy told the story of his first encounter with the missionaries. He was going through a tough time three or four weeks ago and praying for help when there came a knock on the door. The Elders then explained what happened to them that day. They were guided by the spirit to knock on one door of an apartment complex. Just that one door. On the other side was Samuel Mackey, alone, praying for help in the name of Jesus Christ, though he never really went to any church in his life. And that is the beginning of Sammy’s new life!

At least seven people were baptized and confirmed in the Laredo Stake on Saturday. Those are just the ones we know. It is a very exciting time for the gathering. Sunday in the 4^th Ward, Elder Peterson (one of Sammy’s elders) gave an excellent talk about the apostasy. He told how one day in high school he was asked to take charge of a class when the teacher had an emergency. The first thing that happened was a student asked from the back of the room if he was going to take attendance. Elder P. shook his head and said he didn’t even know how. The student picked up his backpack and left. That’s what happens when no one has authority to keep things from chaos. I thought it was a perfect example of what happened when Jesus and His disciples were gone and along with them the authority. 

After his talk, the Elders and the Sisters sang “Army of Helaman.” I glanced down at two children right in front of us on the first row who had been coloring. They were on their knees, intent on their pictures when the song started. I wish I had snapped a picture, even though it was in sacrament meeting! Their little faces turned intently on the young missionaries and they stared up at them with glowing faces and shining eyes. One of them sang the words silently along with them. Yesterday was full of amazing moments like that! We also saw a friend we hadn’t seen since right after her baptism, months ago. We are so grateful Idalia was well enough to come! She was sitting with Cindy, recently baptized, who is her ministering sister. I love the gospel!

 The field is white, all ready to harvest...

TMM Blog: Sammy Matters

Three weeks ago we met Sammy. We started giving him rides to church meetings and talking to him about his life. We saw his countenance change, even from that first day when he showed me the Plan-of-Salvation pamphlet and told me he knew it was true—that it rang bells for him. Like many who hear of Heavenly Father’s Plan, I believe he was remembering rather than learning something completely new. He started reading the Book of Mormon every day and gave up substances willingly in exchange for gifts of the spirit. Saturday we gave him a ride to his baptism. Brother Bermuda was conducting his first baptism service and performing his first baptismal ordinance. The opening prayer was given by new member Laura Botello. The closing prayer was by Sister Bermuda, who nervously told me she had never been to a baptism since her own. But this is a story about Sammy. The Bermuda children and the Botello children gathered around the font. A couple of the Botellos said they wished they could be baptized again, and then after a few tries with the sacred words of the ordinance, Sammy was washed clean in the waters of baptism. We all rejoiced with him as Brother Bermuda welcomed him as our newest “brother in Christ.” 

Sunday we picked up Brother Samuel Mackey and drove to the church where Elder Flanagan had been asked to confirm him and ask him to receive the Holy Ghost. Sammy chose to sit with us during the testimony meeting, so we had a front-row seat to his growing testimony. I showed him how to follow the hymns by verse. Elder Flanagan gave him a beautiful blessing. Sammy took the sacrament for the first time as a member of Christ’s church. When Brother Petters opened testimonies with his own heartfelt thoughts, Sammy wiped tears and whispered, “Oh, I needed to hear those words.” Other beautiful testimonies also brought tears of gratitude. He was amazed at 8-year-old JJ’s sweet words and Sister Nigliazzo’s inspiring stories of God’s tender mercies. Our seminary students students in that ward gave strong and faith-filled witnesses. At the end Sammy said, “You know, this morning when I woke up, for the first time in my life, I felt like I belonged—not only to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but to Jesus Christ! It is the most wonderful feeling!” Then I was wiping away the tears. 

The little boy, one of the Bermudas’ children, wanted to know why you can’t wear shoes when you are being baptized. Sister Bermuda turned around and asked us. Elder Flanagan said, “Because we don’t want to get them wet!”

TMM Testimony Matters

TMM Testimony Matters

Today we gave Sammy a ride to church. It was his first visit. He has been meeting with the Elders for a week or so. We chatted on the way, and when we got out of the car, he showed me that he had his Book of Mormon and the “Plan of Salvation” pamphlet. He told me that he had read the pamphlet and it “set off bells.” I said, “It does just ring true, doesn’t it?” He assured me that he knew it was true. So many people say that when they hear the Plan taught. It is though they are remembering truths they had just forgotten as they passed through the veil to start their mortal journey. 

Another younger Samuel came to institute class on Thursday. We were teaching “The Savior’s Profound Influence” and “Come, Follow Me.” At the end of the lesson Samuel bore testimony of having learned many things that he knew were true. He plans to join the Marines. He has committed to be baptized next Saturday. We love being focused on teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Today we attended two testimony meetings where we heard our seminary students and an institute student bear testimony. Cristina joined the Church exactly one year ago while she was at Texas A&M in College Station. We love her so much! She bore a beautiful testimony about following the Spirit and trusting in the Lord’s plan for her. She is beautiful inside and out.

We watched a husband and wife receive the gift of the Holy Ghost today. They were married by the bishop just before they were baptized on Friday, with their little children looking on.

So many of our students are brilliant, intellectually and spiritually! Several seminary students attend early college courses. They are devoted to the gospel. They want to do what is right. They are humble and teachable, willing to follow the prophet and the Lord. 

