Count your blessings...

 

the sun is still there behind the morning mist

Nov 29

So I am a little tardy this week. My trusty computer has been on loan assisting with missionary training. It is back now and no excuses!

I am feeling something totally unrelated to the blog post at the moment. I cannot believe how used I am to being connected all the times. Bill had to quickly take the bus down town to go to the bank this morning. He needs to be back by noon because the missionaries are coming for an appointment. All good, no big deal except that as I finished getting cleaned up and ready for the day I discovered that he forgot his phone. I feel so anxious, I think that in the old pre-mobile phone days we had more trust and faith in the events of a day than we do now when we can check up on each other all the time.

Now the business at hand, reporting on the past week. Last Friday we had a nice re-grouping kind of day. We even went on a Friday night date, dinner and a movie. It was a nice time and a good reminder that we really do enjoy being with each other.

Saturday was just a loose ends day getting ready for the Sabbath. We decided that in the next two months we will try to visit each ward in the stake in our YSA capacity so Sunday we started by visiting the Wells Road Ward. We were greeted at the door with a very familiar and welcome face. Wil Farrell, who is now in the bishopric there, asked if one of us would speak in Sacrament meeting. Their program had just fallen through. Bill agreed.

We also ended up having the delightful experience of conducting the discussion in the YSA Sunday School class. We have not had any Old Testament lessons this year and it was great to discuss Ezekiel’s vision of the temple. Wow I learned so much! The temple is so important!

Bill gave a wonderful talk using his parables of preparation and patience. (the parables of the 10 virgins and of the asparagus and the radish) I am so glad that he is so good with extemporaneous speaking because it scares me to death to be a johnny-on-the-spot. We had a wonderful afternoon discussion with a young single adult visitor and made the day even more uplifting!

Monday we started on a great adventure. Last week in the President’s letter he let us all know that on Tuesday the 25^th Elder Quinten Cook was in the European area and had invited the London South and London missions to come to the Hyde Park Chapel in London for a Mission Conference. If we could get to that chapel by 9:30 on that morning we could come to the conference, so we did!

What a glorious experience, one of those that is nearly impossible to describe because the most profound moments were felt through the spirit of the Holy Ghost. Before the meeting Elder Cook asked to shake hands with everyone there. 400 of us filed past and he greeted us by name (we do wear name tags) and asked where we were from. A very sweet experience. I loved the up front and personal feeling!

After some very inspiring musical numbers one of the APs from the London Mission turned the rest of the time over to Elder Cook. He spoke of his love for England. He served her 54 years ago and he said it is in his blood. I know someone like that. He shared some experiences of when he and Elder Holland were missionary companions. He told some of the process of writing Preach My Gospel and bore testimony that it came from hard work on both sides of the veil. Then he opened it up for Questions. Some questions were about the magnitude of the calling of an apostle, the difference between gospel knowledge and traditional knowledge, some investigators do not understand why we worship two Gods (the Father and Son) and the challenges of different cultures. Of course the answers were appropriate and inspiring. He stressed bearing strong testimony of the first vision and the plan of salvation. He stressed the line upon line and precept upon precept concept. I loved it when he said: “Exercise humility in what you think about knowledge – be modest about things we do not know. There is no place for speculation in areas where there is no specific revelation!”

In closing he invoked an Apostolic blessing on us and bore a strong testimony of the Savior as only one serving in that office can. In the blessing he reassured all the missionaries there that by our choice to serve a mission our families both past, present and future are blessed! We too will understand the great heritage that comes from this great country of England. Our lives will be blessed spiritually forever.

After he sat down, we sang ‘Called to Serve’ as the closing hymn and when we began to sing all stood spontaneously. The sound of those 400 voices was as if an army of angels had raised their voices to heaven! I could hardly sing I was so moved.

The rest of the day we did some wandering around the great city of London. In order to get the most economical tickets at such short notice our return train was in the evening.

out side of Natural History museum and from within the Science museum

There is something magical about this time of the year in that bustling city. It gets dark in the late afternoon and so the misty air, and Christmas lights, shoppers and people heading home from work give the air a feeling of excitement and electricity. I tried to seal the scene in my memory.

Wednesday evening we got to go to Adrian and Brenda’s home for a very nice YSA meal. They are planning on inviting everyone to their home once a month from now on. The whole evening was so nice, such a homey type feeling…

Thursday was Thanksgiving.  I decided to fix our own traditional meal and celebrate. We did invite Georgia for her first Thanksgiving feast. She was surprised that the nice balance of sweet with the savory.

In the evening we were off to Institute. Section 42 of the D&C was the topic of discussion. There are some great elements to that section. It is often called the law of the church. Bill emphasized 3 points: 1) who teaches, what we teach and how we teach 2) the law of consecration and 3)the process of healing the sick. Our class did a great job of discussing and learning. After class the stake YSA committee held their regular by-weekly meeting.

