Matters of the Holy Ghost’s Guidance in the TMM

Last week as I was preparing a seminary lesson on 2 Nephi 4-8, I felt impressed to take the time to explain “the curse” and the sign of dark skin. There was SO much to cover in the lessons, and really only 45 minutes in a class, that I wanted to teach only the most important doctrines and principles, but I felt strongly about this little message that was reiterated on the internet because on a mistake in the printed Come, Follow Me manual. I asked Jim to please help me remember because this point was not emphasized in the lesson, only in the supplemental, background material. As I taught, I felt strongly to stop and teach that the curse was NOT about the color of the skin. I called for the students’ attention to look at me because I had a very important message that I wanted them to understand. I said, “I want you to understand this and know that Heavenly Father loves all of us equally. Skin color has nothing to do with His love for us. The curse was and always is a separation from God.” I looked at this room full of descendants of the Lamanites, promised the blessing of the House of Israel in the latter days, and other children of different races, skin colors, and circumstances. There may have been more reasons than this, but I understood why the spirt guided me when one student stayed after class until all the others were gone to thank me for talking about the curse. She and her mother are recent converts from the missionary open house last summer. She said she and her mother had been very concerned about the passages about the curse and skin color. She could hardly wait to go to her mother and help her understand countenance and explanations of language and culture in the Book of Mormon. It was another tender mercy.

We were asked to report last month’s institute attendance in terms of how many non-members attended and how many were baptized. We had five non-members attending and four of them were baptized! Such a blessing to watch young adults seeking and finding truth!

We love you all. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is truly Christ’s church and His kingdom on earth. This is a wonderful time to be alive—and in the Restored Church of Jesus Christ! We love this mission, and wish you all could have the experiences we have had in teaching the gospel here in Laredo, Texas (just a little corner of Mexico with all the amenities and blessings of living in the United States of America). We are so grateful for the Book of Mormon. It is truly God’s word, His tender mercy for us today.

Bishop Burton, the Elders, the friend who baptized (Chris Ozuna) and two of our newest members!

TMM Revelation Matters

TMM Blog 1.28.20 Matters of Personal Revelation

Thursday’s institute class was amazing. You never know who will be in that class, but last week was unusual in that we had (besides or usual RMs and faithful YSAs) two newly-baptized members, two almost-baptized, and one boyfriend who has not yet met with the missionaries. We were studying Lehi’s dream, so we divided the class into groups and had them study parts of I NE 8 and then teach the rest of the class. What happened next was the surprise: the “investigators” (I know that is no longer the proper term) led out in teaching. It was amazing!  The boyfriend was willing and able to teach the rest of the class from his first reading of the Book of Mormon. As everyone left, the girlfriend said, “He already has a favorite scripture!” Oh, this mission is the best!

We spoke in 4^th Ward on Sunday. In two years we’ve only had to speak twice (and you KNOW how we love to talk!) It was great for us, anyway. So, we got a few notes, kindly thanking us, but I thought you would love this little message from the relief-society president:

“I have to tell you, during our Come Follow Me lesson tonight, Magnus asked “who was that president grandpa guy, that was in the chapel?” And it took us a minute, but he was talking about Elder Flanagan! And then Magnus says “yeah! He was the one who said “Heavenly Father said, hey! Dummy! And then he talked about Laman and Lemuel”

Tell that “president, grandpa guy” thanks for getting our little 5 year old to listen and remember something in sacrament meeting! We love you guys!” Ha, ha!

We had ten baptisms on Saturday! Because they do not have many music people in our stake (and two broken pianos at Los Presidentes chapel), two of the wards needed me to play, so I was running back and forth. The young women in one ward were singing “The Miracle,” and of course, it could not be programmed into the chapel piano. When my parents gave me piano lessons “so I could serve in the church,” they had no idea… Sometimes we get missionaries who can play a little, and that helps. We missed the baptisms in the other building, including one new YSA who had been so attentive and helpful in institute. He was escaping his family who were entrenched in the cartels, and he was coming unto Christ. There are some really special people here.

We LOVE teaching the Book of Mormon! I start crying when I think of leaving our students here. We love them so much! Ages fourteen to mid-thirties and in our hearts forever. I love learning Spanish, and I am getting better and better at understanding. This two years has been a great blessing.

This is 16-yr-old America who was baptized on Saturday. Her mother gave in and gave permission after canceling the baptism last week. Joy!

TMM Skills Matter

TMM Skills Matter 1.21.20

Those who know Jim best will appreciate all aspects of this story: We depend on our printer daily. When we had a paper jam, Jim spent a couple of hours trying to fix the printer—but he’s not exactly very mechanical or techie. I was trying to give advice from the other room where I was working on the technology of our seminary lesson (yes, you know me, too). I promised to take a look myself while he went running an errand to buy the “tree of life” at Michaels and a stop at Sam’s Club. He said he just could not get to the paper jam, though I assured him (from the other room, of course) that he could “get to” anything that would fix a paper jam. I glanced at the printer while he was gone, but when he called from Sam’s Club asking if he should buy another printer (the fourth since we got to Laredo!), I said to go ahead, but get the best he could since we use it like a workhorse every day. We have $100 in ink for the “broken” one, but Sam’s did not have another printer that could use that ink. There was one on-sale for a good price, but I encouraged him to get the more-expensive version at $198 because I am tired of buying printers that just break down.

Now, I will tell you that we have been teaching about all the tender mercies that God grants us while we are trying to do His work. When Jim got to the checkout, he spent a half-hour arguing with the checker and the manager about the price of the printer. The price came up at $24. They insisted that they could not change the price that came up on the scan! So, Jim came back with a $200 printer for $24 and a feeling that it was not quite right. LOL. He started to put the “old” printer in the car to take it away when I stopped him and took a last look. I opened up the printer and pulled out the paper jam! There is a lesson here: First, do all that you can do to solve your problems. And then sometimes God takes care of you, even when you could have done better. And, always ask your wife to fix the electronics.

