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.