Today, while the birds sing, harbor no care; call life a good gift; call the world fair.

Castle Coombe Village

Now I remember, last year at this time I fell in love with Autumn and here it is again! What a beautiful season! At home in Arizona, we do not really experience fall, so maybe that is why I am so enamored by it here. The air is crisp, there is a breeze and the sun pokes in and out of the clouds.

The past week has been full of the usual events: YSA activity in Trowbridge, church on Sunday, District meeting Wednesday and YSA meal. There were some highlights however.


I had quite a discussion with Rob Glass about the possibility of thundershowers in Trowbridge for our YSA activity for last Thursday. He told me it would not rain, just pray and it will not rain. Apparently my faith was not sufficient because just as we all pulled into the church car park it started rumbling and flashing and sprinkling. We forged ahead to the train station to park and then 'stroll' along the canal...Now it started coming down hard. Still we pressed forward. We came to a park with a play ground and a zip line. Even in the rain everyone took a turn 'Zipping' on the line. Finally we came to our senses left the soggy park to find some hot chocolate.

We found a cafe along the bank that served delicious hot cocoa with mini marshmallows topped in a mountain of whip cream. To make it even more enjoyable we all gathered in a little river boat on the water that was a part of the cafe. While we were merrily sipping and enjoying one another's company there was a huge bolt of lightening and clap of thunder that shook the boat. We all scramed! Some of us rushed out of there to get off the water. Lightening must have hit very close by. We were all safe, but laughing and shaking! Bill and I and a few others left then just as the heavens opened up and poured down. Drenched, we drove home in the storm, a little bit of a white knuckle drive in places. One of the cars full of YSA got bogged down and needed to be rescued. They were from Trowbridege close to home so all was fine. All in all it was a memorable and very enjoyable adventure!!

Sunday was especially busy and fulfilling. I got to teach Primary to the 5 and 6 year olds. The lesson was on the parable of the talents. The three little girls attending have no problem seeing and enjoying their own unique gifts and talents. The rest of us could probably try to be more like them once in a while. Bill got to impromptu teach Priesthood meeting. Pres. Joseph Fielding Smith’s words are timeless and lend themselves to last minute facilitating.

The YSA Regional quarterly meeting was held Sunday afternoon here in Bristol at the Wells Rd Chapel preceding the regional Institute registration and CES broadcast by Elder Christofferson. This is the fourth regional meeting we have attended and it we really enjoy the great people we get to rub shoulders with. There were at least 70 young single adults in attendance and many leaders.

The address by Elder Christofferson is well worth listening to. I would recommend you go to the church web site and listen to or read it. Wow, it sometimes amazes me how much we have access to because of the Internet!

Refreshments and registration followed the fireside. These are the moments that we enjoy so much. We love chatting with and mingling with such fine people. President Beal and Adrian Evans and the two of us met for a few minutes after to discuss implementing some of the YSA guidelines from Handbook 2. I know that Heavenly Father really cares about these young people. He calls great men and women to lead and guide them!

We were tired when we came home that evening but it was a good tired. It is a great thing to get a glimpse at the love the Savior has for the future leaders and future parents of the church!

Monday we decided to take advantage of the lovely fall weather and see some more of this beautiful part of England in which we live. We decided to drive to Castle Combe which is a small little village nestled against forested hills of the southern end of the Cotswolds. This pretty little village is the site where several movies and TV shows have been filmed. The War Horse, Doctor Doolittle and Stardust among the films and some episodes of Poirot.

What a beautiful day, and such a very peaceful place. There were several other tourists there but still no hustle and bustle, just warm rays of sunshine, a gentle breeze and birds singing. We sat on a bench by the river for a while watching two swans foraging for food.

In the Inn where we ate lunch we met a couple from Napa Valley CA. They were on a 7 week vacation. When we told them we were LDS missionaries they expressed how much they loved ancestry.com. They had spent most of their trip driving all over England visiting the places where his ancestors had come from. We wanted to tell them they were experiencing the spirit of Elijah… we didn’t.

District meeting on Wednesday was good as usual. The Zone leaders came and gave a great message of encouragement and instruction. Elder Darcy as usual gave very inspired guidance to this district. It was after the meeting that we experienced the joys of working with 18 and 19 year old boys! They served pancakes and maple syrup for the main course and brownies for desert… Oh yeah with whip cream. It all tasted good but pretty much settled in a sugary lump in the bottom of my stomach. One of the Elders put catsup on his because he could not stand all sweet with no savory. Memorable and fun!

