Week 71: Celebrate the Simple

No photos this week so I will just be sharing a thought.  Elder Hadlock, Jr. (Benjamin) recently shared with us one of his favorite scriptures. It's been on my mind a lot.

"Now we may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. "And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls." --Alma 37:6-7

Cross references to that scripture include:

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." --D&C 64:33

"You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm,  .... Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."-- D&C 122:16-17

When it comes to missionary work, these scriptures certainly apply.  I think Alma must have had a vision of latter-day missionary work. Certainly the Lord brings to pass great things using small and simple means. These young missionaries by many measures of the world would be considered "small and simple." Yet,  they put everything they are and have "on the altar" for 18 months or 2 years.

Because they are young, many are still developing their own testimonies. They are often pushed up against a wall -- a wall of decision. They wisely drop to their knees and learn to rely on the Lord. They have plenty of struggles as they face the potential for failure and rejection every day. But, they find solace and strength in the simple truths of the gospel -- the love of God for His children, the Atonement,  the Plan of Salvation, modern-day prophets and restored truth and authority.

Because they are "simple," they are humble and teachable. They do not weary in well-doing.  They trust in God and are quick to recognize that He is the source of their strength and success.  They are, indeed, instruments in the Lord's hands for laying the foundation of a great work. Missionaries are simply wonderful.

It seems that as we get older it's easy for us to complicate things and make the gospel hard. We especially make missionary work hard (I am speaking for myself). I would be wise to observe and learn from these young, "simple" missionaries. Their focus is simple. They love unconditionally. They learn to listen to the Spirit and teach simple gospel truths that change lives.

I hope to find myself more content with the "simple" things of life and not be weary in well-doing. I'm thinking it would be well for me to follow the example of so many missionaries who are simply concerned about being good rather than seeking to be great. I celebrate their greatness because of their simple goodness.

Week 70: Valentines in Seattle

Valentine Flowers from Elder Hadlock

 'Twas another LOVEly week. We started off with gray skies and rain, but have enjoyed some unusually warm weather the last few days. In fact, today we are experiencing blue skies and sunshine.

We did get official word from the Arkansas Little Rock Mission that Elder Hadlock, Jr.'s release date is May 19 -- Just six weeks after our release.

Can't believe it's that close. Don't want to think about it. Hopefully, Benjamin isn't thinking much about it either. We hope we can all "finish strong." I think I'll share with him my favorite quote of the week.

"No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up, and never give up!"

The other highlight of the week was a trip to Seattle to spend some time with Aliya, Breanna and their family -- the Davises. They let us know earlier in the week that they were coming for the weekend and invited us to join them.

Van at Pier 57

On Saturday, we went with them to the Seattle Aquarium and then for lunch at the Crab Pot restaurant which is nearby. To be honest, the aquarium isn't anything special. The one in Utah is every bit as good -- or better. Just a heads up to anyone planning a trip to Seattle.

Breanna & Aliya

Lunch at the Crab Pot was fun. Some of us ordered the "Westport Feast" which included a variety of fresh seafood (dungeness crab, snow crab, shrimp, steamed clams, Pacific mussels) plus sausage, corn on the cob and red potatoes steamed with spices. They pour it out on the table on butcher paper, give you a mallet and bib, and let you go at it!

It was tasty and fun! We especially enjoyed visiting with these wonderful folks from back home. We love them and appreciate their including us in their plans.

Mariel, Aliya, Breanna

Well, that's the scoop from Tacoma.

Life is good. God is great. We'll just keep moving forward.

Week 69: Not Without Its Challenges.. or Blessings!

No doubt, I have learned (and re-learned) many new things over the last 16 months. One that has been quite evident is that life is not without its challenges -- even while serving the Lord via a full-time mission. Serving a mission does not make one immune to the trials and challenges of mortality. We have seen this play out in our own lives as well as in the lives of other missionaries.

Missionaries get sick, sprain ankles, fall off bikes, get ear infections, eye infections, toothaches, have appendicitis (resulting in appendectomies), and the list goes on. On any given day, several are having health issues. Many struggle emotionally and deal with varying degrees of anxiety, stress, and depression.  Most are able to get the help they need, work through it, and complete their mission.  Some must return home to get the help they need -- which can be another trial in and of itself, even when an honorable release is extended.

