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