Week 31: All Things (and People) Beautiful

View from Bremerton Hospital

I am overwhelmed with the many beautiful things, people, and blessings that abound – all evidences of God’s infinite love for His children.  Thus, this post is dedicated to all things beautiful.

The flowers are blooming here, especially the rhododendrons. There is color everywhere – in addition to all the green. 

I was able to go again to sit in the hospital with the sister who had her appendix out. It was a beautiful day; a scenic ride. I was glad to be with her and take in the view from her window. She was able to be released on Friday.

Outside Elder Hadlock's window

Squirrel near our apartment

It is a beautiful experience to be here as a missionary working in the office. Even at “work” God’s creations delight us. Elder Hadlock has a huge rhododendron outside his office window. Even he couldn’t resist taking a picture. I can see delicate pine tree seedlings getting their start outside my window. And one day this week I observed a small bird taking a bath in a puddle in the parking lot. I couldn't get a picture before the bath was over, but it made me smile.

The Sound near Chambers Bay

Wednesday evening was so pleasant we couldn’t pass up the chance to enjoy a walk near The Sound at Chambers Creek Golf course. Thursday and Friday brought rain, beautiful in its own way.

Sister & Elder Petersen

On Saturday, we went with Elder & Sister Petersen to the Rhododenron Botanical Gardens in Federal Way. It was lovely. 

A Bonsai Garden is right next to it. It was fascinating. I think I could have stayed there all day.

circa 1500 AD

One of these Bonsai trees is over 500 years old!

Elder Hadlock & his Grandmother

Now a word about this beautiful, handsome son, Elder Hadlock. He just got transferred to Conway, Arkansas. New area, new companion -- Elder Wells from Logan. He sent me some Dove chocolates, a nice card and sent his Dad some money to buy me some flowers. A thoughtful young man. We enjoyed getting to talk to him via Facetime today. He sounded and looked good. He is little nervous about getting things going in this new area, but it sounds like member support is going to be great. We pray that his "anxiety" will be minimal. And as always, we so appreciate all the support and prayers he is getting from each of you. 

Flowers from Ben & "beautiful" words of God

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace;… that publisheth salvation; … (Mosiah 12:21, Isaiah 52:7)

We love our missionary in Arkansas as well as these beautiful missionaries here in Washington. We have really grown to appreciate their obedience, hard work and faithfulness. 

And now As it is Mother’s Day, I wish to pay tribute to my mother, a beautiful woman inside and out. She is such a pillar of strength and example of compassion. She serves without fanfare. It is very characteristic of my mother to put the needs of others before her own needs. She is constantly doing kind things for others, especially her family. She is truly an example of selfless service and love.  She is definitely one of the most hard-working, thorough, meticulous home makers I know. She certainly made our home a piece of heaven. Thanks Mom. I love you so very much.

So now I have the song "All Things Bright and Beautiful" running through my mind. I think I'll sing it as I make tonight's supper -- popcorn, another of God's finest creations. Life is good -- and beautiful.

"He hath made every things beautiful in his time;" ... (Eccl. 3:11)

Proverbs 20:29

                                                                                                                    

  P.S. The "Car Czar" is beautiful (and handsome) too.

Week 30: Transfers & Testimonies

Parking Lot after Transfer Meeting

Transfer Week -- always a "rush" -- full of energy and emotion. We had just four missionaries arrive this week and eight went home. It's so fun to meet the new missionaries at the airport and watch them experience their first day in the mission.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous for transfer day. We always take them to see "The Sound" and it was especially beautiful this day. Even got to see a bald eagle perched on a tree limb right near where we parked.

Sister Jenkins in the middle!

At the same time, it is kind of sad to send home our seasoned, spiritually mature missionaries who have completed their service. Most of them don't really want to leave because they love being missionaries so much. Here are some "one lingers" from some of them as they bore their testimonies: "My life changed drastically after I realized that God loves me and that the Book of Mormon is true." "The price we pay to become acquainted with God is a privilege. Serving a mission is a huge price, but it is all worth it.""The thing that changed my mission is understanding why we should be obedient. We have to have rules because that is one thing God gave us to give us power."

