September 12th - 14th

Monday, September 12th:  We had the Elders, Hanson & Brannon, and Tristen and his Aunt Debbie over for breakfast. We all enjoyed the food and fellowship. Afterward we gave Tristen and Debbie some towels and things, including some extra food that we won't have room for in the car. We went to the bank to close our account, and took the AT&T equipment (for internet) to the UPS store in McDonough. We packed and went over to have supper with the Knight's and it was a surprise party for us. Most of the ward was there. It was so sweet of the Knight's to do that for us.

Tuesday, September 13th: We packed and the missionaries helped Elder Sadler take some extra food we had over to the Watkins. Elder Sadler said that Sister Watkins really appreciated it. We packed and cleaned.  We went over and visited with Kim and the Wicklund's. I am really going to miss them and their sweet pets. Their pets have been my "pet therapy" especially Virtue & Maggie, the little chihuahuas.

Wednesday, September 14th: We loaded both cars, packed to the gills and headed to Conyers for our last zone meeting. President Foote had already asked us in advance to bear our testimonies and we did. I talked about how wonderful it was to work with the young missionaries, how much we loved them, and what a great experience it was to work with Ann, Brother Knight, and Tristen and see the progress that they have made. Elder Sadler talked about how powerful the young missionaries are and how great it was to work with them, how President Foote is inspired in his calling and how wonderful Sister Foote is. He also bore his testimony of the church and the Book of Mormon being true, of President Monson being a prophet, and the love the Father and Son have for us. The Foote's gave us an illustrated copy of the book by Tad R. Callister entitled The Infinite Atonement. After leaving Conyers we drove to Nathan's school and had lunch with him on Grandparent's Day, which was a lot of fun and we got pictures made. Then we drove to Melissa's and visited with her, Kaitlyn, and Hailey. We left there and drove home. Shirley was at the house waiting for us and we had a good visit. She helped us get some things out of the car but we had to leave to go to Troy to meet President Salmon to be released. After releasing us he told us we could take off our badges and I got emotional. It was an honor to wear them for a year. On the way home the GPS had us going a way we were not familiar with and the bridge was out.  So we went way, way out of our way and finally got back home. It was good to be home.

"The Savior empowers us with His grace, not because we've earned it, but because He loves us perfectly." Sheri Dew

September 5th - 11th

Monday, September 5th:  Since it is Labor Day we didn't have p-day today, but we did feed Elders Hanson & Brannon and Tristen breakfast, and we enjoyed being together. We are going to miss these guys! We had our last district meeting in Stockbridge. Afterward we took all the Elders to the Hibachi Grill. We found out that we can't invite the sisters with the Elders, so we have made a special effort to take them out at a different time. We had supper with the Knight's and the missionaries.

Tuesday, September 6th: So today is our p-day and Elder Sadler took Tristen & the Elders bowling. I took the blue honda in for service. Elder Sadler worked with Tristen more on family history and stayed up again past 1:00 a.m. getting names ready to take to the Temple tomorrow. Sister Foote called about getting us a book and again thanked us for our service.

Wednesday, September 7th:  We took Tristen to the Temple and had another wonderful day. I bought Tristen a cover for his quad. After leaving the Temple, Tristen's dad met us on the grounds. He seems very nice. On the way home we visited with Steve Dotson in the hospital in Covington and Elder Sadler gave him a blessing. Later he assisted Elder Brannon in giving Tristen's Aunt Debbie a blessing. I went the grocery store and got some boxes so I could start packing.

Thursday, September 8th: We got special permission to go to Barry & Toni's so we could go to Dylan's reception, which was well attended. We were so grateful to be able to go.

Friday, September 9th: We had some free time so we decided to go house hunting! We had fun looking at houses in McCalla and Million Dollar Lakes areas. We ate supper with the family, then went the football game and saw Danielle & Dallas in the band.

Saturday, September 10th: We drove to the chapel for Dylan to be set apart by President Johnson.  President Johnson gave Dylan a very spiritual blessing. Danielle, Dallas, and Bobby were very emotional. Elder Sadler drove Barry, Toni, and Dylan to the airport and later drove back to Jackson. There was a traffic jam in Atlanta.

Sunday, September 11th: We took Tristen to Stake Conference at the building on Lake Jodeco Road. It was a great meeting. Sister Tamara Jones was called to be the new stake Relief Society President! We came home, ate, rested, and planned the next few days.

"Though you may feel that no one can understand the depth of your despair, our Savior Jesus Christ, understands." Dieter F. Uchtdorf

August 29th - September 4th

Monday, August 29th:  We cleaned the apartment and took the Honda (2006) to get new tires and a front end alignment. Later Elder Sadler helped Tristen with his family history. We took him home and went to the Knight's to feed CatCat. I visited with our neighbor, Sarah, and gave her a pass along card.

Tuesday, August 30th: We had our District meeting in Jackson. Later Elder Sadler helped Tristen with his family history. Elder Sadler & the Elders help Brother Stansell move a dresser and they took it to Brother & Sister Jones. We fed CatCat. We got to talk to Griffin on his birthday! Elder Dickson took us out to eat at Denny's. We felt bad about him talking us out to eat but he insisted because he said we had done so much for him he wanted to do that for us. We enjoyed it and the food was really good. 

Wednesday, August 31st: Today is transfer day. We took Elder Dickson, as he is being transferred. On the way we took him by the Atlanta Motor Speedway and got some pictures.  We will really miss Elder Dickson.  We got to see Elder Preston Carroll! I got a picture of him & his new companion, Elder Eyre! I sent it to his Mom & she was so glad to see it & know that he is doing well. Our new missionary is Elder Brannon. Elder Brannon is the exact opposite of Elder Dickson! Elder Dickson is very shy and Elder Brannon talks a lot! When we got home Elder Sadler helped Tristen with family history. They have found several names that need their work done. When we took Tristen home we went by and fed CatCat. She is getting very weak. I am afraid that she might pass away before the Knight's get back.

Thursday, September 1st:  This morning we went walking with Tristen & the Elders. I went to check on CatCat three times today. She is really sick. The Knight's called and they are on their way home. Elder Sadler helped me water their plants while we were there. Elder Sadler did more family history with Tristen. Later we took Brian Huddleston a birthday candy bar. We gave them a certificate of appreciation for their contributions to our Book of Mormon class as they were not able to attend the class party where we gave them out. We also took Eddie Philips a birthday candy bar. His wife Amanda had just had surgery for a cyst on her back. She is doing ok. Elder Sadler stayed up until after 1:00 a.m. getting Tristen's cards ready to take to the Temple tomorrow.

Friday, September 2nd: We picked up Elders Hansen & Brannon, and Tristen and headed to the Temple. With three people in the back seat it was really crowded. It was Tristen's first time to go to the Temple. He did baptisms and confirmations for seven members of his family. I was baptized for five of his relatives. I think that was the first time I've done baptisms in the Temple because usually the kids would do them and then the grandkids would. It was a great experience. We had a few more that needed to be done but our computer didn't print them out correctly so we couldn't. Tristen wants to come back next week! He loved the Temple. I bought Tristen a quad and he was very proud of it. On the way home we ate at the Hibachi Grill in McDonough. We really like that place! We had a Book of Mormon class tonight. Ann Owens was having plumbing problems so she was not able to come. The Knights didn't get back from Kentucky until 5:00 this morning so they were too tired to come. CatCat is still alive but very sick. Thelma Kirkland came to the class and it went well. After class we took the Knights their mail and took Tristen home.