We left a little early to try to get home to talk to family on SKYPE. We were able to talk to everyone though we kept playing phone tag with Ali. It is a wonderful day to think about how much family means to us. I don’t know if I am homesick or if I just realize how much I love you all! Your faith and testimonies and moral support has meant so much to us during this experience! In Elder Scott’s conference talk he talked about the peace that the gospel brings to our lives. When I think of how much that has meant to us over the years of child rearing and missions and weddings and grand kids I cannot put into words my gratitude!

Friday was a busy day. We had a Zone leadership training at 2 pm. Among other great teaching helps and truths the Zone leaders presented the #ShareTheGift training. This is a fantastic effort by the church to bring the message of the Savior into the lives of everyone during this season of the year. Love the whole idea!

We had to be back at the Wells Rd. Chapel just an hour or two after the end of training so we gave the Trowbridge Elders a ride to the train station and went to Benny and Frankie’s for some dinner.

At 7:30 the first meeting of our Stake Conference weekend was held. Elder Olsson of the 8^th quorum of the 70 spoke just to the YSA. The gathering was small but those of us who were there were edified both in word and instruction but mostly by the spirit. Such a sweet feeling he brought with him. He talked of many topics, mostly reassuring these young people of their worth and strength. To me one of the measures of its success was how no one wanted to leave when it was over. Some things we feel through the workings of the spirit are not found in or explained by words. Sometimes it is just a lovely feeling of belonging, of belonging to the family of the saints!

Whew, now today Saturday we had Southmead Elders to lunch and the evening session of Stake Conference. I cannot believe that this is our third Stake Conference of the Bristol Stake. I will cherish all three and remember them forever; probably more than many I have attended and will attend throughout my life.

I am thankful every day for moments of sweetness. I am thankful for glimpses of truth and the opportunity to love and be loved by so many good people!

Merry Christmas! Enjoy the Holiday, in all of its craziness and remember the First Gift!

Put His arms unfailing round you….

Boy the weeks are getting all run together in my mind…I keep notes in a little note book that Hanna gave me so that I can remember what to write about. Today I had a hard time finding the notes, worse yet I had trouble remembering what had transpired during the past week in case the notes were lost! Worrisome!

Last Thursday Bill took the ‘Bristol Flyer’ in for repairs. Luckily there was a loaner car available so we were not without wheels. I missed a call on our mission phone (I call that phone the stupid phone since it is the opposite of a smart phone). The call was from President Eton of the mission presidency asking if we had received the message that we had a senior couple YSA meeting at 9:30 the next morning at the Visitors Center before the scheduled senior couple gathering planned for 11 AM. Somehow we missed the message so we had to scramble to get a substitute for our Institute class. Also we had to call the Accommodation Center to see if we could add a night to our reservations. Everything fell into place.

We were a little rushed and out of breath by the time we pulled out of Bristol. We had to wait until after an appointment we had with the Southmead Elders. The traffic was congested, driving another car was a challenge and it was dark and late. It took about 3 hours plus to get there.

Next morning we got up and got ready for the meetings and Bill’s stomach problems came back with a vengeance! I was at least able to go to the meetings and attend the temple while he rested. With some help from President Millar we got a hold of the European Area medical physician and after a lot of phone calls made Dr. appointments for this week.

Despite the hassle I was very glad to spend time with those senior missionaries that I have grown to love and meet the new ones who are so enthusiastic. All of them are dedicated and loving people. I loved the peace of the temple and was pleased to be able to serve in there.

We had a restful night and a safe trip back to Bristol on Saturday. Our little puppy car was repaired and ready for us when we got back. We were able to go home and Bill was able to have a restful afternoon and evening.

Saturday one of the senior Elders who came to the gathering, had a heart attack. He and his wife had just born their testimony to the group that morning because they are leaving soon. Now he is in the hospital till Friday. You just never know! They are such wonderfully humble people. Sister Nielsen left the hospital Sunday evening to go to the Visitor’s Center to fill their assignment to speak in a fireside.

Sunday as always was a very good day. The speakers in the meeting gave very inspired talks about the principal of revelation. In Relief Society the lesson on prayer was very inspired. Bill remembered during Sunday School that he may have been asked to teach the Priesthood lesson. He read through the material and conducted a good discussion.

After the meetings, in our official capacity, we met with the Southmead Ward YSA committee. We were small in number but it was a good meeting and launched plans for the young single adults in the ward. We offered some training and shared instructions from the Stake Presidency. YSA home evening that evening was nice. Bill gave a very good lesson on the Word of Wisdom. We have been using the lessons in the Gospel Essentials manual. Future FHE will be informal according to who wants to meet and where they want to meet.

Official firesides as CES broadcasts and special ones called by the stake will happen throughout the year. One of the goals for the stake and one we are trying hard to facilitate in the next couple of months involves each ward holding a once a month ward YSA home evening. As the wards build friendships and comradery they will work together and hopefully pool resources to attend Stake Institute class every week and facilitate coming to stake activities and events. The Bristol stake is quite spread out.