Senior Missionaries gather for dinner after Transfer Meeting

We also said goodbye to four Senior Couples. We were especially sad to lose our neighbors, Elder & Sister Quillon. They served so faithfully for 18 months as MLS missionaries. They're headed back to Virginia now. We will miss them. It's kind of a "lonely" feeling not having them right next door anymore.

Sister & Elder Quillon

On a brighter note, we welcomed Elder & Sister Martin to our mission. They are from Vernal! They will be serving 23 months as Record Preservation Missionaries at the State Archives in Olympia. Also had a couple come who will be Military Relations missionaries in Bremerton for six months. (Still need more senior missionaries though.)

On Saturday afternoon we traveled to Bremerton to be with one of our young sisters who is in the hospital there. She had appendicitis and had to have surgery. She'll be OK, but she's had a rough go of it. I must say though, the view from her hospital room was incredible! I would have taken a picture but it was raining very hard. (And in the Lobby was a jigsaw puzzle - I nearly finished it.)

Ten lovely Sisters riding in the van (driven by Van)

Sunday afternoon we helped take missionaries to another missionary musical fireside. Wish you all could be there to hear these missionaries bear testimony and sing Called to Serve, The As Sisters in Zion/We'll Bring the World His Truth Medley, and Amazing Grace, among others.

A recently baptized member also bore his testimony. I'd like to share some of his story: Mike is in the Navy and is a man of integrity. He is loyal and true and desires to do what is right. Mike wanted to get baptized, but was not sure which church. He would tell the sisters, “you believe so firmly in your faith, but my mother feels the same way about her faith.” He was very confused.

Typical "post fireside" photo

He met with the missionaries weekly and was searching to know if this was true. His journey took several months (and several missionaries). Through this time, Mike grew to know our Savior and that our Savior cared for him. He received answers to his questions, but they led to many more questions. But, he kept searching and didn’t give up; neither did the missionaries. One of the sisters told him, "Mike, when you "get it," you are really going to "get it." He "got it." One night the sisters met with Mike at a member's home. At the end of the lesson, one of the members said, “Sometimes I pray, asking God the same question, expecting Him to change His answer.” This struck a chord with Mike. He thought to himself, “Did he give me an answer already?” The Spirit filled his heart. He received a witness that the Lord had answered him.

Mike was baptized in January of this year. He is now on fire, full of the Spirit, and serving the Lord. He just recently received his Patriarchal Blessing and is looking forward to the day when he can go to the temple. Last night he said, "I know this gospel is true, how can you not. I was sitting on the couch earlier and thinking, 'I feel right. Everything feels right.' "

This is just one of the many stories we hear on a weekly basis. I will start sharing more of the missionary miracles that happen daily. Though we are not on the "front lines" witnessing these miracles for ourselves, our testimonies are certainly being strengthened as missionaries share them with us. God does love all His children and is so very aware of us. He wants us to come back to Him. Jesus really is the way (the only way), the truth and the life. He is the light of the world. His gospel and priesthood authority were restored through Joseph Smith. We are led today by a prophet and apostles. How blessed we feel.

Week 29: Signs to Think About

With Devan & Sam

So good to be with the family

Sam's Favorite Word

I'm letting the "cat out of the bag": Yes -- We were in Utah for a couple of days to help celebrate Sam's upcoming graduation from UVU. The graduation is not until May 2, but on April 26 he and fourteen other Graphic Design students displayed their Senior Projects. We will miss all the graduation hoopla, but we are so grateful that it worked out for us to be able to see the culmination of this project -- something that represents a life-time of thought, preparation, and use of extraordinary talent.

Quoting from Sam, "For my senior project  I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on where I've come from and where I'd like to go from here. Planning a funeral seemed like an appropriate way to encapsulate this. The project was an exercise in branding -- who I am, what I value and who I want to be."

Sam's rendition of the Plan of Salvation

It's really not as "morbid" as it sounds. The things Sam designed -- his 78-page funeral guidebook, large posters (signs), and other items were very thought provoking, full of symbolism, and  stirred a myriad of constructive and meaningful emotions within many who viewed his work.You really would have had to have been there to fully understand. Actually, I'm still reading through his "guidebook" and trying to absorb the insights and perceptions of life and death that he has shared therein.

