Someone told me a few weeks ago that serving Heavenly Father's children is like walking in the Savior's footsteps. I know that's true, but it touched me deeply when I heard it again, and at this time. It's evident as I pray with my companion, see the dedication of Marjean (the sister we live with), and sit next to so many sisters I've grown to love. I do feel like He's always next to me while serving on this mission.
I remember thinking how wonderful it would be to study the scriptures and serve in the church all day, everyday. It's amazing how much closer to the spirit I've become through that process! I am more aware than ever that there are no coincidences in life, just miracles that the Lord orchestrates as we walk here on earth. There are a few times, when I look back and feel sad because I had to sale my little home, or that I had to leave my sweet family and friends; but then I realize Heavenly Father has a purpose for me in life, and some of it is being fulfilled here in Plano. On many occasions, the sisters we serve tell us with tears in their eyes, that we are an answer to their prayers, and angels that were sent to them. They too, are my angels; and I know that I was sent here because the Savior knew their needs and mine! Oh, what joy I have to be so loved by my Savior and them!
We have a new bishopric in Plano 3rd ward; Bishop Jim Lucero, Michael Ellett, and Don Bishop. They are all valiant priesthood holders and will serve well. Bishop Lucero was one of the first people we met in the ward when we came. We were all surprised when he was called to serve as he carries a heavy burden with Laneeda. When Pres. Wilding made the change, he told us that he knew there have been many relief society angels in the ward helping Sis. Lucero; and asked the ward to continue loving and serving her. He said Bishop Lucero's calling wasn't from him, but testified that it's what the Savior wanted for our ward. He shared that Bishop Lucero would be holding some of his interviews in his home because of that situation.
This is a view of the sunrise in Plano. We were returning from taking Marjean to the airport and it was so pretty I stopped to capture it. Seems strange to see a sunrise with no mountains. Also, it is getting dark here in the evenings already at 7:30. Seems really early to me this soon! Still very hot! I was told that October and November are the nicest summer months here, so hopefully it will be my usual Seattle summer temperatures by then.
On Sept. 1st we took Sis. Hulse out for dinner and to see the JFK Museum downtown for her birthday. It's one of the things we had decided we wanted to visit while here in Dallas. Sis. Campbell and Sis. Shell met us there. The museum was very interesting and sad. It's a sad memory of when the John F. Kennedy tragedy happened years ago. The top picture is of the museum. Shots were fired from the 6th floor on the right corner. The next picture is looking down at the motorcade where Pre. Kennedy was killed. The next picture is the JFK Museum, and the last one is the "Old Red Dallas Court House". It's been restored and is used for other things now.
The high schools here have a different way of celebrating school proms and dances. These are called "Mums". The kids pay from $75 to $250 for these. They wear them at school on the Friday before the dance. Marjean says the one in the bottom picture is the biggest one she's ever seen. I think they must be hard to carry around all day! The guys and girls buy them for each other. The girls take the guys out to dinner on Friday evening, then the guys buy them a hand corsage and take them to dinner before the dance Saturday. Wow, these dances must be really expensive!!
The picture is of Roseleaf Reed. She is an Indian sister who lives in Plano 4th ward. We've been visiting her every week. Her little great-grandson has been staying with her a lot. His parents are divorced and he is cared for by Sis. Reed and her daughter. She moved in with a different daughter a few years ago, and she passed away suddenly several months ago. Sis. Reed is still in the house. It is a large home, but her daughter had never left a will or executor for her estate. Of course, the state is now holding everything because of that. Sis. Reed is quite poor and has not been able to make the payments on the home. It will be repossessed in a couple of months. She has lots of worries and concerns, and is desperately looking for an apartment that she can afford.
She teaches piano lessons, and on Sunday she plays the organ for a couple of other churches. She is paid to do that, but it makes it so she can't come to church. We are trying to spread the word to the two wards that she needs additional piano students so she can give up the Sunday work. She's very intelligent and has a strong testimony of the gospel. She spends time teaching her grandson about the Book of Mormon and makes sure he gets to church on Sunday. We have grown to love this sweet sister!
When I was sitting in church during the sacrament on Sunday, I had a sweet spiritual experience. The congregation was very quiet that day, and I had the feeling come to me that this was like the temple, a very sacred and holy time. It caused me to reflect on how many times I've taken the sacrament without thinking about how sacred it really is. I pictured the Savior blessing and passing the sacrament to his disciples. It made me realize how truly blessed I am each week to partake, and renew my covenants with the Him.
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland "This Do in Remembrance of Me"
"Every ordinance of the gospel focuses in one way or another on the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ, and surely that is why this particular ordinance with all its symbolism and imagery comes to us more readily and more repeatedly than any other in our life. It comes in what has been called "the most sacred, the most holy, of all the meetings of the Church."
"Perhaps we do not always attach that kind of meaning to our weekly sacramental service. How "sacred" and how "holy" is it. With so very much at stake, this ordinance commemorating our escape from the angel of darkness should be taken more seriously than it sometimes is. It should be a powerful, reverent, reflective moment. It should encourage spiritual feelings and impressions. As such it should not be rushed. It is not something to "get over" so that the real purpose of a sacrament meeting can be pursued. This is the real purpose of the meeting; and everything that is said or sung or prayed in those services should be consistent with the grandeur of this sacred ordinance." (end quote)
How cool that you got to go to the JFK museum!! Miss you Momma!!
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