Sister's Conference, January 29, 2013
Ever since Sister Castro joined the church, she desired to be a full time missionary. Her Patriarchal blessing stated she would be, while she was young. Yet she married Fernando Castro when she was a new convert. She was the only member in her family to join and she had zero support from her family. She figured when she and her husband were much older and their children grown, they would be able to serve. President Castro said he got very emotional when she was set apart as the mission president's wife as a full time missionary. When she was getting her medical things all done, a nurse said to her, "You are too young to serve a mission with your husband." She felt this was a tender mercy from Heavenly Father, helping her realize she was serving a full time mission while she was young.
Sister Castro, an investigator, was baptized and confirmed by Fernando Castro, a returned missionary. It was afterwards that they dated and then married. They are an amazing couple, whom we love, admire, and respect a great deal! He has his doctorate, but humbly accepts, and says it is more meaningful, to be called "Brother" Castro at BYU-I, and not "Doctor" Castro. Sister Castro assisted in the typing of his papers -- many thousands of pages -- so he says she earned his degrees alongside him. They are wonderful examples and teachers.
On their first day in this mission, they were given cell phones. President says on that day Sister Castro received 17 calls (she handles medical things for the missionaries) and he had 0.
We need to assess our problems. Don't let them become bigger than they are. Nothing is bigger or greater than the Atonement.
We talk too much in the Church. We need to listen more. We need to quietly find our place in the kingdom of God. We don't need to be loud. We don't need to hold the Priesthood. Story of Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. We bring unique qualities in relationships and to the world. We have the tenderness needed. The world is pulling women out of their place. Know your place. Let the Lord mold you -- and this is ongoing, unending. Because of Christ's enabling power, we can do things we never though we could. The world is loud -- we get confused. Things of the Spirit are peaceful, quiet. We need to search and understand our own identity.
Impressions: Sisters have unique qualities to share. Great faith. Lifetime of little things that build us. President Monson - "whom the Lord calls, the Lord qualifies." Have courage. It comes from knowing who we are and being solid in that.
We are queens. We have deep beauty which shines from the inside out -- spiritual attractiveness -- having the image of Christ engraven on our countenance. As missionaries, those we teach feel this more than see it.
Clip of President Uchtdorf telling story of the Ugly Duckling. WE are swans! We are glorious and eternal sons and daughters of God.
Workshops: The two sets of traveling sisters and the APs each conducted a workshop. Sister Lillywhite and Sister Bennett's was "What Manner of Men [and Women] Ought Ye To Be." Sister Baker and Sister Hunter's was on Unity. Elder Brodie and Elder Cary's was regarding "Heaven is a continuation of an ideal home."
End of Day
3 Nephi 19:24-25 The people were praying to Jesus. They were given what to pray. His countenance smiled upon them.
John 11:20-38 (or so). Story of Lazarus. Jesus had compassion and empathy for his friends. He wept.
Moses 1:1-6 Moses saw God's creations.
We saw a film clip showing the earth, then the solar system, then the galaxy, then far, far beyond.
Christ created worlds without number, and he knows them all, yet he has compassion, empathy, love for each one of us, individually! He knows us and loves us.
Then each sister was invited to share, in 30 seconds (approximately) one thing she liked from the day. We have amazing sisters -- their responses touched my heart.
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Sister's Conference
Sister Blue and I were invited to attend the all-day Sisters' Conference on Tuesday, January 29. Too bad you can't somehow bottle the Spirit and keep it with you always and forever. It was such a great day! More on content later . . .