Saturday, September 3rd: We planned to walk with Tristen & the Elders this morning, but Tristen texted and said he couldn't come because his father was coming earlier than he had thought. After walking, we took Brian Carrin (the branch president) a birthday candy bar. They weren't home so we left it on his door and he later texted us to thank us. Took a birthday candy bar to Bev but they were getting ready for a wedding, so we didn't stay. Then we took Sammy Mulling a birthday candy bar. He wasn't home so we left it with his son. We went to the nursing home to visit with Dorothy Hosea, Geraldine Watson, and Mildred Cox. We always take each one a bag of Werther's candy. We enjoyed visiting with them, except Mildred was asleep and we didn't wake her up. She seems to keep getting weaker. I put her candy in her top drawer. We ate supper with the Wicklund's. They had a feast! The Elders came too but had to leave after supper. We stayed and played skipbo. Elder Sadler checked his phone a couple of times to keep up with the Bama SC game! Tonight we had our mission fast call. We love these calls! We start our fast as a mission by listening to Sister Foote read names of people that the missionaries text in to put on the roll for us to fast for. Then President Foote will pray on our behalf and those names. It is a wonderful way to start our fast.

Sunday, September 4th:  We had a small crowd at church again today. Elder Sadler & I both bore our testimonies. Elder Sadler asked for the members to do more to serve each other. Brother Knight & Tristen bore their testimonies too and both did a really good job. We had dinner with the Stansell's. We always enjoy visiting with them so much and she is a great cook! Later I called Rebecca and talked with her for a while. Then called Kay Middlebrows, but she was asleep. I asked her husband to tell her to call but she didn't. She told us later that she has trouble dialing now because of the MS. I always think of Becky on her birthday which is today and miss her so much.

"Amidst the confusion of the times, the conflicts of conscience and the turmoil of daily living, an abiding faith becomes an anchor to our lives." President Thomas S. Monson

August 22nd-28th

Monday, August 22nd:  We fed the missionaries this morning and then we took Sisters Larsen & Curtis to tour the Bishop's Storehouse. They wanted to do the tour too! They were impressed, especially Sister Larsen who had never visited a Bishop's Storehouse. After the tour we fed them at Applebee's. We all really enjoyed our meal. When we got  back to Jackson Elder Sadler & the Elders went bowling and then played one round of miniature golf. He bowled a high of 150 but he said that he really shined with golf as he shot a 4 over par for the round. They all had fun!

Tuesday, August 23rd: This morning we had our district meeting. Tristen was invited by our district leader, Elder Mende to bear his testimony and answer questions. He rode with us and the Elders. He did a great job and everyone was impressed. After the meeting we fed all the Elders and Tristen at the Hibachi Grill. When we got back to the apartment we gave Tristen the clothes that I had ordered for him. He was thrilled. Later we fed the Knight's cat, CatCat. After that we delivered co-op food from the Wicklund's to the missionaries and the Cockram's. Elder Sadler went to see Brother Stafford and gave him a blessing.  He has decided to quit smoking and wants the missionaries to help him. He wants to retake the 5 missionary lessons. I invited him to the Book Of Mormon class on Friday night and he said that he wants to come.

Wednesday, August 24th: Elder Sadler got Tristen so he could walk with us. He needs to lose weight to serve a mission. Elder Sadler sent Devin Erickson a copy of the pacing guide for our new Book of Mormon class so he could put it on the branch Facebook website. This afternoon we had Tristen over to be taught by the Elders. Then we went to see Ann Owens. It was 2 weeks ago that we challenged her to pray if she should quit smoking and join the church. She told us that she has prayed but has not gotten an answer. Tonight we had supper at the Sherwood's. The 10 year old girls cooked a meal for us under Sister Sherwood's direction and it was great.

Thursday, August 25th: this morning Elder Sadler got Tristen and we walked with him & the Elders. I had an appointment to get my hair cut and then we went to the Stansell's to check on and walk their pugs. We went by to visit the Harper's but she was taking a nap. We found John Watkins who is a new move in. They just arrived from Washington state and used up all their money in the move. I told them to get some resumes and we would try to help them finds jobs. He is a member, but she isn't. He told us that she had taken the discussions and was ready to be baptized. When we told Elder Hanson & Elder Dickson that she had taken the discussions and was ready to be baptized Elder Hanson asked if it was an April Fool's joke! We thought that was so funny! When they realized that we were serious they were excited! We took the Elders to Sister Guyton's for supper and afterward, while we were in Monticello the Elders visited a missionary referral who seemed to be interested in hearing more. She wanted a Bible but also accepted a Book of Mormon. We delivered a birthday candy bar to Letrel Farley. He said he would come to church Sunday if he had a ride. I told him that we would try to find him a ride. When we got back to Jackson Sister Wicklund called and wanted us to deliver food to the Cockram's and the Elders helped us with that.

Friday, August 26th:  Elder Sadler got Tristen and we walked with him & the Elders. After our walk Elder Sadler helped Tristen with some math problems to help him get ready for his GED test. Barry is sick and felt worse after taking Tristen home so he rested while I bought groceries and made some banana bread. We went to the Knight's and fed their cat. Then we went to the Book of Mormon class.

Saturday, August 27th: Elder Sadler felt a little better this morning. I made a casserole for Jim (Stansell) while Pam is out of town so we took it to him and some banana bread too. This afternoon Elder Sadler took the Elders to meet the Watkins. He gave them $20 for gas because they are having it so rough. They said they would be at church tomorrow. They also stopped by to see Fred Hardin but he was not at home. Later we went to the Knight's to feed the cat.  Elder Sadler worked on a list of member profiles to give to the Ralston's if they end up serving both Jackson & Stockbridge. Right now they are serving in Stockbridge.

Sunday, August 28th: We took Brother Price to church this morning. We had a small crowd--disappointing. The Watkin's came (minus the husband who felt bad). We fed the missionaries after church. Called and talked with Katie Hall for a while. The Elders taught Tristen the last new member lesson in our apartment. Later we fed CatCat at the Knight's.

"Acting on even a twig of faith allows God to grow it". President Henry B. Eyring

August 15th - 21st

Monday, August 15: We fed Elder Dickson & Elder Hansen breakfast and then took the Stockbridge Elders (Mende & Brede) to the Bishop's Storehouse because they wanted to see it too! We saw Elder Pope again and Elder Brede said that he knew him, that he was in his last area. He said that Elder Pope was a good teacher and would go with them on trade offs. They were glad to see each other. After the tour we took the Elders out to eat at Applebee's. After dropping them off Elder Sadler bought a book to help Tristen with his GED. Later we went by the Stansell's to check on their dogs. They had a young couple keeping them but they wanted us to go by and make sure that the dogs were ok, and they were fine. Later we were supposed to meet President Carrin at the Hawkin's home to give him a blessing, but he had to work late so the Elders came instead. They also gave his wife a blessing. We felt the Spirit and I think they did too. After that we picked up Tristen and went to our apartment so the Elders could teach him. It was a busy day!

