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| Pretty Summertime |
Well I am a little late this week. It has so far been very busy. This post will not have so many pictures and adventures. I will share lessons and musings instead.
Yesterday Bill asked me what I will tell
people upon our return, when they ask; “How was it"? That is really a loaded
question!
This whole experience has been discouraging, wonderful, challenging, and uplifting. It has caused soul searching and much reflection. There is always some self-doubt and sometimes rationalization and self-justification. There are moments so sweet they cannot be put into words and times when I just want to go home for a minute and kiss little grand-kid cheeks!
This whole experience has been discouraging, wonderful, challenging, and uplifting. It has caused soul searching and much reflection. There is always some self-doubt and sometimes rationalization and self-justification. There are moments so sweet they cannot be put into words and times when I just want to go home for a minute and kiss little grand-kid cheeks!
I will to try to express some of the things I
have learned. I have learned to not take myself too seriously. I have learned
that no matter what, Heavenly Father is in charge. I have learned to be more patient
with my companion, specifically more patient with my impatience. I have learned
that the responsibility we have to brand new members of the church is daunting
at times. I have learned that I need to a better job of leaning not unto my own
understanding. I have learned that cultures are different all over the world
and most of all that each and every child of God has their own journey. I am
trying to learn that making uninformed judgments can lead you down the wrong
path. I have witnessed that it takes incredible courage to embrace the gospel
and become a whole new person; to be ‘born again’ as the scriptures teach. I
have watched the latter-day armies of Helaman march forth with power, testimony
and conviction. All in all I suppose my answer will be that I would not trade
this experience for anything!
I am very
thankful for my family and their support, love and prayers! I do not know what
I would do without them. Especially this
week because our oldest grandchild becomes a teenager I feel grateful. Gracie,
thank you for giving us the opportunity to experience love that we never knew
could exist. I believe that the love we feel for our grandchildren is the
closest manifestation of unconditional love that we have thus far experienced in mortality.
These little munchkins really are 19, soon to be 20, of the most important reasons we are
here!
Enough
philosophizing! We had a nice week. Last week Wednesday we finished blog and
had YSA meal. Thursday was institute, next to last class in the Book of Mormon.
Conrad an investigator who is getting baptized this weekend, came to our class.
He has such a refreshing outlook. It is a joy to watch someone so eager to
learn.
Friday was busy with the opportunity for Bill to give a Priesthood blessing in the morning. In the afternoon we visited the famous Primark discount store down in the city center. We took the bus, which is always an adventure. In the evening we went with the elders to teach our Belgium friend Dlila. Good missionary day!
Saturday we finally cleaned our house from top to bottom and then got ready for the first session of Stake Conference. I cannot believe that this is our second Stake Conference in the Bristol Stake. Sunday was the second session and then dinner in the afternoon enjoying Georgia’s company and FHE in the evening! There how is that for a quick summary of our week?
Friday was busy with the opportunity for Bill to give a Priesthood blessing in the morning. In the afternoon we visited the famous Primark discount store down in the city center. We took the bus, which is always an adventure. In the evening we went with the elders to teach our Belgium friend Dlila. Good missionary day!
Saturday we finally cleaned our house from top to bottom and then got ready for the first session of Stake Conference. I cannot believe that this is our second Stake Conference in the Bristol Stake. Sunday was the second session and then dinner in the afternoon enjoying Georgia’s company and FHE in the evening! There how is that for a quick summary of our week?
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| Elder Preece talking on two phones at once trying to coordinate rides to stake conference |
I am very
grateful for Stake Conference. I was reflecting on how significant it has been
that the practice of meeting regularly for general and stake conferences was
instituted at the very beginning of the Church. There is much wisdom in the practice. We gain
so much strength and knowledge on these occasions.
I want to share one very profound insight I gained from a talk by a member of our Stake Presidency. He quoted from an article in the Ensign this past September written by Brad Wilcox. The title is: His Grace is Sufficient. The article compares this life’s journey to music lessons like we might provide for our children. We pay for it, do not wince at their mistakes, are proud as they improve etc. It is the same for us as our Father in Heaven sends us on this journey and encourages us along. President Beal then made a statement something like this and it hit me with power and humility: “there is a perfect song to play and only one person has ever or ever will play it perfectly…but He is right there with us as we practice, because His grace will make up the difference. We need to be patient with everyone else as they are learning to play this song too.”
I want to share one very profound insight I gained from a talk by a member of our Stake Presidency. He quoted from an article in the Ensign this past September written by Brad Wilcox. The title is: His Grace is Sufficient. The article compares this life’s journey to music lessons like we might provide for our children. We pay for it, do not wince at their mistakes, are proud as they improve etc. It is the same for us as our Father in Heaven sends us on this journey and encourages us along. President Beal then made a statement something like this and it hit me with power and humility: “there is a perfect song to play and only one person has ever or ever will play it perfectly…but He is right there with us as we practice, because His grace will make up the difference. We need to be patient with everyone else as they are learning to play this song too.”
Monday this
week we had a very fun Family Home Evening here at our flat. Tuesday we went to
Chippenham for a flat inspection, came back and treated the Southmead Elders to
lunch at Cosmo (an Asian all you can eat buffet) and then enjoyed a new member lesson here for Alex and a very
sweet teach with Fran later.
I can’t tell you how much my own testimony is strengthened when I hear the words of truth taught by the missionaries! Wednesday we had District meeting and then drove to Bath for a session with the sisters there and a recent young single adult convert. Then we went with the missionaries to look at a new flat. The one they are currently living in is really run down and old. It does not even have a shower. The flat was great and in a great location. We have our fingers crossed! Wed evening meal was enjoyable as usual with opportunity for good conversation.
I can’t tell you how much my own testimony is strengthened when I hear the words of truth taught by the missionaries! Wednesday we had District meeting and then drove to Bath for a session with the sisters there and a recent young single adult convert. Then we went with the missionaries to look at a new flat. The one they are currently living in is really run down and old. It does not even have a shower. The flat was great and in a great location. We have our fingers crossed! Wed evening meal was enjoyable as usual with opportunity for good conversation.
Cheerio!
Make the most of every day!
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