Sisters Lupashko (Ukraine), Tagaloa (Samoa),
Cooper, and Baliar (Philippines)
Sisters Harmer, Burwell, Tagaloa, Romero
Sisters Porter, Romero, Foster
Sisters Baliar, Putnam, Lillywhite, Vandenhazel
Sister Castro, Samuel, President Castro,
Elder Cary, Elder Brodie
Sisters Putnam, Baliar, Lillywhite, Porter,
Stoker, Kiyotani
Sisters Burwell, Bennett, Lupashko, Cooper,
Romero, Tagaloa, Anderson, Wilkinson, Vandenhazel
Sisters Hunter, Palafox, Foster, Bennett,
Bartschi, Walker, Baker
Sisters Spittler, Wright, Romero, Blue,
Anderson, Coleman
The "senior" table
Dean and Jo Harmer
Us :)
Marva and George Blue
Group Picture
All of us
Monday Night Delight
We enjoyed an incredibly sweet evening at the home of Bishop and Lori Hooke. Also there were Elder Brodie and Elder Cary, as well as Emily (Hooke) and Carl, a neighbor. We had a delicious ham dinner, after which Carl left. Then the elders shared a great lesson, which they intend to use in their teaching from now on. The crux of their message was, "Heaven is a continuation of an ideal home." They were excited about the power of this. We had a meaningful discussion of how we, as members who attempt to have an ideal home, need to just invite people in, not necessarily to have a gospel discussion, but perhaps to share a meal - invite people in so that they can feel the spirit and see the "workings" of a happy home! Mostly to feel the Spirit :)
The elders had to leave for an appointment. Then Bishop Hooke asked if we had time for him to sing us a song. He got out his guitar and sang a beautiful song he composed about God's love shown to us by His beautiful creations, which he wrote years ago after a family trip to Yosemite Park. One song led to another. He has an awesome talent! When he invited his wife to duet with him, I remembered my camera, and took a little video. If I can figure out how to load it, I will add it. This song was sweet, some of his other ones showed off his voice better. Amazing talented family! The Hookes are choice people -- always serving others.
The elders had to leave for an appointment. Then Bishop Hooke asked if we had time for him to sing us a song. He got out his guitar and sang a beautiful song he composed about God's love shown to us by His beautiful creations, which he wrote years ago after a family trip to Yosemite Park. One song led to another. He has an awesome talent! When he invited his wife to duet with him, I remembered my camera, and took a little video. If I can figure out how to load it, I will add it. This song was sweet, some of his other ones showed off his voice better. Amazing talented family! The Hookes are choice people -- always serving others.
Sunday, January 27, 2013
Amazing Weekend
Highlight - Elder Neal L. Anderson of the Quorum of the Twelve was at our Stake Conference this weekend, along with his petite and lovely wife, and Elder Higham of the Seventy. WONDERFUL conference! I only wish there was some way to convey how spiritually charged it was and how special it was to have the Lord's chosen right there in person to teach us. It was SO FINE!
Saturday's theme - the temple! Go! Appreciate! Become empowered by attending often. Heavenly Father loves us!
Sunday's theme - have faith! No matter what!
I DID take notes - I don't have them right here. I may add more later.
After conference, we boogied over to Oxnard 2nd Ward to listen to Elder and Sister Blue speak in their sacrament meeting this afternoon. They are such sweet and humble people. Love them!
My soft spot for Kim has become even softer. She badly wanted to attend conference. (Mike was planning to go too.) Kim now has the flu and obviously could go no where. In spite of this, has remained positive and even seems to be developing faith. When she went to check out of the motel Saturday morning, the proprietor told her she had another day's stay. She does not know where this came from (neither do I). Then, our kind bishop extended her two more nights. She called me in tears -- this time tears of gratitude -- saying, "Jesus loves us. Jesus knows us and is taking care of us." I had taken her some flu medicine and cough/throat lozenges earlier that morning. I knew it was a possibility that her stay would get extended, but I didn't dare say a word to her in case it didn't happen. She was resolved to move into her van and make the best of it. So you can imagine her joy at getting to stay a few more nights.