Tuesday, August 16: This morning we read and studied. Tristen was supposed to come over for another lesson but was sick. Elder Sadler took the missionaries to visit an investigator and he said the lesson went really well. This evening we picked up Thelma and went to the Dotson's for supper. They had crab legs and it was delicious!

Wednesday, August 17: This morning we took Ann Knight a birthday candy bar and some other goodies for her birthday. Later we drove to the Lake Jodeco building for our district meeting. We met there because President Foote is interviewing the district (and others) today. In our interview President Foote said, "I hope that you can feel how pleased the Lord is with your service".  He thanked us for our service. It was a very spiritual interview. We took the Elders out to eat on the way home. Later we went to Ann Owens home to meet her friend, Nancy, who is a church member and has been teaching Ann about the church for a long time now.  Tonight we got a text that Larry Hall had passed away.

Thursday, August 18: this morning we picked up the Hawkins and took them to breakfast. Ann & Gary Knight met us there. We had invited others but they couldn't come. The Hawkins enjoyed visiting and getting to know the Knight's. It was a nice visit. This afternoon I made brownies while Elder Sadler took the missionaries to a couple of places. Tonight was our Book of Mormon party. Elder Sadler had made certificates for everyone that attended and he had a test for everyone to take. The class went around the room telling us what a difference we had made for them. It was touching.

Friday, August 19: Today is Dylan's birthday and we got to talk to him for a little while. He is excited about his mission! Brother Knight came over to talk about some concerns he had. Later Pam Stansell brought us and the missionaries supper from the Dairy Queen. It was really good! Then the Elders taught Tristen at our apartment.

Saturday, August 20: Today was a special day! We went to the Temple for Gary & Ann's sealing. We picked up Elder Waite and his companion, Elder Eyre. Melissa met us there. It was great to have her and many members from the branch came also. Afterward we took some pictures and took Melissa and the Elders out to eat at the Cheesecake Factory. The service was really slow, so we had to hurry back to the party Ann and Gary had. I made them a cookie cake. It was a wonderful day.

Sunday, August 21: Dylan is receiving the Melchizedek Priesthood today and I wish we could have been there. We had a pretty good crowd at church today. Ann Owens stayed for Sunday school, she is making progress! After church we fed the Elders.

August 8th - August 14th

Monday, August 8th: Pday! We had the Elders over for breakfast and then Elder Sadler took Tristen and the Elders to the Bishop's Storehouse. We wanted Tristen to see just how much the church does for our members and others.  He was definitely impressed! They saw Elder Curtis Pope there working hard and got a picture of him. Elder Sadler said he didn't think he remembered him, because he was very little when they moved from Piedmont. We had gotten a bunch of ricotta cheese from co-op so I made lasagna and we fed Tristen and the Elders when they got back. It was really good!

Tuesday, August 9th: Today we had our usual district meeting. The zone leaders came (Crane & Snedeker & trainee Lacy). Afterward we took Elder Dickson and Elder Hansen to the Hibachi Grill for lunch. When we got back Elder Sadler took the missionaries to give Brother Swafford a blessing. Then we went to pick up Kim Hard & give her a ride home from the hospital. She had fallen & hurt her back.

Wednesday, August 10th: we visited the sweet ladies in the nursing home. We visited Dorothy & Geraldene in the pavilion and visited Sister Cox in her room. We took them each a bag of Werthers.  Elder Sadler has had some bug bites that he seems to be allergic to so we went to the doctor today and she said it had turned into cellulitis.  She gave him some antibiotics to take and a prescription for some cream. We visited Ann Owens. She doesn't seem to have the motivation to quit smoking but she knows that she should. We asked her to pray and ask God if she should stop smoking and get baptized. She said she would. This evening Elder Sadler went with the missionaries to give Brother Swafford a blessing. On their way back they stopped to see Hal Weiner but he wasn't home.

Thursday, August 11th: We spent some time studying for the Book of Mormon class. We made some visits. We got the co-op food and delivered Angie's to her at the DG where she works and took the Cockrum's (Tristen's family) theirs. We had our last Book of Mormon class tonight. The missionaries, Ann Owens, Thelma Kirkland and Tristen were there. One cool thing that happened--Tristen was teaching Ann about baptism!

Friday, August 12th: We made several visits today. We visited Holly Elmer but she wasn't home so we left a note. We had a nice visit with Judy Deeter and the missionaries who were there when we got there. Visited with Richard Blair. We went to visit Bev but she didn't come to the door (she has been really sick). Visited Luke Rockers to wish him a happy birthday and give him a candy bar. I called Katie and called Kay but she was asleep.
Tonight Jennifer and family came to visit and bring the silver Honda back. We played games and had a lot of fun! The Elders stopped by to meet them. Elder Dickson's Dad served in the same mission in Canada that Chris served in.

Saturday, August 13th: Cooked breakfast and then Jenn & family had to leave. They are going to the Temple in Birmingham. Was so good to visit with them. Later we visited the ladies in the nursing home. Mildred asked for a blessing. Elder Sadler thinks her time is short here. Elder Sadler called Auther Price to see if he needed a ride to church.

Sunday, August 14th: we gave Brother Price a ride to church. After church we fed the missionaries. Later we visited Adam Baswell--1st time we've caught him home. He seemed to appreciate our visit. We visited Joyce and Levi but they are still not back. We visited Sister Knoll (Bro. Knoll is in summer training for the National Guard) and then visited Bro. Hawkins. He seemed very depressed. I asked him if he wanted a blessing and he said he did. Pres. Carrin couldn't come so they are going to give him one tomorrow at 6:00 pm.

August 1st-August 7th

Monday, August 1st: Today is pday. We had the Elder Dickson and Hanson over for breakfast. We went walking in the cemetery afterward. We cleaned the apartment (Elder Sadler vaccums) and later he took the missionaries bowling. They met the Stockbridge missionaries there and he said the sisters also came. They aren't supposed to have activities together but this was unplanned. Our missionaries are so good about following the rules. Then they played putt putt golf. They went by the shop to get the car but it wasn't ready yet. We had planned to go see Tristen but his Aunt Debbie didn't want us to come over, since she needed to rest, so we didn't go.

Tuesday, August 2nd: The Elders were supposed to go out with Brother Knight but he wasn't feeling well so they asked Elder Sadler if he could take them to make some visits. They first went to teach Tristen. He is doing so well. Then they visited Brother Saylors who always has interesting war stories! Visited Richard Blair and they tried to find new move ins. I studied the scriptures and some conference talks. After supper we took the missionaries back out again. We went by to visit Joyce and Levi but they weren't back from Louisiana. We visited with Hal Winer and had a good visit with him. The Elders had two investigators to visit. One told them to come back tomorrow and the other one didn't answer the door. We went to see Lisa Stage but we're told that she had gone to Ohio.

Wednesday, August 3rd: Elder Dickson made us some German pancakes. They were really good! I cooked sausage and bacon and we had some fruit.  Went to get peaches but they didn't have any. Elder Sadler worked on handouts for the Book of Mormon class and I studied. Elder Sadler took the Elders to make some visits. That evening he took them to church to meet with Tristen. He had an interview with Pres. Carrin about receiving the Aaronic Priesthood. Elder Sadler said he came out beaming and told them it was approved.