We ran the sisters around afterwards because Sister Connery still has and injured leg and is in a wheel chair. We enjoy helping and they are so sweet in their appreciation.

Wed meal was tasty, and normal after our unusual lunch. As always we enjoyed the company. Today is the first class of Institute. It will be good to get back to learning about the gospel and enjoying the regularity of a weekly class!

Twice this week I have been involved in a discussion about pride, once with my friend Georgia and also in district meeting. Georgia pointed it out a Proverb about it and a commentary by Marvin J Ashton:

Proverbs 13:10. “By Pride Cometh Contention”

Elder Marvin J. Ashton cautioned:

“When one considers the bad feeling and the unpleasantness caused by contention, it is well to ask, ‘Why do I participate?’ If we are really honest with ourselves, our answers may be something like: ‘When I argue and am disagreeable, I do not have to change myself. It gives me a chance to get even.’ ‘I am unhappy and I want others to be miserable too.’ ‘I can feel self-righteous. In this way I get my ego built up.’ ‘I don’t want others to forget how much I know!’

“Whatever the real reason, it is important to recognize that we choose our behavior. At the root of this issue is the age-old problem of pride. ‘Only by pride cometh contention.’ (Prov. 13:10.)

“If Satan can succeed in creating in us habits of arguing, quarreling, and contention, it is easier then for him to bind us with the heavier sins which can destroy our eternal lives. A contentious spirit can affect almost any phase of our lives. An angry letter written in haste can haunt us—sometimes for years. A few ill-advised words spoken in hate can destroy a marriage or a personal friendship, or impede community progress.” (In Conference Report, Apr. 1978, pp. 11–12; or Ensign, May 1978, p. 9.)

I feel like I learned a lesson!

Thanks to everyone for being so supportive. We are excited this week because of the choice of a dear friend to be baptized. Change (repentance) takes courage. I testify that there is a loving Heavenly Father and His son the Savior of the world who reach out kindly to buoy us up as we choose to follow the path they have provided!

Have a good week! Try to walk on the bright side of the road often!

Scatter sunshine all along your way, cheer and bless and brighten every passing day!

I think today my thoughts are going to be a bit of a ramble. Many different ideas keep swirling around in my head.

First thought of randomness;  while we were at Avebury last week in the museum there were some reconstructed dog skeletons. The reader board beside them said that these were evidence that the English ‘love affair’ with dogs started thousands of years ago. I couldn't help thinking about that this morning during my morning walk through the Downs. There are always so many dogs and their owners enjoying the beauty of the morning. There really is kind of a sweet relationship between man/woman and pet here, you can feel it. I cannot help but smile when I watch. The animals are for the most part very well behaved and obedient, and most of all they know they are important. Pip the little long hair Chihuahua across the street has endeared me to him. Milo our resident YSA dog (he actually belongs to Lorna and Nathan) would be missed if he did not show up. Bill used to say that if there was reincarnation he would love to come back as a pet dog in England! Now I understand the sentiment and am actually impressed by what I have witnessed!

Next random thought! I feel to rejoice in the conversion process! A very special person has decided to be baptized after a very long year of serious study and reflection. I read somewhere recently that Eliza R Snow took 4 years from the first time she heard the truth until she was baptized. Brigham Young took 2 years. Timing in converting and embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ is in the Lords time. I am so thankful for that knowledge. I am thankful that He is mindful of each of us and our own unique journey here in this mortal life.

Last random of the day: as Senior Missionaries we wear many hats! As I describe our past week I think this will be apparent!

Last Thursday evening we had a very fun activity at the beach in Weston-super-Mare. We met at the chapel and then walked over to the shore. It was pretty dark but a little Frisbee tossing and then a nice stroll. The company was great and we ended up the evening eating ice cream on the promenade. There was a nice turn out, the weather was just balmy and a new member of YSA and an investigator joined in the fun! We actually were out of uniform that evening. Walking in the sand seemed better wearing something other than Sunday best. The evening called for our “associate with others” and “enjoy friendships hats.” Love this role!