The Kingdom Center has an opening, and she should be able to get in. She has to have a couple of interviews and get her drivers license. Praying it comes tomorrow. She cannot move in with Mike unless they are married. They are talking of getting married. Bishop is going to advise that they not and that Mike get a job and be able to offer some sort of security before they marry. We'll see.
Kim and I have spoken several times the last couple days. She is positive, grateful, hopeful, has faith, and is sick. We'll see what the next few days bring. :)
And Mike? He seems to be a part of Kim's picture. It would take a miracle for him to do a 180! But I believe in miracles. Time will tell . . .
Saturday's theme - the temple! Go! Appreciate! Become empowered by attending often. Heavenly Father loves us!
Sunday's theme - have faith! No matter what!
I DID take notes - I don't have them right here. I may add more later.
After conference, we boogied over to Oxnard 2nd Ward to listen to Elder and Sister Blue speak in their sacrament meeting this afternoon. They are such sweet and humble people. Love them!
My soft spot for Kim has become even softer. She badly wanted to attend conference. (Mike was planning to go too.) Kim now has the flu and obviously could go no where. In spite of this, has remained positive and even seems to be developing faith. When she went to check out of the motel Saturday morning, the proprietor told her she had another day's stay. She does not know where this came from (neither do I). Then, our kind bishop extended her two more nights. She called me in tears -- this time tears of gratitude -- saying, "Jesus loves us. Jesus knows us and is taking care of us." I had taken her some flu medicine and cough/throat lozenges earlier that morning. I knew it was a possibility that her stay would get extended, but I didn't dare say a word to her in case it didn't happen. She was resolved to move into her van and make the best of it. So you can imagine her joy at getting to stay a few more nights.
The Kingdom Center has an opening, and she should be able to get in. She has to have a couple of interviews and get her drivers license. Praying it comes tomorrow. She cannot move in with Mike unless they are married. They are talking of getting married. Bishop is going to advise that they not and that Mike get a job and be able to offer some sort of security before they marry. We'll see.
Kim and I have spoken several times the last couple days. She is positive, grateful, hopeful, has faith, and is sick. We'll see what the next few days bring. :)
And Mike? He seems to be a part of Kim's picture. It would take a miracle for him to do a 180! But I believe in miracles. Time will tell . . .
Thursday, January 24, 2013
Ahhhhhh!
KIM CANNOT GET IT TOGETHER.
Kim had to move out of the Belisle's place - regulations at their housing community. It was awfully stressful for all of them when they were together anyway. But the Belisles have been more than generous with Kim. The bishop decided, after much discussion with many, to put her up in a motel again for a week. In the meantime she was supposed to be getting all her ID stuff together which she must have to get into the Kingdom Center. She still doesn't have everything she needs. There are many details I don't think I should post, but suffice it to say, she is still in quite a mess.
Then Mike got out of jail. Not good. Now he is back in the picture, which I totally do not understand. She still has feelings for him. She makes all kinds of excuses for him and insists that he is very sorry for what he put her through and that he is now going to be there for her. Why do I have a hard time believing this?
This morning I get a call from her. She's at the ER with her baby, who was sick all night. She finds out Audrina has the flu virus that is an epidemic here. The doctor said they will all get it. Mike has it. Ashlynn doesn't feel well. They are to check out of the motel by 11 a.m. They have no money, no gas in the car, no food. Now let me say, bishop and the ward has been most generous with her. I seem to get a call when she is desperate. She says she hates to ask, but could we put her up for one night in the motel. She knows I'm a softy.
The bishop, on finding that the kids are sick, relented and will pay for two more nights at the motel. But Mike is not to stay. I was to have her look me in the eye and tell me Mike wouldn't stay there. Kim will not kick him out onto the streets "where he has no where to go." (His parents kicked him out of their home when he made contact with Kim after he was released.) Well, I had already paid for her room for two nights - we are to get reimbursed by the church, but I'm okay if that doesn't happen. I also filled her tank with gas.