Thursday, August 4th: we got up really early, picked up the Elders and headed for the Temple. We arrived early for the 8:00 am session.  Then we had zone training until 3:45.  We ran into a lot of traffic on the way home. We took the Elders by the shop and they got the car back. We got home at 6--made sandwiches and ate on the way there. After the class we took Tristen to help us get the co-op food. We were very tired!

Friday, August 5th: Today is Jason's birthday and we got to talk to him for a little while. This afternoon we helped Katie Hall pack. On the way we stopped and got some peaches. They were delicious. Later we went to Lee Grayson's wedding.  They were married by President Brian Carrin. His bride is pretty and seemed very nice. After the wedding we went to a Mexican restaurant and Lee paid for everyone's meal. There was an extremely loud group there that I thought the managemeknt would say something to them but they didn't. It put a damper on our meal. It's really bad when people are so rude.

D

Saturday, August 6th: We fed Elders Dickson and Hansen lunch. Afterward they and Tristen helped Lee pack up his stuff. She is from Arizona so Lee is moving there. The big thing was a 1200 pound safe! It took all 5 of them to load it. I had planned on us making a couple of visits but Elder Sadler was exhausted so we made some calls to Sis. Menard, Bro. Price, Bro. Numa, Kay Middlebrooks, and Katie Hall.

Sunday, August 7th: we called Katie, Kay and Bro. Price but none of them could come to church. We had a small crowd at church--disappointing. Tristen got sustained in sacrament meeting and ordained in Priesthood meeting. After church we waited for him while he had his Temple recommend interview and for him to get his baptismal and ordination certificates. We went to the Wicklunds for supper and got to see Elder Compton, who Completed his mission in July, and met his two brothers and parents. They were very nice.

Elder Compton, Elder Hanson, and Elder Wicklund

Ann Wicklund, Elder Compton, and Bill Wicklund

 Kim Hard

8/1/16 Letter from Mission President

Subject: Presidents Letter 8/1/16

Dear Elders and Sisters,

Thank you for your faith, hope, love and devotion to the Lord in your efforts and sacrifices this week for your fellowmen...  None of your efforts are in vain.  They strengthen others and they strengthen you.

President Monson has promised that: "As we touch the temple and love the temple, our lives will reflect our faith. As we go to the holy house, as we remember the covenants we make therein, we will be able to bear every trial and overcome each temptation. The temple is a place where we can find peace. There we receive a renewed dedication to the gospel and a strengthened resolve to keep the commandments." 

There is a great blessing and power to  all that go into the Lord’s house that is taught in the dedicatory prayer of the Kirtland Temple and applies so well, especially to missionaries:

D&C 109 21-23   “And when thy people transgress, any of them, they may speedily repent and return unto thee, and find favor in thy sight, and be restored to the blessings which thou hast ordained to be poured out upon those who shall reverence thee in thy house. And we ask thee, Holy Father, that thy servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon them, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them.  And from this place they may bear exceedingly great and glorious tidings, in truth, unto the ends of the earth, that they may know that this is thy work, and that thou hast put forth thy hand, to fulfil that which thou hast spoken by the mouths of the prophets, concerning the last days.”

I pray that each of us will find refuge from the storms of life as we enter into the temple and allow the temple to enter into us.  Knowing what the final outcome will be in this battle should be of great comfort to us.  Jesus said in John 16:33 “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”    He has won the victory and now stands with His arms outstretched to assist us in overcoming the world and coming unto Him.  May we jump into the gospel and this missionary work with our all. 

CS Lewis puts it this way:  “And now, what does it all matter? It matters more than anything else in the world. The whole dance, or drama, or pattern of this life is to be played out in each one of us: or (putting it the other way round) each one of us has got to enter that pattern, take his place in that dance. There is no other way to the happiness for which we were made. Good things as well as bad, you know, are caught by a kind of infection, if you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them. They are not a sort of prize which God could, if He chose, just hand out to anyone. They are a great fountain of energy and beauty spurting up at the very centre of reality. If you are close to it, the spray will wet you: if you are not, you will remain dry. Once a man is united to God, how could he not live forever? Once a man is separated from God, what can he do but wither and die?”   Let’s not stand on the sidelines of this great missionary work but immerse ourselves completely and be all in, in all ways.

I love this scripture that was shared by one of you in your letter last week and how being able to see things as they really are and really will be can help us through any hard days.  Not only that but being here in the South how could you not love a scripture that starts with “For I reckon..”

Romans 8:18   "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us."

May God bless us all this coming in week in loving, finding, teaching and baptizing.  Let us remember who we are looking for and who the Lord is preparing.  “And ye are called to bring to pass the gathering of mine elect; for mine elect hear my voice and harden not their hearts”  D&C 29: 7

July 25th - July 31st

Monday, July 25th: Today is pday & we had the missionaries (Dickson & Hanson) over for breakfast. Elder Dickson has been sick so Elder Sadler & Elder Hanson gave him a blessing. Elder Sadler had an appointment with the dermatologist & found a mole that he wanted to remove. It came back ok though. After lunch Elder Sadler took the missionaries bowling.

Tuesday, the 26th: we had our district meeting in Stockbridge. The Elders drove their car b/c the car needs some body work done (Elder Waite hit a pole before he left) & they are going to stay with the Stockbridge Elders so we were able to take the sisters out to eat (Larson & Curtis). Sister Curtis has a boyfriend serving a mission in Alabama (Elder Judd) so we might get to meet him when we go home. When we got back we taught Tristen the 4th discussion. He is really progressing.

Wednesday, the 27th: we went walking this morning. After lunch we took Tristen to buy him some clothes and get his interview. He told us that his family is coming to his baptism & he asked Elder Sadler if he would confirm him. He was so appreciative. We went to the Stockbridge building & while we were waiting on the Stockbridge Elders we taught him the 5th discussion. Elder Mende interviewed him. While there we found a white jump suit that he can wear for the baptism.

Thursday, the 28th: This morning we visited Dorothy, Geraldine & Mildred--the sweet ladies in the nursing home & we took them each a bag of Werthers. Elder Sadler cleaned out the freezer. I made banana bread for the class tonight. Sister Wicklund called & said the co-op food was ready--we got some & took some to the Cockrum's (Tristen's family). Tonight we had 2 nonmembers at class--Tristen & Ann Owens. Also the Knights & Thelma Kirkland came.

Friday, the 29th: Found out the President Foote gave us permission to go to Dylan's reception on the 8th & stay until he is set apart on the 10th. I helped Elder Sadler do his home teaching. We visited with Fay Peder, Dennis Swafford, Tiffany Brooks & her Mom & brother and then visited Kay Middlebrooks. Kay has many health issues but she wants to come to church Sunday.

