We've been visiting an inactive sister in Plano 3rd ward since we arrived here. She's such a sweet girl and we've enjoyed getting to know her. Plano 3rd Ward Relief Society had their Christmas Party in November and we invited Diane to come with us. She told us she might be coming with her visiting teachers, and that she knows she needs to start coming out. We were so happy when we saw her at the party, and with some cute girls that have become friends with her. It's such a thrill to see a light begin to shine in someone who's been away for awhile!
Our sweet little friend Coco passed away last week. We were so sad to lose her. It gives me joy to know that, we and the Elders, got to spend some time with her before she went home. I'm so glad we had the opportunity to know her! Sometimes there are unknown reasons why we're led to certain people in this world. Our time with Coco was very short, but filled with love and care. We will miss her, but feel like we made friends with a very special lady. The message we brought to her of the gospel will have an influence on her when she hears it again there.
We've just added another ward to our efforts. This picture is of Ron & Jody Malouf. He's serving on the High Council and asked the Stake President to have us begin serving in Plano 9th ward. They are a very sweet couple and amazing leaders in the stake. We've already visited with several sisters. We make ourselves available to them whenever they need extra love and encouragement. I just love being here for them. My heart will ache when I leave them someday!
On Weds. we took Laneeda to lunch and took this picture. It was 75 degrees and sunny. Thursday evening we had an ice storm. Temperatures dropped to 26 degrees! I think we could all get sick with such a dramatic change! We lost power early Friday morning. Not because of this tree, but others.
We had so many wonderful people call with concerns about us and Marjean. Bishop Lucero & Laneeda showed up in the afternoon and took us for a ride in his 4-wheel drive car to see all the damage; and to take us for hot chocolate that never tasted sooo good! He chipped the ice off our walkway and invited us to stay in their home. There were many offers to have us come and spend the night in warm homes. We huddled in front of the fire place, and thought we'd just "tuff" it out, but when it got dark outside, we decided maybe we should go elsewhere. Another brother in the ward came and took us to stay with the Ruth Ann & Lee Zaugg. Bed & Breakfast for all three of us! What a blessing!!!
All three ward party's were scheduled for this stormy weekend and then rescheduled for next week. The Zaugg's returned from a mission in New Zealand about the same time we got here. I loved the cute clothes they wore for the Plano 3rd Ward Party. I found out Pres. & Linda Condie from Kirkland were serving while they were there. I also found out that Lee's brother and his wife lived in Kirkland Ward with us many years ago. They called them while we were in their home so I could talk to them, Doug & Brenda Zaugg. It was fun to find friend connections!
We came back home the next day. Bro. Dennis Palmer called and said he was coming over to de-ice our cars in spite of our protests that it was too cold outside! He spent two hours getting the ice off!! The Michaelis family in the ward came to chip the ice off Marjean's driveway. Church was cancelled on Sunday, but it warmed up a little during the day and then re-froze on Monday. Personally, I think I prefer Seattle weather!!
We had the Ward Christmas party the following week. Of course, a Christmas Party isn't complete without Mr. & Mrs. Santa! We also had fun driving through a neighborhood to see the Christmas lights. Thought you'd enjoy seeing this "Texas Santa."
My sweet daughter Jenny is expecting a baby anytime now! She called me a month or so after I arrived for my mission with the news. She had been so anxious for me to come home for Christmas when I left Seattle. I told her I couldn't come home unless there was some special family thing happening. She said, "Momma, please come home for Christmas!" I started to go through the same story with her, and then she said, "Well, what if you were coming home for the birth of a new baby!"
That was a BIG surprise to them and me! I'm overjoyed to have another little one to love. Pres. Durrant has given me permission to go so I'll be leaving tomorrow. I'm excited to be with my cute kids for the holiday's, and welcome "Little Valerie"! I may not make it to see all of you, but it will be fun to think of you being close!
I must add that I received a sweet surprise in the mail last week. Some wonderful person or persons sent me a 12-Days of Christmas Package! I've never had that done for me before, and everyone in the Mission Home was cheering for me when I got the box. It's been so much fun opening the packages each day, and the rest are packed in my suitcase to carry home with me so I can continue the surprises. Thank you to someone who made my Christmas extra special! Also received a cute Christmas poster from many of you wonderful friends in the ward. I love it and it's hanging on my bedroom wall. I can't begin to tell you how great it is to know of your love & prayers. Thank you for being such sweet friends!
I was on the church web page last week and watched "The Nativity" video. It touched me to see how the church blesses us in bringing the Savior where he needs to be in our lives. I marvel at Joseph & Mary going to Bethlehem when she was so close to the birth. There must have been such great love between them as they followed the messages of the angels about their great mission. I'm sure they were carried by Heavenly Father through that journey and all the tests they faced. It's caused me to think on the great blessings that come to us when we listen and obey the promptings of the Spirit. My prayer is that each one of us will live with a desire to do so. Christmas and each day of our lives can be filled with "overflowing" blessings if we emotionally & spiritually prepare for His coming.
"I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas filled with His spirit in everything you do!"
No comments:
Post a Comment