TMM What Matters Most

TMM Blog 8.20.19 What Really Matters

Last Friday we went to the temple. We usually go with our stake on a Saturday, but when we called for our appointment, there were no places left. As I dressed for the session, I remembered that it had been the 50th anniversary of my endowment the day before. I still use the temple clothes that my Aunt Janet made for me. Fifty years of temple blessings, family blessings.

Since we were in San Antonio, we made our stop at COSTCO to pick up a few things and wander the isles. We call it “our walk.” It’s hard to pass up the samples, so we were excited when we got a sample of Nutzo—which is a nut and seed butter that we had come to the store to get! We started talking to the woman who was handing out the samples and explained that we loved the product and planned to pick up a few jars. She went on to give her speech about the healthy ingredients, etc. I told her that we always read the ingredients and were very aware of everything that we put into our bodies. She said that she could tell because we just glowed on the outside. Now, she may have just been doing her job and selling jars of nut butter, or maybe our healthy eating does have an effect on our physical appearance, or it could be that we had just spent two hours worshipping in the Lord’s house.

Saturday we went to three different baptismal services in Spanish. We are amazed at the number of good people who are prepared to find the gospel here in Laredo. All of them had sought out the missionaries, been taught as quickly as possible, and entered the baptismal waters within two weeks. So many humble people here are searching, and when they meet the elders or sisters, they just KNOW. We also see family chains join. The first becomes a member, others see the changes (yes, even in physical appearance), and want to know, too. A sister follows her sister and then brings another sister, her mother, her friends, her children. A father brings his children and wife. Grandparents bring their grandchildren. It is a blessing to be here and watch it happen!

We have a seminary class of about twenty fabulous teens! It is a joy to teach them every morning. We are blessed in many ways. Jim had to see a nephrologist, but got the good news last week that his kidneys are in much better shape than four years ago, when he was considered borderline for kidney failure. All of his “numbers” have improved as we have focused on our food. “Use food for your medicine, or you will be forced to use medicine for your food!” We are surviving the HEAT and looking forward to fall, when the temperatures may drop below 100. You are all in our prayers day and night! We love you to the moon and back. Happy birthday to our beautiful August birthday girls—Haylee, Emma, Kelsey, Zoey, Victoria, and Cassandra! We are such blessed grandparents. Miss you all, but we’ll be home for three days next weekend for Emma’s baptism!

Hero Missionaries Matter 8.13.19

Matters on THIS side of the Border 8.13.19

School bells ring! Are you listening? We are so excited to start early-morning seminary tomorrow! We have been moved to the north Laredo building, where we will have about 15-20 students daily. That will be quite different for us, and we will miss the students on the south end. When you are in one small stake, but it is stretched over a sprawling city of 250,000 people, it is almost impossible to teach a group of students in a close proximity to each other or one of the two church buildings. A new teacher has been called to teach the other group. Brother Lambert is a retired teacher/principal who most recently served in the TMM presidency. He will have to drive from the north to the south every morning, and we will have to drive from the south to the north! We will probably be passing each other on the Bob Bullock Loop!

This last weekend we welcomed Greg (YSA) and his mother Monica into the Church. They are amazing. (Picture) We are expecting 30 baptisms in Laredo this month. Jim is out teaching with the missionaries right now. It is exciting to see the church growing so fast.

Sunday we went to three wards. In 4th Ward (English) we heard John, a newly-returned missionary, and his mother speak. John served in Colombia. He told about heading off to a meeting when he and his companion spotted a fire on the mountain. They thought they had better warn people to evacuate and began hurrying from house to house, knocking on doors. People would not even listen to them, and, seeing that they were missionaries, closed doors in their faces with the excuse that they already had a church, etc. Finally, they grabbed yard hoses and began filling buckets. As the fire raged closer, people still refused to leave their houses and insisted that they were fine and the fire department would take care. Panicking, the missionaries dumped buckets of water on the fire and doused roofs with garden hoses. When fire trucks arrived, very few people had joined in the efforts to save the homes. As John and his companion hurried off to their appointment, they passed a man with a child on his shoulders. The man pointed to the elders and told his son, “See those two men? They are the heroes.” It was a truly a metaphor for the people who refuse to recognize the dangers of ignoring God’s watchmen on the towers. John said he wanted to be a hero for bringing souls to Christ in preparation for the Second Coming.

John spoke again at the seminary open-house later that day and at YSA FHE. Welcome home, Hero John! Jim and I also spoke at the seminary meeting. I also played the organ and accompanied a couple of our YSAs to sing “If the Savior Stood Beside Me.” I was relieved when it was over, but it WAS a great meeting.