Saturday, the 30th: Today is Triston's baptism! He rode with us & his family followed us to Stockbridge. I spoke on baptism & Elder Dickson spoke on the Holy Ghost. Elder Hanson baptized him. President & Sister Foote came! President Foote told Triston the story about Louis XIV telling people that he was born to be a king & he told Triston not to do anything that would displease the Lord because he too was born to be a king. That really impressed Triston. Then President Foote took off his missionary badge & put it on Triston & told him he sure looked good with a missionary badge on! Then Triston bore his testimony which was a big step for him because he is afraid to speak in front of people. Jennifer, Will & Maggie came after the baptism (they were coming to the baptism but we both forgot the time change) and Melissa & family just happened to drive by the building b/c the interstate was congested & they took a detour so it was great to visit for a while. Jenn, Maggie & Will spent the night with us.

Sunday, the 31st: Jenn, Will & Maggie left early to go to hear Matt Bennett's homecoming talk. We also left a little early to pick up Katie & Kay. They were excited to go to church together--they've been friends for a long time. Elder Sadler & I gave a talk today on President Hinckley's talk (1999), "Find the sheep, Feed the Lambs". After church we took Kay & Katie home, picked up the Elders & ate with the Jones. She is from England & her food is always delicious! We had Yorkshire pudding which we found out isn't pudding at all--it's gravy! We also had a supper appointment with Dawn Woodruff & her family. She & her Mom, Brenda are really good cooks too. Then Elder Sadler & the Elders visited with Tristen.

"True Christianity is love in action. There is no better way to manifest love for God than to show an unselfish love for your fellow men. This is the spirit of missionary work." David O. McKay

Tristan's baptism

Tristan was baptized Saturday, July 30th. This is one of (probably 3) the highlights of our mission! Tristan's family is the family we have been taking co-op food to for almost a year. His great Grandmother, Sister Cockram is a member a long with his great aunt but they have been inactive. So Tristan told us that it was our example that got him interested in the church. One night he prayed for a way to make his life better. Elder Sadler and the missionaries knocked on his door the next day. He quickly dismissed them and sent them upstairs where the rest if the family was (they have one apartment upstairs and one downstairs) and then realized that that was the answer to his prayer so he went upstairs and told the elders that he wanted to take the discussions. He has been on fire ever since. It has been such a wonderful experience seeing him turn his life around! Last night Elder Sadler took the Elders over (their car is in the shop) and he told them that he had been to all of his neighbor's asking them if they would be interested in taking the discussions!

July 18th - 24th

Monday, July 18th: we went to visit Melissa & kids & while we were there we went to visit Uncle Billy & Aunt Betty but she didn't feel good & slept while we were there. The kids didn't want to give Uncle Billy a hug at first but he won them over with candy & brought them a little rocking chair & toys to play with. Then he showed them The chair lift on the stairs & let them ride it. They loved it! Nathan said that he wished he could ride on one of them around the world! They also loved the slinky & played with it on the stairs. We played games & read to them when we got back to Melissa's. We got to see Kevin for a bit & then rode home in the Atlanta traffic.

Tuesday, July 19th: Today is Elder Dickson's birthday so I made him a cookie cake! We fed them (missionaries) breakfast & later had our district meeting & afterward we found out that Dylan got his mission call! He is going to open it tonight!!! I went visiting teaching with Ann Knight. We visited Brenda & Dawn. We had supper with the Knight's & the missionaries and afterward Brother Knight set up his computer so we could skype with the family. Dylan announced that he is going to the TOKYO JAPAN MISSION! We were all shocked because we thought he would go to a Spanish speaking mission since he knows Spanish. We are so excited for him & he is super excited too! After that we inspected the Elder's apartment which finished our required inspections.

Elder Schenk & Elder Dickson

Elder & Sister Ralston

Sister Curtis & Sister Larsen

Elder Mende & Elder Walker

Wednesday, July 20th: Today is transfer day & Elder Schenk is going home. We will really miss him. We also got to say good bye to Elder Walker & Elder Compton. Elder Walker cried & I did too. We love the missionaries & have really enjoyed working with them. Elder Hanson, who was in our district earlier, is coming to Jackson! Later Elder Sadler went with the missionaries to make some visits. The 1st person wasn't home so they went to visit Triston. He had question so the missionaries set up a time to teach him tomorrow. Little did we know that this was the start of one of the highlights of our mission!

Thursday, July 21st: Elder Sadler went with the missionaries to teach Triston the first discussion. It went really well! On the way home Sister Wicklund called & said that she had some co-op food for us to deliver so they went by & got it & took most of it to Triston's family (Cockram). I made brownies for the Book of Mormon class. Tristan came with the Knight's & the Elders! We took him home & he asked if it was ok for him to come to church Sunday! Wow!

Friday, July 22nd: Today is our 46th anniversary! It doesn't seem that long. We walked (in the cemetery) & then went to Longhorn's for lunch. We had planned to take the Carrin's a meal (she had surgery) but found out that Sister Sherwood had already planned to. We went to see Ann Owens & took her a box of co-op food!

Saturday, July 23rd: we had a senior missionary activity at the High Museum of Art. President Foote gave Elder Sadler & me a Temple recommend there. We told him about Dylan serving a mission! He expressed his love for us. He is a great man. We ate supper with Jody & Melinda Jennings. He was one of Elder Sadler's young men in Magnolia! The AP's were there too. We had a great visit.

Sunday, July 24th: Tristan did come to church! And to our surprise Ann & Bill Wicklund & Kim came to church too! Devin Godwin is leaving soon for his mission in Orem, Utah so he spoke today. We had a linger longer after church. Later we visited the Cockram's & the missionaries taught Tristan another lesson. It was Sister Cockram's birthday so we took her a birthday candy bar. She seemed down & asked for a blessing; the Elders assisted.

....When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God.  Mosiah 2:17

July 11th - 17th

Monday, July 11th:  We fed Elder Schenk, Elder Dickson, Elder Walker & Elder Mende breakfast. Elder Dickson washed our car! He had a business washing cars before his mission & has washed our car several times & does a great job! I talked with Rebecca Guyton on the phone for a while. We visited Julie Bateman (new move in) for a while. She says that she is going to come to church. We visited with Jim & Brandi Hawkins for a while on their porch. We had a good visit. We told them that we would love to have to them come to church & he told us that he had been thinking about it!

Tuesday, July 12th: We had a district meeting in Jackson. We took the Elders to Subway afterward. Elder Sadler went with the missionaries afterward to visit with Sister Jackie Menard and then taught Gary Knight the last Temple prep class.

Wednesday, July 13th: Had an appointment with massage therapist. Between this & the Chiropractor my back is so much better. We had lunch with Betsy Jennings Pressley at the Vanilla Bean & really enjoyed visiting with her. We took a birthday candy bar to Hal Winer--he wasn't there so we left it on the door. We had supper with Thelma Kirkland & the missionaries. She is such a sweet lady!

Thursday, July 14th: We had apartment inspections today in Twin Oaks & Snellville. We went to the Wicklund's & got the co-op food for the Cockrum's & delivered it to them. Had our Book of Mormon class tonight.

Friday, July 15th: We had lunch with Sister Guyton & John & had a good visit. They have just moved to a smaller home It is nice! We took the Elders by two places in Monticello while we were there. We took a candy bar to Margaret Martin--not sure if she was there but no one came to the door so we left it on the door knob in a bag. Went by to see Sister Denninger but she doesn't live there any more. Tried to find Lonnie Letford & Jo Ann Wise (new move ins) but we couldn't.