On Saturday we are going to McAllen to a special meeting with Elder Soares. We will take some of the Sisters with us. We have many opportunities for spiritual experiences. We love Jesus Christ and our Father in Heaven. One thing I have been thinking about a lot this week (since General Conference, especially) is how brilliant the general authorities are—writers & thinkers, lawyers & judges, doctors & surgeons, teachers & professors, scientists & philosophers,  educated to high degrees with successful professional careers and experiences in the Church. And yet, with all their intellect, they get their testimonies the same way we do, through the Holy Ghost. They ask, they act in faith, they keep an eternal perspective, and they gain knowledge through searching divine sources like the scriptures. Pray. Serve. Love each other!

This is one of my favorite Laredo scenes. Across the street from the sisters’ apartments, right on the Rio Grande, under the palms, cows and horses graze. The birds follow them faithfully, picking up the crumbs and seeds that are left. There is a lesson in that. Thursday was 100 degrees in Laredo. Friday morning started early with temperatures in the 80s. By noon, however, it was 61. It made me happy! We were able to walk around the duck pond. The cold snap was refreshing.

Temple Matters TMM

TMM Blessings Matter

I did not think we were close to hearing the announcement we heard on Saturday night. I thought that we had years of work ahead in South Texas. But I thought wrong. The Lord is so compassionate to his saints who have been praying for a temple for forty years. When Laredo Stake was formed in December, we all hoped for a temple next. I forget the tender mercies He is always ready to extend to us. I forget how much He loves His people. I forget that He hears our prayers and prepares us for the great blessings He wants to give us. I forget that He never leaves us alone. I forget that everything is done in His time, not mine, and I am grateful. We wept at the announcement that a temple will now be built in McAllen, Texas. 

We are about two-and-a half hours away from McAllen. It is about a three-hour drive from Laredo to the San Antonio Temple. This is not, however, about the time it takes to get to the temple. The blessing here is for those who wait years for paperwork so that they can get past the checkpoints that go north from the border. Yes, I wish everyone would come legally to the United States, but I have come to know that God has prepared many good people to accept the gospel. Even Melchizedek Priesthood leaders and their families are not able to attend the temple in San Antonio with their wards, their children, and those they teach and love. Traveling south to McAllen is not checked. We are so excited for those who will be able to get to the temple and partake of the blessings there! We have come to love these people, no matter their legal status, and pray along with them for their temple blessings.

Continue to pray for us and the people of south Texas. God hears our prayers. We were reminded of that by our beloved Prophet on Saturday night. We love you all and pray for you.

TMM Connections Matter

Matters of Fiasco 10.01.19

When we met two weekends ago with senior couples in McAllen, we made arrangement with the Thompsons (who teach institute in Corpus Cristi) to join them in Corpus on Friday night for a theater production of the musical Matilda. At the veterans’ memorial with the wind blowing and the sunset glowing, Jim made arrangements online for tickets. Or so he thought! Through last week he repeatedly asked me to remind him to print the tickets. We left it until Friday morning after seminary, and Jim tried and tried to print the tickets. He is a little technology-challenged, so I finally took the computer and coaxed the new printer into action. When I picked up the tickets from the printer, however, alarms started going off in my head. What??!!?? The tickets were to see a Broadway touring company production of Matilda in WILMINGTON, NORTH CAROLINA! Jim called the ticket company, but they stood firm on their “no refund/treat these like cash” policy. Jim was crushed but seemed willing to lose the $160. He contacted Thompsons to tell them that we would not be able to come and explained the ticket fiasco. I was not so willing to lose the money (duh!!)and insisted that he call American Express where he had charged the tickets to see if they could/would do anything to help us. They were great! The charge was removed. Thompsons called, saying to please come anyway because they would call (the HARBOR PLAYHOUSE in Corpus Cristi!!!!!) and get tickets. So, we went and enjoyed a community-theater production of the Ronald Dahl story.

The couples retreat was also wonderful as we listened to counsel from Presidente and Hermana Ocampo AND Elder and Sister Katcher. We had a chance to talk with Elder Katcher at dinner. I thought I remembered him from three years ago in Ankara, Turkey, as he spoke to Sean’s little ward conference. It was he! I had been so impressed with his talk about the Lord’s work. He said, “You may think it was your job that brought you here, but it was not. It was the hand of the Lord that brought you to Ankara, Turkey, and it was with the purpose of doing His work.” There are always connections in the Church!

We had four more baptisms this last Saturday in Laredo. One was Lucy, who enthusiastically accepted the gospel and was taught over the past three weeks by the young elders and Elder Flanagan. At church on Sunday it was easy to see more blessings ahead. Second Ward (Spanish) had twenty investigators there who are being taught by the missionaries! Today is transfer day, and we are losing about half of our young missionaries. Some elders (4) called yesterday and wanted to have lunch with us before they go. Elder Flanagan is kind of their hero (and cook), so he fixed them a good spaghetti dinner. Tomorrow we will do Waffle Wednesday to welcome the newbies. We love working with the young missionaries! They are amazing.

We love teaching every day! We love our students! We miss you all and autumn in Utah. Jim had to see a chiropractor for tingling in his arm and had his first chiro-adjustment yesterday. He probably has 18 more bone-crunching treatments. His numbers are all out of whack today, so include him in your prayers. We are in a cool snap—only 98 degrees yesterday! We love you all. You are in every prayer—and we pray a lot!