Mike supposedly has been given some ultimatums from his parole officer. The officer also is trying to help -- got him a food card and is supposedly going to get him into a trade school to learn welding and help him get a job. Kim and Mike are talking of getting married. (I'm wondering if they think the church will continue to give them stuff if they are married.)
I think she has been very manipulative with all of us. She can tell quite a story, and the details just don't quite fit together. I'm disappointed that she cannot be honest and forthright. Part of it comes from years of living with a very abusive husband, who, on at least two occasions beat her to a pulp and put her in intensive care. I know she wants to have a good and happy life.
I feel like the Book of Mormon prophets -- I have not included a hundredth of what all has taken place. Plus, it's so hard to know what to believe any more.
In spite of it all, I can't help myself - I love this girl and her kids! Heaven help her! Because after two more days, then what?
Kim had to move out of the Belisle's place - regulations at their housing community. It was awfully stressful for all of them when they were together anyway. But the Belisles have been more than generous with Kim. The bishop decided, after much discussion with many, to put her up in a motel again for a week. In the meantime she was supposed to be getting all her ID stuff together which she must have to get into the Kingdom Center. She still doesn't have everything she needs. There are many details I don't think I should post, but suffice it to say, she is still in quite a mess.
Then Mike got out of jail. Not good. Now he is back in the picture, which I totally do not understand. She still has feelings for him. She makes all kinds of excuses for him and insists that he is very sorry for what he put her through and that he is now going to be there for her. Why do I have a hard time believing this?
This morning I get a call from her. She's at the ER with her baby, who was sick all night. She finds out Audrina has the flu virus that is an epidemic here. The doctor said they will all get it. Mike has it. Ashlynn doesn't feel well. They are to check out of the motel by 11 a.m. They have no money, no gas in the car, no food. Now let me say, bishop and the ward has been most generous with her. I seem to get a call when she is desperate. She says she hates to ask, but could we put her up for one night in the motel. She knows I'm a softy.
The bishop, on finding that the kids are sick, relented and will pay for two more nights at the motel. But Mike is not to stay. I was to have her look me in the eye and tell me Mike wouldn't stay there. Kim will not kick him out onto the streets "where he has no where to go." (His parents kicked him out of their home when he made contact with Kim after he was released.) Well, I had already paid for her room for two nights - we are to get reimbursed by the church, but I'm okay if that doesn't happen. I also filled her tank with gas.
Mike supposedly has been given some ultimatums from his parole officer. The officer also is trying to help -- got him a food card and is supposedly going to get him into a trade school to learn welding and help him get a job. Kim and Mike are talking of getting married. (I'm wondering if they think the church will continue to give them stuff if they are married.)
I think she has been very manipulative with all of us. She can tell quite a story, and the details just don't quite fit together. I'm disappointed that she cannot be honest and forthright. Part of it comes from years of living with a very abusive husband, who, on at least two occasions beat her to a pulp and put her in intensive care. I know she wants to have a good and happy life.
I feel like the Book of Mormon prophets -- I have not included a hundredth of what all has taken place. Plus, it's so hard to know what to believe any more.
In spite of it all, I can't help myself - I love this girl and her kids! Heaven help her! Because after two more days, then what?
Monday, January 21, 2013
Sunday Dinner
We enjoyed the company of The Blues at our place for Sunday dinner. Next time, they said they would have us for dinner at their place in Clearfield :)
Pineapple cashew curry, rice, sauted beans, salad and rolls (homemade, I might add :)
Ventura Elders
Here are some of our awesome elders serving in Ventura:
Elders Crapo, Wenz, Alvarez, and Tauatavalu
They went on exchanges Saturday, and we had the pleasure of taking Elder Crapo and Elder Alvarez to dinner that evening. It was fun! Elder Crapo goes home next transfer, and Elder Alvarez just arrived last transfer :) We snapped this picture when we took something to the Wenz/Alvarez apartment, then did a quick inspection.
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