Saturday, July 16th: We found out that we are not supposed to feed the sisters & elders together so we made a special trip to take the sisters (Larson & Curtis) out to eat. Afterward we went to the Krispy Kreme to get some donuts for Kim (her birthday), Gary & Ann & the Carrin's (she had just had eye surgery). Then we went to the KFC to get some chicken for the Carrin's but Elder Sadler turned too soon & we ended up at a hotel. When we came out with the chicken there was an ambulance & police car parked behind our car. A lady was really sick. Elder Sadler tried to back out but cut the tire so we waited a long time until they left & then tried to change the tire. The jack was so flimsy that when Elder Sadler pulled the tire off the jack collapsed (Can this day get any worse? It does!). So there were 3 people trying to help us at this point. They found a jack but it would not go under the car so they finally found another jack that just barely fit under the car & we got the tire changed. We went to Pep boys & got new tires & a front end alignment. They said it would take an hour but it was over an hour & a half. We finally got on the interstate about 4:40 & only went a little ways before all lanes were blocked for over an hour b/c there was a wreck & a fatality. We finally got back to Jackson about 6:30 & delivered the donuts but not the chicken since it sat in the car all afternoon.

Sunday, July 17th: Today we took Sister Katie Hall to church. She lives way out in the country & is in a wheelchair. It means so much to her to get to go to church. We fed the missionaries lunch. Later I visited with Sarah--a neighbor who had foot surgery. Elder Sadler worked on family history & is collecting names to take to the Temple.

We can take heart that our honest effort to keep our covenants allows God to increase our power to do it. Henry B. Eyring

July 4th - 10th

Monday July 4th: we ate at the Red Lobster & went to Sam's. We cleaned some & Elder Sadler worked on genealogy. I called Kay Middlebrooks but she wasn't home. We went to see Judy Deeter but she was asleep. We got to see the fireworks behind the church building with many other church members. Loved the fireworks!

Tuesday, July 5th: Today is p-day so we fed the missionaries breakfast. We fed Cat Cat for the Knights (they are out of town). I went to the doctor -- have a kidney infection. I rested while Elder Sadler worked on genealogy.

Wednesday, July 6th: Today is Will's birthday. He is 13!!! We talked to him on the phone & wished him a happy birthday. We visited Ann Owens, Katie Hall & Kay Middlebrooks today.

Thursday, July 7th: we had zone conference at the Decatur building today--1st time we've met there & it is only one block from a Krispy Kreme store! So after the meeting we got some assorted donuts for our Book of Mormon class, some for the missionaries & some for the Wicklunds & Kim--it's Kim's birthday. They had a fit over them as did everyone in the Book of Mormon class! Picked up co/op food from the Wicklunds for us & the Cockrum's family.

Friday, July 8th: we delivered the food to the Cockrums. Visited with Brother & Sister France. We went to see the Flowers family & also Brother Winer but neither of them were home so we left them a note. Tonight Brother Swafford asked Elder Sadler to come give him a blessing. He keeps asking for blessings but never tries to improve his life--Elder Sadler is getting really frustrated with him. A ward member told me that he has been getting blessings for years from ward members but never tries to do the things that he knows he should to improve his life.

Saturday, July 9th: Went to the grocery store. Made 10 loaves of banana bread with all the bananas that we got from co-op. We went to the nursing home & visited with Mildred and Dorothy & Geraldine. We enjoy visiting with these sweet ladies.

Sunday July 10th: we picked up Danielle & took her to church. She lives out in the country as does most of the members. After church we fed the missionaries. We had a supper appointment with the Wicklunds & Kim Hard. They also invited the missionaries. I love to go there--they have 6 dogs including the little white chichichua dog that I love to hold.

The Savior gave us the scriptures paid for by prophets at a price we cannot measure so that we could know Him. Lose yourself in them. Decide now to read more and more effectively than you have ever done before. (Book of Mormon Institute Manual)

June 27th - July 3rd

Monday, June 27th: We fed Elder Dicksen & Elder Schenk breakfast. We cleaned & Elder Sadler played golf with our Elders & Elder Mende & Elder Walker from Stockbridge while I made some pecan pies. We had supper at the Stansell's with the Elders. She is a great cook!

Tuesday, June 28th: We had our district meeting today with Elders Dicksen, Schenk, Walker, Mende, Sisters Larson &  Elder & Sister Rolston & the ZLs Elders Crane & Snedeker. The meeting went well. After the meeting we took all the Elders (inc. ZL) to the Hibachi Grill & they all enjoyed it. This afternoon we did some planning for the week, E. Sadler worked on home teaching & I talked with Rebecca Guyton for a while.

Wednesday, June 29th: the Wicklunds got home last night. This morning Elder Sadler & the Elders helped Bill unload the Uhaul (they brought some stuff back from where they used to live). It was very hot & the boxes were heavy but they got it done. I took Kim to the doctor. Later we had an appointment with Carrie Denio (who is the new RS Pres.) to help her with the visiting teaching appointments & tell her about members that she hasn't met yet.  We had supper with the Knights & the Elders who had been helping Brother Knight with repairing his car. Elder Dicksen knows a lot about cars & was a big help.

Thursday, June 30th: We went with the Elders to take Shundra to her Mom's. She is tired of her husband running around on her. But when we got there she said she wasn't sure her mom would let her move in. Then she asked about the women's shelter so Elder Sadler called & said she could come & just look at it but she decided not to do that either. Later Elder Sadler took Auther Price home teaching. He made copies of the notes for the Book of Mormon class. I made chocolate chip cookies for the class. Tonight we had the Elders, Ann Owens & Thelma there. We couldn't pin Ann down on a baptism date yet. She has smoked for a long time now so that is a problem.

Friday, July 1st: We went walking. We visited with Thelma Kirkland & then Marshall Saylors. They are both pretty lonely. I took Thelma a fern. She really liked it. Brother Saylors has some good war stories! This afternoon we fed Cat Cat--the Knight's cat as they are out of town for a few days. Sister Stansell brought us some co-op bread which we took to the Huddleston's. We ate supper at a steak place here & it was good. Later the Elders came over & downloaded the branch roster to their GPS. Barry Jr. texted me & said that Dylan had an appointment with the stake president & had turned his papers in! So, waiting on the mission call! So excited for Dylan!

Saturday, July 2nd: Took the Elders to Conyers for Ruth Morrison's baptism. Elder Schenk taught her. It was a wonderful baptism service. Later called Katie twice but didn't get her. Called Kay but she was asleep. We had a mission fast call. It is special to fast as a mission for the names on the list that are sent from missionaries all over the mission.

Sunday, July 3rd: Aurther didn't feel like coming to church so we had no riders today. We had 71 people at church but Ann wasn't there & neither were the Harper's. Later we fed Cat Cat & visited with Lisa Stage on her porch. We called Thelma & Ann to check on them since they weren't at church. I called Kay but she wasn't home.

