BEHOLD A ROYAL ARMY!

So we had training today and Sister Gilliland gave it.  It was very inspiring. She was saying that after this experience of a mission, we will never be the same again.  She talked about it being no “coincidence” that we are here, together.  We have been called out of the darkness of the world, and into His light as we have lived and served here in Nauvoo.  It is an experiment in living a Zion type of life. She also talked about us being a “Band of Brothers and Sisters,” wow, that is comforting, no matter what happens the rest of my life, I know I have people who sincerely love and care for me! I could call on any one of them and I know that they would be there for me.  Now when I go home, am I going to be a Zion type person?  Am I going to take with me the things that I have been taught in my heart? I am a little concerned as I try and ponder exactly what it is that I have learned and what I am taking with me that has changed who I am……..They say that the greatest battles that we face are within the silent chambers of our own souls. No matter where I go, am I going to continue to be one of God’s Army?  I have made up my mind which side I am on and I will never change that. I need to remember, so that the Lord can strengthen me, so that I may be an example when I go home.  Will I be a hero to my children and grandchildren. I pray that it will always be so.

 

Behold! A Royal Army 

 

As called and set apart representatives of Jesus Christ-- What are our opportunities?

PMG We challenge you to rise to a new sense of commitment to assist our Father in Heaven in His glorious work....More happiness awaits you than you have ever experienced as you labor among His children.

1 Peter 2:9

  R. L. BACKMAN  

You royal generation, you special people that God has reserved to come forth in this day, may God bless you with an understanding of who you are and bless you with a knowledge and understanding of the mission that he has in store for you. May your lives reflect that you are disciples of Jesus Christ, and may you, like our elder brother, grow in “wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52), that you will

be prepared for the awesome responsibilities that he has before you. APR 1973

E.T. Benson:

I am sure that I am looking into the faces of one of the choicest groups of young people that have ever come to this earth. It is my conviction that in this dispensation some of the choicest spirits of all time are being sent to earth to help bear off the kingdom, to help provide leadership in a time of great need....(May 24, 1961, BYU Speeches of the Year, 1961, p.3) 

 

No senior missionary finds it convenient to leave. Neither did Joseph or Brigham or John or Wilford. They had children and grandchildren too. They loved their families not one whit less, but they also loved the Lord and wanted to serve Him. Someday we may meet these stalwarts who helped to establish this dispensation. Then will we rejoice that we did not seek the shadows when a call to missionary service came from

the prophet, even in the autumn years of our lives. RMNelson OCT 2004

The Church has done many difficult things, and from these achievements one would not wish to detract. But all the easy things the Church has had to do have been done. From now on it is high adventure!

NAM Wherefore, Ye Must Press Forward, p 84) All easy things done? NAM Apr 1979 In His Steps Ezra Taft Benson Brigham Young University on 4 March 1979.

For nearly six thousand years, God has held you in reserve to make your appearance in the final days before the Second Coming of the Lord.... Make no mistake about it—you are a marked generation.

There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time as there is of us. Will we be true to our last-days, foreordained mission?

RODEO!

We went with a bunch of missionaries to the annual rodeo in Ft. Madison last night.  We went last year with Jill and Kyle and were excited to go again this year.  Last year was a little uncomfortable with only the four of us in Sunday Best.  This year we had over 25 of us that went.

Much better odds!  I love the rodeo, always reminds me of Oklahoma and growing up.  I hadn’t heard that kind of music since last year, not seen that many tattoos in awhile,a lot of living bras that not only had died, but never been present, but best of all SPARKLE! SPARKLES! SPARKLED! I love all of the sparkly belts, hats, shirts, everything with a bling. All of our friends were laughing at me, I wanted to purchase anything with a bling, and of course, Richard is always reigning me in.  But it was a fun time. Missionaries are always telling us that it will be an adjustment when we go home.  Being back in the real world will probably be just a tad bit overwhelming. I think I am however, up to the task, just to be back with family. 

GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!! WE CERTAINLY NEED IT!

KISSING IN THE MISSION FIELD????

Richard and I were responsible for training again this last week.  We sweat bullets over teaching in front of all these amazing people. So for the last six weeks we have been working to put together a presentation.  Richard says why aren’t you terrified???  I am one cool cucumber. Actually, I just think I am exhausted and all I can do is the best I can do.  Years ago I did a presentation in YM/YW and it was “Improving Our Relationships With A Kiss!” Kiss being an acronym for Kindness, Involvement, Sense of Humor, and Service.  So we did a pretty neat training complete with three awesome videos.  I tell you, things have surely changed from and overhead projector to now jumping right to You Tube. I have decided Richard and I make a pretty neat team.  I generally have the ideas and presentation and he does all of the computer work! Can’t beat that deal.  Jerianne made handouts for us and then we gave Hershey Kisses out at the end.  We challenged them to a week of Kiss-es ( when someone did something kind, or an act of service, or handled something with a sense of humor) and had them to put into each others’ mailboxes.  I went into the mailroom yesterday and saw all of the boxes with kisses in them.  What a thrill

.

I guess everyone thought the idea was really cute. I think that we will have one more presentation before we leave in November.  (By the way, that sounds unbelievable to my ears) That doesn’t however count us speaking in Sacrament Meeting on the 20th of October.  Might as well go out with a bang. 

These are just a few of the notes that we have gotten over the last few weeks.  I always love notes, thank you’s and all.  I have kept them for years. They mean the world to me.  Makes me think I need to write more of them myself.


From sweet Sister Fowers, one of our single sisters who really is like an angel.

From Sister Purtell, who is one very classy lady.  She lives in Sarasota, Florida and she is also one of our single sisters. She is amazing! No one would know that she was 78. Ran her own business and drives like an easterner!!!!

Sister Elia is from Hawaii.  She is also a single sister that has gone home.  They have been so kind to us and we won’t forget them. What a difference a small little note makes. I will always carry these sentiments next to my heart.