Yesterday we attended one of the best branch (ward) conferences we have ever had the opportunity to attend. What was so special? Plain and simple truths were taught in a most profound way. Spirits spoke to spirits; instruction edified and lifted and expressions of love and friendship were genuine. In short we had a mini "Zion" experience. We are continually astounded by the depth and power of the commitment of the saints here in the "mission field". We received the 2012 stake goals, the activation and attendance parts of which fit exactly with what we have been led to do since we arrived in Iron Mountain. We will continue to contact less actives, where we can find them, and follow up with correcting the branch records so that we can get a more accurate picture of Home/Visiting Teaching activity and Sacrament Meeting attendance. We can certainly do more and we are looking forward to Spring and Summer when the weather will be less of a barrier.
You might remember I referenced a member whose "name " was Pops. Well, during the sustainings I found out his first and middle names are actually Lacey Dudley so "Pops" seems like a perfect nickname. He is from Tennessee where those names may be some of the more prestigious ones. I don't know.
Sister Johnson received in the mail a response to a birthday card from the Relief Society she sent to a less active sister. The sister was very much impressed by the thoughtfulness of that small gesture. We have been at this sister's door at least twice since we have been here but never found her home. We will be making another effort later this week.
It was -1 this morning when we awoke and it was snowing. I remember telling my children it was too cold to snow...apparently not. The best part, however, is that I can remove the snow with my broom because it is so dry. Also it is totally crunchy to walk on.
The Oldsmobile (My spell check doesn't think Oldsmobile is a real word. Maybe that is how you know your time is up, you begin to gradually disappear from databases.) is holding up very well. I just had the 120,000 mile service done and except for half-gone brake pads everything is copesetic. (It doesn't think that is a word either.) I've replaced the radiator and installed winter tires but except for routine maintenance that is it. We are putting about 2,000 miles a month on the car, but that is why I brought it to Wisconsin/Michigan.
It has occurred to me that the reason seniors have so many aches and pains is this; it is a reminder to endure to the end. Our Savior's actual pains were so much more intense and there were so many more and He endured to the end. Our pains are a small reminder of His pains and His example to endure.
And so we will,
Elder and sister Johnson
You might remember I referenced a member whose "name " was Pops. Well, during the sustainings I found out his first and middle names are actually Lacey Dudley so "Pops" seems like a perfect nickname. He is from Tennessee where those names may be some of the more prestigious ones. I don't know.
Sister Johnson received in the mail a response to a birthday card from the Relief Society she sent to a less active sister. The sister was very much impressed by the thoughtfulness of that small gesture. We have been at this sister's door at least twice since we have been here but never found her home. We will be making another effort later this week.
It was -1 this morning when we awoke and it was snowing. I remember telling my children it was too cold to snow...apparently not. The best part, however, is that I can remove the snow with my broom because it is so dry. Also it is totally crunchy to walk on.
The Oldsmobile (My spell check doesn't think Oldsmobile is a real word. Maybe that is how you know your time is up, you begin to gradually disappear from databases.) is holding up very well. I just had the 120,000 mile service done and except for half-gone brake pads everything is copesetic. (It doesn't think that is a word either.) I've replaced the radiator and installed winter tires but except for routine maintenance that is it. We are putting about 2,000 miles a month on the car, but that is why I brought it to Wisconsin/Michigan.
It has occurred to me that the reason seniors have so many aches and pains is this; it is a reminder to endure to the end. Our Savior's actual pains were so much more intense and there were so many more and He endured to the end. Our pains are a small reminder of His pains and His example to endure.
And so we will,
Elder and sister Johnson
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