Preach the first principles of the gospel--preach them over again: you will find that, day after day new ideas & additional light concerning them will be revealed to you. Huron Smithl

June 20th - 26th

Monday, June 20th: Today is Danielle's 16th birthday! She has grown into a beautiful young lady. We talked to her on the phone for a little bit. Today is p-day so we fed the missionaries & cleaned. Later we took 2meals to Sister Katie Hall. She is in a wheelchair & her husband is very sick in the hospital. They are really having a rough time.

Tuesday, June 21st: Elder Dicksen helped Elder Sadler sync his Fitbit with his computer. He worked on genealogy while Sister Knight & I visited with Angie Huddleston & her daughter, Destinee and then visited with Dawn Woodruff & her mom, Brenda. We stayed way too long at both places--need to work on that!

Wednesday, June 22nd: Had an appointment with the massage therapist at 9:30 & then took Ann Owens out to eat & visited with her. Elder Sadler talked to her about pausing when praying to listen for prompting from the Holy Ghost. She said that she had never thought about that before & she would do it. Later we visited with the Knoll's and Elder Sadler talked to them about patriarchal blessings & family history research. They are a great family. She showed us all her rabbits & chickens. She has lots of rabbits & baby rabbits! She let me hold one--they are so sweet! Later Elder Sadler went home teaching with Brother Huddleston.

Thursday, June 23rd: This morning we went to see the ladies in the nursing home. The Wicklunds are out of town so we checked on Kim. She needed to go to the store so I took her while Elder Sadler sprayed around the house. Later we went to visit the Blairs but they were not home so we left them a note & invited them to the linger longer & also called & left a message about it too because he had asked us to let him know when the next on was. Later we had the Book of Mormon class. We had Ann Owens, Thelma Kirkland, the Knights & the Harper's there. Ann told us that she had received a witness from the Holy Ghost that the Book of Mormon is true! We were so excited about that!

Friday, June 24th: Today I cooked lunch & fed Elders Dickson & Schenk. Elder Sadler taught a Temple prep. Class. I went visiting teaching with Ann Knight. Later we took a birthday candy bar to Jamie Godwin.

Saturday, June 25th: We took Elder Dickson & Elder Schenk to the Temple to do baptisms with a member that Elder Schenk baptized. Elder Sadler & I did an endowment session. Afterward we waited outside while they visited & took pictures. This was the last day before the Temple will be closed for several weeks so there were a lot of people there & more outside visiting than I had ever seen before. Everyone was so happy. I soaked up the happiness that was there--such a special feeling of love--it was the place to be! I will never forget the feeling that was there on the Temple grounds that afternoon--it really touched my heart like never before.

Sunday, June 26th: We were asked to give sharing time in Primary. We talked about the Holy Ghost & how He can help us. I told them the story told by David M. McConkie about how the Holy Ghost helped him find his pocket knife. He learned that the Holy Ghost can speak to animals too because the horse knew right where to stop! Look it up--it's a great story. After church we had a "linger longer" (we never had heard that term until we came here). The Knight's brought Kim & her little service dog, Virtue. The kids had a fit over her & wanted to hold her & Kim let them. First time Kim came to church!

Those who exercise faith in Christ, repent of their sins & are baptized in Christ's name can be sanctified by the Holy Ghost. If they endure to the end, they will stand spotless before Christ at the last day and will enter into the rest of the Lord. Christ will hold them guiltless before the Father. He will be their Mediator and Advocate. PMG

June 13th - 19th

Monday, June 13th: we met Melissa & kids at the Atlanta Aquarium! We really had a blast & the kids did too--lol! Wow, that place is really awesome! While we were there Elder Sadler went to see Gary Whatley (this was shortly before his surgery). It was within walking distance.

Tuesday, June 14th: Fed the missionaries breakfast today since we went to Atlanta yesterday. Elder Sadler taught Brother Knight a Temple prep. lesson. Then a little later we drove Brother & Sister Knight to the Conyers building for Brother Knight to get the Melchizedek priesthood. Elder Sadler assisted President Johnson, the stake president. This is one of the highlights of our mission. It has been a wonderful experience to see Brother Knight grow in the gospel! Afterward, he took us out to eat at the Dairy Queen to eat. We have gotten to be good friends with them & hope to be able to stay in touch with them when we leave.

Wednesday, the 15th: We made several visits today. We went by Shelby Dunning's--she wasn't there so we left her a note. We took Doug Hall a birthday candy bar. They weren't home so we hung it on the door in a bag. We visited Glenda Bentley--she wants her name removed & wrote a letter out for us to give to President Carrin. We took Angela Gunderson a birthday candy bar--she wasn't there so we left it with her son & gave him one too! We went by Jessica Davis's home--no one was there so we left a note on her door. We just got her records.

Thursday, the 16th: what a day! We went to hear Elder Craig Cardin of the seventy talk. He is a great teacher! One of the many things he said was there are miracles that happen on a regular basis--one is a stake reorganization. The Lord sends 2 witnesses to interview  men they have never met in about 7 minute intervals & at some point God will say to them, independently of the other, this is the person I have prepared.  Also President Allman, Sister Carden & President & Sister Foote spoke.  Then all the senior missionaries got to eat supper with Elder & Sister Carden & President & Sister Foote at the mission home. We sat close to President Carden. It was a wonderful day.

Friday, the 17th: This morning we went to the Stansell's to water their plants. They have a beautiful home on the lake but the mosquitoes are terrible.  Elder Sadler taught another Temple prep. class. Ann wanted me to show her how to make the chocolate chip cookies so I did. Elders Carnahan & Speak called and asked us if we would take them to the Temple tomorrow. I think the word is out--lol! They have someone they taught going to the Temple for the first time to do baptisms.

Saturday, the 18th: Left early & took those elders to the temple. While they did baptisms, we did an endowment session. After we took them home we went by the Stansells to water plants again. There had been a really bad storm so we also picked up a lot of tree limbs & I swept off the porch. We were really tired when we got home. We checked with Katie & Kay to see if they wanted a ride to church but neither of them felt like coming.

Sunday, the 19th: Today is Father's Day & I gave Barry a Fitbit--it is giving him fits! Elder Dicksen & Elder Schenk ate lunch with us. Afterward they & Elder Sadler took the sacrament to Brother Simmons & then went to the nursing home to give Sister Cox a blessing. She had a heart attack & looks really weak. Later we went to the Knight's & Elder Sadler taught him another Temple prep class. He is soaking it in! All of our children called to wish Their Dad a happy Father's Day!

While we were having dinner with Elder Carden, he thanked us for our service and asked for questions. Elder Sadler asked him how we should spend our time in Priesthood meeting. He said the goal is D&C 113:7-8 using priesthood power to "bring again Zion". Use the time to best meet that goal.

June 6th - June 12th

Monday, June 6th: we fed Elder Waite & Elder Dickson breakfast. It's Elder Waite's last breakfast because he is being transferred. We will miss him so much! He is going to be a zone leader! Elder Erickson is being transferred too. We were scheduled to teach Bro. Winer but he texted that he was working late. We took a birthday candy bar to Margie Woodard--she didn't answer the door so we left it in a zip lock bag on the door knob. Then we went to see Brother Morgan to give him a birthday candy bar & he ordered us off his property. Took birthday candy bar to Brother Woodruff. Went by Amy Renfroe's & talked to her husband--they are still planning on moving.