James' sandcastle

Friday morning I went to the hair dresser. As soon as I got back we put on our “taxi cab/ambulance driver” hat and drove to Southmead hospital to pick Lorna up. She had a surgical procedure that was hopefully going to relieve some of the pain caused by some pretty serious back problems. Love that girl, hope she gets better soon.

Friday evening we got to put on our “party animal” hats and meet the gang at TGI Fridays for Narraser’s Birthday party. We had a ball! Carly and Beth were teaching us how to take ‘selfies. We enjoyed a great conversation with Ben and Helen. Dinner was great even though we ate quite late!

Saturday Bill invited Adrian Evans to go to the football game to watch Bristol City play. They had a great time! The “friendship” hat! I got to stay home and had a very long conversation on SKYPE with Lindsey and the kids. I always wear the “mom & grandma” hat.

Sunday is “every day missionary” hat day. We get to associate with the kind people of the Bristol 2^nd Ward (Southmead). Stake speaker’s Sunday. Brother Clarkson and his two sons spoke. His son Chris has his mission call to Russia and leaves in Nov. He did a great job, good practice for his coming mission. They all spoke about Love. They brought a sweet feeling. Our Southmead Elders had a new investigator there. She is YSA age. This always makes the meeting even better.

Sunday evening FHE lesson was taught by our newest return missionary Fife McKenny. He did a great job teaching us about the Sacrament. The Apples to Apples game that we played after was hilarity as usual. Sunday FHE we wear our “YSA Missionary” hat.

Monday we were both feeling a little off so we rested most of the day. Made a Costco trip in the afternoon. “Domestic” hat

Tuesday we ran errands and did some transporting again using the “taxi” hat. We have decided to call our silver Meriva the Bristol Flyer. It was a lovely day.

Wednesday is the day for missionary responsibilities. We gave the Southmead Elders a ride to district meeting. We love this hat, we love to be included as a member of the district. Afterward Bill gave a priesthood blessing to one of the sisters. They have been struggling because of an ankle injury. The hat of “comfort” and “priesthood power” are the sweetest we are called upon to wear.

Elders Baron, Brinkerhoff and Sis. Erasmus learning how to relieve tension after district meeting

“YSA” hat again Wednesday evening at the YSA meal. Brenda fixed two delicious homemade quiches and we visited and laughed a lot all evening.

The mission office called this morning to tell us that the flat for the new area in Downend is going through. Now along with the “real-estate, flat finding hat” we get to wear the “interior decorator” hat and fit up the whole apartment before the new missionaries move in on Oct. 8!

I have to smile as I think of all of the great experiences we get to have! Speaking of great experiences. Wed afternoon as we returned home from dropping the elders back to their flat, I saw that my son Michael had called on Face Time. He does not usually call during his day time hours so I was concerned and immediately called back. To my surprise he answered the phone standing in the front of his Seminary class! He teaches time release Seminary at Lone Peak High School in Highland UT. They were discussing the 4^th section of the Doctrine & Covenants. So we got to talk to a class full of 15 and 16 year old students and answer some questions about being a missionary and bear our testimonies! Today we get to talk to another one of his classes. I am blown away by the technological developments that make such interaction across the world possible!

Whew, hope you are all still with me! Every day brings time to contemplate the many many blessings this mission has offered us. We love the gospel! We love the Savior and his infinite Atonement! What a thrill it is to watch it at work in the lives of these young people. I am ever grateful to the support of friends and family which allows me from time to time to witness the ‘mighty change’ that conversion to eternal truths brings into the lives of others!

had to share 7 year old granddaughter Olivia's testimony, she had to write it down before she would say it

Today, today work with a will; today, today your duties fulfill.

high tide

I do not know why I have been so introspective lately but I have. I am sure it has something to do with the point in time in which we find ourselves with this assignment! I was remembering during my walk this morning how strongly I felt before we left home 13 months ago about leaving my grandchildren and children for such a long stretch. Both of us felt such a deep desire for this mission that we have chosen to serve to be a light, a beacon and a blessing to all of you! Each week as I sit down to record the events of our lives and our adventures I feel that responsibility! To be sure there is a message to my wonderful family that will help them in their daily lives. The frequency of my ramblings probably lends itself to routine and maybe even mundane. I want so much for each and every grand kid to know that I love them and want them to hear of my experiences, both good and bad. I want them to know that there is joy in serving the Lord and even with some sacrifice. Daily I can see each of their little faces and realize how much I love them. I realize even more how much their Heavenly Father loves them!!! 