Van has been plagued with extra joint pain, especially in his feet, most of the time we've been here. We know of other senior missionaries who have dealt with serious illness and surgeries -- but all have worked through it and remained to serve.

Wrestler missing part of his arm.

In just the last two weeks, we had a missionary fall during a P-day activity and suffer a serious concussion.  Another Elder was punched in the face by a stranger who wanted money, but the missionary couldn't oblige. Two other missionaries were hit by a car while they were crossing at a cross walk. They'll both be OK, but one of the Elders had to go home for knee surgery which will require a lengthy recovery. The other Elder (shown in photos) had surgery on his elbow at a hospital here. His recovery will be very short. He'll be able to get "back to work" soon.

Rain water as it flows through the parking lot. Just thought it was cool.

Then there are problems "back home." Young missionaries have parents who decide to divorce or leave the church. Some (young and old) have family members or friends who die. In fact, last week President Blatter had to inform a missionary that his 16 year old sister had died unexpectedly. Senior missionaries are not exempt from family troubles either. Children still face their own physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual challenges. We worry about them. We pray a lot.

There are still financial issues to be dealt with and managed as a senior missionary. (Some things just don't go away). :)

We have experienced relationship challenges in our work with a few other senior missionaries. Being on a mission hasn't taken away opportunities for Satan to work on Elder Hadlock and I and our relationship. However, being in the environment of service has made us more keenly aware of the effects of contention and at the same time more determined to overcome those challenges.  We are stronger because of it.

On Saturday, we went to a wrestling meet. We were especially taken in by a young wrestler who was missing part of his arm. Picture above is a poor shot, but ... Anyway, he certainly didn't let this challenge stop him. In fact, he won the match we watched.  He doesn't let his challenge, stop him. Inspiring.

These are just a few examples of mission & life realities. Enough said. Missions are hard. Life is hard. But life is good. God is good. He is good to us. Missions are awesome. We feel so incredibly, incredibly blessed. Among those blessings are the trials and challenges we face.  Trials help us see that we can do hard things. Trials humble us and help us turn to God. It is said that the Lord will not give us more than we can handle. I believe that He will not give us more than we can handle with His help. The key is to seek his help, to follow Jesus Christ, and to let His Atonement heal us, help us, and enable us.

Serving a mission is not without its challenges. But the weightier message is that, for us, serving a mission has definitely not been without an extra measure of blessings.

Week 68: His Plan is Super!

Nothing too eventful to report on this week. I thought perhaps I would be writing this while listening to fireworks go off following a Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl victory, but ..... well you know how that turned out.

We didn't watch the game though we will admit to enjoying the advantages of having an internet connection via smart phone while at the church during the game. 

Missionaries were advised to not be out proselyting during the Super Bowl. Instead they gathered as zones for an activity.

Four zones actually got together at our Stake Center for a surprise birthday party for Sister Blatter. It was her birthday today.

As usual, we enjoyed being with the missionaries and being part of the "fun." Sure hope you all enjoyed the festivities of the day as well. How were the commercials? --- and half-time?

Folks up here are crazy about the Seahawks. It will be interesting to see how they take the loss.  Our missionaries are hoping that they won't be too angry, and perhaps there will be greater humility?

Well, enough Super Bowl talk. 

Church today was especially good. It was interesting how many of the testimonies that were shared today seemed to answer a question I've had lately. Tender mercies.  Sunday School and Relief Society lessons were uplifting as well. I like church. I like how I feel there.

I am so grateful for our understanding of the Godhead. I know we have a Heavenly Father, that Jesus Christ is His Only Begotten Son, and that the Holy Ghost is real. I have felt the Holy Ghost testify to my soul of many truths, but especially that Jesus is the Christ, our Savior, the Way, the Truth, and the Life and Light of the world. I think it is safe to say that we have three Gods who "have our back." This is a "super" feeling. 

Finished this puzzle this week. It was a doozy!

Heavenly Father is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving. He loves perfectly.  His Plan of Salvation is all encompassing. The way to handle "Plan B" is to trust in Heavenly Father's Plan for each of us.

May y'all have a super week. God is good. Life is good.