This is Kathy. She was baptized a week ago. We have had a few opportunities to drive her around (to church, to her baptism, to her temple-recommend interview) and talk to her. She is 23-years-old and in a learning program for disabled adults. We have come to love her, and she feels like she can ask us questions, so the other day she asked, “How do I know if I am feeling the spirit?” We explained that it is usually a good feeling of peace and joy for us, but may be different for different people. Then at institute this week she shared how her little testimony grows every time she meets with the missionaries or goes to church. She says she can just feel it inside, making her feel good and happy every time. In our hearts and in our minds, sweet is the peace the gospel brings! 

I love gospel music and feel that YouTube is a blessing. I love “The Miracle” by Shawna Edwards, so I was thrilled to see four new songs that she has written for this year’s study of the Book of Mormon. They are fabulous: “Come Unto Christ” “He Knows” “The Tree of Life” and “Liken the Scriptures.” I also love “My Own Sacred Grove” by Angie Killian. Check them out for a spiritual feast! I hope you have the joy of reading in the Book of Mormon every day, discussing it with someone, watching available videos, listening to talks about it, and basking in the beautiful music that’s available. We love the Book of Mormon, and we bear witness that it is true! 

Matters of the Last Days

TMM Blog 1.7.2020

Were those fireworks or gunshots? You never really know if you live in a border town! Last Wednesday, New Year’s Day, we were in San Antonio putting Cameron on the plane to come home. The night before we were safely tucked into our hotel room, snoozing the old year out and 2020 in. The next morning as we checked out, we met a couple in the elevator who assured us that we made a wise choice as even in San Antonio things were WILD, crowded, and dangerous this New Year’s Eve. Our ride back to Laredo was uneventful—very light traffic that early in the day. As we drove, we listened to Gerald Lund’s book FISHERS OF MEN—a great way to cap our study of the New Testament. Our holiday was quiet and enjoyable despite the usual sirens (we live right near the main highway). A day or two later we learned, through the missionaries, that the “celebrations” got out-of-hand in Nuevo Laredo and spilled even across the border. The cartels were battling it out, and it definitely was not fireworks. The missionaries, especially the sisters who live a half-block from the Rio, were urged to take refuge elsewhere. They stayed with church leaders in northern Laredo until it was declared safe. We found out later from one of our YSAs who is a border-control agent that gun battles erupted all over Nuevo Laredo and surrounding areas. This included hospitals, churches, streets, and homes. We were pretty oblivious.

Yesterday we watched “Lara Logan Has No Agenda: The Border Crisis” on Fox Nation. It is all so much scarier than the worst we could imagine. Watch it. The cartels are not referred to as “drug cartels” anymore because they control crime—drugs, gangs, human trafficking, smuggling, (even the avocado trade) et al—in over 50 countries. They are in your neighborhood and mine. It seems so overwhelming, unresolvable, impenetrable. And then I read the Book of Mormon and remember that God is in-charge. That Jesus Christ will win the war against evil. That there is a happy ending. But in the meantime, evil is everywhere. No wonder President Nelson speaks with such urgency for the gathering of Israel and preparation for the Second Coming of the Lord.

We finished the Book of Mormon twice in 2019, studying it with Cameron twice a day. We are thrilled to have started it again! What a tender mercy it is to have this sacred record to guide and sustain us in these chaotic times. We are truly blessed. We challenge all of you to read the Book of Mormon this year and find the treasures God preserved for us. Happy New Year!

Matters of Fulfilling our Potential TMM

TMM Becoming Matters

We hear the same story often, and we love it! People are searching for peace, for love, for belonging, and when they find it, they rejoice in the waters of baptism. Last Saturday we attended five baptisms. Rosa and her daughter Kim were baptized first. Rosa told us she is 41 years old and has sons who are 26 and 25. Kim is ten. Rosa was so thrilled to find the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it is giving her the confidence to become who she knows she can be. Raymundo is a retired cook who came to the gospel through Cindy—truly a missionary since her own baptism two or three months ago! (Another of Cindy’s friends was baptized this week.) Teddy and another man were baptized and exuded joy and gratitude. Teddy is YSA-age and told us as we drove him home what a great blessing it is to find the gospel. 

Sometimes trying to get all the ordinances done leads to a comedy of errors of sorts. Last Saturday was one of those days. After the first baptisms, someone started draining the font at the Stake Center. Panicked missionaries stopped the emptying and tried to refill the font, but the water was shut off. They began filling any large containers they could find from the hose outside and dumped them in. You just don’t realize how many gallons it takes to fill a font until you try to fill one this way! The Sisters were distraught. The Elders were doing their best to right the “wrong.” Finally we suggested that they call the missionaries at the other building (who were themselves preparing for two more baptisms) to see if we could move to the Los Presidentes building. Alas! The water was off in the other building, too! Finally Bishop Bahr came and got the stake building’s water flowing, and the other baptisms moved there. Some delays. Some frayed nerves. A happy ending and five very happy new converts.

I watched a Prager University video this week wherein Dennis Prager (a Jew) rejoiced in Christmas. He also said something that I have pondered all week—“I never ask what God can do for me. I ask what I can do for God!” What a wonderful way to look at things, especially this Christmas week! What can I do for Him and for His children? We are so grateful to be serving here in Laredo. It is teaching us a whole new understanding of Christ’s Atonement. He comes to us wherever we are and gives us everything we need to come to His Heavenly Home with the Father. Merry Christmas! 

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!