Thursday, March 3, 2016

March 3, 2016 Patience to Persist


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Reader's Discretion is Advised

Due to our daughter's recent heart surgery we have struggled lately to find peace as she takes two steps forward only to take one step backward. As parents we felt helpless and wanted to do something, anything, to help ease her pain. Then through that still small voice we were reminded as missionaries of a promise found in Doctrine and Covenants 100:1;

"Verily, thus saith the Lord unto you, your families are well; they are in mine hands, and I will do with them as seemeth me good; for in me there is all power."

Sam, and as a result Elder Busath and I, suddenly realized how truly blessed we have been by the many prayers and the outpouring of love by many of you on her behalf and we are eternally grateful, thank you!

                
                                           
On Monday it was time to bid Elder Von and Sister Sheri Sorenson, a fond farewell after honorably serving for the past 13 months in the Idaho Boise Mission Office. The baton was officially passed and it was now up to us (and the Hodgkin's)  to keep the Mission Office afloat. A humbling thought to consider.

 The Idaho Boise Mission Mission Leadership Council
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"Recognizing the similarities between physical rehabilitation and spiritual rehabilitation can change our perspective and give us patience to persist." 
                                                                                         Ron Simmons, March Ensign

 Perspective
President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, Second Counselor in the First Presidency: “The Lord doesn’t expect us to work harder than we are able. … Our Heavenly Father asks only that we do the best we can—that we work according to our full capacity, however great or small that may be.” Our Savior, too, often gives us proper perspective on our spiritual journey, reminding us to “be of good cheer” (D&C 61:36).

 A tender mercy  
We were working like crazy after work each night to prepare the area for our shed to be constructed before Friday. Unfortunately we needed just a little more dirt and a few more hours of daylight to complete the task. It just so happened that when we arrived home on Wednesday evening a construction crew was still in the process of moving a huge mound of dirt across the street. So we mustered all of our courage and asked if they might be willing to spare some.  We even went so far as to ask if maybe, just maybe, they might be willing to drop one bucket full of dirt on our driveway to help expedite our labors. "Only one bucket?" they asked. Absolutely!!! Because of their kindness we were able to finish the job in record time.

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Comparison Can Bring Discouragement

“Is this feeling normal?” is a tough question for anyone to answer. Normal, means usual, ordinary, routine, average. All of us have different personalities, different upbringings, different strengths and weaknesses, and different life experiences. How can we compare ourselves fairly to each other? We can’t. So just because we don't do everything the same way as someone else doesn't mean we are doing it wrong, right?




Elder Busath couldn't wait to show me the Idaho Boise Mission storage unit. 
I was left speechless!
Oh what I would have given to have this storage unit in Florida! I am not sure why we need all this stuff, let alone all this space, since a great majority of our missionaries live in members homes, but who am I to question our good fortune?

 
Trainer Follow Up Meeting

Humility Can Be Good
Have you ever asked yourself, “When will I stop worrying about being as good as...?” One would need to be able to predict the future. We are all different, special and unique. Son's and daughter's of a Heavenly Father who loves us each individually, differences and all.
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 Healing Takes Time
We live in a world of instant results. Often very little effort is required on our part to get what we want.  Then again it might take longer than expected.
One of our Sister Missionaries, Sister Thomas, had some visitors (family) show up at the Mission Office unannounced.   Because the Mission policy is to forbid interaction of our missionaries with family and friends while serving we had to lovingly turn this family away. But do not despair, we kept them happy writing notes, taking pictures and feeding them chocolate from Elder Busath's secret stash.
It is through struggles that we grow stronger and more confident.

It's been a rough week, but we can finally see a ray of light at the end of the tunnel.
The Lord truly does hear and answer prayers!




         Wishing you a week of being able to find a little ray of sunshine even on a rainy day!

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