Have I told you how grateful I am to live on the USA side of the border? We have many students who have family in Mexico, and they live in constant fear. One student was very upset this week because an aunt and uncle and their family were kidnapped last week in Nuevo Laredo, just across the river. Somehow they got free, and then her cousin was kidnapped. They still haven’t found him. I can not even explain what local news is like here. Terrifying.

We only have a little over nine months left in Laredo. It is a blessing to be here, to learn Spanish better, to go to church with humble new converts, to give rides to meetings to those with no transportation, to teach with the young missionaries, to learn and teach the gospel from all books of scripture and modern revelation, to bring music into meetings, and to depend on each other. This is the gospel of Jesus Christ. We love Him. We love you!

Pre-Weekly-Blog Story Path 8.12.19

Matters in our path TMM 8.7.19

It is miraculous how God sometimes teaches us small lessons by putting someone in our path and then prompting us to act. There is a teenage boy in our apartment complex who wanders around and sometimes asks us if he can wash our car for some money. Yesterday Jim took out some garbage, and met the boy in his path. The boy asked if Jim would go with him to the pawn shop on the corner and vouch for him so he could get money for his bike. Jim did not trust the boy, who seemed suspicious and dishonest, but told him he would need a note from the boy’s mother. Jim did not know anything about the boy—not even his name or which apartment was his.

The boy disappeared behind one of the buildings and returned in a couple of minutes with a questionable note on a scrap of paper with no signature. At the door Jim challenged him and asked if he could speak with the mother. The boy quickly countered that his mother was asleep and very sick with cancer, a huge tumor. They “needed the money from the bike for food because” the mother had not been able to work for two weeks. Jim told the boy that he didn’t believe him and would not help.

Now, we are ALMOST positive that the bike was stolen; the mother was not asleep or sick; that the boy wrote his own note; and that the money was not for food—but, this boy was put in our path. The test was not for the boy, but for us. Emily Freeman (Don’t Miss This!) and Dave Butler wear two bracelets. One says, “WWJD—What would Jesus do?” and the other, “HWLF—HE would love first.” We thought about this experience for a couple of minutes. Then we went to the store and bought a frozen lasagna. Jim went looking for the boy and the boy appeared. He seemed a little confused when Jim asked about the bike, and then took the dinner home with instructions from Elder Flanagan to cook it for his mother.

Matters of Time TMM

TMM Matters of Time

Time goes by so quickly here in Laredo! They say it is because we are older, and each day (or even year) of our life is a smaller and smaller part of life as time goes by. I suppose that is the truth. We have just less than ten months left of our 2-year mission. Our experiences and the people we love here have made it seem like home, and I no longer wake up wondering which home I am in. Ha.

On Sunday we had the opportunity of leading our YSA FHE. Usually they take turns giving the lesson and leading discussions, but two of the leaders were out-of-town and planning to cancel Family Home Evening. The Orozcos have been released as YSA advisors (do you think he has enough to do as a bishop???), and several young adults were very disappointed to think they would not be able to meet together. We were willing to support them in whatever they wanted to do, so at the last minute we showed the Don’t Miss This! video for last week and had them fill out the worksheet. We showed them how we study for Come, Follow Me at home by journaling our scriptures, reading, taking notes, filling out the worksheet, discussing, etc. If you haven’t watched the video for Acts 22-28, search it in YouTube. It was a great FHE for the group and for us. Then we fed them Keto “sandwiches” (grilled cheese/pizza—SO good) and left them playing scrabble and talking. (Nice to have Melchizedek priesthood amongst the YSA so we don’t have to stay so late.) We really love this group of young people!

We start early-morning seminary again next week! Right now they don’t have another teacher, so we may need to split up. I would drop Jim off at the Los Presidentes building and go to the Hillside building to teach. Not ideal, so we hope they can find someone in the stake. Another senior couple is coming to the mission next month (former seminary teacher), but they are on a leadership mission, not CES, and I really doubt we would be lucky enough to get a second couple in Laredo.

We are so grateful for Kelsey and Robbie’s upcoming sealing. We wish we could be there (in SanDiego) with you, but we already have tickets to SLC for Emma’s baptism on the same day. We are proud of both of these beautiful granddaughters.

One of the greatest blessings of this last year has been to study the Book of Mormon (twice a day with Cameron), church history, the Doctrine & Covenants, Saints, and the New Testament together. It has built our testimonies and helped us understand the many blessings we have through the Atonement of our Savior and the restored gospel. Love and miss you all!

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!