Monday was a great day! The energy started from our little ward committee meeting spun off into some great conversation and inquiry. Many of the YSA from our ward have a texting discussion group and they were buzzing Sunday night on various topics. One of those was Polygamy. As a result we had a great discussion group meet at our house Monday evening to resolve questions and strengthen testimonies.

the girls!

Before the whole group came we were so glad to have Fran and the missionaries here for a new member lesson. The missionaries stayed for brownies and the discussion group. It was all good!!!

This week several of the missionaries that we have gotten to know and love went home. Because of the health issues for both my companion and the car we did not participate in all of the moving around. I was sad that I did not get to give them all a hug good bye… all I can say is “till we meet at Jesus feet”… Our district changed quite a bit too. This is always still a great experience meeting new servants and feeling their commitment and testimonies!

I actually put up our Christmas tree this week! Yesterday we listened to holiday music all day! It gets dark so early in the day and when the lights go on everything seems so cozy. I did a lot of house cleaning too all day and always have a good feeling of satisfaction when I snuggle on the sofa in a clean flat!

Christmas number two...

The good news to report is that with two doctor’s appointments down and added meds, Bill is feeling better. One more appointment for a sinus infection and the mending process should move forward with gusto!

Everyone enjoy the Holiday season and the good feeling it brings. Be thankful for all you are so abundantly blessed with. Keep your eye on the greatest gift ever given as you show your love to others.

Keep Love’s Banner floating 0’er you…

I will not see this tree with green leaves again from this window

We are really into Autumn now. Today the wind is blustering and blowing the rain drops here there and everywhere. The leaves are falling steadily and it gets dark by 4:30 in the afternoon. I realize that I will never see the green trees from my flat again. I am so glad that I was able to witness all four seasons and enjoy the gift that each one brings!

Yesterday was district meeting and as always a very enjoyable experience. It is the last meeting with this group before transfers next week. It is very likely that several of the missionaries that have been here for a few transfers will be leaving us. It is always hard to say goodbye. Sister Erasmus is going home. We are so grateful for time spent with her.

We were asked to give a short presentation in our meeting on Strength and Courage. I could not help but think of the CES broadcast this month from Elder Donald Hallstrom. He did a wonderful job teaching us that we need to build our foundation upon the rock of the Savior. I showed a clip of that talk to the missionaries, the Savior is our strength. Bill talked about courage using Joshua as an example. Sometimes life presents us situations that take great courage, courage just to take a step into the dark. If we understand to turn to the Savior and take his hand during those moments we can accomplish great things!

There are many perks that we get from serving as YSA missionaries. Last night we were able to enjoy a wonderful one. A young lady from the Downend Ward has been through an unusually long struggle getting her missionary papers turned in and processed. Yesterday she finally received her call in the mail and invited us to join her family and close friends to watch her open it. What a miracle! The assigning of missionaries to their field of labor is truly a witness of revelation! It is hard to describe the experience unless you have been a part of it. Catherine was so happy to be called to the Eugene Oregon USA mission. It just felt so perfect to all of us, especially to her. I just feel very thankful for such precious moments!

Anxious!

All happy with the out come

Our little silver Bristol Flyer (Vauxhall Meriva) is at the doctors today. It has not been too well. It is kind of like riding a bucking bronco, I think it is just not getting the fuel through or miss firing or something. We are hoping for it to have a complete recovery because we are pretty stranded without it.

Here are the pictures from our adventures with Lindsey and Jared.

First night in London

Second day and the Tower

Abbey Road and British Museum

Bath

Bristol

Church and family history

Farleigh Hungerford and Stonehenge

Everyone be happy, be thankful and be kind!

By his counsels guide, uphold you; with his sheep securely fold you…

  

Church yard in Littledew Church

This week has been a wonderful, busy week. Lindsey and Jared have been here and we have loved showing them this wonderful country. I will write a separate post for that next week.

Thursday we took our kids to Institute. They had a lovely time. Everyone was so friendly and kind to them. We were hoping for a bonfire but it was still great to enjoy the fireworks. Thanks Rob for standing in the pouring rain playing with fire so we could all go ooo and aaaa!

The lesson was centered on Doctrine & Covenants 25. There are grand messages in that section and timely council for all.

 10 And verily I say unto thee that thou shalt lay aside the things of this world, and seek for the things of a better.

13 Wherefore, lift up thy heart and rejoice, and cleave unto the covenants which thou hast made.

Another spiritual high light of the week was ours just today. Our oldest grandson Ethan David Preece turned 12 today and his kind Bishop let us watch as our son David conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on his son and ordain him a deacon! What a very sweet experience! We have missed so many important occasions while we have been here and we feel thankful that we could participate, be it with an ocean between us, in this important occasion.

sweet and proud moment thanks to modern technology

One last thought, I am also very grateful that my son-in-law and grandson who live in Arizona walked away unharmed from a fairly serious automobile accident yesterday. Prayers from across a continent and sea are still heard.

Everyone enjoy your week. Be sure to always look for the good moments of every day. Even on the darkest of days there is always a bright moment. Sometimes you just have to search for them.

tower of St David's Littledew Church