Tuesday, June 7th: district meeting in Stockbridge. Each companionship is changing so we took pictures. We took Elders Waite, Dickson, Ericksen & Mende out to eat. When we got back Elder Sadler taught Brother Knight & Huddleston a perspective elder class. Brother Knight is making progress! After that Elder Sadler & Bro. Knight visited Brother Rayburn.

Elder Erickson

    Elder Erickson, Elder Waite & Elder Dickson.  We were practicing a song to sing at a baptism.

Last district photo before Elder Erickson & Sister Creech were transferred

Sister Creech

Elder Waite making a silly face

Wednesday, June 8th: had to get the sisters to Fayetteville by 7:00 a.m. because Sister Creech has completed her mission & is going home! She is sweet & we will miss her. Elder Schenk is Elder Dickson's new companion & Sister Curtis (brand new from the MTC) is with Sister Larson. We got Elder Walker back! (In Stockbridge w/Elder Mende)

Thursday, June 9th: we walked this morning. We try to walk every morning unless we have a meeting or have to go somewhere. Elder Sadler worked on membership & the Book of Mormon class. We fed the Elders. Went by the Knight's & the Dotson's but the Dotson's weren't there. Went to Book of Mormon class--had 9 people there! Ann Owens gave the closing prayer & cried. We could tell that she felt the Spirit!

Friday, June 10th: Elder Sadler taught Bro. Huddleston & Knight the last prospective elder's class. Studied & Elder Sadler worked on Book of Mormon class lessons.

Saturday, June 11th: this was a busy day! Elders came over & ate hamburgers with us. Elder Sadler took them & showed them where several of the members live. Elder Sadler then worked on home teaching & worked on list of roster changes for the clerk, Bro. Godwin. I was getting food ready for supper. Just before it was time for Barry & Toni & kids to get here Kim Hard called & wanted me to take her to the ER. Really enjoyed visiting with Barry, Toni, Dylan, Danielle & Dallas. Took Kim home when she was through & Elder Sadler & Barry went over & gave her a blessing.

Sunday, June 12th: Elder Sadler, Dylan & Dallas went to pick up Katie Hall. Barry spoke & Toni played the piano & Danielle sang. We got lots of compliments on them. The missionaries came over & ate with us. We had a great afternoon visiting! After they left, Elder Sadler went to a Priesthood meeting with Brother Jones, Ericksen, Knight & the missionaries.

I wanted to share with y'all what Elder Fia Fia told us about his family. He said that his grandfather wanted to be baptized & his father disowned him. He traveled with some of the saints to SLC & was baptized. He was very happy & in Tongan happy is "Fia Fia" so he changed his last name to Fia Fia! We thought that was an awesome story!

May 30th - June 5th

Monday, May 30th: We cleaned the apartment. Later we visited with Brother Winer & Sister Menard. Both were good visits. We set up an appointment with Brother Winer to teach him a lesson Wednesday. We also went by to visit Amy Renfroe but she wasn't home.

Tuesday, May31st: we went by & picked up the recliner, then went to the dentist & had my tooth pulled & rested for the rest of the day. Elder Sadler worked on genealogy & has found a bunch of names on Aunt Sarah Bealle Calhoun's line.

Wednesday, June 1st: rested & Elder Sadler worked on his journal & prepared for the Book of Mormon class. We went to Brother Winer's at 5:00 p.m. & taught him the restoration video. It went well. He told us that he wants to come back to church.

Thursday, June 2nd: Today is Hailey's 2nd birthday! I talked to her on the phone!  Elder Sadler went with the missionaries to make some visits. We went to Griffin & visited Sister Wicklund in the hospital. Elder Sadler gave her a blessing. Went to the Book of Mormon class; Thelma, Ann, President & Sister Carrin were there.

Friday, June 3rd: We walked this morning. Had a district call at 10:00 a.m.  We went by to visit Brother Knight & he is feeling better. Took a birthday candy bar to Brother Swafford & visited with him for a while. He asked for a blessing. Visited Dale Walk but Elder Sadler asked for Neil Walk & the lady said no one lived there by that name & then went by to visit Nancy McLaughlin but she had had surgery & was in bed so we asked her husband when would be a good time to come & he said Sunday afternoon.

Saturday, June 4th: we went for a walk. Elder Sadler went with Elder Waite & Elder Dixon to give Katie & Larry Hall a blessing. After that we went to Stockbridge to take Sister Larson & Sister Creech out to eat. Sister Creech is going home next week so we wanted to take them out. We learned that we aren't supposed to take them out with the Elders so we have to take them out separately.

Sunday, June 5:  We took Sister Katie Hall to church today. She lives about 20 minutes away in the country. She loves to come to church. Brother Winer came to church! We saw a bunch of people talking to him & he seemed to really enjoy church. Elder Sadler & I both bore our testimonies & so did Elder Waite. He is going to be transferred Wednesday. He has been in Jackson for almost a year! We are really going to miss him. We had the missionaries over for lunch after we ended our fast. We went to see Sister McLaughlin later but they were not home.

Those who give themselves with all their might & mind to this work (genealogy & temple work) receive help from the other side. Whoever seeks to help those on the other side receives help in return in all the affairs of life. John A. Widstoe

May 23rd - May 29th

Monday, May 23rd: we went to the Strawberry patch! Met Melissa, Kaitlyn & Hailey there. We had such fun picking strawberries & they are delicious! Gave a pass along card to the lady at the strawberry patch.  Then we went to Melissa's to babysit Kaitlyn & Hailey so Melissa could help with Nathan's class party.

Tuesday, May 24th: We had our district meeting. We delivered a birthday candy bar to James Patterson. Read scriptures & studied.

Wednesday, May 25th: I had  another appointment with the massage therapist. The muscle spasms are gone now. Never knew how painful they were; I could not sleep because they hurt so much. My back is so much better. We had supper with Rebecca Guyton & her son John & the Elders. It's her birthday so we took her a birthday candy bar.

Thursday, May 26th: We fed the missionaries breakfast. We went to Rachel Carrin's home & Elder Sadler taught her how to do family history on the computer. We had supper with the Knights. He is really progressing so well! We gave Shundra & her daughter a ride to & from the Book of Mormon class. The class went well & we had a very good attendance. Picked up a large food order after class.

Friday, May 27th: Took food to the Cockram's. We visited with Brother Elmer at the door for a few minutes. He was not encouraging about Sister Elmer taking the discussions although she indicated to us that she was interested.  We went by to visit Brother Tapua but he wasn't home. Visited with Sister Deeter & encouraged her to come to church.

Saturday, May 28th: Took lazy boy back because it was defective; they will get another one. We visited with Sister Cox, Dorothy Hosea & Geraldine at the nursing home. We always take them a bag of Werthers & they are always glad to see us! Cooked a meatloaf for tomorrow.

Sunday, May 29th: We went to church. Fed the Elders lunch. We rested & ate supper with Sister Kirkland, Jim & Pam Stansell & Ann Owens. We had a very good visit. We are glad to have help fellowshipping Ann Owens❤️.

From President Deiter F. Uchdorf: "Exaltation is our goal, discipleship is our journey".