There is much I'd love to share here, but here's just one more thought from Sam: "Designing your own funeral is basically visualizing who you want to be. You create an event that embodies who you are, what you value and believe... A funeral is a checkpoint at which we showcase our work so far. It is a showcase of our creative portfolio to this point. Living is the ultimate creative process. How will you create?"

Speaking of life, death, and thought-provoking "signs" -- now would be a good time to include photos of signs we've seen while sight-seeing here in western Washington.

Giant Chalkboard on side of  building

Nurse Logs are created when an old tree falls and begins to decompose on the forest floor. Stumps are most often the remnants of a logged tree, also left to decay. This decomposition makes many nutrients available for other plants, and in short time, the old log or stump begins to sprout moss, other plants, and even seedlings of other trees. The rotten wood holds moisture well, even through the dry summer months, further supporting the new growth. In addition, nurse logs and stumps are elevated areas that are above competing vegetation layers on the forest floor such as moss, ferns, herbs, and small shrubs. Many tall trees with finger-like roots, or prop roots, began their life on a nurse log or a stump.

I hope that I can live such that when I die, I might be worthy of being a "nurse log". More food for thought.

Speaking of food -- Sam and I both request that there be no funeral potatoes, or pre-sliced boneless ham served at our funerals.

That is all. 

Week 28: A Holy Place and a Holy Holiday

It was a great week. It started off on Monday with good news from Ben (Elder Hadlock). A man he has been teaching for several months decided that he was ready to be baptized.  The man has been attending church and participating in activities for a couple of years. Ben has felt a special connection with him and seemed pretty excited about this turn of events.  We think the baptism took place this weekend. We are anxious to hear all about it in tomorrow's email. Thanks to all who have been praying for Elder Hadlock.

On Tuesday, we were able to be in the Seattle Temple with about 80 young Elders & Sisters and four other Senior Couples. The young missionaries get to attend the Temple just once a year here. Four zones went on Tuesday, four on Wednesday, and four on Thursday. It was a sweet experience to be in the Temple with these humble, pure, chosen young people. They were so grateful to be able to experience the temple again.

We were particularly impressed with their reverence. Picture a group of 90 or so people who are fairly acquainted with one another attending the temple together. Surely they would want to visit and share experiences. Not this group. Not a word spoken in the chapel. And afterwards as all were gathered in the Celestial Room, you could have heard a pin-drop. There wasn't even a whisper. These young missionaries set an example for us that we will never forget.

Sister Sandau (Bishop Sandau's niece)

We made the trip to the Temple again on Wednesday, but we were responsible for helping with lunch that day. Still a treat to be with them.

Two days out of the office made for plenty to do on Thursday and Friday -- but worth the trip to the Temple. Great way to start off the Easter week!
 On Thursday morning we got a surprise text from the Davis family saying they were going to be in Seattle for a night and hoping we could get together. Of course we were thrilled with the opportunity to see this sweet family whom we've grown to love.

We met up with them later that evening at the Rainforest Cafe that is in Tukwila (about 30 miles north of Tacoma). We had a delightful visit with them. So glad they invited us to join them.

We "celebrated" Easter Sunday by watching a recording of the Tabernacle Choir broadcast and several videos about Jesus on the lds.org website.

We highly recommend that all view the new video called "Because of Him" that can be seen on lds.org.

After church, we got together with two other couples (the Harwoods and Fillmores) for Easter dinner. Though we missed being with family, it was a beautiful day (and week) here in Tacoma.

We have certainly noticed that the more focused we are on spiritual things -- especially the message of Jesus Christ -- the happier we are. We know He lives! And because He lives, we will all be partakers of immortality. And because of His Atonement, we all have the opportunity to have an Eternal life if we will come unto Him, repent, be baptized, receive the gift of the Holy Ghost and endure to the end. We are so thankful that God so loves the world that He would send His Only Begotten Son to save us. -- And that His Son, even Jesus Christ the Redeemer, would willingly do what He did. Greater love hath no man than this.