We have had a good week! Last Thursday YSA activity was a surprise party for Rob Glass! Our resident Scott! He is really a good guy and it was fun to see so many people turn out to wish him well. Thanks to Kieran who worked hard to pull off a great evening!

Happy Birthday Rob

Friday and Saturday we headed out to Taunton and Bath to do missionary flat inspections. We always enjoy feeling the spirit in each place as we enter. I was very proud of the Zone Leaders this week they tried really hard and passed the inspection with top marks. Now they can go out and encourage the District Leaders to have a house of order who in turn can inspire the Elders in the Zone. This may seem trite but our mission leaders are trying to help each missionary understand that the place where they live needs to be conducive to the spirit in every way.

Zone leaders Elders Davies and Kirk with the worlds largest rubber band ball

Sunday we really enjoyed our meetings. Fast Sunday is always uplifting. FHE was great. The lesson was on Gifts of the Spirit and the discussion was great. Lorna thank you! After lesson everyone played a new game that was kind of like Pictionary. Some of the art work was suspect to say the least.

Monday the weather was good so we decided to take an excursion to Avebury, a World Heritage site that has circles in chalk and stone. “The first farmers made their mark on the Avebury landscape almost 6.000 years ago. Since then a pretty village has grown up at the heart of the monument. This is the only place in the world where you’ll find a pub and a chapel inside a stone circle.” It was a lovely day to visit such a fascinating place.

Avebury

Tuesday we went flat hunting again. Yes this time the mission really is going to send in new missionaries to the Downend Ward. We think we found a place. It is in a great location, near several members and bus routes and shopping. The landlord was with the agent when we looked at the flat and he was very impressed with the sisters and their explanation about how the apartment would be used. He was very nice and said he would like to have the church rent his property.

Tuesday afternoon we met Tina Farrell at her drapery & curtain shop in Bedminster. We purchased a spring rod and she made me curtains for my kitchen window!! I feel like a new person because I can now get the light of day in my kitchen and still have privacy! She is my hero!!

they are really white

The Farrells then had us over for tea and Bill stayed there with Wil and his grandson Jack while Tina and I went to the stake center to watch the live broadcast, a fireside for Relief Society and Young Women of the Europe area generating from Frankfurt Germany. Elder’s Bednar, Ballard and Elder Hollstrom of the Presidency of the 70, were the visiting authorities. It was a delightful even intimate setting. The message was purely love and gratitude to the sisters in these great countries and their valiance in living and spreading the gospel. I felt gratitude for the opportunity to be there and partake of the spirit.

Wednesday at district meeting Bill and I were asked to take a few minutes and talk about ‘finding revelation and revelation in finding’, a very missionary topic. I was glad for the opportunity to testify to those 6 great missionaries that they are doing a good job and that they are much loved by the Lord.

On the way home from district meeting we passed a lot of people lined up on either side of the streets waiting for the Tour of Britain. The cyclists would be ending up their 4^th leg of the tour here in Bristol. The finish line was on the Downs and we got home just in time for Bill to hurry over with his camera and catch the end on film. It was a bit of a thrill! We really love living by Clifton Downs because so many events take place there and we just have to walk about a block to enjoy them.

4th leg of the Tour of Britain

YSA meal was great in the evening. Adrian and Brenda Evans just returned from a nice weekend away in Wales and we chatted with them about their adventures and looked at their pictures. We laughed and teased with everyone as always and just enjoyed being together.

Thanks to everyone for being patient with my journal type messages. It is a wonderful way for us to save these moments, share them with you and record some of the highlights of this experience.

Love you all!!! Gratitude especially to you Preeces Pieces for your prayers every day!!!

Returned Elder Riess Flament the connection between the Sierra Leone (Africa) mission and England London South mission! 

Then should we not endeavor each day some point to gain….

Misty, feels  like California on a June morning

August has ended, September is here! Wow, it already feels like autumn in so many ways. This past week was a very good YSA week!!

