July 31, 2016 Faith is a hope in that which is not seen which is true

Now, we will compare the word unto a seed. Now, if ye give place, that a seed may be planted in your heart, behold, if it be a true seed, or a good seed, if ye do not cast it out by your unbelief, that ye will resist the Spirit of the Lord, behold, it will begin to swell within your breasts; and when you feel these swelling motions, ye will begin to say within yourselves—It must needs be that this is a good seed, or that the word is good, for it beginneth to enlarge my soul; yea, it beginneth to enlighten my understanding, yea, it beginneth to be delicious to me.

                                           

Now behold, would not this increase your faith? I say unto you, Yea; nevertheless it hath not grown up to a perfect knowledge.Alma 32:28-29

Even senior missionaries need a snow cone to beat the heat on a hot summer day!

Meridian West Stake Pioneer Day

Beginning with a pancake breakfast and followed by pioneer crafts and games.

Venturing out and trying something new.

Getting ready for the arrival of twenty new missionaries next week.

Sister Busath had a birthday!

After over 10 years it was time to move on...

 

The day was HOT, the sprinklers were blasting blocking our way and the new apartment was on the third floor, but these four Super Stars made quick work of the job that needed to be done without a complaint!

Elders Taylor, Price, Monroe and Leimer

Departing missionaries that left their marks on our hearts:

               Sister Anandan

                                                       Elder McCallson

                                                                                                Elder Bowler

The Saturday before transfers is typically a busy day for us. 

This Saturday was no exception as we set up a new home for two unsuspecting Elders, prepared for a few possible trios and made final plans to complete the new senior missionary apartment.

 We spent our last Sunday with friends in the Bainbridge Ward where we were released from our callings :( and bid a fond farewell. 

Tonight we attended a special meeting in the Star Stake Center to officially welcome us into the Verona Ward.

It's been a hard week filled with many challenges! 

Some that have seriously tried our patience, but all that have provided us with an opportunity to grow and become better.

Grandparent Corner

               
                     Kahlen being her cute self            Jett putting on the finishing touches on                                                                             his BB8 birthday cake!

 And because of your diligence and your faith and your patience with the word in nourishing it, that it may take root in you, behold, by and by ye shall pluck the fruit thereof, which is most precious, which is sweet above all that is sweet, and which is white above all that is white, yea, and pure above all that is pure; and ye shall feast upon this fruit even until ye are filled, that ye hunger not, neither shall ye thirst.

Then, my brethren, ye shall reap the rewards of your faith, and your diligence, and patience, and long-suffering, waiting for the tree to bring forth fruit unto you.

                                                Alma 32:42-43

Have faith and make it a great week!

July 24, 2016 Happy Pioneer Day

A dictionary defines a pioneer as 

“one who goes before to prepare or open up the way for others to follow.”

 It was Elder Busath's birthday shout hooray!

Our oldest daughter, Andi, made this dude cowboy cupcakes to celebrate the day!

 Sister Ray and Sister Hallum in their "twin outfits".

On the morning of Wednesday, July 20th 

the Angel Moroni was placed on the top of the Meridian, Idaho Temple.  

There were no public announcements, no major fanfare, just word of mouth. 

We just happened to be one of the few who heard the news so off we went. There was a small gathering when we arrived. We expect it got much larger as the word got out.  The biggest news was that the Angel Moroni would not be facing south like he is at many of the temples, but would be facing south to compliment the design of the temple and to invite all to "Come Unto Christ".

To be a pioneer means that we "be not weary in well-doing"

Doctrine and Covenants 64:33

Elder Folua, Elder Bean, Elder Ljungkill, and Elder Burgess

Long story short, we have an apartment that once housed four Elders. Those Elders were recently reassigned to the Idaho Nampa Mission, As a result they had vacated the premises. We now had to prepare the empty? apartment to house four new Elders for our upcoming transfers. 

Since this isn't our first rodeo, we enlisted the help of these strapping Elders pictured above to help us CLEAN and de-clutter what was waiting for us behind the front door!  

Let's just say it wasn't a pretty sight :0

 

As we live the gospel, follow the prophet, choose faith over doubt, and do the little things that grow faith and produce soul-anchoring hope, each of us will be a pioneer, preparing the way for others to follow.

The countdown begins. "Pioneers" Elder and Sister Hofer, from Michigan are scheduled to leave their home and family to serve the Lord as full time missionaries assigned in the Family Records Center and are due to arrive the 13th of August. We are doing our very best to make them feel welcome and help prepare to make their new apartment a home sweet home.
                              Grandparent's Corner

Easy rider,Wade, contemplating following in Grandpa's footsteps?
                                               

             Kahlen, our pretty princess, ready to start her day!

Let us all remember the pioneers of old, their stories and their sacrifices. They came to build Zion, but more importantly they came to instill faith in their rising generation-us! Anchored by the hope of good things to come through our Lord, and Savior Jesus Christ.

"Can we somehow muster the courage and steadfastness of purpose that characterized the pioneers of a former generation? Can you and I, in actual fact, be pioneers? I know we can be. Oh how the world needs pioneers today!"

Come, come ye Saints, no toil nor labor fear;

But with joy wend your way.

Though hard to you this journey may appear.

Grace shall be as your day.

'Tis better far for us to strive

Our useless cares from us to drive;

Do this, and joy your hearts will swell...

All is well! All is well!