Week 27: Inspecting and Sightseeing in Washington

 Spring Cleaning time for the missionaries. Each Stake has a couple whose calling is to make monthly inspections of missionary apartments in their area. Twice a year, however, Senior Couples get to do this. Friday was "the day".

 Elder Hadlock and I inspected apartments in the Tacoma West Zone. We enjoyed this assignment. We have some delightful young missionaries who inspire us. We were pleased with how well they are taking care of their apartments. It was fun to see where they live and "how" they live -- which is very simply. And they are happy! I'm posting photos of the missionaries we visited.  

Biggest jar of Nutella I've ever seen!

It was a gorgeous week here in Washington. We got rain on Tuesday, but other than that, we experienced blue skies and sunshine. My brother Dale, his wife Cheryl, and their daughter Cheyenne visited us this week and are convinced that we've been making up stories about the "rainy, wet, gray" Washington weather. We are glad they

View of Seattle from ferry we rode from Bremerton

 brought the Utah sunshine with them -- come again!

Gum Wall on Post Alley in Pike's Market

We were glad to be able to take a little time off to do some sightseeing with them. I'm posting some photos of some of the places we visited. My favorite was probably the tulips in Mt. Vernon -- Skagit Valley. It was like looking at something out of the Wizard of Oz! Just absolutely stunning. 

Snoqualmie Falls

Near Fort Casey

Well, there's just a lot of beautiful, interesting things to see just within a couple of ours of Tacoma.  It was fun to get out and enjoy the good weather and be reminded again of how much our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ must love us to have created such a beautiful world.

Photos don't do this spectacle justice

Just breath-taking!

 I would like to write more, but I am so very frustrated right now with trying to get photos arranged on this blog. I would love it if someone would tutor me on this! If you know the secret, call or email me!

Time to get ready and go to a missionary fireside anyway. As much as we enjoyed the sightseeing, we are anxious to set our sights and minds back on missionary work and what we've been called to do.

Kind of in heaven.

A story for another day!

Cars waiting to get on the ferry

Week 26: Pass the P's Please

1000-Piece Puzzle

 It was a typical week with General Conference being the high light of the week. As Sunday draws to a close, I've wondered just what I could write this week that wouldn't detract from what we learned from Conference.  On a whim I decided to play around with one of my favorite letters: “P”.

Some of my favorite things start with the letter “P” – Popcorn, Pie, Peanuts, Peaches, Pioneers, Puzzles, Pearls, Prayer … just to name a few. 

Priesthood in our apt today: Elders Hadlock, Smith, Johnson

Today I shall start with two that were connected for me this weekend – Prophets & Puzzles.  You see, I decided to start a jigsaw puzzle while watching General Conference in our apartment.  It’s very relaxing for me, but I knew it would also help me stay awake (pay attention). I kept paper & pencil at hand so I could write down thoughts and impressions that came as Prophets spoke.

I suppose there’s an analogy here, and I could really go into depth. For now, I’ll keep it plain and simple. Life can be a perplexing puzzle full of uncertainty and challenge. How can we best put the pieces where they belong? What’s the secret to figuring it (life) out? Today—this weekend—we found help via Prophets (President Thomas S. Monson and the Apostles).

With Pretty awesome Sisters: Wilkinson, Jenkins, Walker, Noun

I heard them talk of Christ, rejoice in Christ, preach of Christ, prophesy of Christ, that we may know to what source we may look for a remission of our sins. (see 2 Nephi 25:16).   This life is our “ four-minute time to perform.” – a time to prepare to meet God. I liked Elder Bednar’s analogy with the truck:  It’s the “load” that provides spiritual traction in our progression.  

Conference weekend is always a time of evaluating priorities … and especially -- Do I practice what I preach and believe? I pledge to do better.

Well, with Van’s help, the puzzle is finished. It was fun and rewarding. So was General Conference weekend. So is life. But, life is not finished. I’m still trying to put the pieces together. I am so grateful for General Conference and the perspective gained by listening to Prophets. It gives us peace and a renewed determination as we continue to persist, persevere and “press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a perfect brightness of hope, ….”  

Let Us All Press On …

I shall now proceed to pop some popcorn!