Last Thursday evening the activity for FHE was watching the movie Frozen. We had more come to participate than usual, I had no idea Disney had such a YSA draw! When the song “Let it Go” came on the entire room erupted into song, even the guys! One of the newly returned missionaries took a double take, he was completely taken back by the enthusiasm! Me too. My recording of the whole moment did not turn out however or you all could have enjoyed the merriment!

Friday we drove to the temple to stay overnight in the Accommodation Centre because Saturday was our Stake YSA Temple trip. Driving there and back in one day is not our first choice.

We got up Saturday morning and attended an endowment session for some family names. It was lovely. Elder and Sister Adams one of the office couples was on the same session. They are going home in a month so we were very glad of the opportunity to be with them in that sweet setting.

The baptismal session that we were all attending was at 3:00. The ‘fun bus’ and the other cars started arriving just before 2:00. Lisa brought lots of good food for lunch so we all marched to the picnic tables at the back of the grounds.

Carly and Grace had come to the temple on their own earlier because they had 3 kids in tow. Grace went to do a session first and Carly watched the kids, then they were going to switch. One of the boys in Grace’s care is special needs (Down Syndrome). Nathan bounded loose and bolted into the temple. Bill had to full on chase him through to the recorder’s desk. He wanted to know where the classes were, he knew that Grace was in there. When told he could not go in there he lay limp on the carpet and Bill and a couple of the sister temple workers had to carry him out. He is a big kid. Never a dull moment!

When everything settled down and we reported to the baptismal font we had a wonderful experience. There were about 25 of us including adult advisers and Travis and Ruth a married couple from Downend ward.

Most of the names for the baptisms were from our group and it was a very special feeling to see all of them in white in the House of the Lord serving those ancestors! The whole day will long be etched into my heart. There was such a sweet feeling! I am thankful for prayer, felt answers for personal needs and the miracle of personal service!

Bristol YSA, and Travis, Ruth & baby...

Sunday, still going strong with young single adult activities. We attend the Bath Ward with Lisa to encourage those YSA to reach out to others and to thank them for their faithfulness. Alice provided a nice munch and mingle after the meetings.

Sunday evening 15 attended YSA FHE. A very happy weekend!

Monday we were a little wiped out, lots of success can do that to you. We had a nice day and family home evening at our flat. Georgia taught us a great lesson about perfection using 'maths'.

Tuesday was Zone Training. We have been to several of these throughout our mission, this was probably one of the best! The missionaries were so sincere in their purpose and intent. The spirit was strong, everyone has the desire to do better. President Beale from our Stake Presidency gave a presentation about personal revelation and I just must share a quote he gave us:

“Get close to the scriptures. Do anything you can. God is there…Don’t just read the scriptures, eat them. Get them not only into your head but down into your gut…

Joseph Smith produced as God required translations of the scriptures we now share. But the work, open-ended all along, is unfinished. Now, the task is ours. When you read the scriptures, don’t just lay your eyes like stones on the page. Roll up your sleeves and translate them again. Every morning and every night we are each commanded to sit down at our kitchen tables, spread out our books and notes and papers and pens, and, with a prayer in hand, finish what Joseph started. It is not enough for Nephi to have translated Isaiah into reformed Egyptian or Joseph to have translated Nephi into King James English. You and I must translate these books again. Word by word, line by line, verse by verse, chapter by chapter, God wants the whole thing translated once more, and this time he wants it translated into your native tongue, inflected by your native concerns, and written in your native flesh. To be a Mormon is to do once more on your own small scale the same kind of work Joseph did.”

Adam Miller, Letters to a young Mormon, Neal A Maxwell Institute. 2014

I think this is brilliant, there is so much more that I need to get out of the scriptures when I study. I am thankful for the insight. I am thankful for the Spirit that always attends a gathering of the Lord’s missionaries. He truly loves them!

Meal Wednesday was fun, mostly the same group but everyone was in a good mood. A friendly football match between England and Norway was on TV so some watched that. A few people explored the building library which still contains materials as old as my childhood. It was fascinating and amusing going through them.

Now here we are back to Thursday. All in all a good week. We have had some good conversations with family, enjoyed pictures of grand-kids heading out to their first day of school and joy of joys we received a packet of letters from our home Desert Hills Ward Primary that made us smile!!

Thank you to all, thank you to those at home and those here who support our efforts and give us reason to rejoice! 

                                                               

Primary letters